Tag: FG

The federal government has deployed a mobile application known as “Mobiliser” meant for youths to report crimes and criminalities in their areas within their comfort zones. 

The director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Issa Lanre-Onilu, announced this on Wednesday, August, 14, during a meeting with media executives and top editors, at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja.

The DG who was represented by the Director of Press, Paul Odenyi, said that if youths knew a lot of lofty programmes the government has for them, they would embrace them and wouldn’t engage in any form of violence. 

He said: “We know and are aware that it is very important to carry youth along in whatever programmes we do. I want to, therefore, use this medium to inform you that at the National Orientation Agency, we now have an App called ‘Mobiliser’, which Nigerian youth can download on their mobile phones and report crimes in their areas.”

Earlier, the national coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Laka, explained that the Center sees the media as critical partners in the fight against terrorism and other violent crimes, adding that it was expedient for both the media and the security agencies to be on the same page.

He added: “The Centre, in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in June this year conducted a 2-day training on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting.

“While we count on your support and cooperation as the last gatekeepers hence all media contents are often published by your consent, it is in your place and sacred duty to take full control and effectively use your medium of communications to promote mutual trust, build unity among Nigerians and adequately counter the destructive ideologies and narratives of terrorist groups.

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“There is no doubt that Media content has been well employed in the past to enlighten and reengineer the mind. They carry messages that encourage respect for human dignity, appreciation of our diversity, inspire loyalty and love of service for the fatherland.”

A former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Chris Olukolade, emphasized that it was important for critical stakeholders which include the media to change the narratives about the country.

The meeting, which was convened by the Centre’s National Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka also had a former spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Christopher Olukolade; Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa among others.

The Federal Government has terminated the contract for Section 1 of the Kano-Maiduguri road project awarded to Dantata & Sawoe Ltd since 2007. 

The termination, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said was due to the expiration of the contract’s time frame, highlighting the government’s push to ensure that long-standing infrastructure projects meet their intended deadlines and deliver value for money.

The government also assured Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed of immediate intervention to repair a flood-damaged section of the Kano-Maiduguri federal road within the State. 

The road was recently severed by floodwaters following a heavy downpour, leaving the local Malori-Guskuri community in Katagun Local Government Area cut off and severely impacting their livelihoods.

Speaking during a performance review meeting on road projects under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme held on August 9, 2024, in Abuja with representatives from Dangote Group of Companies, BUA Group of Companies, and Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, the Minister revealed the government’s intent to revisit and revise the liability period for all federal projects to guarantee durability and optimal value for public funds.

According to a statement on Saturday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media Uchenna Orji, the Minister emphasised the importance of accelerating the completion of critical infrastructure projects, particularly those funded under the Tax Credit Scheme, which includes major roadways vital to the nation’s economy. 

“Going forward, there will be a clear agreement on milestone completion timelines for ongoing projects under the Tax Credit Scheme.

“My position as the Minister of Works is that everybody must take responsibility. We will no longer fold our hands and allow the projects we have awarded and even reviewed to continue to linger,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the President’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians due to poor road conditions, expressing that the government will not tolerate delays in completing vital infrastructure projects. 

“Nigerians are suffering on these roads, and President Bola Tinubu is doing everything possible, giving the road sector special attention. It would be a failure on our part to allow contractors to delay these projects while ignoring the people’s suffering,” he stressed.

Calling for greater dedication from all parties involved, including funding partners, the Minister urged Nigerians to remain patient, emphasizing the importance of partnership and patriotism in supporting the President’s vision for national development. 

“We must all play our part to support the President’s divine vision to retake our country,” the Minister urged.

The Minister cited several ongoing projects under the Tax Credit Scheme that have experienced delays due to outdated pricing structures. 

The affected projects are under review to expedite their completion, he said, listing Dangote Group, BUA Group, Mainstream Energy Solutions as well as MTN Nigeria as the entities involved in the tax credit scheme with various projects across the country.

Dangote – the 35 km Apapa-Owonronshoki Expressway in Lagos State, the 38 km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualization, the 49.577km Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road, Borno State, the construction of Nnamdi Azikiwe road (western bypass) in Kaduna State, the 49.153 km Bama – Banki road in Borno State, the reconstruction of 105km Obelle-Ilaro-Papalanto-Shagamu Road dualization, the reconstruction of 54.239km Deep Seaport in Lagos State, the 65.5 km Afikpo-Okigwe road in Ebonyi and Imo States being procured and the 53.7km of side lanes for the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos State being procured; 

BUA – the 20 km of roads in each of the three sections of Lokoja – Benin Highway, the 17.6km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road( more 3 km to be included at the Kano axis), the 132.5km Kano-Kongollam in Kano, Jigawa, and Kastina States, the 130km Bode Sadu – Kaiama road, 42km Eyenkorin-Offa road, the 73km Lafiaji-Bacita road and the 37km Okuta-Kenu road all in Kwara State;

Mainstream – the 76.586km Malando – Ngasike – Wara road in Kebbi State, the 45.13km Sabon Gari – Yuni – Auna Road In Magami LGA of Niger State and the asphalt overlay of Mokwa-Nasarawa road in Niger State.

MTN – the dualization of 107km Enugu- Onitsha road. 

To address the flood damage in Bauchi State, the Minister directed a technical team from the Ministry of Works to assess the damage and propose an emergency solution to restore access and alleviate the hardships faced by the affected communities. 

“It’s unfortunate that when a job is completed by contractors, we don’t even enjoy the road for five years before we’re back to square one. This is why I’ve been advocating against the one-year liability period; poorly executed jobs can last a year, but not five,” he said. 

He also directed Mothercart Ltd, the original contractor for the damaged section, to join the assessment team and determine why the road failed.

The Minister commended efforts of Dangote Plc on the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, the Lekki-Deep Seaport road, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe road in Kaduna while also praising BUA for their work on the Lokoja-Benin Highway at Ekpoma, 

While urging Mainstream Energy Solutions to accelerate their efforts on their respective projects, as the government pushes for the swift completion of the critical infrastructure projects, Umahi assured that the government remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians see tangible benefits from the investments, ensuring that the nation’s roads are safe, reliable, to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The Federal Government has called on legal experts, capital market regulators and financial experts to contribute to strengthening the regulatory framework of the capital market. 

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, stated this during a one-day sensitisation seminar organised by the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) for judges, lawyers and law students in Abuja.

The Minister emphasised the importance of a robust capital market for the nation’s economic growth and development. He noted that the seminar was aimed at increasing awareness of the IST’s role in resolving capital market disputes. 

The IST Chairman, Amos Azi, highlighted the tribunal’s role in ensuring a fair and transparent capital market. 

The establishment of the IST, he said, was a recognition of the need for an efficient dispute resolution mechanism within the sector.

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A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the IST’s Kano Zonal Office, a modern facility designed to enhance the tribunal’s operations. 

The Minister and the IST expressed optimism that these initiatives would position the tribunal as a leading authority in capital market dispute resolution, both nationally and internationally.

By engaging with stakeholders and expanding its operational reach, the IST aims to strengthen investor confidence and contribute to the overall development of the Nigerian capital market. 

The Nigeria Immigration Service says diaspora sponsors of protesters that are calling for undemocratic change of government are already on its watch list.

The Comptroller General Nigerian Immigration Service (CG NIS), Kemi Nanna Nandap, said this at a joint press conference of service chiefs and heads of security agencies at the Defence Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday August 6.

Nandap said: “we have diaspora sponsors, they are on our watchlist. They are watchlisted,any attempt they make to come into the country, we’ll be notified and they will be picked up and handed to appropriate authority”

The Immigration boss said the Service has in response to the protest deployed more officers to borders both land and airports to ensure effective manning of those entry points.

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Nandap said the Service has also stepped up surveillance to prevent foreign intervention in the country.

The Director General Department of State Services Yusuf Bichi said the agency has uncovered some sponsors but declined given further information 

The DG, DSS who was represented by the Service Spokesman Peter Afunanya said some accounts have been blocked.

He said some of the persons operating such accounts are staying abroad,adding that they are being monitored.

The Federal Government has issued a travel alert to Nigerians planning to travel to the United Kingdom.

This was contained in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of foreign affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe dated Monday, August 5.

England has been experiencing an eruption of anti-immigrant and far-right violence, towns and cities have been overtaken by mobs of often masked men chanting anti-immigrant slogans, attacking hotels housing asylum seekers and mosques, clashing with police and causing widespread destruction.

The Nation reported that the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a stark warning to racist far-right thugs rioting in British towns and cities with a “guarantee” they will face swift justice and “the full force of the law”.

In an uncompromising statement to the nation, the prime minister told those behind the appalling scenes in Hull, Halifax, Liverpool, London, Southport and Rotherham: “I guarantee, you will regret it”. More than 100 people have been arrested following the violent disturbances on Saturday.

The travel alert issued by the foreign affairs ministry reads partly, “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of 3 young girls at a concert.

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“The violence has assumed dangerous proportions as evidenced by reported attacks on Law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure. To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows:

“Avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches

“Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings

“Be vigilant and self aware at all times.

