Africa's Media Giant
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
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
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
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
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
By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has earmarked N418.9 billion for its Secretariat, Departments and Agencies (SDAs) in the N1.78 trillion 2025 proposed statutory budget.
Out of the N418.9 billion, N351 billion was set aside for capital expenditure and new projects, said the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, during the budget defence at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Wike explained that out of the amount, N79.3 billion was allocated to the Transportation Secretariat with N53 billion set aside for capital expenditure and N27 billion proposed for recurrent expenditure.
He added that out of the capital expenditure, N25 billion was for the Abuja Light Rail Project rolling stock and provisions for other phases of the project.
He also said that N24 billion was earmarked for Bus Terminals development at Kugbo, Mabushi and Centre Business District.
In the education sector, the minister said that N181 billion was allocated to the Education Secretariat, out of which N61 billion was for recurrent expenditure and N120 billion for capital expenditure.
The minister said that the N120 billion include N8 billion set aside as Universal Basic Education Board counterpart fund.
He further said that a total of N54 billion was earmarked for the Health Secretariat, out of which N20 billion was for capital projects.
He added that N34 billion was for recurrent expenditure, of which N1.3 billion was earmarked for Drug Revolving g Fund.
“The FCT Administration, through the budget, seeks to complete the upgrading and rehabilitation of FCT hospitals.
“This will enhance the capacity of some of our hospitals through the procurement of modern hospital equipment and ambulances,” he said.
In the environmental sector, the minister said that the FCT Administration has proposed N22.9 billion for the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB).
He said that out of the amount, N3.9 was for capital projects while N19 billion was for operations and recurrent expenditure.
He explained that the AEPB was charged with the statutory function of ensuring and maintaining a clean and healthy environment for inhabitants of the FCT.
He disclosed that the city cleaning contracts require more than N12.3 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.7 billion annually.
“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2025 fiscal year,” he said.
To improve water supply in the FCT, Wike said that a total of N37.4 billion was set aside to enhance water treatment.
He added that out of the figure, N7.7 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals while N29.4 billion was for FCT Water Board”s personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.
“Through the 2025 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.
“The completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts.
“Noting the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector and its inherent potentials, as well as the need to minimise wastages, we are at advanced stage of exploiting Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.
“The successful implementation of this initiative will greatly assist in addressing the revenue shortfalls of the Sector,” he assured.
Wike further said that N8.3 billion was proposed for the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to improve agricultural production and engagement of youths in agriculture.
This, according to him, will enhance food security, income and better standards of living in the rural communities.
“With N4 billion earmarked for capital projects, we shall invest in the provision of agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, agro-chemicals and fertilizer among others and developed cluster farm centers in both the livestock and crop production sub-sectors,” he said.
On social development sector, the minister said that a total of N23.7 billion was allocated to promote gender, youths, children development, and other vulnerable groups in the FCT.
He added that funds would also go into promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s art and culture within the FCT.
The allocation, he added, would also be challenged towards the development of sports, through the provision of sporting, cultural and recreational facilities.
He also said that while the FCT Legal Services Secretariat got N7.7 billion, with N5 billion meant for capital expenditure, a total of N1.5 billion was earmarked for Land Department to cover personnel, overhead and capital expenditure.
He added that the Area Council Services Secretariat got a total of N37.1 billion towards ensuring effective and efficient service delivery for rural transformation, improving quality of lives of the citizens and strengthening traditional institutions.
The minister has earlier explained that out of the N1.78 trillion propose budget, 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. (NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
By Philip Yatai
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the National Assembly to approve the FCT’s N1.78 trillion Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.
Wike made the call 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 for recurrent expenditure representing 27.7 per cent.
He added that the recurrent expenditure was made up of N150.4 billion personnel cost and N343.8 billion overhead cost.
He said that the N1.78 trillion 2025 budget was N115 billion higher than the N1.67 trillion 2024 revised budget, representing a seven per cent increase.
This increase, according to the minister, was to achieve a realistic budget performance having considered the remarkable improvement in the revenue generated in the 2024 fiscal year.
Providing further breakdown of the proposed capital budget, Wike said that the N1.28 trillion was for the development of infrastructure with emphasis on completion of ongoing projects.
He added that out of the amount, N919.7 billion was dedicated for the completion of ongoing capital projects and other counterpart funded related projects aimed at enhancing socio-economic activities in the territory.
He also said that N80 billion was set aside for SUKUK loan projects, N25 billion for Abuja Light Rail project and N15 billion for Abuja Greater Water Supply project.
Wike further said that N250 billion was earmarked for commercial loans planned to complete some ongoing capital projects in federal capital and satellite towns.
He said for the capital expenditure, N801.5 billion was allocated to the Federal Capital Development Authority, which he described as the “engine room” of the FCT Administration.
Wike also said a total of N137 billion was allocated to the Satellite Towns Development Department, while N351.2 billion was set aside for other FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies for capital projects.
Speaking on the performance of the 2024 budget, Wike said that out of the N1.67 trillion revised budget, a total of N1.23 billion was spent as at Dec. 2024, representing 74 per cent performance.
The minister attributed the successes being recorded to the laudable support of the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu.
“I thank you very much for the opportunity provided to the FCT Administration to defend its 2025 statutory budget proposal.
“It is my conviction that with your legislative and moral support, the development of our capital city to its envisaged status of a modern city comparable to any in the world will be achieved,” Wike said.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, assured the minister of the Senate support, stressing that his performances were visible to everyone.
Bomai said that the huge preference to capital expenditure was particularly commendable, describing the budget as “one of the best”.
Similarly, the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara, equally commended the minister for the ongoing transformation of the FCT.
