• Dangote submits plans to build Nigeria’s deepest seaport in Ogun State
• SEC investigates 79 suspected ponzi schemes, vows clampdown
• FG engages US, UAE over restrictive visa policies for Nigerians
• Court hears Ex-Golden Eaglets Striker Ibanga’s rights suit against NFF today
• Buhari laid to rest in Daura amidst tears and tributes

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

Dangote submits plans to build Nigeria’s deepest seaport in Ogun State

Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has officially submitted paperwork to construct what he described as the “biggest, deepest seaport in Nigeria” in Olokola, Ogun State.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Dangote revealed that the proposed Atlantic seaport aims to support exports, including liquefied natural gas (LPG), and drive the expansion of his industrial operations. The move marks a major step forward in reviving the Olokola Free Trade Zone project, which had previously stalled.

Dangote credited Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s investor-friendly policies for reigniting his interest in the state, saying, “It’s not that we want to do everything by ourselves, but I think doing this will encourage other entrepreneurs to come into it.”

SEC investigates 79 suspected ponzi schemes, vows clampdown

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced that it is currently investigating 79 suspected Ponzi schemes operating across Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the capital market regulator said the investigations are ongoing and that findings will be made public upon conclusion.

“The commission is currently investigating 79 schemes and will make a statement on its findings at the conclusion of the investigation,” the SEC stated.

The commission also disclosed plans to probe the operations of an entity identified as ‘FF Tiffany’, as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal investment activities and protect Nigerian investors from financial fraud.

FG engages US, UAE over restrictive visa policies for Nigerians

The Federal Government says it is engaging authorities in the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to resolve recent visa policy changes affecting Nigerian citizens. 

Previously, Nigerian applicants could receive up to five-year multiple-entry visas, depending on eligibility. The new restrictions affect tourist, business, and student visas, among others. The changes have drawn criticism and concern from citizens and stakeholders.

In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the Nigerian government is in talks with both countries to ensure the concerns raised are addressed appropriately through diplomatic channels.

Court hears Ex-Golden Eaglets Striker Ibanga’s rights suit against NFF today

A Federal High Court in Owerri is scheduled to hear a fundamental rights enforcement suit today (Wednesday) filed by former Nigeria U-17 striker, Mbetobong Ibanga, against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The case was previously slated for a definite hearing on June 22, but the NFF failed to appear in court or send legal representation.

Following their absence, the court, as reported by Ibanga’s lawyer, Hon. Barr. Ephraim Okafor, ordered that a fresh hearing notice be issued and served on the NFF. Ibanga, who featured in the 2011 CAF U-17 qualifiers against Congo, is seeking redress over alleged mistreatment after sustaining a career-ending knee injury while on national duty.

The former striker alleges that instead of receiving medical care, he was discharged from the national team for underperformance. He is asking the court to enforce his fundamental right to dignity, claiming the NFF abandoned him in violation of that right.

Buhari laid to rest in Daura amidst tears and tributes

The remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari were buried at his private residence in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, in an emotional ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other dignitaries.

Also present were former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and Niger Republic’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, alongside governors, ministers, and thousands of mourners.

A joint military team honoured the late president with a 21-gun salute before he was laid to rest, marking a solemn farewell to Nigeria’s former leader.