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Tag: Fed Govt

  • Fed govt directs re-opening of 47 Unity Schools

    Fed govt directs re-opening of 47 Unity Schools

    The federal government has directed the re-opening of the 47 Unity Colleges closed down as a result of rising insecurity. 

    The government made the announcement in a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Boriowo Folasade, on Thursday in Abuja. 

    The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring the continuity of education across the country.

    The statement said, “After the strengthening of security architecture within and around the affected schools, academic activities have fully resumed. Students have returned safely to their campuses, with many currently concluding their December academic programmes, while others have successfully completed their examinations.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education assures parents, guardians, and the general public that the safety, welfare, and well-being of students remain a top priority. The Government continues to work closely with relevant security agencies to sustain stability and restore normalcy within school environments nationwide.

    “The Federal Government remains resolute in its responsibility to protect every Nigerian child and to uphold their fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment.

    “This administration places strong emphasis on human capital development and recognises education as a critical pillar for national growth and development. Accordingly, it remains determined to prevent any disruption to the academic calendar. The safe return of students and the successful conduct of examinations in several Unity Colleges underscore the Government’s resolve to keep learning on track despite prevailing challenges.

    “The Federal Ministry of Education appreciates the cooperation, patience, and support of parents, school administrators, and students, and reiterates its commitment to sustaining a secure, stable, and uninterrupted education system across the nation.”

  • ASUP urges Fed Govt to wrap up talks on 2009 renegotiation

    ASUP urges Fed Govt to wrap up talks on 2009 renegotiation

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has urged the federal government to conclude discussions on the renegotiation of the ASUP/FGN agreement.

    The union urged the government to act with sincerity and responsibility throughout the collective bargaining process, as the agreement remains central to achieving lasting industrial harmony in the Polytechnic system.

    ASUP made the appeal at its 18th National Delegates Conference (NDC) jointly hosted by Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, and Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State.

    Shammah Sunday Kpanja was elected President of ASUP along with other national officers of the union.

    During the meeting, delegates unanimously demanded the settlement of all Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) 15 migration arrears owed to lower-cadre academic staff across institutions in the sector.

    The union condemned the prolonged delay, describing it as unjust and demoralising while urging relevant authorities to treat this as a matter of priority.

    ASUP also commended the National Assembly for reintroducing the Bill to abolish the long-standing HND/BSc dichotomy.

    It appealed to President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Bill when passed.

    “The NDC underscored the need to end this discriminatory policy to promote fairness, strengthen national unity, and modernize Nigeria’s workforce,” a communique issued by the union read.

    ASUP also urged the federal government to demonstrate renewed and genuine commitment to revitalising the polytechnic system.

    The NDC emphasized that the future of technical and vocational education depended on sustained investment.

    It therefore demanded the immediate release of approved funds for the second round of the NEEDS Assessment intervention and called for transparent, equitable, and accountable disbursement to all eligible institutions.

    The union also lamented the continued delay in the release of the revised Scheme of Service and Conditions of Service.

    The union members maintained that the delay had eroded staff morale and impeded institutional growth.

    The union therefore demanded the immediate approval and implementation of the revised documents, which already reflected agreed standards.

    On promotion arrears and salary, the union urged all proprietors, especially state governments, to prioritise staff welfare by clearing all outstanding obligations, including promotion arrears, salary shortfalls, third-party deductions, and pension liabilities.

    While acknowledging recent improvements in some institutions, delegates stressed that complete compliance remained the only acceptable standard.

  • Fed govt stops transfer of students into SS3 in public, private schools 

    Fed govt stops transfer of students into SS3 in public, private schools 

    The federal government has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools.

    The government said the directive followed growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of “so-called special centres during external examinations, which undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.”

    A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade on Sunday in Abuja, the government said the policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27 with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). 

    It added that admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.

    The ministry explained that the measure was aimed at discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages, ensuring proper academic monitoring, and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.

    “School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy, as any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines,” the statement said. 

