Blog

Center for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) and coalition of over 50 civil society organizations have raised concerns over growing activities of unqualified contractors, the circulation of substandard building materials, corruption in procurement processes, and the disregard for approved construction standards.

According to the coalition, the practices have continued to weaken public safety and reduce confidence in national infrastructure systems.

Executive Director of CPTA Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Jr. stated this yesterday in Abuja, during NBRRI’s engagement with CSO’s on building standard compliance in Abuja.

He said the engagement is both timely and necessary, saying “Across Nigeria, recurring cases of building collapse, substandard construction, weak regulatory compliance, and poor enforcement continue to threaten lives, investments, and public confidence.”

“We believe this engagement should lead to practical outcomes, including stronger collaboration among NBRRI, regulatory agencies, professional bodies, and anti-corruption institutions to ensure strict compliance with building standards and professional regulations,” he said.

He said every failed structure represents more than an engineering failure, adding that it reflects gaps in oversight, accountability, regulation, and professional ethics.

He said these challenges undermine the safety and stability of our communities.

“Infrastructure integrity remains directly connected to economic growth, urban development, national security, and public safety. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and housing projects are not merely physical assets; they are symbols of governance, credibility, and national progress.

“In this regard, the role of NBRRI remains critical. As Nigeria’s leading research institution in building and road development, the Institute plays a strategic role in promoting standards, innovation, indigenous technologies, and quality assurance within the construction sector,” he said.

Comrade Ogheneyero while commending NBRRI for the engagement however, noted that

research and standards alone cannot deliver results without effective implementation and enforcement, adding that Civil society organizations therefore have an important responsibility to support transparency, accountability, and public awareness in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

“This initiative reflects openness, professionalism, and commitment to national development. Sustainable progress can only be achieved when public institutions and citizens work together in trust and partnership,” he said.

He called for greater public awareness on the dangers of poor construction practices and uncertified materials, urging the government to invest more in local research, innovation, and affordable indigenous building technologies developed to address Nigeria’s environmental and developmental realities.

Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie has emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency. His success in the primaries is a clear reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the party leadership, the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo, and the people of his constituency. This victory marks a significant step forward in his journey to return to the National Assembly, where he has consistently championed purposeful leadership and effective representation.

In his remarks, Hon. Okojie expressed deep humility and gratitude, noting that the victory is not his alone but belongs to everyone who believes in unity, progress, and strong representation. He pledged to continue serving with loyalty, integrity, and dedication, ensuring that the voices of Esan North East/South East are heard and their interests protected. He emphasized that the journey ahead requires collective effort, urging party members and constituents to remain united and focused as they work towards victory in the general election.

Hon. Okojie extended his profound appreciation to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his leadership and unwavering support in strengthening the APC in Edo State. He also thanked the leaders of the party for their guidance and encouragement, the members for their active participation in the primaries, the supporters for their steadfast backing, and the constituents for their overwhelming trust and belief in his vision.

This victory is a collective triumph, a testament to the strength of the APC, and a signal that Esan North East/South East is ready to embrace a stronger future built on unity, progress, and purposeful leadership under the representation of Hon. Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie.

By Francis Wilfred

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a clarification over the recent incident involving its operatives and staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), following public reactions and allegations surrounding the operation.

In a statement signed by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission stated that the presence of its operatives at the hospital on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was strictly administrative and not a tactical operation intended to make arrests.

According to the anti-graft agency, the visit was aimed at facilitating the authentication of a document connected to an ongoing investigation.

“The presence of the Commission’s operatives in the facility on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, was purely administrative, to facilitate the authentication of a document, rather than a tactical operation to effect arrest,” the statement said.

The commission also denied reports alleging that hospital staff members were arrested or detained during the incident.

“Contrary to the information making the rounds, no arrests were made and the staff of the hospital that followed our operatives to the zonal command were not detained,” the EFCC added.

Reacting to allegations of assault and brutalisation of hospital staff, the commission described the claims as serious and announced that an internal investigation had been ordered into the incident.

The EFCC stated that although it had not seen physical evidence of injuries allegedly sustained during the encounter, any operative found to have violated the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures would face disciplinary action.

“While awaiting the outcome of this inquiry, any staff of the Commission found to have deviated from the Standard Operating Procedure of the Agency will not be spared,” the statement noted.

The anti-corruption agency also acknowledged the interventions of stakeholders seeking an amicable resolution of the matter and assured the public, including medical personnel at UUTH, that the incident was an isolated occurrence.

The commission warned against attempts by what it described as “fifth columnists” to exploit the situation to undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.

The EFCC further reiterated its commitment to respecting the rights of citizens while carrying out its statutory mandate.

“The EFCC recognizes the rights of every Nigerian and will continue to pursue its mandate without distraction or encroachment on the inalienable right of anyone,” the statement concluded.