NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
ALGON calls for implementation of local govt. autonomy
Metro

ALGON calls for implementation of local govt. autonomy

132 total views today
By Okon Okon
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has called for the implementation of local government autonomy to strengthen grassroots governance structure.
ALGON National President, Mr Bello Lawal, made the call during the 2nd Quarter Stakeholders and Citizens Engagement Forum, organised by the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs in Abuja.
Lawal, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Akala, a former Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the autonomy process.
“We at ALGON, and many stakeholders here, believe that the local government system is supposed to be the strongest tier because it is the closest to the people.
“Every Nigerian resides in a local government, not at the state or federal level,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to civil society organisations and the ministry for advocating financial autonomy and lauded President Tinubu for approaching the Supreme Court to pursue direct funding for local governments.
“It’s almost a year since the judgment was delivered. We are hopeful that implementation will commence soon, and we urge the implementation committee to fast-track action,” he said.
Lawal highlighted ongoing national programmes by ALGON aimed at enhancing grassroots development, including the ALGON Primary Healthcare Revitalisation and Operationalisation Programme.
According to him, the initiative seeks to make primary healthcare centres the first point of medical access for all citizens, thereby reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare for women and children.
He said the programme seeks collaboration with federal and state governments, private sector actors, development partners and traditional institutions.
ALGON is also championing a National Integrated Local Government System, focusing on digital registration of births, deaths, marriages, and indigenisation processes.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, decried the poor monitoring of constituency projects, and called for urgent renovation of the National Merit House.
“The Merit House is in a state of disrepair. It is not befitting for the calibre of events it is meant to host. The ministry should urgently liaise with the FCT Minister to renovate the facility,” he said.
Nwaka also raised concerns about impersonation during the National Merit Award processes, alleging fraudulent activities by individuals posing as ministry officials.
He recalled a previous case in which CYMS worked with the Department of State Services (DSS) to expose a syndicate collecting large sums from unsuspecting individuals under false pretences of award nominations.
According to him, CYMS remains a critical stakeholder in programme monitoring, mobilisation, and policy implementation and should be carried along in future engagements.
Also, the President of the Forum of Heads of Local Government Administration in Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulrahman Marafa, represented by Mr Attahiru Ibrahim, urged the ministry to involve grassroots administrators in monitoring and evaluation of projects.
“We are the technical people on ground and understand the challenges at the local level. It is important that we are involved in project supervision and assessments,” he said.
Responding to concerns raised, Mrs Mercy Musa, Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), clarified the nomination process for the national honours.
“Nominations are free and open. Advertisements are placed in newspapers and on our website from Dec. 15 to March 31 every year.
“Nominees are assessed by over 50 independent assessors and if found worthy, are confirmed by the President,” she said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr Zaphaniah Jisalo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Onwusoro Maduka, said the engagement forum was designed to deepen stakeholder participation in the ministry’s activities.
“This forum is a platform for interaction, mutual understanding, and feedback.
“The Tinubu administration is committed to improving the lives of citizens through health, infrastructure, education, and more,especially at the grassroots,” he said.
Jisalo assured stakeholders that the ministry would ensure more inclusive and collaborative efforts moving forward.
“Going forward, we will build more robust relationships with stakeholders.
“We will engage communities and carry stakeholders along to ensure value for money and evidence-based project implementation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   
Metro

NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   

133 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is building border community resilience for economic development through cross border cooperation.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day, in Abuja on Monday.

The theme of the event was “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross Border Cooperation”.

Adaji said that Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity were directly interconnected with close neighbours.

He added that over the years, the country had systematically cultivated good relationships with its neighbours as strategies for national security and economic prosperity.

He said that the NBC has championed the engagements in a series of trans-border cooperation workshops to build confidence and downplay the weight of borders.

“The NBC is committed to a transformation process and effective border governance through the definition and determination of Nigeria’s territorial borders.

“This is because good fences make good neighbours.

“In addition to the effective efforts to demarcate and delimit all our boundaries with our neighbours to prevent conflict and disputes, the Commission champions the facilitation of equitable utilisation of transboundary resources.

“Our activities of cross border cooperation with our close neighbours are always inclusive of our border communities,” he said.

Adaji said that the NBC engages and works in close collaboration with the border communities, the local border authorities and traditional institutions.

According to him, the stakeholders are key in building community resilience, social cohesion, and in helping to secure territorial borders as well as enhancing the prospects for economic development of the country.

