NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria aims for top 80 in HCI — FG

Nigeria aims for top 80 in HCI — FG

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by the year 2030.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the inauguration of the state’s National Human Capital Development (HCD) Accelerator Project and the ARISE Human Capital Development Strategy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Vice-President also inspected several ongoing ARISE HCD projects, including model primary schools and the ARISE Park, an innovative environmental reclamation initiative.

Shettima expressed confidence that the national ambition was achievable through the enhancement of workforce capabilities and improved socio-economic outcomes.

He commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for being the first to implement the national HCD blueprint across all local government areas.

“Every policy or programme that intervenes in the lives of our people can only succeed if it is rooted in the grassroots.

“The true wealth of any nation lies in the certainty of its human capital, the education of its children, the health of its citizens, and the productivity of its workforce,” he said.

He noted that the Federal Government had inaugurated the second phase of the Human Capital Development Programme (HCD 2.0), stating that it built on the first phase with a stronger focus on integration and measurable impact.

“At its core, HCD 2.0 is about integration and impact. It is built on the foundation of HCD 1.0 but goes further to incorporate cross-cutting themes.

“What Akwa Ibom State has shown us here isn’t just progress, it’s leadership,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of data-driven policy implementation, Shettima announced the introduction of an HCD Dashboard to track key indicators in real time.

“We are deploying data not for reports, but for results because behind every number is a story: a child not vaccinated, a mother lost to childbirth, a youth with promise but no pathway.

“These are not mere statistics. They are realities. And we must confront them with urgency and compassion,” he stated.

He lauded Akwa Ibom’s progress, highlighting metrics where the state outperformed national averages.

“With an under-five mortality rate of 80, compared to the national average of 110, your state is already showing remarkable progress,” he said.

“And with only 3.5 per cent of primary-age children out of school far below the national average of 25.6 per cent, you are not merely compliant with our national vision; you are ahead of the curve,” he added.

As part of the national strategy, Shettima also unveiled Project Fuuku, a clean cookstove initiative expanding on a successful pilot in Nasarawa State.

He said that the project addressed public health, environmental, and gender equity challenges.

“This intervention is more than a public health measure. It is a gender-sensitive, climate-conscious strategy that saves lives, preserves forests, and uplifts rural women burdened by indoor pollution and fuel scarcity.

“To ensure continuity and sustainability, the Vice-President announced plans to institutionalise a Human Capital Development Fund.

“We are working to institutionalise the HCD Fund to ensure that no matter who occupies these offices tomorrow, the investments we make in people today will endure.

“If we must meet our target of reaching an HCI score of 0.6 and becoming a top-80 nation globally by 2030, we must act with boldness.

“Implementation must be swift. Data must guide us. Financing must be innovative,” Shettima said.

Earlier in his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom described human capital development as the foundation of sustainable development.

He assured that the state would continue to invest in the initiative and collaborate closely with the national HCD team.

He also revealed plans to send an Executive Bill to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to domesticate the human capital development programme and ensure its implementation at the local government level.

“We are thrilled that our state was selected as the first for the inauguration of this programme.

“This reinforces the fact that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu does not play politics with development and this we deeply appreciate,” the governor added.

Ms Rukaiya El-Rufai, the National Coordinator for Human Capital Development in Nigeria and Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC), said Nigeria currently ranked 168 out of 174 countries on the HCI.

She reiterated the importance of continuity and long-term planning.

“Human Capital Development improves the health and well-being of the people, ensuring they receive quality education, effective healthcare, and ultimately achieve their full potential,” she said.

Dr Nathaniel Adiakpan, Special Adviser to the Governor and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Human Capital Development Council, described the ARISE strategy as the state’s collective resolve to empower citizens through education, skills, and opportunity.

“Today, we gather to actualise a Renewed Hope in human capital through the ARISE HCD initiative that will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of human capital development in our state,” Adiakpan stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the event was the distribution of clean cooking stoves to selected beneficiaries by the Vice-President.

Other dignitaries present included the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice-President), Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija, and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo.

Also in attendance were the Coordinator of the Office of the Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Helen Obereki, and the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Uwah.

The event also had in attendance the Akwa Ibom State Focal Person and Chairman of the South-South Focal Persons’ Forum for HCD in Nigeria, Mr Uduak Isaac. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NUJ FCT decries telecom costs, poor infrastructure

NUJ FCT decries telecom costs, poor infrastructure

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has expressed concern over the rising cost of telecommunications and internet data in the country.

