NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
COREN, NEMSA sign MoU to enhance regulation in power sector
Metro

COREN, NEMSA sign MoU to enhance regulation in power sector

197 total views today

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

239 total views today

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

181 total views today

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

Zamfara Govt. vows to maintain zero-polio status
Metro

Zamfara Govt. vows to maintain zero-polio status

181 total views today
By Ishaq Zaki
The Zamfara Government on Saturday inaugurated the Second Round of Polio Outbreak Response campaign in the state and promised to sustain the extant efforts to maintain its polio-free status.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Zamfara has been having the zero-polio status since October 2024.

Speaking while inaugurating the campaign at the Palace of the Emir Gusau, the Executive Secretary, Zamfara Primary Health Care Board, Dr Hussaini Yakubu, described traditional rulers as key stakeholders to the success of the polio immunisation campaign.

Yakubu stated that the four-day campaign was expected to cover over 9,000 settlements across the 147 wards of the 14 local government areas of the state.

He reaffirmed Gov. Dauda Lawal administration’s commitment to the fight against polio and promoting primary healthcare services in the state.

Yakubu described traditional leaders as very important stakeholders to the polio immunisation exercise, commending traditional and religious leaders in the state.

“We are here to extend messages on the importance of polio Immunisation through our royal fathers.
“As we all know, there are a lot of diseases affecting our children that can be tackled through polio immunisation.
“We are using this medium to solicit support from our royal fathers and religious leaders,” he added.
Yakubu solicited more support from other stakeholders particularly the media to extend these messages to the public especially at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, the Chief of UNICEF Sokoto Field Office, Malam Isa Ibrahim,
said the campaign was aimed at ensuring that no child would be left behind in the polio vaccination.

“I appreciate Zamfara Government, partners and all other stakeholders for the remarkable progress that has been made in the fight against polio in the state.

“However, we must acknowledge that significant challenges remain, demanding our immediate and focused attention to ensure that no child is left behind.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional leadership of Zamfara Government for its unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of our children,” he said.

Ibrahim said that UNICEF has been committed to continue supporting the Zamfara Government to maintain its polio-free status.

According to him, to defeat poliovirus, 95 per cent of all children below the age of five needed to receive the oral polio vaccine in at least three consecutive polio vaccination rounds.

In a remark, the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, assured the support of the traditional and religious leaders to ensure the success of the exercise.
Bello called on government at all levels and partners to restrategise  measures of eradicating the polio diseases.
“As traditional rulers, we will continue to enlighten our people on the significance of polio immunisation.
“Media campaign is very important to this important exercise.
“We should involve more on media campaign to reach out to more people to accept the exercise,” the emir appealed.
NAN reports that the event was attended by officials of the World Health Organization (WHO), other partners, religious and community leaders, women groups, the media representatives, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
Traffic congestion: Lagos loses N4trn annually, vows to enforce e-Call-Up
Metro

Traffic congestion: Lagos loses N4trn annually, vows to enforce e-Call-Up

212 total views today

The Lagos State Government is to begin enforcement of its Electronic Call-Up (e-Call-Up) system for tankers and other articulated vehicles operating on the Lekki-Epe Corridor with effect from June 16.

The government said that the enforcement would be in an effort to enhance logistics coordination and reduce traffic congestion to save about four trillion naira for the state residents.

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, said this in a statement signed by Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.

According to Giwa, Lagos residents lose an average of four hours daily to traffic congestion, resulting in an estimated four trillion naira loss annually.

Giwa attributed much of the gridlock to unregulated parking, disorderly loading and unloading activities on major logistics routes.

He added that enforcement of the e-Call-Up system was also aimed at improving road safety.

“All articulated vehicle drivers entering Lagos to load or offload goods must now register and schedule their movements through the e-Call-Up platform.

“The digital system is designed to coordinate truck movements, reduce indiscriminate roadside parking, and minimise disruptions to other road users.

“Under the new system, tanker operators will be required to upload their Authority to Load (ATL) and pre-book assigned parking slots before arriving in Lagos.

“The e-Call-Up platform will also collect vital travel and cargo information, enabling efficient allocation of designated parking spaces,” Giwa said.

The official said that the facilities would be equipped with basic amenities such as restrooms, kitchens and electricity to ensure the comfort and safety of drivers.

Giwa disclosed that the state government had approved seven dedicated truck parks on the Lekki-Epe axis to support implementation of the policy.

He said that the policy was the outcome of over two years of extensive stakeholder engagement.

The special adviser said that it formed a critical part of the state’s broader transportation reform agenda aimed at transforming Lagos into a smart, resilient and livable city. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Ijeoma Popoola

Edo Govt launches street children initiative
Metro

Edo Govt launches street children initiative

216 total views today

By Imelda Osayande

The Edo Government has launched a broad initiative aimed at tackling the issue of street children across the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Olabisi Idaomi, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin.

Idaomi explained that the ministry has identified two categories of street children: those living on the street and children involved in street begging.

She said the ministry, in collaboration with NGOs, carried out sensitisation efforts in key areas like Ihama (GRA), Ring Road, Ebo Street, and Main Gate (UNIBEN).

The sensitisation aimed to identify children with traceable families and assist in their reintegration into their homes.

It also encouraged street children to make informed choices about leaving the streets for a more structured life.

“Following the campaign, the ministry conducted rescue operations and placed children in temporary care facilities.

“Some caregivers later came forward to reclaim and take responsibility for the children,” the commissioner said.

She noted that most street children beggars are of Northern origin, seen begging around Mission Road with their families.

The ministry worked with stakeholders, including community leaders, to devise strategies for removing these children and families from the streets.

She said the Edo Government has contacted community leaders in the children’s states of origin regarding planned repatriation.

They are also running radio campaigns in local languages to inform street children beggars about the government’s intentions.

“These messages aim to inform the children about actions the state may take regarding their street presence,” Idaomi stated.

She acknowledged the rising population within Benin metropolis, which has complicated the issue.

“The ministry is systematically evacuating street children beggars while urging their home states to take full responsibility.

“This is to prevent them from returning to Edo after evacuation and reintegration efforts,” she said.

NAN reports that the state government’s actions reflect a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable street children.

Through these efforts, the government seeks to help children leave the streets and build stable futures. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

NSE signs pact on engineering capacity for construction sector
Metro

NSE signs pact on engineering capacity for construction sector

197 total views today

By Angela Atabo

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has signed a global consensus on engineering capacity building for the consulting sector at the ongoing Chengdu Forum in China.

NSE President, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, said this was done at the Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

Represented by Mr Olumayowa Idowu, Chairman of the NSE, Oguntala described the consensus as a significant milestone for Africa, marking a renewed commitment to empowering engineers to deliver sustainable solutions.

“The Consensus, co-initiated by 33 global engineering organisations, represents a unified commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through strategic cooperation, shared knowledge, and harmonised engineering practices,” she said.

She added that the Nigerian Society of Engineers was proud to be part of the global engineering renaissance.

“The agreement outlines six core areas of collaboration, including engineering education and talent development, mutually recognised standards and competency frameworks, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

“Others include the harmonisation and internationalisation of engineering standards, engineering ethics and social responsibility, and global innovation exchange and application of scientific achievements.

“NSE’s participation underscores its continued efforts to position Nigerian engineers on the global stage and contribute meaningfully to infrastructure and capacity development across Africa.”

She noted that the year’s forum, themed “Pioneering Engineering Innovation and Co-construction of Engineering Capacity” was a key component of the broader Belt and Road Science and Technology (BRST) framework.

She said it focused on multilateral engineering collaboration, sustainable development, and technical innovation among Belt and Road countries.

Oguntala expressed pride in Nigeria’s inclusion in the initiative and reaffirmed NSE’s commitment to strengthening engineering capacity across the continent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

I have no regret naming international conference centre after Tinubu – Wike
Metro

I have no regret naming international conference centre after Tinubu – Wike

293 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says he has no regret naming Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu.

Wike said this in Abuja on Friday, during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that criticism followed the naming of the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre after Tinubu, shortly after it was reopened on Tuesday.

Others described expending N39 billion to renovate the edifice as a misplaced priority.

Reacting, Wike wondered why some people were criticising the naming of the conference centre after Tinubu.

According to him, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was not built by Azikiwe and Moshood Abiola National Stadium was not built by Abiola.

He added that those criticising the rehabilitation of the centre do not have good taste.

“I have done it, and I have no regret at all,” Wike said.

He said that the only thing that was not changed in the centre was the structure saying, “everything in that centre was changed”.

