The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed trading on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in positive territory as the All-Share Index (ASI) edged up by 0.09 percent to settle at 166,256.8 points, supported largely by gains in Aradel Holdings and select mid-cap stocks.

The 144.3-point increase helped the benchmark index remain comfortably above the 166,000 psychological threshold, marking a rebound from the marginal 0.01 percent decline recorded in the previous session. According to Naija247news, the modest recovery reflects cautious optimism among investors amid mixed signals across key sectors of the market.

Market activity improved notably, with total traded volume rising to 795.4 million shares, compared with 629 million shares exchanged on Monday. Naija247news gathered that the surge in activity was driven by increased participation in consumer goods, banking, and industrial stocks.

At the close of trading, total market capitalisation stood at N106.4 trillion across 45,410 deals, indicating sustained liquidity despite the largely sideways movement of the broader market.

Naija247news reports that Tantalizers and NSLTECH emerged as the most actively traded stocks of the session, recording the highest volumes as investors repositioned ahead of expected market catalysts. The improved turnover suggests that market participants remain engaged, even as price movements remain restrained.

From available data, the ASI’s slight gain pushed its year-to-date return to 6.84 percent, underscoring a cautiously positive outlook for equities so far in 2026. However, analysts say the slow pace of gains points to selective buying rather than broad-based accumulation.

On the gainers’ chart, Deapcap, NPFMCRFBK and RedStarex recorded the maximum daily increase of 10 percent each, reflecting renewed interest in smaller-cap counters. NCR and Morison also closed strong, posting gains of 9.97 percent apiece.

Conversely, losses were recorded in ALEX and JAIZBANK, which declined by 9.95 percent and 9.88 percent, respectively. FTNCOCOA, UPDC and Caverton also ended the session in the red, highlighting the mixed sentiment that characterised the trading day.

According to Naija247news, Tantalizers led trading volumes with 86.9 million shares, followed by NSLTECH with 74.1 million shares and ZICHIS Agro Allied with 69.6 million shares. Zenith Bank and GTCO completed the top five by volume, exchanging 49.1 million and 39 million shares, respectively.

By transaction value, GTCO topped the chart at N3.7 billion, closely followed by Zenith Bank at N3.5 billion. Aradel ranked third with N2.7 billion in traded value, while MTN Nigeria and Access Holdings recorded transactions worth N964.5 million and N692 million, respectively.

Among SWOOTs, stocks with market capitalisation above N1 trillion, performance was largely flat. However, Naija247news understands that Aradel stood out, gaining 5.68 percent to lead the segment and provide significant support to the overall index.

The FUGAZ banking stocks delivered a mixed outing. Zenith Bank advanced by 0.84 percent, while Access Holdings closed flat. In contrast, GTCO shed 2.46 percent, First Holdco declined by 1.96 percent, and UBA slipped by 0.44 percent.

Market analysts say the session’s outcome reflects a balancing act between profit-taking and bargain hunting. According to Naija247news, gains recorded in stocks such as Deapcap, NPFMCRFBK and Aradel were largely offset by sell-offs in ALEX, JAIZBANK and GTCO, resulting in a modest net advance.

Looking ahead, the NGX is expected to remain range-bound in the near term as investors reassess valuations and await clearer economic signals. While renewed interest in select large-cap stocks could support a broader rally, analysts warn that stretched price levels may expose the market to short-term pullbacks.

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Wives of operatives of the Osun Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, seeking his intervention for the release of their detained husbands.

The women, who converged on the ancient palace in Ile-Ife, carried placards with various inscriptions appealing to the revered monarch to wade into their plight. Some of the placards read, “Children of Detained Innocent Amotekun are Denied Schooling” and “Oonirisa Please Intervene as Head of Yoruba Race.”

According to Naija247news, the protesters described their action as a desperate plea for justice, calling on the Osun State Government, security agencies and other authorities to intervene and secure the freedom of their husbands, whom they insist are innocent.

Speaking to journalists during the protest, one of the protesters, Mrs Omolola Adedokun, appealed to the Ooni to use his moral authority and influence to facilitate the release of the detained operatives. She said the prolonged detention of their husbands had brought untold hardship on their families.

Naija247news gathered that the women had earlier submitted petitions to the Osun State House of Assembly and other relevant authorities, but these efforts had yet to yield any concrete outcome.

Another protester, Mrs Oroniyan Fatima, lamented the hardship her family had faced since her husband’s detention. She said her husband, Oroniyan Damilare, was innocent and was not on duty when the alleged incident in Akinlalu village occurred.

“My husband is always crying whenever I speak with him on the phone. He is also in need of medical care because he is not feeling well,” she said, appealing for compassion and a review of the case.

Similarly, Mrs Oyewole Oluwaseyi narrated that the incident had led to further tragedy for her family, including the destruction of her husband’s father’s house. She said her husband, Oyewole Ebenezer, a native of Akinlalu village, was arrested by the police, while his father’s house was allegedly razed by villagers.

According to Naija247news, Oluwaseyi maintained that her husband had no involvement in the killings in Akinlalu village, stressing that her family was being punished for a crime they knew nothing about. She appealed to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to reinvestigate the matter and ensure justice prevailed.

Responding on behalf of the Ooni’s Palace, the Arode of Ife, High Chief Kayode Awofiranye, informed the protesters that the Ooni was out of town at the time of their visit. He assured them that their concerns would be formally conveyed to the monarch and urged them to return at a later date.

Naija247news reports that 25 operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps were arrested and taken to Abuja in October by the police following the alleged killing of three persons in Akinlalu village. The case has continued to generate public concern and calls for justice from affected families and rights groups.

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• Expect more governance impacts in priority areas, Governor tells Lagosians
• ‘We’ve confidence in Executive’s ability on implementation’ — Speake

Lagos State’s 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity is now a law. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, signed the Appropriation Bill into law at a brief ceremony held in Alausa, the seat of power.

The budget, estimated at N4.444 Trillion, was passed by the House of Assembly on January 8, after which the legislature transmitted the document to the Executive arm for signing.

Sanwo-Olu said the budget signified his administration’s bold move to strengthen the foundation of governance and make the State continuously competitive, while repositioning it for growth.

The Governor said the budget was predicated on an inclusive governance approach aimed at impacting the lives of the State’s residents, regardless of the sector they operate and area they live.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the State faced difficult governance challenges into the year, making reference to the fire disaster at Balogun Market in Lagos Island and the ongoing demolition of shanties being enforced along the coastal line of Ebute Metta.

The challenges, the Governor said, reflected the need for improved infrastructure and service delivery, noting that the budget was expected to raise the capacity of the Government in solving the emerging challenges and make the State better.

He said: “This is an inclusive budget designed to carry every resident and community along, irrespective of where they live in the State or sector in which they operate. Our residents will feel the touch and impact of governance across areas of our priorities, including education where we will build new schools, health sector where new facilities will be built. There are various interventions we will do to enhance and improve the quality of life.

“In security, we will be providing improved services to ensure Lagos remains safe for businesses and living. These are some of the ways in which the prosperity of our dear State will be achieved. This budget will be implemented responsibly; we will put up our A-grade in order to ensure accountability, while also ensuring that value for money is created. In the end, Lagosians will feel the impact of the great effort which the Executive and the House of Assembly have made.”

In 2026, Sanwo-Olu said there would be a strategic focus on infrastructure renewal, transportation expansion, agricultural development, and other growth-enhancing initiatives that would stimulate productivity, support MSMEs, create jobs, and drive broad-based economic growth.

The Governor, however, frowned at indiscriminate dumping of waste across the metropolis, describing the situation as “completely unacceptable”.

He urged residents to show more responsibility towards protecting the environment, while noting that the State Government would be doubling the capacity of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and private waste collectors.

Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said the appropriation framework reflected the State Government’s deliberate planning to bring about a more resilient and people-centred governance to position Lagos for future growth.

Describing the Appropriation Law as “bold, disciplined fiscal response to prevailing economic realities”, George disclosed that the budget was reviewed upward from N4.2 trillion initially proposed by the Executive. He pointed out that the approval process of the budget passed through legislative scrutiny of the House and committee engagement with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said: “The expenditure framework adopts a balanced structure, comprising N2.337 trillion in Capital Expenditure, representing 53 per cent, and N2.107 trillion in Recurrent Expenditure, which stands at 47 per cent. This balance reflects a clear policy choice, which is to sustain strategic infrastructure investment while ensuring the efficient delivery of essential government services that directly affect the daily lives of Lagosians.

“As the Ministry that has statutory responsibility for economic planning, budgeting, monitoring, and performance evaluation, we approach the implementation of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity with a clear sense of ownership and responsibility. The recorded significant performance of the 2025 Budget provides a solid and credible foundation for the effective implementation of the 2026 Budget.”