In a communiqué issued after its congress in Abuja, the union described the situation as a heavy financial burden on citizens.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, Odigie Kelvin, along with committee members Kehinde Ayanfe and Ebriku John.

The union urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to investigate current telecommunications billing practices and introduce measures that ensure affordability and consumer protection.

Additionally, the NUJ FCT Council appealed to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to address the state of dilapidated infrastructure at its secretariat.

The appeal was also included in the jointly signed communiqué.

The union decried the poor condition of the facility currently used for its congresses, describing it as unfit for a professional body of journalists operating in the nation’s capital.

It called on Wike, popularly known as “Mr Project,” to come to the union’s aid in completing the long-delayed NUJ Pentagon project, a building envisioned as a landmark edifice for journalists in Abuja.

“The current state of our secretariat is appalling. We are earnestly appealing to the Minister to undertake a facility tour and see for himself the infrastructural decay we contend with.

“We believe that under his leadership, the secretariat and Pentagon project can finally be transformed into a lasting legacy,” the communiqué stated.

The union called for improved electricity supply in the FCT, encouraging the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to enhance its efficiency and service delivery to better support residents and businesses.

It noted that poor electricity supply was hampering productivity and negatively impacting quality of life.

Further, the NUJ expressed concern over the increasing rate of maternal mortality.

The union urged the Federal Government to provide free maternal healthcare services including pre-natal, ante-natal, and post-natal care to alleviate the burden on expectant mothers and reduce preventable deaths.

Reaffirming its commitment to advocating for the welfare of journalists and the general public, the union pledged continued engagement with relevant authorities to address these pressing challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

 

FG inaugurates 65km C’River section of Lagos/Calabar Coastal road

FG inaugurates 65km C’River section of Lagos/Calabar Coastal road

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By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the construction of the 65 Kilo Metre Section 3A and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road at Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.

The Minister of Works, Chief Dave Umahi, inaugurated the three-lane dual carriageway in company of the Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu, who represented President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi explained that the sections were components of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

He said that like other sections of the road, the Cross River axis would be constructed using a continuous reinforced concrete pavement.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructural development, describing him as a national hero.

“Only somebody like Asiwaju can come to a deep forest like this and then turn it to another city.

“I thank you for your support for the people of this country because your commitment and pedigree, character, and content is beyond Cross River. You are a national hero.

“We inherited an economy that was in shock. It was in oxygen. But the oxygen has been removed. The worst is over, and we are at the path of prosperity. This project is one of it,” he said.

He appealed to communities within the corridor to cooperate with the contractor to complete the project on time.

“So, I want to appeal that we give the contractor lots of cooperation. They move like lightning. They have no time to waste. If you cooperate with them, you will see magic,” he added.

Tinubu, in his remarks, described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project as economic enabler, job creation booster, intra- and interregional integration link, and facilitator of cultural exchange.

According to him, as a responsive government, an enabling environment will be continually created for the nano, small, medium enterprises to thrive.

“Relevant government agencies are poised to grant soft loans, grants, professional advice, and other incentives to business owners to enhance their operations.

“Not too long from now, Nigeria is going to be fully independent. If you are independent without food sufficiency, and you cannot actually determine your fate properly, then it means you are going to lean on other economic powers to help you navigate the rough terrain.

“But the structure that we are putting in place today is something that is going to leave a massive legacy in terms of making sure that the life of every Nigerian is better.”

Similarly, the Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, Olayinka Onafuye, said that his duty is to ensure that the project meets standards and specifications, and gave assurance that he would ensure that. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Deborah Coker

 

JP Morgan’s Nigerian branch, endorsement of Tinubu’s reforms – TSF

JP Morgan’s Nigerian branch, endorsement of Tinubu’s reforms – TSF

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By Salif Atojoko

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has welcomed plans by JP Morgan, an American banking group, to upgrade its Nigeria representative office into a fully operational business branch.

Malam Danjuma Muhammad, Chairman of TSF, in a statement on Monday, described it as a global endorsement of the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu.

“According to a recent report by Africa Intelligence, the move is in line with the strategic vision of JP Morgan’s Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Dimon, to deepen the bank’s footprint in Africa, particularly in thriving economies like Nigeria.

“The development is a strong vote of confidence on the Nigerian economy and the robust reform agenda of the Tinubu administration, especially in the areas of monetary policy, ease of doing business, and financial market liberalisation.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that J.P. Morgan plans to open a fully operational business branch in Lagos, by converting its existing representative office into a fully-fledged business branch.

