Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday officially presented allocation letters to 180 traders affected by the redevelopment of Alabarago Market in Ojo Local Government Area, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to modernize markets and support small businesses. The ceremony took place at the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) office in Ikeja GRA, with Dr. Olajide Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Renewal, handing over the letters.

Dr. Babatunde explained that former shop occupiers were given first right of refusal and flexible payment options. Beneficiaries can pay 60 percent upfront, with the remaining balance payable over six months, or opt for a 25 percent initial payment if unable to meet the larger installment. He noted that the state collaborated with financial institutions to redevelop the market under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which includes the transformation of 21 markets across Lagos, including Katangwa, Pelewura, Jankara, and Alabarago.

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The redevelopment has converted Alabarago, the largest cattle market in West Africa, into the modern Alaba Transnational Market, featuring 3,000 shops and 1.2 kilometers of newly constructed roads linking the market to main access routes. Ground-floor shops are priced at ₦13 million each, while upper-floor units cost ₦10 million, both subsidized by the government to ease affordability for traders.

Dr. Babatunde commended the collaborative efforts of agencies and partners supporting the project, including LABSCA, the Urban Renewal Agency, United Bank for Africa (UBA), the Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant-General’s office.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Hussain Lajawa, Chairman of Central Alabarago Market, praised the government for delivering on its promise to develop a market to international standards. He urged the authorities to expedite road construction and access infrastructure to ensure smooth business operations for traders relocating to the new market.

The allocation of shops to displaced traders underscores Lagos State’s commitment to economic empowerment, modern market infrastructure, and business continuity, while cushioning the impact of displacement caused by urban redevelopment projects. The move is expected to revitalize local commerce, particularly in the Ojo area, and strengthen Lagos State’s small and medium-scale enterprise (SME) sector.

Lagos Allocates 180 Shops to Displaced Alabarago Market Traders

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five United States lawmakers have introduced a bill in the US Congress seeking to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and other actors over alleged persecution of Christians and severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It directs the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations and the measures taken to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt states.

Under the bill, the US government could impose targeted sanctions, including Global Magnitsky Human Rights sanctions, asset freezes, and visa bans on individuals or entities responsible for religious persecution. It also allows the Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs), reflecting growing concern over violence affecting Christian populations.

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Lawmakers cited estimates that between 2009 and 2025, between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with more than 19,000 churches destroyed. They highlighted recent incidents, including attacks in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve massacres of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks of 2024 and 2025, which collectively left thousands dead and displaced over half a million people. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounted for 72 percent of Christians killed worldwide.

The bill also calls for the provision of humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations. It encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen religious freedom, peace, and accountability.

Sponsors stressed that the future of US–Nigeria relations would depend on the Nigerian government’s response to these alleged atrocities, asserting that Nigeria could strengthen ties with Washington and play a stabilising role in the Sahel region if it takes concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities and combat religious violence.

The legislation follows prior US actions, including the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under President Donald Trump, aimed at addressing ongoing religious freedom violations and promoting accountability for perpetrators of sectarian violence.

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Sanction Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Trump Approves Deployment of 200 U.S. Soldiers to Support Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorists

President Donald Trump has approved the deployment of 200 U.S. soldiers to Nigeria to assist the country in its ongoing fight against terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The deployment follows U.S. airstrikes in Sokoto and comes at the request of President Bola Tinubu, reflecting a deepening security partnership between the United States and Nigeria. (gazettengr.com)

The American troops are scheduled to arrive in Nigeria in the coming weeks to provide training and technical guidance to Nigerian forces. The U.S. military will focus on air and infantry operations, intelligence gathering, and joint mission coordination to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Major-General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for the Nigerian Armed Forces, clarified that the U.S. troops will not engage in direct combat, but will work closely with Nigerian forces to improve strategic operations and rapid response capabilities.

A spokesperson for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) stated, “The terrorist activity in West Africa—and Nigeria specifically—is something we’re incredibly concerned with. We want to partner with capable and willing partners to address these shared security concerns.” (newsmax.com)

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This deployment complements Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism operations, including Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), which has recorded multiple successes in neutralising insurgents, rescuing kidnapped victims, and recovering weapons caches. (gazettengr.com)

The move comes amid heightened international attention on Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions, where terrorist attacks and banditry continue to threaten civilian safety, disrupt communities, and hamper economic activities. (stripes.com)

Local officials and analysts say the U.S. deployment is expected to strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance operational coordination, and improve Nigeria’s military readiness in combating insurgents while maintaining national sovereignty.

The announcement underscores the growing bilateral security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, highlighting both nations’ commitment to counter-terrorism, regional stability, and civilian protection.

Trump Approves Deployment of 200 U.S. Soldiers to Support Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorists