NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG urged to link Warri-Itakpe rail to inland ports, road networks

FG urged to link Warri-Itakpe rail to inland ports, road networks

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By Reporters

Stakeholders in the transportation sector have called on the Federal Government to link the Warri-Itakpe standard gauge rail line to inland ports and road networks to create seamless multimodal transport system.

They made the call while responding to a national survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on the state of railway lines in the country.

Inaugurated for commercial operation in Sept. 2020, after more than three decades delay, the 326km Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri standard gauge rail line currently connects Warri in Delta State to Itakpe in Kogi State.

The rail line was originally designed to transport iron ore and coal from Itakpe to Ajaokuta Steel Mill and Aladja Steel Rolling Mills in Delta.

Since its inauguration, the rail line has  facilitated the movement of goods and passengers between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.

Speaking with NAN in Lokoja, Mr Shittu Adams, a retired Director in Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), said the railway line should be integrated with existing waterway and road networks, along the corridor, to create seamless transport system.

Adams said the integration of the rail line would facilitate more efficient cargo and passenger transportation and enhance trade, economic growth, and overall connectivity.

He said that the integration would allow for seamless transfer of goods between the railway and the waterway transportation system in the region.

Adams also urged the federal government to integrate the rail line with existing road networks, particularly in Warri and other key locations, to ensure efficient transfer of goods and passengers to and from the rail line.

The director decried the high level of bureaucracy and poor governance leading to inefficient management and lack of transparency in the management of the rail infrastructure.

He said that the challenges contributed to the delays and underperformance of services rendered along the corridor.

Adams also faulted the outdated signaling systems, ticketing processes, and operational logistics which, according to him, are affecting speed and efficiency of the rail operations.

“There is the need for training and retraining of personnel in modern rail operations to enhance efficiency and safety.

“I will also suggest long-term and consistent government policies, that will attract investment and provide a clear direction for rail sector growth in general,” he said.

He urged the federal government to provide a clear and enabling regulatory framework that would encourage private investment and ensures safety standards in the railway operations.

Speaking in the same veins, Mr Taiye Bolaji, the Director Road Maintenance, Kogi State Ministry of Works, said the Warri-Itakpe rail line, like most others, connects only a few major cities and do not reach key agricultural or industrial hubs.

He said the Warri-Itakpe rail line has not connected the Lokoja metropolis and Obajana,  where Dangote Cement Plant and Mangal Cement Plant are located.

Bolaji, therefore, advocated  the expansion of the rail network to connect key agricultural zones, seaports, mining areas, and industrial cluster, in order to improve the  movement of raw materials and finished goods.

He appealed to the federal government to expedite the extension of the railway line to Lokoja,  Kogi state capital and a home to an inland port, for seamless transfer of goods and people.

Bolaji said that, from Lokoja, the rail line should be extended to Abuja, thereby connecting the northern part of the country to the southern region.

According to him, the integrated transportation system will boost economic activities, reduce  transportation costs, and create new opportunities.

Dr Simeon Omakoji, former Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Chairman in Kogi, said the major challenges facing railway transport in Nigeria are corruption and inability to factor regular maintenance.

Omakoji,  the incumbent Chairman, Kogi East Security Neighborhood Watch, advocated for improved maintenance culture, e-ticketing and more transparent financial management in the railway operations.

He stressed the need for people to invest in the railway system, while the government develop the political will to make the system work effectively.

Another stakeholder, Mr Ukwunetu Samuel-Ali, said Nigeria’s rail infrastructure used to be a symbol of prosperity and connectedness.

He said the rail infrastructure was, however, for many years, subjected to neglect and under investment resulting in vandalism and encroachment of tracks and other infrastructure.

Samuel-Ali, therefore, urged the federal government to sustain the initiative to revitalise and modernise the rail network across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mohammed Baba Busu/ Rotimi Ijikanmi

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

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

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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 

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

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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

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

Tinubu’s govt. constructs 150km roads in FCT satellite towns – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The administration of President Bola Tinubu has constructed not less than 150- kilometres of roads in satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 2024 and 2025.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Wike said that the 150km roads consisted of both completed and ongoing projects.

“This shows that the emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, but also to improve life and other infrastructure in satellite towns,” he said.

He explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, another 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

The Minister added that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoji had been equally awarded.

“At the end of the day, along the stretch of this road, we will have done about 45 km,” he said.

The minister equally recalled that Tinubu approved six emergency roads in the six area councils of the FCT in the 2024 National Budget.

According to him, the six road projects had been completed and inaugurated in 2024.

“When we were appointed in August 2023, in our supplementary budget, we included six emergency roads in the six area councils, and you provided funds for them in the national budget.

“I want to inform you that these roads have all been completed and inaugurated.

“We are providing these data so that doubting Thomas can go and check whether they are in existence or they are just mere propaganda.”

He identified the roads as the 9km Paikon Kore to Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, and 7.2 km Gaba and Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council.

Also completed and inaugurated were the 5km dualised Kuje township road from Tipper Garage to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council and the 11km Sukuku-Ebo-Yangoji. Road, in Kwali Area Council.

Others are the 5km access road to Saburi I and II in Abuja Municipal Area Council and another 5-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

“For the 2025, we will also inaugurate the completed 10km of Aguma Palace, Radio Nigeria and Market Road in Gwagwalada.

“There is also the 18km Nyanya Karshi dual carriageway.

“We are equally going to inaugurate the 7.4 km Dutse Alhaji to Usuma Dam Road and the dualised Ushafa to War College and Army Checkpoint Road, a 16.4 km road and other roads in Bwari Area Council.

“If you calculate the ongoing roads and those completed, within the satellite towns, we have constructed not less than 150 km of roads,” the minister said.

He said that the roads were strategic not only in improving the lives of rural dwellers and economic activities but also in improving security response in satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

Tinubu promises inclusive devt. to uplift lives of Nigerians

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By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will ensure a balanced and inclusive development targeted at lifting the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly constructed rural road, from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT and being inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Tinubu said that the A2 to Pai road project was one of many that his administration was delivering across the country, “and we will not stop.

“We will continue until every Nigerian can feel the touch of meaningful governance”.

He, however, said that road and infrastructure development were meaningless if they were not developed for the benefit of the people.

“Indeed, this project will continue to elevate our lives if this administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones.

“The inauguration of the newly constructed road from A2 Junction on Abuja-Lokoja Expressway to Pia town is both symbolic and strategic.

“It is strategic because it opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up,” he said.

Tinubu added that rural communities such as Pia make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.

He, however, pointed out that the community potential had been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long.

“Today, that narrative is changing.

“To the people of Pia, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it, and use it to the fullest.

“Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders, and students who will move with great ease,” he said.

He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike and his team for what he described as a “wonderful job”.

He added that Wike was thinking about the people and their needs and thinking about the country he represents.

“Nyesom Wike and his team, you are doing a good job for the underserved rural areas.

“Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this.

“I would not have been here and noted what is here if not for your efforts,” he said.

Earlier, Wike explained that the 15-km A2 to Pai road was executed under emergency intervention after the contract for the construction of Pai to Gumani was awarded.

“We awarded the contract for a road project from Pai to Gumani. So, when we were coming for the flag -off, I was asking, where are we going to flag-off the road?

“I now ask, how do we get to that Pai, when this road is not constructed? It doesn’t make sense.

“All we would have done is, okay, let us construct the road from A2 to Pai, later we can construct from Pai to Gomani, and I thank God that today we are inaugurating it,” he said.

He added that the Pai to Gumani, a 15-km road, was ongoing and would be completed before the end of the year.

He equally said that a 13 km road from Gumani to Yangoje was equally awarded.

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the road project was awarded to Zeberced Group in November 2024.

Zulkiflu said that the road was already uplifting the wellbeing of the people and stimulating economic activities.

Also, the Village Head of Pai, Alhaji Sani Abubakar thanked Tinubu for appointing Wike as the minister of the FCT saying, “he is the right person for the job”.

He said that communities along the road have been facing challenges of transporting their farm produce, adding the constructed road was already improving economic activities in the area. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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

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

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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

FCTA approves contracts for access roads in Durumi, Mabushi,, others  

FCTA approves contracts for access roads in Durumi, Mabushi,, others  

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By Philip Yatai
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has approved the award of contract for the construction of access roads in Durumi and Mabushi Districts and other infrastructural projects.

Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing journalists after the 14th committee’s meeting, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Dauda said that a contract was approved for the construction of access roads in Durumi District.

He explained that the contract would involve the construction of several access roads, drainages and culverts totalling about 1.7-kilometres in Durumi, around the Apostolic Church.

He added that the committee also approved the provision of access roads and infrastructure to parts of Mabushi District, particularly the Kez Udezue street, and other roads in the area.

He said that the scope of that project involves the provision of access roads, underground drainage services, street lighting, and other facilities like water and sewage collectors.

Also approved, according to the acting FCDA boss, is an emergency contract for erosion control affecting water pipelines.

He explained that the erosion affected a major water pipeline from Lower Usuma Dam through Kubwa to Airport Road and down to Gwagwalada.

“Erosion had taken place on the major pipeline feeding the various tanks up to Gwagwalada and it was a threat to the major water supply to all these areas.

“So, a Chinese company, CGC Nigeria Ltd. was invited to carry out the emergency work on the sites and the approval at the committee’s meeting was to finalise the emergency repair,” he said.

Dauda also said that the committee equally approved the award of contract for the complete renovation, furnishing and technical installations at the Department of State Security Headquarters.

“Another memo was for the construction of one block of a Magistrate Court in Jabi,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, explained that 13 memos were submitted for consideration, out of which nine were examined and approved.

Amadi added that the nine memos were approved to deepen the infrastructural development and upgrade of the capital city and its environment. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Niger agency begins repair of township roads

Niger agency begins repair of township roads

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger state Road Maintenance Agency (NIGROMA) has commenced the repairs of bad portions of Minna township roads to ease movement.

 

Alhaji Farouk Audi, Managing Director of the agency, disclosed this during the flag-off of the third phase of the ongoing repairs in Minna.

 

According to Audi, the third phase will start with the 4.4-kilometre road leading to Government House, Minna.

 

“We are here today to effect repairs on this critical road, which is part of our mandate to maintain state roads across all local government areas.

 

“This is a continuation of our repairs, and we have started with this particular road, with the hope of completing it within the next three days before moving to others,” he said.

 

Audi revealed that NIGROMA would repair seven roads in Minna metropolis, including the road from Democracy Garden to Zarumai, High Court Roundabout to Mobil, Bomas Roundabout to Obasanjo complex, and others.

 

According to him, the goal of the agency is to achieve smooth roads, in line with our agency’s mandate.

 

He noted that the state had over 2,000 kilometres of roads and more were still being built.

 

“We intend to maintain these roads for the people to enjoy them because the agency’s commitment is to improve road infrastructure in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Mararaba residents decry poor drainage, septic tanks on roads 

Mararaba residents decry poor drainage, septic tanks on roads 

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By Daniel Obaje

Residents of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have expressed concern over the construction of septic tanks and drainage systems on roads, which is worsening flooding and damaging road infrastructure.

 

A cross-section of residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the situation had made living in the community difficult, calling on the authorities to intervene.

 

Suleiman Musa, a shop owner, said the problem was unbearable even though the rains had yet to start.

 

“These septic tanks and drainage systems are destroying our roads. When it rains, the water overflows because the drains are blocked, and everywhere becomes flooded.

 

“Some roads are so bad now that people struggle to walk through,” he said.

 

Musa appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to address the situation before the rains begin.

 

According to Rebecca Iliyasu, a resident, the situation affects hygiene and requires urgent attention.

 

“Many landlords dig septic tanks close to the road, and when they get full, the dirty water spills out. The smell is terrible, and flies are everywhere.

 

“It’s even worse for children who play outside. This is not safe, and something needs to be done,” she said.

 

Another resident, Daniel Oche, believes the situation has worsened because there are no strict regulations preventing people from building carelessly.

 

“People just do whatever they want because nobody is enforcing the rules. If the government does not act fast, some roads will soon be completely blocked,” he said.

 

Ms Amina Yusuf, a student, pointed out the health risks caused by poor drainage and septic tank construction.

 

“During the rainy season, stagnant water breeds mosquitoes, and many people in the area fall ill, especially with malaria.

 

“There have been lots of campaigns on proper drainage, but we are yet to see changes,” she said.

 

Yusuf called on the government at all levels to enforce strict laws to ensure that septic tanks and drainage systems are properly constructed to prevent damage to the roads and the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

FG bans 60,000 litres petrol tankers from March 1

FG bans 60,000 litres petrol tankers from March 1

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has banned 60,000 litres petroleum tankers from operating on Nigerian roads, effective March 1, to mitigate truck-in-transit incidents.

Mr Ahmed Farouk, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, announced the ban on Wednesday in Abuja, while briefing newsmen shortly after its Stakeholders Technical Committee Meeting.

He added by fourth quarter of 2025, no truck with 45,000 litres capacity would be allowed to load petroleum products.

The meeting had in attendance the officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Fire Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

Others are: the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and NMDPRA.

Speaking to the newsmen, Farouk, represented by, Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, said the decision was made in response to the incessant road accidents involving heavy-duty petroleum tankers.

“The first stakeholder’s technical committee met today to drill down and put timelines for about 10 resolutions that had been taken on how to drive down the significant increase that had been observed in relation to tankers incidents and fatalities,” he said.

Farouk said the meeting which involved stakeholders and key agencies agreed that from March 1, any truck with an axle load of more than 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon would not be allowed to load at any depot.

“The important thing about this is that, for the first time, consensus was built amongst all stakeholders, and we will work together to deliver a safe transportation of petroleum products across the country,” he said.

The Authority’s Chief Executive dismissed recent claims questioning the quality of fuel in circulation across the country, describing them as bogus, misleading and unscientific.

He assured Nigerians that all imported and locally refined petroleum products met strict regulatory standards before being released into the market.

The regulator vowed to ensure compliance with petroleum industry standards and specifications, stressing that recent social media claims about the quality of fuel products in circulation were baseless and should be disregarded.

He said it would usually be more circumspect and not respond to every comment that was being made in the public.

“But it’s important that people who dabble into the social media space are reminded that it is actually disrespectful, if you imagine that Nigerians are gullible.

“Nigerians are discerning enough to know that energies need to be directed positively.  People who make unscientific claims, bogus data expertise are really not helping the situation.

“We’re working very hard in compliance with the presidential mandates to support the local refineries, to build capacity for sufficiency; and not just quality, but pricing is also done in a transparent, competitive and fair way,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that NMDPRA would continue to comply with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 as well as the specifications set by SON.

He said SON’s specification included parameters such as research obtain number, sulphur content, density, colour, oxygenate level, and many others.

“Before any product is distributed, the regulator ensures that from the load port of the product, whether from a domestic refinery or imported, and as well as at the discharge port, accredited laboratories must test every product.

“The accredited laboratories must duly issue certificates of quality to say that the product that is in the vessel meets those specifications.

“It’s only on that basis that products are then discharged and distributed across the country,” he said.

He further explained that that hydrocarbons were not pure compounds by nature, and as such, the authority regularly specifies a range of acceptable values; and tests results must fall within specified limits to be deemed complaint.

He said the sulphur content must be moderated in products, as higher levels could have corrosive effects and contribute to environmental pollution.

Farouk also said daily Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) supply, which averaged 66 million litres before subsidy withdrawal, now hovered around 50 million litres, with local refineries contributing less than 50 per cent of total supply.

“All of us have experienced a yuletide free from any scarcity. Let me reconfirm that from year to year, we saw an increase in the demand of PMS by 2021, 2022 up to 2023.

“And just before the current administration came in, the daily PMS supply sufficiency was always in excess of 60 million, averaging about 66 million a day for PMS.

“Following the withdrawal of subsidy, we immediately saw a steep decline on consumption and  between then and as we speak, we’ve continued to do plus or minus 50 million that’s considerable reduction in volumes,” he said.

He added that of the 50 million litres average for each day, less than 50 per cent was contributed by domestic refineries, and so the shortfall, in accordance with the PIA, is sourced by way of imports.

He further said none of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), that owned refineries in country, had imported any PMS this year.

“The other OMCs are the ones that are importing the shortfall, and if we did nothing to bridge that shortfall, we will have scarcity on our hands.

“And that’s something that the regulator is mindful to do, ensuring that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products across the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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