News Agency of Nigeria
IOM unveils €5.1m conflict prevention, resilience project for Katsina, Zamfara 
General News

IOM unveils €5.1m conflict prevention, resilience project for Katsina, Zamfara 

Project

By Zubairu Idris

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Monday, inaugurated a €5.1 million fund to enhance conflict prevention and crisis response programmes in Zamfara and Katsina States.

The 18-month programme tagged: “Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience in Katsina and Zamfara States (CPCRR),”     being supported by the European Union (EU), would be implemented by the IOM, in collaboration with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).

Ms Dimanche Sharon, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, said the programme focused on turning resilience into lasting peace and stability.

“It means creating local peace committees so disputes can be solved around the table, not through violence.

“It also means restoring livelihoods through skills training, farming support and small businesses, so young people and women can build their futures free from fear.

“With support from the European Union/Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), and in partnership with Mercy Corps Netherlands and the Centre for Democracy and Development, IOM Nigeria is working hand-in-hand with government, partners and communities, to address the root causes of conflicts,” she said.

The IOM official said the programme would target displaced persons, returnees and host communities across 10 local government areas.

She said the participating LGAs comprised eight in Katsina and two in Zamfara, stressing that the targeted 95,000 persons would turn resilience into lasting peace and stability.

Amb. Gautier Migno, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, assured pledged EU’s continued support to Nigeria’s sustainability and development programmes.

He said the EU had stepped up support to the education and energy sectors, highlighting it’s focus on peace and security.

Migno underscored the importance of involving women and people with disabilities in the peace-building processes.

Gov Dikko Radda described the project as a new era of hope and development for the state.

He said some schools were shut and farmers abandoned their lands due to the conflicts, especially in the frontline LGAs.

Radda said that addressing the crisis required great commitment from the government and other stakeholders, and commended EU for the project aimed at addressing the problem.

(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East
Metro

Tinubu to ensure timely completion of projects in S’East

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

The Federal Government says President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure timely completion of all projects in the South-East Region to enhance connectivity and boost the economic prosperity of the people.

 

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during the inspection of the ongoing works on the 88 kilometres Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Federal Road on Friday.

 

The Minister is in the state for the Citizens Engagement and Tour of Federal Government’s projects in Enugu and Ebonyi states.

 

According to Idris, this is one among the major projects that Tinubu is doing for the region.

 

“As a matter of fact, we want to ensure connectivity, especially in the Southeastern Region. President Tinubu is delivering the dividends of democracy to people of the Southeastern part of the country.

 

 

“He is working hard to ensure that the people of the Southeast are not left behind in his march towards ensuring that there is massive infrastructural development across Nigeria. This is just one of it.

 

 

“We have seen it yesterday. We saw what happened in Enugu State. We saw the massive flyover of about 350 metres.

 

 

“We saw all the roads in Enugu. Now we are beginning to see what is happening in the neighbouring states. Subsequently, we will go to other parts of the Southeast to see what is also happening.

 

 

“What is important is to indicate that President Tinubu will ensure timely completion of all these massive projects, especially in the Southeastern part of the country,” Idris said.

 

 

Also speaking, the site engineer handling the project, Mr Wasiu Femi, said the activities involved massive earthworks, but due to the incessant rains, not much work could be done until after the rainy season.

 

 

“They are doing concrete works now and a little bit of work on the carriageway, but they cannot do much on earthworks now until the rains go.

 

 

“However,  we moved to the paving with the stone base, which falls within the aggregate envelope. Now, we are waiting for the moisture content to be at the optimal level. Then when we run our institute test, we start with our rigid pavement.”

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team started the project tour and citizens engagement on Thursday with a visit to Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah.

 

 

They also visited the ongoing works at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, flyover bridge on Enugu-Abakaliki Road, the Oncological Centre of the University of Nigeria’s Teaching Hospital, Enugu and many others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Lagos Deputy Gov. inaugurates projects in Mosan-Okunola LCDA  
Community

Lagos Deputy Gov. inaugurates projects in Mosan-Okunola LCDA  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwatope Lawanson

 

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Wednesday inaugurated two major projects in Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos.