It has been present in Lagos since the 1980s, indicating a long-term commitment to the Nigerian market. 

The group said JP Morgan’s decision to apply for a merchant banking licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s financial sector.

It said this positioned the country to benefit from global capital flows, attract more institutional investments, and facilitate improved access to foreign exchange loans and sophisticated asset management services for Nigerian corporate citizens.

“As one of the world’s most influential financial institutions, JP Morgan’s expansion into full business operations in Nigeria sends a powerful signal to other global investors that Nigeria is open for business.

“The upgrade will not only strengthen the financial services ecosystem, but will create job opportunities, increase the CBN’s non-oil revenue through licensing and regulatory fees, and drive down the cost of foreign currency-denominated funding for local businesses.

“We at TSF believe that this milestone is the outcome of President Tinubu’s bold leadership and deliberate policies to stabilise the economy, attract foreign direct investment, and reposition Nigeria as the financial hub of Africa,” the group stated.

It also expressed confidence that the development would catalyse similar decisions by other global financial and investment institutions, leading to a virtuous cycle of economic growth and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu pledges to boost road infrastructure nationwide 

Tinubu pledges to boost road infrastructure nationwide 

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By Angela Atabo

President Bola Tinubu says his vision is to complete and expand all key road infrastructure projects across Nigeria to improve nationwide connectivity.

Tinubu, represented by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State stated this on Sunday during the inauguration of section two of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway project.

He said the road is a vital link between the South and North, and the government is committed to easing travel across the country.

“My vision is to overhaul Nigeria’s roadways by completing and expanding critical infrastructure projects nationwide,” Tinubu stated.

He acknowledged that some projects began under past administrations but praised his government for refining partnerships, addressing funding issues, and setting new completion timelines.

“In almost two years, we’ve awarded several new road projects, many of which have already been completed to boost trade, productivity, and regional development,” Tinubu said.

He added that no part of Nigeria is being neglected in the ongoing infrastructure upgrades sweeping across the nation under his leadership.

Tinubu said Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria have especially benefited from major infrastructure improvements since his administration began.

He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway as a landmark project and one of Nigeria’s most critical road networks.

The road connects the Federal Capital Territory with about 12 states across the north-central, northwest, and northeast, aiding both economic and social development.

Also, Tinubu approved an 11-kilometre extension to connect the road to Aminu Kano International Airport.

He also added 10 kilometres at the start of section one, between Kogi State and Abuja, for greater coverage.

Tinubu directed that solar-powered lights be installed throughout the road for safety and illumination.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised Tinubu’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in the road sector.

Umahi revealed that the 700-kilometre road would be completed using concrete-reinforced pavement within 14 months.

He said the project spans 350 kilometres each way from Abuja, passing through Niger State to Kaduna, Zaria, and ending in Kano.

The minister confirmed that Julius Berger had completed 480 kilometres of the Kano section, with 280 kilometres remaining to be done.

Umahi stated that construction of sections one and three, totalling 118 kilometres, had been awarded for N252 billion with 30 per cent upfront payment to Infiouest.

He added that section two, 82 kilometres each way (164 kilometres total), had been flagged off at a cost of N525 billion.

The entire road project, close to a trillion naira in total, is being executed by Infiouest, which Umahi endorsed as reliable.

Umahi assured Nigerians of progress and said the ministry would return in 30 days to assess the ongoing work.

He disclosed plans for zonal engagements across the six geopolitical zones to report on road and bridge achievements under the Tinubu administration.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Goronyo called Tinubu a leader for all regions, with dedication to every corner of the country.

“We deeply appreciate your efforts; your impact is felt nationwide,” Goronyo said.

He commended Tinubu for projects in Illela, Sokoto, Lagos, and Badagry, highlighting them as part of major legacy superhighways.

“This is a performing President, bringing renewed hope and positive change to Nigerian lives,” Goronyo added.

He encouraged communities to support the contractors, governors, and the president in building a prosperous and transformed Nigeria. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants

FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants

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By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to provide affordable homes for federal civil servants in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Government Staff Housing Loan Board (FGSHLB) Hajiya Salamatu Ahmed gave the assurance while inspecting some government housing projects for civil servants in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi in the FCT.

“Houses are now very costly. We are looking around to see the assets that are very affordable for the federal civil servants.

