NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Aviation

NCAA lists compensations for flight delay, cancellation, others

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has affirmed that passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delay, cancellation, luggage delay, missing or loss by airlines.

Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, passengers are entitled for first needs payment of N10,000 on domestic flights when passenger’s luggage is missing and 170 US Dollar on international flights while the luggage is being searched for.

“For domestic flights, the airline has one day to seven days to search for the missing luggage while on international flights, the airline has one day to 21 days to search for the luggage.

“A luggage is said to be lost if not found after seven days search on domestic flights and 21 days search international flights.

The process for compensation for missing g luggage commences after the said luggage is declared missing. Any fees paid for that luggage must also be refunded,” he said.

The director said the refunds for tickets on cancelled or delayed flights should be paid  immediately, if payment was made in cash or within 14 days if it was by bank transfer or any means other than transfer.

According to him, refunds via means other than cash must be made within 14 days. However, some delay might be experienced from submission of required documents for the passenger

Contributing, the NCAA Director of Special Duties, Mr Horatius Egua, urged passengers to know their rights regarding the aviation sector.

He stated that challenges the authority encountered included, lack of awareness among passengers, limited enforcement of consumer rights, inadequate infrastructure and corruption.

“NCAA has emphasised increased passenger education and awareness, strengthening of regulatory agencies, improved airline customer service and enhanced infrastructure development

“By knowing your rights as a consumer, you can advocate for better treatment and services in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, the Senior Special Adviser to the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the airline ought to provide clear terms and conditions and also ensure timely departure and arrival.

According to her, Airline obligations are to provide adequate baggage handling, offer compensation for delays, cancellations, or overbooking and maintain safe and secure aircraft.

“Passengers have rights to know flight schedule, fare, and baggage allowance; right to compensation for flight delays; right to refund for unused tickets (within 7 days) and right to baggage protection.

“Common Issues from the passengers include, flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss, damage, or delay, overbooking and denied boarding, refund and compensation disputes, “ she said. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

Features

Nigeria’s huge stake in CNG revolution

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

In a world encumbered by greenhouse gases and air pollutants, migration to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles is imperative.

In Nigeria, the unveiling of CNG conversion centres has given traction to Africa clutching on CNG as a viable alternative to Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

The CNG push is in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s promise to ease public transportation and ameliorate the hardship faced by Nigerians following the removal of fuel subsidy.

The CNG quest has also received significant fiscal and physical nudges with the recent  rollout of 64 buses and 2000 tricycles that will run on CNG and a pledge to raise provisions in the 2025 budget to N225 billion from the current N130 billion.

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, CNG creates fewer smog-related tailpipe emissions than gasoline and can reduce tailpipe Greenhouse Gases by about 20 per cent.

Data from MOTOR JIKOV CNG indicates that approximately 15 million CNG vehicles are in operation globally, out of which about 1.5 million are in Europe.

In keying to the global CNG inclination, the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG) recently unveiled conversion centres in Abuja, while states are following suit.

Mrs Omolara Obileye, Coordinator of Business Development and Strategy, Pi-CNG, who performed the unveiling, said the initiative would reduce the dependence on fuel.

According to her, conversion has started for commercial vehicles.

“We are starting with Abuja and Lagos and we will keep rolling out; the announcements will be made regularly as we go to each of the states.

“Private cars are supposed to pay a fraction of the cost of the conversion while the transport associations have 100 per cent conversion free.

“However, the cost depends on the vehicle size because there are different types of vehicles; and there is a need to understand what exactly we need to configure in the system.

“We have over 12 conversion centres in the FCT; we will continue to increase the number and update the public,” she said.

Worthy of note, critical partners are taking the bull by the horn.

Of late, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and other stakeholders announced a partnership to provide N10 billion credit to Nigerians for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversions.

The stakeholders are Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and Pi-CNG.

At the agreement signing in Abuja, the partners unveiled the N10 billion Credit Access for Light and Mobility (CALM) Fund, in response to growing financial strain on Nigerians, due to high energy and transportation costs.

The Pi-CNG and CREDICORP are among the portfolio companies under MOFI, an investment and assets management establishment of the Federal Government.

The new fund will enable Nigerians to obtain loans for CNG conversion kits and energy-saving solutions through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), providing a pathway to sustainable energy without the financial burden of upfront costs.

