NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG inaugurates expanded task team on building collapse
Metro

FG inaugurates expanded task team on building collapse

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By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has inaugurated an Expanded Ministerial Task Team on Building Collapse as part of efforts to stem the growing cases of building collapse in the country.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, while inaugurating the team on Wednesday in Abuja, said the alarming frequency of building collapse in the country is “a national disgrace”.

“In reality, building collapse is rarely the result of a single failure. It is usually the end point of a chain of systemic breakdown design flaws that were not corrected.

“It also included substandard materials that went unchecked, construction methods that ignored specifications, approvals granted without proper scrutiny, and inadequate oversight during and after construction.

“In other words, when a building collapses, it is not just the structure that failed; it is the entire value chain that failed.

“From conception to approval, from planning to execution, from inspection to regulation, something or many things went wrong and were not caught in time,” he said.

Dangiwa said, in addressing the menace, it is important to look at it holistically and seek synergy across every profession involved in the building process.

According to him, Architects must ensure that designs meet safety standards and Engineers guarantee that structural calculations are sound while Quantity Surveyors confirm that costs and material specifications align.

He added that Builders must execute construction with integrity, Town Planners ensure developments are happening in the right places, Surveyors verify accurate measurements and land conditions while Valuers factor in the risks when assessing properties.

“This cross-sectoral nature of the challenge is exactly why we have brought together this Expanded Task Team.

“Your collective expertise, shared knowledge, mutual oversight are what we need to build a framework that works not just in theory, but in practice,” he said

The minister listed the committee members to include representatives of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) and Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC).

Others included, representatives of Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).

Dangiwa recalled that he earlier approved the constitution of a Committee on Building Collapse to examine the root causes of the problem and propose practical and sustainable solutions.

The minister said that recognising the importance of broad-based implementation; he directed that the committee be expanded to include key regulatory and professional bodies within the built environment.

This, according to him, is because the issue of building collapse is a deeply interconnected challenge that cuts across architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, town planning, land surveying, estate valuation, and building construction.

He said the committee’s report proposed 18 key recommendations.

He, therefore, said the reconstituted committee should examine the 18 approved recommendations and advise the ministry on effective strategies for their implementation.

He added that the committee would develop a comprehensive roadmap for addressing systemic, technical, legal, and institutional challenges associated with building collapse.

The minister said the committee should also design a compliance checklist and framework for regulatory and professional bodies to enhance oversight, promote accountability, and ensure adherence to standards and ethics in building construction and approvals.

He said the committee should further propose a national legislation to strengthen effective oversight of the Federal Government on building construction.

Also speaking, Dr Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, urged the members of the committee to use their expertise and institutional experience in achieving the Terms of Reference. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 
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UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 

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By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 18, 2025 (NAN) The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

The Vice-Chancellor of university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed during the presentation of the conferment letter to Wike, at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday.

Georgewill added that the official decoration and presentation of the certificate would be on July 26, as part of activities to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary.

He explained that the Act of the university empowered it to award honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the growth of the nation.

He said that the university’s Senate approved the conferment based on Wike’s track record in public service and contributions to the development of the university and Rivers.

“Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the university of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today.

“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt.

“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see in the university.

“We are proud to be associated with you and the university is indeed very proud that you attended it; you have a DNA of that institution in you,’’ Georgewill said.

Mrs Gloria Chindah, Registrar and Secretary to Council had earlier conveyed the confinement of the honorary doctorate degree on the minister in a letter dated June 10.

“It is with profound please that I write to convey to you the decision of the Senate of the University of Port Harcourt at its Extra-Ordinary meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025 to confer on you, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) in recognition of your visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria.

“The conferment will be made at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the university, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” she said.

Presenting the letter, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, thanked Wike for being a good ambassador of the university.

Ohuabunwa said: “The university is very proud of you because in every endeavour of your life you have made us proud.

“When you were the Chairman and Security Head of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, you defended the university.

“When you were the minister of education, you attracted great developments to the university.

“Today the Faculty of Law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education.”

He added that Wike did not only bring the faculty of law to the university, but he also built it.

“As if that was not enough, when you became the governor of Rivers, you made an indelible mark and built one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa.

“Few weeks back, when we came to congratulate you on your appointment as FCT Minister, you donated a multimedia centre for the convocation arena,” he said.

