By Laide Akinboade Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has directed the immediate demolition of an emerging settlement in Kukwaba District, near the City Gate in Abuja, following security concerns over the area’s alleged use as a hideout by criminal elements.

Wike issued the directive during an enforcement inspection in the city centre, shortly after a security meeting with relevant agencies.

The Minister, who led security personnel to the settlement, described the proliferation of unapproved developments and illegal structures across the FCT as a potential security threat and a “time bomb” capable of undermining public safety.

“Look at the area. You don’t even know who the occupants are. How do you identify them? How do you know where to locate them? And this is inside the city.

“This is a time bomb. There is no way we can allow this. The FCT Administration will not allow criminal hideouts to thrive in Abuja”, he declared.

According to Wike, the shanties in Kukwaba had allegedly become a place where criminals retreated after carrying out attacks. He consequently ordered security agencies and the FCT Department of Development Control to take immediate action against the settlement.

He said the FCT Administration would not permit unauthorised structures or illegal settlements to become safe havens for criminal activities within the nation’s capital.

Wike also directed the FCT Police Command and the Department of Development Control to strengthen coordination in tackling illegal developments and enforcing planning regulations across the territory.

The Minister maintained that urban disorder and the proliferation of illegal structures could contribute to wider security challenges, stressing the need for decisive enforcement to protect residents and preserve the Abuja master plan.

Following the directive, the FCT Administration has intensified joint enforcement operations across several districts, targeting illegal settlements, unapproved building projects and other structures considered to be in violation of approved planning regulations.

The administration has reiterated that enforcement actions, including demolitions and seizures of illegally occupied sites, will continue as part of efforts to improve security, restore order and ensure the orderly development of the Federal Capital Territory.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A pro-APC group known as G.37 has nominated a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Cletus Obun as head of a 12-man delegation to Osun State for the August 15th Governorship election.

According to the G.

37, the delegation is expected to show solidarity and support towards the victory of the APC during the Guber poll.

The Planning and Strategy Officer (PSO) of the G.37, Miriki Ebikibina, in a statement made available to newsmen via electronic mail, stated that said the solidarity mission was borne out of the group’s commitment to ensuring the APC’s success in both off-cycle and general elections following the resolutions reached during the G.

37’s recent solidarity visit to the party’s National Deputy Chairman (South), Dr. Ben Nwoye, at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

According to Ebikibina, the delegation comprises two members drawn from each of the six geo- political zones and includes Hon. Cletus Obun (Chairman), Hon. Jumoke Anifowoshe (Secretary), Comrade Abba Yaro (Organising Secretary), Miriki Ebikibina (Planning and Strategy Officer), Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, and other members of the forum.

Ebikibina, who is also the Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on General Duties, said the delegation would not only offer moral and solidarity support to the APC but also participate in the party’s grand finale campaign rally in Osun State.

The G.37 commended the National Deputy Chairman (South), for his support and encouragement to the forum’s activities, and also expressed appreciation to Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni, andBayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for their support to the group, particularly the appointment of Miriki Ebikibina as Technical Adviser on General Duties in the Assured Prosperity administration.

The group recalled that during its recent solidarity visit to Dr. Nwoye in Abuja, the APC National Deputy Chairman charged members of the G.37, as founding members of the party, to remain focused, steadfast, and committed to the growth and progress of the APC at both the state and national levels, assuring them of his continued support and that of the party.

Nigeria imported motor vehicles and automotive parts worth $602m from the United States between January and May 2026, marking a 41.3 per cent increase from the $426m recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.

S. Bureau of Economic Analysis have shown.

The figures showed that passenger cars accounted for the largest share of exports to Nigeria during the five-month period.

A breakdown of the data showed that U.S. exports of passenger cars to Nigeria rose to $454m in the first five months of 2026 from $312m in the corresponding period of 2025, representing an increase of 45.5 per cent.

Exports of automotive parts also increased to $122m from $86m, indicating a 41.9 per cent year-on-year rise. However, exports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles declined by 10.3 per cent to $26m from $29m recorded in the same period last year.

On a monthly basis, Nigeria imported $124m worth of motor vehicles and parts from the U.S. in May 2026, slightly lower than the $131m recorded in April.

Passenger car imports declined to $93m in May from $98m in April, while imports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles fell marginally to $6m from $7m. Automotive parts imports remained unchanged at $26m in both months.

Compared with May 2025, however, total imports rose by 30.5 per cent from $95m to $124m. Passenger car imports increased by 32.9 per cent from $70m in May 2025 to $93m in May 2026, while automotive parts imports rose by 36.8 per cent from $19m to $26m. Imports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles declined slightly from $7m to $6m over the same period.

The report also showed that total U.S. exports of motor vehicles and parts to all countries stood at $66.08bn in the first five months of 2026, compared with $69.32bn in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 4.7 per cent decline.

Passenger car exports fell to $19.52bn from $22.04bn year-on-year, while exports of trucks, buses and special-purpose vehicles edged up marginally to $10.99bn from $10.94bn.

Automotive parts remained the largest export segment, although shipments declined to $35.56bn from $36.33bn in the same period of 2025.

Canada remained the largest destination for U.S. automotive exports during the period, receiving $24.70bn worth of vehicles and parts, followed by Mexico with $16.83bn and Germany with $3.72bn.

Among African countries listed in the report, Nigeria recorded the highest value of U.S. automotive imports at $602m, ahead of South Africa, which imported $313m worth of vehicles and parts during the first five months of 2026.

The Nigerian Ports Authority stated that the total number of vehicles handled in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2026 rose to 58,870 units from 35,262 units recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, representing a 67 per cent increase.

The NPA disclosed this in its Q1 2026 Operational Performance Review. “Vehicle traffic also emerged as a major growth area, with total vehicle units handled rising sharply by 67 per cent to 58,870 units during the quarter, compared to 35,262 units in the same period last year,” the NPA said.

Analysts say the figures reflect renewed confidence among importers as exchange rate volatility eased and access to foreign exchange improved, even though vehicle prices remain high.