Espousing the partnership, Mr Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CREDICORP, said MOFI would aggregate and expand the consortium fund, collaborating with private and institutional investors to grow initial N10 billion.

Nwagba explained that the CREDICORP would act as Fund Manager, using its expertise in consumer credit to manage loan disbursements and offer credit guarantees.

“We are setting aside a fund that will allow Nigerians specifically access credits to convert their vehicles to CNG with one to three years repayment duration.

“CREDICORP will seed the CALM Fund with N2.5 billion, ensuring that Nigerians can access affordable financing at 15 to 20 per cent per cent interest rate, through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).

“People are charged different interest rates depending on their institutions and credit worthiness, financial behaviour, earnings and diligence with paying back previously,” he said.

He said the Pi-CNG Ltd. would serve as a service provider, facilitating the conversion of vehicles to CNG through authorised centres and offering discounted conversion packages for consumers using CALM loans.

Similarly, Sir Michael Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer, Pi-CNG, said the initiative was necessitated by the president’s desire for Nigerians to be mobile and enjoy affordable, eco-friendly fuel and reliable transportation.

“The Consumer Credit Corporation is partnering with us to unveil this access for private individuals to access consumer credits to afford the cost of conversion, to enjoy the low cost of CNG and the access it gives for transportation.

“This scheme has the tendency to attract the investment that will enable these conversion kits to be manufactured domestically; another programme is being coordinated with MOFI, on domestic manufacturing capacity for the CNG sector,’’ he said.

The Pi-CNG boss said that the development would enable civil servants or workers in the organised private sector whose salaries/income could be tracked and verified by a financial institution to benefit from the fund.

He said it would naturally translate into other sectors of the economy, because the civil servants and organised private sector workers could leverage their vehicle at low cost for the economic benefit.

Dr Armstrong Takang, Managing Director, MOFI, said the fund would address the unintended consequences arising from oil subsidy reforms.

“Through flexible financing options, Nigerians will be able to obtain immediate credit to convert their vehicles to CNG and adopt solar energy solutions—reducing dependency on expensive fuels and lowering electricity bills,” he said.

The partners encouraged Nigerians to explore the opportunity by applying for CALM Fund loans through participating financial institutions (www.credicorp.ng/apply) while specific CNG conversion centres will market the options to consumers.

Nonetheless, some stakeholders have raised concerns on CNG  safety and sustained affordability.

Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, an economist and motorist, expressed worry that conversion to CNG could look like a solution, but attendant damages in the future might not be known.

“Firstly, most cars are of high quality and of high technology, built with precision; building a CNG device, which ab-initio, was not in the technical plan of the vehicles, may cause some damage to the system.

“Secondly, the high cost of conversion does not make it attractive and affordable to the middle and lower income earners,” he said.

However, a CNG conversion expert, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, dismissed CNG fears and implored Nigerians and motorists to visit standard conversion centres to convert their petrol vehicles.

The expert, who is an official of NASENI – Portland Gas Limited Conversion Centre, cautioned motorists against the patronage of roadside and amateur personnel while trying to convert their vehicles’ engine to avoid damage.

He implored motorists to engage the services of professionals at authorised standard centres and also avoid usage of inferior kits and cylinders, especially cylinders that were not completely made of steel.

According to him, some cylinders are so inferior and not good to be used, in the sense that they are made of steel and fibre.

He urged motorists to avoid such cylinders during conversion.

“We have a standard at Portland Gas Conversion Centre, we use high quality and complete steel cylinders which have heavy weight.

“CNG is good and safe, I give motorists 100 per cent confidence and assurance in ensuring that their vehicles are converted.

“The only disadvantage I see is the space in the boot which the cylinder will occupy after conversion and there is no other disadvantage.

“CNG is lighter than air; it is not like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Diesel or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) that can easily pour or spark up fire,’’ he said.

Tinubu, recently applauded Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) efforts at promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which boosted public awareness and provided affordable CNG conversion kits even before the official kickoff of the Pi-CNG.

According to Tinubu, CNG, being a cleaner and more affordable fuel, reduces the carbon footprint and saves consumers significant fuel costs.

“Nigeria’s motorists can buy petrol at N1, 000 per litre or equivalent gas per Standard Cubic Meter at N200.