He expressed dismay that instead of commending Tinubu for doing very well, some people derived pleasure in indulging in baseless criticism.

Wike said those who described the N39 billion spent on the renovation of the centre as a misplaced priority had lost track of time and the changing exchange rate of Naira to a Dollar.

“They said that the centre was built with N240 million, but which year? 1991.

“What was the exchange rate in 1991 compared with today? Look at it, 1991 and we are now in 2025.

“Nobody who loves this country will criticise the rehabilitation of the international conference centre,” he said.

The minister said that Nigeria was seen as the giant of Africa, adding that people must see what makes the country the giant of Africa.

“We deserve the best for the country and Mr President has given us the best,” he said.

Wike promises to dualised Apo to Wassa road  
Metro

Wike promises to dualised Apo to Wassa road  

267 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will dualise the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Apo to Wassa Junction.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Friday, during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction.

He said that the step was to eliminate any form of traffic congestion on the expressway, increase vehicular movement and promote economic activities.

He said that the left-hand service carriage way of OSEX was awarded in 2017 at N6 billion and after variation in 2021, the contract sum increased to N21 billion.

The minister explained that on assumption into office in August 2023, he noticed that the road was in a bad state, the project was abandoned due to lack of funds.

He said that the right-hand service carriageway was facing heavy vehicular traffic and slowing down economic activities.

The minister explained that the decision to complete the project was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to complete all ongoing projects.

“The Apo to Wassa road project is one of such projects.

“I promised the contractor that we will make money available and to the glory of God today, we are here to inaugurate the road,” he said.

The minister said that the completed road would improve connectivity, ease traffic movement from Apo to Wassa and link Takushara and Kabusa communities.

“This is what has been lacking, and Tinubu has made it very clear that his drive is not just to develop the city but to open up rural communities for development,” he said.

He said that part of the funds used in constructing the road was from ground rent and urged FCT residents to continue to pay their taxes to enable the FCT Administration undertake more infrastructural development projects.

Wike thanked Tinubu and the National Assembly for all the support that translates to success being recorded.

The minister also promised to relocate Apo Mechanic traders and artisans from the OSEX road corridor to Wassa, adding that he would not only supervise the process, but chair the exercise.

Inaugurating the road, Tinubu said that the road from Apo to Wassa Junction was a significant addition to the road network in the heart of Abuja.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the president said, “this very vital infrastructure fully demonstrates our commitment which is the voice of the President now.

“It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable urban development, enhanced mobility, and improved quality of life for the people of the FCT.

“The OSEX is Abuja’s key transport backbone. It connects the city centre to rapidly growing districts,” he said.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project stands as a testament to the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Mahmoud said that the administration was delivering not just roads but new possibilities, enhanced mobility, and economic opportunities for FCT residents.

Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the OSEX was a 10-lane expressway with two main carriageways of three lanes and two service carriageways of two lanes.

Dauda explained that the about 60-kilometre OSEX commences from the Villa Roundabout to Apo through Kuje and connects Abuja to Lokoja expressway at A2 in Gwagwalada.

He said that the road was being developed in stages, adding that the first stage from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I was completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“The right-hand service carriageway to Wassa Junction had been completed and now the 15-kilometre left hand service carriageway was equally completed and inaugurated today,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the left-hand service carriage way of OSEX was the third project that was inaugurated out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FCTA to close Apo-Wassa road for project’s inauguration on Friday
Metro

FCTA to close Apo-Wassa road for project’s inauguration on Friday

285 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that the road from Apo Mechanic Village to Wassa will be closed to vehicular movement between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Olayinka explained that the closure was to allow President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, Stage II.

He said that the road, from Ring Road I Junction to Wassa Junction, would be inaugurated at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

“Motorists are urged to use alternative routes between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. tomorrow when the Apo-Wassa Road will be inaccessible.

“Traffic enforcement personnel will be deployed to guide motorists and minimise inconvenience.

“The FCTA appeals to affected road users to bear with the government during this temporary closure,” he said.

Olayinka also said that traders, mechanics, and shop owners in Apo Mechanics Village had voluntarily agreed to close their businesses on Friday to welcome the President and participate in the commissioning.

“They are expected to resume business on Saturday,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Apo-Wassa Road will be the third project to be inaugurated out of the 17 outlined to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email