NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

FCT residents laud Wike for opening Karmo District Market

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By Joshua Olomu

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended Minister of the FCT, Nyesome Wike  for opening the newly constructed Karmo District Market for business.

Some of the residents, especially those living around the Karmo district, including traders, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the official commissioning of the market on Wednesday in Abuja.

The market was built under Public-Private Partnership by the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL), Rural Homes and other partners.

According to the residents, opening the market, which took over seven years of construction, is a commendable feat by the Wike-led FCT administration, as it will boost economic activities in the area.

Mr Francis Adamu, a dealer on fabrics, expressed joy that  finally, the Karmo market was officially inaugurated.

“This means that more developmental activities will spring up here.

“I think we need to thank the FCT minister for working to ensure that the long wait is over, and other  partners, especially the Rural Homes must also be commended,” Adamu said.

A dealer on electronics and furniture, Mr Ike Ekeka,  said: “I have bought a shop here because of the uniqueness of the market  and proximity to my home.

“There is no doubt that Rural Homes and the AICL have built a world class market here in Karmo, and we are especially grateful to ‘Mr Project’, the FCT minister.”

On her part, Mrs Rahab Isa, a resident in the area, said that Karmo was a developing area, adding that the market would surely boost economic activities here.

“We will no longer have to go to other markets in Wuse and Garki and that is why we are happy that the minister is formally opening the market today,” she said.

While commissioning the market, Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who represented Wike, said  the  project was part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth in the territory.

“This project is a clear demonstration of our administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering businesses, and creating a conducive environment for trade and commerce in the city of Abuja.

“Markets are the heartbeat of every community, they are not just centres for buying and selling, they represent the strength of our local economy and the resilience of our people.

“This district market is designed to serve as a hub for business activities, providing traders with modern facilities and ensuring the residents have access to quality of goods and services.

“The integration of this market would undoubtedly boost local commerce, creating employment opportunities for our youth, and enhance the livelihood of our people in line with the renewed hope agenda of  President Bola Tinubu,” she said.

The minister expressed optimism that the market would contribute significantly to revenue generation for the FCT.

“It’s my conviction that the market will contribute significantly to the revenue generation for the FCT and improve the business environment in the district.

“While we celebrate this achievement, I wish to urge all traders and residents to make proper use of this facility by ensuring cleanliness, orderliness, and mutual respect remains our word,” she said.

Sa’adatu Aliyu, Managing Director of Rural Homes said the market is developed on 9.9 hectares of land, with over 2,500 units of well-organised shops for different categories of goods and services.

She said the market sections include the cold room and meat sections of the farmers’ market, with over 150 stalls and over 100 enclosed units.

“We have duplexes here for offices, including banks, clinics and fire service, and all of these make it a complete business hub.

“The shops here are very affordable because before we started this project, we went around Abuja to see how this market is going to tally with other developments, and we have done that consistently over the period.

“We discovered from our findings that our shops are priced lower than other markets, and there are flexible payment plans available,” she said.(NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Economy/Business

Lawmakers canvass tax incentives for small businesses in FCT

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By Naomi Sharang

Some members of the House of Representatives have advocated for tax incentives for small businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to thrive.

The lawmakers made the call at the unveiling of an entrepreneurial centre, Dreamskin Luxe Empire, in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unveiling of the centre was to commemorate St. Valentine’s Day.

Rep. Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, specifically described FCT as a thriving environment for businesses.

Obika called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and others to prevail on tax administrators not to multi-tax small scale business owners.

He said that multiple taxes would discourage entrepreneurship and development in the area councils, as some of the tax administrators collected tenement rates, business premises tax and all kinds of taxes.

According to him, they should be able to harmonise the taxes in order not to put too much pressure on businesses and force them to close down.

“This is because when businesses are closed, the people who are engaged in them will fall back to the streets; and an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

“So the area councils, it is their duty to make sure that the businesses are encouraged through tax rebates or tax reduction.

“I am appealing to the Area Council Chairmen who represent AMAC and Bwari Area Councils, to look into the way and the model they are using to tax businesses in Abuja.

“Businesses like this that have sprung up should be encouraged. Instead of taxing them more, you should give them tax incentives to encourage them to employ more people or create more businesses.

“This will help to reduce unemployment. So we should be talking to them to make sure that they don’t double-tax these small, young businesses that are springing up,” he said.

Also speaking, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency, said that the Tax Reform Bills, when passed, would give strong encouragement to small businesses.

Ugochinyere said that they would also ensure that the tax pressure was moved to big businesses, thus limiting the impacts on small businesses.

On her part, Rep. Chinwe Nnabuife, representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, called for more public/private partnerships to tackle unemployment in the country.

Nnabuife also called for youth empowerment, saying that it would tackle restiveness and agitations.

“When you empower somebody, you are giving the person the go-ahead to explore and to be self-sufficient,” she said.

Similarly, Rep. Mohammed Jamilu, representing Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, called for collaborative efforts to tackle unemployment in the country.

“Relevant players in the private sector should partner with the government to address unemployment and ensure youth empowerment in order to curb insecurity and other social vices in the society.

Earlier, Mrs Nancy Irole, the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, said that seeing the Spa unveiled was ‘a dream come true’.

“Dreamskin Luxe Empire isn’t just a spa or a beauty lounge. It’s a place designed for Nigerians to check their wellness as they go about their normal businesses.

“It is a space where beauty, wellness and self-care come together to create an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, confident and completely at ease,” Irole said. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economy/Business

TCN sensitises community on power infrastructure protection

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By Constance Athekame

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Tuesday carried out a sensitisation campaign in Leleyi Gbari, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the protection of power infrastructure.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign was part of the move to curb the incessant vandalism of electricity infrastructure.

 

Speaking at the campaign, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, said that vandalism of power infrastructure affects communities and the nation.

 

According to her, vandalism of power installations is a serious setback to socioeconomic development, causing power outages, economic losses, and disruption of essential services.

 

”The consequences of vandalism are far-reaching, impacting not only on  the affected communities but also the entire nation.

 

”I want to emphasise that the security and integrity of our power infrastructure is a collective responsibilities.

 

”As host communities, you have a vital role to play in safeguarding these critical installations,” she said.

 

She said that by working together with TCN, the citizens can help ensure the security and integrity of the transmission towers.

 

”I  urge you to take ownership of these power installations and report any suspicious activities or incidents to the authorities.

 

”Your vigilance and cooperation can significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism and related crimes,” she said.

 

Mr Ismaila Doguwa, Assistant General Manager, Gwagwalada Transmission Station, said that the company had been battling with incessant vandalism.

 

Doguwa said that the campaign was necessary to educate the community on the protection of power infrastructure.

 

He said that security agencies and vigilance groups were doing their best to protect power installations, adding that they should do more.

 

”We know that security agencies are doing their best to protect power installations, but we are appealing to them to do more to ensure stable power supply.”

 

The head of Leleyi Gwari Community, Yusuf Sarki,  appreciated TCN for bringing the campaign to the community.

 

Sarki said that the community was ready to work with TCN and security agencies to protect power installations in the area.

 

”Since you have brought the campaign to our community, we are ready to work with the security agencies and vigilance groups to protect the power installations in our area,” he said.

 

Sarki appealed to the Federal Government to connect the community to the national grid.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed security agencies to monitor the influx of people that could pose security threats into FCT.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting, which was chaired by Wike, was attended by the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT.

Disu said that the minister has directed the security agencies to set up a committee to effectively monitor the influx of “Almajiris” and suspicious individuals into the territory.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

He said that the members of the committee would include all security operatives in the FCT, namely the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He explained that the committee would work with the chairmen of the area councils to identify Almajiri schools where children were brought to learn.

He added that the committee was also expected to profile the school owners and the content of the training.

The commissioner said that the committee would work with the owners of the school, particularly to find out from them what the government could do for them.

The steps, according to him, will ensure the safety of the children, the schools and the host communities.

Disu explained that the move was part of FCT Administration’s proactive measures in addressing security concerns in the territory.

He said that the committee was giving two weeks to report back to the minister.

He said that clearance operation was ongoing across the FCT, adding that five persons, suspecting could post security threats in the territory have been arrested and were being investigated.

“Meanwhile, we want to enjoin all residents of the FCT to be security conscious and take note of any new person coming into their areas and report to appropriate authorities

“Everybody should be security conscious. Please let us profile people coming into our environment; we need to know them,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Defence/Security

FCTA approves N3.6bn for construction of 3 police stations

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N3.6 billion for the construction of three police divisional headquarters and staff quarters in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Councils.

Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Services Department, FCTA, said this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first FCT Executive Committee meeting of 2025.

Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, stated that the move aimed to enhance security infrastructure across the FCT.

He recalled that in September 2024, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the need to bring security closer to the people, particularly those in satellite towns and rural communities.

The minister had also directed the provision of critical infrastructure, including the construction of two police divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

Gwary explained that nine divisional headquarters had already been approved and were near completion.

“At that time, nine were approved, and today, three more have been presented and approved, making it two divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

“This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, ensuring effective, efficient, and adequate security for FCT residents.

“This support also fulfils the FCT minister’s promise to improve security in the city, satellite towns, and area councils, following his visit to the six area councils in 2024,” he said.

Gwary assured that security support would continue and noted that the Wike-led FCTA had made significant progress in tackling crime in the FCT.

He stated that insecurity indices in the territory were declining and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to further reducing crime.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the minister’s support achieves the desired impact.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, stated that the FCT Executive Committee meeting was the first in 2025 and the 12th under the Wike-led administration.

Amadi explained that 12 memos were presented at the meeting, some of which were stepped down, others withdrawn, and some updated for future presentation.

He added that the committee approved six memos focused on providing critical infrastructure in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Metro

FCTA approves N795.6m to insure movable, immovable assets

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N795.6 million to provide a 12-month insurance cover for its movable and immovable assets.

Mrs Grace Adayilo, FCT Head of Civil Service disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

Adayilo said that the committee approved the contract to four insurance companies and three insurance brokers.

According to her, the insurance policy is mainly to safeguard FCT’s assets against various risks, including damage, loss or destruction.

“This will ensure the continuity of government businesses and minimise financial losses in the event of unforeseen incidents.

“This is in line with federal government’s directive, mandating the compulsory insurance of government assets, properties, buildings under construction and public funds,” she said.

She identified the insurance companies and brokers as Consolidated Hallmark Insurance PLC (Lead), KBL Insurance PLC, Cornerstone Insurance PLC and Crown Takaful Insurance Ltd.

Adayilo also identified the three insurance brokers as Sam-Vic Insurance Brokers Ltd (Lead), Radiance Insurance Brokers Ltd, and KOB Insurance Brokers Ltd. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Environment

AEPB engages 40 contractors to keep Abuja clean

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By Philip Yatai

The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) has engaged 40 contractors to keep the Federal Capital City clean.

The Director of the Board, Mr Osilama Braimah, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Braimah said that the board was up to date in its payment obligation to the contractors, saying “we have paid them 100 per cent and no contractor is being owed.”

He explained that the Board was responsible for handling waste management and city sanitation in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Guzape, Katampe, Wuse, Mabushi, Wuye and other districts within the city centre.

Other areas, he said, include Airport Road, all the way to Bill Clinton, airport vicinity, and Central Business District and Goodluck Jonathan Expressway, all the way to Karu axis.

“We are also clearing the city of beggars and maintaining pedestrian bridges to prevent people from using them as markets.

“We are also responsible for maintaining the sewage system in the city and the sewage treatment plants in Wupa, Guzape, Katampe, and Apo, including the Sewage Pump Station in the city.

“In a nutshell, the AEPB is responsible for the enforcement of all environmental legislations and abatement of all forms of environmental degradation and nuisance.

“The Board also regulates the impact of physical development on the ecosystem,” he added.

Braimah said that each of the 40 contractors was assigned a specific area of coverage to evacuate waste and keep the area clean.

He, however, said that the Board sometimes intervenes when the contractors could not cope with the huge volume of refuse being generated daily within the city.

“We have our own team to step in and provide support whenever the contractors fail in their task of evacuating refuse.

“So, our job is to supervise but once we give you a job and you don’t perform, we intervene, and when we want to pay, we subtract for the intervention.

“If every day’s work is N200,000 for example, we multiply by the number of days we intervened and subtract from the contractor’s payment,” he said.

The director said that contractors have been fulfilling their obligations by keeping Abuja city clean through routine evacuation of refuse dump every two weeks.

He, however, noted the visible pile of refuse dumps in some parts of satellite towns and area councils, stressing that those areas were not under the jurisdiction of AEPB.

He particularly explained that except for Abuja Municipal Area Council, which AEPB was responsible for, the remaining five councils were not under its purview.

Speaking on noise pollution, Braimah said that the AEPB intervenes on noise pollution emanating from nightclubs, houses and other public places.

He, however, said that the Board does not have jurisdiction over moving vehicles or motorcycles.

“If it is night clubs, noise from grinding machines in peoples’ houses and other public buildings, we go there with our noise metre and measure the noise to determine the pollution level.” (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Health

FCTA leaving no one behind in fight against cancer – Minister

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Administration is leaving no one behind in the fight against cancer.

Mahmoud stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at an event organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The minister, who called for inclusive and sustained action against cancer, stressed the need for collaboration to “ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer in FCT.

“We understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts.

“This is why the FCT Administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection.

“This, in the long run, will improve access to screening and treatment services.”

She said that the FCT Administration was investing in infrastructure and taking deliberate steps to strengthen its healthcare system.

This, according to her, will ensure that residents of the FCT have better access to quality healthcare services, including cancer prevention and treatment.

She commended NICRAT for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.

According to her, NICRAT commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and the day’s event is yet another testament to its tireless efforts.

Mahmoud reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to work hand in hand with NICRAT and other stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.

Earlier, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Usman Aliyu said that World Cancer Day was targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer.

Aliyu added that the event was also organised to mobilise support for persons affected by the disease.

Speaking on the 2025 theme, “United by Unique”, the D-G highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally.

He said that since inception, NICRAT had initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.

He said that the institute would continue to work hard to ensure the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector, especially cancer care. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Oil & Gas

Union trains 100 artisans on CNG conversion in FCT

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Amalgamated Union of Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATION) has offered free training on conversion from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to 100 artisans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Its National President, Mr Oseni Suleiman, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the union’s structural operational guidelines in line with National Policy Priorities.

Suleiman said the next move was to launch the initiative in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States.

“This union was registered on Oct. 6, 2023. In November 2023, we planned to train 5, 000 artisans on conversion of petrol energy to CNG. Within 15 months, we have completed this training of 100 artisans free in FCT.

“We have requested support from the Federal Government, FCT Minister, Industrial Training Funds (ITF), National Automotive Design Development Council (NADDC).

“We regret to say that the help is yet to come while the training is still on. We appeal to the government at all levels to support us on this laudable venture,” he said.

Suleiman said that the union held its maiden National Executive Council (NEC)/ Special National Delegate Conference (SNDC) on Jan. 30. where the union achievements were itemised.

He recalled that the union was inaugurated on Aug.13, 2024 at the national level, adding that the CNG Training Centre in Abuja and the Abuja Chapter of AUOMMATION were launched on Oct. 5, 2024.

He said efforts had been made to expand the union from Abuja to Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo, Niger, Kano, Osun, Nasarawa and Delta.

The president emphasised the need for the union to have permanent office for the national operations, vehicle for operations, stationeries and other needs of a secretariat.

Others, he said, were books, jackets, files, bags for the finance office and administrative clerks for the office of president and deputies. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Defence/Security

Vandalism: NAN MD charges NSCDC on intelligence gathering

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command to improve on its intelligence gathering in the territory.

Ali said this during a visit by the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, to his office on Wednesday in Abuja.

The NAN MD urged the NSCDC to go beyond arrests and be more proactive by engaging Nigerians, pantaker operators and even arrested vandals to get information that would help nip vandalism in the bud.

He said that vandalism of Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI), especially the destruction of manholes and theft of manhole covers in the FCT,  had become worrisome.

“The roads leading to NAN office is the worst hit by the activities of vandals.

“The big thieves are somewhere hiding in, and if there are no willing buyers there will not be a market. So, your crack down on pantaker operators has yielded results,” the MD said.

He further called on NSCDC personnel to maintain civility in the discharge of their duties, adding that there was a remarkable difference between the corps and sister agencies.

He said that NAN, being the largest content creator and distributor of news, would partner seamlessly with the corps to achieve set objectives.

“We will give you whatever support you need to succeed because if you succeed, then we can go home to sleep with our eyes closed,” Ali said.

He commended the commandant for his doggedness and strides since his assumption of office.

Earlier, Odumosu said that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen NCDC’s already existing partnership with NAN.

“We have enjoined wonderful cooperation and publicity from your service to reach out to the public in terms of what we do,” the commandant said.

According to him, investigations revealed that most of the vandalism in the FCT were perpetuated by scavengers (baban bola).

“I have been given a charge to tackle vandalism in the FCT to nip it in the bud or bring it to the barest minimum, so I have declared war on the activities of scavengers.

“All these activities cannot  be  successfully done without the support or recognition of NAN,” he said.

He said that the command had been sending warning messages to vandals who give Nigerians sleepless nights.

Odumosu said that he had advocated for the regulation and possible eradication of pantakers in the FCT.

“Surveillance and investigation has shown that there was a spike in vandalism because there was a ready market for sales when they steal.

“If we are able to regulate pantaker then we will have solved 50 per cent of this problem,  because when there is no supply,  there will  be no demand,” he said.

The FCT NSCDC helmsman, however said that there was a ban on the activities of scavengers as they have been restricted to the dump site.

“We hope for policies and laws to be enacted in that direction, as we are doing our best in the field, and have been able to propose ideas that will eradicate the menace of vandalism,” Odumosu said.

He urged residents not to leave the protection of CNAI to the Federal Government or security agencies alone.

“We need the support of the public  and organisations like NAN to continue to succeed,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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