The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Finchglow boss leads Nigeria’s cargo account settlement system

    Finchglow boss leads Nigeria’s cargo account settlement system

    The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Cargo Accounts Settlement Systems (CASS) Nigeria Local Consultative Council (LCC).

    Finchglow Holdings, the parent company of six travel and aviation-focused businesses, said Bernard’s appointment places him at the centre of efforts to deepen transparency and reinforce the financial settlement structure connecting airlines, logistics providers, and cargo operators.

    According to a confirmation by the Directorate of CASS, his selection represents a milestone for Nigeria and a significant step toward strengthening the country’s aviation and cargo ecosystem.

    As Chairman, Bernard will collaborate with airlines, regulators, cargo handlers, and financial settlement institutions to drive reforms, improve cooperation, and ensure that CASS Nigeria maintains a seamless, secure, and accountable operational environment.

    A statement from the company noted that Bernard’s leadership comes at a defining period that demands enhanced efficiency, data integrity, and system-wide collaboration across the air travel and cargo value chain. His experience, it added, positions him to unify stakeholders, steer reforms, and build a more resilient and future-ready cargo settlement framework.

    Before this appointment, Bernard served as Chairman of the Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), where he worked with global and regional partners to improve agency–airline relationships. His leadership was credited with shaping policy discussions, promoting transparency, and strengthening confidence in the industry’s commercial processes.

    The statement added that stakeholders view his transition to the LCC as a continuation of the progress achieved under his previous roles, bringing clarity, innovation, and a stakeholder-focused approach to Nigeria’s aviation sector.

    “With CASS Nigeria entering a new phase, stakeholders across the aviation community express confidence that Bernard’s appointment will drive long-term stability and support meaningful advancements in the nation’s cargo settlement ecosystem,” the company said.

  • Nigeria’s First Lady gives N50m grant to Rivers PWDS, disabled veterans

    Nigeria’s First Lady gives N50m grant to Rivers PWDS, disabled veterans

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has doled out N50 million business grants to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.

    The cash donation ceremony, which was held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with a theme, “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

    The wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

    The RHI empowerment covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA), with each jurisdiction designated 250 PWDs to receive a N200,000 business recapitalisation grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50 million.

    It was gathered that the programme would disburse N1.9bn to 9,500 PWDs across the country.

    Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, expressing delight that it was unveiled under the RHI Social Investment Framework.

    She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, adding that the nation “will become stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute their quota”.

    She said, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

    Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

    The First Lady said that the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian was left behind, especially those whose needs were often overlooked.

    She announced that the RHI Governing Board approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event.

    She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

    In her speech, the Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the state would collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities were guaranteed.

    She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day reaffirmed the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable, and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

    Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying,  “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this state.”

    Lady Fubara confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant and encouraged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

     “Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family”, she said.

  • Reps condemn killing of security personnel in Kebbi, demand immediate clearance operations

    Reps condemn killing of security personnel in Kebbi, demand immediate clearance operations

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday raised the alarm over the worsening security situation in Kebbi State following multiple deadly attacks by bandits on security outposts in Bagudo and Suru local government areas.

    The concern was triggered by a fresh assault on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) outpost in Bakin Ruwa on November 27, 2025, where three Immigration personnel were killed by suspected Lakurawa bandits.

    Moving a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Bello A. Ka’oje recounted how Kebbi, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the Northwest, has come under repeated attacks in recent months.

    He noted that Bagudo LGA, which shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin, hosts several federal security posts, including NIS and NCS checkpoints at Bakin Ruwa and Maje, respectively, as well as multiple police formations.

    These facilities, he said, have now become frequent targets for criminals seeking to carve out operational bases in the area.

    Ka’oje informed the House that the latest killings mirror earlier attacks, including the November 10 assault on the Nigeria Customs Service outpost in Maje, where one Customs officer was killed, and the attack on a police outpost in the same community on October 19, 2025, which led to the death of a police officer.

    According to him, intelligence suggests that the Lakurawa bandits are attempting to turn the Soda Forest in Bagudo LGA into a hideout, while also using the hills in Suru LGA as a camp where kidnapped victims are held before ransom negotiations.

    He warned that the situation has become alarming and now demands urgent and decisive action to prevent Kebbi from sliding further into insecurity.

    Ka’oje stressed that the pattern of attacks reflects a broader attempt by the bandits to entrench themselves across Kebbi North, posing significant threats to national security and cross-border safety given the state’s proximity to the Benin Republic.

    The House subsequently observed a minute silence in honour of the slain Immigration, Customs and Police officers and called for an immediate joint clearance operation involving the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to flush out the criminals from Soda Forest, Suru Hills and other potential hideouts across Kebbi State.

    Lawmakers also urged the DSS and the National Intelligence Agency to strengthen intelligence sharing and cross-border surveillance along the Nigeria–Benin corridor, particularly within the Bagudo axis.

    While commending the Federal Government, Kebbi State authorities, political leaders, security agencies, vigilantes, traditional rulers, and community leaders for the rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, the House appealed for adequate compensation for the families of all security personnel killed in the line of duty.

    It also directed its relevant committees on defence, security, and legislative compliance to ensure that the resolutions of the House are promptly implemented.

  • NAAPE vows to ensure safety in aviation sector

    NAAPE vows to ensure safety in aviation sector

    The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has promised to ensure safety in the aviation sector.

    The President of the Association, Capt. Bunmi Gindeh disclosed this in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the newly elected National Executive Council of the association.

    Gindeh also pledged the commitment of the leadership of the association to transforming the professional landscape for pilots and engineers across Nigeria.

    He described NAAPE members as the backbone of flight safety, operational excellence, and technological advancement in Nigerian aviation.

    Gindeh, in a statement by the Spokesperson of NAAPE, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu noted that members of the association are the engine room tasked with the responsibility of protecting members’ interests, engaging constructively with stakeholders, fostering professional development, and ensuring institutional sustainability.

    He urged the council to operate with diligence, transparency, and a spirit of collaboration, prioritising the collective good over individual interests.

    He said, “The decisions we make in this council will directly impact not only our members but also the safety and efficiency of air travel in our nation,” Captain Gindeh declared, framing the national executive council’s work as a matter of national importance that extends far beyond internal union affairs.”

  • Insecurity: Nigerians, not Trump, must fix our challenges — Yari

    Insecurity: Nigerians, not Trump, must fix our challenges — Yari

    • …Ortom, others rally support for Tinubu

    Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District and a former governor of Zamfara State, has called for homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, insisting that no external power can resolve the nation’s challenges.

    Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the official flag-off of the “One Nigeria Project” organised by the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen, Yari criticised those urging President Donald Trump to intervene in Nigeria’s affairs.

    He maintained that the American leader has no remedy for the country’s problems.

    According to the federal lawmaker, Nigeria’s political elites possess the capacity to address the nation’s issues, including insecurity, without relying on foreign assistance.

    Charging the elites, he said, “This country, it is high time we should all come together, remain together and put the interest of Nigeria first. To our elites, what is the problem? You don’t love your country. If Nigeria goes down today, do you have another country?

    “Stop calling on Trump. Trump has no business in Nigeria. He cannot solve the problems of Nigeria. The problem of Nigeria will be solved by Nigerians.”

    Yari added that he speaks without fear or sentiment, stressing that while many critics of the nation hold multiple passports, he proudly carries only the Nigerian green passport. “Wherever I have travelled, I went as a visitor by choice, not because I had another country to fall back on,” he said.

    “Those who hold dual citizenship sometimes forget the weight of their words because they have somewhere else to run to. Their families have alternatives; we do not. Our roots, our homes, and our families are here. We have no other place to call our own.

    “That is why we will continue to speak the truth, stand firm, and remain committed to Nigeria. And despite our criticisms, we will continue to work and pray for this country—and for its leaders—to succeed. Because their success is not for personal gains, it is for collective gains. When those entrusted with the leadership of the country do the right thing, the positive impact comes back to all of us.”

    For the former Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, local government administration requires the maximum support by all in order to eliminate the current insecurity challenges in Nigeria.

    He argued that the security challenges in the country are solvable if the government engages with those who are closest to the people at the grassroots level.

    The former governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, who was also a former LGA Chairman, called on all Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and do away with all forms of sentiments.

    He called for synergy between the past local government and the current local government.

    He also called on Governors to do the needful “by ensuring that money meant for Local Governments gets to them. We need to ensure there is equity, justice, and fairness in what we do.”

    Earlier, the Chairman Emeritus of NALGON, Alhaji Shaba Ibrahim, said the Forum has become a child of necessity after recognizing the crucial importance of unity in the nation’s history,” where national interest has increasingly been undermined by divisive politics, religious and cultural sentiments taking the centre stage and the spirit of unity and oneness relegated to the background.”

    He called on all stakeholders to support the One Nigeria Project, bringing people together to work towards achieving common objectives.

  • Opposition forces fueling insecurity to discredit Tinubu ahead of 2027— Adeyeye

    Opposition forces fueling insecurity to discredit Tinubu ahead of 2027— Adeyeye

    • …warns youths against advocating for military rule

    The Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, has alleged that certain opposition elements are deliberately instigating insecurity across the country to discredit the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    Delivering the 2nd Faculty of Administration Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, titled Mentorship: A Tool for Fostering Progressive Democracy, Senator Adeyeye cautioned Nigerian youths against promoting the idea of a military takeover.

    He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would overcome the nation’s security challenges, citing recently introduced security emergency programmes.

    According to him, “The insecurity in this country is being sponsored and orchestrated by some group of people who want to destroy Tinubu’s government and who are probably afraid of the president winning the 2027 election convincingly.

    “But I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is taking the situation seriously, and the whole situation will backfire on them. The president has rolled out a very serious security emergency programme which will solve this issue.”

    Speaking further, he warned young Nigerians enamoured by military leaders such as Ibrahim Traoré to desist from advocating for military rule. He stressed that the country has endured the harsh consequences of military regimes in the past, noting that “the worst democracy is better than the best dictatorship.”

    Senator Adeyeye added that, despite the challenges currently facing Nigeria, the administration has recorded modest achievements that deserve recognition.

    “No doubt we face many challenges. The challenges of insecurity, unemployment and underemployment, inflation, youth restiveness, poverty, and erosion of confidence in the judiciary, however, we have recorded modest achievements for which we can be very proud,” Adeyeye noted.

    He advocated for more town and gown interface, which he said would allow experts and professionals to mentor students to be well prepared for leadership in the future.

    Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Simeon Bamire, urged southwest governors to build legacy projects that will bear the name of their states in the school.

    Bamire said, “I want to appreciate our distinguished guest lecturer. OAU is located within the cradle of civilization, Ile-Ife, and all that you see about OAU had to do with the thought of our forefathers then.”

  • EU–Nigeria ministerial summit to focus on tackling trade barriers — Mignot

    EU–Nigeria ministerial summit to focus on tackling trade barriers — Mignot

    The European Union Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has said the forthcoming EU–Nigeria ministers’ summit will prioritise discussions on removing trade barriers and strengthening broader cooperation between both sides.

    Although a date is yet to be fixed, Mignot disclosed that the summit is being considered for the first quarter of 2026 as part of the EU’s programmes for the year. He noted that EU-Nigeria non-oil trade currently stands at about $10 billion in Nigeria’s favour.

    The ambassador spoke during a media chat in Abuja, alongside envoys from the Czech Republic, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Germany, Finland, France, and Portugal.

    Highlighting key expectations for 2026, Mignot said the EU plans to “hold our EU–Nigeria Ministerial Meeting to advance our relationship across the board,” and to continue expanding the Global Gateway initiative.

    He explained that the Global Gateway rollout includes planned EU and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development support for Nigeria’s BRIDGE project, which will deploy 90,000km of fibre optic cables nationwide, alongside investments in renewable energy and climate-smart agriculture.

    In line with the ongoing 16-day activism against gender-based violence, Mignot also announced the planned launch of an 18-month project on sexual and gender-based violence, in partnership with International IDEA, with a focus on technology-facilitated GBV.

    Looking ahead, he said the EU will intensify its support to Nigeria in peace, security and defence, with a dedicated dialogue slated for early 2026, which could unlock new funding under the European Peace Facility.

    Other things on the table between the EU and Nigeria in 2026, according to the envoy, include “Negotiate a Science, technology, and innovation agreement (the EUMS has approved the negotiation mandate)

    “Advance towards a comprehensive partnership on migration and mobility with new funding on the EU side and hopefully the signature of a readmission agreement.

    “Organise a business forum to foster trade and investment, in articulation with our Global Gateway strategy.”

    The envoy also described it as second to none, saying, “It is a partnership that delivers for Nigeria and its people and which is acknowledged by our Nigerian interlocutors.

    “We proudly are Nigeria’s first trading partner and first market for non-oil and gas exports, and Nigeria has a 10 bn USD trade surplus with the EU.”

    He also noted that one-third of Nigeria’s Foreign Direct investment stock has come from the EU. “This is not always reflected in statistics because they sometimes take into consideration only our MS individually. “Now, the EU has a common policy in trade and investment, this is an EU competence, and so it’s misleading not to mention the EU as a whole, apart from individual performance of MS, in these figures.”

    He explained that the first EU-Nigeria Trade and Investment dialogue was held because of the existing barriers and an untapped potential that needed to be exploited.

     “Both parties decided to set up dedicated working groups to address this,” he further added.

    Mignot stressed that the EU-Nigeria partnership has been based on many assessments and exchanges with all kinds of stakeholders and many field visits.

    The envoy noted that his visit to 17 states across the six geopolitical zones has afforded him first-hand experience.

    He stressed, “Nigeria is a country facing serious, complex, and interlinked challenges, but at the same time, it is a country with great potential and some very positive trends.

     “As far as challenges are concerned, and to name just a few, the spotlight has been very much on insecurity lately and for good reasons, but there are others like poverty and social inequalities.”

    He noted EU concern on the need to urgently tackle humanitarian and life-saving assistance to the malnutrition crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of children in the NW and NE. “But we also see success and promising development on the macroeconomic front, in the digital sector, to mention just one example, and with an incredible entrepreneurial spirit all over Nigeria.

    “The FG and many SGs we have met are very much trying to encourage this and build upon this entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate growth and sustainable development for all,” he said.

    He listed programmes funded out by the EU to include: “OMI-EKO project launch: a 410M€ project with EU and EIB + France funding (360M€) to create an electric public waterways transportation network in Lagos

    “Health investment forum at the end of October (see leaflet) with 41M€ of new projects, plus funding and derisking funding schemes for health investments under HDX accelerator

    “We launched the Nigeria cluster of the Africa-Europe Partnerships for culture, a 30M€ project for Sub-Saharan Africa with a strong West African and Nigerian component. Other cultural projects are also coming to reinforce our action in this sector.”

    Besides, the envoy said that the EU “is also actively supporting Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and funding peace-building initiatives across the country. Protecting all populations, and in particular minorities and IDPs, is particularly essential. This is what he has done in particular after the Yelwata killing in Benue State in June. In the North, we have launched a Northern package of some 300M€ of Team Europe funding.

    “The EU stands with the populations affected by a humanitarian crisis, particularly children and women in the Northwest and Northeast. While the EU may not fill the vacuum left by those who have withdrawn, Nigeria can count on us as its reliable partners for all time. This year alone, we have committed nearly €50m in humanitarian assistance to address the problem of malnutrition. “

    He noted that the EU’s interest in all this is clear and that is “to help Nigeria (like other West African countries) thrive as a stable, democratic and prosperous neighbour and key partner of Europe. Of course, we also have an economic interest; our companies come to do business and make a profit. We are relying now on a strong EUROCHAM, which has grown over the years to reach 75 members.”

  • AY Comedian warns against fake friends exploiting negative news

    AY Comedian warns against fake friends exploiting negative news

    Comedian AY has raised concerns about individuals who pretend to be friends but secretly seek to capitalise on others’ misfortunes for personal gain.

    In a social media post, AY Comedian expressed concern about people who quickly jump on negative news to gain attention and monetization, stating, “Beware of anyone who calls you a friend yet rushes to jump on any negative news about you just to trend and gain monetization.

    “Not everyone around you wishes you well. May God protect us from friends who are truly enemies in disguise. Their karma is never far.”

  • Tinubu’s wife disburses business grants to over 9,500 persons with disabilities

    Tinubu’s wife disburses business grants to over 9,500 persons with disabilities

    …over 200 PWDs benefited in Ondo

    In a major move to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across Nigeria, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has provided business grants to over 9,500 beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme.

    The empowerment programme, launched on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo state, coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and aims to strengthen the livelihoods of business owners among PWDs.

    Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, noted that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

    Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, said each of the beneficiaries will receive N200,000 to recapitalize and expand their existing businesses.

    She also explained that, in addition, every state, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) will receive N50 million for distribution to beneficiaries within their domain, bringing the total budget for the initiative to N1.9 billion.

    “Today, the Renewed Hope Initiative will provide the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) Business Recapitalization Grants to two hundred and fifty (250) Persons with Disabilities in each State and the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Also, each state of the federation, the FCT, and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association will each receive fifty million naira (N50,000,000), to be distributed to the beneficiaries in their domain.

    “In total, nine thousand, five hundred (9,500) Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria will benefit from this programme, amounting to One Billion, Nine Hundred Million Naira (N1,900,000,000),” Mr Tinubu said.

    According to her, over the past two years, the RHI has directly supported more than 100,000 women petty traders and small business owners, including persons with disabilities, through financial grants to grow their businesses.

    The first lady added that the initiative also extends support to sectors such as agriculture, education, health, and social welfare, and has provided relief to victims of floods, communal clashes, and other disasters, including the elderly, widows, orphans, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country.

    “Our Social Investment Programmes have provided financial and material support to victims of floods, communal clashes, and disasters, as well as to the elderly, widows, and orphans of our fallen heroes.

    “Through the RHI Monthly Food Outreach Scheme, we have so far delivered food items to 22 States and the FCT. We also provide food items to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable communities. We remain committed to doing even more to uplift lives and bring hope to those in need.

    “In recognition of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion, the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative has resolved to make the Economic Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities an annual event, to be held on December 3rd, in commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” she added.

    Tinubu, however, encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the grants, noting that the opportunity must be a “seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family.”

    Earlier, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the state has continued to benefit from different national intervention programmes.

    Osamaye, who lauded President Tinubu for initiating the economic empowerment programme, urged the PWDs to ensure the fund was judiciously spent on their businesses.

    “Today, Ondo state can boldly say that it has benefited from various national intervention programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.

    “We are immensely grateful for this support and opportunity. I can assure that the 250 persons with disabilities who will benefit from this gesture in the state will make judicious use of the fund,” she said.

    Remarking, Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons Living With Disabilities in the state. Abiodun Olusegun commended the first lady for the opportunity to allow PWDs to benefit from the Renewed Hope Initiative of the current administration.

    He, however, called on the beneficiaries to use the grants to uplift their various businesses and trades, urging them to also renew their support for President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid.

    Photos: First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, presented the grants of PWD beneficiaries in Akure on Wednesday.

  • Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway oversubscribed by $100m, says Umahi

    Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway oversubscribed by $100m, says Umahi

    • …as Deutsche Bank eyes Carter, 3rd Mainland bridges

    Nigeria’s flagship Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has attracted overwhelming investor confidence, recording an oversubscription of more than $100 million, even as Deutsche Bank signalled strong interest in financing major Lagos bridge projects, including the replacement of Carter Bridge and the rehabilitation of the 3rd Mainland Bridge, it has emerged.

    This followed the outcome of a Tuesday meeting between the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and a high-level delegation from Deutsche Bank led by Moritz Dorneman, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Structured Trade and Export Finance, and Andreas Voss, the bank’s Chief Country Representative in Nigeria.

    According to the minister’s media adviser, Uchenna Orji, in a statement on Wednesday, the engagement forms part of the Federal Government’s push to secure strategic financing partnerships to speed up large-scale national infrastructure delivery.

    Umahi told the visitors that Carter Bridge had deteriorated beyond routine repairs and required outright replacement, adding that ongoing remedial works were merely to maintain structural stability pending full reconstruction.

    On the 3rd Mainland Bridge, he explained that although the structure would not be replaced, a comprehensive repair of its severely compromised underwater elements was essential to keep the bridge serviceable for at least another fifty years.

    He welcomed the bank’s interest in the projects and assured them that procurement for both bridges remained fully transparent.

    Umahi also pledged that Deutsche Bank would be duly engaged once the bidding process produces successful contractors.

    Speaking during the meeting, Voss said the delegation was in Nigeria to formally express the bank’s readiness to finance the Carter Bridge replacement and the rehabilitation of the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

    He praised President Bola Tinubu for prioritising modern, large-scale road infrastructure, describing it as vital to long-term economic growth and national competitiveness.

    The delegation also highlighted the quality of work being delivered by Hitech Construction Nigeria Limited on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that the project’s rapid progress had strengthened Deutsche Bank’s confidence in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for road development.

    They affirmed the bank’s willingness to support additional funding needs for the Coastal Highway as the project advances.

    The team further acknowledged the efficiency of the Federal Ministry of Works in managing both the coastal highway and other major legacy projects nationwide, adding that they were open to partnering with whichever contractors emerge from the ongoing procurement process.