News Agency of Nigeria
FG reiterates commitment to affordable housing for civil servants
Metro

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
Metro

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
Metro

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
Metro

Minister inaugurates service charter to deliver quality, affordable housing

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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
Metro

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

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will withstand flood for 50 years – FG
Metro

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will withstand flood for 50 years – FG

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Highway

By Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has given the assurance that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway when completed would withstand flood for about 50 years.

Umahi gave the assurance at a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the highway project on Sunday in Lagos.

“We will make sure that our pavement level is going to counter any climate change,” he said.

According to him, the pavement level would be at the first floor of many buildings.

“To retain the road, we are going to be building retaining board. It has already started.

“We also have the cable duct so you don’t have to cut the road.

“MTN, African Plus or any other network doesn’t have to cut the road. The cables are there, I saw them.”

He reiterated that there would be closed circuit television cameras on the road so that the response time for any issue would be less than five minutes.

The minister also said that the highway would have an evacuation corridor.

” We are going to be earning carbon credit by the reason of the use of concrete pavement which will have no emission.”

He said that trees would be planted all through on the road to make it exciting.

“We have the Dangote Refinery. You need about 60 metres clearance for the trucks to go in and out.

“We are now building a flyover that has a span of 60 metres, and then the next span is 41.6 metres counterbalance.

“We are flying over Dangote Refinery, and the seven axial road is coming. It is going to be a point to behold. It is going to be another tourist site.

” Let me announce that along the corridor, there are lands that the state government has given us the right so we can build what I call relief centres where you can stop to have snacks, buy petrol.”

He added that supermarkets and medical facilities would be part of the centres.

Umahi thanked stakeholders for their support.

“Let me thank you all for coming to this public engagement.

“There are some people who are here not because they have money to claim but because of the love they have for this development.”

He also praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for excellence and timeliness. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Minister inaugurates Utako Farmers’ Market in Abuja
Metro

Minister inaugurates Utako Farmers’ Market in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art solar-powered farmers’ market, in Utako, Abuja.

The market project, executed by Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), was developed on 3000 square meters of land and consists of 50 lockup shops, 40 informal stalls, and seven warehouses.

Mahmoud said, at the inauguration in Abuja on Friday, that the market would serve as a hub of economic empowerment, a centre of agricultural excellence and a vital link between producers and consumers.

“This market will serve as a platform where farmers can sell directly to buyers, eliminating middlemen, reducing post-harvest losses, and boosting rural incomes.

“As we inaugurate this market today, we reaffirm the commitment of the FCT Administration under the leadership of Mr Nyesom Wike, to drive development that is people-centred, impactful, and sustainable,” she added.

She commended the visionary leadership and dedication of AICL and emphasised that market stood as a demonstration of what could be achieved through public-private collaboration, strategic investment, and community-focused development.

The minister, however, called on the farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs to take full ownership of the facility and use it as a catalyst for economic growth.

She advocated for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economy that could support local farmers, empower small-scale agribusinesses, and ensure that quality produce was readily accessible to every resident of the territory.

Mahmoud commended President Bola Tinubu, for his immense support towards the development of the nation’s capital city.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, AICL, Amb. Maureen Tamuno revealed that the Utako farmer’s market was the first green solar-powered market of its kind in the FCT.

Tamuno reaffirmed the commitment of the Wike-led FCT Administration to making Abuja a world-class city and to fulfil the SDG 11.

She explained that the SDGs 11 focused on ensuring that cities grow in a way that supported economic growth, environmental protection, improved quality of life for all residents and ensuring a better future for residents of Abuja.

She said that with the development of the market, the AICL had demonstrated its resolve to actualise environmental sustainability and be part of the solution to the problem, associated with climate change.

“The Utako Farmers’ Market, being the first green market in Nigeria, stands as an example of innovation, sustainability, and progress

“The reliable and clean power supply in the market would enable traders to operate for extended hours and preserve perishable goods, thereby boosting their income.”

She added that the market would support the food security policy thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu-led administration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

SERVICOM lauds NTI for adopting innovative approach to service delivery
Metro

SERVICOM lauds NTI for adopting innovative approach to service delivery

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By Okon Okon
The Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) has commended National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) for its innovative approach to service delivery by adopting global standards in its operations.
National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, gave the commendation while presenting SERVICOM Compliance Evaluation (SCE) reports at the Corporate Headquarters of NTI in Kaduna.
Akajemeli lauded NTI’s efforts in integrating technology into its processes.
Akajemeli said the SERVICOM’s visit to the 10 selected state offices and study centres had showed that the institute was keeping pace with modern trends and driving towards excellence.
Citing Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue State study centres, she said facilities at the centres had improved and provided more opportunities for teachers’ training.
“Interaction with students shows that students dashboard provided by the institute is user friendly. This helps them to better prioritise tasks and complete assignments on time, ultimately improving academic performance.
“They are proactive, very innovative, and in tune with the times. NTI is deploying technology into their processes and systems, ensuring that service delivery is seamless and efficient,” she stated
According to the SERVICOM boss, NTI has expanded access to its services by actively engaging with states and reaching more locations.
She said this had led to increased enrolment in its National Certificate in Education (NCE), Diploma, and Degree programmes.
“The impact of their work is evident in the growing number of trainees and improved quality of teacher education.
“The use of technology is now central to their operations, which aligns with global best practices,” she said.
The SERVICOM boss also emphasised the significance of NTI’s role in teacher training, pointing out that well-trained teachers contribute to better learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools across the country.
“In spite of the positive review, SERVICOM identified areas for improvement in NTI’s service delivery processes.
“The NTI management should prioritise timely distribution of all required course materials to students and establish a tracking system to ensure compliance.
“Management should liaise with institutions where BDPs, PGDE programmes are affiliated for prompt release of results and certificates.”
Responding, Prof. Sa’adiya Daura, Director-General of NTI, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to improving service delivery following the SERVICOM assessment.
Represented by Ag. Registrar, Mrs Zainab Garba, Daura acknowledged the management efforts over the years which had led to significant progress from the previous assessment by SERVICOM.
“Yes, in previous years, our trends showed steady improvement. This is because we have been working closely with SERVICOM, which has helped us identify gaps and enhanced our services.
“As noted during the assessment, even the reward for excellence has been recognised within the institute,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
FG working to establish sustainable land administration system —Shettima
Metro