“We have also introduced incentives for commercial motorists to convert from petrol to gas ‘free of cost,’” Tinubu said.

Stakeholders hold that it has become expedient for Nigeria, with its vast natural gas reserves, to make a huge stake in the global CNG revolution.

They say this should not only be due to its economic advantage but also to mitigate adverse climate impact of traditional fuel. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Health

Nasarawa public health legal assessment tool excites NCDC, RTSL 

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By Angela Atabo/Aderogba George

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), an NGO, have lauded the Nasarawa State Government for embracing the public health legal assessment system tool.

This commendation was made at a four-day workshop in Nasarawa, aimed at bolstering the state’s public health legal framework to effectively respond to public health emergencies.

Amira Abubakar, Assistant Legal Adviser at NCDC, noted that the workshop united key government stakeholders, legal experts, and public health professionals to assess the state’s existing public health laws.

The workshop is part of the Public Health Legal Reform Project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, Orixine Consulting, and RTSL.

Abubakar highlighted that NCDC, the developer of the assessment tool, was leading the evaluation to enhance Nasarawa’s public health laws.

“This move is crucial, as insufficient funding has weakened the state’s health system, with only 64 per cent of the population having access to health facilities.

“The state’s health sector is also vulnerable to environmental sanitation issues, posing threats to health and environmental conditions.

“The adoption of the public health legal assessment system tool demonstrates Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritising health, which is part of its 13-point agenda.

“”This is by strengthening its public health legal framework, the state aims to better respond to emergencies and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.”

Mr Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), stated that the global health organisation was committed to enhancing health security through financial and technical support for the workshop.

Udoh expressed pride in RTSL’s partnership with Nasarawa State, anticipating the positive impact of the reform on the state’s health security.

“Nasarawa State is leading the way in utilising this innovative tool to identify gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for strengthening its public health laws,” Udoh noted.

“The assessment will provide a critical analysis of how well the current legal framework meets the state’s health security needs.”

Arome Audu, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, expressed pride in collaborating with partners to make Nasarawa State the pioneer in conducting the workshop, utilising the newly approved NCDC subnational legal assessment tools.

Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the state as a model of public health security through a strengthened legal framework.

Represented by Alhassan Sabo, Director, Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Kana commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his maximum cooperation in achieving the project’s purpose.

Gaza Shekwonugaza, Commissioner of Health, Nasarawa State, represented by Dr Danjuma Oyinaka, Director, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, noted that adopting the public health tool marked the beginning of a journey towards a more resilient public health system.

“This initiative aligns with the Nasarawa State Government’s agenda, addressing current challenges and ensuring the state’s preparedness for future health threats.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Wike directs contractor to complete road project in 7 months

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed the contractor executing the construction of access road to Judges Quarters, CGC Nig. Ltd, to complete the project in seven months.

Wike gave the timeline during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, Abuja on Tuesday.

The project also involves the construction of internal roads within the Judges’ Quarters.

The minister explained that the seven months ultimatum was for the project to be ready for inauguration in May, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

He told the contractor that 70 per cent of the contract sum was already provided for in the budget.

“So, you have to work day and night to make sure that Mr President commissioned the project on his second year anniversary,” he said.

Beyond the city centre, the minister said that about 65-kilometre roads would be completed and inaugurated across the six area councils of the FCT.

This, he said, was contrary to the erroneous views that the FCT Administration was concentrating development at the city centre.

He added that several other projects would be initiated across some area councils in a few days.

On education, Wike said that no fewer than 25 schools have been pencilled down for total rehabilitation.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended judges in the FCT, whose commitment to justice and integrity inspires the FCT Administration to embark on the project.

“We are honoured to enhance your working environment with this new access road to the Judges’ Quarters under construction, which was designed to enhance the functionality of the judicial system.

“We have taken an important step in supporting our judiciary and reinforcing our commitment to justice.

“Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our community,” she said.

Also, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road, when completed, would open up Katampe District and other adjoining districts.

Ahmad explained that the project was a 2.7-kilometre six lane arterial road connecting Katampe with Shehu Shagari Way, with an interchange over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

“Along with this is the provision of engineering infrastructure, embodying water supply, power supply as well as storm water drainage facilities.

