NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Performance management system critical in achieving housing mandate-Minister
Metro

Performance management system critical in achieving housing mandate-Minister

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By Angela Atabo

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has emphasised that the Performance Management System (PMS) is playing a critical role in delivering the government’s housing mandate.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Alhaji Ahmed Dangiwa, said this at the Ministerial Retreat on Performance Management System (PMS) and signing of the 2025 Director’s Performance Contract in Abuja on Thursday.

The theme of the retreat is “Accelerating Service Delivery through Performance Contracting and Strategic Alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Dangiwa explained that the Presidential Performance Bond signed by all ministers was a contract with Nigerians, adding that it heightened public expectation and direct presidential oversight of results.

According to him, PMS is monitored through performance dashboards and scorecards developed by the Central Delivery Coordinating Unit (CDCU) under the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

“As a ministry, our 2025 deliverables are therefore clear, measurable, and imperative.

“They include: the construction of 20,000 housing units nationwide, as part of the Renewed Hope Housing Programme; and the development of fiscal incentives to attract private investors into local production of building materials and components.

“It also includes deepening and expansion of land registration and documentation programmes to secure land tenure and enable investment.”

Dangiwa added that the deliverables included the establishment of a National Land Commission to institutionalise land reforms and drive coordinated land administration nationally and full implementation of PMS in all departments.

According to the minister, these are not aspirational goals, they are concrete deliverables, each tied directly to national priorities and Presidential mandates.

“With two years now behind us, we have entered what I often refer to as the “Era of Evidence” a phase where the success of governance is measured not by policy intentions, but by tangible outcomes and verified results.

“President Bola Tinubu has articulated a bold and inclusive vision for a Renewed Hope Agenda, one that promises dignity, opportunity, prosperity, and decent shelter for all Nigerians. Our ministry is central to this agenda.”

Dangiwa said through housing development, land reforms, urban planning, and regulatory innovation, the ministry was positioned to unlock not just homes, but hope, jobs, equity, security, and national pride.

He said the ministry’s Accelerative Roadmap for 2025 for achieving the deliverables included the delivery of 20,000 affordable housing units nationwide to provide decent shelter, stimulate job creation, improve livelihoods, and contribute to national economic growth.

He said every department must identify and eliminate the bottlenecks slowing down the effort, from procurement to site preparation, from approvals to disbursements.

He said another delivery was the development of fiscal incentives to reduce cost of construction and attract private investment in local building material production.

He said access to land remained a critical enabler for housing development central therefore; the National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP) needed be expanded to evolve into a national platform.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said the retreat offered the opportunity to align the ministry’s deliverables with national priorities and operationalise PMS as an essential tool for driving institutional efficiency and accountability.

Belgore said the maiden edition of the retreat held in 2024 and was instrumental in identifying and articulating the ministry’s priorities and deliverables under the Presidential Priorities aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“In line with this directive, our ministry is fully committed to complying with all outlined requirements within the stipulated timeline.

“Achieving this will, however, require our collective resolve, active participation, and unwavering dedication to the implementation of the PMS.”

Belgore said the ministry would offer leadership by investing in digital tools, providing clear policy direction, support oversight for PMS execution and fostering a culture of transparency, feedback and collaboration among others.

The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Mukhtar Iliyasu, said the retreat was convened in accordance with the directive of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, as outlined in the circular of 11th March, 2025.

Iliyasu said in 2024, the ministry recorded remarkable progress and the 2025 retreat would review the 2024 performance, agreeing on performance expectations and facilitate the signing of the 2025 Performance Contracts across all levels.

“It is important to reiterate that non-compliance with PMS guidelines, as emphasised by the Head of Service, will attract sanctions.

“We are firmly in the era of accountability and result-based management. The business-as-usual approach is no longer acceptable,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

FCSC reaffirms commitment to merit-based reforms, strategic civil service overhaul
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FCSC reaffirms commitment to merit-based reforms, strategic civil service overhaul

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By Okon Okon

The Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, says the commission is committed to restoring merit, professionalism and strategic focus in the Nigerian Civil Service as part of ongoing reform efforts.

Olaopa stated this at the close of a three-day Strategic Development Retreat organised for commissioners and staff of the commission in Abuja.

He explained that the retreat was a direct response to President Bola Tinubu’s charge on Dec. 13, 2023, for a complete transformation, reorientation and digitisation of the federal bureaucracy to enhance productivity.

He said this was in addition to support private sector-led growth in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He noted that on assuming office, the commission’s leadership undertook a rapid diagnostic assessment, which revealed a pressing need to shift from a patronage-driven structure to a system rooted in merit, efficiency and excellence.”

According to him, this realisation, along with the administration’s ambition to grow Nigeria’s economy to 1 trillion dollars by 2030, informed the decision to develop the commission’s first-ever strategic plan in its 71-year history.

“The retreat, held with technical support from the partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PAGE) a UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) programme focused on re-engineering the FCSC for better delivery of its core mandate.

“Key outcomes of the retreat include a cross-national comparative analysis of global best practices, covering civil service commissions in the U.S., UK, Canada, South Africa, Kenya and Malawi.

“Lessons were also drawn from institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“Participants also undertook a revalidation of the commission’s vision, mission and core values; developed a draft strategic plan; and conducted a comprehensive PESTLE and SWOT analysis to understand internal and external factors affecting the commission’s performance.”

The chairman of the FCSC also said that retreat addressed stakeholder mapping and examined the erosion of meritocracy in human resource management.

He noted that while the civil service was not overstaffed in absolute terms, a mismatch of skills and functions had hindered productivity.

“The commission reaffirms its commitment to restoring the principle of merit as the cornerstone of recruitment, promotion and discipline within the federal civil service,” he said.

Olaopa said that the commission as part of its resolution agreed to finalise a five-year strategic plan (2025 to 2029), introduce a performance-managed secretariat, and link annual promotions to measurable outcomes and accountability.

“It will also pursue the following key goals; institutionalise a transparent, technology-driven recruitment system, introduce a performance-based promotion framework and strengthen ethical disciplinary procedures.

“It will further establish a culture of recognition and reward, reposition the FCSC as a reform-driven body aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

He emphasised that these reforms were crucial to restoring public trust, enhancing service delivery, and supporting the current administration’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

“We are resolute to implement the reforms and position the FCSC as a model for public sector excellence in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

FCT primary teachers to call off strike following Wike’s intervention  
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FCT primary teachers to call off strike following Wike’s intervention  

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By Philip Yatai

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), may soon call off the three-month primary school teachers’ strike, following the intervention of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Chief of Staff to the minister, Mr Chidi Amadi disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, after a closed-door meeting with the area council chairmen, leadership of the NUT, and representatives of the FCT Administration.

Other participants at the meeting, he said, included representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANs) and the National Assembly.

Amadi explained that the meeting was convened by the minister, in addition to previous interventions to find a lasting solution to the prolonged teachers’ strike.

According to him, after extensive deliberation, a decision was reached to put the issues to rest.

He announced that part of the resolution was to withhold the 10 per cent accrued Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the past six months.

He explained that the funds would be used to settle 70 per cent of the minimum wage owed the teachers.

“Although it will not cover 100 per cent of the debt for now, it will cover about 70 per cent. This is a laudable move towards addressing the fracas once and for all.

The chief of staff added that the minister had also directed that a Special Committee be constituted, composed of three members of NUT, two members from FCTA, one of the area council chairmen and representative of NANs.

He added that the committee would revisit all the other outstanding issues and within the next two weeks, submit a report detailing how the other outstanding issues would be permanently addressed.

“In addition to addressing the issues of the primary school teachers, Wike had taken a decision to address all outstanding issues of the local government employees.

“The minister pledged to personally intervene to ensure that their demands are addressed by the FCTA.

“This is to ensure that the area councils resume full operations effectively immediately.

Speaking on behalf of the area council chairmen, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, acknowledged the resolution, saying “although it was not in favour of the area councils, it was necessary to resolve the issues.

“Six months of our IGR had been held to settle this issue. Ours at this point is to appeal to NUT to consider our children and call off the strike.

“Please NUT, we are calling on you to respect the fact that the minister has taken his time to resolve this matter.

“Wike had clearly stated that by law, he has no right to take the 10 per cent IGR of the area councils to clear the outstanding debt of the teachers.

“However, the chairmen have all agreed because they also, collectively, want an end to the strike and so we have agreed that the 10 per cent IGR should go to the teachers”.

He expressed optimism that the strike would be called off before Friday, so that children would go back to school.

Also, the National President of NANs, Olushola Oladoja, lauded the resolutions and expressed hope that the outcome would finally put the matter to rest and the teachers return to class.

Oladoja commended the minister for taking the bold step, stressing that any of the council chairmen could take him to court over such a decision.

“However, I believe because the council chairmen also want the issue resolved, they have no option but to concede the IGR for six months,” he said.

On his part, the NUT Chairman, Mohammed Shafa, acknowledged the deliberation, but said he would get back to the NUT State Executive Council, where the final decision would be taken.

The news Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the teachers had embarked on the strike in March over non-implementation of minimum wage

Other issues included non-implementation and payment of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increase, and non-implementation and payment of 40 per cent peculiar allowance.

The union were also demanding the payment of the N35,000 wage award and the implementation of the template on outstanding entitlements of teachers as agreed in 2022. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Be gender responsive in your policies – Women Engineers tell govts, industry leaders
Metro

Be gender responsive in your policies – Women Engineers tell govts, industry leaders

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By Angela Aatabo

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called on governments at all levels and industry leaders to be gender-responsive in their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) policies.

The President of APWEN, Dr Adebisi Osim, made the call at an event to mark the 2025 International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme for this year’s day is “Together We Engineer: Advancing Women’s Leadership in Engineering”.

Osim said the call was imperative in order to promote inclusion in tandem with this year’s theme.

Quoting the UNESCO’s 2023 Science Report, Osim said only 28 per cent of the world’s engineering graduates are women, and even fewer rise to leadership roles.

She added that in Nigeria, the figure is lower. Specifically, from the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria 2022 data (COREN 2022), about 15 per cent of registered engineers are women,

She explained that the low number of women in engineering was not due to lack of talent, but as a result of systemic barriers, stereotypes, and a lack of enabling structures.

“So, the question before us is: How do we change that? How do we, together, give women engineers a better path?

“It can be done through mentorship and sponsorship. Every woman is a mentor-in-waiting. Let us take deliberate steps to lift others as we climb.

“Another way is through policy and advocacy.  We must continue to engage with policymakers to make STEM education accessible to girls.

“I call on government and industry leaders to support gender-responsive STEM policies and fund women-led engineering innovations.”

Osim underscored the need to leverage digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, stressing that the future of engineering is digital.

She advocated for women engineers to be equipped with AI, automation and data analytics skills.

The president also advocated that work-life integration should be supported, so that leadership would not come at the cost of well-being.

“APWEN is exploring flexible work programmes and wellness initiatives for our members, because we believe that a supported woman leads better,” she said.

Osim, therefore, encouraged women and men to continue to create awareness on equipping girls in STEM and mentor one more student.

The National Vice Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Water Engineers (NIWE), Temitope Aboyeji in a presentation titled “Engineering Inclusion: Building Gender-Balanced Leadership Teams for a Sustainable Future” called for enforcement of gender policies.

According to Aboyeji, this would support diversity, equity and inclusion of women in leadership pipelines.

According to her, engineering inclusion is the intentional effort to ensure that individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds have equal access and opportunity to contribute to the engineering profession.

She said this involved removing biases, ensuring access, and building a culture where everyone regardless of gender, race, or background can thrive.

She said it combines diversity, equity, and belonging into the engineering profession.

“The future of engineering depends on inclusion. For too long, the field has struggled with gender imbalance, limiting innovation and sidelining valuable perspectives.

“Engineering inclusion means more than just increasing numbers- it means creating environments where women and men contribute equally, lead confidently, and collaborate effectively.

“Gender-balanced teams are proven to be more creative,’’ she said.

Aboyeji said women engineers bring unique insights that enhance the relevance and effectiveness of engineering solutions.

“To build such teams, we must break down systemic barriers through targeted education policies, mentorship programmes and workplace inclusion strategies.

“Creating environments where all voices are valued, empowers more young women to pursue and thrive in engineering careers.

“Engineering inclusion is neither charity nor fairness, it is a strategic imperative, a mark of smart and forward-thinking leadership for teams and organisations, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

BCDA to execute life-changing interventions in 250 border communities
Metro

BCDA to execute life-changing interventions in 250 border communities

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By Philip Yatai

The Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) says it has concluded plans to intervene in more than 250 border communities with life-changing services within the year.

The Executive Secretary, Dr Dax George-Kelly, disclosed this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day, in Abuja.

The event was organised by the National Boundary Commission with the theme, “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross Border Cooperation”.

George-Kelly told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the event, that the interventions would cover water supply, education support and construction of schools.

He said others include provision of health services, empowerment programmes, agricultural inputs and social welfare.

He explained that there were over 3,000 border communities spread across 21 states and 105 local government areas in the country.

The secretary added that the population of the border community was more than 20 million people, representing about 14 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

According to him, the people, for a long time, have been neglected.

He, however, said that President Bola Tinubu has brought renewed hope to border community dwellers with the planned interventions in more than 250 border communities this year.

George-Kelly said that the intervention would be spread across 21 states covered by the agency.

“That is something that has never happened before in the history of this country and so, a lot will be happening.

“Like I have always said, to transform border communities requires inter-agency collaboration, especially in terms of security.

“That is why we are here today and that is what we are going to be doing going forward,” he said.

The executive secretary acknowledged a lot of ungoverned spaces in border communities, stressing the need to invest in infrastructure in the areas.

This, according to him, will make the border communities’ dwellers to feel government presence.

“Otherwise, they will be more loyal to smugglers who provide them with some form of amenities.

“This is a matter of emergency because access to most border communities is difficult; access to water is difficult, while access to education and health remain a problem.

“So, for us, we are in a hurry to intervene in all these communities,” he said.

George-Kelly disclosed that the agency would soon conclude partnership with China to change the socio-economic status of some border communities, beginning with Maigatari in Jigawa.

He explained that the partnership, when concluded, would attract Chinese investment, and would lead to the export of cattle from some border communities to China.

He added that the export would be more than 20,000 metric tonnes monthly, amounting to 240,000 metric tonnes annually.

“We are also going to be looking at potentials of all border communities,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Sandra Umeh

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 2 key Lagos roads
Metro

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 2 key Lagos roads

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By Aderonke Ojediran

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Wednesday, inaugurated two key link roads in different parts of the state.

The roads are Dopemu Road in Agege, now renamed Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road, and the newly reconstructed Abaranje Road in Igando/Ikotun LCDA.

Addressing community leaders, officials, and residents, Sanwo-Olu described the roads as transformative interventions for the affected communities.

He said the projects were designed to ease traffic congestion, reduce flooding, and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding areas.

“This is more than just a road project; it is a life-changing development for residents and businesses,” the governor said.

He added that the reconstruction showed his administration’s strong commitment to inclusive and equitable development across the state.

“We are deliberately targeting neglected but strategic corridors to improve mobility and reduce travel time for all Lagosians,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu noted the infrastructure would boost property values and attract commercial activities to the area.

He gave assurances that other bad roads, including Ikotun Roundabout, Akesan, and Ijedodo, would be fixed soon.

The governor urged residents to take joint responsibility for public infrastructure and guard against acts of vandalism.

“Infrastructure is a shared resource. Sustainability depends on how well we preserve and maintain it,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Also speaking, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, highlighted Abaranje Road’s strategic importance in the state’s development.

He noted that Abaranje Road was once narrow, flood-prone, and filled with failed portions, but has now been fully transformed.

“It is now a dual carriageway with proper drainage, pedestrian walkways, solar-powered lights, and interlocking pavement,” Daramola said.

He described the project as proof of the administration’s resolve to bridge infrastructure gaps and ease daily challenges for residents.

The 3.86-kilometre Abaranje Road connects many Alimosho communities and strengthens Lagos State’s expanding road network.

The upgraded Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road in Agege links Akowonjo Road, Old Ipaja Road, and the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

It forms a vital connection between Agege and Alimosho Local Government Areas, improving access and traffic flow.

A commuter, Bidemi Iyiola, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the roads had transformed the community’s transport experience.

“This road was terrible, especially during the rains, but now it is smooth, well-lit, and safer. It’s a big relief,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 
Metro

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement over the engagement of indigenous contractors in the delivery of roads and other projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu gave the nod in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the development as remarkable and worthy of celebration.

He said that the road projects being inaugurated were awarded to an indigenous contractor, adding that the decision by the administration was deliberate.

“It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity; we are creating jobs; we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.

“This project, therefore, is not just a success story of development; it is a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence,” he said.

Tinubu noted that for too long, the journey between Ushafa and the War College and Army Checkpoint had been a test of endurance.

He added that every commuter, every trader, every student and every health worker, who has travelled this road had borne the burden of delay and difficulties.

“That story changes today. With this project, we have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity.

“The dualised and upgraded roads would not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt; beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of my administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

From left: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the inauguration of dualized Ushafa to War College/ Army Checkpoint Roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Wednesday.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for his commitment to ensuring that no community in the territory was left behind.

He said that Wike’s vision of an integrated capital city, where development was not confined to the city centre but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with his “Renewed Hope agenda”.

“I am convinced, and I believe you too, that we cannot truly build a modern, functional capital city unless we ensure that every district, every council, every ward is connected and empowered.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing.

“It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works, and indeed, Abuja is working,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 16.4-kilometre road project was awarded to Abdul Val Construction Company in line with Tinubu administration’s directive to encourage local contractors.

“I agree with Mr President; we must build our own,” he said.

The minister said he was sceptical about the capacity of the contractor to deliver, adding, however, that after about 15 inspection visits, the contractor had delivered on time and within expected standard.

He commended Tinubu for identifying with residents of satellite towns through execution of various life-impacting projects.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s support had continued to open up new corridors of growth and development across the FCT.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration would work tirelessly to bring more dividends of democracy to every part of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 
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Wike meets area council chairmen, NUT, NANs over teachers’ strike 

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, will meet with chairmen of FCT area councils, leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and National Association of Nigeria Students (NANs) on Thursday.

The meeting, according to a statement by NANs in Abuja on Wednesday, is to finalise modalities for the reopening of all public primary schools in the FCT.

The statement was signed by NANs National President, Olushola Oladoja and the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa.

The association explained that it had earlier resolved to stage a mass protest Wednesday morning at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Secretariat.

It added that its leadership was invited to a high-level engagement at the Department of State Services (DSS) Headquarters, where the issues at hand were thoroughly discussed in the interest of national security and students’ welfare.

It said that the first meeting at the DSS paved the way for a second strategic meeting with the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara.

NANs said that the engagement revealed the root causes of the ongoing industrial action by the NUT and the efforts made thus far by the Wike-led FCTA.

It added that a third meeting was held with Wike on Tuesday, where the minister explained the issues at hand.

“That the FCT remains the only unit of the federation operating full local government autonomy, hence all salary payments, including that of primary school teachers, are the sole responsibility of the area councils.

“The FCT Administration is not directly responsible for the backlog of teachers’ salaries and therefore should not be held solely accountable for the inadequacies of the area councils.

“In a show of responsibility and commitment to resolving the crisis, Wike intervened by proposing a bailout—with FCTA offering to pay 60 per cent of the outstanding arrears while the area councils cover the remaining 40 per cent.