    The ministry reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.

  • Fed Govt reduces signature bonus to $3m, $7m

    Fed Govt reduces signature bonus to $3m, $7m

    The Federal Government has reduced the signature bonus to between a minimum of $3 million to a maximum of $7 million in the 2025 bid round, as against the $10 million per block charged in the 2024 oil block bid round.

    This is an indication of 70 per cent and 30 per cent crash, according to the “FAQ’s on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC’s) 2025 Licensing Round.”

    The document was released virtually yesterday said: “The Nigerian government has graciously reduced the signature bonus to between $3 million and $7 million.”

    The document noted that the Minister of Petroleum Resources has approved the new signature bonus in order to reduce entry barriers.

    “All Bidders shall be required to submit a bid within a range of $3 million and $7 million as approved by the minister of petroleum for the reduction of entry barriers,” said NUPRC.

    The document explicitly stated that the designated signature bonus account is United States dollar- denominated, an indication that it is not dominated in local currency (Naira).

    NUPRC said the exercise is a score based approach, taking into consideration the following parameters: Signature bonus (provided it is within the prescribed limit), and Work programme.

    It also said the score based approach considers unit cost per barrel with reference to the work programme, professionalism, human and technical capacity.

    It also looks into percentage of bank guarantee made available Balance sheet,  Turnover, Green story and decarbonisation programme and Corporate governance structure.

    On the minimum financial requirement for an entity to participate in the licensing round,  NUPRC said an average $100 million is required for deep offshore blocks while an average &40 million is required for onshore and shallow water blocks.

    The document said the requirements include the following:   “Average annual turnover of $100,000,000.00 for deep offshore blocks and $40, 000,000 for onshore and shallow water blocks or

     “Minimum Cash in bank of $100,000,000.00 for deep offshore blocks and $40,000,000.00 for onshore and shallow water blocks or Bank Guarantee  to  the  tune  of  $100,000,000.00 for  deep offshore, $40,000,000.00 for onshore, and shallow water blocks or

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    “For newly incorporated companies, a parent company guarantee to the tune of USD$100,000,000.00 in deep offshore, $40,000,000.00 in onshore and shallow water.”

    NUPRC said no bidder, whether participating individually or as a member of any consortium, shall submit applications for more than two assets in total across all applications.

    It stressed that “participation in more than one consortium shall count towards this limit. For the avoidance of doubt, where a company has equity, direct or indirect ownership, or management involvement in multiple consortium vehicles, all such applications shall be aggregated and treated as a single bidder’s applications.”

    The document said the applicant’s Technical Competence will be evaluated using work experience across the under-listed work areas:      Geological and geophysical capabilities;    Drilling and well engineering; Reservoir evaluation and management;   Production engineering and technology;   Development planning and Facilities engineering and management.

  • Fed Govt outlaws use of physical cash for transactions

    Fed Govt outlaws use of physical cash for transactions

    The Federal Government has taken steps to digitalise all forms of government revenue from January 1, 2026, signalling one of the most sweeping public finance reforms the country has witnessed in recent times.

    The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has issued a series of circulars to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) spelling out new rules, timelines, and sanctions for non-compliance.

    In the first circular titled “Enforcement of ‘No Physical Cash Receipt’ Policy” dated November 24, 2025, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi, directed all MDAs to stop the collection or acceptance of physical cash for government revenue.

    He stated that “collection and acceptance of physical cash, whether in Naira or other currencies, for any revenue due to the Federal Government is strictly prohibited,” adding that all payments must now be made through electronic channels.

    Dr. Ogunjimi explained that physical cash collection by MDAs had continued to violate existing e-payment and Treasury Single Account (TSA) policies, and had weakened the integrity of the government’s revenue systems.

    The OAGF then directed MDAs to sensitise staff and the public immediately, and to display notices bearing “No Physical Cash Receipt” and “No Cash Payment” at all payment points.