 

 

 

The projects are the rehabilitation of 600 metres of Abeokuta Street and the new Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administrative Building.

 

 

 

While addressing leaders, staff and residents, Hamzat described the projects as transformative and impactful for the community.

 

 

 

He expressed pride in the projects, noting they would accelerate the area’s development and improve service delivery.

 

 

 

Hamzat said the road would improve mobility, while the administrative building would enhance governance and ease of business operations.

 

 

 

He praised President Bola Tinubu for creating additional LCDAs in 2003, describing the move as visionary.

 

 

 

According to him, the creation of LCDAs brought governance and development closer to the people.

 

 

 

He highlighted the importance of LCDAs in grassroots development and expressed hope they would soon receive national recognition.

 

 

 

“Imagine Alimosho as one council. It’s tough considering its population.

 

 

 

“We are lobbying to ensure the LCDAs are fully recognised and listed nationally,” he said.

 

 

 

The deputy governor praised outgoing Mosan-Okunola LCDA Chairman, Princess Olabisi Adebajo, for her commendable performance.

 

 

 

He urged the incoming chairman to build on the existing achievements and raise the standard further.

 

 

 

Hamzat advised all newly-elected chairmen to continue the development agenda in their respective LCDAs.

 

 

 

“They must meet citizens’ expectations and exceed the achievements of their predecessors,” he said.

 

 

 

He added that local government remained Nigeria’s development bedrock, being closest to the people.

 

 

 

He stressed their key role in national growth and grassroots transformation.

 

 

 

Hamzat urged the new chairmen not to betray the trust voters had placed in them.

 

 

 

He said, “The bar is high. They have no excuse not to perform excellently.

 

 

 

“The party and citizens will hold them accountable. They must outshine their predecessors.”

 

 

 

He also praised local government chairmen in Lagos, calling them the best nationwide.

 

 

 

“They’ve built schools, roads, health centres and supported administrative staff,” Hamzat noted.

 

 

 

Earlier, Adebajo said the new building symbolised a major investment in Okunola’s future.

 

 

 

She reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to innovation, growth and effective service delivery.

 

 

 

“This complex will help us serve the public better, both internally and externally,” she said.

 

 

 

According to her, the state-of-the-art structure has over 60 modern offices with the latest technologies.

 

 

 

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire described the building’s inauguration as a landmark accomplishment.

 

 

 

She said it reflected strong commitment to grassroots leadership and inclusive governance.

 

 

 

Represented by Mrs Ayo Olugbenro, she said the event celebrated vision, leadership and service.

 

 

 

She praised Adebajo for naming the building after President Tinubu in recognition of his legacy.

 

 

 

Commissioner for Local Government, Mr Bolaji Robert, commended Adebajo’s performance in infrastructure, health and welfare.

 

 

 

He urged residents to support the incoming chairman to ensure continued progress.

 

 

 

Robert reminded all that governance is a continuous process, requiring collaboration and commitment.

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the building is a two-storey smart office with over 60 offices, a council chamber and digital registry. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Esenvosa Izah / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Days of empty promises, abandoned projects over in FCT – Tinubu
Metro

Days of empty promises, abandoned projects over in FCT – Tinubu

 

By Philip Yatai and Uche Bibilari

President Bola Tinubu says the days of empty promises and abandoned projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country are over.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Friday, while inaugurating the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria, New Market Road and other connecting roads in Gwagwalada.

The project was the 17th, inaugurated by Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the president assured Nigerians that no community under his administration was too far to be seen, and no voice too faint to be heard.

He added that his administration was steadily bridging the gap between promise and performance.

He said that the projects being unveiled in the FCT were not imposed from above but nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves.

“This is the kind of democracy we believe in; one that listens, one that responds, and one that delivers.

“The road is a corridor of dignity for the market women, a path to safety for our school children, and a road to prosperity for the hard-working trader.

