By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday arrested two suspected land racketeers for selling plots of land illegally to unsuspecting residents of Ungwan Zaki, in Jahi District, Abuja.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, FCTA, who stated this in Abuja, during the demolition of illegal structures in Jahi community said there would be no compensation for the victims.

Galadima said the suspects, one Mr Yusuf Ibrahim, popularly known as Baban Kalifa, and Prophet Emmanuel Ayisa, would be prosecuted according to the law.

“I am not surprised because these are the antics of criminals, but we have warned the residents and citizens about this kind of ugly situation.

“We have warned people to beware because every land in Abuja has been planned for something. We equally warned residents not to buy land from local chiefs. You have to go to the appropriate authority.

“Even if you want to buy land from somebody, you have to conduct a due diligence search. It is unfortunate that these are victims of circumstances,” he said.

He stressed that the authority would not give them compensation for their loss and advised people to consult appropriate authorities to search for whatever property they want to buy.

The director said, “I feel their pain, but whatever it is, it is illegal and that is why we are removing it.

“It is a continuous process of cleaning and sanitising the city. Obviously, this place is like a criminal den, because when we came in, we saw a lot of characters,” he said.

The Deputy Director and Head of Enforcement, Mr Hassan Ogbole, said that the area was reserved for a road corridor between Kado and Jahi Districts.

Ogbole said that the enforcement team visited the area five times, adding that the people often return and rebuild after every demolition.

“I believe that with this extensive removal of the trees, it will be difficult for them to come back,” he said.

Also, Mr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control, FCTA, explained that the arrest was based on intelligence reports by security agencies who gathered that people were contributing money to bribe the enforcement team.

Olumoji explained that the security operatives were able to identify the culprit and arrest was made, adding that the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command had ordered thorough investigation and prosecution of the fraudsters.

One of the victims, Ms Florence Emedo, said that she bought the land about two years ago, and was assured that the area would not be demolished and that she could stay there for 10 years.

“We were told that the traditional leader of the area, called Zaki of Kado, was fully aware of the land, which was initially being sold for N75,000.

“Baban Kalifa assured us that nothing will happen, adding that they have an insider in FCTA and assured us that nothing will happen but from time to time we will just contribute money and give them.

“They asked us to gather money and they will go to the office, and we contributed N10,000 each,” she said.

Another victim, Ms Owadia Valentina, said that she bought the plot for N450,000 while some bought between N100,000 and N200,000.

“He assured us that we can stay for 10 years and that there is already an agreement on the land.

“I moved in October last year, and I just painted two months ago,” she said.

However, the suspect denied the allegation, claiming that they have not sold land to anyone in the area.

Yusuf Ibrahim specifically said that he did not collect any money from anybody for the purpose of enriching himself.

He, however, acknowledged collecting money from the residents, but said it was for compensation to the Gbagyi people who owned the cashew plantation where the lands were sold.

Similarly, Prophet Ayisa, agreed that he and Baban Khalifa held a meeting after which they collected money from the victims of the demolished structures, but not to appease the officials of the FCTA against demolition of their area. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FCT Administration has stressed the need for an inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction, response and management in the territory.

Mrs Florence Wenegieme, Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation in the Agency, gave the charge during a sensitisation campaign to commemorate the 2023 Internal Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Gwagwalada on Thursday.

Wenegieme explained that the inclusive approach to disaster management was in line with IDDRR theme, “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future for All”.

She said previous focus was on good governance, early warning systems, economic loss, adding that this year’s campaign focuses on human beings.

This, according to her, is to ensure that no one is left behind during emergencies, particularly vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the blind, the aged, and people living in disaster prone areas.

She said that during emergencies everyone is for himself leaving the vulnerable ones to their fate.

“This has to change. Let us be our brother’s keeper by reaching out to the vulnerable ones during emergencies and help them to safety and save their properties where feasible.

“That is why this year’s campaign is on us, the human beings, for us to know how to manage our environment, how to manage hazards before they turn to disasters.

“For inclusion, our targets for the sensitisation are the traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, vanguards, local divers, disaster marshals, including children and persons with disabilities.

“It is expected that after the sensitisation, the participants will step down the knowledge to their various communities for all to be on the same page,” she said.

