September 14, 2024

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Breaking News

1 Chinese ambassador pledges to actualise outcomes of Tinubu’s China visit

2 UNICEF seeks support to eradicate NTDs in Nigeria

3 FCTA provides free medical services to 3,370 residents

4 AREAi empowers 400 girls with digital skills

5 Weights and Measures: FG commits to curbing shortchanging customers

Metro

Metro Line operation confirms reality of renewed hope agenda – Wike

By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says the coming into operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system confirms the reality of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the commercial operation of the ARMT by President Bola Tinubu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the inauguration is part of the activities lined up to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

“What is renewed hope agenda? It is giving back hope to the people, so, it is a reality.

“What we have seen today is a reality. People will now be happy that they can come to the city and go back using the train.

“So, when we talk about renewed hope, it appears as if it is a mere talk; it is a reality.

“I want to use Abuja to showcase that the renewed hope is real; it is working and is practical.

“So, Mr President, this is part of a promise made and a promise fulfilled,” he said.

The minister noted that ARMT, also known as Abuja Metro Line, was inaugurated in 2017 but its operation was inhibited by several factors.

Wike recalled that the Metro Line rehabilitation contract was awarded at 30 million dollars in 2018.

He said that the fund was not released until Tinubu came into office and gave the directive in Sept. 2023, that he wants to ride on the Metro Line.

Wike said, following the directive, the Central Bank of Nigerian, Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation made available the fund to the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd.

The Minister said he instructed the completion of the project within nine months and closely monitored the contractor to ensure prompt delivery.

He said access roads were also constructed to all the 12 train stations, including car parks at N21.4 billion.

“As I speak to you today, all those roads have been completed for people to use to the various train stations.

“What we are doing today is the inauguration of the commercial operation,” he said.

On the smooth operation of the train system, the minister said that the previous administration had awarded a contract for the training of manpower for 29 months at 128 million dollars.

Wike said he met with the contractor and was able to negotiate the cost of the manpower training from 128 million dollar to 75 million dollar, thereby saving the country a whopping 53 million dollar.

Earlier, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration disclosed that the ARMT project was awarded in 2007 and had a trial operation from Sept. 2018 to March 2020.

He said that COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuous trial operation, coupled with massive vandalism of key components, which halted the trial operation.

Elechi said that the ARMT system has 12 diesel multiple units each, with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers.

He added that each train was designed to run a minimum of 14 trips per day, and transport approximately 9,800 passengers per day.

“The two Lots, that is Lot 1A from Idu Station to Gbazango and Lot 3, from Metro Station to Airport, will operate two trains each simultaneously every day.

“This brings a total daily passenger count to 39,200 commuters and 980,000 commuters in 25 operational days in a month,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

Nigeria recorded 41 building collapse in 17 months-Civil engineers

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE),on Tuesday said Nigeria recorded 41 building collapses in 17 months.

The National Chairman of NICE ,Virgilus Ezugu, made this known at the NICE Building Collapse Prevention Workshop with the theme: “Stemming the Tide of Building Collapse Menace in Nigeria” in Abuja.

“This means that Nigeria recorded more than two  building collapses monthly. This is a worrisome trend that needs to be reversed .

“Building collapse has become a disgrace to the built sector and as core stakeholder with direct responsibility to ensure the protection of lives and properties NICE has stepped up to address it.

“In 2023, the Institution set up a committee on Building Collapse prevention whose core mandate is to take all necessary steps and advice on ways to halt the tide of incessant collapses of buddings.

“The Committee swung into action and has been collecting data on reported collapses from January 2023.

“The data show that over 41 cases have been recorded in the past 17 months with an average of two and above collapses per month.”

According to Ezugu, this is even more disturbing considering that over 50 per cent of the collapses are not always reported.

Nevertheless ,he said NICE as a responsible professional body has therefore taken the bull by the horn to stem the menace in fulfilment of one of the engineers’ professional codes of public safety through nationwide training.

He said NICE also organised workshops with professionals and other stakeholders with the aim to develop a handbook to guide stakeholders on step by step actions to take in eliminating these incidents.

The Keynote Speaker ,Prof. Samson Duna, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI),attributed building collapse to use of substandard materials among others.

According to Duna, 80 per cent of building collapse happens during the rainy season due to some natural causes and because the materials were substandard, it gives in.

He, therefore, recommended training and retraining of engineers and professionals in the construction sector should attend refresher courses to refresh their knowledge.

