The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that no fewer than 50,000 Nigerian intending pilgrims will perform the 2024 hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, disclosed this at a news conference held at Hajj House on Friday in Abuja.
Arabi said the commission was on course in conducting a successful Hajj operation, no matter the challenges.
He reiterated that Nigerian Muslims would perform the 2024 Hajj in a number that nobody had ever imagined.
” This year’s Hajj preparations is one of the most difficult and peculiar one.
” You know in the past, we had the luxury of time to prepare at our own pace; But, this time around, the host which is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came up with the timeline that we have to work within,” he said.
Arabi said that the Federal Government had intervened in so many ways, especially with policies to support the commission to ensure that things did not go wrong.
“I made bold to say that there were series of interventions that government made in terms of policies to ensure that there is no unnecessary tension in the nation.
” Government has a responsibility to keep the nation one, devoid of chaos and rancour,” he said.
Arabi noted that, going forward, Hajj Savings Scheme would be the surest method to adopt.
He assured that the commission would embark on adequate sensitisation and enlightenment to make sure that intending pilgrims key into it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 pilgrimage. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Coalition of Disability Organisations (CODO) has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other relevant agencies to ensure full compliance with the National Disability Act at Nigerian airports.
The coalition, led by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CDD), made the call on Wednesday in Lagos at a news conference on access to Airport/Airport Facilities and Services for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ms Florence Attah, Programmes Officer, CDD, said it was a fundamental human right for persons with disabilities to access airports on an equal basis with others.
Attah said that the recent incident involving Mr Debola Daniel, on March 27 at KFC restaurant, sited at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, was a blatant violation of the National Disability Act.
“Airports are not just transit hubs; they are gateways to opportunities, connections, and experiences.
“However, for persons with disabilities, navigating through airports can often be a daunting and challenging experience, marked by various barriers that impede their mobility, independence, and overall travel experience.
“Many Nigerian airports lack adequate infrastructure such as ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, making it difficult for persons with physical disability to navigate through terminals.
“Informational signage, flight announcements, and other communication channels often do not cater for the needs of persons with hearing and/or visual impairments, leading to confusion and disorientation.
“The discriminatory attitudes and lack of awareness among airport staff and fellow travellers create uncomfortable and hostile environments for persons with disabilities.
“Similarly, complex security procedures, lack of functional disability desk and lack of disability-sensitive protocols result in delays and inconvenience for travellers with disabilities,” Attah lamented.
According to her, Mr Daniel’s episode typifies the live experiences of many persons with disabilities that often go unspoken or unpublicised in Nigeria.
Coalition of Disability Organisations (CODO) urges Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), others to ensure full compliance with National Disability Act at Nigerian airports
Attah commended Daniel for calling out violators and asserting his rights.
She said: “His actions should serve as deterrence to other corporate organisations and individuals engaging in discriminatory practices across the country.
“We commend the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for the prompt action against KFC at ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and protected.
“While we see this as a bold step in the right direction, we are optimistic that FAAN will move to the next level of addressing other discriminatory practices.
“The practices especially resulting in the systematic exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing the facilities at the Murtala Mohammed Airport.”
According to her, Section 14 of the National Disability Act mandates all airlines operating in Nigeria to ensure that all aircrafts are made accessible to persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities are assisted to get on and off board in safety and reasonable comfort.
Attah added that the Act also mandated airlines to ensure that persons with disabilities are accorded priority while boarding and disembarking from the aircraft and all airports should make available presentable and functional wheelchairs for conveyance of persons with disabilities to and from the aircraft.
She, however, noted that the reality on the ground painted a starkly different picture.
Attah specifically, said that the lift leading to the Murtala Mohammed Airport lounge was non-functional, depriving passengers with disabilities from accessing an essential service.
She said that the CODO, led CCD in partnership with Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiatives (HAPI) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigerian (SCIAN), expressed deep concern over the trend.
Attah decried that the situation had persisted, despite the series of interventions and stakeholders’ engagements carried out in the last two years.