“We intend to provide solar street lights to light up the entire stretch of the road,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Tajudeen Abbas, described the project as a significant stride towards strengthening urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Abuja.

Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said: “Infrastructure development is not just the foundation upon which economies are built; it is the lifeblood of national progress.

“In a rapidly urbanising world, infrastructure, particularly in urban centres like Abuja, is crucial to fostering sustainable development, enhancing economic growth, and improving the well-being of our citizens.

“The construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services, which in turn spurs productivity, creates jobs, and improves the living standards of all Nigerians.”

He noted the country’s infrastructure deficit, estimated at about 3 trillion dollars, over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

He identified road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education as key areas requiring urgent attention. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Economy/Business

N20 bn annual IGR excites Gov. Sule of Nasarawa

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Governor of Nasarawa, Abdullahi Sule, says the state is one of the richest states in the federation if its potential are effectively harnessed.

Sule told newsmen in Lafiya that the state’s annual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has recorded significant increase from N7.7 billion in 2019 to more than N20 billion currently.

” We are also generating between N1.3 billion and N1.7 billion monthly,” he said.

He said that Nasarawa was blessed with hydrocarbons, solid minerals, precious metals, which are yet to be fully tapped; and a huge comparative advantage in agriculture.

He said that there was a marble site in Gudi, where a Chinese company produces tiles and other ceramic products.

“You will even be more excited if you had gone to the site of our lithium processing plant.

“There are also tin operations. These solid mineral factories are being duplicated across the state, and more companies are coming in to invest in the solid minerals sector right now.

“We pride ourselves on being the state housing the biggest lithium processing plant in the country.. These are the kinds of developments happening,” he said.

The governor said that his administration had also invested heavily in agriculture.

“Abdullahi Adamu, our first executive governor, has a farm of about 3,000 hectares.

“We have our own 10,000 hectares belonging to the state government. We have already started harvesting rice.

” We have not even signed any MoU with any buyer; instead, we are focused on harvesting the rice. We are keeping it in the warehouse, forming a pyramid of rice,” he said.

He said that the Nasarawa State Vocational and Technology Center in Lafia was one of the developmental initiatives of the state.

According to him, the idea informed by the need to produce needed artisans for Nigeria’s industrial development.

“When Dangote decided to construct the refinery at Epe, Lagos, the whole program started with the silos, the distillation unit, and some of the most sophisticated and expensive equipment.

“The manufacturers insisted that they needed skilled and certified technicians.
We needed to go to India because we couldn not find enough in Nigeria.

“Dangote imported 4,000 technicians from India. They were the only ones qualified and deployed because nobody would have that kind of installation unit and allow an unqualified mechanic to work on it.

“This is why I said that if I become the governor of Nasarawa, we will produce skilled technicians who will be ready for employment when another Dangote is looking for 4,000 skilled artisans.

“At least we can say we in Nasarawa have 500 technicians; go and find the other 3,500 elsewhere. This is my motivation and my dream,” he said.

Sule said that the state was committed to uplifting the standard of women and other vulnerable groups.

According to him , the government recently inaugurated a gender document, the first in the country.

He said that It was all about women, and is part of the Human Capital Development Agency, chaired by the Deputy Governor.

“All these initiatives are geared towards helping women.

“Nasarawa is a pacesetter when it comes to women taking the lead in leadership and careers.

” For the first time, a woman is the Chief Justice of Nasarawa, and for the first time, we have a woman as Vice Chancellor of the state university.

“This is part of my administration’s vision to empower women, and the reason is that I have had some very important women who played key roles in my life, and I have seen their impact,” he said.

The governor expressed commitment to providing quality infrastructure in the rural areas.

According to him, the wealth of Nasarawa is in the villages.

“The farming areas and the minerals we are discussing are located in the villages.

“The activities that will truly bring wealth to Nasarawa are in the villages. One of the things we must do is empower the villages to foster a sense of belonging.

” Our administration is committed to inclusivity. We do not want anyone to be left out.

“Youth, women, or the elderly; everyone is included. That is why we are providing training and skill acquisition for young people who have just graduated from school.

“We are also doing it for those who are retiring. We want the entire value chain to be incorporated,” he said.

He said that, though Nasarawa was among the states receiving the least allocation from the federal government, it remained one of the states with the greatest potential in human and capital resources.