“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building confidence and governance.

“For too long, those who lived beyond the city centre have watched development happen from a distance.

“They have watched their dreams of inclusion delayed by excuses, and their hopes defied by shifting priorities; we are here to rewrite that history,” he said.

Tinubu said that his government was not just rehabilitating roads but rehabilitating trust.

According to him, the transformation unfolding across the FCT is the product of deliberate reforms and the bold reform-oriented policies of this administration.

“By expanding the revenue base of the FCT, we are investing in roads, schools, hospitals, and people.

“The newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria, and New Market Road is a lifeline to the communities it connects.

“From rehabilitated healthcare centres to improved learning environments for our children, from safer roads to a more responsible public service, the FCT is undergoing a quiet revolution.”

He said that the revolution was made possible by people like the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who refused to accept mediocrity.

Describing Wike as the most colourful politician in the Nigerian political landscape, the president thanked the minister for his accomplishments so far.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to projects that speak directly to the lives of the people.

“We are focused on creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow, for families to thrive, and for communities to prosper.

“We are determined to ensure that development is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right enjoyed by all,” he added.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 10-kilometre road was nominated by the residents of Gwagwalada, including the 9.5km Paikon-Kore Road, constructed and inaugurated in 2024.

“One good thing about the projects in rural areas is that, we never sat in the city and said, go and do so, so, road.

“We came here and the people said, this is what we want. This is what we call community participation in governance.

“The day we came here for the flag off of this project was the day I knew the importance of these roads to the residents of Gwagwalada. The road had completely collapsed and the people were suffering,” he said.

Acknowledging the excitement on the faces of Gwagwalada residents, the minister commended Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration to deliver life-impacting projects in satellite towns.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the various projects inaugurated by Tinubu in the last 16 days “as enablers of economic growth, social harmony, and improved quality of life”.

“The inauguration of this road is a demonstration of our dedication to inclusive governance and infrastructure renewal in both urban and rural communities,” Mahmoud said.

Earlier, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, the Coordinator of the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), said that the project was awarded in September 2024 to a local contractor.

Zulkiflu added that the completion and inauguration of the road marks a significant advancement in the FCT’s efforts to improve infrastructure in satellite towns and area councils, which reflect Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agender”.

He thanked Wike for the trust placed on STDD to manage and oversee the execution of the project. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 
Metro

Tinubu excited over FCT’s engagement of local contractors in projects execution 

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has expressed excitement over the engagement of indigenous contractors in the delivery of roads and other projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu gave the nod in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the development as remarkable and worthy of celebration.

He said that the road projects being inaugurated were awarded to an indigenous contractor, adding that the decision by the administration was deliberate.

“It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity; we are creating jobs; we are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.

“This project, therefore, is not just a success story of development; it is a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence,” he said.

Tinubu noted that for too long, the journey between Ushafa and the War College and Army Checkpoint had been a test of endurance.

He added that every commuter, every trader, every student and every health worker, who has travelled this road had borne the burden of delay and difficulties.

“That story changes today. With this project, we have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity.

“The dualised and upgraded roads would not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.

“Beyond the concrete and asphalt; beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of my administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.

From left: FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud; FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the inauguration of dualized Ushafa to War College/ Army Checkpoint Roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council, Abuja on Wednesday.

The president commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for his commitment to ensuring that no community in the territory was left behind.

He said that Wike’s vision of an integrated capital city, where development was not confined to the city centre but extended to the suburbs and satellite communities, aligns perfectly with his “Renewed Hope agenda”.

“I am convinced, and I believe you too, that we cannot truly build a modern, functional capital city unless we ensure that every district, every council, every ward is connected and empowered.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing.

“It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works, and indeed, Abuja is working,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike said that the 16.4-kilometre road project was awarded to Abdul Val Construction Company in line with Tinubu administration’s directive to encourage local contractors.

“I agree with Mr President; we must build our own,” he said.

The minister said he was sceptical about the capacity of the contractor to deliver, adding, however, that after about 15 inspection visits, the contractor had delivered on time and within expected standard.

He commended Tinubu for identifying with residents of satellite towns through execution of various life-impacting projects.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, noted that Tinubu’s support had continued to open up new corridors of growth and development across the FCT.

Mahmoud pledged that the FCT Administration would work tirelessly to bring more dividends of democracy to every part of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Institute automates certification, tightens regulation for standard projects
Economy/Business

Institute automates certification, tightens regulation for standard projects

By Lucy Ogalue

The Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), has inaugurated a digital registration and certification verification platform.

According to the Registrar-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, it is aimed at strengthening professional standards and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria’s project management space.

Mbadiwe said this at the closing of the Institute’s 2025 Mid-Year Training Programme and Induction in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the institute had phased out manual registration and now operated a secure, digital-only process for onboarding new members and verifying all issued certificates and licences.

“We no longer accept paper registrations. Every registration with CIPMN must now be processed through our online portal.

“Every certificate and licence issued is digitally secured and instantly verifiable through QR code scanning.

“Once a project manager presents a certificate or licence, it can be verified on the spot using a smartphone. The system searches the CIPMN database and confirms the authenticity of the presented credentials,” he said.

According to him, this technological upgrade aligns with global best practices and enhances trust in the project management profession in Nigeria.

The CIPMN boss also confirmed that the system complies with Nigeria’s data protection laws, following consultations with the Data Protection Commission.

“None of the data displayed during verification breaches any legal framework. It’s a secure and transparent process that will foster public confidence,” Mbadiwe said.

He stressed the importance of project management in driving national development, saying that it was the tool that translates strategies into actionable and measurable outcomes.

“Project management is not just for construction. Every initiative with a start and end date is a project.

“Without trained and licenced project managers, we waste time and resources. Our report has shown that more than 17 trillion dollars is being lost to unstructured project delivery,” he said.

Mbadiwe said the institute had begun enforcing compliance with its regulatory framework, warning that institutions or individuals managing projects without CIPMN licensure would face legal consequences.

“We are taking more decisive steps. This year, we will begin visiting non-compliant organisations.

“After giving warnings, we will seek court orders to shut down sites or stop project execution. The law is clear, you must be licenced to deliver projects in Nigeria,” he said

The Registrar-General likened CIPMN’s role to that of other professional regulators such as the Medical and Dental Council or the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), noting that project management must now be treated with the same seriousness.

Mbadiwe also revealed that several public and private sector institutions were already complying, including Shell, NLNG, Lagos Business School, and MDAs such as PENCOM, ITF, SON, and the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs.
“We are collaborating closely with the Bureau of Public Procurement to ensure that only licenced project managers can bid for and manage government contracts

“No agency, not even our supervisory ministry, can ignore this law,” he said.

He then called for deeper collaboration across sectors to ensure full compliance and reduce project failure rates across Nigeria.

The President and Chairman of CIPMN Council, Mr Emmanuel Afolayan, said the institute was determined to build an “army of professionals” equipped to manage projects across Nigeria with competence, discipline, and efficiency.

“ The goal is to achieve desired results without compromising standards or quality. Project management is a critical tool for achieving economic transformation.

” With proper training and licencing, professionals will be able to deliver value-driven projects that align with national goals.

An inductee, Mr Akins Kinsley, described the training as a turning point in his professional journey.

“I have been supervising projects in the past, but this training has exposed me to better ways of managing them. Now, I understand the importance of delivering projects to international standards from start to finish,” Kinsley said.

Another inductee, Mr Idehai Frederick, said the training had deepened his understanding of project management methodologies, which he intended to apply in journalism and public relations. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Tinubu’s achievements render political opponents ineffective – Wike
Metro

Tinubu’s achievements render political opponents ineffective – Wike

By Philip Yatai

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has lauded the achievements of President Bola Tinubu, saying his impactful projects and reforms have rendered political opposition efforts ineffective in his 2027 re-election bid.

