Author: The Nation

  • MOWAA controversy: Edo Assembly berates Obaseki, threatens arrest warrant

    MOWAA controversy: Edo Assembly berates Obaseki, threatens arrest warrant

    The Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee investigating the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel project has criticised former Governor Godwin Obaseki for refusing to honour its invitation.

    The committee warned that it has the constitutional authority to compel the appearance of any individual through the Police if necessary.

    Lawmakers noted that those declining invitations cannot claim denial of fair hearing, as opportunities had been provided for them to present their side.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo had mandated the Assembly to probe the funding structure, ownership, and scale of investment in the projects, including the state’s N3.8 billion stake in MOWAA and N28 billion commitment to the Radisson Hotel project.

    Others invited to appear before the Committee on Thursday included former Commissioner for Finance, Joseph Eboigbe; former Attorney General, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi; Managing Director of Tilbury House Nigeria Limited, Pramod Thorat; Project Manager at Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC), Ugochukwu Anigbogu; as well as the Managing Directors of Afrinvest Capital Limited, Meristem Trustees Limited, and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.

    At the resumed sitting, Obaseki and several others wrote through their lawyers to decline the invitation, citing ongoing lawsuits concerning MOWAA as their reason for staying away.

    Chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Hon. Addeh Isibor, expressed disappointment over their refusal to appear, stressing that the panel’s mandate is purely fact-finding and not a witch-hunt.

    He added that the Committee would base its final report strictly on verified facts.

    According to him, “These gentlemen have unilaterally chosen to absent themselves that there exist court cases regarding our sitting or issues under consideration.

    “We know position of the law. We are not dunces but cerebral people. We are constitutionally mandated to carry out investigation or hearing on any matter to which we have the power of appropriation.

    “The mere filing of a suit in court cannot amount to stay of proceeding. They ran to court after we commenced the public hearing. 

    “No judge can stop our sitting. We will reach a decision on the matter. If you choose not to make yourself available, you cannot claim you were refused right to fair hearing.

    “It is more offensive that none of the SANs attached court processes to the letters. They know they rushed to court at midnight. These are empty letters.

    “They want to stop this Committee from getting to the root of the matter. We reject the letters as lacking in merit. Edo Assembly is not a party to the suit.

    “The Committee has powers to ask the Police to bring those concerns here. We have no letter stopping the Committee from completing its assignment.”

  • Tinubu: Nations progress when all regions harness their economic strength

    Tinubu: Nations progress when all regions harness their economic strength

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said Nigeria’s economic progress depends on every region taking responsibility for its development, stressing that no nation grows when only one part advances while others remain stagnant.

    Speaking at the Imo State Economic Summit in Owerri on Thursday, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the theme of the summit, “Unlocking Imo Economic Potential,” aligns with the national vision for shared prosperity.

    “No nation rises because one corner of its map ascends while others remain dormant; nations rise when they harness their strength and take responsibility for their economic direction,” he said.

    Tinubu said the economic summits being held across the country demonstrate a collective resolve to drive national development. He praised Imo State’s vast economic prospects, describing its hospitality and opportunities as “unimaginable.”

    He noted that the summit aims to unlock the state’s economic potential through partnership, investment, and innovation, adding that federal reforms are designed to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.

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    “Imo State should be a place of abundance,” he said, listing opportunities in free trade zones, agro-processing, gas utilization, digital infrastructure and access to financial institutions. “Imo is not only ready for investment; Imo is primed for transformation.”

    The President assured investors that the Federal Government will work with the state to de-risk investments and ensure equitable benefits for communities.

    Tinubu also emphasized the importance of innovation in modern development. “The most competitive nations today invest in technology and place innovation at the centre of their development agenda. Imo State must position innovation as a key strategy,” he said.

    He urged Nigerian leaders and investors to commit to building the country’s future. “By 2050, Nigeria will be the world’s third most populous nation… I am proud to be called a Nigerian,” he added.

    Liberian President Joseph Boakai; Sao Tome and Principe’s Prime Minister, Americo Ramos; and former Mauritius President, Amina Akim, described Africa as a rising continent of hope with Nigeria as a talent-rich hub capable of producing world-class entrepreneurs. 

    They called for stronger partnerships to unlock the potential of Imo State and the wider continent. Akim also pledged support for renewable energy initiatives in the state.

    Governor Hope Uzodimma said the summit marks a historic turning point for Imo State as it repositions itself as a destination where “Investment Meets Opportunities.” He highlighted the state’s strategic location, abundant resources and improved business environment.

    Uzodimma said national reforms under President Tinubu have created a favourable investment climate, aligning with the state’s ambition to contribute to a $1 trillion national economy. He noted Imo’s geographic and market advantages, its diverse agricultural sector and its substantial natural resources.

    “Imo has the largest proven gas reserves in West Africa,” he revealed, urging investors to explore opportunities in the energy sector.

    He said the state has constructed more than 120 strategic roads and is working to improve power supply. He announced the upcoming Light Up Imo Project to deliver 24-hour electricity.

    On land administration, the governor introduced the Imo Land Information Centre, which he said replaces a fraud-prone system with an efficient automated process.

    “Imo State is ready to house your investments,” he said.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised the governor’s vision and the state’s independent electricity project, describing it as a “game changer.” He said Nigeria’s economy is expanding as efforts intensify to achieve a 7% annual growth rate.

    Former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, underscored Africa’s potential in global climate solutions and called for stronger international partnerships.

    Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed Nigeria’s investment prospects and commended Governor Uzodimma for improvements in security, infrastructure and electricity.

    “I feel perfectly safe… your focus on electricity is absolutely right,” he said.

    Former President of the African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, reaffirmed the bank’s support for major economic projects in Imo, including the Orashi River dredging and a multi-billion-naira petrochemical testing facility near the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

    Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, praised the President’s economic reforms and urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to invest in the country, assuring the governor of the Group’s partnership.

    The summit drew foreign diplomats, industry leaders, investors, financial executives, traditional rulers, clergy, and over 17 state governors. Members of the National Assembly, top federal and state officials, and notable dignitaries including Prof. Maurice Iwu, APC National Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Ganduje and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, were in attendance.

  • IGP Egbetokun appoints DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi as Ogun police PRO

    IGP Egbetokun appoints DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi as Ogun police PRO

    • Halimah Balogun

    Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has approved the appointment of DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi as the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ogun State Police Command.

    Until his new posting, DSP Babaseyi served as the Deputy PPRO at the Lagos State Police Command.

    A law graduate, he holds an LL.B from the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano; a Barrister-at-Law (BL) qualification from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus; and a Diploma in Law from Osun State University.

    A member of the pioneer Regular Course 1 of the Nigeria Police Academy, Babaseyi’s academic and professional training has equipped him with strong competence in law enforcement operations, investigations, administration, and public relations.

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    He has served in diverse operational, investigative, and administrative roles, including stints as Divisional Crime Officer at Monatan and Kajorepo Divisions, and as Officer-in-Charge of Ilaji and Lagelu Police Posts in Oyo State, where he led key criminal investigations and coordinated crime prevention strategies.

    His operational background includes a three-year deployment with the Police Mobile Force (22 PMF) as Unit Commander.

    In 2023, he underwent training at the Nigeria Army School of Special Forces in Buni Yadi and later participated in joint military operations under Operation Hadin Kai across Yobe and Borno states.

    Babaseyi also served as Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command and Secretary to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, roles that deepened his experience in police administration, high-level coordination, and strategic communication.

  • Kachikwu urges Tinubu to expose sponsors of insecurity

    Kachikwu urges Tinubu to expose sponsors of insecurity

    Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reveal those behind the persistent insecurity plaguing the country, describing such disclosure as critical to ending the worsening situation.

    Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Kachikwu acknowledged that the Tinubu administration inherited the crisis but insisted that the President must go further by “naming and shaming” the people fueling violence across the country. 

    He also urged the government to eliminate commercial interests from the ongoing fight against insurgency and prosecute the conflict with full seriousness.

    Troubled by the growing cases of killings, kidnappings, banditry and forceful occupation of communities, Kachikwu said Nigerians deserve clarity on the forces destabilising the nation.

    “Four presidents have come before you since this war started, and none of them told us the truth about what is really going on,” he said. “Mr. President, the time has come for us all to know our enemies and their motives. Is this a religious or political war? Who are the sponsors?”

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    He noted that citizens are tired of recurring threats to expose those behind terrorism, stressing that the government owes the public a duty to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of a conflict that has claimed countless lives and drained billions of dollars in public funds.

    Kachikwu expressed confidence that Nigerians are willing to confront the nation’s enemies but emphasised the need for transparency. 

    While commending the sacrifices of security agencies, he warned that soldiers’ morale is undermined when a few individuals profit from defence contracts while troops risk their lives on the frontlines.

    “We must also remove the business from this war and face the business of war,” he said.

    He advised the new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, to deploy his experience to curb the rising insecurity. Kachikwu also urged Nigerians across political divides to unite in confronting the threat.

    “We must rise up as Nigerians to fight the war against insecurity. This is a war we must win and regain our enviable position in the comity of nations,” he added.

  • Okpebholo presents N200m cheques  to 47 families of deceased Edo workers

    Okpebholo presents N200m cheques  to 47 families of deceased Edo workers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has presented cheques totaling over N200 million to 47 families of deceased state workers, as part of the state’s implementation of the Group Life Insurance Scheme in partnership with Tangerine Life Insurance.

    The governor also announced scholarships for one member of each bereaved family, saying the gesture was driven by compassion and a commitment to support families who lost their loved ones in active service.

    “This is not just about insurance; it is about goodness,” Okpebholo said. “The important thing is that you receive your entitlements because of the painful loss you have suffered. Today, we are supporting you further by giving scholarships to one member of each family. This is our way of ensuring you are not left behind.”

    He commended Tangerine Life Insurance for its partnership and efficiency, noting that it has helped position Edo State as one of the leading states in pension and insurance reforms.

    Managing Director/CEO of Tangerine Life Insurance, Kehinde Borisade, praised the governor for transforming Edo State into a model for pension reform and workers’ welfare.

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    “In implementing the Pension and Insurance Acts, Edo State stands out as one of the leading states, if not the leading state,” Borisade said. “Your Excellency has shown rare leadership by caring not only for active workers, but also for the families of those who have passed on. Few states in Nigeria do this.”

    In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also commissioned five vehicles donated to the Edo Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service to enhance the movement of suspects and defendants to court.

    “If inmates cannot get to court, they cannot get justice. This is why we responded immediately,” the governor said while handing over the vehicles.

    Controller Sunday Oyakhire received the vehicles on behalf of the Correctional Service and the Controller-General, expressing gratitude for the support.

  • FG to expand social protection to cover 60m Nigerians in informal economy

    FG to expand social protection to cover 60m Nigerians in informal economy

    The federal government has announced plans to extend social protection coverage to over 60 million Nigerians working in the informal economy as part of efforts to strengthen inclusion, safeguard livelihoods and reduce vulnerability among low-income households.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi made the disclosure in Abuja during a two-day national dialogue on expanding social protection to informal workers. 

    In a statement signed by Head of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Annah Daniel the minister said the Federal government was taking concrete steps to address decades of exclusion affecting millions of Nigerians who earn a living in markets, farms, workshops, roadside enterprises and other informal settings.

    “Today, we write a new chapter in our collective journey to give dignity, inclusion, and protection to the over 60 million Nigerians who make up our informal economy,” the minister stated.

    Dingyadi pointed out that in many developing nations especially in sub-saharan Africa the informal economy constitutes the lion’s share of the workforce, noting that Nigeria is no exception. 

    He said by some estimates, more than 65% of Nigeria’s employed population work outside of formal contracts and formal protections.

    He said, “These are our traders in open markets and kiosks, farmers and fisherfolk, transport workers, okada riders, keke drivers, tailors, artisans, vulcanizers, domestic workers, caregivers, street sweepers, digital freelancers, and millions more who contribute daily to our economy

    “Yet these workers are too often excluded from pensions, health insurance, maternity protection, unemployment relief, workplace injury compensation, and access to finance. We cannot build a just equitable, or resilient Nigeria when such a large portion of our workforce is left vulnerable.”

    The minister stated that the Federal Government believes that every Nigerian deserves opportunity, safety and dignity regardless of social status, income level or sector of employment.

    He said, “Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Renewed Hope Agenda is more than a political mandate; it is a social contract with the Nigerian people.”

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    The minister restated the Federal Government commitment to closing the gap through technology-enabled systems.

    He listed ongoing initiatives to include the expansion of the National Health Insurance Authority and the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund to cover informal workers through mobile platforms designed for easy and flexible access.

    The minister added that the micro pension plan driven by PENCOM and the National Bureau of Statistics would deepen pension inclusion.

    He said, “Social protection is not charity, it is a human right and responsibility of the state to ensure a minimum floor of protection for all especially the most vulnerable; adding that efforts of all social protection stakeholders must be put in place to bring a positive transformation in the informal economy.”

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who was represented by the Director Productivity Measurement and Labour Standards, Emmanuel Igbinosun, said the presence of stakeholders at the national dialogue speaks about the ministry’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well being of every worker, especially for those in Informal sector who form the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy that will give us a unique opportunity to deepen collaboration, strengthen policy directions and chart actionable path ways.

  • Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    • …bus driver shot dead, one hospitalised 

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle inside a forest in Ondo State, successfully rescuing four kidnapped victims.

    The state Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting five suspects arrested for various crimes, including kidnapping and fraud, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

    Adeleye explained that the shootout occurred after the suspected bandits attacked a passenger bus, killing the driver and abducting five passengers.

    “The local security agency was alerted by a distress call reporting heavy gunfire in a forested area. This prompted the deployment of a rapid response team to rescue the abducted passenger. 

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    “On entering the forest, our men came under heavy attack. At the end of the operation, we successfully rescued four of the five kidnapped passengers, though the bus driver was shot dead when the attackers tried to stop the vehicle,” he said. 

    The Amotekun boss added that the rescue operation lasted over three hours, with operatives combing the forest.

    He revealed that among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor. 

    “One of the women, who had been shot by the attackers prior to Amotekun’s arrival, was stabilized at the corps’ health facility.

    “Two of the suspected kidnappers, who allegedly fired at officers and killed the bus driver, were arrested during the operation,” he further added. 

    In a related development, Amotekun boss said his men also foiled an attempted abduction of a female Correctional Service Officer. 

    According to him, the suspects had posed as visitors assisting inmates before attempting to kidnap her. 

    “The officer escaped by raising an alarm near the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, where operatives rescued her and apprehended the suspects.”

    However, he said the 5th suspect paraded was accused of defrauding his employer of N77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.

    Commending the efforts of his men, Adeleye said the arrests resulted from multiple operations conducted over the past 48 hours under Operation Le Won Jade, supported by border patrol teams and the ongoing 24/7 ember-month security watch.

    “There is no hiding place for criminals, bandits, or kidnappers in Ondo State,” the commander reiterated.

    He added that Amotekun, in collaboration with the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters, has intensified regional security coordination.

    Adeleye, however, assured residents that major roads, communities, and public spaces across the Southwest are being reinforced to ensure a crime-free environment.

  • Sun Books shines at global edutech award

    Sun Books shines at global edutech award

    Sun Books Nigeria has won a bronze in the 2025 edition of the Re-imagine Education Awards and Conference themed Mind the Gap which just concluded in London, UK.

    The literacy organisation ranked among the entrants in the Access, Diversity, Inclusion and Innovation category of the award that pulled in 1600 submissions in 10 categories in its 11th edition.

    “The award is a testimony to Sun Books’ hard work in taking literacy to hard-to-reach areas, and it’s also a win for the children we work for with our low-cost edutech projects,” said Sixtus Ibekwe, marketing manager.

    The event, according to category winners, has always been an experience for bringing up innovation to solve the problems that plague the current state of education, including accessibility and effectiveness.

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    More than 700 judges decided the winners of this year’s awards, and affirmed Sun Books’ achievement of world-class recognition in educational innovation. It also joined two other African initiatives which won in previous editions.

    “The awarded application demonstrated exceptional innovation, impact, and scalability, successfully progressing through four rigorous evaluation rounds conducted by a panel of 1,300 international higher education and edutech experts,” the award team said.

    An initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, Sun Books Nigeria works to eradicate child illiteracy in Africa using solar-powered digital devices that make learning and teaching easy for pupils and teachers.

    No fewer than 1000 of such devices have been distributed to schools in low-resource communities in Lagos, Rivers, and Abuja, in addition to mobile libraries and other learning apps.

    Among its partners are Heirs Energies, Lingokids, and others

  • ‘Judiciary committed to human rights protection,’ says CJN Kekere-Ekun

    ‘Judiciary committed to human rights protection,’ says CJN Kekere-Ekun

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has assured of the Judiciary’s commitment to the protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and other international laws and treaties. 

    Justice Kekere-Ekun said the Judiciary, under her watch, will remain steadfast in executing its constitutional mandate of upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights.

    She spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a conference on: “Proportional force and respect for human dignity: A dialogue in governance,” organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) along with Citizen FM, as part of activities marking the commission’s 30th anniversary.

    Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN noted that human dignity, equality before the law and respect for the inherent rights of all persons are the ideals on which every just society is anchored.

    She was of the view that the exercise of authority with restrain, discipline and accountability enhances public trust and reinforces the legitimacy of institutions.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun added that despite the commitment of the Judiciary, the duty to safeguard human rights requires collaboration among security agencies, policy makers, civil society and informed citizenry.

    She said, “Whether in the court room, in the field of security operations, in policy making, or civic engagement, we must ensure that human dignity remains the measure and motivation of all our actions. 

    “This is the surest path to stability, social cohesion and justice,” she said.

    The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) stress d the importance of dialogue in addressing many challenges associated with the disproportionate deployment of force by security agents

    Ojukwu explained that the event was not intended as an avenue to blame anyone or agency, but to ensure that security operations are guided by both constitutional and international standards, and that reforms are established through collective engagements with relevant stakeholders.  

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    He added, “Through dialogues like this, solutions can be co-created through transparency, accountability, and collaboration. 

    “While proportional force and respect for human dignity are substantive principles guiding our security operations, dialogue is the instrument through which governance becomes participatory and institutions earn trust of the citizens in the systems meant to protect them.

    “For the National Human Rights Commission, dialogue in governance means creating platforms where the military, law enforcement agencies, ministries, department and agencies (MDAs), civil society, legal practitioners, academics, and citizens can sit together to examine the challenges of security and human rights,” Ojukwu said.

    The keynote speaker, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC), Professor Dakas Dakas (SAN) stressed the need for a comprehensive reform of existing policing architecture 

    Professor Dakas argued that the requirement for proportional use of force by law enforcement agents is not solely a policing concern but a central governance issue that shapes public trust, democratic resilience, and the legitimacy of state authority.

    He advocated the need for institutionalized dialogue between citizens and law-enforcement agencies, stressing that peaceful societies are built on relationships and mutual respect rather than suspicion or confrontation.

    He cautioned that the constant application of disproportionate force has the capacity to produce governance crises, not just security challenges.

    Dakas added, “When force is not governed by strict necessity and professionalism, the state loses moral authority. The Lekki Toll Gate tragedy is a solemn reminder that force without proportionality erodes legitimacy.”

    He noted that “strengthening proportional use of force by law enforcement is not merely a procedural necessity but a profound affirmation of human dignity at the heart of democratic governance. 

    “When security agencies act with restraint, accountability, and respect for life, they build public trust, enhance legitimacy, and create safer communities where rights are protected rather than threatened. 

    “This dialogue reminds us that good governance is ultimately a partnership — between the state, its institutions, and the people — and that sustainable peace is achieved when justice, professionalism, and humanity guide every action. 

    “Let us therefore commit to continuous reform, constructive engagement, and the shared pursuit of a society where security and dignity walk hand in hand,” Prof. Dakas said.

  • FG intensifies road infrastructure provision transparency, accountability

    FG intensifies road infrastructure provision transparency, accountability

    • …as opposition hails pace, quality of projects 

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of national road projects, with anti-graft agencies already engaged to scrutinise ongoing works and contractors assured of full payment of outstanding debts.

    During the reopening of the Abuja-bound Toto bridge, in Nasarawa State damaged by a heavy-duty truck earlier in the year on Thursday, Minister of Works, David Umahi, said the government has submitted all road projects to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and sent the same list to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for verification.

    “We have sent Mr President’s projects to ICPC immediately when I assumed office, to go through all states and verify. This is the first of its kind. We have also sent the same list to EFCC,” Umahi stressed.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had ordered a full assessment of road works across all 36 states and the FCT, with online access to project status for accountability, saying, “People will be free to ask questions, give constructive criticism”.

    On payments, Umahi disclosed that Tinubu has directed that contractors being owed be paid, with a review committee already set up. 

    “Mr President yesterday recognised that they are being owed and is setting up a committee to review all the debts. Please, no more protests. You will be paid.”

    Crediting Tinubu’s backing for the pace of delivery, he said, “Within 24 hours he released the money for this bridge. It is unprecedented.”

    The damaged Toto bridge on the Nyanya axis, linking Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, had suffered a 20-metre structural failure earlier in the year, requiring reconstruction of the beam, parapet, and walkway, as well as the installation of a twin gantry crash-prevention system.

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    Commissioning the bridge, Umahi hailed the speed of delivery, saying, “It is a big relief to the users of this road. We are happy that this bridge is going to be commissioned after just four months, which ordinarily should have taken even a year,” he said.

    “Nations go through challenges at different times. The conversation of development is not binary. It is multidimensional, and I am enjoying my work because I love hard work. God gave me a boss like no other”.

    While inspecting sections of the Abuja–Kano highway, the Minister gave new directives to contractors and updated progress on the redesigned project. 

    He said the original contract, awarded to China Harbour at N₦73 billion, had a flawed design which was modified so both shoulders would be built in concrete, noting that only about 44 kilometres could be fully executed from the initial funding.

    The Minister said emergency repairs were assigned after public complaints, followed by an additional 20 kilometres based on performance. 

    He said Section one of the project covers 118 kilometres at ₦252 billion, with half of the cost already paid. 

    Seventeen kilometres around Kano are being rebuilt from the ground up, while a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension is nearing completion, Sections one and three already have 8 kilometres of completed concrete pavement, with more ongoing, he added.

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    According to him, Section two covers 72 kilometres, mostly concrete, valued at ₦502 billion. 

    While he expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the job, Umahi, however criticised claims that little work had been done, saying the job is just six months old and remains a priority legacy project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Minister addressed concerns over the sustainability and maintenance of the concrete pavement roads, explaining that the government expects to efficiently recoup its investment under the new technology now being deployed nationwide.

    He said: “There is what is called the defect liability period. In all road construction, it’s one year. So when the project is completed and handed over to us, the contractors, you know, we retain 5% of the certificate in every payment.

    “On completion, we release 50% of that, so, we retain 2.5%. After one year and he has maintained the road, then we release the balance. But what we are doing in the majority of our roads is to do, operate and maintain.

    “We are telling this concessionaire, look, with our concrete road, you really don’t have much to maintain. So the percentage that will come to us as government from the tolling will be more. And that is return on investment.”

    Members of the opposition parties that accompanied the Minister commended the project’s quality and pace.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chieftain Segun Showunmi said, “Within the space of three months it is back, it is better, and our people will be happy. I have promised myself that as Goliath was defeated by David, so also at this pace we are going, our infrastructure deficit in Nigeria will be defeated by you.”

    “Mr President, sometimes we just have to thank you. And on that note, Mr President, we want more. But for this one, we truly, truly thank you.”

    African Democratic Congress (ADC) representative, Dr. Kanti Uthman, an architect, noted the change, citing infrastructure improvements nationwide.

    “I passed here four months ago during the rain, there was no road. Today, I was surprised. Last week I was in Kaduna. I left Abuja around 11 o’clock and I was in Kano before 3 o’clock.

    “As an architect, I can tell you this is world standard. Please continue to do more. May God bless President Tinubu. Amen.”

    Engr Musa Zubair, the Deputy Organizing Secretary of Action Alliance (AA) and New Nigeria People’s Party’s (NNPP) National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Sunday Ayeni, both acknowledged the progress of road projects across the country.

    “What I saw today makes me very happy. I passed here four months ago during the rains, we had to divert to Maraba because there was no road. Today I am surprised at the transformation”.

    While urging the President for a quick intervention on the Kabba-Egbe road in Kogi State, Ayeni said, “May God bless President Tinubu. We will share what we have seen with other parties and the public”.

    Technical officials confirmed the bridge’s readiness, “All those damaged sections have been reinstated, for the deck was cast about 29 days ago. So it is ready to be opened to traffic. So virtually, the project is substantially completed,” Federal Controller for the FCT, Yakubu Usuma said.

    Engr. Musa Saidu said the gantry system was already blocking crashes, “Another trailer still made an attempt to hit the other side of the bridge. But with the help of the gantry, the trailer hit the gantry and it stopped… Now the bridge is 98% completed,” he said.

    The contractor on the Abuja-Kano Highway also assured the Ministry of the timely completion of the project.