Tension escalated on Friday after a coalition of retired military officers demanded the removal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.

The Coalition of Concerned Military Veterans — made up of retired generals and senior officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force — called on President Bola Tinubu to sack or redeploy the minister, warning that failure to act would force them to “mobilise and occupy” the FCT ministry.

The row stemmed from a dispute over the ownership of a plot of land reportedly being secured by armed personnel acting on the instructions of former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (retd.).

Wike had accused the ex-CNS of taking over the land illegally, while a viral video showed the minister confronting a naval officer identified as Lieutenant Yerima.

At a press briefing in Kaduna, the veterans described Wike’s conduct as demeaning to the Armed Forces and disrespectful to the Commander-in-Chief.

A trustee of the coalition, Col. Yusuf Ibrahim (retd.), said the minister’s comments in the widely circulated video were “embarrassing” and “beneath the office he occupies.”

Ibrahim argued that the naval officer acted on lawful instructions and that publicly insulting him amounted to ridiculing state authority. He insisted that Wike must apologise to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the officer involved, and President Tinubu.

The veterans, however, praised the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs for what they described as a professional handling of the dispute.

Another speaker, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, who introduced himself as a Deputy Veteran Commander, accused Wike of a pattern of hostility toward military personnel.

He warned that the coalition was ready to take to the streets if Tinubu does not act.

According to Abdullahi, removing Wike would not negatively affect the administration, insisting that “more capable hands” could serve as FCT minister.

He said the minister’s attitude risks undermining the President’s political goodwill and the military’s loyalty.

He stressed that whoever occupies the FCT portfolio must demonstrate maturity, discipline, and respect for national institutions.

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Property owners within the WINHOMES Estate in Lagos have petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing deep concerns over the demolition of parts of the estate linked to the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a letter addressed to the President, the Chief Executive Officer of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., Engr. Stella Okengwu, a U.S. based Nigerian investor criticized the Federal Ministry of Works for its handling of the demolition, warning that the move could significantly undermine investor confidence, particularly among Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Okengwu, whose firm is leading one of Nigeria’s largest Diaspora-backed real estate developments, emphasized that the matter is currently before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/10063/25). She cautioned that any public statements or actions by government officials while the case remains pending risk violating the principle of judicial independence.

Referencing recent remarks by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, she described the public commentary on the matter as prejudicial and inappropriate, stressing that all parties must respect the legal process and refrain from actions that could be seen as contempt of court.

Established in 2021, the WINHOMES Estate project was conceived as a tourism-driven real estate initiative aimed at attracting investment from Nigerians in the Diaspora. The estate spans 20 hectares in Lagos, holds three valid land titles, and comprises approximately 2,500 fully serviced plots, each valued at around ₦150 million. The total estimated value of the project stands at ₦375 billion (approximately $250 million).

Okengwu noted that the recent realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had affected around 400 plots, valued at over ₦60 billion, with estimated cumulative damages to the estate reaching ₦85 billion.

She also affirmed that WINHOMES Global Services Ltd. remains fully compliant with all regulatory and financial frameworks. The company is certified by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), and all funds were transparently sourced through legitimate international remittance platforms.

In her appeal to President Tinubu, Okengwu urged the Federal Government to ensure that due process is followed and that legal proceedings are allowed to run their full course without executive interference. She called for an independent valuation of the affected property to determine adequate compensation for investors, many of whom are Nigerians in the Diaspora.

She added that resolving the dispute in a transparent and lawful manner would reaffirm the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda and send a strong message to the international investment community that Nigeria remains a secure and reliable destination for long-term investment.

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Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the newly completed Collector Road CN8 (Asuquo Okon Way) in Dakibiyu District, Abuja, Tinubu described the project as proof of his administration’s focus on inclusive development.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the vision for Abuja goes beyond the city center. According to him, the government is also focused on the outskirts and hidden areas where many people live and work.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone,” he said. “We want every part of Abuja to reflect hope and opportunity.”

Tinubu explained that every new road, bridge, and connected community shows the government’s strong push for urban renewal and economic growth. He said these projects make Nigeria more inclusive and fair for all.

The President noted that a modern and well-planned city inspires confidence and attracts investors. More importantly, it restores dignity to the people who live there.

“This event is not just about opening a road,” he said. “It is a clear message that cities must work for their people. A strong capital is the foundation of a strong country.”

Tinubu stressed that development must reach every area without discrimination.

“When a city works when roads are smooth, lights stay on, and traffic flows freely it shows the world that the government is active and cares about its people,” he added.

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The announcement was made during the inauguration ceremony of the newly renovated facility, where Wike highlighted the transformation of the landmark venue and acknowledged the President’s role in its swift rehabilitation.

“This centre, now named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has undergone a complete turnaround. It now stands shoulder to shoulder with world-class venues globally. This achievement was made possible within just eight months under the leadership of Mr President,” Wike stated during his address.

In addition to the rebranding of the main facility, several key halls within the complex were renamed to reflect the contributions of other high-ranking government officials. The newly designated halls now bear the names of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola.