“Thank God, these houses are within the reach of the civil servants.

“Our housing project will meet the needs of public servants. What public or civil servants want is a good quality and comfortable shelter. but you know how it is, it’s not easy living in Abuja.

“I am sad because most of our civil servants’ commute from Nasarawa State and Suleje in Niger and other far areas.

“You know that transportation in Abuja is very expensive. Rent is also kyroketing at an alarming rate; the salary can no longer take care of all these challenges,” she said.

The FGSHLB boss said she was satisfied with the progress of work at the project site in Gwagwalada, Kuje and Karshi, adding that the buildings will be ready for commissioning in June.

She further explained that while a two-bedroom bungalow goes for 17 million naira, three bedrooms are going for 22 million naira and duplexes of three bedrooms are for 30 million naira.

She also appealed for more funding for the board to enable it to do more for the public servants in the country

“We are looking at how we can do so many places, but because of funding challenges, we cannot finish them all at the same time.

“We are taking them bit by bit, by the time we finish with some, then we can go for others,” Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, the developer at the Kuje site, Mr Rotimi Fasan said the infrastructure in the estate had been completed.

“We have a road network, water system; we also have lots of green areas for children to play in.

“We have also completed the construction of a central sewage system and others.

“By the grace of God, in the next few months, this place will be ready for commissioning with all the listed facilities,” Fasan said.

NAN reports that the FISH Programme, which was initiated by OHCSF in 2015, is designed to provide affordable housing for Federal Civil Servants through an integrated strategy involving group land allocation, inter-ministerial collaborations and provision of infrastructure and services. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Gov. Soludo assents six bills into law

Gov. Soludo assents six bills into law

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Thursday signed six bills into law, as part of ongoing efforts to advance the state’s development projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bills included the Anambra State Development and Investment Corporation Law, 2025 and the Anambra State Electricity Law, 2025.

They also include the Anambra State Homeland Security (Amendment) Law 2025 and the Anambra State Indigenous Traditional Medicine Practices Law, 2025.

Others are the Anambra State Herbal Practice Law 2025 and the Anambra State Mission Schools of Nursing and Midwifery (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2025.

Speaking while signing the bills into law, Gov. Soludo said the laws would strengthen governance in the state and served as an indicator of progress in the state.

He commended the state House of Assembly for working closely with the executive to make laws that would positively affect the citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Maureen Atuonwu

Gov. Oborevwori signs electricity bill, six others into law

Gov. Oborevwori signs electricity bill, six others into law

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By Ifeanyi Olannye
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has assented to the strategic Delta State Electricity Power Sector Bill, 2024 and six others into law.
The governor, who performed the function at Government House, Asaba on Thursday, described the electricity bill as a game changer in the state’s rapid industrialisation drive.
Other bills assented to are: Delta State Physical and Regional Planning Bill, 2024; Delta State Film and Video Censor’s Board Bill, 2024; Registration and Regulation of Private Veterinary Clinics (Amendment) Law, 2024.
Also, the Child Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Delta State Pet Control and Responsible Ownership Bill, 2024, and the Delta State College of Health Technology, Ovrode Bill, 2024 were assented to.
Oborevwori lauded the leadership of the State House of Assembly for passing the important bills carefully crafted to address pressing issues and challenges to improve the quality of life of the people.
He said, “we have just witnessed the signing into law, the seven bills geared towards enhancing Delta State through our MORE Agenda.
“The laws that l have just assented to are very key, especially the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law 2024. This particular law gives me immense joy in assenting to it.
“We have provided the legal framework to unlock a plethora of investment opportunities in the power generation, transmission and distribution investment.
“The state is now open for prospective investors in this sector to take advantage of it. I believe that this bill that l have assented to today will improve our power sector which is very key because, you can’t do any investment without power.
“Power is very key and I can tell you today that we have the population and now the legal framework for investment to thrive. The state is now open for investments.”
He said that the Child Rights Amendment Law 2024, had provided more safeguards for children, adding that from now, no child should be employed or used for domestic help aside their homes or family environment.
“It also establishes an Adoption Service Department in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to address the challenges of prospective adopting parents. Our children are the future and must be protected.
“These bills that have been assented to will protect our vulnerable populations, improve quality of life, promote sustainable development and environmental protection, attract investment and increase our IGR.
“We must recognise that our work is far from over. We must now ensure the effective and efficient implementation of these laws. I, therefore, urge all stakeholders to work together to guarantee successful outcome,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, while presenting the bills, had congratulated the governor on the massive construction projects across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Iziama
Minister inaugurates service charter to deliver quality, affordable housing

Minister inaugurates service charter to deliver quality, affordable housing

393 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has inaugurated a Service Charter in its commitment to deliver quality and affordable housing to Nigerians.