Betara assured the minister of the continued support of the Green Chamber, adding however, that the committee would carry out periodic oversights to see things for themselves and advice where necessary. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
By Philip Yatai
The leadership and members of the National Assembly have lauded the exceptional performance of Mr Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The lawmakers gave the commendation when Wike appeared before them to defend the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai particularly commended Wike for the wonderful performance in just a short time as FCT minister along with the FCT Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud.
Bomai also said he was impressed with the FCT’s 2025 revenue and fiscal framework saying, “this is the first time FCT is proposing to generate about N1.7 trillion.
“What FCT has presented is one of the best budgets so far.
“Also, the N608 billion projected Internally Generated Revenue for 2025 also shows a significant improvement,” he said.
Also, Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP), commended the minister for the comprehensive turnaround of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city.
Ningi, who equates the current status of the FCT with Johannesburg and Cairo, however, urged the minister to do more in improving the security in the territory.
Similarly, Sen. Mohammed Ndume (Borno South APC) said: “Everybody that knows where Abuja was two years ago and what it is now, knows that you have done well.
“Even yesterday my friend told me that Wike is doing fine, and I said no, it is the Senate that is doing fine because without approving his budget, he cannot do anything”.
Ndume pledged the continued support of the Senate to enable him to succeed.
On his part, Sen. Osita Ozunaso (Imo West, APC) said that the FCT budget performance was commendable, particularly the reduction in personnel cost to allocate more funds to capital projects.
“Whenever we are sitting on budgets, people come here and they increase the personnel cost, but you have reduced the personnel cost in the 2025 proposed budget by N21 billion from the amount allocated in 2024.
“Secondly, you have more capital expenditure than recurrent. This is commendable,” Ozunaso said.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North, APC) described Wike as one of the best ministers under the APC administration.
Oshiomhole noted that too much money was being spent on overhead with very little available for infrastructure, “what Wike has done is worth noting and commending”.
He also commended the FCT minister for implementing specific programmes to bring life to rural communities in FCT.
This, he said, was the most potent statement to decongest the city, by taking development to the people where they live.
Also, Sen. Ireti Kingibe (FCT, LP), who had been very critical of Wike’s leadership style, also commended the minister for the visible performance which she said was undisputable.
Earlier, at the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Rep. Muktar Betara, commended Wike for the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
Other lawmakers took turns to applaud the exemplary performance and dedication of the FCT minister to deliver the dividend of democracy to FCT residents in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Earlier, Wike appealed to the lawmakers to approve the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.
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 for recurrent expenditure representing 27.7 per cent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
By Martha Agas
The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) says it is working with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve conflicts between mining and land title claims.
The Director-General of MCO, Mr Obadiah Nkom, disclosed this when an FCT delegation visited the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters.
Nkom said the visit had created the synergy needed to ensure better management and administration of mineral resources within the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the collaboration aims to eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles, making such disputes a thing of the past.
According to him, the FCT will be able to streamline its operations and maintain clarity on land use and mineral exploration boundaries.
He added that the partnership would address complaints of mining operators encroaching on legally held land titles within the FCT.
The MCO Director-General also noted that although clearance is currently obtained from the FCT Department, this partnership would centralise approvals and enhance compliance.
He said the collaboration would tackle the problem of illegal scavenging on plots of land, which had become an increasing concern.
“It will help a lot. Scavengers are defacing the FCT, and that is unacceptable to us,” he said.
He described a situation where someone returns to their land only to find it excavated and cleared without authorisation.
Nkom expressed confidence that the FCT Department, under professional leadership, would work closely with the MCO and relevant bodies to ensure accountability.
Earlier, Mrs Chinyelu Obrike said the visit aimed to seek the MCO’s support in executing her department’s responsibilities effectively.
She said the department, created in 2022, is tasked with organising mining in the FCT, raising internal revenue, and resolving related conflicts.
Obrike revealed that shortly after assuming office, she began receiving letters and complaints about illegal mining and land encroachments.
She noted that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, recently approved a new operational guideline for mining and quarrying in the territory.
According to her, the visit was necessary to enable a smooth rollout of these mining-related activities across the FCT.
She requested relevant data from the MCO to ensure operators comply with the Community Development Agreement and other legal obligations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing journalists after the 14th committee’s meeting, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Dauda said that a contract was approved for the construction of access roads in Durumi District.
He explained that the contract would involve the construction of several access roads, drainages and culverts totalling about 1.7-kilometres in Durumi, around the Apostolic Church.
He added that the committee also approved the provision of access roads and infrastructure to parts of Mabushi District, particularly the Kez Udezue street, and other roads in the area.
He said that the scope of that project involves the provision of access roads, underground drainage services, street lighting, and other facilities like water and sewage collectors.
Also approved, according to the acting FCDA boss, is an emergency contract for erosion control affecting water pipelines.
He explained that the erosion affected a major water pipeline from Lower Usuma Dam through Kubwa to Airport Road and down to Gwagwalada.
“Erosion had taken place on the major pipeline feeding the various tanks up to Gwagwalada and it was a threat to the major water supply to all these areas.
“So, a Chinese company, CGC Nigeria Ltd. was invited to carry out the emergency work on the sites and the approval at the committee’s meeting was to finalise the emergency repair,” he said.
Dauda also said that the committee equally approved the award of contract for the complete renovation, furnishing and technical installations at the Department of State Security Headquarters.
“Another memo was for the construction of one block of a Magistrate Court in Jabi,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, explained that 13 memos were submitted for consideration, out of which nine were examined and approved.
Amadi added that the nine memos were approved to deepen the infrastructural development and upgrade of the capital city and its environment. (NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
