News Agency of Nigeria
Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers
Politics

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Committee
By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives for oversight of the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

“If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Sadeeq

FEC approves variation, dualisation of inherited road projects
General News

FEC approves variation, dualisation of inherited road projects

Approval

By Salif Atojoko

Mr Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has announced the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for alterations to the scope of several inherited road projects across the country, within available funds.

Umahi made this statement while briefing State House Correspondents after the fifth FEC meeting on Monday.

He explained that the first approval was for the 15-kilometer Section One of the Akure-Eta-Ogburu-Ijo-Ekiti border to Ikere-Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, which extends into Ondo State. The project will be dualised at a cost of N19.407 billion.

The Minister noted that the second project approved by FEC was the rescoping and variation of the 375-kilometer Sokoto road, which runs through Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna.

He added that this road, awarded at the end of the last administration, would be dualised and divided into four sections, with the first section being constructed from Sokoto to Zamfara by SKCC using reinforced concrete.

He further explained that the second section of the project, spanning 175 kilometers in the Zamfara axis, was awarded to Setraco at N105 billion.

“In line with FEC’s approval, we had to review the contract, but within the available funds of N105 billion. We rescoped it to 82.4 kilometers, plus six bridges, for the same contract sum of N105 billion,” Umahi said.

He also referenced another similar project, the 105-kilometer Maiduguri-Mongonu Road in Borno, awarded on July 3, 2018.

“Phase one, which covers 30 kilometers, has a contract sum of N21 billion. The second phase will commence once the first section is completed and will be brought before FEC,” he explained.

He said other FEC-approved projects include the Abakaliki-Afikpo flyover in Ebonyi, awarded at N25 billion, and the construction of Ikoga Road and Atan-Alapoti-Ado-Odo Road in Ogun, which were awarded for N37.045 billion.

“The rescoped 77-kilometer Enugu-Onitsha Road has been awarded for N150 billion. Part of the ongoing Enugu-Onitsha Road project is being carried out by MTN under tax credit.

“Also, the Benin-Shagamu-Ore Road project has been awarded for N187 billion to CBC.

“Another major project approved by FEC is the 7th Axial Road, initially approved by the last administration for funding by the China Exim Bank.

“When we were in China, Mr President presented two projects to the President of China: the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road and the 7th Axial Road.

“This project is 50 kilometers long, with five kilometers of bridges.

“It is an evacuation corridor that will transport goods from the Lekki Deep Sea Port, including those from the Dangote refinery and fertiliser plant,” said Umahi.

He further explained that the 7th Axial Road would link to Ekpe and the Shagamu-Ore Road, providing an exit for goods to the 17 southern states and other northern states in the region.

The project, he said was approved for 651.7 million dollars.

“In addition, the Council approved phase one of the Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road for N30.23 billion, ratified the rehabilitation of Ebute-Ero Outer Marina Shoreline, originally awarded at N114 billion but revised to N176.495 billion, and approved the rehabilitation of the Chamnuman section of the Gombe-Yola Road in Adamawa.

“In addition, the Council approved phase one of the Aba-Ikot-Ekpene Road for N30.23 billion and ratified the rehabilitation of Ebute-Ero Outer Marina Shoreline. Originally awarded at N114 billion, the project was revised to N176.495 billion.

The Council also approved the rehabilitation of the Chamnuman section of the Gombe-Yola Road in Adamawa, which has been rescoped into phases. The first phase was awarded at N9.253 billion in favour of CGC.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NIMC inaugurates NIN authentication service
General News

NIMC inaugurates NIN authentication service

Inauguration

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Federal Government has approved the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) inauguration of the NIMC NIN Authentication (NNAuth) for secured and seamless identity verification and authentication.

This is contained in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, by the Head, Cooperate Communications, NIMC, Dr Kayode Adegoke.

Adegoke said that similarly, the presidency had directed the use of NIN Authentication for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He explained that this was in line with the commission’s mandate of regulating a reliable national digital identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity

According to him, the inauguration of the NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a cutting-edge suite of services that include web, API and mobile verification is designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services.

”This is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on strengthening the national identity management system.

”The NIMC NINAuth application is the official service for integration with the commission’s back-end infrastructure.

”It introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information.”

He added that it required explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verifications.

He said that the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.

Adegoke also said that with the NINAuth, individuals could securely verify their identity and access key government services which include Sim registration, replacement, applications and passport processing

Others he said include tax filings and financial transactions, government Intervention Programmes in various MDAs, driver’s licence renewals and other regulatory processes.

The NIMC head of cooperate communications further said that the key features and benefits include enhanced Security, Protects personal data from unauthorised access, empowers individuals with the freedom to manage their data sharing preferences.

According to him, other key features and benefits include seamless access, provides a secure single sign on solution for convenient access to services.

He added that the innovation reaffirms NIMC’s commitment to advancing secured and efficient digital identity management, ensuring a more accessible, transparent, and secure identity verification system in Nigeria.

He said that the NINAuth application also provided a secured, scalable, and interoperable interface for identity verification through API integration.

According to him, it is designed to facilitate real-time authentication of NIN records, thereby promoting effective service delivery, database harmonisation, and compliance with the National Identity Policy.

He said that the NINAuth service had been designated as the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification and authentication integration processes for optimal services.

”The implementation guide and process flow of the NIMC NIN Authentication are available at https://ninauth.nimc.gov.ng,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Tinubu to meet GenCos leadership over 4trn debt-Minister
Economy/Business

Tinubu to meet GenCos leadership over 4trn debt-Minister

Debt

By Constance Athekame

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu on Sunday said that a meeting has been scheduled between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the  Power Generation Companies(GenCos) over a N4-trillion debt.

Mr Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations  to the minister of power said this in a statement  in Abuja on Sunday.

According to Adelabu, the planned meeting with President Tinubu aims to chart a viable course for resolving the debt

Adelabu assured that the Federal Government would immediately pay a significant portion of the debt, while the balance would be settled using financial instruments such as promissory notes within six months.

“We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis,” Adelabu said.

Acknowledging the government’s own role in the sector’s challenges, Adelabu pledged not only to clear the debt backlog but also to implement structural reforms that would remove operational bottlenecks.

He emphasised the need for full liberalisation of the power sector and called for the adoption of cost-reflective tariffs.

“Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed.

“The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians, but we must realise that our economy cannot sustain blanket subsidies indefinitely,” he said.

The minister also unveiled plans to review existing regulations to lower levies and enhance market stability.

He urged GenCos to partner with the government in raising public awareness on efficient electricity use and tariff realities.

The GenCos were led by retired Col. Sani Bello, Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, and who is also the Chairman of Association of Power Generating Companies.

Bello warned that persistent liquidity challenges had left GenCos unable to service loans or maintain critical infrastructure.

“Without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse,” he said.

Mr Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, described the situation as a national emergency.

He said that reliable power supply was fundamental to the survival of industries, homes, and health facilities.

Mrs Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Association of Power Generation Companies,  listed the systemic challenges undermining GenCos, including chronic payment defaults, erratic gas supply, and forex instability.

She lamented the steep depreciation of the naira—from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to ₦1,600/$1 in 2024. saying it had devastated GenCos’ ability to meet maintenance obligations and repay loans.

“GenCos have borne unsustainable risks from grid failures to unproductive taxes while remaining patriotic,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Insecurity: Police deploys tactical commanders to trouble areas in Benue
Defence/Security

Insecurity: Police deploys tactical commanders to trouble areas in Benue

Deployment

By Emmanuel Antswen

The Commissioner, Benue Police Command, Mr Emenari Ifeanyi  has ordered the deployment of all tactical commanders and DPOs to trouble areas in the State.

This was contained in a press statement on Saturday signed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

The CP in the statement ordered the immediate deployment of tactical commanders and DPOs to troubled areas in Benue.

He further charged them to restrategise and confront security challenges bedeviling communities in the state.

He encouraged commanders to work with other quasi security outfits within their areas of responsibility and community policing to puts all hands on deck.

He reiterated zero tolerance on corruption and all forms of unprofessional conduct that can give the Nigeria Police Force a bad name and promised reward for police officers that are professional in carrying out their duties.

The CP declared his willingness to collaborate with all security agencies, quasi security agencies, traditional rulers,  community leaders and everyone who was interested in securing the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Tinubu returns home on Monday – Presidency
General News

Tinubu returns home on Monday – Presidency

Return

By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu will return to the country on Monday after a two-week working visit to Europe.

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, said this on his X handle.

“President Bola Tinubu will return home today,” the spokesman said in a brief statement.

The President, who departed Nigeria on April 2 for Paris, France, held a high-level meeting with Mr Massad Boulos, the U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa.

The discussion focused on deepening bilateral cooperation to enhance regional security and sustainable economic development across Africa.

After his engagements in Paris, Tinubu proceeded to London over the weekend, where he continued consultations and maintained regular communication with senior government officials in Abuja. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Insecurity: Senate drafting law on state police, says  Bamidele
General News

Insecurity: Senate drafting law on state police, says  Bamidele

Police
By Naomi Sharang

The Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the creation of state police.

He said that the establishment of the state police will serve as part of measures to address insecurity in the country..

Bamidele made this known on Sunday in a statement in Abuja through his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

He also celebrated with Christians worldwide to mark Easter asking leaders across boards to shun divisive agenda and narratives that could compound the country’s challenges.

Bamidele urged Nigerians at large “to consciously reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ; learn from His consecration and live His life of purpose rooted in the pursuit of justice love and redemption for humanity”.