“We have mineral resources, oil and gas. Oil drilling is taking place in Obi Local Government Area,

“Our state is one of only three states in the North where oil exploration is happening. For this reason, Nasarawa can not be poor,” he said.

He said that the state government was not borrowing money to execute any of its projects.

“Since I came in, we have not gone to the bank to borrow money. This is a mentality I brought from the private sector; we should not rely on borrowing.

“I decided to close all loopholes. There is a lot of money in Nasarawa, especially in internally generated revenue, but there are also many leakages.

“Our aim is to block these leakages, but we still have a long way to go in terms of revenue generation for the state,” he said.

Sule said that the government was also exploring other sources of revenue.

He said that proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was also a major advantage for Nasarawa.

“You will see many projects motivated by our closeness to the FCT, especially in relation to housing.

“These projects are targeted at wealthy individuals living in the FCT, encouraging them to come to Nasarawa. That is one of our strategies,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Metro

Tinubu approves owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved owner-occupier housing scheme for judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stated this at the groundbreaking of 40 housing units Judges’ Quarters project, at Katampe District, Abuja on Monday.

The 40 housing units was for judicial officers of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and FCT High Court.

Wike said that 70 per cent of the project’s budget, which covers furnishing has been provided, adding that the contractor was expected to hand over the completed project in 15 months.

The gesture,  he said, was part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of judicial officers in the country in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that Tinubu was working tirelessly to ensure the independence of the judiciary, through improved welfare packages and condition of service.

The minister said that another condition of service that was very critical in insulating the judiciary from interference and manipulation by the executive and legislative arms of government was housing.

Wike said the president had approved the owner-occupier housing for the judges so they could have their own home at retirement.

“With that, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate or interfere with their duties. When you have a home, what are you afraid of?

“When you know that salaries and allowances will be paid when you are retired, when you know that your tenure of office is guaranteed, anybody would be firm, anybody would be courageous to do his work or her work,” he said.

Wike said the gesture was also part of FCT Administration’s efforts to render services to every Nigerian, who comes to FCT to carry out businesses or want to reside in Abuja.

He said that 20 additional houses would be provided in 2025 to the FCT judiciary and the Industrial Court, so they could also benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister explained that the land, upon which the houses would be built was revoked from Julius Berger for failing to develop it, 20 years after it was allocated to the company.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, lauded the gesture, describing it as a significant milestone in the federal government and FCT Administration’s efforts to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the territory.

According to her, the judiciary plays a critical role in safeguarding the rule of law, upholding justice and protecting the rights of citizens.

“In fulfilling this rule, judicial officers must have the right tools and environments to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality and integrity.

“Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to the ability of judicial officers to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.

“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.

Kekere-Ekun said that the construction of the houses was a practical step towards ensuring that judicial officers were well supported.

She said that the houses would provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling the judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency and clarity of mind.

“By making this investment, the FCT Administration has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the unique needs of the judiciary,” she said.

Also, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State, FCT, described Wike’s commitment towards enhancing infrastructure for the judiciary as “invaluable and inspiring”.

Mahmoud urged for stakeholders’ support to create a space that reflects the nation’s values and commitment to justice. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Politics

Lawmaker installs streetlights to address energy poverty in Kaura LGA

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By Philip Yatai

Rep. Donatus Mathew (LP-Kaduna) has installed solar-powered streetlights in rural communities in Kaura Local Government Area of the state to address energy poverty in furtherance of his constituency projects.

Mathew told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, that rural electricity, though very critical, has always been in short supply for both households and small businesses in remote communities.

According to the lawmaker representing Kaura Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, power is very critical to improving the quality of lives of the rural population.

“Most times, particularly during the rainy season, electricity from the national grid is always off, and people are than left in the dark.

“This is making it very difficult for people to carry out their commercial and everyday activities.

“The epileptic supply of electricity in rural areas also allows criminal elements to carry out their evil in the dark unabated.

“It is also challenging for people to carry their sick ones to the hospital at night because it is usually dark everywhere due to the lack of constant supply of electricity,” he said.

The lawmaker told NAN that to address the challenge, he has provided solar panels and accessories for installation in strategic locations.

He added that streetlights were being installed across all the political wards in the local government area to ensure that no community is left out.

“So far, we have installed more than 200 solar streetlights, and more are coming until we saturate most communities in my constituency.

“This sustainable renewable energy will brighten various communities and villages at night,” Mathew added.

He described rural energy poverty as a complex and multi-dimensional issue that must be addressed to give rural dwellers a sense of belonging.

This, he said, would have a significant impact on residents’ quality of life and health, individual income and welfare.

“If we light up our rural communities, economic activities will flourish, people will move around easily in the dark and quality of life would improve.

“What we are doing may seem small but the impact is beyond measure,” he said.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to sustaining the implementation of people-oriented projects that would impact lives. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Metro

FCTA begins post-development audit of  buildings in FCT

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By Philip Yatai/Angela Atabo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun a post-development audit of buildings in the FCT.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), made this known while inaugurating a Ministerial Committee on Post-Development Audit of Buildings in the FCT.

Obuah explained while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Thursday that the Abuja Master Plan, developed in 1979 provides the roadmap for the orderly development of the nation’s capital city, Abuja.

According to him, the overarching goal is to build one of the most prestigious and modernist cities in the world.

He pointed out that over the years, the FCTA has been able to develop many phases of the city, districts and neighbourhoods.

“We have equally been able to develop critical infrastructures that provide circulatory road systems, metro lines and stations, sewer lines and drainages, among others.

“Today the city can boast of many iconic landmark developments such as the National Mosque, the National Christian Center, the National Assembly Complex, and the Supreme Court Complex.

“Others are the World Trade Centre, Abuja – the tallest building in the city with 22 floors, the CBN Complex, and many other iconic buildings of international repute and reference points for tourists.

“All these attests to the fact that our city has come to stay; our city has developed substantially from Phase 1 through Phase 3 while the other phases are equally being developed.

“Nonetheless, it becomes imperative too, that at this juncture of the city’s development, we take a cursory look at our journey in terms of what we have so far developed, the trend and chart a more robust course for the city’s development,” he said.

He said that it was on these grounds that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved the constitution of the committee to audit the post- development of the city’s buildings.

He said that the committee, which would be chaired by Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, would be expected to provide accurate records of all development permits issued.

This, he said, would reduce the cases of unapproved development, illegal conversion of land use, and land grabbing.

He added that the committee would also provide data on the consumption of the city’s utilities and services such as water, electricity and connectivity to sewer lines.

This, according to him, will expose illegal connections to the facilities which is denying the government its due revenues.

“The committee will also provide data for accurate taxation and enhanced revenue generation by bringing all buildings and properties to the FCT Internal Revenue Tax Net.

“This will generate billions of Naira for the FCT Administration.

“Another task for the committee is the provision of data on research on city planning, development and management.

“Some of the buildings will be subjected to integrity tests to reduce cases of building collapse and hazards,” he said.

The coordinator said that members of the committee were drawn from all the departments in the FCTA and expected to conclude the tasks in six months.

He assured the committee members of the FCT Minister’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics to ensure the success of the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Galadima noted the need for the FCTA to document all activities, in terms of structures, services, and facilities.

He said that the committee would deliver on its mandate as expected. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Politics

Wike, 27 Rivers lawmakers not APC members – APC Chairman 

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By Angela Atabo

Dr Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), in Rivers,  has said that FCT minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of the APC.

He told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that the 27 Rivers lawmakers currently in a bitter political struggle with Gov. Siminalayi Fubara were also not members of the APC.

“People say Wike has decamped to the APC. They also say that the 27 lawmakers currently fighting with Fubara have defected to the APC.

“I need to make this clear to everyone. Much as I wish to have them in my fold, none of them has agreed to join us.

“I am the one that should  know if they did. But, clearly, they have not.

“What the lawmakers did was a political gimmick.

“I tried to woo them, but they kept vacillating and did not.

“To defect, they must go to their wards, register and get their membership cards. None  of them has done that,” he said.

Okocha was particularly categorical in declaring that Wike would not leave the PDP.

“Wike will never leave the  PDP.

“He has always said that PDP made him what he is. He has always said that he would remain there.

“He is an ardent believer in PDP. He is not likely to leave that group,” Okocha said.

He, however, said that Wike is a member of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In Rivers, I am 001 in APC, but in the Renewed Hope Agenda, I am 002. Wike is 001,” he explained.

