News Agency of Nigeria
RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks
Environment

RUWASSA, Wastebox campaign against open defecation hits Abuja streets, motorparks

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate (RUWASSA), in collaboration with Wastebox ltd, a waste management company, on Monday, took the campaign against Open Defecation to Abuja streets and motorparks.

The campaign tagged, “Clean FCT: Use the Toilet” began from Area 1 temporary motorpark, through several motorparks in Garki District.

Drivers and commuters in the motorparks, including traders and residents on the streets were reached with key messages on the dangers of open defecation.

Mrs Chika Ibe from the waste management company explained that the move was to accelerate the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in FCT by 2030.

Ibe urged the FCT Administration to strengthen collaboration with concerned citizens, development partners and non-governmental organisations and other government agencies to take the campaign to the door steps of residents.

This, according to her, will significantly improve interventions geared towards ending ODF in the FCT before 2030.

She pointed out that the practice of open defecation, particularly in rural communities with little or no toilets was worrisome.

She said that the ugly practice was predisposing rural dwellers to life-threatening diseases like cholera and other infectious diseases.

Ibe stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts in ending open defecation as soon as possible.

“Nigeria is one of the countries that are still practising open defecation.

“The initial target to end open defecation was 2025 but extended to 2030.

“I am sure we will achieve it if we strengthen our collaboration, intensify our interventions and carry out massive sensitization campaigns.

On her part, a Sanitation Officer from FCT RUWASSA’s Sanitation Department, Mrs Esther Shettima, noted that open defecation still persists despite the availability of public toilets in strategic locations across the FCT.

Shettima, however, acknowledged a significant improvement in ODF status across the territory “but if we relax and don’t do anything about it, we will not be able to achieve the ODF status.

“This is why we are partnering with relevant stakeholders to help drive the message to every household on the dangers of open defecation,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4
Metro

210 beggars detained as operation sweep Abuja enters day 4

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apprehended 210 beggars, under its Operation Sweep Abuja of miscreants, street beggars, traders, scavengers and other criminal elements, which commenced on Monday.

Mrs Gloria Onwuka, acting Director, Social Welfare, Social Department Secretariat, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, at the end of day four of the exercise.

Onwuka said that the operation was in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

She explained that the 210 beggars, made up of 80 men 58 women and 72 children, were camped at the Bwari Rehabilitation Centre.

The director added that scavengers, ‘one chance’ syndicate and other criminals that were apprehended were detained by the police.

She said that the beggars, who were caught in the act in different locations were being profiled and would be deported back to their various states.

The director said that some of the children begging on the streets were brought in from Kano, Katsina and other states by unidentified individuals simply to beg and hand over the proceeds to them.

She added that some of the women that were caught with children, begging on their behalf were not their biological children.

“Begging is now run like a business. People will go and hire people’s children from other states, put them in vehicles very early in the morning, come to Abuja and start begging.

“The families they are hiring these children from don’t even know that this is what they are using their children to do.

“We have caught so many of them like that.

“Also, some of the beggars will even tie a bandage on their legs claiming injuries but it’s all lies.

“There is a woman we caught who claimed she has cancer of the breast, but when we loose the bandage, there was no single wound on her breast,” Onwuka said.

On his part, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, Mr Damy Gwary, said that the operation had so far covered the city centre, Kubwa, Gwarimpa, Asokoro, Garki and Wuse among other locations.

Gwary explained that the activities of the beggars, scavengers and other criminal elements have become a source of great concern to FCT residents.

Represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA Command and Control Centre, the director said that the operation was to rid the city of all forms of criminal elements.

He pointed out that beggars pose security threats and constitute a nuisance in the city.

He added that Wike had directed the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the FCT and other security agencies to tackle all forms of security threats across the territory.

