News Agency of Nigeria
Blue economy: NBC delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries to maximise benefits

Blue economy: NBC delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries to maximise benefits

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries with its neighbours to maximise the country’s growing blue economy.

The NBC Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the commission had made progress in delineating Nigeria’s maritime boundaries with Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Ghana.

“For Ghana, there has been some stalemate in terms of our efforts to define the boundary, but we’ve gotten them back on track and we are making progress.

“We have plans to meet to continue the progress this year to make sure that we define the boundaries.

“For the maritime boundary between us and Equatorial Guinea, we’re also managing it properly.

“We also have plans, this year, to continue with the discussions towards defining the remaining aspect – the remaining length of the boundary that is still outstanding, about three nautical miles,” he said.

Adaji said that the effort was to make sure that Nigeria’s maritime territories were well defined, secured and protected.

He added that in line with promotion of the blue economy, the resources in the affected maritime boundaries would be defined for proper management.

Speaking on Nigeria’s extended continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles by the UN, the D-G said that the government would soon roll out plans to harness its resources.

He also disclosed the possibility of Nigeria getting additional extension of the continental shelf.

“After getting more, the government will now commence processes of trying to see how they can maximize all the benefits.

“This is because that area is an area where we have resources that can benefit the country. For example, we have minerals like hydrocarbons and metallic modules that can be of benefit to the country.

“There are other resources, which by the time we start exploration, they will be of great benefit to the country,” he said.

Speaking on securing the maritime boundaries, Adaji said that a committee had been set up under the Ministry of Defence along with Nigeria’s neighbours to provide adequate security for the maritime sector.

Stressing the need for the combined efforts, the D-G said “we are working closely with our neighbours to make sure that we jointly patrol the area and ensure maximum security for the maritime sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Umar-Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan

Umar-Bago moves to modernise Bida with 20-year dev’t plan

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger has inaugurated a short-term 20-year development plan for the ‘New Bida Town’.

According to Umar-Bago, the plan is aimed at strategically modernising the city in line with his administration’s vision of ‘Urban Renewal Development’ in the state.

The Governor stated this at a Town Hall meeting and a stakeholders’ engagement on ‘New Bida 20-year Development Plan’ organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey, in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project, held in Bida on Sunday.

He said that the plan was a short time strategy that would engender rapid development and boost socio-economic activities in the town.

Speaking on the 44km Ring Road dual carriageway, which was aimed at diverting traffic, the governor said a new city would also spring up in the area.

Umar-Bago stated that social amenities as well as a 100 megawatt solar farm would be provided for the people in the area.

He added, “With the thousands of articulated vehicles that pass through Bida, with all the negative consequences, the construction of the ring road, with a setback of 1km on each side, is a necessity for the health, safety, and prosperity of the town.”

Umar-Bago also stated that the development was going to be in phases of 20-year short term and 50-year long term plans.

He added that over 3 million trailers passing through can generate N3 billion revenue monthly, had been left untapped.

The governor promised that he would ensure the speedy development of the state in spite of inadequate financial resources.

Umar-Bago said: “Niger Government has no intention to seize or grab land. We want to establish layouts.

“Wherever you have a house or a farm that falls on the right-of-way, you will be adequately compensated.

“The state government has a development plan, and the concerned MDAs will continue to talk to the concerned people while I am admonishing them not to take laws into their hands.”

He enjoined the people to show understanding and support for the project, stressing that the state government was not collecting anybody’s land.

Umar-Bago vowed, “But the owners of any property that will be affected by the project will be duly compensated.”

The governor, however, cautioned community members to be wary of land grabbers.

In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, called on the people to cooperate with the state government in its effort to develop Bida town and its environs.

Hr said, “This will secure a good future for many generations. The construction of the road will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.”

The Etsu Nupe said that the gesture could not come at a better time than now when Nigerians were facing various challenges, including economic hardship and bad road networks.

He said that Umar-Bago’s gesture would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the people.

Abubakar lauded Umaru-Bago’s developmental strides in the Emirate and the state in general.

He urged the people to embark on fervent prayers for God to give him the wisdom, sound health and ability to bring meaningful development to the state.

The Etsu Nupe enjoined the citizens to be law-abiding, respect constituted authorities and live in peace with one another, irrespective of their ethnic and religious affiliations.

The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs Maurice Magaji, explained that the event was a defining moment and a shared commitment to transform Bida into an economically vibrant city.

She added that the plan provided a framework for sustainable growth and environmental resilience, among others.

Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Garba, an APC stalwart in the state, and Prof. Muhammad Kutea-Yahaya, Pro-Chancellor, Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, among other stakeholders, also spoke at the event.

They were full of commendation to the governor for his developmental strides and called for support from the people to enable him fully achieve his vision. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Achieving peace not just about wielding guns – Jonathan

Achieving peace not just about wielding guns – Jonathan

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By Folasade Akpan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says achieving peace in society goes beyond carrying rifles and guns, insisting that justice and equity must prevail.

Jonathan made this known in Abuja, where he was the guest of honour at the President’s Night organised by the Rotary Club of Asokoro.

Represented by former Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, the former president emphasised that peace was not merely the absence of war, but the presence of fairness.

“You see, he (Jonathan) has this sense of justice, that we must be just. We should not exclude anybody.

“He understood that achieving peace is not just about carrying rifles and guns. In fact, he believed that this accounts for just about 30 per cent of what is needed.

“The remaining 70 per cent involves hard work, people talking, negotiating, agreeing, disagreeing, coming back again to discuss and then finally agreeing,” he said.

According to him, this approach was instrumental in restoring peace to Plateau State during Jonathan’s administration.

He also commended the Rotary Club for its impactful service to humanity.

In his remarks, the 24th President of the Rotary Club of Asokoro, Mr Babatunde Adetoba, said the event was to showcase the club’s contributions to the community.

“Rotary Club is an international organisation that has been established for over 100 years. We focus on seven key areas, including education, water, sanitation, and maternal health,” he said.

Adetoba revealed that the club recently assisted indigent patients with free cataract surgeries and donated five million Naira to a hospital.

“We reached out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, donated drugs and medications, conducted free eye screenings, and gave out free glasses.

“Rotary is big on polio eradication. Globally, we have spent over 2.6 billion dollars on the cause, and we continue awareness efforts to ensure Nigeria remains polio-free,” he added.

He described charitable donations as a noble act that did not necessarily require much.

“A small amount can put a smile on someone’s face or change their life forever,” he said.

Adetoba also noted that the club had sustainability measures in place to ensure the long-term impact of its projects.

Speaking on the essence of the President’s Night, he said it was an opportunity for the president to honour friends, associates, and supporters who have contributed to the club’s achievements over the year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and Hajiya Halima Buba, Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, were also honoured at the event for their outstanding contributions to society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG begins repairs on Lagos-Ibadan bridges

FG begins repairs on Lagos-Ibadan bridges

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By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, says the Federal Government will soon begin palliative repairs on failing expansion joints along key bridges.

She listed Kara, Arepo, and Magboro bridges on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as critical points where urgent interventions are planned.

Kesha spoke to journalists on Saturday while responding to a recent crash involving an 18-seater commercial bus at Arepo bus stop on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several passengers sustained serious injuries in the incident.

According to Kesha, the accident resulted from a structural failure at one of the expansion joints.

She expressed concern over the worsening condition of expansion joints, especially around the three bridges.

“Some are now showing signs of failure, and the Federal Government is addressing the issue,” she said.

She stated that palliative works will be the first step in resolving the problem.

Kesha revealed that a contractor currently operating in the area has been instructed to start repairs this weekend.

These are temporary measures, pending official approval for full-scale rehabilitation of the affected bridges.

However, Kesha pointed out that vandalism plays a significant role in the early deterioration of some infrastructure.

“Some of these failures result from acts of vandalism,” she stated.

She appealed to Nigerians to change their attitude towards public infrastructure.

“Damaging public property does not benefit any responsible citizen,” Kesha stressed.

Apologising for the inconvenience and past accidents, she urged citizens to treat public assets as collective responsibility.

“Let us regard these facilities as our own property,” she said.

She encouraged the public to report any acts of vandalism to law enforcement authorities.

“Offenders must be apprehended so that others can learn from it,” she added.

Kesha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safer roads and called for public cooperation in protecting national assets. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Kamal Tayo Oropo

Stakeholders proffer solutions to incessant building collapse

Stakeholders proffer solutions to incessant building collapse

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By Angela Atabo

Stakeholders in the engineering sector have identified the lack of effective engineering administration as a major contributor to the incidences of building collapse in the country.

They made this known at the Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE) 5th Engr. Umar Jibrin Distinguished Annual Public Lecture on Saturday in Abuja.

The lecture had as its theme: “Effective Engineering Administration as a Panacea for Building and Infrastructure Collapse”.

It was organised by NICE in honour of Jibrin who dedicated decades of engineering skills to national development.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Okorie Uche, Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), said building collapse was a national concern.

He attributed it to the absence of qualified supervision, use of substandard materials, lack of enforcement of regulations, inadequate or expired structural designs, corruption in planning approvals and poor maintenance culture.

“From residential building to bridge, roads, grid failure and public infrastructure failure, Nigeria has witnessed numerous catastrophic failures; these incidents are not merely accident but symptoms of systematic problems demanding urgent attention.

“From statistics, 80 per cent of infrastructure failures were from private developers, that is where the problem is, thus the need to bring them on board,’’ he said.

According to Uche, engineering administration is the backbone of any successful infrastructure project as it encompasses planning, research allocation, project management, policy implementation and adherence to regulatory standard.

He said that when executed properly, it ensured that engineering project met global standards of quality, durability, and safety.

“Every collapse is a failure of administration, a betrayer of trust, and an erosion of hope. We must rise to change this narrative. We must insist on professionalism over patronage.

“We must prioritise long-term safety over short-term profits. We must empower engineers not to just build, but to lead.

“Let us remember no nation rises above the integrity of its infrastructure and no infrastructure stands tall without the scaffolding of sound engineering administration,” he said.

Uche explained that underfunding COREN, saddled with the monitoring and regulations of engineering in Nigeria, was undermining that process and called for a reversal of that situation.

The guest speaker, Mustafa Shehu, who is also the President, World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), urged Africa not to be left out in global engineering best practices.

The National Chairman of NICE, Tokunbo Ajanaku, said the annual lecture was not just a tradition but a vital platform for reflection and to engage meaningfully on matters that concern engineering and the society.

Ajanaku said: “As a nation, we are daily confronted with the disturbing reality of building and infrastructure failures, which not only result in economic loss but tragically the loss of lives.

“It is no longer sufficient to point fingers at design flaws or construction practices alone.

“We must critically examine the frameworks of engineering administration like our regulatory systems, project supervision, enforcement of standards and the leadership within our engineering institutions and agencies.

“Effective administration is the backbone of sustainable engineering outcomes and this lecture will provide a necessary lens through which we can evaluate our collective responsibilities and propose lasting solutions,” Ajanaku said.

Mr Umar Jibrin, in whose honour the lecture was organised, commended NICE for sustaining the annual lecture.

Jibrin said:” I feel highly honoured and elated.  I am very impressed by the way the lecture has been going on. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Uche Anunne

8,649 NMSMEs get grants in Kaduna

8,649 NMSMEs get grants in Kaduna

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By Aisha Gambo

No fewer than 8,649 Nano, Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs) in Kaduna State have received direct grants to stay in business and promote businesses from 2024 to date.

The Managing Director, Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), Iliya Timbuark, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.

He stated that over N619 million grant was disbur Read More

Opportunities abound for wealth creation in space sector – DG

Opportunities abound for wealth creation in space sector – DG

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By Isaiah Eka

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), says opportunities abound for wealth creation in the space sector to aid youth employment.

Adepoju said this on Friday while speaking with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2025 National Space Research and Development Agency top management retreat in Uyo.

He said the agency had concluded plans to train 200,000 youths with skills acquisition to catch up with opportunities in the space sector.

The DG said to achieve this, NASRDA would build skills acquisition centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country, where the youths could be trained in different skills.

“We are introducing some skills acquisition for youth employment because we have observed that they need skills; wherever you have problems, that is potential money, that is potential jobs, that is opportunities.

“But when you don’t have the skills to tackle the problems and turn the situation to wealth creation, that’s why we brought up skills acquisition hub which is taking off soon.

“The first one out of the six of the regional centres will be completed and be commissioned this year, where we can train up to 200,000 youths every year in every region.

“So, we believe all these things are going to contribute to the economy of the country and solve the problems of youth unemployment,” Adepoju said.

Adepoju added that NASRDA would also, within the next one year, launch two new satellites into space to replace the old one launched since 2011.

He said that the country had secured a seat in the blue region to ensure the launch becomes a reality as process of selection was ongoing of the Nigerian that would benefit from the initiative.

According to him, the initiative would be in collaboration with Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) in USA.

“In the next six months to one year, definitely NASRDA will launch at least two out of the four satellites into the orbit.

“Then the programme of the first Nigeria, first African to be in space would have been a reality too, because we have already secured the seat in the blue origin.

“So, we are in the process of selection of the Nigerian that will be the beneficiary of this initiative. It is a collaboration between NASRDA and SERA in USA,” he said.

The director general further said that President Bola Tinubu had approved the take off grant for the space regulations and spectrum management in Nigeria.

He said that lack of space regulations had been the reason many of the telecommunications companies operating in the country were rendering poor services to Nigerians.

“Many of the services rendered to us in Nigeria are substandard.

“Let’s look at direct to home television, even telephone, you are in the middle of telephone everything is dropping, is because of the transponder they are using.

“I was really disappointed in the room while I was listening to the President’s acceptance speech and because it was cloudy and about to rain, everything went off the screen.

“It is because nobody is regulating the space sector which is the function of NASRDA both the upstream, midstream and downstream,” he said.

Adepoju noted the space sector was now the biggest economy in the whole world, adding that private sector should get involved to grow the economy, create jobs and tackle insecurity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat’s theme is: “NASRDA Beyond the Horizon: Building a Resilient Workforce for Space Economy and National Security.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo

Ground rent: FCTA begins taking ownership of 4,794 revoked properties Monday

Ground rent: FCTA begins taking ownership of 4,794 revoked properties Monday

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will begin taking possession of the 4,794 revoked properties over non-payment of ground rent between 10 and 43 years on Monday.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCTA had on March 17 announced the revocation of the 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

The Administration explained that the action contravened the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

The FCT, however, gave 21-day grace to title holders, who defaulted in payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, after which the affected titles would be revoked.

On March 19, the FCTA further announced its decision to take possession of properties built on 4,794 revoked titles in due course.

Olayinka told journalists at the press conference that the 4,794 properties were among the 8,375 property owners owing the FCT Administration N6.97 billion as ground rent.

He said that the revoked titles were located in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape Districts.

He explained that the properties had already reverted to the FCTA, adding that from Monday, the FCTA would begin exercising its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties.

“As usual, this will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected landed properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.

“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation.

“It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand,” he said.

Also, Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the affected properties would be sealed and access restricted beginning from Monday.

Galadima added that the FCTA would decide what to do with the affected properties after taking possession in due course.

On his part, the Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the FCTA was compiling records of compliance to the 21-day grace given to those who defaulted for 10 years and below.

Nwankwoeze said that the FCTA would act accordingly, as soon as the records were fully compiled and analysed.

Responding to claims that some affected persons have taken the matter to court, the director said that there was no court decision on the revocation.

“As such, the FCTA is not restricted in the discharge of its lawful functions on the affected properties,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Abia to roll out 20 electric buses for public transportation

Abia to roll out 20 electric buses for public transportation

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By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says the State Government’s new transport system will commence operation before the end of July.

Otti said this during the “Promise Kept Carnival”, organised jointly by the Aba Business Community and Landlords Association to celebrate the completion of the reconstruction of the Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

He said that the transport system would begin with the introduction of 20 electric buses and the completion of modern bus terminals across key locations.

He also said that the construction of new transport terminals was progressing rapidly.

The governor described the project as part of his administration’s commitment to transforming Abia’s public infrastructure and embracing clean energy solutions.

“In the next two months, not more than two months, our transport system will start working.

“If you go around, you will see the bus terminals we are building,” Otti said.

He further said that the initial phase of the transport upgrade would include the deployment of 20 fully electric buses, which the state had paid for.

He described the vehicles as world-class, drawing comparisons with international standards.

The Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the State Government for evolving programmes and policies that facilitate development in the state.

Emeruwa said that the House of Assembly under his watch would continue to give the government adequate support to enable it to achieve its rebuilding agenda.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief John Udegbala, said that the Aba business community and landlord association decided to put together an event to show total appreciation to the governor.

“We are saying thank you because the projects executed by this administration are numerous but Port Harcourt Road stands out,” Udegbala said.

He said that the giant strides taking place in Aba had helped to encourage investors and business owners that left Aba to return.

Udegbala said that the governor had shown true leadership by putting the needs and welfare of the citizens first.

The Convener of the carnival, Mr Onyeka Udeaja, said that the event was organised because of the desire of Aba residents to thank God for the transformation in the city.

“This carnival of praise is totally dedicated to God for answering our prayers for good governance.

“What we are witnessing in Abia is the evidence of God’s hand upon you and even those that did not believe can now see.

“Time will not permit me to enumerate your numerous achievements but one sterling project of your administration that stands out is the completion of Port Harcourt Road,” Udeaja said.

He urged the governor to remain steadfast in delivering the mandate given to him by the people of Abia.

In separate goodwill messages, the former Transition Committee Chairman of Ohafia Local Government Area, Chief David Onuoha, and a businessman, Chief Leo Okoye, described the road as one of the legacies of Otti’s administration.

They said the road would open a vista of opportunities that would impact on the socioeconomic development of Aba and the state at large.

The Chairman of Abia State Market Traders Association, Mr Alphonsus Odeigbo, commended the present administration for its rebuilding agenda.

Odeigbo said that the agenda of the government for every sector of the economy had greatly improved the state’s ease of doing business.

Also, a student of Umuagbai Secondary School, Victory Samuel, thanked the government for reconstructing the road.

Samuel said that his school suffered great setback because of the deplorable condition of the road for about two decades.

He said that the completion of the road had ended the long suffering by students and staff members of the school plying the completely dilapidated and abandoned road. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Sam Oditah

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 

411 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has earmarked part of the N1.78 trillion proposed 2025 FCT statutory budget for the completion of 14 ongoing roads projects across the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representative Committees on FCT, to defend the 2025 FCT proposed budget.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent.

He explained that road projects, sited both in the city centre and satellite towns would be handled by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD).

The minister explained a total of N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA while N137 billion was allocated to the STDD for execution of capital projects.

He identified some of the projects as the completion of roads B6 and B12 and full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

Also pencilled for competition is the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape Districts, provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District and provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District.

“Others are the extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II, and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway OSEX with Spur at Kyami District.

“Also for completion are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2Km), full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, and Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road.

“The full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, and the provision of access road to Bus Terminals in FCT would also be completed.

“Other ongoing road projects include the dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road and other Ancillary Roads, and construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council and dualization of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road,” he said.

The minister explained that the 14 ongoing projects would be sped up and completed before the end of 2025 fiscal year.

According to him the expansion and rehabilitation of the roads would eventually reduce the travel time and traffic gridlock on roads within and outside the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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