The NBC boss explained that the African border day was being celebrated by member states to raise awareness on the critical role international borders play in promoting peace and security.

He added that the day was also used to promote regional integration and inclusive socio-economic development across the continent.

“The day is also used to highlight the significant role of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in the integration of countries across the continent.

“The essence of today’s celebration is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the day and to celebrate African Border Day.

“The theme is in line with the African Union’s all-embracing theme of the year:

“Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chairman, Nigeria’s Coastal Border Platform, called for the creation of special funds for the boundary platforms to function.

Ewhrudjakpo also advocated the establishment of marine corps for intelligence gathering and ensuring safety along Nigeria’s coastal borders.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Mr Idris Gobir, Chairman, Nigeria -Niger International Border Platform, stressed the need for construction of border fences to ensure the safety of citizens.

According to him, strengthening cross border cooperation will not yield the desired results if Nigeria’s borders remain porous and accessible to all kinds of criminal elements.

The event was attended by stakeholders from across the country, including representative of security agencies. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
Metro

Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu

138 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project was the13th so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the president said that Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.

“From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.

“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.

“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.

“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.

Tinubu said that the newly-constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements, but a statement of intention to open up Giri district and the FCT.

To the residents of Giri, Tinubu said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”

In his remarks, Wike said that the district houses University of Abuja, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy and other institutions.

He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.

“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.

“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors,” he said.

The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.

He said that he had already asked the acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, and other experts to begin working on the details.

Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.

“So, I have told the director of land and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.

“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” he said.

On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as yet another shining example of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity and inclusive growth.

According to Mahmoud, the Giri road is part of a broader initiative to open up under-served communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.

Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.

He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

PDP chieftain hails Tinubu on infrastructure, cautions against malicious criticism
Metro

PDP chieftain hails Tinubu on infrastructure, cautions against malicious criticism

122 total views today

By Angela Atabo

Mr Segun Showunmi, a chieftain of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lauded President Bola Tinubu on infrastructure development and cautioned against malicious criticism of the administration.

Showunmi made the commendation and his position known in Suleja, Niger State, during a joint inspection of the Suleja-Minna Road with the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, were also on the inspection team.

Showunmi, former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, PDP presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential campaign, said he was satisfied with the administration in the area of road infrastructure.

“All eyes have been on the Minister of Works, due to the importance of roads.

“Although I am in opposition, but what I can say is that Mr president , thank you for this one. We have seen this one, we want to see more, like Oliver Twist,” he said.

Showunmi said he had raised questions about some road projects including the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Suleja-Minna Road project.

He said he has been concerned about the road projects, but he got positive results.

Showunmi urged Nigerians to stop peddling malicious news but confirm things before believing anything.

“We have our nation’s integrity to protect. We have our nation to jointly build and we have our democracy to defend, protect and keep pushing.

“However, by no means does democracy translate in a global war, to constantly shaming your country, never seeing any good about your country, and instigating people only to hate the government and fight themselves,” he said.

Umahi commended Showunmi for asking questions about ongoing road projects to get clarifications rather than embarking on baseless criticism like some people.

“When he asked questions, I said I will not talk, we have to go and inspect. For me, this is constructive opposition.

“This is very important and I can say that it is a new dawn in our politics because opposition is not about destruction of the nation.

“Opposition is about pointing out certain things you think that the government in power are not doing well.

“I am very grateful to Mr President for his support and commitment in the delivery of road infrastructure,” he said.

Umahi stressed that the Tinubu administration is committed to delivering critical infrastructure to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said the administration is delivering road infrastructure with a lifespan of 100 years on concrete pavement.

According to him, the quality of the roads is the same nationwide, including the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry and others.

NAN reports that the minister declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna Road.

Umahi explained that the road project was awarded initially to Salini Nigeria Limited, but work had either been done badly or abandoned at some point and efforts to get them to repair the road over a year and a half had been unsuccessful.

Umahi, who said the contract has been irrevocably terminated due to the bad work, said Salini has been sanctioned to use the money owed to government on the project to deliver an assigned portion of the road with strict supervision.

He, therefore, said that if Salini failed to comply with the directive, then the ministry would seek the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s intervention to recover government money.

Sen. Nwaebonyi appreciated President Tinubu’s commitment and Umahi’s performance in the handling and delivery of road projects.

“The one that impressed me most is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

“The plan of the president is to open up more roads and by doing so more economic corridors are opened, all geared towards the economic renaissance and prosperity of our country.

“I want to appreciate Mr president and assure him that as parliament we will continue to support all his good programmes and policies all geared towards making Nigerians happy to the glory of God.”

Also speaking, Goronyo, appreciated the president for giving infrastructure its rightful place.

He also commented Showunmi for carrying out opposition’s mandate in the proper way, by investigating what the government of the day was doing.

“This is something that is new in our polity because people in opposition stay in their comfort zones and criticise the government without knowing what is happening.

“You took your time to join us to see for yourself and appreciate what the government of our dear president is doing in this country.

“Let me commend you highly for your patriotism, your vision for this country.

“We pray God Almighty to continue to give us more of your calibre that will come out to speak the truth, no matter who is there because the country is for all of us and we have to appreciate our country.”

He called on Nigerians to shine their eyes and not be misled as the president is committed to economic growth, human capital and infrastructure development, which are key drivers of socio-economic goals and development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG launches life-jacket safety initiative
Metro

FG launches life-jacket safety initiative

131 total views today

Life-jacket

By Diana Omueza

The Federal Government has launched a Life-Jacket Initiative, urging water commuters to prioritise safety and adhere strictly to guidelines to prevent recurring boat mishaps nationwide.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this in a statement on Friday by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Director of Information and Communications.

Oyetola was represented by Mr Hussieni Shettima, Director of Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, at the launch of the Life-Jacket Initiative in Taraba.

He noted that distributing life-jackets is part of the government’s continued efforts to improve safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Taraba government, has taken a major step to enhance water transport safety.

“A crucial batch of life-jackets was officially handed over to the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Jalingo Area Office, today.

“This milestone marks an important phase in the ongoing campaign to reduce accidents on Taraba State’s waterways,” Oyetola said.

He emphasised that joint efforts between federal and state bodies would yield concrete, life-saving results for local water users.

Oyetola explained that the jackets would improve safety for those relying on the Benue, Donga, and Taraba rivers for travel and trade.

He stressed that long-term success depended on community compliance, continuous public awareness, and strong regulatory enforcement.

The Minister said providing safety equipment like life-jackets could significantly reduce accidents and ultimately save many lives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 
Metro

Kabusa-Ketti Road: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to opening up FCT rural economies 

232 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to open up economies of rural communities in the Federal Capital Territory through construction of more rural roads.

Tinubu made the commitment in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the newly constructed 10-kilometre Kabusa-Ketti Road in Abuja Municipal Area Council, to celebrate his second year in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that seven communities were connected by the stretch of the road, which began from Kabusa and terminated at Ketti.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, the president added that his administration was committed to bringing tangible change in rural areas across the country.

He said that the 10km Kabusa-Ketti Road may appear modest in the eyes of some, but for the people of the area and the surrounding communities, “it is transformational”.

“This vital infrastructure connects communities of large economic potential and affirms our administration’s commitment to equitable developments across every corner of our nation.

“This road not only eases mobility; it enhances trade; it improves access to schools and healthcare, and it ensures that rural and peri-urban communities are not left behind in the march towards progress.

“This project aligns fairly with the “Renewal Hope Agenda” of my administration, which places people at the centre of governance.

“We believe that good governance is not theory; it is action reflected in the daily lives of the people.

“Our government remains steadfast in its resolve to deliver on critical infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, power and digital access, not only in city centres but also in the smaller communities that form the backbone of our nation,” he said.

Tinubu assured rural communities in FCT and across the country of more life-impacting projects to come.

He commended the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike for a job well done, and for delivering the project to the satisfaction of the people.

Eelier, Wike said that the project was awarded to a local contractor who began the execution of the project in December 2024.

He commended the contractor for completing the project on time and thanked community leaders and the youths in Ketti for supporting the contractor to deliver the project in record time.

“The importance of the road is why you see the community members coming out in their numbers to celebrate and that is what the government owes to the people.

“When government does its work, you will see the reflection in the faces of the people. I am sure this is the first time the people of Ketti are getting government attention,” he said.

NAN reports that shortly after the project inauguration, Wike visited Wassa District to inspect the permanent site allocated for the relocation of Apo Mechanics’ traders and dealers.

The visit, according to the minister, is to see the site to be able to determine the kinds of infrastructure to be put in place to facilitate the relocation of the traders and dealers from the Outer Southern Expressway corridor. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola
Metro

Kugbo, Mabushi bus terminals ‘ll process 20,000 passengers daily – Otunola

207 total views today

 

By Philip Yatai

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Planet Project Ltd, Mr Biodun Otunola, says the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals, Abuja, are designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each, daily.

Otunola made this known in Abuja on Thursday, on the sideline of the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He added that the terminals, constructed by Planet Project, a local contractor, were also designed to accommodate 120 buses and taxis each, daily, for both intercity and intracity travels.

He, however, said that the terminal under construction in the Central Business District (CBD) was different, adding that it was essentially designed for intracity operations.

“We can take over 120 buses here and we’ve designed this place such that it can handle up to 10,000 passengers every day.

“It’s the same thing with the one in Mabushi as well. The same concept but the one at CBD, which is the third one, is a bit different.

“The one at CBD is essentially for the city operation within Abuja, while Mabushi and Kugbo are designed to run intracity and intercity operations,” he said.

On job opportunities, Otunola said that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 persons.

He explained that people would be in the security department, some in the ticketing department, others in facility management, control room, electrical department, mechanical department, maintenance department, and bus control.

“It’s very huge. It’s like running a mini airport,” he said.

The managing director pointed out that Abuja, before now, has always been about car and road transportation, noting that for the first time, the government had invested in public transport to ensure comfort and safety.

He described the facility as a “transportation hub for the masses”, built in tandem with similar facilities found anywhere in the world.

“So, if you come here and you are travelling to any part of Nigeria, including within Abuja as well, you will have the lift, the escalator, and you will have security.

“This place provides you with safety, comfort and convenience for you to travel, and you can also shop while you are travelling. This is what we have all over the world.

“We have all the modern facilities – fully air-conditioned, you have a loading bay area for passengers, you can eat here, you can have public convenience and cinema.

“We also have escalators; we have lifts and we have a ticketing area. So, the area of stressing yourself because you are traveling is over.

“Now you can travel with convenience, you can travel with ease, with safety and peace of mind and that’s exactly what we have here,” he said.

He added that with this development, people would be able to travel with confidence and without any fear, in a very safe, secure and serene environment.

He commended Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for giving Planet Project, a local contractor the opportunity to showcase its capacity to execute world standard bust terminals for the residents of the territory.

“I feel very happy that the Nigerian government is beginning to trust its own people to do the right thing and to execute this kind of project.

“Although this is not the first project we have executed, but to have pioneered this in the FCT is no doubt a very, very major achievement for us.

“We are grateful to President Tinubu for giving us this opportunity and also the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike because if they don’t believe in us, they will not try us and they wouldn’t have achieved this result,” he said.

Otunola commended Wike for the decision to handover the facilities to the private sector to manage to ensure efficiency and quality service delivery.

He, however, said that based on needs assessment, the FCT would need at least 12 bus and taxi terminals to cover significant parts of the territory.

“We will need one in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje in Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, including the city centre in places like Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse and other strategic locations,” he said.

Earlier, Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and comfort to commuters.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the roadside for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu
Metro

FCT bus terminals ‘ll boost security in public transportation – Tinubu

135 total views today

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the newly constructed bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will address the insecurity associated with public transportation in the territory.

Tinubu said this while inaugurating the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, as part of activities to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said that the terminals align with the development goals of transit-oriented cities equipped with smart mobility, compact living spaces and parking management.

“We heard your concerns; we understood your fears and we acted. With your compliance, you will no longer suffer from one chance by the roadside,” he said.

Tinubu added that the terminals, a meticulously planned transportation hub, would add to the numerous jobs being created by his administration in different sectors.

He explained that the terminals would equally boost trade, bring orderliness, safety and bring comfort to commuters.

“At the swearing-in of my government two years ago, I swore to uphold and defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its people.

“With the security reports on the several menaces of one-chance robberies, kidnapping, and thuggery that characterised public transportation in FCT, I directed the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike to put in place measures to address that situation.

“Here and now, you will find an organised system where vehicles and drivers are properly identified and registered, significantly reducing the risk associated with the normal informal transportation.

“The presence of advanced security features, including comprehensive CCTV surveillance, ensures that your journey begins and ends in a secure environment,” he said.

He said that the Kugbo bus terminal alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction, would contribute to his government’s determination to turn around the fortunes of the people.

This, according to him, is being achieved through improved connectivity, reduced travel time and increased economic growth thereby creating opportunities.