He added that the CP would provide updates on the progress so far, adding that the operation would continue as long as security threats exist in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

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

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

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By Philip Yatai

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Halima Sheji

FCT becoming world class city under Tinubu, Wike – Former Deputy Speaker
Metro

FCT becoming world class city under Tinubu, Wike – Former Deputy Speaker

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, says the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is becoming a world class city under President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike.

Nwuche said this in Abuja on Saturday, when he accompanied the FCT minister on a routine inspection of ongoing projects in satellite towns in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary.

Some of the projects included the completed Market and Palace Road in Gwagwalada, completed 15-kilometre A2 to Pai and the ongoing 15.4-km Pai to Gumani in Kwali Area Council.

The minister also inspected the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to Military Checkpoint and War College Roads in Bwari Area Council.

“Abuja is becoming something else; a world-class city and the developments are such that it covers both the urban and rural areas.

“If we had been at this pace from 1999, Abuja would have long ago been much more than where it is today.

“I have seen many ministers come and go but this is the one that really has made a great impact on the nation’s capital,” Nwuche said.

The former lawmaker, who said Abuja was coming back to life, said that he had been to Gwagwalada, Kwali and Ushafa, stressing that the ongoing development was simply incredible in just two years.

“I am quite amazed. Like at Kwali, we saw a lot of places for farmlands with water.

“So, I think Abuja has come back to life,” he said.

Nwuche also said that the road projects were of world class quality, and commended Wike for putting his heart to the job.

He equally commended Tinubu for giving Wike the opportunity to serve, and for the support required for the wonderful feats achieved so far. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

25 years of democracy: Nigerians celebrate with solidarity walk
General News

25 years of democracy: Nigerians celebrate with solidarity walk

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By Kingsley Okoye

Hundreds of Nigerians from all walks of life on Thursday participated in the 6th National Democracy Solidarity Walk 2025 in Abuja and across the 36 states.

In Abuja, the walk commenced at the Eagle Square and terminated at Unity Fountain.

According to the organisers, it is a display of unity and solidarity as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of unbroken democracy.

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman of the National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), described the walk as a civic audit, a non-partisan civil reflection on the promises, progress, and policy performance of the current administration.

“The people are the true scorecard of governance, and today we are in unity, in clarity, and in purpose.’’

The walk featured a kaleidoscope of participants, including civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, youth, and student groups.

According to Akor, the broad-based participation underscores the walk’s message of unity and solidarity.

“The walk also marked the official unveiling of Nigeria Democracy Week 2025, scheduled for June 23 to June-27.

“This week-long celebration will feature a range of activities aimed at promoting civic engagement, dialogue, and democratic ideals.”

Akor said the National Democracy Solidarity Walk had become an enduring tradition in Nigeria’s civic engagement landscape, offering a peaceful participatory space for democratic introspection.

He said since its inception in 2009, the walk had provided a platform for citizens to reflect on the country’s democratic journey and demand accountability from their leaders.

“The walk served as a call to action, reminding the government of its responsibility to the people and the need for continued progress and improvement.

“As Nigeria celebrates its 25 years of unbroken democracy, the walk demonstrates the country’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and principles,’’ Akor said.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state
Community

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state

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Kwali

By Uche Bibilari
Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have advocated for the creation of Abuja State with Kwali as capital.

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kwali, the headquarter of Kwali Area Council.

The Etsu said that a document had been submitted for the review of the 1999 constitution to give FCT a state status.

He said in the proposal, submitted by the original inhabitants of FCT and other stakeholders, Kwali should be made the headquarters of the state.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a tertiary institution in Kwali, to fast track development in the area council.

According to him, by FCT the master plan, Kwali is the educational hub for the territory, hence the siting of National Educational Research and Development Council, an institution responsible for developing educational curriculums, in the area.

He added that the National Mathematical Centre, Sheda Science and Technology and National Seed Council are all located in Kwali as the original educational zone for the FCT.

“This institutions are set up to support tertiary institutions, to support research because they have facilities that are supposed to aid and also provide tertiary non-degree programmes.