” In spite of the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, love for the dejected, justice for the oppressed and hope for those who are in despair.

“In Nigeria today, Christ’s example clearly presents us a glimpse of how we should live together.

“As compatriots and not competitors, collaborators and not combatants, comrades and not contenders in the task of building a viable and virile federation that will serve the interest of all.

“The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outrightly negated the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught during His days.

“The recurrent utterances by some political and sectional figures also belied the values of courage, perseverance and tolerance He evidently lived for.

“No country develops as a result of one section rising up against another vice versa.

“The Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country.

“We urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide.

“We appeal to some political actors that always lash on the country’s challenges to push divisive narratives to learn from the example of Jesus Christ.

“Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in the pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes”.

He further said that Nigeria is our ultimate project and as a parliament, we are committed to the actualisation of this project.

“This is evident in all the legislative initiatives we are pushing since the birth of the 10th National Assembly. And our goal is to build a federation that will be noted for peace, progress and prosperity anywhere in the world.

“Regardless of their ethnicity, politics and religion, all actors should shun all forms of divisive utterance and join forces against the common foes of Nigeria and not to subvert our effort to build a strong and virile federation”.

NAN reports a State Police Bill, was sponsored by a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu (PDP, Enugu).

The bill seeks to establish the Federal Police, State Police, National Police Service Commission, National Police Council, and State Police Service Commission for the states.

It was first introduced to the eighth Senate on June 12, 2018 but did not scale through. Ekweremadu was the chairman of the constitution review committee at the time.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Pope Francis fought for ‘just, peaceful, compassionate world’ – EU chief
General News

Pope Francis fought for ‘just, peaceful, compassionate world’ – EU chief

Tribute

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Pope Francis would be remembered for his efforts to build “a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

“Today, the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis,” von der Leyen wrote on X, shortly after the Vatican announced the pontiff’s death at the age of 88.

“He inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate,” she continued.

“My thoughts are with all who feel this profound loss.

“May they find solace in the idea that Pope Francis’ legacy will continue to guide us all toward a more just, peaceful and compassionate world.”

Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, said Francis’ “contagious smile captured millions of people’s hearts across the globe.”

“‘The People’s Pope’ will be remembered for his love for life, hope for peace, compassion for equality & social justice.

“May he rest in peace,” Metsola wrote on X. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Pope Francis dies in Rome aged 88
Foreign

Pope Francis dies in Rome aged 88

Pope

Pope Francis, spiritual leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, died on Monday aged 88, the Vatican announced.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death in a statement: “At 7:35 this morning (0535 GMT), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Francis had recently suffered from pneumonia in both lungs and spent more than a month in the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

It was his fourth longer stay in the hospital in the past four years.

He was initially there in 2021 for intestinal surgery, in 2023 for severe pneumonia and later that year for another open abdominal procedure.

Francis had been participating in public events from a wheelchair due to a severe knee condition and had to cancel many regular prayers, audiences and services in recent months.

In what turned out to be his last public appearance, Francis appeared briefly on the balcony in front of thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday to deliver an Easter blessing.

In spite of his ill health, the pope completed a 12-day trip to Asia and the Pacific in the first half of September and a visit to Luxembourg and Belgium later the same month. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in Saudi-bound religious books
Defence/Security

NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in Saudi-bound religious books

Cocaine

By Ibironke Ariyo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment of cocaine concealed in twenty sets of religious books bound for Saudi Arabia.

According to the Director, Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, said the cocaine consignment consisted of twenty parcels with a total weight of 500 grams buried in the pages of the religious books.

Femi made the statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the seizure occurred on Tuesday, April 15, when NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) were searching through export cargos bound for Saudi Arabia at the logistics firm.

On the same day, NDLEA officers intercepted a separate shipment at another courier company: five parcels of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 2.8 kilograms hidden in a carton coming from the United States of America.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives arrested 22-year-old Muhammad Mohammed, a supplier of illicit substances to bandits, in Kano, while on patrol along Bichi – Kano Road.

Babafemi said that the suspect was heading to Katsina, had 277 ampoules of pentazocine injection tied to his thigh and private part with sellotape.

“He was intercepted on Sunday, April 13, meanwhile another suspect, Mohammed Abdulaziz, 43, was arrested on the same day at Research Rimin Kebe area of Nasarawa, Kano with 68 blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 30kg,’’he said.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives raided two cannabis farms in Egbeta forest, Edo state, destroying 3,717.8625kg of the psychoactive plant on 1.487145 hectares and recovered 136.5kg of processed cannabis.

Similarly, at the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA arrested Kayode Basorun, 40, a suspect who has been at large for two years, in connection with the seizure of 107kg of Loud imported from Cannada in 2023.

Babafemi added that another suspect, Dauda Yakubu who distributed illicit drugs within the seaport community was arrested by a team of operatives on Monday, April 14. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

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