NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns

227 total views today

Projects

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N36.5 billion for the execution of several projects in Federal Capital City and satellite towns.

Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

Zulkiflu explained that out of the amount, 19.6 billion would be spent on the construction of multi-event sport centres and N13.9 billion on the construction of two magistrate courts.

He added that N3 billion would also be spent on the procurement and installation of a 33kv power supply and streetlight system.

The coordinator said that the committee approved the award of contract for the construction of a multi-event sport Complex in Abuja, Lot A and B.

He said that Lot A, sited at Area 3 and Area 10, Garki District, was awarded to Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd at N9.9 billion.

He added that Lot B, sited at Kafe District, behind Life Camp, was awarded to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Ltd, at N9.7 billion.

Zulkiflu said that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 months.

“The committee also approved the construction of two magistrates’ courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts, at the cost of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively.

“The projects, expected to be delivered within 15 and 18 months respectively, were initiated to improve access to justice and legal services in the FCT,” he said.

The coordinator further said that a total of N3 billion was approved for the construction of a 33kva power supply for communities from Dawaki to Bwari.

He added that the amount would also cover a contract for the provision of a solar street light system on Arab Road and U-Shape Road in the same locations.

He said that the contract, awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd would be completed in six months.

According to him, the move is to improve the security system of satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Metro

Wike’s projects beaming light of hope on rural communities – Etsu Kwali

236 total views today

By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural road projects are beaming a light of hope on rural communities.

Nizassan stated this while reacting to the newly inaugurated 11-kilometre Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebbo Road in the area council executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, that the communities contribute 30 per cent of food production to the Kwali Area Council.

He described the road project as the most impactful project undertaken by the Wike-led FCT Administration to transform rural communities.

According to him, the construction of the road has renewed the hope and trust of his people in President Bola Tinubu-led federal government and the commitment to deliver good governance to the people.

“No one would have thought that these communities would receive such massive infrastructural intervention until Wike beamed the light of hope on us.

“This road will increase agricultural production by enhancing the movement of farm machines and reducing the cost of transporting agricultural inputs.

“The communities are now accessible for businesses and the evacuation of agricultural products to larger markets, thereby, increasing the economic value of agricultural products.

“This will have a direct bearing on food security and poverty reduction.”

The traditional ruler added that one of the immediate benefits of the road was the significant improvement of security in the area.

He explained that the communities were hitherto prone to kidnappings and other security challenges.

“The road has now provided security agencies the needed access to patrol and respond to distress calls promptly, thus, de-escalating the activities of criminal elements in the area,” he said.

NAN reports that the FCT Minister had on Monday begun the inauguration of completed road projects in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory, beginning with a five-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

Wike, said while inaugurating the 11-kilometre Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road on Tuesday, that the gesture was part of Tinubu’s commitment to develop rural communities. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

General News

NAN MD lauds Minister’s community project

249 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya
The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has commended the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, over the electrification project in Malagi village.

He gave the commendation during the inauguration of the projects in Malagi, the minister’s home town, in Gbako Local Government of Niger state.

He described the project, which include the construction of a mosque, an Islamiyya school, a water project, and the renovation of a primary school as remarkable.

He said the minister’s gesture was a perfect example of giving back to society, particularly in his ancestral community.

He noted that the project would outlive the minister and earn him rewards, as it promotes learning and worship.

“The Islamiyya school, in particular, is seen as a wise choice, given the community’s strong religious inclination and the importance of knowledge in Islam,” he said.

Ali expressed hope that the minister’s example would inspire others in public office to give back to their communities. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

232 total views today

 

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger on Friday inaugurated a mosque and some critical projects executed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-Malagi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration held in the minister’s home town of Malagi in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger.

 

NAN also reports that the projects executed by the minister included an Islamic school, a bore hole, electrification project and renovation of a primary School.

 

NAN further reports that the gesture was part of the minster’s personal contribution to the infrastructural development of Malagi.

 

Umaru-Bago commended the minister for executing the projects, saying this would contribute to the infrastructural development of the community and the country at large.

 

While commending Idris-Malagi for complementing the efforts of the state government, the governor appealed to other well meaning individuals to emulate him.

 

He also announced the upgrading of the primary school renovated by Idris-Malagi to the status of a Junior Secondary School.

 

According to the governor, this is part of efforts to further ensure the restoration of the lost glory of the education sector in the state.

 

He drew attention to the existing cordial relationship between him and the minister, saying it was positively facilitating the development of the state.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for executing the projects.

 

According to Abubakar, ensuring the even socio economic development of Niger and Nigeria should not be left to the government alone.

 

He appealed to other well endowed individuals to emulate Idris-Malagi, saying they would reap abundant rewards.

 

In his remarks, Idris-Malagi said that his gesture was part of efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of Malagi, Niger and the country as a whole.

 

According to Idris-Malagi, the efforts of the three tiers of government in the provision of basic infrastructure and needs of Nigerians should be complemented.

 

Idris-Malagi also urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders at all levels.

 

According to him, prayers are efficacious in providing plausible solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

 

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other heads of MDAs in the Information Ministry, lauded the minister for the initiatives.

 

He urged Nigerians to emulate the kind hearted gesture of Idris-Malagi so as to take the country to greater heights.

 

“This type of effort attracts tremendous rewards and benefits in this world and could fetch one Aljannatul fildausi.

 

“I am therefore appealing to the people of Malagi to ensure judicious use of these structures, maintain them and continue to pray fervently for the minister to spur him and others to do more,” Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Oil & Gas

Litigations delay implementation of host communities trust fund – Stakeholders

1,139 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), says litigations is delaying the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation.

HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), also delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.

Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, gave the clarifications on Thursday in Abuja, while reacting to claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.

The HCDT is responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.

Host communities in Akwa Ibom had decried delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT, alledging that it hindered projects implementation outlined in their respective development plans.

Community representatives from HCDT in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs, chided the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC), for its inability to enforce statutory sanctions on defaulting oil companies.

However, Tamaranebi dismissed as “unfounded,” alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in Akwa Ibom.

“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.

“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.

Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM

He said the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees, to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.

The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability towards ensuring that community voices are heard at a higher level.

Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.

“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.

“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.

“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.

On project implementation, Tamaranebi urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.

He said HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states, to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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