By Okon Okon

The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation to demonstrate unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism and service excellence.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, made the call during the induction ceremony for the officials in Abuja.

She congratulated the inductees, describing their appointments as recognition of their years of dedication and notable contributions to the Nigerian Civil Service.

“This gathering represents the renewal of our collective commitment to service, responsibility, and national development.

“You now occupy strategic positions at the apex of the federal bureaucracy. As such, your actions must reflect the highest standards of diligence and ethical conduct, “she said.

The head of service emphasised the pivotal role Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General play in policy implementation, service delivery, and administrative stewardship.

Highlighting the 2025 theme of the Civil Service, ‘FCSSIP 25: Final Sprint – Delivering Results’, she urged the inductees to align their efforts with the goals of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025).

“2025 is our ‘Year of Accomplishment.’ It is imperative that we implement the strategy fully and deliver tangible, transformative results,” she added.

Walson-Jack said that the three-day induction programme was carefully curated to equip the appointees for excellence in their roles.

She urged the inductees to take full advantage of the lectures and engage actively with resource persons.

Beyond technical knowledge, she advised the new officials to foster open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect within their ministries, departments, and agencies.

“Let this induction be an opportunity to build strong working relationships and recommit yourselves to innovation, ethical governance and service excellence,” she said.

Walson-Jack reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the inductees’ capacity to deliver on their mandates, urging them to lead with integrity and purpose.

Also, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Office of the HCSF, said the programme marked a significant milestone for the inductees especially as they assumed offices during a critical phase of reforms anchored on the FCSSIP 25.

“It is a platform for reflection, engagement, and alignment with the tools and values needed to drive effective governance in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reminded land owners of its two-year ultimatum to develop allocated land or lose it.

Mr Obinna Nkwocha, overseeing Director, Department of Monitoring and Inspection, FCTA, gave the reminder in Abuja, during inspection of abandoned buildings within the capital city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT had recently announced a land reform that gave land owners two years to develop allocated land or face revocation.

Nkwocha, during a routine monitoring exercise in Maitama, Central Area and Jabi, pointed out the security threats posed by abandoned buildings.

He reminded developers of the two-year ultimatum to build allocated land as contained in their Building Plan Approval.

According to him, abandoned buildings not only litter Abuja city, but serve as sanctuary for criminals.

“These abandoned buildings serve as hideouts for hoodlums and can also collapse due to years of decay.

“I, therefore, advise developers with relevant approvals, to on their own interest, move back to site,” he said.

He attributed the development partly to lack of proper costing and due diligence to prevent litigation.

The director advised residents to be their brother’s keeper by reporting any abandoned buildings that pose security threats in their area for prompt action.

He said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was doing a lot in terms of infrastructure development in the FCT, adding that such efforts should be supported by residents and developers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday launched the construction of a N16-billion express road and flyover project in Maiduguri, as part of his administration’s ongoing urban renewal programme.

The project comprises a 7.1-kilometre dual carriageway linking the Borno Express Terminus to Molai along Tashan Kano, a six-span bridge over the Ngada-Bul River and a new flyover, the fourth to be constructed in the state.

Zulum, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the project site, said 50 per cent of the contract sum, amounting to N8 billion, had already been paid to the contractor.

He explained that “10 months is 10 months. The total contract sum is N16 billion and we have paid 50 per cent of this amount. So, the contractor has no excuse for delaying the project.”

The governor added that the remaining N8 billion has been earmarked and will be disbursed upon reaching agreed project milestones.

Zulum said the new road and flyover would decongest traffic in Maiduguri, improve connectivity to key economic zones, and accommodate the city’s growing population.

He added that “this is not just for beautification. It is to accommodate the increasing population growth in Maiduguri. We must expand the city.”

The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, said the six-span bridge would provide critical linkage between the new dual carriageway and surrounding communities across the Ngada-Bul River.

He assured that the ministry would closely monitor the project to ensure strict compliance with specifications and timely delivery.

In a related development, the governor announced plans to execute five additional capital projects, including a new market, an orthopaedic hospital, a general hospital, an international hotel and a western bypass.

Zulum said the projects would be completed before the end of his tenure, alongside all ongoing capital works.

He also addressed the acute water shortage in Maiduguri, attributing it to damage caused by the 2024 flooding, and pledged speedy repairs to the affected water infrastructure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Ronke Ojediran/Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos State Government says more than two million passengers have been transported on the Blue Line Rail since its launch, while state-run buses move an average of 42,000 commuters daily.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, on Tuesday.

The event marked the second anniversary of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, showcasing major strides in the transport sector under the THEMES+ agenda.