“Contact the High Commission with a view to passing information that could be of interest via e-mail and hc@nigeriahc.org.uk, +442078391244. telephone.”

The Federal Government has launched ‘Operation Free Our Roads’ aimed at accelerating the rehabilitation of roads currently under repair. 

The initiative is expected to ensure that all such roads remain motorable on both sides as the rainy season intensifies.

In a related development, the Federal Government has fast-tracked the completion of the dualization of the 375.9 km Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Federal Highway. 

As part of this effort, the 38-kilometer section from point zero in Zuba, Abuja has been handed over to the Dangote Group of Companies for expedited completion.

According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji, these steps, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, are part of the government’s commitment to revolutionizing road infrastructure for the convenience of Nigerians and the bolstering of the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Zuba, Abuja on Saturday at the site handover event and the launch Operation Free Our Roads, Umahi emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure that all federal roads under rehabilitation are made motorable starting from this rainy period.

He said: “So the first section is 38 kilometers by two, which is 76 kilometers.  

“The work is starting today, with palliatives and earthworks, and then they will now start to put reinforced concrete pavement.

“So we are using this as a point of contact to flag off Free Our Roads all over the country. 

“And so, they will use stone base to put and free all the potholes. In failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways. 

“Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently walk on one carriageway”. 

While urging the three contractors handling the different sections of the project to show absolute dedication to its completion, the Minister assured them that there should be no fears regarding the government’s support and commitment.

“The Ministry would look at the need for project rate review to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given the last review that was done about 9 months ago,” he assured. 

The Minister also warned that strict supervision and adhere to the terms of the contract would not be compromised, saying, “This operation, Free Our Roads, is not only  for the Ministry of Works, but also for FERMA. We’re going to put our eyes, all the directors, and all the Zonal engineers of FERMA must take this thing very seriously.” 

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At the section handled by Julius Berger Plc, the Minister commended the contractor for already starting work and doing a good job while reiterating that the Federal Government expects the entire project to be completed and delivered by May 2025.

He said: “So what we will be discussing with Berger is what can we do to finish this job  within May 29th. This is very important because we don’t want to stay here beyond May 29th, 2025. 

“And so what Berger can not finish, we would also have to take it over and give to Dangote under Tax Credit and for reinforced concrete pavement.” 

The Federal Government, on Friday, said part of the N6.2 trillion proposed addition to the 2024 budget would boost road and other infrastructural development in the country.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who made this assertion added that several problems being encountered, recently, by Nigerians are direct results of under-investment in several multi- dimension infrastructure.

The minister spoke at the National Assembly during an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Appropriation, chaired Senator Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West).

The minister was invited to provide insight into the N6.4 trillion addition to the 2024 budget as requested by President Bola Tinubu.

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Bagudu commended President Tinubu for the political will yo confront the infrastructure deficit by seeking the N3.2 trillion to fund the projects which include the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the Sokoto – highway and the Trans-Sahara highway.

He commended the President for his confidence that the projects when completed will increase economic activities and shore up the nation’s revenue base.

He added that the projects will encourage massive transformation apart from strengthening economic realities.

The federal government has said the report on the new wage system based on public workers’ productivity was ready.

The immediate past director-general of the National Productivity Centre, Nasir Raji-Mustapha, said this while handing over to the newly appointed DG of the agency, Baffa Dan Agundi.

Raji-Mustapha said the report was one of the documents that Agundi would inherit and work on as DG.

The government had in May this year revealed that with the system, workers on the same level could earn different salaries.

The government said the formulation of an innovative wage system was being considered because it realised that productivity was a key factor in the growth of the country’s economy.

Speaking during the brief handing over ceremony that was held at the Centre’s headquarters, Abuja, the former DG also said the agency was on the verge of creating productivity desks across all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enhance better outputs from workers or staff of companies or organisations, and in turn help the country to move forward.

The former director-general said: “We are researchers, we are teachers here, we help private sector to build the productivity of their staff. As I’m talking to you, some of our staff are in Coca-Cola, C-way and other companies.

“We are doing a lot in this agency, and we believe that you politicians will help us push forward a lot of things we are doing in this agency.

“In fact, the productivity-based wage performance system we’re working on is ready. I will hand it over to you. Help carry some of those innovative ideas forward.”

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He also disclosed that the current location of the Centre was rented, saying the NPC needed a bigger space to make productivity more entrenched across the country.

The former director-general said he met with the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to see whether the agency could get one of the forfeited property.

Agundi said he would not betray the confidence reposed in him.

The new director-general said he would consult with Raji-Mustapha to ensure things are positioned in the right direction.