He said the government and professional bodies should sensitise the general public on the steps to follow when embarking on building projects.

“All professional bodies should strengthen its arm of monitoring, to ensure they function effectively during project supervision.

” The professionals must be involved in monitoring and evaluation of building projects and funds for the supervision should be cooperated in the cost of the project.

The Guest of Honour ,Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President ,Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN),said there was need for stakeholders to synergise to address the challenge of building collapse .

“The built environment needs to be well organised and well structured to do this and COREN has set up 10 committees to look at 10 sectors in this regard.

“Although the issue might be caused by quacks ,however, the most dangerous quackery is when a civil engineer tries to do the work of a mechanical engineer.

“So we need to look into these things.”

Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE),called on engineers to adhere strictly to the principles of safety, reliability and sustainability.

Oguntala, represented by the Executive Secretary of NSE, Joshua Egube, advised engineers to commit to upholding the highest standards of practice, from initial design through to construction and maintenance.

“This means rigorously applying engineering principles, staying abreast of the latest developments in our field, and continuously updating our skills through professional development.

“Effective regulation is essential to preventing building collapses.”(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Metro

Wike names Southern Parkway Road after Tinubu

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has named the Southern Parkway, from National Christian Centre to Ring Road I (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway), after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike announced the honour during the inauguration the road for public use, in Abuja on Tuesday, as part of activities to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

He said that development of the Southern Parkway, now Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, at par with the Northern Parkway, was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Ltd. at N16.23 billion.

He added that the cost of the project was later revised to N35.76 billion in March 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.

He explained that the road would provide freeway access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.

“I am happy that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of Mr. President, which will enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, thereby, reducing delays in travel time.

“It will also complement the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu, and Durumi.

“The road will also accelerate the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.

“It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way’,” Wike said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory said that the road was 5.4 km, made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each, and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

“It also includes the construction of four interchanges, with eight bridges in addition to other facilities. It traverses the city centre, linking the outer fringes and inner portions of the city expressways.

“It is expected to optimise vehicular movement between developed sectors in the southern part of the city with the Central Area of the federal capital city,” he said.

While inaugurating the road, the highly elated Tinubu thanked Wike, whom he referred to as ‘landlord’ for the honour.

“I will not say that I am surprised. Nyesom Wike, Mr Project, thank you for giving us this hope, and sincere commitment to shared value.

“Well done; as a team leader, you work so hard and tirelessly.

“The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians, thank you very much.

Tinubu further said: “Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development.

“Once again, our dear landlord, Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory.

“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, as we strive to build a world-class capital city.”

The president said that his administration recognised infrastructure as an enabler of jobs, economic development, and prosperity and expressed confidence of achieving all in no distant time.

He added that the needs of Nigerian citizens were paramount to his administration, “so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed.

“As we formally inaugurated this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary.

“Thank you very much. Thank you for being a very good team leader, we all, collectively will not let you down,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ejikanmi

Metro

Lagos transport policy integrates elements for seamless movement

 

Participants at the unveiling of Lagos State Government Transport Policy on Tuesday in Lagos.
Participants at the unveiling of Lagos State Government Transport Policy on Tuesday in Lagos.

By Oluwatope Lawanson/Chiazo Ogbolu

Lagos State Government on Tuesday unveiled its Transport Policy which emphasised integration of the various transport elements and modes to facilitate seamless movement.

The state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who unveiled the policy document, said that it would address the residents’ transport needs.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He said that the Lagos State Transport Policy was built on a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability and innovation.

Sanwo-Olu said that the policy reflected the state government’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable transportation options for all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status or location.

“I am sure we all know the challenges that have plagued our transportation system for too long,” he said.

The governor said that challenges ranged from traffic congestion and pollution to inadequate infrastructure, among others.

“However, challenges present opportunities for innovation and transformation.

“It is with this mindset that we have approached the task of crafting a comprehensive transport policy that addresses the needs of all Lagosians,” he said.

He commended a team of experts, policymakers, transport operators, other stakeholders and citizens, who spent their expertise and time and gave insights to put together the policy document.

The governor said that the government’s achievements in the transport sector had been much and worthy of recognition.

He listed the achievements to include expansion and rehabilitation of some road networks.

He said that there were ongoing efforts to extend and rehabilitate additional routes and guarantee enhanced traffic efficiency.

“A notable example is the ongoing construction of the Opebi-Ojota Link Bridge, a landmark project set to reduce travel time and enhance accessibility throughout Ikeja and its surroundings,” he said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said that transport was the backbone of any thriving metropolis.