She said that research conducted by CODO on “Access to Airport in Nigeria” across the six geo-political zones, including the F.C.T, showed that PWDs were generally at a disadvantage, deprived, discriminated against, and denied of their rights.
Attah said: “There are numerous reports of total denial of air travel opportunities, as well as humiliating and embarrassing treatment/response to the needs of PWDs.
“Despite the existence of national and international provisions for the rights of persons with disability, the plight of Persons with Disabilities continues to be compounded by societal attitudes.
“This particularly is in terms of being treated condescendingly resulting to repeated violation of their rights in silence.”
Highlighting roles and responsibilities of FAAN, NCAA, and other relevant stakeholders, decried the slow enforcement of the relevant legal frameworks by agencies tasked with managing the various aspects of the airports in Nigeria.
She said that this had led to the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities from accessing airport facilities and services.
She said that the group recommended that Ministry of Aviation should develop and implement comprehensive accessibility policies and guidelines for all airports under its jurisdiction.
Attah added that FAAN should ensure that infrastructure upgrades and new constructions adhere to universal design principles.
According to her, FAAN and Ministry of Aviation should coordinate training and sensitisation programmes for airport staff on disability rights and inclusion.
She said: “Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority should monitor and enforce compliance with accessibility standards and regulations at airports towards ensuring maximum safety for passengers with disabilities
“Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Should Collaborate with FAAN and other stakeholders to develop inclusive aviation policies and practices.
“The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in the aviation sector and provide guidance and support to airports and relevant authorities on disability inclusion initiatives.
“National Commission for Persons with Disabilities should facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes related to airport accessibility.”
She said that the security agencies should ensure the safety and security of all airport users, including persons with disabilities.
Attah said that the security should also provide assistance and support to travellers with disabilities during security screenings and other procedures and address any incidents of discrimination or harassment against persons with disabilities at airports.
“The Ministry of Aviation, FAAN and NCAA should ensure that airports and aviation service providers comply with national laws and international standards regarding accessibility for persons with disabilities
“The Ministry of Aviation should allocate inclusive budgets and resources to support accessibility initiatives at airports, including infrastructure upgrades and training programmes for airport staff.
“The Ministry of Aviation should monitor the implementation of accessibility policies and conducts periodic evaluations to assess the effectiveness of measures taken to enhance access for persons with disabilities,” she added.
Attah said that the coalition remained committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including air travels.
“We urge the Nigerian government and airport authorities to take immediate actions to rectify the systemic barriers that continue to impede the mobility and independence of persons with disabilities at airports across the country,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ART) project is 97 per cent completed.
Wike stated this after an inspection tour of the project from the Metro Station in Central Area to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday.
The minister described the development as a “dream comes true”.
He said that the project would be ready for inauguration in May to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
He added that Tinubu had approved a schedule for the inauguration of projects to celebrate his one year in office, including the ART, also known as the Abuja Light Rail
“We are very happy. We are almost 97 per cent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.
“I believe this is one of the projects Mr President would like to inaugurate, because it is very key to the development of the economy.
“For me, it is a dream comes true, and we are happy that after all said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29,” he said.
The minister, who took a 30-minute ride from the Metro Station to the Airport, contended that the train was more convenient to use than vehicles to the airport.
He added: “I am really impressed with the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
“The company has assured us that all the renovation works on the stations will be ready before the commissioning date.”
On whether the rail lines would be extended to areas experiencing high traffic, the minister said: “I am not committing anything now, because we are taking everything step by step.
“We have to first of all, consider the financial implications.
“Linking areas like Nyanya are important, no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do, but for now, there is no commitment.”
Wike also said that the FCT Administration had concluded plans to build three terminals for the road transportation system for residents of the territory.
He explained that the development would significantly help in curtailing the menace “one chance” criminals in Abuja.
He said that the FCTA road transport system would be rolled out in May, adding that when inaugurated, people would no longer take the risk of entering vehicles they don’t know the operators. (NAN)
Some occupants and property owners in Guzape District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Thursday, sought the Federal Government’s intervention over what they described as “life-threatening blasting of rocks in the area.”