    MDAs currently using cash methods must deploy functional Point of Sale (PoS) terminals or approved electronic devices within 45 days.

    According to the circular, “Accounting Officers will be held personally accountable for any breach arising from their MDAs’ transactions.”

    The policy means that all Federal Government revenue will now be collected without physical cash, ending cash-based fraud and manual leakages that have long plagued public finance.

    MDAs will no longer be permitted to use customised front-end applications running on unapproved Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) platforms.

    No deductions—whether fees, commissions, or charges—can occur at the point of collection, and the entire amount paid must be remitted directly into the TSA.

    A second circular titled “Immediate Cessation of Direct Deductions” and dated November 25, 2025, mandated MDAs and Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (FGOEs) to stop unauthorised deductions from government revenues collected through portals or PSSPs.

    Dr. Ogunjimi said “the Gross Amount of all revenues must be remitted directly to the designated TSA or Sub-TSA account without any deduction.” Charges or fees due to service providers will now be paid directly from a designated TSA Sub-account, rather than being removed at source.

    The circular ordered all portals, PSSPs, and service providers engaged by MDAs to regularise their operations with the OAGF by December 31, 2025. It warned that non-compliant MDAs and FGOEs “shall have all their access on GIFMIS and TSA Sub-accounts disabled.”

    In another directive dated November 26, 2025, the OAGF introduced the Federal Treasury e-Receipt (FTe-R) as the only valid and legally recognised receipt for all federal government transactions.

    The circular stated that issuance of the new electronic receipt will begin on January 1, 2026. Dr. Ogunjimi explained that “the FTe-R shall be centrally generated and issued to the payer on the RevOP platform under the authority and control of the OAGF.”

    He added that the e-receipt will serve both as the official receipt for citizens and businesses making payments and as the mandatory proof of revenue collection for MDAs.

    The adoption of the Federal Treasury e-Receipt represents a fundamental shift in how Nigerians will pay for government services and how MDAs will verify and record such payments.

    Government believes the transition will eliminate widespread abuse associated with unauthorised deductions, commissions, or charges taken before remittance to the TSA.

    According to OAGF projections, the new rules could save the country billions of naira by closing revenue leakages associated with manual payment systems and unapproved digital channels.

    An official at the Federal Ministry of Finance described the reforms as a major step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and fiscal transparency agenda, saying “they will reduce human discretion, eliminate cash handling, enforce full audit trails, and strengthen accountability through real-time digital monitoring.”

    The final circular in the series, titled “Rollout and Implementation Guidelines on the Adoption of the Revenue Optimization (RevOP) Platform” and dated November 27, 2025, announced the deployment of a service-wide platform that will unify billing, reconciliation, treasury visibility, and automation of revenue processes.

    The circular stated that “the Revenue Optimization and Assurance Platform is adopted as the approved platform for the Federal Government’s end-to-end revenue management.”

    According to the OAGF, the RevOP platform will integrate seamlessly with the TSA, GIFMIS, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and revenue-collecting banks.

    It will also provide automated disbursement, revenue splitting, and real-time monitoring of both local and foreign currency accounts of MDAs.

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    MDAs have been directed to nominate three RevOP focal personnel—including one support officer and two Finance and Accounts staff—within seven working days. They must also integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial systems into the RevOP platform.

    Only CBN-licensed PSSPs recommended by NITDA and approved by the OAGF will be allowed to operate under the new arrangement. Full compliance is required within 60 days.

    The OAGF maintained that the combined directives mark the beginning of the largest consolidation of Nigeria’s digital public finance infrastructure in ten years. “TSA, GIFMIS, CBN, NIBSS, FIRS, and MDAs will now speak to each other in a unified digital environment through RevOP,” an official noted.

    With these reforms, citizens and businesses are expected to experience a more transparent payment process, while MDAs will now need official approval before deploying any digital payment platform.

    The measures also introduce stricter controls on revenue streams that historically suffered from opacity, fragmentation, and weak oversight.