Osiyemi said that the Lagos State Transport Policy, launched in May 2024, was now in its implementation phase, focusing on inclusivity, safety, affordability, and sustainability.

“On rail development, Phase One of the Blue Line (Marina to Mile 2) has served over two million passengers, with Phase Two (Mile 2 to Okokomaiko) in progress.

“Phase One of the Red Line (Agbado to Oyingbo) is now operational with eight stations and additional rolling stocks procured, while Phase two (Oyingbo to link Blue Line at National Theatre) is underway,” he said.

Osiyemi said that in the state-owned bus operations, over 60 million commuters had been served since 2019, with daily ridership exceeding 40,000.

He said that plans were on to deploy new buses with Quality Bus Corridors under construction, adding that the Abule-Egba Bus Terminal had also been commissioned.

“For water transport, 15 locally-built Omibus Ferries have been launched and are in operation, with the Ijegun Egba Terminal now open.

“The OMI EKO project, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), will deliver 25 terminals and 78 electric ferries.

“Over 280,000 passengers have used ferry services in the past year, and 12 boats have been upgraded to meet safety standards,” he said.

On road infrastructure and traffic management, the commissioner said 49 junction improvement projects had been completed, including ongoing ones at Ikorodu, Iju, as well as Allen-Opebi-Toyin axis.

He added that solar-powered Traffic Signal Lights, road markings covering 67.9km, new medians, laybys, and 3,941 parking lots had also been provided.

Additionally, Osiyemi announced that the deployed Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras had detected over 470,000 traffic violations and that the Vehicle Inspection Service issued over one million roadworthiness certificates.

He said that the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute trained more than 32,000 drivers in the past 13 months.

He also said that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority trained over 800 personnel, evacuated over 100 broken-down vehicles, and revived its school safety advocacy programme in 59 schools. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has advised residents to speak up if they notice any buildings that look unsafe and could possibly lead to collapse across the state.

The General Manager, Lagos State Materials Testing Agency (LSMTL), Mrs Olayinka Abdul, gave the advice on Tuesday.

She emphasised the importance of residents staying alert and reporting any signs of structural problems they notice.

Abdul said this could help prevent building disasters, especially those caused by builders not following proper materials testing rules.

She said that building collapses would keep happening if the public kept ignoring proper materials testing, such as the building that recently collapsed on Oremeta Street in Ojodu-Berger.

Abdul said the building collapse happened because the results of a Non-Destructive Test weren’t followed.

According to her, this is exactly what happens when safety regulations are overlooked.

Abdul said: “The results at the time showed the need for further professional input from structural engineers, the building having been in carcass form as an uncompleted structure for 10 years.”

She said that the collapse of the three-story building was exacerbated by non-compliance with Lagos State building codes and actions that contravened established professional standards.

She said that additional construction at the rear of the building was allegedly carried out at night, presumably to evade detection by relevant government authorities, particularly during the Easter public holiday.

“Whilst implementing this evil scheme, the building came down,” Abdul said.

She urged residents to stay alert and speak up if they notice any shady or suspicious construction going on in their area, adding that reporting it quickly could help prevent serious problems down the line.

“Residents should note that these constructions were done at night, and they should have raised alarm about it.

“See something, say something in order to help keep everyone safe. We need to be deliberate in informing authorities of some happenings around us.

“You can inform authorities about faulty buildings, etc. via WhatsApp: 07058890232,” she urged.

Abdul announced that all surrounding structures to the Oremeta collapse site would be served Non-Destructive Test papers commencing Tuesday, April 22.

This, she said, was a mandatory five-year structural integrity assessment for all long-standing buildings.

The general manager said that anyone found guilty of ignoring the building codes set by the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory, would face serious sanctions.

She stressed how crucial proper testing was to make sure buildings and infrastructure are safe, strong, and built to last.

“Without rigorous testing, we risk constructing buildings and infrastructure that are prone to failure, collapse, and ultimately, loss of lives and property.

“For Lagos State as a mega city with a rapidly growing population and urbanisation, the demand for quality infrastructure is higher than ever,” she stressed.

Abdul highlighted that the agency was fully committed to ensure all construction materials used in the state met top standards for quality and safety.

She said their main goal was to protect the lives of Lagos residents while also supporting long-term, sustainable development.

She also noted that materials testing was not just about safety but about sustainability too.

She said: “By using high-quality materials, we can cut down on the need for constant repairs and replacements, which helps save resources and reduces construction waste in the long run.

“All they need to do is to see something, say something, as it places emphasis on the importance of citizens’ vigilance in preventing disasters,” Abdul added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare