News Agency of Nigeria
Abuja Airport Garden City to Feature Over 3,000 Modern Homes, Best Facilities – Developer
General News

Abuja Airport Garden City to Feature Over 3,000 Modern Homes, Best Facilities – Developer

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Road
By Dorcas Jonah

The Chief Executive Officer of First Rotech, Mr Austin Oguejiofor, says the Abuja Airport Garden City will feature more than 3,000 modern homes with state-of-the-art facilities.

Oguejiofor said that the city, spanning 250 hectares in Gousa District, is designed to be one of the best in terms of aesthetics and quality architectural design in sub-Saharan Africa.

He made the disclosure during a site visit by the Federal Capital Development Authority’s Engineering Department team on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the aim of the project is not only to address Abuja’s housing deficit but also to provide a contemporary living environment with excellent infrastructure.

Oguejiofor stated that the project would transform Gousa District into a vibrant, well-connected community, significantly contributing to Abuja’s growth and development.

“The Abuja Airport Garden City will also feature 40 kilometres of internal roads,” he said.

He stated that the team inspected the progress of the access road, which would reduce travel time from Abuja’s city centre to the Abuja Airport Garden City by 10 minutes.

Oguejiofor said the ongoing construction of a 40-kilometre access road would significantly enhance connectivity to Gousa District, fostering rapid development in the area.

The CEO said the access road, connecting to Idu Railway Station, would provide a shorter route from districts such as Garki, Maitama, and Wuye.

Oguejiofor told newsmen that the inspection was to ascertain the level of work on the 40-kilometre access road near Idu Railway Station, leading to Abuja Airport Garden City.

According to him, the project will help open up Gousa District and provide a shorter route to the airport.

“The Abuja Airport Garden City has been planned and approved by relevant agencies.

“The access road is our priority, connecting the city centre to the project site.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Abuja’s Operation Sweep: 675 vehicles impounded, 273 beggars apprehended – CP
Defence/Security

Abuja’s Operation Sweep: 675 vehicles impounded, 273 beggars apprehended – CP

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By Philip Yatai

No fewer than 675 vehicles have been impounded while 273 beggars were apprehended across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Operation Sweep Abuja, which began on July 7.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Ajao Adewale, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting, chaired by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Adewale explained that the 273 beggars and destitute were currently being profiled, adding that some of them would be repatriated back to their respective states.

“In the course of this operation, we had offences that relate to drug peddling, to crime, and those that have to do with illegal begging.

“All the ones that fall within illegal begging on the roads have been taken care of by the FCT Social Development Secretariat.

“For those offences that relate to drug peddling, those ones have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,” he said.

The commissioner of police added that the 675 vehicles impounded were over improper documentation, tinted glasses, covered number plates among other offences.

He added that a number of the vehicles were also impounded for operating illegal taxi services associated with “one chance” – posing as taxi operators to lure commuters and seize their belongings.

“What we are doing for now is to increase the visibility of our security personnel at bus stops and all the places where they pick their targets.

“We are equally encouraging residents to key into the idea of boarding vehicles at the designated bus stops, preferably in groups, and to be security conscious when boarding vehicles,” the commissioner said.

He said that the security committee had rated the operation as “very successful” and had advised that the exercise continue.

The commissioner added that the FCT minister equally directed security agencies to address the issue of shanties that had been springing up across the nation’s capital city.

“The minister also directed that we rid the FCT of prostitutes, beggars and all other miscreants that constitute a threat to the environment,” he added.

Adewale said that Wike had directed all illegal mining sites and illegal Internally Displaced Persons camps to be shut over security concerns.

He stressed that traffic-related offences that equally contribute to crime in the city would be decisively dealt with.

He identified some of the offences as driving with covered number plates and driving against the traffic.

“There is going to be a total clampdown on these offenders.

“The directive has been given and we are rolling out for full implementation,” he said.

Speaking on the recent clash between farmers and herders in the Gwagwalada Area Council, the commissioner of police said that the issue had been laid to rest.

He explained that the parties involved had signed a peace accord to ensure permanent peace in the affected communities. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Firm unveils luxury apartments in Gwagwalada
General News

Firm unveils luxury apartments in Gwagwalada

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By Patricia Amogu

A real estate firm, MyAbujaHome Limited, has unveiled ‘The Nathania Heights’, a new residential estate in Phase 3, Gwagwalada, FCT.

The project is part of the firm’s effort to support infrastructure development and contribute to bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit.

The Managing Director of the firm, Mr Adebola Mogaji, announced the unveiling on Tuesday in Abuja.

The development is located three minutes from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

He said the newly completed apartments are designed to be both affordable and luxurious, with a mix of two and three-bedroom units suitable for individuals and families.

“These luxury residential apartments offer a mix of stylish two- and three-bedroom units that blend comfort, space, value, and contemporary sophistication,” Mogaji said.

According to him, prices start from N34.99 million, with flexible payment options available.

“The apartments are thoughtfully laid out to meet the real needs of today’s cosmopolitan homes, with expansive, squared layouts and structural efficiency.

“Facilities include 24/7 security with full CCTV coverage, constant water supply, and adequate parking spaces,” he said.

Mogaji said an exclusive pre-launch price offer is available, allowing interested buyers to secure a unit with a deposit of N10 million, and spread the balance over six to twelve months.

He described the development as both a place to live and a long-term investment opportunity.

“Developed by MyAbujaHome Limited, this luxury residential development gives buyers access to high-value real estate and a network of great minds in a rapidly growing neighbourhood.

“The Nathania Heights is more than just a home. It is a statement of taste, a foundation for legacy, and a gateway to premium living.

“With its range of amenities, this development is set to redefine luxury living in Abuja,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the firm had donated free plots of land to over 1,000 civil servants and other Nigerians unable to afford homes, as part of its commitment to addressing housing challenges.

Mogaji, a former lecturer in the UK, said the initiative aims to support hardworking citizens in starting their journey to homeownership.

Beneficiaries, mostly based in Gwagwalada and other parts of the FCT, are only required to cover legal and administrative fees, which make up less than 15 per cent of the land value.

Mogaji, who returned to Nigeria after two decades abroad, said the ‘move home’ initiative was inspired by a desire to make meaningful impact beyond academic teaching.

Since 2024, the company has shifted focus from high-end property sales to affordable housing to meet growing demand.

He said this transition enabled the firm to expand its network and engage directly with housing policymakers.

This includes the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Authority, and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Mogaji said the firm is exploring housing partnerships with government and foreign investors, adding that Nigeria remains a viable investment destination despite economic challenges. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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

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