The director said the weeklong sensitisation campaign across the six Area Councils of the FCT, would enable residents identity common hazards within their environment and how to prevent or mitigate them.

“We began on Oct. 4 with Abaji Area Council, today we are in Gwagwalada Council and tomorrow we will be at another area council until all are covered.

“Last year about 600 lives were lost to disasters across the country, but FCT recorded zero death due to sustained awareness campaigns on disaster risk reduction,” she said.

She identified some of the disasters as flooding, fire outbreaks, building collapse, epidemic outbreaks, and other forms of human induced disasters.

Responding, Mr Abubakar Giri, Chairman, Gwagwalada Area Council, promised to work with FEMA to reduce the risk of disaster in the area.

Giri, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Mohammed Kassimu, said that the council would embark on massive awareness creation on how people can avert disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) says it will recognise tax-compliant individuals and organisations as part to further appreciate excellence and dedication to civic responsibilities.

The Executive Chairman, Mr Haruna Abdullahi, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday to commemorate the 2023 Customer Service Week with the theme, “Team Service TM”.

The chairman said in the statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Mustapha Sumaila, that the aim was to inspire and motivate others.

Abdullahi said that FCT-IRS believed that highlighting their achievements would encourage a culture of compliance and responsible citizenship among taxpayers.

He extolled the trust, cooperation and support of all taxpayers and reaffirmed the service commitment to providing efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric services.

Abdullahi said: “Therefore, we encourage everyone to continue fulfilling their tax responsibilities as responsible and patriotic citizens.

“Together, we can build a prosperous future for our city.”

The chairman explained that the customer service week was dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions and commitment of taxpayers in fulfilling their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes diligently.

According to him, taxpayers were the life-blood of FCT-IRS.

Abdullahi acknowledged the dedication and steadfastness of individuals, businesses, and organisations who have consistently fulfilled their tax obligations.

He said that the taxes being paid by citizens were pivotal in providing essential services, infrastructural development, and sustaining the economic stability of Abuja city.

Abdullahi pledged the service’s commitment to creating an enabling atmosphere for staff members by providing the necessary support and required infrastructure.

This, he said, would foster an environment of exceptional service delivery.

“We understand that a motivated and empowered workforce is essential in delivering exceptional service to our taxpayers.

“Thus, by nurturing a supportive work environment, we will ensure that our dedicated team perform their duties with utmost professionalism.

“The FCT-IRS is determined to equip our personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver services that meet global standards.

“Through comprehensive training programmes, we will continue to groom our workforce to match up to the evolving landscape of service delivery.

“This will ensure that our taxpayers receive the best possible assistance with their tax matters,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will partner with the State of Israel on agriculture, security, and digital economy.

Wike stated this when he received the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Michael Freeman, in his office in Abuja on Tuesday.

He expressed a commitment to partner with Israel on information technology, particularly in the development of the planned Technology Village in Abuja.

The minister added that the climatic condition of Abuja city is also conducive for agricultural production.

“The climate here is good for agriculture, so I would like to partner with you to have a large technology driven farm to employ a lot of our youths.

“It will be good if you can open that channel,” he said.

Wike also called for partnership to improve the security situation in the FCT, stressing that security was very crucial to enable people to do their businesses without fear.

“Let us work together to help us reduce some of the insecurity in FCT,” he added.

Earlier, Freeman offered to support the FCT minister in making Abuja a technology hub using Israeli expertise.

He said that currently when people think about technology, Lagos always comes to mind, stressing the need to work together to build a technology-driven economy in the federal capital.

“I want to discuss with your team on using Israeli expertise to set up centres where people can learn about digital economy and build digital start-ups.

“We will also be glad to work with you on agriculture in Nigeria to provide jobs. We will also work with you on digital economy, alternative energy and security.

“There are huge opportunities for us to work on,” he said.

The ambassador invited the minister to visit Israel to discuss opportunities that could benefit all parties. (NAN)

Edited by Julius Toba-Jegede

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend the industrial action planned for Oct. 3 for 30 days.

At the end of a five-hour closed door meeting, the Union leaders said that all the agreement have been given a time line for implementation.

The agreement was signed by representatives of government and the leaders of the joint union.

The highlights of the agreement is outlined this:

Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:

1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.

4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.

5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.

6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.

7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.

8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

10. The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.

11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.

12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.

13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.

14. The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.

NAN reports that the agreement was signed by Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Information and National Orientation and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment for the government side.

The president and Secretary General of NLC and TUC signed on behalf of the unions.(NAN)

By Philip Yatai

The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned former owners of 165 revoked lands in the FCT to stay clear of the properties or be prosecuted.

The Director, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, gave the warning in Abuja, when his team foiled an attempt by some of the owners of the revoked lands in Maitama, Abuja to continue development on the sites.

This, he described as “worrisome” , in spite of the revocation order placed on the lands

Accompanied by some security personnel, the development control officials confiscated building equipment found on the sites, arrested some of the workers for profiling and chased others out of the sites.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, had revoked 165 plots of land in the FCT for non-development of the properties.

The revocation, according to the minister, is due to the continuous contravention of the terms of agreements as contained in section 28(5) (a) &(b) of the Land Use Act.

“The FCTA minister has revoked some plots for non – development and also gave last warning on abandoned buildings since December 2022.

“It is unfortunate that those revoked properties, some people are trying to come back and work on them, particularly on weekend.

“We got information that some owners of the revoked lands are moving to site in violation of the order.

“We are on this operation to ensure that nobody go back to all the revoked plots to work on them.

“We also want to use this opportunity to warn the public that any revoked property that somebody is trying to work on, the FCTA will not only remove such structures but will ensure prosecution of the person involve,” he assured.

When asked if any of the affected owners of the plots had gone to Court to seek redress, Galadima said, “I am not aware of anything like that.

“But if at all, someone has gone to the Court, then I will live it to the Court to decide, but for now I am not aware of such.” (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 as provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

Malam Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that this followed consultations between the federal government and the leadership of the labour unions at the Presidential Villa.

At the meeting, the Federal Government also pledged its commitment to fast-track the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation occasioned by subsidy removal on PMS.

The Federal Government also committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises as well as waivers on VAT on diesel for the next six months.

It also announced the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October to December.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the decision reached at the meeting include:

The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

Labour Unions made case for higher wage award.

A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)  and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be addressed urgently.

NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions.

Gov. Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar  Bagudu.

Others are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Okon, Deputy President, TUC,  NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro.(NAN)

By Ismail Abdulaziz

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday served as the Special Guest of Honour at the change of Guards of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The event was part of the 63rd Independence Anniversary with the theme “Nigeria @63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity”.

Tinubu led other members of the administration to review the various activities of the event.

The activities included Submission of Parade, Independence Anniversary Parade, and Guards Brigade Silent Drill.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

Other personalities at the event included the Chief Justice of the Federation, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ministers, Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.

NAN also reports that other activities at the event included signing of anniversary register, cutting of anniversary cake as well as releasing of anniversary pigeons.

The president had earlier addressed the nation and spelt out the various reforms put in place by the new administration to turn around the economic and social fortunes of Nigerians.

Tinubu had stressed on the workers welfare, deployment of CNG cars to ease the cost of transportation as well as fiscal policies to attract businesses and employment for the teeming youths.

He said: “Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures.

“Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal. We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.

“Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also a serial challenge.

“ Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.”

The president called on all Nigerians to rally round the administration to achieve the various initiatives for a better Nigeria.

Tinubu said: “I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment.

“ Reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require. We now carry the costs of reaching a future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few.

“ There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

“Fellow compatriots, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred. We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Shuaibu, Gwarzo said that the anniversary was a time to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and celebrate its achievements.

The Deputy Governor also urged Nigerians to work together to build a better future for the country.

“As we celebrate this anniversary, let us remember the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for our freedom. Let us also remember the challenges that we face as a nation and work together to overcome them.

“I believe that Nigeria has a bright future ahead of it. We are a blessed nation with abundant resources and talented people. Let us work together to build a country where everyone can thrive,” he said.

Gwarzo also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to be united and embrace peace.

He said that the country can only achieve its full potential if Nigerians are united and work together.

“I urge all Nigerians to embrace peace and unity. Let us put aside our differences and work together to build a better future for our country” Gwarzo said.(NAN)

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