“The University of Abuja was located in Gwagwalada because Kwali was formally the headquarters of Gwagwalada Area Council.

“This is why I am appealing for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Kwali to support already established institutions in the council, ’he pleaded.

Nizassan specifically appealed to the Federal Government to consider siting the recently approved FCT Federal Polytechnic in Kwali.

According to him, Kwali has what it takes in terms of structures and land for a polytechnic to be located in the council.

The Etsu said the people of Kwali were willing to donate the Federal Technical College, Kwali as take off infrastructure for the Polytechnic. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

How Wike’s bus terminal projects create 3,000 jobs for Abuja residents
Metro

How Wike’s bus terminal projects create 3,000 jobs for Abuja residents

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By Philip Yatai

The ongoing construction of three bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has created more than 3,000 jobs for the residents of Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike in July 2024, inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals, one each in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo.

The move, according to the minister, is to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT and create job opportunities for the residents.

Mr Rasheed Sholadoye, the Project Manager, Planet Projects, the company executing the projects, told NAN that the 3,000 workers comprised both skilled, unskilled artisans and security.

Sholadoye said that part of the conditions in the contract required the company to employ residents in the execution of the project as part of FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.

“FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them.

“You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction.

“It’s difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses,” he said.

Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja, at 85 per cent completion

He said that while the construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo commenced in July 2024, that of Central Area commenced two months later.

He explained that the delay followed the relocation of some underground facilities at the project site located close to eagle square.

The project manager expresses optimism that despite the delay, the projects were still on track and would be delivered as scheduled.

He disclosed that Mabushi bus terminal has reached 92 per cent completion stage, the Kugbo terminal at 85 per cent completion while that of Central Area at about 50 per cent.

“Hopefully with our schedule and programme of work, by the grace of God, the terminals in Mabushi and Kubo will be ready for inauguration by the end of February.

“On the other hand, the one in Central Area will be ready in May.

“The projects are all encompassing with commercial activities in all the terminals, including cinema halls, where people can relax while waiting for their bus.

“We are bringing state of the art facilities, especially the one in Central Area. It will be a terminal that the people of Abuja will love to see and enjoy,” he said.

29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, working at Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja

Some of the workers at the sites, who lauded the initiative, lauded Wike for putting food on their table.

One of them, a 29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, who lives in Kubwa, said the project has provided him with a stable job.

Johnson, who thanked Wike for mandating the contractor to employ residents, said that the steady means of income significantly improved his standard of living.

On her part, a 31-year-old mother of four, Mrs Abigail Daniel, a cleaner at the Mabushi terminal, expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.

Daniel said she was working as a house help but lost the job when her employer travelled out of the country.

“Life was difficult for me and my children until I got this job. I am grateful to the FCT minister for making this happen for me,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

NRC expands Abuja-Kaduna train schedule to 6 daily services
General News

NRC expands Abuja-Kaduna train schedule to 6 daily services

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By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has increased the number of train services on its Abuja-Kaduna route from four to six per day, Monday through Friday.

The acting Managing Director of the Corporation, Mr Ben Iloanusi, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by Mr Yakub Mohmood, the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the NRC.

Iloanusi noted that this was in reaffirming of NRC’s commitment to responding to customer demands, improving customer satisfaction and tackling complaints of ticket racketeering.

“A trend analysis over a five-month period revealed a significant increase of 22 per cent in the number of new passengers registering on the ticket platform to use the Abuja-Kaduna service.

“This signifies a surge in the number of Nigerians turning to the use of train services as a comfortable, reliable and safe option of commuting.

“NRC has observed similar trends on the Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe and Port Harcourt-Aba routes and efforts are already ongoing to beef-up services along these routes as well,” he said.

He assured Nigerians of the increased presence of senior management of NRC across all the train service routes to drive continuous efficiency and tackle the issue of ticket racketeering head-on.