Wike emphasized that the decision to rename the halls was a recognition of the collaborative efforts among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government in supporting the development of the FCT.

“These leaders have played significant roles in backing the FCT administration’s initiatives. It is only fitting that their names are inscribed in a facility that symbolises unity and national progress,” he added.

Built in 1991 during a military regime, the Conference Centre had seen little in terms of upgrades until the recent intervention by the Tinubu-led administration. The Minister praised the swift completion of the renovation project and linked it directly to the President’s decisive leadership style.

Looking ahead, Wike also announced a policy shift concerning the use of the centre. In a move aimed at ensuring sustainable upkeep, all ministries, agencies, and individuals will now be required to pay for access to the facility.

“To maintain this standard, we must introduce a usage fee. There will be no exemptions. Whether it’s a wedding or an official event, users must contribute to its upkeep. This is how we guarantee that the facility remains in top condition,” he said.

The renaming and re-opening mark a new chapter for one of the capital’s most iconic venues, signalling a broader emphasis on accountability, development, and recognition of public service.

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The unveiling ceremony, held at the National Theatre Station on Sunday, was attended by key state officials and representatives from the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA). The governor acknowledged the Federal Government’s role in supporting the expansion, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s financial backing in facilitating the procurement of the new trains.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance infrastructure and reduce urban transit challenges. “We’ve made notable strides in reforming our transport system, and this new development would not have been possible without strong federal collaboration,” he said.

The governor added that with the new trains, the Blue Line will now accommodate significantly more commuters daily. He noted that the upgrade would shorten travel times, reduce waiting periods, and improve scheduling reliability.

“Our aim is to achieve 10-minute train intervals, ensuring more efficient movement across Lagos,” he stated.

He also hinted at further developments later this year, including the arrival of larger trains for the Red Line corridor, as part of ongoing efforts to improve intra-city mobility.

Present at the event were Transportation Commissioner Seun Osiyemi, Information Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso, Finance Commissioner Yomi Oluyomi, and Energy Commissioner Biodun Ogunleye. The Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa, and LAMATA Managing Director Abimbola Akinajo also attended.

According to LAMATA, once fully operational, the Blue Line is projected to serve over 400,000 passengers daily, offering a sustainable alternative to road-based transport and easing traffic pressure in Nigeria’s most populous city.

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The expenditures, which cover travel-related foreign exchange for President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, mark a significant 23% increase from the ₦18.63 billion spent in 2023.

This uptick coincides with a year of more frequent international engagements and rising foreign exchange costs, driven largely by a steep depreciation of the naira against major world currencies.

Breakdown of Key Travel Expenses
One of the more prominent disbursements was ₦1.04 billion for the President’s February visit to Ethiopia. In March, an additional ₦1.27 billion was spent on forex for the presidential air fleet, followed by another ₦5.07 billion in April to support the aircraft’s broader operational requirements.

Vice President Shettima’s travels also contributed significantly. In January alone, ₦426.88 million funded his trip to Switzerland, with another ₦176.77 million spent on his visit to Côte d’Ivoire. His total foreign travel-related forex spend for the year approached ₦750 million.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s trips cost over ₦478 million in foreign currency, with notable expenses including ₦149.79 million for a January trip to France and ₦202.39 million for a March visit to Mozambique.

The Office of the Chief of Staff to the President also made substantial forex purchases—nearly ₦95 million in 2024—supporting official functions such as the President’s UK visit and Nigeria’s participation at the UN General Assembly.

Dollar Figures Reveal Scope of Spending
Further analysis shows that over $1.27 billion was exchanged in just 13 disclosed transactions tied to key international engagements. These included $1.271 billion for the President’s Dubai visit, $483,277 for the VP’s Switzerland trip, and $152,831 for the First Lady’s trip to France.

Other significant purchases included $117,524 for Côte d’Ivoire and $96,118 for Addis Ababa. Some forex expenses were linked to broader activities, such as $1.13 million for participant estacodes for training in the UK and US.

GovSpend data also indicates that not all 43 recorded forex-related transactions had accompanying dollar figures—meaning the actual total may be higher.

Air Travel Expenses Jump 344%
The cost of air travel surged, with the Presidency spending ₦7.83 billion on tickets in 2024—up from ₦1.77 billion the previous year. This represents a 344% increase, largely attributed to heightened diplomatic and official engagements.

A substantial portion of this spending went to preferred contractors, with Hinterland Travel & Tours Ltd receiving large payouts for air tickets. In March alone, the company received payments exceeding ₦490 million. Other agencies such as Travel Options Ltd and Overland Travels also handled government ticketing and logistics.

Expenses extended beyond diplomacy. For instance, ₦5.35 million was allocated for a government official’s trip to Morocco for a seminar on e-procurement, part of an ongoing trend of foreign-funded educational and conference attendance.

Concerns Over Fiscal Priorities and Accountability
The growing cost of official foreign travel has raised concern among civil society groups. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Accountability Lab Nigeria both called for increased oversight and a re-evaluation of public spending priorities.

Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, criticized the imbalance between recurrent and capital expenditures, pointing out that capital project performance is lagging even as recurrent spending hits full capacity.

“In a time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship, the government must align its actions with the public interest,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, noted that public trust in government spending is eroding. “When you see billions going to travel while basic services struggle, it signals a deeper problem with how national priorities are set,” he warned.

The Bigger Picture
While international diplomacy remains a necessary function of governance, the steep rise in associated costs raises difficult questions—particularly in a time of inflation, fiscal constraints, and currency instability.

As the government continues to expand its global presence, stakeholders say the critical task ahead is balancing international representation with responsible financial stewardship.

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Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, Umahi outlined the administration’s progress in road rehabilitation and construction, stating that the completed projects fall under a broader intervention initiative targeting national connectivity and economic revitalization.

The minister revealed that the completed palliative roads, valued at N208 billion, are part of a larger portfolio of 440 ongoing road projects across the country. He emphasized that these developments are aimed at enhancing transportation networks, supporting trade, and improving regional accessibility.

“These interventions are not only strategic but essential for driving economic growth and ensuring that our communities remain connected,” Umahi said.

He also disclosed that 29 major infrastructure undertakings, collectively worth over N2 trillion, are currently underway under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Among them are four major “Legacy Projects” expected to have long-term impact on national development.

As part of activities to mark President Tinubu’s second year in office, select completed projects are scheduled for commissioning in May 2025. The Minister praised the President’s leadership, describing him as a “visionary” committed to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

The announcement underscores the administration’s broader push to address decades of infrastructural decay and stimulate sustainable development through public investment.

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This confirmation was made in a brief statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, via a Facebook post on Monday morning. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return home today,” Onanuga stated.

President Tinubu initially departed Abuja for Paris, France, on April 2, for what the presidency described as a private retreat aimed at reviewing the administration’s midterm performance and assessing key milestones.

Though the visit was originally scheduled to last two weeks, Tinubu extended his stay, prompting public concern over his whereabouts and the nature of the prolonged trip.

In response to growing inquiries on social media, Onanuga addressed the nation last Thursday, assuring Nigerians that the president remained “fully engaged” in governance despite being abroad. Over the weekend, he also confirmed that Tinubu had relocated from Paris to London and was in “constant communication with key government officials.”

This trip marks President Tinubu’s second visit to France in under two months and adds to the over 30 foreign trips he has made since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

The frequency of his travels continues to draw attention amid ongoing economic and security challenges at home. The presidency, however, maintains that all trips have been in the interest of national development.

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Bola Tinubu will travel to Paris, France, today for a short working visit focused on government performance assessment.

A statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga in Abuja confirmed the President’s travel and strategic review plans.

Mid-Term Performance Appraisal and Reform Evaluation in Focus
During the visit, Tinubu will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance while assessing progress made on strategic milestones.

He will also use the retreat to review ongoing reforms and plan strategically for his administration’s second anniversary.

“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen reforms and accelerate development priorities in the upcoming year.

Recent economic achievements reinforce the President’s commitment, as seen in Nigeria’s rising net foreign exchange reserves significantly.

Economic Strides and Governance Oversight During Visit
According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, reserves increased to $23.11 billion from $3.99 billion since 2023 began.

The rise in reserves reflects the administration’s fiscal reforms, underscoring efforts to stabilize and strengthen the nation’s economy.

While away, Tinubu will remain engaged with his team, overseeing governance activities remotely throughout his time abroad.

He is expected to return to Nigeria in about a fortnight after concluding strategic discussions in Paris, France

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Now, in a renewed push, the Federal Government is set to resume work on the long-abandoned project in June. The approach will be phased to ensure steady progress.

Originally conceived in 1981, construction began in 2006 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The project had an initial budget of N8.9 billion with a 22-month completion timeline. However, work stalled in 2012, leaving the massive structure on Plot 35, Cadastral Business District in the Federal Capital Territory in a state of neglect.

During a recent inspection of the site, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration is committed to completing the project. He was accompanied by National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Education, and project consultants. Although he did not provide a specific completion date, he confirmed that the initial focus would be on Basement Levels One and Two, the ground floor, first and second floors, and external works.

Alausa acknowledged that the cost of completion has risen significantly. Recent estimates suggest that it could require hundreds of billions of Naira. A few years ago, the contractor had quoted around N90 billion. However, the government is now implementing an innovative funding strategy to ensure progress.

To support this, President Tinubu has directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to release funds for the first phase of construction. While awaiting a final cost estimate from consultants, Alausa assured that there are sufficient funds to complete this phase. The government aims to ensure that the National Library fulfills its role as a vital educational and research hub.

The project was initially awarded to Reynolds Construction Company and was meant to be a symbol of Nigeria’s intellectual and academic heritage. However, years of neglect have turned it into a glaring example of failed infrastructure projects. Many Nigerians still question whether it will ever be completed.

Alausa’s announcement has rekindled hope, but skepticism remains high due to past unfulfilled promises. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this long-delayed initiative will finally be completed or become yet another unfinished government venture.

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