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, said the legislative scrutiny on the budget was thorough, pointing out that all relevant committees dissected the document before ratification by the House to reflect the yearnings of residents.

“The budget has been well scrutinised and we have confidence in the capacity of the Executive to implement the document to the letter,” Hon. Adam said.

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Morocco forward Brahim Díaz has emerged as a January transfer target for Premier League sides Brentford and Crystal Palace following his impressive goalscoring exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The AFCON Golden Boot winner endured a dramatic moment in Sunday’s final, missing an audacious Panenka-style penalty in the 114th minute of an extraordinary contest that Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.

A visibly distraught Díaz was subsequently withdrawn by Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, his miss proving a costly turning point in the final.

However, sources indicate that the disappointment has not dampened interest in the Real Madrid winger, with both Brentford and Crystal Palace impressed by his overall displays throughout the tournament.

Brentford are actively seeking to reinforce their attacking options following the high-profile departures of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United and Yoane Wissa to Newcastle United.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are facing internal turbulence after manager Oliver Glasner publicly criticised the club’s board for “abandoning” the squad, following the marquee exits of Eberechi Eze to league leaders Arsenal and centre-back Mark Guehi to title challengers Manchester City.

WELCOME BUSINESS

Both clubs are understood to be keen to conclude early business before the transfer window closes on February 2.

Díaz joined Manchester City as a 16-year-old for just £200,000 in September 2016, before completing a £15.5 million move to Real Madrid in June 2019.

The 26-year-old has since made 89 appearances for the Spanish giants, although he spent three seasons on loan at AC Milan between 2020 and 2023, gaining valuable Serie A experience.

Despite being tipped for a bright future, the 22-cap Morocco international has yet to fully establish himself as a guaranteed starter at Real Madrid.

However, his return of five goals in five matches at AFCON has reignited interest from several clubs, with Brentford and Crystal Palace among those to have expressed early interest in exploring the possibility of a move to the Premier League.

Both clubs are believed to have funds available and hope that Díaz—who remains under contract at Real Madrid until 2027—could be tempted by a new challenge in England.

Credit:

This article is based on exclusive reporting by SportsBoom.

For use, please credit SportsBoom with a link to:

https://www.sportsboom.co.uk/football/transfer-news/exclusive-afcon-golden-boot-winner-brahim-diaz-courted-by-brentford-and-crystal-palace

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has accused some local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of taking advantage of the ongoing demolition exercise in Makoko, alleging that they are profiting from foreign donations while failing to deliver on their commitments.

Naija247News gathered that the governor made the comments on Monday, January 19, 2025, while speaking to journalists after signing the N4.4 trillion state appropriation bill into law in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu defended the demolitions, noting that the state government is studying the activities of the NGOs and will provide evidence to support its claims.

According to Naija247News, the governor said the affected NGOs were “covering their own lies” and had not fulfilled promises made to the community.

“We are aware that there are some local and international NGOs that want to profit from this. We’re studying, and we’re going to show you evidence. They’ve made so much money from international donors and requested so many grants, just to cover the fact that they’ve not done what they said they were going to do,” Sanwo-Olu said. “That’s why they’re all shouting and crying more than the bereaved. We’re here to face them and show why we have to do what we’re doing.”

Naija247News understands that the governor emphasised that the demolitions were carried out “for the overall safety of citizens,” pointing out that many buildings were erected directly under high-tension power cables.

“Of what interest would it be for the government to unduly demolish anybody’s property if it wasn’t for the safety of the citizens? A lot of these people have built the shanties right under high-tension wires. We cannot be a lawless state and allow disaster to happen,” Sanwo-Olu added.

Naija247News reports that the Lagos State Government had, in September 2025, announced plans to remove shanties built under high-voltage power lines in Makoko, Yaba, citing urgent safety concerns for residents in the densely populated waterfront area. The exercise follows previous demolitions at the Oworonshoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge, where unsafe structures were removed to prevent potential accidents and criminal activities.

The government noted that some traffic robberies on the Third Mainland Bridge had been linked to people living in shanties along the route, who allegedly used the area as cover.

Naija247News gathered that the Makoko community consists of both land-based and waterfront settlements along the Lagos Lagoon, with an estimated population of over 15 million. The recent demolitions, which started in December 2025, have displaced more than 10,000 people and affected over 3,000 dwellings, according to the Lagos-based governance advocacy group, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

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The Nigerian Army says it has intensified efforts to curb oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta through a coordinated strategy built around sustained patrols, intelligence-driven operations and strong community involvement.

The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Eric Emekah, disclosed this on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during a media interaction held as part of the ongoing media tour of the Land Component of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Emekah explained that security forces were continuously adjusting their tactics to counter the evolving methods used by oil thieves, who now employ sophisticated techniques such as blocking waterways and laying long hoses from pipelines into remote creeks and communities to evade detection.

According to him, the Army has responded by increasing the frequency of patrols, revisiting previously cleared locations to prevent reoccupation and expanding intelligence networks to deny criminals freedom of action.

He noted that merely destroying illegal refining sites was no longer sufficient, stressing the importance of sustained presence and follow-up operations.

The GOC said the Division had also targeted the supply chain that sustains illegal bunkering, including markets, logistics networks and local patronage.

He explained that community engagement had played a critical role in discouraging residents and businesses from supporting illegal refining activities, adding that the disruption of demand had significantly reduced the scale of operations.

Emekah emphasised that community ownership of national assets remained central to the Army’s strategy, noting that when host communities understood the economic and social benefits of protecting oil infrastructure, peace and security were easier to sustain.

While acknowledging challenges related to manpower and equipment, he expressed optimism that ongoing interventions by the Federal Government would improve logistics and personnel strength, further boosting operational effectiveness.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability, stating that erring personnel were sanctioned in accordance with military regulations.

According to Emekah, the combined impact of enhanced security operations, community cooperation and inter-agency collaboration has resulted in zero incidents of pipeline vandalism within the Division’s Area of Responsibility over the past year.

He added that improved security had supported increased crude oil production, contributing to national economic recovery and aligning with the Federal Government’s target of achieving three million barrels per day by 2027.

The GOC assured that the 6 Division would continue refining its operational strategies, strengthening partnerships and remaining proactive in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta. He also reiterated the Army’s commitment to protecting democracy and maintaining peace, particularly in Rivers State.

Naija247News reports that defence correspondents, led by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, are currently touring the Division and Operation DELTA SAFE formations in Rivers and Bayelsa states to gain deeper insight into military efforts to protect the nation’s economic assets.

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Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has hailed former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, describing him as a world-class diplomat, an exceptional patriot and an invaluable asset to Nigeria and Anambra State.

The governor made the remark in a statement issued on Monday in Awka by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, to commemorate Anyaoku’s 93rd birthday.

Soludo congratulated the elder statesman on the milestone, applauding his lifetime of distinguished service to Nigeria and the international community. He described Anyaoku as an eminent patriarch of diplomacy whose career continues to command global respect and admiration.

According to the governor, Anyaoku’s tenure as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General remains a shining example of international leadership, marked by principled diplomacy, conflict resolution, and unwavering advocacy for democracy, human rights and sustainable development.

Soludo noted that throughout his career, Anyaoku consistently projected Nigeria’s core values of wisdom, integrity and dedication to the common good on the global stage, earning the nation honour and prestige.

He added that beyond his global accomplishments, Anyaoku has remained a respected voice at home, admired for his intellectual depth, moral clarity and enduring commitment to national unity and progress.

The governor said the elder statesman’s guidance, shaped by decades of selfless service and experience, continues to be a source of inspiration and a valuable resource in the pursuit of a more prosperous Anambra State and a stronger, united Nigeria.

Soludo wished Chief Anyaoku continued good health, peace and fulfilment as he marks his 93rd birthday.

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An oil and gas expert, Prof. Wumi Iledare, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulatory enforcement and fast-track the development of reliable gas infrastructure as a critical step towards ending routine gas flaring in Nigeria.

Iledare made the call in Lagos on Tuesday while speaking with Naija247News, stressing that Nigeria’s persistent gas flaring challenge is no longer rooted in the absence of policies but in the weak implementation of existing regulations.

According to him, effective enforcement must begin with the imposition of flaring penalties that are economically meaningful rather than symbolic.

He said flaring fees should consistently be higher than the cost of capturing and utilising gas, taking into account inflation and fluctuations in gas prices, to discourage operators from choosing flaring as a cheaper option.

Iledare also emphasised the need for clearly defined regulatory exemptions, noting that any waivers granted to operators should be strictly time-bound and transparently disclosed to prevent abuse and regulatory loopholes.