He informed the minister that the convocation arena would be inaugurated on July 25, as part of the university’s golden jubilee.

Responding, Wike thanked the university for the honour saying “for me, it is the university that gave me everything.

“I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied political science before studying another degree in law”.

He explained that as the then minister of education, he wondered why a conventional university did not have a faculty of law.

Wike added that he felt bad and made it a point of duty for the university to have the faculty, including the Faculty of Social Sciences, to separate it from the Faculty of Humanities.

He added that he equally built one of the best convocation arenas for the university because it deserves the best.

“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it.

“I am happy and I accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife and my friends and promised to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university.

“I will continue to partner and support the university,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Anambra Govt. approves N9.72bn for erosion, road projects
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Anambra Govt. approves N9.72bn for erosion, road projects

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By Chimezie Anaso

The Anambra Government has approved N9.72 billion for the execution of some key projects in the state, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has said.

Mefor disclosed this on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen in Awka on the resolutions reached at the 11th State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting.

He said that the money was for the award of contracts for erosion reclamation, flood control, reconstruction of school blocks and rehabilitation of roads.

He said that projects awarded included the construction of access roads within the Nwafor Orizu College of Education at N2.10 billion and construction of a 2.28-km Umunze-Umuchu bypass and erosion and flood control at N3.5 billion.

Others were the construction of 3.9-km access roads within the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus, at N2.65 billion and completion of the ongoing construction of a Country Club at the Ekwulobia Stadium Complex at N528.6 million.

The commissioner said that the council also approved N97.31 for the rehabilitation of Nya Ranch Road, beside the Old Government House, Awka, plus N65.68 million for additional works on the Specialist Hospital, Fegge.

“ANSEC approved N55,18 million for the installation of road signs, rumble strips, flashing caution lights, and thermoplastic speed bumps and N718.68 million for reconstruction and renovation of dilapidated buildings at Nwafor Orizu College of Education,” he said.

He also said the council affirmed its intention to start the Anambra Rebirth Programme, a project aimed at changing people’s behaviour to restore the Igbo values of integrity and hard work.

“More public schools that had not received enough attention would now get it, following the Soludo administration’s clearing of inherited counterpart financing arrears up to 2024.

“Council also plans to train and retrain drivers in the state and, thereafter, place drivers who commit major traffic violations on a blacklist,” Mefor said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah

INEC remains pillar of Nigeria’s democracy – Tinubu
Metro

INEC remains pillar of Nigeria’s democracy – Tinubu

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha and Phillip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Tinubu stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of a new INEC Annex Office to complement its current headquarters in Abuja.

He said that the construction of the building was part of his administration’s effort toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, independence of institutions and the future of the nation’s electoral integrity.

The president pledged his administration’s commitment to ensuring that INEC was fully equipped to carry out its constitutional mandate.

According to him, INEC’s roles in conducting free, fair and credible elections are central to the trust people placed in the government and the nation’s democratic process.

“For this reason, it is only right that such an institution is housed in a structure that reflects the dignity, responsibility and national significance of that institution.

“The new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC autonomy, capacity and growth.

“It will provide, not just a conducive home, but a home for innovation planning, training and transparency in electoral administration.

“We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped, not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy and resources to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness and excellence,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for initiating the project, describing it as another important step toward the protection of democracy in Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I say this democracy is not a destination, but a journey. Together, let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future,” he said.

In his remarks, the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that the commission had been grappling with inadequate office accommodation for a long time.

Yakubu stated that the current INEC national headquarters, inaugurated in December 1997, had become ‘severely congested’.

He said that the headquarters was initially planned to cater for eight commission members – the chairman, seven full-time national commissioners, 10 departments/directorates and 500 staff members.

“Since then, the activities of the commission have become more extensive and the staff strength at the headquarters has more than doubled.

“Today, there are 13 full-time commission members – a chairman and 12 national commissioners, 22 departments/directorates and 1,048 staff.

“Consequently, every facility is overstretched from offices to meeting rooms for the commission’s 15 standing committees and other activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders.

“General staff meetings always take place outside the commission and, in response, the commission was compelled to rent two buildings in Wuse Zone II to ease the situation.