According to him, Lagos, as Africa’s largest city and an economic hub, is no exception.

Osiyemi described roads, waterways, railways and air routes as the arteries through which the lifeblood of the Lagos city flowed, connecting communities, facilitating commerce and enabling progress.

He said that the transport policy would help to address transport challenges of today and lay the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.

“The Lagos State Transport Policy represents a bold step forward in our collective efforts to transform the way we move people and goods within our city.

“Crafted through extensive consultation with stakeholders, experts and other citizens, this policy embodies our commitment to innovation, efficiency and inclusivity in all aspects of transportation planning and management.

“The policy provides a comprehensive framework for continued development and regulation of our transportation system.

“ It is not just a blueprint but our commitment to a future where transportation is no longer a barrier but a facilitator of progress and prosperity,” he said.

He praised Sanwo-Olu for visionary leadership.

He said that projects inaugurated by the state government in the past few years were a testament to the governor’s dedication to improving the lives of Lagos residents.

A transport consultant, Dr George Banjo, while reviewing the policy document, said that the aim of the policy was to transform Lagos State’s transport sector.

 

“The policy scope has 14 elements such as road infrastructure, transport safety and security of users and operators, traffic management, public transport, urban road freight, private transport and car usage, non-mototised transport,” he said.

Banjo listed the other elements as rail transport, air transport, inland transport, maritime transport, pipelines and environment, climate change and infrastructure resilience.

He said that for the policy to succeed, there should be a deliberate framework to guide and monitor the implementation, develop institutional arrangements, support local financiers and manage expectations.

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Metro

How Wike changed landscape of FCT projects delivery in 9 months   

By Philip Yatai, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Before President Bola Tinubu assumed the reins of governance, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, was faced with the challenge of abandoned projects.

The Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda was, however, expected to, among other things, complete ongoing projects and transform the FCT into a more habitable and economically vibrant city.

When Mr Nyesom Wike was appointed Minister of FCT in August 2023, he vowed to deliver on Tinubu’s mandate and administer the territory in compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.

According to him, it will be achieved through the establishment of an effective service-oriented administration that will respond to the needs of all residents and other stakeholders.

He noted that Abuja had witnessed foundation laying ceremonies of several structures worth billions, only to be abandoned midway or at advanced stages of their construction.

The minister, nicknamed ‘Mr Project’, particularly pointed out that some of the contracts were awarded in 2007, some in 2011, while others were awarded between 2015 and 2017, but all abandoned.

To turn the tide, the minister summoned all the contractors handling different projects in the FCT to a meeting to know what the problems were and how to get them back to site.

“Our problem is funding,” the contractors lamented assuring the Minister that they would get back to work if they were mobilised.

Eventually, Wike got most of the contractors back to site after agreeing on a payment plan with money from the FCT Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and budgetary allocations.

He equally introduced new innovations and enforced the payment of outstanding ground rents and other taxes in the FCT, a decision that increased the territory’s revenue generation significantly.

The minister also secured the approval of Tinubu to withdraw FCTA from Treasury Single Account, to enable the Administration to access funds from financial institutions to fund projects.

To ensure quality and timely delivery of the projects, Wike personally inspected the execution of the projects and kept the contractors on their toes.

Nine months later, the Wike-led FCTA has announced the completion of numerous projects some of which were pencilled for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in Office.

One of the completed projects is the construction of the official residence of the Vice President, which was awarded in 2010 but abandoned.

Another project was the rehabilitation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system, now ready for commercial operations, access roads to the train stations and parking lots.

Also completed was the extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway, made up of 3.8km length of 10 lanes expressway.

The ISEX enables east-west movement on the southern flank of the city, linking the Abuja – Keffi highway.

The full scope development of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 Junction, including four interchanges was also completed.

The OSEX is the primary road bounding the Federal Capital City (FCC) on the southern flank, connecting the city with the Kaduna – Abuja–Lokoja Federal Highway.

The project, being developed in phases, involves full scope development of about 6.7km of 10 lanes of the expressway from Villa Roundabout to Apo Roundabout.

The construction of the Southern Parkway from the Christian Centre to Ring Road 1 was equally completed.

The project consisted of the construction of 5.4 km length of the road, made up of two main carriageways of four lanes each, and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

It also includes the construction of four interchanges, with eight bridges in addition to other facilities.

The Southern Parkway traverses the city centre, linking the outer fringes and inner portions of the city Expressways.

Also completed was the B6 (Constitution Avenue)/B12 (Independence Avenue) roads in Central Area, spanning from the Circle Road in the Three Arms Zone to the National Stadium, and linking the Central Area with the Airport Expressway.

Wike also completed the interchange bridge, linking Wuye and Wuse I District under the provision of Wuye District Infrastructure project.

The full scope development of the Arterial Road, N-20, from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway) to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway) was also partly completed.

The project involves the development of about 5.6 km of road with interchanges at Kubwa and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressways, made of two main carriageways of three lanes each, making a total of six lanes.

It also includes the construction of two interchanges with four bridges, in addition to other facilities.

The first phase of the road project, from ONEX/Murtala Muhammed Expressway to Arterial Road N11/Ahmadu Bello Way, covering 3.1km was completed and opened to traffic, while work was ongoing at the interchanges.

Another milestone of the Wike-led FCTA was the completion of the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape District Lot II.

The project consisted of the development of 30.80km roads, 33km underground stormwater drainages, and 53km underground foul drainages.

It also provided a 33.5km potable water supply network, 22 box culverts, one electrical power substation and 80 compact unit transformers.

Also provided, was a 163 km electrical cable network, 50km telecommunication ducts and construction of one fully equipped mini–sewage treatment plant.

Wike also completed the rehabilitation and resurfacing of existing roads Arterial Road Corridor (Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah Way), in Institution and Research District.

The projects provided access roads to some institutions and government agencies such as the Institute of Human Virology, Federal Medical Centre, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, National Open University of Nigeria, Body of Benchers, and some private institutions like Baze University.

Other completed projects included the renovation of the FCT minister’s residence in Life Camp and the construction of 11km access road from the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township.

The minister equally completed the resurfacing of 189 roads covering 57 km within the Abuja city centre.

He assured that other ongoing projects would be completed by December, before awarding another set of abandoned projects.

Some of the ongoing projects included the rehabilitation and resurfacing of 366 roads in Wuse, Garki, Asokoro and Maitama Districts, covering 117km.

Also ongoing are the rehabilitation of District Hospital Gwarimpa, Cottage Hospital Gwagwalada and District Hospital Utako, provision of access road to Kabusa Garden Estate, and Greater Abuja Water Supply Project.

The construction of one Service Carriageway of Inner Northern Expressway from Ring Road III to Ring Road IV, as well as120km rural roads across the six Area Councils were also ongoing.

Other ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of Federal Secretariat Phase I, and the rehabilitation of 19 public primary and secondary schools across the territory.

Wike said that the road projects, when completed, would position Abuja to compete with any city in the world in terms of road network.

He added that similar attention was being accorded to satellite towns and rural communities in terms of roads infrastructure.

He, however, noted the challenges of funding and corruption, affecting the delivery of development projects in the territory and assured that steps were being taken to address them.

Reacting to the development, road users and residents described the feat as unprecedented.

“I have been living in Abuja for 16 years but never witnessed a speedy delivery of road projects until Wike happened.

“Look at the road to Asokoro from Apo, which was under construction for several years, but Wike delivered it in just eight months,” said a resident, Mr Andrew Moses.

Similarly, Mr Shuabu Yunusa, a taxi driver said, “It is now seamless going to Asokoro from Apo. The Tinubu-led administration is really working and deserved our commendation.”

In the same vein, Mr John Moses, a motorist, said that the improved road networks have made driving around the city so smooth and fast.

“This means less fuel consumption and more money in our pockets,” Moses said.

Stakeholders, however, insisted that while due attention was being given to infrastructural development in the FCT, a similar gesture should be extended to human capital development and poverty reduction.

This, according to them, will ensure a dual development of the city and the human capital needed for sustainable and inclusive growth and development of the FCT. (NANFeatures)

** If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.

Metro

Automation of vehicle registration, advancing public service delivery – DRTS

Automation of vehicle registration, advancing public service delivery – DRTS

Metro

Ag FEMD D-G bows out, urges modern approach to emergency response

Ag FEMD D-G bows out, urges modern approach to emergency response

By Philip Yatai

Mr Mohammed Sabo, acting Director-General of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), who retired on Friday, has urged the department to embrace innovative technologies to enhance emergency response.

Sabo made the call while speaking at an event organised in his honour, as he officially bowed out of office after 35 years of service to the FCT Administration.

He was the department’s Director of Finance and Accounts before becoming acting D-G on Sept. 30, 2023, when the pioneer D-G, Dr Abbas Idriss, voluntarily resigned after serving for 10 years.

Sabo urged the new acting D-G, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, and her management team to leverage data analytics, Geographic Information System mapping and communication tools to improve situational awareness and decision-making.

According to him, embracing technology will enable the emergency management coordinating body in the FCT to respond more efficiently to emergencies.

“As I reflect on our experiences, I want to share some insights that I believe will guide you in your roles as emergency management professionals and civil servants.

“Explore and embrace innovative technologies to enhance emergency response capabilities; strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and partners; and prioritise early preparedness and planning.

“In a dynamic and evolving environment like Abuja, proactive planning and preparedness are key. You must always anticipate potential risks and hazards specific to our region and continuously update your response protocols.

“The more prepared you are during peacetime, the more effective your response will be, during emergencies.”

He equally urged the management team to uphold ethical standards and transparency, and stressed the need to inspire trust and confidence among the communities they serve.

Sabo further urged the members of staff to continue to advance the mission of the FCT Emergency Management department by being dedicated, passionate and professional to make the needed impact.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as your acting D-G and to have been part of such an exceptional team.

“Keep striving for excellence and never lose sight of the importance of our mission — to save lives and protect our community from any form of disaster,” he said.

In his remarks, the pioneer D-G, Idriss, described Sabo as a fast learner and a well-articulated civil servant, adding that he has added value to FEMD while steering its affairs as the acting D-G.

In her welcome address, Mrs Wenegieme, who took over from Sabo as the acting D-G, promised to consolidate on his gains, and work towards strengthening the department for maximum impact.

Wenegieme, who was the department’s Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, described Sabo as a mentor, adding that the department would continue to reach out to him for advice and support.

Also speaking, Mr Clement Nze, Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, said he had a productive working relationship with Sabo and pledged continued support, particularly with flood forecasts across the country. (NAN)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Metro

NSIB recommends review of Dana Air standard operating procedure

NSIB recommends review of Dana Air standard operating procedure

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recommended the review of Dana Air Limited’s training program and standard operating procedures by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

The Bureau said the review should be done with a view to highlighting Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM) as tools in management of abnormal or emergency operations.

This is contained in four incidents and accidents reports and 20 safety recommendations released on Thursday at a virtual news conference.

The news conference was  jointly addressed by NSIB’s Director- General, Capt. Alex Badeh, and Director of Transport Investigation, Mr Abdullahi Babanya

“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should ensure that Dana Air Limited adheres to standard phraseology in communicating indication malfunctions during abnormal or emergency operations.

“ NCAA should ensure Dana Air Limited comply with timely use of Checklist / Quick Reference Handbook particularly at critical phases of flight when dealing with abnormal and emergency situations in line with standard company operating procedures.

” Nigeria Airspace Management Agency should ensure that Air Traffic Controllers always insist on communication of specific malfunctions with standard phraseology, in this instance, the use of `indicated system malfunction…` rather than `gear disagree,” the Bureau recommended.

The recommendations were sequel to preliminary report “on serious incident involving MD-82 aircraft operated by Dana with nationality and registration marks 5N-BKl which occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on April 23.

The preliminary report of the Bureau also revealed how a popular Nollywood actor, Johnpaul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, and four other Nollywood personalities died on April 10 when their boat capsized in Anam River in Anambra en route to Asaba Jetty.

According to the report,  the boat, which was conveying 12 Nollywood movie production crew and the driver was on high speed when it crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe.

“The speed boat capsized and all occupants were flung into the Anam River.

“Five passengers were fatally injured and seven were rescued alive. The NSIB was not officially notified but got to know about the accident through social media.

“ Investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident site on April, 12, 2024.

“The boat driver was not certified. The fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority,” the report read.

According to the report, rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver not to look out as required, adding that the boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.

It stated that the only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat, jumped into the river and escaped.

“Five passengers on the boat were fatally injured while the remaining seven passengers and the driver survived the crash. Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket.

“The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator. The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors.

“ The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation, ” the report read.

The NSIB also released aviation incident final reports of an incident involving Embraer 145 LR Aircraft operated by Air Peace Limited with national and registration marks 5N-BVD which occurred in Kaduna (civil) airport on Jan. 14, 2021.

The second aviation final report was an on-ground collision between a lavatory service truck with fleet number 9/5 operated by Skyway Aviation Handling Co. Plc (SAHCO) and a parked Boeing 737-300 aircraft with national and registration marks 5N-DAB.

According to the report, the incident that occurred on Nov  21, 2021 involved the aircraft owned and operated by Max Air Limited.

Bade said that the publication of the four reports served as a testament to NSIB’s commitment to safety and underscored its mission to prevent similar occurrences in the future. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

Construction of 50,000 housing units to  create 1.2m jobs – FG

Construction of 50,000 housing units to  create 1.2m jobs – FG

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government has said that the construction of 50,000 housing units under phase one of the Renewed Hope Housing Cities and Estates will create over 1.2 million direct and indirect jobs.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known on Friday in Abuja, at the ministerial  briefing on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

Dangiwa said that the job creation was in addition to the value chain effects of the purchase and supply of building materials, as well as businesses around the construction sites among others.

He explained that the ministry’s vision was to create an efficient housing market where all Nigerians would have the right to a secured, decent, and affordable home as a platform for active participation in economic development.

Dangiwa added that the ministry’s overall strategic action plan was centred on the three core pillars of the Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said that the ministry had achieved some major milestones in housing in the last one year like the planning and actualisation of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Development Programme inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu earlier this year.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Housing Programme is designed to be a catalyst for economic growth, adding that the construction and development of the new areas will generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and attract investments.

”From the ministry’s 2024 approved budget, we are also rolling out another batch of Renewed Hope Estates of semi-detached bungalows.

”To enhance affordability and ease of off take, we used organic designs where one bedroom can be expanded to two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms as the income of beneficiaries increase over time,’’ he added.

Dangiwa further said that the programme aimed to address social inequality by providing a broad range of affordable ownership options.

He said this included single digit and up to 30 years mortgage loans to be provided by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

He said that the other programme included rent-to-own options where beneficiaries could move in and pay towards homeownership in monthly, quarterly, or annual instalments and outright purchase for high income earners.

He disclosed that the government approved the total sum of N126.5 billion from the 2023 supplementary and 2024 budget for the projects including slum upgrade and urban renewal.

The minister explained that the ministry currently had estates in 12 states and three cities nationwide namely Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Sokoto, Oyo, Osun, Abuja, Yobe and Lagos..

He revealed that contractors had been mobilised and commenced work to deliver 3,500 units, adding that an MoU had been signed with reputable developers to build  100,000 housing units nationwide.

”Work has commenced for 3,112 housing units under this public-private-partnership bringing the total number of housing units currently under construction to 6,612”, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Rotimi Ijikanmi

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr Ahmed Dangiwa
Metro

FG receives 8,000 interests for renewed hope housing scheme

FG receives 8,000 interests for renewed hope housing scheme

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, says the ministry has received about  8,925 expressions of interest for the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities housing scheme.

Dangiwa, said this on Friday in Abuja, at the ministerial briefing on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

According to him, the 8,925 expression of interest comprises 1,294 for outright purchase, 2,408 for mortgage, 2,184 for rent-to-own and 3,039 for instalment payment.

”Since the inception of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Housing programme, we have taken pragmatic steps to fast track the sale and occupation of the housing units across the country.

”We advertised expression of interest forms with four windows of subscription to give room for all income segments of Nigerians, which include outright payment, mortgage, Rent-to-own and instalment.

”We received a total of 8,925 Expression of Interest. This comprises 1,294 for Outright Purchase, 2,408 for Mortgage, 2,184 for Rent-To-Own and 3,039 for Instalment payment.’’

Dangiwa recalled that in April, the ministry released the first batch of offer of new provisional allocation letters for outright payment to successful applicants.

He said that under phase one of the renewed hope housing scheme, 50,000 housing units would be delivered across Nigeria adding that the cities would have 1,000 housing units per site in one location in each of the six geo-political zones and the FCT.

He said that the estates would have 500 housing units per site in the remaining 30 states.

He said that the ministry recently launched an online housing portal to ease the process of acquiring homes being built under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

According to Dangiwa, the target is to strengthen the federal government’s urban and slum upgrading programs aimed at improving living conditions, infrastructure, and basic services in informal settlements.

He said that under the phase one of the slum upgrading programme, the ministry planned 26 sites nationwide.

”This includes four sites in each of the six regions of the country totaling 24 and two in the FCT.

”The key services to be provided at the identified sites will include water supply, solar streetlights, rehabilitation of access roads, construction of drainages and waste management and sanitation services among others,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker/Rotimi Ijikanmi

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