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The World Bank has issued a stark warning about the escalating global sanitation crisis, highlighting that nearly 40% of the global population still lacks access to safe sanitation systems. The consequences, it said, are far-reaching — affecting public health, economic development, and environmental sustainability. In a report titled “The Global Sanitation Crisis: Pathways for Urgent Action,” the World Bank revealed that Africa alone loses an estimated $200 billion each year

Nigeria’s agricultural import bill rose to ₦2.22 trillion in the first half of 2025, sparking outrage among farmers, millers, and stakeholders who say Federal Government policies are worsening food insecurity and crippling local production. The backlash followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to a Federal Executive Council committee to “further crash food prices” nationwide. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, disclosed this in Abuja while

Tension has gripped residents of Lakowe and Sangotedo communities in Lagos following suspected cult clashes that reportedly claimed two lives over the weekend. The first incident occurred on Saturday at Orita Adeba, near Lakowe Bus Stop, where a young man was hacked to death in what residents believe was a reprisal attack. Witnesses said the assailants, suspected to be members of the Aye confraternity, used machetes on the victim and

The Lagos State Government has cut the minimum land size required for estate development from 10,000 square metres to 5,000 square metres. Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, announced the policy shift during the ministry’s maiden Quarterly Media Parley at Alausa. According to him, the adjustment reflects current realities in Lagos, where rapid population growth and urbanisation are driving higher demand for housing. “Some of the

The Lagos State Government has ordered the suspension of work on a six-storey building under construction at 28, Saka Tinubu Street, Victoria Island, citing safety breaches and risks to lives and property. The directive, issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission, comes barely two weeks after The PUNCH reported complaints from residents, who raised alarm over falling debris damaging nearby properties, cars, and endangering pedestrians. “Boulders and planks from the

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has begun a five-day warning strike today, Friday, after the Federal Government failed to meet its demands on unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and other welfare concerns. The association confirmed the action in a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, stressing that the decision followed the expiration of its latest ultimatum. Resident doctors, who make up the

The Lagos State Police Command says Chibuike Azubike, the man arrested for parading himself as the “Obi of Lagos,” has admitted that the planned installation was nothing more than a fraudulent scheme to swindle unsuspecting participants. The command’s Deputy PRO, Babaseyi Oluseyi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Azubike, 65, was arrested on Wednesday alongside three alleged accomplices while preparing for an unveiling ceremony at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin,