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UN Approves Extension Of Nigeria’s Maritime Territory

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Nigeria now holds authority over extra square miles of ocean area, according to the United Nations (UN).

Nigeria submitted a proposal for an extended continental shelf through the High Power Presidential Committee (HPPC) in 2009.

Committee member and marine scientist Larry Awosika informed President Bola Tinubu that the permission was the result of years of painstaking study on geography, geology, and geophysics.

He continued by saying that the legal claims Nigeria has over a sizable portion of the seabed and subsoil outside of its traditional territorial seas have been strengthened by diplomacy.

Awosika spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting the approval report alongside other members of the HPPC, according to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson.

The professor said the economic potentials of the newly acquired territory are vast, including increased investments in hydrocarbons, gas, solid minerals, and a wide variety of sedentary species.

Aliyu Omar, committee secretary, said the new approved area “is about 16,300 square kilometres, which is about five times the size of Lagos State”.

Omar added that the official notification of the decision was conveyed to Nigeria by the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) in August 2023, shortly after Tinubu assumed office.

”The first option is to take the area gained and finalize the registration with the UN Secretary-General and close everything, meaning that we are satisfied with what we got. This will take at least one year,” the surveyor said.

”The second option is to take what we have right now, acquire more data, do a support write-up, and make a revised submission as recommended by CLCS for further consideration. This will take another four years.

”Either way, Nigeria will keep what has been approved.’’

Tinubu lauded the achievements, saying it reflects Nigeria’s economic and strategic interests.

‘‘This is big congratulations for Nigeria,’’ he said.

”I commend the team, and we must take advantage of this and invite you again to have a repeat of this knowledge exploration on geography, hydrography, and the marine life.

”Nigeria is grateful for the efforts that you put into gaining additional territory for the country without going to war. Some nations went to war, lost people and economic opportunities.”

Tinubu said his administration will continue to pursue the best options for the country.

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president; Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy; and Hassan Tukur, HPPC chairman; also attended the meeting.

BIG STORY

National Assembly Suspends Plenary Till July 22 To Honour Buhari

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Legislative proceedings in the national assembly have been put on hold to pay respect to Muhammadu Buhari, the former president of Nigeria.

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a London clinic after battling a long-term illness.

The clerk of the national assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, shared this update through a statement released on Monday.

“I am directed by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives to inform all members of the national assembly and the general public that all legislative activities are hereby suspended immediately until Tuesday, 22 July, 2025,” the statement reads.

“All members of the national assembly are urged to reschedule their engagements to enable full participation in the burial activities of the late president.”

Leaders of both legislative chambers offered their sympathies to the government and citizens of Nigeria, the administration and residents of Katsina state, as well as the late president’s wives, children, and extended relatives.

“President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered for his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and his integrity,” the statement notes.

“May Almighty Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

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BIG STORY

BUHARI: Obasa Mourns, Tasks Nigerians To Celebrate His Life And Legacy

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing it as a profound loss for both the Buhari family and the entire nation of Nigeria.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, Speaker Obasa reflected on President Buhari’s lifelong dedication and selfless service to the nation both as a military Head of State and as a two-term elected President of Nigeria.

“President Buhari served our nation with a commitment that will be remembered as a significant part of our history.
“His contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria have left an indelible mark on our country,” said Obasa.

As the nation mourns his passing, Speaker Obasa emphasised the importance of celebrating Buhari’s legacy. “While we grieve his loss, we must also honour his contributions and reflect on the values he championed throughout his time in Office,” he added.

The Speaker urged all Nigerians to take a moment to remember the life and work of President Buhari, as the country continues to strive for the ideals he represented. “Let us come together in this time of sorrow, united in our commitment to building the Nigeria he envisioned,” Obasa stated.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were touched by his leadership. May his soul rest in peace.”

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BIG STORY

VP Shettima, Gbajabiamila Depart Abuja To Accompany Buhari’s Body Back To Nigeria [PHOTOS]

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Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has left Abuja for London to accompany the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria.

It was earlier reported that Buhari, a two-term President who also once served as a military head of state passed away on Sunday evening.

Reports indicate that the former President died in London, where he had traveled a few weeks ago to receive medical treatment.

Throughout his time in office, Buhari dealt with various health issues, often traveling abroad for extended medical care.

Following his death, President Bola Tinubu instructed Shettima to head to London and bring Buhari’s body back to Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila is also joining Shettima on the trip. Both men were seen boarding the presidential jet on Sunday night in a post shared on X.

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