FG working to establish sustainable land administration system —Shettima

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By Angela Atabo

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the Federal Government is working to establish a sustainable land administration system in the country.

Shettima, represented by Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, made this known at a three-day National Land Conference 2025, in Abuja.

The conference with the theme: “Reforming Land Governance for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, was organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), in collaboration with Johnbull Amayaevbo Foundation.

The Vice-President said the Land Use Act of 1978 had been the legal and policy framework for land ownership, management, and administration in Nigeria.

According to him, although the Act has significantly shaped land administration and management in Nigeria, it has also contributed to systemic challenges that must now be addressed.

“However, the Act, now 48 years old, is undeniably due for review and reform.

“The time has therefore come for a thorough reassessment to identify necessary amendments and ensure its relevance in the evolving socio-economic landscape.

“Analysts have criticised the Land Use Act as an impediment to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, underscoring the need for comprehensive review to realign its policies with the goals of sustainable growth, equities and efficiency,” he said.

Shettima said in line with that, the current administration inaugurated four reform task teams in Jan. 2024.

This, he said, was to develop a strategic blueprint for implementing reforms aimed at streamlining land administration and ensuring easy, cost-effective, and efficient access to land in Nigeria.

He added that the current administration was committed to the idea of the national land commission and had taken major steps towards its realisation by drafting an executive bill for its creation before the National Assembly.

The Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, said NIPSS gathered together stakeholders in the building ecosystem to periscope what the land and resource system has been.

He explained that this was aimed at coming up with new ideas and making recommendations to government.

“Today we are sitting here believing that in this three-day conference, we will be able to look back, reflect, and ask hard questions concerning land.

“For us at the National Institute, what matters to us is developing Nigeria to be what the founding fathers wanted it to be.

“Our motto is towards a better society.

“We want to fulfil one of our mandates, which is to research and reflect on matters of national interest,” he said.

Omotayo said that for the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to succeed fully, there was need to look at land and resource system and that was what the conference aimed to achieve.

Also speaking, the President and Founder of Johnbull Amayaevbo Foundation, Johnbull Amayaevbo, said the conference aimed to redefine land governance as a catalyst for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Amayaevbo, said that in spite of Nigeria’s abundant land resources, land governance framework remained encumbered by outdated policies, inconsistent implementation, and administrative bottlenecks.

He said this had made Nigeria to rank 169th out of 190 countries in registering property, according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index (2023).

Amayaevbo added that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) estimated that only three per cent of Nigeria’s urban land was formally registered.

The President said the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) reported that Nigeria lost approximately 350,000 hectares of forest annually due to unsustainable land use and called for urgent intervention in land management.

He said the conference would become an annual platform where experts, stakeholders, and policymakers would continue to engage, evaluate progress, and propose pragmatic solutions for land governance reform.

Amayaevbo said key proposals included the establishment of an Office of the Valuer-General, modernisation of land administration laws, enhancing land tenure security, and sustainable land management practices, among others.

“As we embark on the journey towards land governance reform in Nigeria, let us draw inspiration from global best practices while remaining grounded in our unique socio-cultural and economic context.

“The reforms we propose today must be bold, yet practical, visionary, yet actionable.

“They must prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Shettima leads FG delegation on condolence visit to Katsina governor
Metro

Shettima leads FG delegation on condolence visit to Katsina governor

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday led Federal Government delegation on condolence visit to Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State over the death of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 93-year-old matriarch died in the late hours of Saturday, March 23.

Shettima said he was in the state at the instance of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with the governor and the people of the state over the demise of the governor’s mother.

The vice-president added that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck, but for her, it is largely a celebration of life to answer the call of Allah at the right old age of 93.

“Your Excellency, Gov. Dikko Radda, we are here at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with you, the government and good people of Katsina State over the sad demise of the matriarch of the Radda family.

“The death of a mother is a very sad loss. May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljannah Firdaus.

“May Allah also grant the family, the government and the good people of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the VP prayed.

Responding on behalf of the Katsina State Government, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal, thanked the vice-president for coming to commiserate with the governor.

He said “Your Excellency, we can’t thank you enough. You have always identified with the people of Katsina State and the government of the state.

“So, on behalf of the family of the governor, the government of Katsina and the people, we thank you most sincerely for coming.

“We ask the Almighty Allah to grant her eternal rest and grant her Aljannah Firdaus.”

On the encourage of the vice-president were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadeija, Minister of Transportation, Sen. Usman Alkali, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari.

On arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari House in Katsina, Shettima was received by former Gov. Ibrahim Shema, former Deputy Governor of Katsina, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, Katsina State Chairman of All Progressives Congress, Lawal Daura, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

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