The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Aliko Dangote Foundation distributes 120,000 bags in Kano

    Aliko Dangote Foundation distributes 120,000 bags in Kano

    Aliko Dangote Foundation has launched its National Rice Relief Programme aimed at distributing over 1,000,000 10kg bags of rice across the 774 local government areas of the Federation from March to early April 2024. 

    This initiative is a crucial step towards alleviating the ongoing economic challenges faced by our nation. 

    “The rice distribution programme will commence in Kano and Lagos States with flag-off ceremonies before expanding to all the other 36 states and the FCT over the next two weeks,” the statement said. 

    At the flag-off of the programme in Kano State on Saturday, Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, emphasised the importance of compassion and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan. 

    He stated: “Our distribution of rice symbolises our commitment to upholding the values of compassion and solidarity that are at the core of our humanity.” 

    Dangote said the ADF was disbursing 120,000 bags of rice in Kano alone. 

    Kano, with over 20million people is the most populated State in Nigeria and the commercial nerve of the North. 

    The disbursement is being handled by the Kano Hisbah Board. 

    “The modalities for the programme involve collaboration with state and local governments and local community partners to ensure effective delivery of the rice to the most vulnerable across the country, regardless of state, tribe, gender, religion, politics, or other attributes, “ the statement from the company said.

    Additionally, it is distributing 10,000 iftar meals throughout the month of Ramadan in Kano Municipality. 

    These are complementary to the foundation’s daily bread relief programme that has been providing over 32,000 family-size loaves of bread across Kano and Lagos States every day since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    The Foundation urged all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support and assistance to those who are less privileged or disadvantaged in society, stating “It is only through sincere collective action and social responsibility that we can find lasting solutions to issues of inequality and poverty.

    “We further urge governments at all levels to intensify their efforts to improve the economic environment of Nigeria through the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction.

    “By creating a conducive environment for private enterprises to thrive, governments can stimulate investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for sustainable development and prosperity.

    “Moreover, strengthening the Nigerian economy will empower individuals to become more self-reliant and economically independent. 

    “When people have access to basic nutrition, quality education, training, and income opportunities, they are better equipped to support themselves and their families, breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency.”

    Read Also: Tears as Govs, Dangote, Amaechi, others attend Wigwe’s funeral

    Speaking on the sideline of the flag-off, Group Executive Director, Commercial, Fatima Aliko Dangote, said the company will not rest on its oars, and would continue to support the poor and vulnerable Nigerians. 

    She said: “This programme marks the latest nutrition and humanitarian intervention by the Foundation, continuing its tradition of impactful philanthropy. 

    “Since the 1990s, the Foundation has been providing 10,000 cooked meals daily to the vulnerable in Kano State, reaching hospitals, schools, care homes, prisons, mosques, and individuals.”

    Established with a vision to improve the well-being of people across Africa and beyond, Aliko Dangote Foundation focuses on nutrition and health, education, and economic empowerment. Through various initiatives, the Foundation strives to create lasting impacts and uplift communities.

  • ACF lauds Tinubu over reopening of Nigeria-Niger borders

    ACF lauds Tinubu over reopening of Nigeria-Niger borders

    The mouthpiece of Northern Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the chairman of ECOWAS, over the recent reopening of Nigeria-Niger air and land borders and restoration of power supply to the Niger Republic.

    ACF described President Tinubu’s directive as a welcome development for Nigeria and Niger, as it said that, the border communities of the two countries had groaned under the sanctions with local economic activities asphyxiated.

    In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Northern socio-cultural group said President Tinubu deserves accolades for acting in Africa’s interests, and taking a heroic step forward against neo-colonial manoeuvres.

    The statement read: “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) warmly welcomes news of order, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT), for the reopening of Nigeria – Niger air and land borders, lifting of economic sanctions, restoration of power supply (to the Niger Republic) and other restrictions.

    “ACF had maintained opposition to the sanctions and the threat of a Nigeria-led ECOWAS military invasion in the wake of a military coup in Niger, which were seen to only serve imperialist and neo-colonial interests, against the complex historical socio-cultural, economic and political ties which pre-dated European colonialism and its imposition of highly arbitrary boundaries.

    “The directive from PBAT is a welcome development for Nigeria and Niger, whose border communities had groaned under the sanctions with local economic activities asphyxiated.

    “The (border) communities can now look forward to a change in their challenging life conditions consequential to the sanctions. Critical supplies of food, medicines and electricity will now resume as will air travel operators and passengers see an end to the ordeals while the sanctions lasted.

    Read Also: Terrorism financing: Tinubu has shown courage to end insecurity – Ex-lawmakers

    “PBAT deserves accolades for the latest move and acting in Africa’s interests, a heroic step forward against neo-colonial manoeuvres.

    “ACF congratulates the President for emerging from the saga as a bona fide, listening and responsive leader concerned with the plight of the people of Nigeria, Niger and, ultimately, West Africa.

    “ACF also appreciates the intervention by General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, former Nigerian Head of State and a Founding Father of ECOWAS, in seeing to the end of the imbroglio. Happily, the General remains active in uniting West African people around issues of common interests. May General Gowon, ACF’s amiable Grand Patron, live even longer, enjoy good health and continue to reap from God Almighty’s Grace and Mercies.

    “Finally, ACF calls on the political authorities in the Republic of Niger to reciprocate and fully exploit this window of rapprochement to reset Nigeria – Niger relations.

    “ACF also calls on the heads of governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger (and Guinea) to back down on their threat to exit ECOWAS. This is no time for muscle flexing but one to sweep away the detritus of a war of words between brotherly nations for the sake of unity and progress; all must remain in ECOWAS for the benefit of member nations.

    “The recent misunderstandings and animosities are but irritating bleeps that can and should be overcome in the interest of all West Africans. For certain, lessons have been learnt as to how to process such regrettable political developments that, ipso facto, engendered the acrimonious misunderstandings.

    “Long live West African communities and May God continue to guide our leaders aright in their policy actions,” ACF said.

  • Look into Benue crisis, CSOs beg Tinubu

    Look into Benue crisis, CSOs beg Tinubu

    The Coalition for Civil Society Organisation for Justice and Equity (CCSO-JE) has pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into the protracted crises in Benue State urgently.

    In a statement by the National Convener, Comrade Olayemi Success, the group blamed the continued crisis in the State for poor management of the Benue’s affairs.

    He said: “There has been serious outcries by our members from across the country, especially from Benue State, calling for the Civil Society intervention before the situation in Benue explodes into a full blown national crisis and emergencies, considering recent killings in the State that has affected both indigenes and non-indigenes as well, while drastically disrupting economic activities, even victimizing travelers along Federal Roads within the State.

    Read Also: Have faith in President Tinubu – Minister

    “The political crisis has further heightened tension in the State. Benue rightfully prides itself as the Food Basket of the Nation. However, today lives in the shadow of itself as a result of endless violence, thereby affecting farming activities and production of essential food commodities to other parts of the country. The nation is in critical shape and cannot afford further reduction in National Productivity.

    “We hereby call on the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the National Assembly to look into Benue as a matter of urgent national importance.

    “We equally issue a seven-day ultimatum to Gov. Alia to put his house in order and end the crisis in Benue and restore peace and unity in the State.”

  • Labour leaders seek action on Africa’s rising debt profile

    Labour leaders seek action on Africa’s rising debt profile

    Labour leaders have expressed concerns about the rising debt profiles of African countries. 

    They said the perennial consequences of the growing debt of countries in Africa are suffocating workers and the living condition of the people, hence, a call for action.

    The labour leaders noted that the huge debt of countries in Africa has further weakened the liberation and development of the continent, worsening job losses, increasing poverty and hunger.

    They spoke at the ongoing African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) New Year School in Lusaka, Zambia.

    General Secretary, ITUC-Africa, Comrade Akhator Odigie called for decisive action to address the continent’s rising debt profile.

    Odiegie said: “As the General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, I am acutely aware of the profound impact that the debt crisis has had on the lives of millions of workers and citizens across our continent, including workers in Zambia. From wage freezes to dwindling social protections, the ramifications of unsustainable debt are far-reaching and deeply troubling. 

    “It is imperative that we take decisive action to address this issue and chart a path toward a more equitable and sustainable future for all Africans.”

    President, ITUC-Africa, Martha Molema said trade unions in Africa have resolved to constructively engage governments instead of lamenting, as they advance the transformational agenda of the continent.

    Molema said: “At the heart of our mission lies the recognition that trade unions must not be mere voices of lamentation and complaint but be voices for pragmatic solutions through education.”

    President, Zambian Congress of Trade Unions, Comrade Blake Malala who declared the four day workshop opened, said: “The borrowing affects the innocent citizens, the future and growth of our countries more than its benefits. It affects workers’ wages. Workers and the citizens at large are being suffocated by the dire consequences of the loans and the huge debt, this is because they don’t utilise it well.

    “We the trade unions in Africa are not going to spend our time lamenting, rather we will begin to carry out checks and balances on our governments. We will not leave the politicians alone to handle the affairs of our continent anymore. It is time for African leaders to govern to make Africa prosperous and developed to prevent our young ones from dying in the Mediterranean Sea all the time.

    “We are not a body of opposition against the government but we will provide checks and balances in the interest of good governance and a better Africa for all. We will support the government  but we will check its policies and ensure it doesn’t suffocate or mortgage our countries and the lives of our children. And this is the message we are sending across Africa to our governments.

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    “We will not vote in careless leaders that will further put Africa and its citizens into a sinking boat anymore. The debt issue is big. It has affected African governments’ bargaining process and power. Governments across Africa borrow money but how they use the money we don’t know. Time has come for trade unions in Africa to start asking questions on how our governments utilise the monies they borrow. Time has come for labour unions in Africa to play a rich role when our governments engage in this issue of borrowing, because the debt crisis is affecting the whole continent.

    “We urge the media to help us in louding our voice on this issue of our governments’ borrowing. Because of this borrowing and its consequences, many multinational companies in Africa don’t respect our labour laws. They treat our workers and people unfairly in the name of employment. This is a challenge that affects many workers specifically in the private sector across Africa. We call on those who support fair labour treatment across the world to join us in this crusade against indecent work practices in the African continent.”

  • Global talent industry sourcing to hit  $904billion in seven years 

    Global talent industry sourcing to hit  $904billion in seven years 

    The Minister, Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, has said that the global talent sourcing industry which was valued at US$620.381 billion in 2020 is forecasted to be valued at US$904.948 billion by 2027, with a youthful population of about three million graduates from the higher educational institutions joining the workforce each year. 

    Anite disclosed this at the launch of  the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP) on the sidelines of the 2023 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to position Nigeria as a Global Talent Export Hub, As Nigeria signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a United States firm for the provision of 50,000 outsourced jobs, stating that this marks a start in the government drive to secure job opportunities for Nigerians where their skills is needed. 

    The minister said: “As a country, we have a significant value proposition for regional and global markets for the export of services. We will actively target Greenfield and Brownfield job opportunities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, among others. We will also take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to access the African market.

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    “Nigeria has the potential to provide high quality talent for the global service export and outsourcing industry. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu said Nigeria shall be known as a nation of creators, not just consumers, exporting more and importing less, strengthening both the naira and our way of life. 

    “Our activities as a Ministry are very much in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s declaration.  The services industry has been a top player in the economy, consistently providing over 50% of our GDP over the last 10 years, averaging 51.96% between 2012 and 2022 and we are committed to strengthening this industry and using it as a catalyst for job creation.

    “Today, we are forging a partnership that will create jobs in our BPO sector and strengthen Nigeria’s BPO industry.  The MoU being signed between NATEP and Lab Four is to channel 50,000 BPO jobs to Nigeria over the next 3 years in job categories such as telesales, customer service, virtual administrative assistant, marketing/social media assistant and tech/cybersecurity.

    Speaking, Femi Adeluyi,  National Coordinator, National Talent Export Programme noted that the MoU signing ceremony and the resulting partnership will create jobs in the Business Process Outsourcing, BPO  sector and strengthen Nigeria’s BPO industry.  The MoU is to channel 50,000 full time BPO jobs to Nigeria over the next 3 years in job categories such as telesales, customer service, virtual administrative assistant, marketing/social media assistant and tech/cybersecurity.

  • Budget padding: ACF under fire for backing Ningi

    Budget padding: ACF under fire for backing Ningi

    Members of the Arewa Initiative for the Defence and Promotion of Democracy (AIDPD) have disagreed with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) over the three-month suspension slammed on Senator Abdul Ningi.

    Ningi, who, until last Tuesday, chaired the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), was suspended by the Red Chamber for making unsubstantiated allegation that the National Assembly passed two versions of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

    The ACF condemned the Senate action on Bauchi Central senator over his allegations aired on the BBC Hausa Service that the 2024 Appropriation Act was jacked up by N3.7 trillion.

    During plenary on March 12, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Solomon Olamilekan, explained that the amount quoted by Ningi in an interview on BBC Hausa Service, was for agencies under the first-line charge.

    Reacting to ACF’s claims, AIDPD’s spokesperson Tasiu Haruna, believed that contrary to the claims of the Forum, the Senate conducted a fair and transparent investigation on the matter.

    The Bauchi Peoples Democratic (PDP) senator was given the opportunity to defend himself at plenary last week.

    Read Also: Ningi: Uneasy calm after the storm

    Haruna said: “In the last two weeks, we have followed the allegation by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central on the 2024 budget and the uproar trailing it.

    “As Nigerians and Northern leaders, we were miffed and worried over the allegation that the budget was padded and skewed in favour of the Southern part of the country to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

    “On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, during the public and live investigative hearing of the Senate, we observed that Ningi, a ranking lawmaker, was acting a script.

    “His inability to counter the claims by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation that the money was budgetary provisions for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Judicial Council (NJC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund), National Assembly, Public Complaints Commission, North East Development Commission (NEDC), and other government-owned enterprises, deflated his allegation and should have laid to rest the controversy.

    “However, we were shocked and disappointed when the spokesman of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Baba, issued a press statement on the matter.

    “Unfortunately, the Forum … allow itself to be used for a partisan agenda. The forum seems to have become the appendage of the political machinery… paymaster.

    “Our findings have since revealed that Ningi cooked the allegation to advance the cause of his political godfather, … who is still nursing the grudge of the 2023 presidential election defeat,’’ the group said.

    It said that out of the five key personalities in the making of the country’s budget, three are from the Northern part of the country.

    “The five key personalities in the budget process are the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Chairman of the House of Representatives counterpart and the vice chairmen of the appropriation committees of both chambers.

    “The minister, the chairman of the House committee, and the vice chairman of the Senate committee are from the North, while the South has the chairman of the Senate and the vice chairman of the House.

    “We expect the ACF to invite the three northerners to speak on the matter before jumping into a conclusion. This is ridiculously bad for our beloved region.

    “The minister, Atiku Bagudu, who is a northerner, faulted the allegation, and described it as baseless and false, yet the ACF decided not to take his assertion, rather it backed Ningi. This is unbecoming of a group that is supposed to be fair-minded in dealing with all northerners and indeed Nigerians.

    “The ACF should not be seen to be in an unholy romance with the PDP but an umbrella association of all northerners,” the group added.

  • Northern elders commend Senator Lawal’s parley with Tinubu over Kaduna security

    Northern elders commend Senator Lawal’s parley with Tinubu over Kaduna security

    Group, Northern Elders Progressive Forum on Monday, March 18, commended Senator representing Kaduna Central (PDP), Lawal Usman Adamu (Mr. La) over his recent security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    The lawmaker’s meeting with Mr. President became necessary in the face of ravaging insecurity in Kaduna State.

    The forum in a statement by its Northwest coordinator, Dr. Usman Sani described the recent two-hour meeting with President Tinubu by the senator “as a fruitful and great sacrifice for the people of Kaduna and Northwest despite their political differences.”

    The group while appreciating his fatherly concern, urged President Tinubu to urgently extend the frontiers of cooperation with other stakeholders in the form of collaboration towards achieving greater goals in the fight against banditry and criminal elements who have surrounded innocent Nigerians, especially in the Northwestern part of the country.

    The statement read in part: “The recent meeting between Mr. President and Senator Lawal Usman Adamu to discuss and find a permanent solution to rampant kidnapping, attacks and other insecurity challenges in Kaduna and the North is one of the best efforts so far done by any politicians in the region in recent times.

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    “Such a singular effort is highly commendable, supportive, and wise to save many lives and properties of our people against bandits.”

    The group also advised the military to use proactive measures both kinetic and non-kinetic to bring down the continued challenges of insecurity affecting our people.

    Aminu said: “President Tinubu should not relent in his efforts in his ongoing fight against insecurity and attending all other important security matters with opposition groups to achieve a greater goal of eradicating banditry activities in Kaduna, North, and the country as a whole.”

    The Forum therefore called on reasonable Nigerians to support the federal government’s efforts through prayers and cooperation and stop playing politics with the issue of insecurity.

  • APC City Boys Movement flags off Ramadan food distribution in FCT

    APC City Boys Movement flags off Ramadan food distribution in FCT

    • …set to feed 100,000 families across the nation

    The City Boys Movement under the ruling All Progressive Party (APC) has flagged off food distribution in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to feed 100,000 families across the nation.

    A member of the APC City Boys movement for Ramadan food distribution 2024 who spoke to the press in Abuja, Ademuyiwa Adebola Taofeek, said the project aims to support Nigerians nationwide during the holy month of Ramadan by providing food items that can feed a family of four for seven days.

    He said: “As APC party members, we stand by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu at this time to assure Nigerians that the City Boys movement is in partnership with the president to ensure the country moves into full prosperity.  Nigeria’s project is not for the President alone, so we must all do our parts however we can.

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    “Distribution will also be supported by the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagements to ensure effective distribution channels. The programme is moving from state to state, all states of Nigeria will benefit during this Ramada period.”

    The Minister of State, Youths Ayodele Olawande, who is a supporter of the City Boys movement, said the government is doing all it can to make life better and easier for all Nigerians.

    He added that even though lots of persons with disability are captured in the distribution, the palliative is for all Nigerians.

    Among the dignitaries who attended the programme include the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering, Khalil Halilu, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, SSA Community Engagement North West, Chioma Nweze SSA Community Engagement (SE)

    Others are Moremi Ojudu SSA Community Engagement (SW), Abdulhamid Yahaya Abba SSA Community Engagement (NE) Gift Johnbull SSA Community Engagement SS, Special Assistant to President on Youth Initiatives, Titi Gbadamosi.

  • Senator Lamido distributes 16 trucks of rice, textile materials palliative

    Senator Lamido distributes 16 trucks of rice, textile materials palliative

    The Senator representing Sokoto East Senatorial District, Ibrahim Lamido Isa, has distributed 16 trucks of rice as Ramadan palliative to constituents across eight local governments of the district.

    Flagging the exercise weekend, through his Trust Fund, Senator Lamido represented by Kabiru Sarkin Fulani Goronyo and Sole Administrator, Goronyo local government council, said the gesture was aimed at cushioning current economic hardship and ease fasting Muslims to have something to feed.

    Lamido explained that the beneficiaries include orphans, widows, the physically challenged, IDPs former National and state assembly members and politicians, youth groups and social organisations from the local governments that comprise the District.

    “This is the first batch of distribution which will be followed by the distribution of clothings and textile materials to orphans, widows, youths and other vulnerable persons and groups”, he said as he disclosed that arrangements were in place to provide youths in the district with capital as empowerment to begin business for self reliance.

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     The Illela local government APC Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Sarkin Alaro Illela,  described Senator Lamido as God sent who has the love of his constituents for many positive things he does.

    According to Sarkin Alaro, “he has done a lot in the area of providing assistance to students, construction of solar borehole, empowerment scheme and ICT centres.”

    Guest Speaker, Prof Mu’azu Shamaki Isa of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, described Senator Lamido as a unique and resilient patriot who has demonstrated trust and commitment to the course of his constituents through numerous beneficial programmes for their welfare and wellbeing .

    Shamaki Isa said: “It is on record that Senator Lamido has benefitted 11,333 students , and 2,500 widows with over N1 billion under his foundation Trust Fund.

    “He has remarkably surpassed the expectations of constituents compared to other who served before him. It’s our prayer he sustains the gesture spirit.

    “It’s unfortunate that the Eastern axis of Sokoto state has been ravaged by banditry and kidnapping activities which also denied farmers and students opportunity to farm and go to school.

    “All these have compounded our helplessness for the neglect suffered u dear the previous government in the state.”

  • Traders demand compensation, security as Wuse market re-opens

    Traders demand compensation, security as Wuse market re-opens

    Some traders at the popular Wuse market, who were affected by the unfortunate storm of tragedy that struck the market on Tuesday afternoon, have appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for compensation.

    The compensation, they said, will enable them bounce back to business after their loss.

    The traders, who spoke to our correspondent after the market was re-opened on Friday by officials of the Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), said the unexpected catastrophe which saw their shops and goods burnt to ashes has left them confused.

    They blamed officials of the  Abuja Environmental Protection Board, (AEPB)Task Force for their inability to manage what they described as a common civil case, leading to the shooting and killing of 27 years old Ibrahim Yahaya.

    One of the traders who identified himself as Pau,l said: “It’s not the fault of the people that burnt people’s shops, it’s the government’s  fault. I can’t carry pure water on my head inside the market selling and someone will question me for selling pure water. I’m hustling to make my daily bread and you’re hurting me.

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    “Even me I can do more than that, It is not the fault of those who took laws into their hand but that of government. Government should therefore take care of the expenses of those whose shops were set ablaze. If I have one million Naira goods, I will request 10 million Naira, because it’s not my fault. If they hadn’t killed the boy, the problem wouldn’t have occurred”.

    The chairman of Wuse Market Traders Association, Okorie Raphael, explained that at the moment, the affected traders cannot give an estimate of the damages suffered.

    He said more time is required for them to evaluate and present estimates of their losses.

    According to Okorie, the various institutions of government have been responsive to the demands of the affected traders, noting that a committee headed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh is working assiduously towards addressing all issues.

    He said: “We’ve opened negotiations and discussions with them and at this point we cannot disclose to the press what we have discussed, but we have brought the people who were affected to a comfort point, so that efforts are being made so that they can continue with their business.

    “We are not stopping at that; we are also engaging higher authorities, so that at the end of the day, we’ll be able to bring succour to them, so that they can start their business proper.

    “So with the level of progress from institutions of government, and I think they have reached a comfort zone, by the end of the day we are sure everything will be alright.

    “It will be misleading to give an estimate of what was lost because those who were affected are still asking me for more time to give us an accurate figure of their loss”.

    Meanwhile the Head of Department, Operations, Abuja Markets Management Limited, Innocent Amaechina, in an interview with our correspondent, said machineries have been set in motion to ensure every issue regarding the crisis and its aftermath are duly addressed.

    This, he noted, include issues of compensation which is being handled by the Abuja Investment Company Ltd as well as others relating to the family of the victim.