    The federal government expects the transition to full digital revenue collection to strengthen trust in its fiscal processes, improve efficiency, and deepen accountability across public institutions as the January 1, 2026 implementation date approaches.

  • Fed Govt: biotechnology to drive development

    Fed Govt: biotechnology to drive development

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, yesterday reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to positioning biotechnology as a central driver of Nigeria’s development agenda.

    He spoke at the Review and Validation Workshop of National Biotechnology Policy in Abuja.

    Dr. Udeh, represented by Director of Bio-resource Technology at the ministry, Isaac Anum, said Nigeria demonstrated early foresight by establishing a policy framework and an agency to guide growth of biotechnology, noting the vision was anchored on a truth that the nation’s challenges, including food security, public health, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification also have their solutions through science.

    He said the sector has recorded measurable achievements, particularly in agriculture and health.

    “We have witnessed the deployment of biotechnology in agriculture, with crops developed to resist pests and drought, directly supporting our farmers and enhancing our pursuit of food self-sufficiency,” he noted.

    He added that Nigerian scientists are also applying biotechnology tools to improve disease diagnosis and pursue vaccine production, describing these as “commendable testaments to the dedication in our labs and fields.”

    However, the minister stressed that despite the progress, there is much to cover, highlighting barriers such as limited funding for translational research, inadequate infrastructure, a regulatory environment that must be robust, agile, and public misconceptions about biotechnology.

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    Udeh said the revised policy must be a “living document” built on four pillars that will shape the country’s biotechnology future: socio-economic impact; a conducive ecosystem for research, regulation and commercialisation; human capital development; and public engagement and trust.

    According to him, “biotechnology must be mission-driven, targeted at solving Nigerian problems. This means prioritising drought-tolerant staples, affordable diagnostics for endemic diseases, and sustainable industrial processes that create jobs and wealth.”

    He said government will strengthen the value chain through increased investment in research and development, modernisation of laboratories, and world-class regulatory systems that reinforce safety and public trust.

    He added that the ministry also plans to deepen public–private partnerships and expand capacity building from secondary school to postgraduate and professional levels.

    “To all the researchers in universities and agencies: your work is the bedrock. To the private sector: your investment and entrepreneurial spirit are the engine,” he said, calling on development partners for “deeper, more equitable alliances that build sovereign capacity.”

  • Fed Govt unveils N50m equity-free grant for tertiary students

    Fed Govt unveils N50m equity-free grant for tertiary students

    The federal government on Monday unveiled a N50 million Student Venture Capital Grant, aimed at promoting innovation, research excellence, and entrepreneurship across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    The government said it was targeting 250,000 students in the first cohort, with over 100,000 already enrolled and receiving training in 1,620 centres nationwide.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who unveiled the initiative in Abuja on Monday, described it as a bold step towards empowering young innovators and building a robust national innovation ecosystem.

    He said the application portal opened on November 17 and will close on January 23, 2026, with the evaluation process beginning immediately afterwards.

    Alausa said the programme represented a strategic national investment in young innovators and aligned directly with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Education.

    He said the SVCG was conceived to promote creativity, enterprise, and economic independence among students, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to youth development formed the backbone of the programme.

    The minister described the S-VCG as more than a grant scheme, noting that it is designed to identify high-potential ideas from campuses and nurture a culture of creativity and enterprise among students.

    He said beneficiaries would receive up to N50 million in equity-free seed funding, alongside intensive incubation, expert mentorship, and access to networks and critical startup-building tools.

    According to him, the initiative will be jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, Afara Initiative, Afrilabs, the Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, and Google.

    He said the programme was open to full-time students in federal, state, and private tertiary institutions from Year 3 and above, with younger students allowed as team members.

    Alausa said, “The S-VCG is structured to identify exceptional talent, give them a fair and credible opportunity to succeed, and inspire thousands of others to believe in their capacity to innovate.