“Our valued customers are encouraged to use NRC ticket platforms online to take advantage of the increased services and shun patronage of ticket racketeers,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Stop patronising quack estate agents, Mortgage brokers tell Nigerians
Metro

Stop patronising quack estate agents, Mortgage brokers tell Nigerians

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By Angela Atabo

The Institute of Mortgage Brokers and  Lenders of Nigeria (IMBLN), on Saturday called on Nigerians to stop patronising quack estate agents while purchasing lands  or renting properties.

The President of IMBLN, Hayatuddeen Awwal, made the call at the end of IMBLN’s Consultative Meeting with the theme` `Mortgage and Real Estate Professionalism and Accessibility to Affordable Housing for Nigerians in Abuja.

He said the institute was working on modalities to sanitise the housing sector to enable Nigeria reap from its hidden revenue.

According to him, many people are posing as estate agents thereby abusing the profession

“The transactions being done under those people are in millions, if not billions because there is no land in Abuja that is below one million Naira.

“Everybody is an agent and they go home with their money free of any tax. Our aim is now to enforce the parameters, qualifications and certifications”, he said.

According to Awwal, the challenge of quacks as land and housing agents is so bad that among 10 cases that the police have in Abuja, 80 per cent of them are land related.

“IMBLN has initiated collaboration with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU),ICPC and EFCC so that they will join in sanitising the sector,” he said.

Awwal said that Nigeria was faced with a 28 million housing deficit.

“If the opportunities that are in between the value chain of delivering 28 million housing deficit are explored, you are talking of a huge opportunity to the tune of 420 billion Naira”, he said.

Awwal said this could only happen when the housing sector was sanitised.

He said that IMBLN was established by an Act of the National Assembly and mandated to regulate and professionalise the mortgage and housing industry through transparency and respect for ethical standards.

Dr Bernard Doro, member, Governing Council of IMBLN, while unveiling the Institute’s brand, said it refreshed its brand identity to reflect the institute’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable housing solutions.

“It speaks to our dedication to equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the industry and provide sustainable housing solutions for all.

“Be it rentals, be it outright purchase, be it purchase through mortgage, whatever, the IMBLN wants to offer Nigerians the opportunity to be confident in their dealings.

“We are fostering an environment where professionals can thrive, where innovation can flourish, and where the dream of home ownership becomes a reality for more Nigerians”, he said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

AMMC gives AEPB 48-hour ultimatum to clean up Abuja
Environment , Metro

AMMC gives AEPB 48-hour ultimatum to clean up Abuja

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), has given the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) 48-hour ultimatum to clean up Abuja.

The Coordinator of the Council, Chief Felix Obuah, gave the ultimatum after an emergency meeting with management of the board and contractors handling refuse evacuation in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held after the coordinator inspected the state of refuse evacuation in Asokoro District.

Obuah expressed disappointment with the slow pace of refuse evacuation in the district, noting that the nation’s capital should be a model city for cleanliness across Nigeria.

He, thereafter, directed the Director of AEPB, Mr Osi Braimah to ensure that Asokoro was thoroughly cleaned within 48 hours.

He added that the efforts should be extended to other major districts, including Guzape, Maitama, Central Business District, Wuse, and other areas within the Abuja metropolis.

He also directed the director to immediately recall casual workers to accelerate the evacuation of refuse across the city.

“I am tired of receiving calls from residents complaining of how dirty the city has become.

“Today, I was forced to go round major areas of the city to assess the state of refuse collection and what I saw was an eyesore.

“I realised that the contractors engaged to clean the city are no longer doing their jobs and AEPB must do something about it,” he said.

He advised the companies to also within 48 hours, clean up their act, or face the wrath of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whom he said, was already displeased with the situation.

The coordinator pointed out that the beauty of any city largely depended on its cleanliness.

According to him, Abuja should not only be clean but should also set the benchmark for other cities in the country to follow.

Responding, Braimah assured the coordinator that the board would do as directed. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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