He further advocated the deployment of real-time monitoring technologies, including accurate metering systems, satellite verification and automated reporting mechanisms, to bridge the gap between reported and actual gas flaring volumes.

According to Iledare, consistent and impartial enforcement is crucial to improving compliance, as operators are more likely to adhere to regulations when consequences are seen as unavoidable.

The petroleum economics expert acknowledged that inadequate infrastructure and limited access to financing remain major obstacles to gas capture, explaining that routine flaring persists largely because of the absence or high cost of gas evacuation and processing options.

He proposed a blended approach to addressing the challenge, in which the government facilitates shared infrastructure such as pipelines and gas processing hubs, while the private sector focuses on driving efficiency, innovation and operational excellence.

Iledare said fiscal incentives alone are insufficient, adding that access to blended finance involving development, climate and commercial funds is necessary to reduce investment risks and encourage long-term commitments.

He stressed that policy consistency is essential to attracting sustained investment in gas infrastructure and flaring reduction projects.

According to Iledare, Nigeria’s energy transition efforts will only succeed if they are aligned with domestic economic priorities, noting that gas flaring reduction should directly support gas-to-power initiatives, the expansion of compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas infrastructure, as well as increased industrial gas utilisation.

He described Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative and the country’s climate commitments as complementary, with natural gas serving as a credible transition fuel capable of delivering both economic and environmental benefits.

Iledare explained that channeling captured gas into power generation, industrial use and transportation would translate flaring reductions into job creation, improved energy access, enhanced social welfare and lower emissions.

Reacting to the vision of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission Chairman on production optimisation, revenue growth and regulatory predictability, Iledare welcomed the aspirations but cautioned against confusing outcomes with regulatory responsibilities.

He said while such outcomes are desirable, they are not the primary responsibility of regulators, noting that regulators are meant to create enabling environments rather than directly deliver production volumes or revenues.

Iledare explained that the Petroleum Industry Act envisages sustainable production growth and revenue expansion as outcomes of transparent, predictable and rule-based regulation.

While commending initiatives such as service-level agreements, digital workflows and faster approval processes, he noted that their effectiveness would depend on being firmly grounded in clear regulatory frameworks, institutional discipline and full compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.

According to him, lasting investor confidence and sector efficiency will be achieved through regulatory clarity, predictable rules, reduced discretion and strong institutions rather than personalities.

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Kontagora, Niger State, Jan. 20, 2026 – Nine Nigerian Army instructors at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, have accused their commanding officer of subjecting them to inhumane conditions, including starvation, poor accommodation, and the withholding of their ₦5,000 instructors’ allowance.

The trainers, speaking to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, said they have been stationed at NATRAC since February 17, 2025, tasked with preparing hundreds of new recruits for frontline deployment in the conflict-prone North-East, where Boko Haram insurgents remain active.

“We are like teachers preparing others for the war front, yet we are deprived of basic rights,” one of the trainers said. They claimed there is no proper accommodation, no mattresses, and that food is only provided when trainees are present—and even then, the meals are reportedly unfit for consumption.

The instructors also alleged that their weekly ₦5,000 allowance is routinely withheld and sometimes delayed for weeks or months. “It is only when students are around that we get paid. Once there are no trainees, we get nothing,” a trainer said.

The soldiers emphasized that they are not seeking luxury, but basic welfare and timely payment of allowances given the critical role they play in preparing troops for counter-insurgency operations.

Repeated attempts to reach the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele, for comment were unsuccessful.

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Abuja / Abeokuta, Jan. 20, 2026 – The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained Pastor Kayode Olawoye, a civic advocate and cleric, following his repeated calls for improved road infrastructure in Ogun State. Olawoye, invited to the DSS office in Abeokuta for the third time on Monday, was not allowed to leave the facility, marking a departure from previous engagements.

The pastor, known for highlighting the deteriorating condition of key roads through sermons, media appearances, and community campaigns, reportedly faced detention amid growing concerns about intimidation against citizens advocating for accountability under Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

Residents and rights groups have expressed alarm over the detention, describing it as part of a broader trend targeting critics of the government. In past instances, officials and public figures drawing attention to governance lapses have faced harassment, arrests, or politically motivated actions.

In a related development, the Ogun State Police Command has charged internet blogger Adetoun Onajobi with six counts, including cybercrime, false information, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from claims that she allegedly published false accusations against the state government and engaged in online harassment of the governor. Investigations revealed that Onajobi submitted a fabricated medical report to evade police questioning, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the doctor who prepared the false document.