“Over the last 10 years, we made every effort to alleviate the situation until sometime last year when the FCT administration came to the rescue,” he said.

Yakubu commended Tinubu and the FCT administration for their support in addressing the problem of inadequate facilities facing the commission.

He, however, dismissed concerns about why FCTA was building an office for a commission that was supposed to be independent.

He pointed out that this was not the first time that FCTA was constructing an office for the commission, but the third time in the last 34 years.

The INEC chairman said that when the commission relocated its headquarters from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, it was the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) that provided it with offices in Garki to accommodate the headquarters.

“When the facility became overstretched, the FCDA again built our present headquarters. The building in Garki now operates exclusively as our FCT office,” he said.

According to him, the building plan has provisions for a museum to serve as a repository for the physical and digital history of elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.

“This will afford citizens, particularly students that regularly visit the commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history as is the case in many jurisdictions around the world,” he said.

Yakubu said that INEC’s main building would remain the commission’s national headquarters, while the new building would complement the main building.

On his part, the FCT minister explained that the project was awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in March 2025 to be supervised by the FCDA.

Wike added that it was part of the renovation and construction of public buildings approved by FEC to reduce the shortage of accommodation.

He assured Tinubu that the project would be given the needed attention to ensure its completion before the end of his tenure.

Earlier, the acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, Mr Richard Dauda, said that the building on Plot 442, Maitama District, Zambezi Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Way, would occupy 1.5 hectares.

Dauda said that the scope of the works included the construction of a five-storey building with basement parking, media centre, library, museum and various meeting rooms.

Others, he said, were security control room and office accommodation for the management of INEC as well as some key departments.

“There will also be a 1,000-capacity auditorium on three levels, along with other ancillary facilities,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/’Wale Sadeeq

Minister lauds Wike for constructing bus terminals in Abuja
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Minister lauds Wike for constructing bus terminals in Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for constructing three bus and taxi terminals in Abuja.

Alkali gave the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday during the inauguration of the completed Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, constructed by the Wike-led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

He described it as “landmark achievement” and assured the ministry’s support through collaboration to sustain the efforts.

He added that the laudable initiative would no doubt improve public transport and boost economic activities in the territory.

The minister said “it will also provide veritable avenue that will facilitate the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which placed transportation on top of its priorities.”

He appealed to relevant stakeholders, especially the leadership of various road transport unions to maximise the potential of the terminal.

According to him, effective utilisation of the facility will encourage government to do more for the welfare of the people, dignity of road users and transport operators.

The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of six bus terminals, one in each of the geopolitical zones in the country.

Alkali said the terminals would be constructed in Abeokuta, Ogun State (South West; Onitsha in Anambra State (South East); Warri in Delta State (South-South); Lokoja in Kogi State (North Central); Gombe in Gombe State (North East); and Kano in Kano State (North West).

He explained that the choice of the locations was influenced by their strategic commercial viability and the need to boost economic growth and inclusive development through provision of modern transport facility in the respective zones.

He commended Tinubu for supporting the development of the transport sector in multi-faceted ways.

According to him, this is the first time in the history of the country that the Federal Government has made investment of such magnitude in the transport sector, apart from rail and road.

He appreciated the visionary leadership of Tinubu for prioritising the development of transportation as a globally recognised enabler of economic growth and gateway to the nation’s economy.

On his part, Wike said the FCT Administration inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals in 2024, one in Mabushi, one in Central Business Area and another in Kugbo.

He said that the Kugbo terminal would be inaugurated next week, while the one at Central Business Area would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.

He added that three additional bus and taxi terminals would be constructed, with one each in Gwagwalada, Bwari and Kuje this year.

According to him, the essence of the terminals is to enhance security by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

“We are trying to eliminate the `one chance’ syndrome where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers,” he added.

Ealier, Mr Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration, described the bus and taxi terminal as “first of its kind” in the territory.

Elechi added that the terminal, built on 1.8 hectares of land, was designed to operate for 24 hours for both intercity and intracity transportation.

He said that the project was awarded in May 2024 for completion in 15 months but was completed in 10 months.

He said that the terminal has among other facilities an escalator, ticketing booths, shops, cinemas, restaurants and a family room for nursing mothers.

To ensure security, the mandate secretary said that 45 closed-circuit television cameras have been installed in strategic locations within the terminal. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Bus terminal: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to safe, orderly public transport
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Bus terminal: Tinubu reaffirms commitment to safe, orderly public transport

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu, says his administration is taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability and safety in public transportation.

Tinubu stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal in Abuja on Tuesday to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abass, the president noted that the nation’s capital had been grappling with the challenges of the informal transport system.

According to him, the development has led to traffic congestion and, regrettably, the menace of “one chance” crimes that have threatened the peace of our citizens.

“With the completion of the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the Kugbo terminal, we are taking decisive steps to bring order, accountability, and safety to public transportation.

“No longer will our citizens be left to the mercy of impromptu pick-up points; they will now have a secure, well-regulated environment to board their vehicles, knowing that both the drivers and the vehicles are known and registered.

“This is a critical stride in our broader efforts to clean up our city and enhance urban security.

“Beyond the immediate benefits of organised transport and heightened security, this project will also serve as a powerful engine for economic empowerment.”

He disclosed that the construction of the terminal, along with its sister projects, created over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs for the industrious people of Abuja.

“From skilled artisans to general laborers, this initiative has put food on tables and rekindled hope for countless families, demonstrating our administration’s dedication to job creation as a core component of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Tinubu described the terminal as not just a place to catch a bus but a “modern facility designed for the comfort and convenience of our people”.

He said that the terminal would feature integrated commercial activities, including areas for relaxation.

“I am particularly pleased to note the inclusion of amenities such as cinema halls where commuters can unwind, and other essential services.

“These are the state-of-the-art facilities that a capital city like Abuja truly deserves,” he said.

The president commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the laudable initiative.

He added that Wike’s vision, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

“His commitment to providing first-class infrastructure for Abuja is evident in the quality and speed of delivery we celebrate today.

“Today, as we inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal, we are not just opening a building; we are opening a new chapter for public transportation in Abuja.

“We are reaffirming our promise to provide a city where citizens can live, work, and commute with dignity, safety, and efficiency.

“This is a clear demonstration that our Renewed Hope Agenda is not merely a slogan, but a lived experience for our people,” Tinubu said.

Earlier, Wike said that the inauguration of the bus and taxi terminal marks a significant milestone in FCT Administration’s efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure in the territory.

The minister said that the FCT Administration inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals in 2024, one in Mabushi, one in Central Business Area and another in Kugbo.

He added that the Kugbo terminal would be inaugurated next week while the one at Central Business Area would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.

“Additionally, we will construct new terminals in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje this year.

“The real essence of this project is to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorised vehicles on the road.

“We are trying to eliminate the “one chance” syndrome, where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers.

“With this terminal, commuters will know the drivers and the vehicles they are boarding, making their journeys safer,” he said.

Wike added that the FCT Administration was also addressing the issue of indiscriminate parking on the roads.

According to him, the terminal will provide a safe and organised space for vehicles to park, thereby reducing congestion on the roads.

“The terminal will operate 24 hours a day, providing commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses.

“There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities.

“However, the terminal will not be not be operated by the FCTA Transport Secretariat, but private operators who will run it efficiently.” (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG to implement proof of address system across country to curb insecurity
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FG to implement proof of address system across country to curb insecurity

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By Okon Okon

The Federal Government says it will implement the Proof of Address (POA) system across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country as part of measures to address insecurity and improve service delivery.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the North-West, North-East, and North-Central Geopolitical Zones Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Meeting.

The event was organised by the Office of the SGF in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to drive President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s key challenges.

Akume, represented by Mr Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the meeting marked the formal inauguration of the nationwide POA sensitisation, starting with the Northern Geopolitical zones.

He said previous meetings had been held with stakeholders in Abuja, which produced key resolutions and a communiqué that was disseminated to all states.

”The POA initiative is designed to provide every resident with a verifiable and secured address, which will be integrated into administrative processes across the public and private sectors,” he said.

According to him, the initiative will enhance national security, improve planning and service delivery, and promote a more structured society.

In his remarks, the ALGON President, Mr Bello Lawal, described the meeting as timely and critical to the future of grassroots governance, national security, and socio-economic development.

Lawal noted that the local government system, being the closest to the people, plays a vital role in functions like street naming and house numbering, which formed the basis of the addressing ecosystem.

He lamented the long-standing neglect of these functions, which he said had contributed to fragmented urban and rural addressing systems, poor service delivery, slow emergency response, and inadequate planning data.

”In many rural communities, households lack recognised addresses, undermining access to services and effective law enforcement,” he said.

Lawal added that the POA system would offer a transformational opportunity to formalise address identities for households, businesses, and facilities nationwide.

In the same vein, Mrs Rose Mibwala, General Manager, Postcode and Addressing System at the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), said the initiative reflected a collective commitment to building a secured, inclusive, and digitally integrated Nigeria.

”For NIPOST, addressing is no longer just about mail delivery; it is a cornerstone of digital identity, financial inclusion, national security, and effective service delivery,” she said.

Mibwala commended the collaboration between NIPOST and ALGON on the POA system and lauded efforts to integrate postcodes and addressing into local governance structures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

COREN, NEMSA sign MoU to enhance regulation in power sector
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COREN, NEMSA sign MoU to enhance regulation in power sector

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By Angela Atabo

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration in engineering regulation in the power sector.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, at the signing of the MoU on Monday in Abuja, said the pact aimed to promote synergy in the regulation of engineering practices in the power sector.

Abubakar said COREN, in the last 55 years, had the burden of regulating engineering alone in this country.

“We did our best, but as Nigeria evolved and developed to catch up with the evolution of engineering.

“Nigeria also was very alive in establishing regulators that will man the subsectors of the economy.

“One of the key sub sectors of our economy is the power sector. We saw the establishment of at least two credible regulators in the power sector, which are NEC and NEMSA, that have been assigned some aspect of what COREN was assigned 50 years ago.

“So COREN needs to go out there and establish synergy and working relationships to be able to identify the regulatory gaps and fill them.”

According to Abubakar, Nigeria has about 32 regulators in various sectors, and COREN was working to establish synergy with them and not to work in silos or see each other as rivals.

Abubakar said the aim was to create a very robust regulatory ecosystem in Nigeria.

The president said that Nigeria would get value for money, resilient infrastructure, reliable services, competent practitioners and firms that have been certified before they can undertake services.

He commended NEMSA for the partnership, adding that the MoU signalled synergy and COREN would extend an invitation to NEMSA to participate in the area of regulation in the power sector.

Abubakar listed areas of partnership to include the code and standard committee, the engineering, regulation, monitoring and enforcement committee, investigation and inspection, and the disciplinary tribunal, among others.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA, Engr Aliyu Tahir, said NEMSA was established with the statutory mandate to enforce technical standards and regulations in the power sector.

Tahir, who is also the Electrical Inspector of the Federation, said NEMSA is also saddled with the responsibility to carry out electrical inspections, testing and certification of all categories of electrical installations, meters and equipment geared towards safety safeguarding lives and properties.

He said to achieve the mandate effectively, NEMSA is empowered to collaborate with relevant agencies and stakeholders.

“Today’s MoU with COREN is therefore a significant milestone, one that formalises a strategic partnership essential to our shared goals.

“This collaboration will offer numerous mutual benefits, like reinforcing the requirement for all personnel and firms applying for NEMSA certification to be duly registered with COREN for professional accountability and competence.

“It will facilitate the exchange of data on disciplinary actions and sanctions and uphold standards by enhancing the quality of certification and practices with the renewable energy and broader electrical engineering sectors.

“It will promote skilled manpower development and engage stakeholders to address engineering challenges and also ensure COREN is actively represented in NEMSA’s competency certification panels,” he said.

Tahir said the partnership would foster transparency, fairness and shared responsibility in the certification process.

“It is my firm belief that this MoU will foster a robust and mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions.

“Through this partnership, we will be better positioned to deliver our respective mandates, most importantly the protection of lives and property within the Nigerian electricity supply industry and beyond.”

The COREN Registrar, Prof. Okorie Uche, said that quacks were taking over engineering jobs because people do not actually recognise who is a quack because everybody answers ‘engineer’.

“At the end of the day, once there is a collapse in any place, people will start saying, ‘Oh, Nigerian engineer,’ but when you find out those who are actually involved are not licensed, they are quacks.

“So COREN has established 11 sectors that we are setting our vernaculars to ensure that we are doing our job, and we will collaborate to ensure these gaps are covered; others will follow.

“I want to bet you Nigeria will be better for it because the quacks will definitely be cleared for the real people who will do the right thing to participate. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine

Completion of 0m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike
Metro

Completion of $470m greater Abuja water supply project excites Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, expressed excitement for completing the 470 million dollars Greater Abuja Water Supply Project eight years after.

Wike expressed his excitement in Abuja on Monday. at the inauguration of the project by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

He explained that the project was awarded in 2017 under a partnership with the African Development Initiative to take care of loop one, two, five and six.

He added that the Chinese government provided 85 per cent of the funds while the Federal Government and the FCT provided 15 per cent.

The minister added that the project was completed in just two years in office, following Tinubu’s directive to improve water supply in the city.

“Although the project was awarded since 2017, your administration has completed it and today we are inaugurating it to improve water supply in the city,” he said.

Wike recalled that the FCT Administration had in 2024 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese company to provide water in FCT satellite towns.

“I want to say today, that we almost completed the procurement process to provide water to residents of Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu among other communities.

“So, Mr President, you are not only providing water to residents in the cities; you are also providing water to residents in satellite towns,” he added.

He thanked Tinubu for the support and assured the President that this project would be completed and inaugurated in 2026 to celebrate his third year in office.

He equally thanked the National Assembly for the tireless support, which he described as “very encouraging”.

Inaugurating the project, Tinubu described it as a “monumental effort” that would ensure safe, sustainable and sufficient water to homes, institutions and communities across the capital city.

According to him, water is not a luxury, but a basic for human right and a foundation for public health, urban development and economic growth.

He thanked Wike for exhibiting a very great virtue of leadership.

“This virtue is when a leader is very conscious of the needs of his people and he goes about, committed with dedication to do it.

“That’s what you have been exhibiting in FCT,” Tinubu said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and for making the delivery of essential services a key priority of his “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“Your excellency, your leadership has breathed new life into long-standing projects such as this one, transforming plans on paper into realities that directly impact the lives of our citizens.

“The completion of these water supply loops clearly demonstrates your administration’s resolve to ensure that no community is left behind in our pursuit of national development,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the completed project would significantly improve access to potable water supply in the city.

Dauda said that the project involves the construction of water supply pipes in loops one, two, five and six in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

He added that it involves laying of 425-kilometre (km) of ductile iron pipes at various diametres, comprising 256 km of main lines and 169 km of distribution lines.

“The scope of the project includes site clearance and excavation, construction of loops one and two in Phase II, III and part of Phase IV in the norther development corridor and loops five and six in Phase II and III in the southern development corridor of the city,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Father’s Day: Ondo AGN urges profound appreciation of fathers
Metro

Father’s Day: Ondo AGN urges profound appreciation of fathers

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By Raji Rasak

Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN) Attorney General (AGN) and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State has advocated great appreciation of fathers and guardians in celebration of Father’s Day.

Ajulo stated this on Sunday in his Father’s Day message in honour of all fathers, father figures and guardians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Father’s Day is a day set aside for honouring one’s father, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

Father’s Day complements similar celebrations honouring family members, such as Mother’s Day and, in some countries, Siblings Day, and Grandparents’ Day.

The day is held on various dates across the world, and different regions maintain their own traditions of honouring fatherhood.

Ajulo said: Today, we honour the profound impact of fathers and father figures in our lives.

“Whether it’s a day of joy or remembrance, let’s take a moment to appreciate their leadership, mentorship, strength, guidance, and love.”

The Ondo AGN decried the neglect of some fathers by their children/wards.

“I have witnessed fathers who are old and lonely because the children they raised no longer bothered to visit them.

“Some children who left home, perhaps to other countries forget that their parents need them more at old age, not just financially but for emotional support.

“We must continue to advocate for care and love for our parents, especially the aged, not just our mothers but for our fathers as well.

“Men need the love of their children too. Most men may not speak up but emotionally, they crave love too, especially from their children.

“To those celebrating, cherish your memories. To those remembering, hold their legacy close. Let’s extend kindness to all who nurture and support us, regardless of traditional ties.

“Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers out there!” Ajulo stated. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

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