“When it became clear that this arrangement was not yielding desired results, the FCT minister withheld the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the area councils for the months of May and June, with a plan to utilize these funds to make up the 40 per cent requested of area council to clear the outstanding arrears owed to teachers.

“That based on this intervention, it was expected that the two-month arrears withheld be ready before the end of the week,” it said.

The association said that based on the productive engagements and emerging progress, it hereby suspends the planned protest while keeping close tabs on the implementation of all resolutions reached.

“We reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian students and ensuring that no child is denied access to education due to governmental lapses,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja
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FCT emergency department barricades flood-prone slip road in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has barricaded the slip road connecting Goodluck Jonathan Expressway with Ring Road II at Galadimawa Interchange, Abuja.

The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the move was to prevent vehicular movement due to recurrent flooding on the road.

Mohammed explained that the road was usually flooded every rainy season, adding that the water level on the slip road was already building up.

According to him, barricading the road is part of being proactive to ensure that no life is lost to flooding on the road, thereby saving lives and property.

“Recalled that heavy floods on the slip road in 2019 claimed the life of Director of Finance of the FCT High Court, Mr Tony Okecheme.

“We decided to close the slip road to vehicular movement today due to the rising water level, posing a serious danger to motorists.”

He appealed to residents of the FCT for their understanding, and urged motorists to seek alternative routes.

He further appealed to residents against driving through a pool of water but wait for it to recede, calling on residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of a disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT
Metro

Tinubu promises continued funding of life-impacting projects in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s continued support to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue delivering life-impacting projects in the territory.

Tinubu made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, while inaugurating the newly constructed Collector Road CN-8 (Asuquo Okon Street) and other connected roads in Dakibiyu District.

The road stretches from Arterial Road N-5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) in Jabi District, to the Arterial Road N-1 (Olushegun Obasanjo Way) in Dakibiyu District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said this administration remained steadfast in its support for the FCT Administration.

He commended Wike’s efforts, “whose sense of urgency in the execution of projects is well known to Nigerians”.

Tinubu said: The capital of this nation must reflect the strength and dignity of all who call it home.

“We are determined to ensure that development knows no postcode, that governance does not discriminate, and that the dignity of our citizens is not defined by their geography.

“We will continue to provide the resources, policy backing, and institutional cooperation needed to ensure that projects like this are delivered on time and to the highest standards.

“Our goal is to build a capital that works for everyone.

“So, as we commission this road, let it be a symbol not just of connectivity but of commitment, not just of movement but of momentum”.

The President stressed that there was no louder proof of a government’s seriousness than the modernisation of its cities.

He added: “When a city works, when its roads are paved, when its lights are on, and when its traffic flows smoothly, it tells the world that its government is not just present but purposeful.

“Infrastructure, after all, is not just about concrete and steel. It is the most persuasive advertisement of leadership, of order, and of vision.

“A modern city inspires confidence, attracts investment, and most importantly, restores the dignity of those who call it home.

“That is why today’s occasion is not just about commissioning a road, it is a grand reassurance that cities must work for their people and that a functioning capital is the foundation upon which a functioning nation is built”.

The president said that, for too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of communities in Dakibiyu District.

He added that the newly constructed roads would breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen and long waiting to be served.

According to him, the dividends of the project are immediate and enduring.

“Communities will flourish, congestion will ease, and most critically, livelihoods will thrive.

“Shops will open, markets will thrive, children will return to school faster, emergency services will arrive quicker.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope; not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact; not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he said

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu-led Federal Executive Council for approving the project which began in October 2024.

He explained that the project became necessary due to the terrible state of the road leading to several government institutions in the area.

“Your Excellency, I thank you for your continued support, and we will continue to solicit for more,” he said.

Similarly, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has continued to bring tangible transformation to the FCT.

Mahmoud described the project as, yet another testament to Tinubu administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural development and inclusive urban growth. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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