These developments have reignited discussions about civic rights, freedom of expression, and accountability in Ogun State, with observers urging adherence to due process while addressing public grievances.

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Nigeria is actively courting local and international investors for a planned 1.5 trillion naira ($1 billion) green bond issuance this year, aiming to accelerate climate financing and reduce reliance on public funds.

Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal said the federal government is partnering with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private-sector arm, to attract private capital into Nigeria’s green industrial agenda.

Speaking at a sustainability conference in Abu Dhabi, Lawal explained that the collaboration with the IFC is designed to increase private-sector participation in climate-friendly investments. The minister did not specify an exact timeline for the bond’s release.

Proceeds from the green bond will fund renewable energy and climate-related projects, including solar power initiatives, low-carbon infrastructure, and programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Lawal noted that Nigeria is moving away from relying solely on budget-backed green bonds toward a structure that encourages private and international investors. Previous green financing efforts benefited from support by development partners such as the European Union and the World Bank.

Officials say the shift could fast-track large-scale climate projects, strengthening Nigeria’s energy transition while easing fiscal pressures. Earlier this week, the government also announced plans to raise up to 500 billion naira through additional climate financing initiatives.

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Lagos, Jan. 20, 2026 (Naija247news) – Residents of Makoko, one of Lagos’ oldest fishing communities, are facing a dire struggle after the Lagos State government demolished sections of the densely populated waterfront settlement, leaving thousands without homes or means of income.

Bulldozers moved into parts of Makoko in late December, pulling down wooden homes and shops perched on stilts above the lagoon. Authorities say the demolition was necessary for safety and urban planning, citing environmental hazards and the proximity of buildings to high-voltage power lines.

But for many displaced residents, the operation came without warning.

“On January 9th, the government came to demolish my house. We were not informed,” said Kpetosi Basirat, a local trader. “Since then, we have had nowhere to go. When it rained, it fell on us and our belongings. We are still here with the remains of our property.”

Fishing families have been especially affected. Victor Ahansu, a fisherman, said his wife was hospitalized shortly after the demolition, weeks after giving birth to twins.

“This is where my family and I are sleeping now, and it’s not safe,” he said. “Many of our belongings were destroyed. If not for God, I would have lost one of my twins because of the tear gas that was thrown.”

Fear and uncertainty continue to grip residents, particularly with the rainy season approaching.

“What scares me the most is that we don’t know where to sleep,” said Usa Andrew. “When it starts raining, where do we go from here?”

Makoko, often described as a floating slum, is home to tens of thousands of people who rely on fishing and small-scale trading. As Lagos’ urban landscape expands rapidly, rights groups warn that redevelopment is displacing low-income communities from valuable waterfront land without adequate resettlement plans.

For many in Makoko, the recent demolitions have turned daily survival into an urgent struggle for shelter, safety, and dignity.

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London, Jan. 20, 2026 (Naija247news) – Brooklyn Beckham has publicly addressed the long-rumoured feud with his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, declaring that he has no plans to reconcile and is standing up for himself for the first time.

In a lengthy Instagram statement shared on Monday, the 26-year-old said he had kept family matters private for years but felt compelled to speak out after his parents reportedly went to the press.

“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life,” Brooklyn wrote. “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family through performative social media posts, family events, and inauthentic relationships.”

Brooklyn also alleged that David and Victoria attempted to interfere with his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz, including pressuring him over his name rights and undermining the couple during wedding preparations. He recalled that Victoria allegedly withdrew from designing Nicola’s wedding dress at the last minute, and that family tensions even disrupted his first dance at the 2022 Palm Beach wedding.

“My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation,” he added. “All we want is peace, privacy, and happiness for us and our future family.”

Brooklyn further criticised his parents for prioritising public image and brand endorsements over family support. He claimed the family’s expectations forced him to participate in events and photo opportunities at the expense of his own professional commitments and personal convictions.

The Beckhams have not publicly responded to Brooklyn’s statement.

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The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has called on the National Assembly to urgently criminalise the act of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, describing the practice as a grave threat to human life and public safety.

