The association of Six geopolitical zone comprising retired security officers, paramilitary personnel, and community security professionals, has issued a strong warning against what it described as “faceless and desperate” individuals spreading false narratives to undermine the efforts of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Micheal Ojokwu, on Friday, the Coalition denounced a wave of social media rumours that surfaced on Tuesday, falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had sacked Matawalle, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.

The claims, attributed to a fabricated statement from the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, alleged the dismissals were due to the ministers’ failure to curb ongoing violence across the country.

Describing the reports as “fake news,” the Coalition urged those behind the misinformation to cease their actions immediately, warning that such propaganda could derail the government’s efforts to restore peace and security.

“No amount of blackmail or fake news can distract a focused President from his mission,” the statement read.

The group praised Matawalle for his proactive role in sustaining military pressure on insurgents, noting that his achievements in less than two years surpass those of some predecessors. “If past defence ministers had done half of what Matawalle has accomplished, the conversation around insecurity would be different today,” Ojokwu said.

The Coalition highlighted Matawalle’s recent operational visit to Borno State alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, where they met with troops and received firsthand feedback. Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, accompanied the officials during the visit.

The group emphasised the synergy between the Defence Ministry and service chiefs, describing it as a testament to the administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.

The Coalition also underscored that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges predate the current administration and require collective action. “Security is not a one-man show.

The government alone cannot do it,” the statement said, calling for public support through intelligence gathering, community policing, and neighbourhood watch initiatives.

Addressing those spreading misinformation, the group warned against playing “dirty politics” at the expense of Nigerian lives.

“The year 2027 will come and go, but Nigeria will remain one,” it said, referring to the upcoming election cycle.

The Coalition reiterated its support for Matawalle, describing him as a dedicated leader who regularly visits frontline troops.

“He knows his onions and should not be distracted,” Ojokwu added, pledging continued backing for the minister’s efforts to curb insurgency.

Umahi foresees January 2026 delivery date

Construction of Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be completed in January 2026, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has said.

Umahi made the disclosure during an inspection tour of the highway. “We came to review the project with the financial promoters – Dutch Bank and Development Bank of Southern Africa,” he said.

He said it was projected that 20km of the road (from Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos) would have been completed by May.

“We are going to surpass the 20km from this site,” the Minister said.

Umahi said the first phase of the highway project had been more than 70 per cent completed although the contractor had not got funds up to the 70 per cent.

“That is why I call them people that have set their minds towards nation-building rather than making money,” he said.

According to him, along the corridor, there are some lands that have been acquired for tourism, industries, factories and housing estates.

“These are the road architecture that you are going to receive on this highway. I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we have this road completed,” the Minister said.

He said the financial promoters of the highway were satisfied with the work progress, quality, method statement, and every other thing about the project.

Umahi praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for efforts made.

“The road is exceptionally technically well-designed. The concrete thickness is designed for 275 millimetres but what they are doing is 280 millimetres.

“I commend also the department in charge of this project – the Department of Bridge and Roads, and, of course, the controller of works in Lagos,” he said.

Umahi said the greatest worry he could have would be motorists joining the highway ‘from their houses’

“It is going to be a very serious issue; so, we have to design a barrier. I know that you are putting a retaining wall but you have not incorporated a retaining wall all through,” he said

The Minister said as a superhighway, it would be expected that motorists would join it at flyovers and interchanges to avoid gridlock.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a new five-year Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for Nigeria, committing about $650 million annually between 2025 and 2030 to drive economic transformation, build resilience, and promote broad-based prosperity.

The Bank disclosed this in a statement published on its website on Thursday, stating that it will provide $2.95 billion over the first four years of the plan, with an additional $3.21 billion expected from development partners through co-financing.

According to the AfDB, the strategy focuses on two priority areas: promoting sustainable, climate-smart infrastructure to enhance competitiveness and industrial development, and advancing gender- and youth-inclusive green growth through industrialisation.

It stated, “The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has a new five-year Country Strategy Paper (2025-2030) for Nigeria, committing about $650 million annually to drive economic transformation, build resilience, and foster broad-based prosperity across the country.

“Under the new strategy, the Bank will provide $2.95 billion over the first four years, complemented by an estimated $3.21 billion in co-financing from development partners.”

Focus on infrastructure and inclusive growth
The AfDB noted that the strategy aims to close Nigeria’s critical infrastructure gap, estimated at $2.3 trillion between 2020 and 2043, by investing in climate-resilient roads, expanding electricity supply, improving water systems, and supporting agribusinesses that create jobs, particularly for women and youth.

The Bank’s investments are projected to support Nigeria’s ambition to double the size of its economy to $1 trillion and create about 1,561,000 jobs during the period.
The strategy is aligned with Nigeria’s development plans, including Agenda 2050, the National Development Plan 2021–2025, and the 2023 Renewed Hope Agenda. It also seeks to boost Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by improving energy access, transportation networks, and market opportunities for farmers and businesses.
Commenting on the new plan, Abdul Kamara, Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department, said, “This strategy takes a transformative partnership between the Bank and Nigeria to a new level. By investing in sustainable infrastructure and inclusive agricultural growth, we are not only building roads, power systems, and transforming agriculture – we are building pathways to prosperity for millions of Nigerians.”

Millions of Nigerians, including women, youth, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, state governments, and rural communities, are expected to benefit from improved access to finance, enhanced supply chains, vocational training, and new business opportunities.

The AfDB added that women entrepreneurs would receive targeted support under programmes such as the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA), while young people would be equipped with critical skills to address unemployment challenges.

The Bank further noted that by supporting greener and more resilient infrastructure and agricultural systems, the strategy would strengthen Nigeria’s adaptation efforts to climate change, help mitigate the effects of floods and droughts, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and contribute to a more sustainable and united economy.