“The decision of my administration to prioritise high-impact transportation infrastructure, among which is this bus and taxi terminal, is based on the undeniable fact that no nation around the world has been recorded to have made any noticeable progress without modernisation and expansion of its critical public mobility and public utilities.

“As encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of my administration, my solemn promise to rebuild and revitalise our nation’s infrastructure, enhance the lives of Nigerians, create an environment where security and efficiency become the order of the day, are being fulfilled, one step at a time.

“You will all agree with me that the Mabushi and now Kubo Bus Terminals meet with global principles of sustainable urban development in the area of transportation.

“This will automatically erase the ugly experiences of chaotic public transportation in our capital city, previously fraught with challenges.”

He commended Wike-led FCT Administration for yet again making his government proud by judiciously utilising scarce public resources towards initiating and completing within record time, this iconic public transportation infrastructure.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for support so far, which has enabled his administration to fulfil its renewed promises to Nigerian citizens.

In his remarks, Wike thanked Tinubu for supporting the ongoing transformation in the FCT, including public transportation through the construction of bus and taxi terminals.

He said that with the bus terminals, residents do not need to be waiting on the road side for vehicles, exposing them to once chance criminal operators.

“Here, when you come into this place you are sure of the vehicle; you are sure of the driver.

“If you enter a vehicle here, the driver is known. So, if anything happens, we will be able to know that this passenger entered so so and so vehicle, and the driver of the vehicle is also known.

“You have time to unwind, go to the cinema if you want. The loading bays are there, and that is what we see in civilized countries,” Wike said.

He said that terminals would be handed over to the private sector to operate, adding that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike
Metro

Tinubu int. conference centre fully booked till 2027 – Wike

148 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the recently rehabilitated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is fully booked till 2027.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He recalled that the FCT Administration came under criticism for spending huge resources to rehabilitate and upgrade the conference centre to international standard.

He said that some people condemned the decision to refurbish the centre, adding that Tinubu had just hosted an ECOWAS meeting at the centre.

According to him, people and organisations are now rushing the edifice to hold their events.

“You know Nigerians can pretend. They like good things, but they pretend as if they don’t.

“As I speak to you, that conference centre has been booked now till 2027. No space.

“In fact, I saw the application by the Deputy Speaker on constitutional amendment but there is no space, no day, but I’m trying to adjust if he can pay on time, because it’s not free.

“There’s nothing like a national assembly this or that, you have to pay something for us to sustain the facility.”

He commended Tinubu for taking a decisive decision to move the country forward.

He noted that there could be some challenges being experienced in the country, adding that and that’s the essence of leadership.

According to him, no leader can succeed without taking decisions that might come with criticism.

“No leader can succeed without taking a decision because people will say something – people must say something because if you don’t take that decision, people will say something.

“If you take the decision, people will say something. Therefore, do something.

“For me, that’s all about what we are doing in FCT. We are not here to make only big men happy; we are here to make big men and poor people happy.

“That’s what will move this country forward and that’s what the President has shown.”

He explained that the Kugbo bus and taxi terminal being inaugurated, alongside its counterpart in Mabushi and that of the Central Business District under construction would sanitise public transportation in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

President Tinubu inaugurates multi-billion Lafia flyover, underpass
Metro

President Tinubu inaugurates multi-billion Lafia flyover, underpass

173 total views today

By Sunday John

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday inaugurated the more than N16 billion Lafia flyover and underpass during his one day working visit to the state.

The President, while inaugurating the project, which is the first of projects billed for commissioning during the visit, commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the prudent management of resources and commitment to better the lives of the people.

“Thank you very much. May God bless the state. I, therefore, commission the project,” he said.

Earlier, Gov. Sule thanked the president for honouring the state with his presence, and to inaugurate projects executed by his administration for the benefit of the people.

“This is the first project that you are going to commission for us. It is a combination of an underpass and a flyover covering one kilometre.

“This road was built within one year because of your reforms and our determination to better the lives of our people.

“We have paid the contractors 100 per cent without borrowing one naira because of your reforms,” Sule added.

The governor, therefore, announced that the project is named Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Interchange.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day state visit to Nasarawa is the first for President Tinubu since assumption of office in 2023.

Other projects inaugurated by the President include the dualised 5 kilometres Shendam Road, the Modern State Secretariat complex, tractors and operational vehicles for security, as well as official vehicles for traditional rulers. (NAN). (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Isaac Ukpoju

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email