The resident of the district and former Deputy Governor of Kogi, Mr Simon Achuba, made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja.
Achuba, who alleged that the blast was being carried out by Gilmor Construction Limited, also called on the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to come to their aid.
He said Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on Explosive and Blast Technique.
He, therefore, submitted that the construction company, alongside its foreign nationals, ought to have been accustomed themselves to the law.
Besides, he said the construction company failed to heed caution from the police that it should observe regulatory guidelines for blasting.
“For about three months, we noticed with tremor incessant blasting of rocks very close to our residential accommodation contrary to statutory regulations governing blasting of rocks either for construction or mining exercise.
“At any point the blasting is done, the whole residential houses within the vicinity of the blasting site shakes thereby injuring the integrity of these properties and the life of our wives and children staying within these premises,” he said.
The former deputy governor said though they acknowledged that “the purpose of the blasting is for the construction of roads for the development of Guzape District,” he said: “It is only the living that can enjoy amenities.”
“In view of all these infractions and flagrant disrespect to the rule of law and statutory regulations, we are calling on NESREA, Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals Development, Federal Ministry of Environment and FCDA to forthwith stop these incessant hazardous blasting which is injurious to our lives and properties.
“It is only the living that can enjoy amenities. Nigeria is a member of the International Treaty and Conventions on explosives and blasting techniques.
“During the last world conference on explosives and blasting in 2022 in Netherlands, emphasis was laid on international best practice, which Gilmor with her foreign nationals should be accustomed with,” Achuba said. (NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has appointed Amb. Maureen Tamuno as the new Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited.
Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said that the appointment was with immediate effect.
Ogunleye said that Tamuno, an experienced public officer, entrepreneur, and diplomat, was the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
The director also announced the termination of the contract of Messrs Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd, for the management of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
He said that the termination was with immediate effect, adding that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has been contracted for the immediate and comprehensive renovation of the centre. (NAN)
Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out of its current turmoil even stronger.
Wike gave the assurance when the Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, visited him in Abuja on Thursday.
He said: “I believe by the special grace of God, Nigeria will come out from the turmoil that we are in.
“The signs are clear; we have no regret; and we have no doubt that victory shall be ours.”
The minister thanked the Church for the prayers for Nigerians and for the government of President Bola Tinubu to actualise his vision and dreams encapsulated in the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He said that nobody could govern without the backing of God, stressing that it was important for every leader to know this.
“That is why Tinubu has never failed to ask religious leaders to continue to pray for his administration and for the growth of Nigeria.
“Prayer is key. We can do all we think, but without God, nothing can be achieved, so Tinubu’s victory; his hope is anchored on God,” the minister said.
He assured the Methodist Church that the FCT Administration would consider their request for land to build offices and a media centre.
Earlier, Aba explained that the land, if allocated, would be used for the development of a liaison office and a benefiting media centre to enhance evangelism and other social amenities.
He said that a similar request was submitted in 2023 but was not granted.
He pledged the Church’s commitment for continued prayers to support the Tinubu-led government to succeed.
“This is because his success is our success, and his success is the joy of all Nigerians.
“In actualising his ‘renewed hope’ agenda, I pray for economic renaissance for our dear country and taming the evil of insecurity in the land.
“I affirm that there is hope for Nigeria and Nigerians,” the Methodist Prelate said. (NAN)
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, has urged the Federal Government to make retirement easy for Nigerian workers, especially now that the country is facing economic challenges.
Ajaero made the plea on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the XEM Consulting Limited, a subsidiary of XEM Group, organisers of the maiden Pre-retirement Summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja, from April 24 to April 25.
The visiting team was led by Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XEM Group.
Ajaero said that a lot had been said about contributory pension without significant improvement from the regulators.
“Majority of the states have not started keying in, and one begins to wonder the essence of enacting a law.
“Even when the law criminalised none participation, no state has been prosecuted, fined or levied,” he said.
Ajaero regretted that pension matters in the country was becoming more of rhetorics rather than action.
He, therefore, urged the federal and state governments to take seriously the issue of workers pension and ensure they enjoy life after retirement.