He also spoke on Wike’s influence on Rivers’ politics

“Wike has done so much for Rivers, so he is strong.

“In the next 10 years, Wike will continue to influence the political direction in Rivers.

“It will be difficult to uproot him.

“Aside from his many projects scattered throughout the state, he has touched people’s lives directly. Such people will always be behind him,” he said.

He described Wike as a politician that could identify with every good cause irrespective of political party.

“Once the cause is good and will give him a platform to serve his people, Wike will be part of it,” Okocha said.(NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai/Ephraims Sheyin

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers
Politics

Gov Fubara’s judicial panel a witch hunt – Rivers APC chair

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By Angela Atabo

Dr Tony Okocha, Acting Chairman of the All Progressive Congress(APC), in Rivers, has described the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the burning of local government offices as “an attempt to witch hunt”.

“The Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the bombing of Local Government offices is just a witch hunt.

“The governor merely wants to use it to deal with his perceived enemies,” Okocha told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Gov Siminalayi Fubara recently  inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings and destruction at various local government council secretariats in the state.

The seven-member panel, which has one month to conclude its assignment, has Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri as Chairman and Mrs. Inyingi Brown as Secretary.

It is expected to investigate the attacks and burning of local government councils’ secretariats on October 7, 2024, shortly after newly elected local government officers were sworn in.

Okocha, while faulting the governor’s action, said that there was no sincerity in it.

“The said election itself was illegal and, thus, a nullity.

“The governor has said that he knows the people that attacked the local government secretariats.

“If he knows the people, why not just ask the Police to arrest them? Why is he setting up a judicial commission of enquiry?”.

Okocha said that he would take the probe seriously if it is stretched  to include all issues of arson that the state had suffered in the past.

“If the governor really wants justice, the terms of reference of the commission should be all-inclusive.

“All issues of bombing should be probed. The House of Assembly bombing should be probed.

“We also want the bombing of the APC State headquarters to be probed. We do not want selective probes. We want to see genuine search for justice.

“Let’s have a full package  that involves all cases of arson. That is the only way the Rivers government can do justice,” he said.

On whether he would appear before the panel if invited to do so, Okocha said he would  appear before it “if it will probe all incidents of arson in Rivers”.

“Yes, I will appear before the panel if all cases of arson in Rivers are included in its assignment,” he said.

Okocha regretted that the state had become “a Rivers of trouble”, and blamed the situation on “the man who should protect everyone”.

“The governor is supposed to be the chief law officer, but he has failed in that crucial  task.

“We have a valid court judgement that stopped the local government election.

“It is that judgement that stopped the Police, security agencies and INEC from participating in the elections.

“Strangely, in spite of all, the governor went ahead with the elections. So, clearly, it is a nullity.”

On the cause of political upheavals in Rivers, Okocha declared that “Fubara is fighting himself”.

“The governor is fighting himself; the APC is only beginning to get strong now.

“We used to be just a social club as we have never won any election in Rivers.

“The PDP won the governorship seat in addition to the three Senate slots, the 12 seats in the House of Representatives and the 32 state assembly seats.

“So, it is one party fighting itself. The party was elected to serve, but what we are being served  is trouble,” he fumed.

He said 14 people aspired to govern the state on the PDP platform, but Fubara, “the least of them”, got the ticket and became governor.

“It means he was favoured over others. People were ignored in his favour and they are angry. Those are the people fighting him,” Okocha said.

The APC chairman expressed optimism that  Fubara’s squabble with his party would favour the APC in 2027.

“As the crisis festers, there is no project to Fubara’s name. He has not done anything to the Rivers people in close to two years.

“As a virile opposition, we are taking the governor on many issues.

“We want to demarket him so that we shall win the seat in 2027,” he said.

Okocha said that peace would have returned to Rivers State if Fubara had listened to President Bola Tinubu’s counsel.

“When Rivers was about to get burnt, President Tinubu stepped in to broker peace.

“He suggested that all court cases should be withdrawn and the Budget be re-presented before the House of Assembly.

“He also suggested that members of the House of Assembly should be given access to state matters.

“I recall that Fubara agreed and told Mr President that peace was priceless while terror was senseless, but we got a different thing when we returned home,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai/Ephraims Sheyin

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