The call followed a recent diesel tanker incident in Apapa, Lagos, where residents were seen scooping fuel from a crashed tanker despite repeated warnings from emergency agencies. Naija247News gathered that the disturbing scenes once again exposed a long-standing and deadly culture that has claimed hundreds of lives across Nigeria over the years.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Issa-Onilu condemned the act in strong terms, stressing that fuel scooping reflects a conscious, reckless and criminal disregard for human life. According to him, the dangers posed by the practice extend far beyond those directly involved, putting motorists, nearby communities, emergency responders and critical national infrastructure at serious risk.

“The risks far outweigh any perceived benefit,” Issa-Onilu said, noting that no amount of fuel is worth the loss of lives or the trauma such explosions inflict on families and the nation at large.

Naija247News understands that the NOA has, over the years, rolled out nationwide sensitisation and value-reorientation campaigns aimed at discouraging Nigerians from engaging in fuel scooping and other high-risk behaviours. However, the agency admitted that public enlightenment alone has not been sufficient to eradicate the menace.

“Regrettably, despite warnings and sustained public education, some individuals continue to engage in this life-threatening conduct,” Issa-Onilu stated. “Poverty does not justify reckless behaviour or disregard for self-preservation.”

Recalling past tragedies linked to tanker explosions across the country, the NOA boss warned that fuel scooping remains a recurrent and preventable danger. He argued that the time had come for lawmakers to back moral appeals with firm legislation and strict enforcement to deter offenders.

“Sustained public education must now be reinforced by strong legal and enforcement frameworks to end this deadly behaviour decisively,” he said.

Naija247News reports that Issa-Onilu also appealed to Nigerians to collectively reject actions that lead to mass casualties, national trauma and avoidable loss of life. He emphasised that protecting life must take precedence over momentary gains, regardless of economic hardship.

“Human life is sacred and priceless,” he said. “No situation, excuse or momentary gain justifies conduct that places lives in imminent danger.”

The NOA’s call adds to growing pressure on lawmakers and law enforcement agencies to address fuel scooping with the same seriousness accorded to other public safety offences, as Nigeria continues to grapple with recurring tanker-related disasters.

The post Fuel Scooping Must Stop: NOA Pushes for Tough Law After Apapa Tanker Incident appeared first on Naija247news.

A potentially catastrophic diesel tanker accident was narrowly averted on Monday morning along the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway in Lagos after emergency responders swiftly contained the situation and prevented a major fire outbreak.

Naija247News gathered that the incident occurred at the Liverpool Bridge axis of Tin Can Island when a fully loaded Mack trailer tanker conveying 45,000 litres of diesel suffered brake failure while in motion. The tanker, with registration number RBC 98 XK, reportedly lost control, skidded off the bridgeway and was left hanging dangerously on the bridge rail, triggering panic among motorists and residents in the busy commercial corridor.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service disclosed that it received a distress call at about 8:05 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighting crews to the scene. According to the Comptroller General of the agency, Margaret Adeseye, responders from the Ajegunle and Sari Iganmu fire stations arrived promptly to assess and contain the unfolding emergency.

Naija247News understands that the crash led to a partial spillage of diesel on the bridge, beneath the structure and into an adjoining drainage channel, raising serious concerns over environmental pollution and the risk of ignition in the highly congested area. The expressway is a major artery linking Lagos ports to the rest of the city and frequently experiences heavy-duty vehicular traffic.

Adeseye explained that firefighters immediately secured the tanker to prevent it from plunging off the bridge, while cordoning off the area to eliminate ignition sources and restrict access by fuel scoopers. “The situation was swiftly brought under control, with all imminent danger completely averted,” she said.

She added that the remaining diesel content was carefully transloaded to another tanker as part of standard safety procedures, after which the damaged vehicle was evacuated from the scene. Normal traffic flow was subsequently restored on the expressway, easing what could have become a prolonged gridlock in the Apapa axis.

Commending the professionalism and rapid response of the firefighters, the agency’s chief noted that their actions prevented what might have escalated into a devastating inferno with far-reaching consequences for lives, property and the environment.

Naija247News reports that the incident has once again brought renewed attention to the dangers posed by poorly maintained heavy-duty vehicles operating within Lagos metropolis. Adeseye reiterated the call on tanker operators and other motorists to prioritise routine vehicle maintenance, stressing that preventable mechanical failures remain a major cause of road accidents across the state.

She warned that while emergency agencies remain prepared, road users must play their part to reduce avoidable risks, particularly on critical transport routes that serve as lifelines for Nigeria’s commercial capital.

The post Brake Failure Caused Diesel Tanker Crash in Lagos: Official  appeared first on Naija247news.