The charter was inaugurated by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa on Wednesday in Abuja.

Dangiwa said that it was a bold statement of the ministry’s collective commitment to excellence, transparency, responsiveness and accountability in the discharge of duties to Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the document outlines the ministry’s vision, mission, and deliverables in providing quality and affordable housing, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“As we all know, the civil service is the engine that drives the machinery of government headed by our Permanent Secretary.

“No matter how bold or visionary a government’s policies and programmes may be, their success or failure ultimately rests on the shoulders of the civil servants who are tasked with the implementation.

“When the civil service is competent, efficient and forward-thinking it becomes an invaluable asset, guiding political leaders and ensuring the continuity and success of government’s policies.

“A weak, unmotivated and inefficient civil service becomes a drag on progress, frustrating implementation and slowing down reforms and undermining the best intentions of the government,” he said.

Dangiwa said that the service charter outlined the standards of service that every department, unit and staff of the ministry should uphold.

According to him, it also gives citizens a clear picture of what they should expect from the ministry and how to hold it accountable to those expectations.

He urged members of staff to recommit themselves to giving their best in service and upholding the values of discipline, diligence and patriotism that define the Nigerian civil service.

The minister encouraged them to become enablers of change and not obstacles to progress.

“Let us embrace this charter, not just as a document, but as a culture.

“Let it guide our daily operations, shape our interactions with citizens and shareholders and inspire us to build a ministry that we can all be proud of,” he said

The minister said that the ministry would dedicate a special day during the SERVICOM week to recognise outstanding staff, customers, contractors, and consultants of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuiab Belgore, said that the ministry was working to change the narrative of the housing sector.

Belgore said that to make this happen, the ministry innovated some reforms to drive internal productivity, and created a reward system for best staff of the month and the overall best for the year.

“That way, the members of staff will give their best in effective service delivery to the nation.

“I guarantee to Nigerians that the service we will provide will be exemplary,”he said

Also speaking, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, SERVICOM, presiding office, said that the inauguration of the service charter marked a significant step toward service improvement in the ministry.

Akajemeli said that its implementation would determine how well the ministry is positioned to really improve on the services provided to stakeholders.

She said that SERVICOM was an initiative of the Federal Government conceived to promote effective and efficient service delivery in the civil service.

“The concept was initiated by the government to ensure customer satisfaction and manage the performance and expectation gap between government and citizens.

“A service charter, therefore, is a document that describes the service experience that can be expected from the ministry to coordinate all matters concerning lands, housing and urban development,” she said.

Akajemeli,further described the service charter as an operational and performance enhancement tool that enshrined the trust between service providers and service takers containing realistic and measurable standards in specific key services of the ministry. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Kadiri Abdulrahman

Plateau, NRC partner to revive Jos rail

Plateau, NRC partner to revive Jos rail

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to restore and operate the Jos–Kuru rail corridor.

This milestone aims to boost economic activity, reduce transport costs, and enhance mobility in Plateau and neighbouring areas.

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang said the project was not only about trains but about restoring hope and prosperity to Plateau residents.

Represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Jatau Davou, Mutfwang thanked the Minister of Transportation, Said Alkali, and NRC boss, Dr Kayode Opeifa, for their unwavering support.

The Jos–Kuru line, part of the historic Kafanchan–Kuru route, will link the Western and Eastern rail corridors.

It is expected to connect communities, ease cargo movement for farmers and traders, and reduce travel costs across the state.

Initially, the service will run on a narrow gauge, but plans for a modern standard gauge network are underway nationally.

Opeifa highlighted the value of federal-state collaboration, praising Plateau’s efforts in reviving abandoned railway infrastructure.

“This partnership shows how governments can rise above politics to deliver real benefits to Nigerians.

“We are not just returning trains; we are restoring dignity, economic power, and national unity,” Opeifa said.

He said NRC would deploy a dedicated business manager in Plateau to oversee operations and ensure service delivery.

He stated the initiative would create jobs, support local businesses, and open advertising and entertainment opportunities through train services.

“We will continue to rail across Nigeria—from Jos to Borno, Aba to Port Harcourt, and beyond,” Opeifa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

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