    “We know that many successful founders did not thrive on their first attempt. But their journey began with a spark. This programme exists to light that spark, build a new culture of confidence, and showcase to the world the depth of Nigerian ingenuity.

    “Beneficiaries of the S-VCG will receive a comprehensive support package tailored to increase their chances of building viable and scalable ventures.”

    Alausa added that eligible ventures must have a CAC-registered business name and be rooted in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences fields.

    He said every application would undergo thorough evaluation, with shortlisted teams pitching before a 12-member expert panel drawn from academia, industry, venture capital, and government.

    Participants would receive feedback and may be paired with complementary teams to encourage collaboration and shared innovation.

    He stressed that the S-VCG is expected to accelerate research commercialisation, support intellectual property development, and position students to produce high-impact solutions with global relevance.

    “Not every idea will become a start-up, but some will evolve into patents and licensable technologies capable of significant impact,” he said.

    The National Programme Coordinator, Special Programme Unit of S-VCG, Mr. Adebayo Onigbanjo, said the programme is designed to ignite student-driven innovation and close the investment gaps that have made venture capitalists hesitant to invest in early-stage university ideas.

    Onigbanjo, who gave an overview of the initiative, said the portal had received 17,914 applications from 402 schools, comprising 346 public and 56 private institutions, noting that over 1,000 applications had actually been submitted.

    Also speaking at the event, former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, commended the initiative, noting its alignment with efforts to deepen scientific research and innovation in the country.

    Nnaji, whose board awards a $100,000 prize annually for groundbreaking scientific innovation, said: “This is how students and their mentors can develop impactful inventions that serve global needs but solve local problems.”

  • Fed Govt intensifies road infrastructure provision

    •Umahi invites ICPC, EFCC to verify projects

    Anti-Corruption agencies – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been invited to verify the financial profiles of road projects being undertaken by the Federal Government.

    Works Minister David Umahi, who dropped the hint yesterday said his ministry has submitted all ongoing and completed federal road projects across the country, including the Federal Capital City (FCT) to the bodies for investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Speaking in Abuja while inspecting the Mararaba-Keffi Road project, the minister praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the transparency under him as unprecedented.

    Umahi said that he personally wrote to the anti-corruption agencies, forwarding a comprehensive list of all projects executed by the ministry since President Bola Tinubu assumed office.

     According to him, the agencies have been asked to physically verify the projects across all states and the FCT.

    He said: “I love challenges. Let me tell the public that I wrote to ICPC and we submitted all the President’s projects in the Ministry of Works from the day he assumed office.

    “We asked them to verify these projects nationwide and take a decision. This is the first of its kind. I reported this publicly to the President at the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday, and I am very happy doing it.”

    Umahi, who added that he also sent the same list to the EFCC, however, said he was unsure whether the agency had deployed teams in all states.

    He said the ministry remained fully transparent under President Tinubu and that he personally enjoyed the work because he valued diligence, quality delivery, and public satisfaction.

    Describing the president as an exceptional leader, the  minister praised the President for his swift intervention following what he described as an “unfortunate incident” on a road project in Nasarawa State.

    He explained that Governor Sule Abdullahi contacted him immediately after the incident, prompting him to brief the president within 24 hours, after which the president approved funding for the project.

    “Within 24 hours, he released the money for this project. It is unprecedented,” Umahi said.

    Addressing concerns over outstanding payments to contractors, Umahi confirmed that the President had set up a committee to review all debts owed by the ministry of works.

    He appealed to contractors to suspend protests, assuring them that payments would be made soon.

    Umahi said: “Let me assure our contractors that the President recognises that you are being owed. He set up a committee to review all the debts. Please, no more protest. You will be paid before December 20.”

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

    Umahi specifically mentioned China Harbour and two contractors handling the Keffi–Mararaba corridor, saying they had yet to receive payment.

    Noting that funds for their work had been approved, the minister commended CGC for its excellent performance, noting that the President had already released 100 per cent of its funds.

    He also praised local contractor JRB for delivering quality road work, saying the company performed better than some international firms.

    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.

    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.

    “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.”

    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.

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

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (Northcentral), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, reaffirmed the President’s commitment to road infrastructure.

    She spoke of a plan to mount Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the Keffi – Mararaba Road to enhance security and safety for travellers during the Yuletide.

    Opposition politicians excited

    Members of the opposition parties, who were in the minister’s entourage, 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.”

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

    He said: “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.”

    Musa Zubair, the Deputy Organizing Secretary of Action Alliance (AA) and New Nigeria People’s Party’s (NNPP) National Organizing Secretary, 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 bridge ready

     “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.

    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.

  • Fed Govt urges youth to embrace financial literacy skills for self-reliance

    Fed Govt urges youth to embrace financial literacy skills for self-reliance

    The federal government has urged youths in the country to embrace financial literacy skills needed to become successful wealth creators and self-reliant.

    To achieve this, the government pledged to equip and empower young Nigerians with the knowledge and right skills to succeed and thrive.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the official launch of the national financial literacy investment and wealth creation training programme with the theme: “Empowering a Generation of Smart, Skilled, Wealth-Ready Nigerian Youth.”

    Olawande, who attributed “japa syndrome” and unemployment plaguing the country to lack of skills among the youth, reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to the guiding philosophy of “One Youth, Two Skills”, a vision, he noted, would ensure every young Nigerian is equipped with multiple competencies to compete in a dynamic global economy.

    The minister noted that it was in a bid to build platforms that strengthen capacity, broaden opportunities, and secure the future of young Nigerians that the ministry was partnering with Investonaire Academy to launch the Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Programme, an initiative designed to train at least 100,000 youths annually in financial literacy, forex, and commodity trading.

    He said the programme expands economic opportunities and opens new pathways to sustainable prosperity for every participating young person.

    The minister said, “Today marks a defining moment in our collective journey towards a future of prosperity, purpose, and limitless possibilities. A productive and prosperous nation is only possible with empowered people, especially its youth.

    “Nigeria has a large population of vibrant young people, and ensuring that our youth are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to succeed and thrive is one of the cardinal goals of the present administration.”

    Olawande noted that the training programme is completely free, describing it as a deliberate investment in the youth, their dreams, future, and their capacity to be able to transform Nigeria.

    He said, “I encourage every young Nigerian to use this wonderful opportunity to learn, to trade, and to build a better life. Your potential is immense, and with the right knowledge, it becomes unstoppable.

    “The Ministry is fully committed to providing all the necessary support to ensure that the knowledge you acquire is put to great use, for meaningful impact, empowered communities, and financial prosperity for you and your families.”

    The minister also spoke on the ongoing transformation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), disclosing that before the end of the year, more than 200 National Youth Service Corps members who have undergone various forms of training would be empowered with start-up materials and resources for them to become employers of labour and wealth creators instead of looking for white collar jobs that are non-existent.

    He said, “The minority of those who want to look for government jobs can do so, but we want to build a nation of young people that will think, innovate, and also be employers of labour in the job market.

    “I want a section of over 4000 corps members in a year to come out and have something to do, and we are ready, fully ready, to support them. The Financial Literacy Skills Programme we have launched today is designed to give millions of Nigerian youth a turning point. Financial literacy is not just an advantage; it is a skill for survival.”

    Also speaking, International Programme Director, Investonaire Academy, Dr Enefola Odiba, disclosed that more than 80,000 have already registered on the platform before the Tuesday official launch of the training programme.

    He noted that the Academy provides a digital platform that allows future and existing traders to hone skills, deepen knowledge in forex and commodity trading, all done from the comfort of the learner’s location, across all devices. 

  • Catholic Bishops to Fed, state govts: expose kidnappers, bring them to justice

    Catholic Bishops to Fed, state govts: expose kidnappers, bring them to justice

    The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) on Tuesday urged the federal and state governments to, as a matter of urgency, identify abductors involved in the recent kidnapping incident in some states and prosecute them.

    The bishops decried the level of security, which they said has claimed countless lives, razed communities, and forced thousands into displaced camps.

    They demanded the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and an investigation into alleged delayed security responses in affected communities to rebuild public trust.

    According to a statement titled “Peace in Nigeria: Moving from Fragility to Stability”, jointly signed by CBCN President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, and Secretary, Bishop Donatus Aihmiosion Ogun, the bishops said Nigeria’s fragile social and religious climate had been worsened by rampant violence, unconstitutional actions of some Shariah institutions, and alleged abuses linked to Hisbah operations in the North.

    CBCN expressed concern over repeated attacks on communities in the North and Middle Belt, adding that in some cases, delayed or absent security responses had created suspicions of collusion or negligence.

    The Bishops emphasised that apart from Christians, Muslims and other ethnic groups have also suffered from the same wave of violence ravaging the country.

    Recent mass abductions, including worshippers in Kwara, 25 young girls in Kebbi, 13 female farmers in Borno, and over 265 schoolchildren and teachers in Niger State, as well as the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and dozens of security personnel, were cited as evidence of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.

    CBCN said, “When criminals can strike schools, farms, and communities with impunity, it threatens the very foundations of family life, education, and social stability.

    “In the light of this worsening situation, we call on the Government at all levels to urgently and decisively fulfil its foremost duty, as mandated by Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, to protect the lives and property of all citizens. The Government has both the responsibility and the means to end this violence and must no longer allow impunity to prevail.

    “Those responsible for these heinous crimes must be identified and brought to justice, for without accountability there can be no lasting peace. We urge that reports of delayed or withheld security responses in some affected communities be thoroughly investigated to rebuild public trust.

    “The Government must also take all lawful and urgent measures to secure the immediate and safe return of all abducted persons, including the young girls taken in Kebbi, the pupils and teachers seized in Kontagora, and the young females abducted in Borno, and ensure that displaced citizens can return to their ancestral homes. This moment calls for decisive action to halt the terror engulfing our nation and for meaningful dialogue and peacebuilding aimed at restoring confidence among our people.

    “Lasting peace cannot be achieved through silence or delay. It requires justice, courage, and a firm commitment to the sanctity of human life. Nigerians and the global community can no longer tolerate excuses for continued insecurity. We further draw attention to the persistent violations of the rights and freedoms of Christian minorities in several northern states.

    “The denial of land for the construction of churches, particularly within federal institutions, and the destruction of Christian places of worship, especially at the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency, are matters that demand urgent and decisive government action.

    “The overreach of Sharia Courts in some states poses serious constitutional concerns, as it threatens Nigeria’s secular character and infringes on the rights of Christian minorities. It is in this context that we recall with deep sorrow the brutal killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto, an incident fuelled by extremist interpretations of Sharia-related accusations, and we once again demand justice for her, as impunity in such cases undermines the rule of law and endangers the rights of all citizens.

    “While moral formation is essential in every society, the activities of morality enforcement groups such as the Hisbah have frequently resulted in harassment and intimidation of innocent citizens, including Christians and Muslims alike, in the exercise of their fundamental freedoms”.

    The bishops added, “Nigeria’s rich religious and cultural pluralism must foster unity, mutual respect, and peace rather than division and suspicion. We salute the courage of the Nigerian people who, despite these trying times, continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and trust in the promise of a better future.

    “We urge all citizens, irrespective of religion, tribe, or political persuasion, to remain united in the quest for peace and the rebuilding of our common life. Every Nigerian is called to be an agent of healing, to reject hatred and retaliation, to speak words that foster understanding, and to uphold justice, dialogue, and mutual respect. Peace is not the responsibility of a select few. It is the duty of all.

    “Rather than engaging in divisive arguments about who has suffered more losses, we should stand together in defending the sacredness of every human life and protecting the vulnerable. Together, we can transform our diversity into strength and build a nation that truly reflects harmony, justice, and hope.”