“Government in this business is not just employers of labour, they are regulators, and if regulators are not doing anything, then there is problem.
“We are the main victims; even when people retire, the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) find it difficult to pay them, thereby making it a difficult long journey to access their money,” Ajaero added.
Speaking earlier during the visit, Ndukwe who is also a business development expert, said there would be opportunity at the summit to train prospective retirees on various skills, before they retire.
She said the summit was carefully planned to examine the retirement policies in the country, the challenges faced by prospective retirees and proffer a solution to it before they retire.
Ndukwe also said that experts from China, Canada and some European countries would be attending the summit to give their country’s perspective on pension reforms.
This, she said would be to find solutions to the challenges faced by retirees in Nigeria.
“We are bringing global participants to tell us what is happening in their countries, so that we will know how to utilise their own case study. Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of Service of the Federation, will be the keynote speaker.
“Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be in attendance during the panel session to represent all the state governors, while Mr Adewale Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando, will be representing the private sector.
“We will also have the MD of Smart Meters Malam Ibrahim Babagana will also participate in the panel session.
“The second phase of the programme will be the technical session where participants will be taken through knowledge and skill acquisition that will help them prepare for retirement.
“They will know how best to invest their money, the kind of businesses they can venture into after retirement and what decision they can make with the little money they have available.
“The third phase of the programme is the award. We want to recognise very few states, individuals, public servants who have contributed immensely to the reforms currently taking place around pension matters,” Ndukwe said.
According to her, there will be experts presentations by Prof. Du Pang, Director, Institute of Gerontology, China, and Mr Tajudeen Afolabi, Pioneer DG of PENCOM.
She added that the summit was open for government, private and public sector workers as well as financial institutions, labour unions, pension fund administrators and civil society organisations.
The summit will also feature technical sessions, networking sessions and awards in recognition of the contributions of institutions and individuals promoting the welfare of retirees in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the territory for their patience, following the inconveniences the ongoing projects across the FCT have caused.
Wike gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday, after he inspected some ongoing projects in the territory.
“I commend all of you for your support and the residents of Abuja, who have been making some sacrifices.
“Some roads have been diverted while some areas are experiencing huge traffic due to the ongoing road projects across the city,” he said.
He promised that some of the projects would be delivered in May, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu one year in office.
“Where we are now is Goodluck Jonathan Highway, which is being completed and going to be part of the roads that we believed, will be commissioned in May.
“We have spotted some areas where we think the contractor, Salini, should make some adjustments. Overall, it will be completed and in one or two weeks the streetlights will be on.
“We also went to Guzape Lot II, where the roads infrastructure being provided will also be completed and before May ending, the project will be handed over to us by Gilmor,” he said.
The minister also inspected road projects in Diplomatic Zone, Guzape, though not part of the project for inauguration in May, according to the minister, but would be completed in the next one and half year, if funds were released.
He assured residents that the FCT Administration would make the funds available to ensure its completion.
“Generally, I think we are doing well,” the minister added.
On the road resurfacing projects in Asokoro, being handled by Julius Berger, the minister assured residents that all road resurfacing projects would be completed before may.
He added, “even though we are not inviting Mr President to commission them, but let the world know that Abuja is wearing a new look.”
The minister also thanked Tinubu for signing the N1.28 trillion FCT 2024 appropriations into law, adding that the development would enable the FCT Administration to begin procurement processes.
“What you will see will be a revolution in terms of infrastructure. With this budget, a lot of things will be done, not just on roads, but also in health and education sectors,” he said.
Wike urged residents to commend the government where it made improvements rather than condemnation all the time.
“There are those who will never be happy in their lives. They are sadists. If anybody said that there is no improvement in streetlight, he is a sadist.
“We are trying to make some repairs of those that have been vandalised which is not easy.
“Don’t bother about sadists, there is nothing we can do about them,” the minister said. (NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed joy that President Bola Tinubu’s promise to transform Abuja is turning out successful.
Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday, after inspecting six ongoing projects across the territory.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project sites included the Southern Parkway, from Christian Centre to Ring Road I, being handled by Setraco and Vice President’s Resident being handled by Julius Berger.
Other projects visited were B6 and B12, Independence Avenue, also handled by Julius Berger, Wuye Engineering Infrastructure, being handled by Arab Contractors and N-20 Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway in Jahi District, being handled by Gilmor.
The minister also inspected the Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I, being handled by CGC.
“So, for us we are happy with what we have seen, and we thanked God that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is working.
“Nigerians can see that the President has done well and the promise he has made to transform Abuja is turning out successful and there is no need to doubt,” he said.
The minister identified nonfulfillment of promises by politicians as a major problem, adding that such actions make the electorate lose confidence.
He, however, said that when politicians make promises and fulfill them, it gives people hope and makes them happy.
He commended Tinubu for the support, adding that the contractors have attested to the fact that funding was not a problem.
“We went to Southern Parkway being handled by Setraco and the contractor has reaffirmed that the project would be handed over to us in the first week of May.
“Then we went to VP’s Resident, being handled by Julius Berger and they said they have done not less than 90 per cent. That also, by the grace of God, will be handed over to us by May.
“We went to B6 and B12, Independence Avenue in Central Area, also being handled by Julius Berger, and they are quite confident that they are going to hand over the project in May,” he said.
The minister said the inspection tour took them to Wuye District Engineering Infrastructure, being handled by Arab Contractors, adding that they were 95 per cent ready and they made a commitment that it would soon be handed over.
“Then we went to N-20 Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway in Jahi District, which is being done by Gilmore. I can see the level of work and I believe that by the second week of May, God willing, they will also hand over the project.
“We are here now at Outer Southern Expressway, which is being done by CGC, and we have seen the level of work,” the minister said.
Wike said that the essence of going to project sites was to see whether the contractors were delivering the project according to design and according to contract terms.
He reiterated his promise that no project would be abandoned, adding that no project would be awarded without the money to fund it.
The minister disclosed that he would meet all the contractors on Tuesday to finalise the readiness to complete ongoing projects.
He added that he would continue the project inspection on Wednesday to see the level of preparation for handing over of the projects in May.
On why he decided to inspect the project during Easter break, the minister said: “Easter does not mean that you will not work; Easter does not mean that you will not eat.
“What Easter portrays is the unity for which Christ stands for all of us, and the need to preach for peace among we Nigerians,” he noted. (NAN)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has embarked on a journey of transformation in the capital territory.
Wike, who stated this in his Easter message to residents of FCT, in Abuja on Saturday, urged the residents to contribute to the realisation of the vision for better Nigeria.
He explained that the efforts to transform the FCT was driven by a renewed sense of hope and optimism, under the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“As residents of the FCT, let us keep faith with President Tinubu and his administration, and let us actively contribute to the realisation of his vision for a better Nigeria.
“On our part, the FCT Administration remains deeply committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all residents.
“We are working tirelessly to address the various challenges facing the Territory, from security to infrastructure development and education as well as healthcare provision.
“Many of our interventions, as many will attest to, are already yielding the desired results.
“However, I recognise that true progress can only be achieved through collective effort and collaboration,” he said.
He called on residents to join hands with the government in its quest for progress and development, towards building a brighter future for the current generation and the generation to come.
He also urged residents to remember the true essence of Easter celebration and embodied the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and renewal in all that we do.
“In the story of Easter, we find the ultimate symbol of sacrifice in the selfless act of Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for the redemption of humanity.
“Let us, therefore, reach out to those in need, to offer a helping hand to the less fortunate, and spread kindness and goodwill wherever we go.
“In the Federal Capital Territory, we are blessed with a diverse and vibrant community that embodies the spirit of unity in diversity.
“Regardless of our differences in culture, religion, or background, we are bound together by the shared values of tolerance and respect for each other.
“This Easter, let us therefore celebrate our diversity as a source of strength and let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and harmonious society for all,” Wike said.
The minister also called on residents to celebrate responsibly and obey all extant rules and regulations, especially on environmental sanitation and traffic while also being security conscious. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
