An economist, Prof. Sherifdeen Tella, has supported the Federal Government’s decision to sell some state assets, stating that the move would enhance the country’s fiscal revenue position.

Tella, of the Department of Economics at Babcock University, Ogun, made the remarks in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday.

He stressed that the government should be commended for ensuring that some state assets were sold to become more productive for the overall economy.

“Since the government has invested a lot of public funds in these national assets, they should not be sold outright.

“Rather, regulators should consider partnering with foreign firms that have proven track records and possess adequate financial and technical know-how to manage such enterprises,” Tella said.

He emphasised that allowing more private investment in selected state assets would reposition them to grow and generate more revenue for the country.

“This will boost the government’s revenue position and support the full implementation of the capital component of the budget.

“Issues relating to the country’s reliance on foreign loans may also decline due to the availability of funds,” Tella added.

He noted that the government should be more transparent and thorough in choosing the most suitable partners in order to avoid the mistakes of the past.

Similarly, Okechukwu Unegbu, former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, also supported the government’s actions regarding some state assets.

“The government should be commended for taking such a stand, because the authorities cannot continue expending scarce resources on such national edifices, which could be better harnessed and managed by the private sector, given past antecedents,” Unegbu said.

He stressed that the government’s decision to sell the assets was imperative in order to reduce waste, especially in light of current revenue challenges.

“This will ultimately free up funds to be injected into other sectors that will spur economic growth, including the expansion of existing seaports and the completion of railway tracks across the country to facilitate trade,” Unegbu added.

Recall that the federal government has announced plans to begin the sale of some state-owned assets to private investors starting in 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the economy and attract more investment.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made this known on Monday during an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies held in Saudi Arabia.

Edun explained that the government was already working on identifying which public assets would be put up for sale and determining when the transactions would take place.

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expanded domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.

The federation’s media coordinator, Tolu Oguntimehin, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

According to the release, the roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.

The statement also disclosed that the 2026 season would feature expanded domestic competitions, representing one of the federation’s most comprehensive frameworks in recent years.

“A National 7s Circuit for both men and women across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, a six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja.

Also unveiled are, “Youth tournaments including Get into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).

“Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).

“International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures,”it said.

According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.

The statement further noted that women’s rugby, which had returned to the continental stage as a major highlight of the 2026 agenda, would serve as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s women’s rugby programme.

It said the NRFF had submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun State.

It noted that hosting the tournament would restore Nigeria’s women’s team to the continental rankings and provide a pathway to the Africa Women’s Cup 7s.

“The federation is also exploring participation in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 (15s) in Tunisia — a potential route toward qualification for Africa’s elite women’s rugby competition.

“Officials say the dual 7s and 15s strategy is aimed at building a sustainable and competitive women’s programme, capacity building and governance.

“The 2026 calendar also includes World Rugby-accredited courses for coaches, medical personnel, match officials, and strength and conditioning professionals.

“This also includes alongside anti-doping education and structured school engagement initiatives.”

On the international front, the federation stated that Nigeria was set to compete in the Africa Cup 7s (Men’s), pursue international Test opportunities, and strengthen regional collaboration through the West Africa Rugby Series under the structures of Rugby Africa.

Describing the season as pivotal, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation stated: “Our domestic competitions are stronger, and our women’s programme now has a clear continental pathway.

“Our youth initiatives continue to expand. We are building a sustainable rugby ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.”

According to the federation, the 2026 calendar represents a strategic blueprint for performance growth, women’s empowerment, and Nigeria’s sustained resurgence in African rugby.

The Lagos State House of Assembly and the representative of affected waterfront communities have backed the state government’s proposed water city project of the demolished areas.

This formed part of a five-point agreement reached on Tuesday evening during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

The waterfront communities affected by the demolition are Makoko, Sogunro and Oko Agbon in Lagos State.

Speaking to newcomers, the Chairman, Adhoc Committee on Rules and Business, Mr Noheem Adams, said the proposed project by the state government was intended to benefit the affected residents.

Adams, who is also the House Majority Leader, said the state government would constitute a 10-man committee to conduct a self-enumeration of affected buildings.

The majority leader said the committee was expected to complete the enumeration exercise and submit its report within two weeks to the Adhoc Committee on Rules and Business.

Adams called for transparency in the self-enumeration process, noting that data provided by the community would be cross-checked with government records.

He directed Makoko stakeholders to submit the list of the proposed 10-man committee to the House upon its constitution.

Speaking to journalists, the Baale of Sogunro Community, Chief Abraham Mesu, commended the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly on the matter.

Mesu described the proposed Water City project as a landmark initiative capable of improving living standards and ensuring that residents remain the primary beneficiaries.

He, however, expressed concern over the impact of the demolitions but affirmed the community’s willingness to collaborate with the state government.

Also speaking, the Baale of Makoko Waterfront, Chief Emmanuel Shemade, said community leaders had resolved not to rebuild demolished structures until further notice.

Shemade said he was satisfied with the agreement reached at the meeting on the regeneration of Makoko communities without displacing residents.

He further commended the commitment of the state government to provide an aerial photograph clearly showing demolition boundaries within one month.

Earlier, Dr Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Geographic Information Service (GIS), said the state government had concluded plans for the Water City project as part of efforts to regenerate the area.

Babatunde said the governor was concerned about overcrowding and poor living conditions in the communities and assured that affected residents would be adequately compensated.