Wike made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and other roads in the Katampe District.

He noted that the impressive pace of development under Tinubu’s leadership had disoriented critics and opposition groups, particularly the supposed coalition created to challenge Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“I thought there would be a coalition, but when people see new projects being unveiled daily, that idea collapses.

“The coalition has failed because of the good work Mr President is doing,” Wike said.

He explained that the N16 to N20 road was awarded in September and commenced in Oct. 2024 and later extended through Gishiri Village to connect it to Wole Soyinka Way.

The further said that Tinubu administration has built contractors’ trust in government, adding that the contractors now have confidence to execute projects knowing they would be paid.

He disclosed that although the extension of the N16 road to N20 was recently approved by the FCT Executive Council, the contractor had already completed it, citing confidence in prompt government payments.

He also noted that communities affected by the road construction were adequately compensated, receiving 200 per cent of the compensation rate in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“President Tinubu has brought that trust back, and the people of the FCT, particularly those in satellite towns are seeing progress like never before,” Wike said.

He thanked the president for giving him the opportunity to be part of what he described as a “revolution in the FCT,” and vowed that no project initiated under his tenure would be abandoned.

Responding, Tinubu commended Wike and his team for their commitment to transformative infrastructure development, describing the minister as a “team builder and a team player.”

“Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity; it is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” the president said.

Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed gratitude to FCT residents for their patience during the construction process.

“To the people of Gishiri, Maitama, and the entire FCT community, thank you for your resilience and belief in the government’s capacity to deliver.

“You are the heart of this city, and this project is a tribute to your enduring hope,” she said.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, said that described the road as a 3.7-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway.

He said that the road linked Maitama District in Phase I to Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi Districts in Phase II. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  
Metro

2nd anniversary: Tinubu ‘ll inaugurate 10 of 17 FCT projects – Wike  

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu will personally inaugurate 10 out of the 17 projects outlined for inauguration to celebrate his second year in office.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike said this after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

Wike said that the inauguration of the projects, which would begin on June 10 with the rehabilitated Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC), would last to the end of the month.

He said that Tinubu would inaugurate 10 projects by himself, while Vice President Kashim Shettima would represent Tinubu to commission three projects.

He added that Senate President Godswill Akpabio would also represent Tinubu to inaugurate two projects, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives would follow suit and inaugurate two projects.

He said that some of the projects that would be inaugurated by Tinubu, the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives would be at the satellite towns

“Mr President has agreed to commission two of the satellite towns projects and then the Vice President and the Senate President.

“So, all of them will have a reason to go to the satellite towns, and let the people see them for the first time.

“The residents are feeling the impact of governance from the federal level and will have the opportunity to see their president and the leadership of the country coming to their domain,” Wike said.

The minister explained that 19 projects were earlier scheduled for inauguration but were reduced to 17 due to time and space.

He added that another arrangement would be made by the FCT Administration to inaugurate the other projects across the FCT.

“We are very happy that Mr President has given an opportunity for us to also contribute to the vision of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.

“You can see the joy of the children. They are all feeling the impact of Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”, and that is what it’s supposed to be.

“We are very happy that all the promises we made we have been able to accomplish them.

“Look at the reaction from people and that tells you that if the people are happy, we are also happy,” he said.

Wike commended Tinubu for the continued support to ensure he succeed, adding that while Mr President drives the process, the legislative arm ensures approval of budgets for implementation.

Speaking on the maintenance of the AICC, the minister said that it would be handed over to Julius Berger but under his direct supervision.

“We will have an agreement with Julius Berger for the maintenance of the edifice, and we’ll pay them.

“It is not going to be business as usual where you hand it over to politicians and they do whatever they want to do.

“This time around, it will be under my supervision, and it will be managed and maintained by Julius Berger,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister
Agriculture

FG completes 565 water projects in 2 years — Minister

Projects

By Tosin Kolade
The Federal Government says it has completed and inaugurated 565 water supply schemes, three multipurpose dams, four major irrigation projects, and several sanitation facilities within the last two years.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

Utsev explained that these achievements were part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

He noted that the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in boosting agriculture and ensuring food and water security.

According to him, the government has inaugurated the Rafin Yashin Dam in Niger State, Odo-Ape Hydropower Dam in Kogi, and Amla Dam in Benue.

”These projects are expected to support irrigation, enhance electricity generation, and promote agro-industrial development”.

He also announced the successful concessioning of the 40MW Kashimbila Hydropower Plant in Taraba, and the integrated Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, which generated more than N7.1 billion as commencement fee for the first five years into the federal concession account.

On irrigation, the minister disclosed that four projects which include the Bakalori and Dadin-Kowa schemes in Zamfara and Gombe States, respectively, providing thousands of hectares of irrigated farmlands for dry-season farming have been completed.

”Two micro-irrigation projects have also been completed in Oyo and Jigawa to support smallholder farmers,” he said.

Utsev also disclosed that four major water projects have been completed in Jigawa, Yobe, and the FCT, while three others in Gombe and Yobe were already 90 per cent completed.

”Through collaboration with states and partners, 565 water supply schemes were constructed under PEWASH, SURWASH, and the AfDB programmes, serving over 450,000 people,” he added.

He also announced that 40 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) have attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the total to 142 across the country.

”We have constructed 159 sanitation facilities in 23 states and developed advocacy jingles in five languages, reaching more than 25 million Nigerians,” he said.

The minister further revealed that 14 dams and several irrigation projects were near completion across Plateau, Enugu, Ekiti, Oyo, and Kwara States, while more than 100 new water supply projects were awarded in 2024.

”The ministry has also commenced the Sustainable Power and Irrigation in Nigeria (SPIN) Project in 20 states to modernise existing infrastructure and explore hydropower generation,” he added.

He emphasised efforts to revitalise River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) by partnering with the private sector and state governments.

”We have leased 4,429 hectares of farmland to commercial farmers and developed irrigation infrastructure for 154,000 hectares, creating jobs for more than 1.6 million farmers.

”Other notable agency activities include issuing 24 water use licenses by the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, training of 1,377 youths in plumbing and drilling by the National Water Resources Institute.

”We also have the publication of the 2025 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency,” the minister revealed.

Utsev said the ministry plans to complete 11 new projects in 2025, roll out school and public sanitation initiatives, and develop a National Framework for Flood Insurance.

”We will continue to work towards food security, job creation, and economic growth through sustainable water management,” he added.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu, development partners, state governments, and the media for their support and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on its mandate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deborah Coker

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 
Metro

2025 budget: Wike to complete 14 ongoing road projects in FCT 

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has earmarked part of the N1.78 trillion proposed 2025 FCT statutory budget for the completion of 14 ongoing roads projects across the territory.

Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, when he appeared before the Senate and House of Representative Committees on FCT, to defend the 2025 FCT proposed budget.

He explained that out of the N1.78 trillion, N1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, representing 72.3 per cent, while N494.1 billion was set aside as recurrent expenditure, representing 27.7 per cent.

He explained that road projects, sited both in the city centre and satellite towns would be handled by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD).

The minister explained a total of N801.5 billion was allocated to the FCDA while N137 billion was allocated to the STDD for execution of capital projects.

He identified some of the projects as the completion of roads B6 and B12 and full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

Also pencilled for competition is the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape Districts, provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District and provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District.

“Others are the extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II, and full scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway OSEX with Spur at Kyami District.

“Also for completion are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2Km), full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5, and Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road.

“The full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, and the provision of access road to Bus Terminals in FCT would also be completed.

“Other ongoing road projects include the dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa War College/Army Check Point Road and other Ancillary Roads, and construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council and dualization of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road,” he said.

The minister explained that the 14 ongoing projects would be sped up and completed before the end of 2025 fiscal year.

According to him the expansion and rehabilitation of the roads would eventually reduce the travel time and traffic gridlock on roads within and outside the capital city. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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