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Tag: Kaduna

  • Container movement by rail to Kaduna, Kano, will soon resume – Opeifa

    Container movement by rail to Kaduna, Kano, will soon resume – Opeifa

    The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has assured Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL) of seamless container movement by rail from Apapa Port to Kaduna and Kano.

    Opeifa made the promise on Wednesday, while receiving the Management Team of the ICNL, led by its Managing Director, Omotayo Dada, at the NRC headquarters in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    The visit was a sequel to one by the NRC Managing Director to ICNL headquarters in Kaduna, which paved the way for discussion on the resumption of container movement by rail to Kaduna.

    Opeifa said the corporation is willing to partner with major movers of large containers from across the country and added that only recently, the NRC entered into a partnership with APMT for the movement of containers from Apapa to the Inland Dry Port in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    He said the corporation would continue to design products for companies willing to use the rail to move its cargoes, adding that with the ICNL partnership, the corporation hopes to move additional 50 to 100 containers per day from Lagos to Kano via, Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna.

    Also, the Director of Operations and Commercial of the corporation, Akin Osinowo, said the corporation is in talks with many manufacturers, including the Dangote Group of Companies and BUA, among others.

    Niger govt partners with NRC for safe transportation of farm produce

    He added that the NRC continues to service Lafarge, taking cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin.

    Read Also: Opeifa and the rail challenge

    He, however, said any company or terminal operator partnering with it are meant to add value to rail movement by using their size and stature to prospect new customers in order to boost the railway’s haulage capacity.

    He said the ICNL is a long standing customer of the corporation, adding that some of the factors that led to the stoppage of cargo movement especially on the narrow gauge are being addressed.

    Opeifa said issues such as insecurity, especially between Minna and Kaduna, and the washouts of several portions of the rail tracks, among others, are being aggressively addressed either by the corporation’s team of engineers or by the Federal Government.

  • Court orders Kaduna marts to forfeit N1.3bn to FG

    Court orders Kaduna marts to forfeit N1.3bn to FG

    The Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the temporary forfeiture of N1,373, 180,510.07 allegedly diverted into the private account of Indo Kaduna Marts JV Nigeria  Limited.

    The court also directed  the applicant to ‘’publish a notice in any two national newspapers, calling for persons whether human, juristic or artificial having interest in the property, to show cause in court why the aforesaid movable property should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.’’

    The exparte order which was given by Justice G. M Kabara on February 28, 2025, was sequel to the application that was filed on February 14, 2025.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap policeman on Abuja-Kaduna highway

    According to court documents, the forfeited amount was recovered into the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) ‘’recovery account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the course of an ongoing investigation activity against officials of Kaduna State Government between 2015 and 2023.’’

    The Federal Government of Nigeria is the applicant while Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nigeria Limited is the defendant in the suit marked FHC/KD/C5/28/2025 which was brought ‘’pursuant to section 17(1)(2)(3) and (4) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.’’

    The defendant was also charged under ‘’Section 7,8,9,10, 11 and 12 of the Proceeds of Crime(Recovery and Management) Act, 2022 and Section 6(6)9a) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(as amended).’’

    The case has been adjourned to April 8, 2025.

  • One killed, several injured in NAF personnel-civilian clash in Kaduna

    One killed, several injured in NAF personnel-civilian clash in Kaduna

    One personnel member died, and an unidentified number of civilians were wounded in a clash that erupted between some civilians and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna.

    NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday.

    He said the clash occurred on Wednesday, February 26, at Unguwan Gangare, Barakallahu, Kaduna State, but didn’t give details of what led to the clash.

    According to the NAF spokesman, the wounded civilians had been conveyed to 461 NAF Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

    Read Also: NAF fine-tunes strategies to respond to global, local security landscapes

    AVM Akinboyewa said the NAF had begun a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, and any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of the law “in line with our commitment to justice and accountability.”

    He said: “Additionally, we deeply regret the loss of a life and have reached out to the family of the deceased to express our condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation and justice. 

    “The NAF remains a highly disciplined and professional force committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct in all engagements.

    “A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident is already underway. Any personnel found culpable will face the full weight of the law in line with our commitment to justice and accountability.”

    The NAF spokesman urged the public to remain calm as the service works “diligently to ascertain the facts and ensure that appropriate actions are taken.”

  • Kaka lifts 1, 000 Kaduna indigents with N50m, food aid

    Kaka lifts 1, 000 Kaduna indigents with N50m, food aid

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Stakeholders Forum, Abdulazeez Kaka, on Saturday extended his benevolence to the people of Kaduna North, in Kaduna State by supporting over 1,000 indigents with N50m cash grant and food aid.

    The largesse was distributed under the Abdulazeez Kaka Empowerment Initiative.

    The venue of the event, Arewa House in Kaduna state, was a Mecca of sorts as community leaders, various youth groups and community development associations were all represented.

    Justifying the need for the initiative, Kaka said, “This empowerment programme is my own modest contribution towards building the capacity of some members of the community, especially to make them self-reliant and useful to themselves and the society at large. Echoing similar sentiments, an associate of the philanthropist, Mallam Aminu Maina said “Abdulazeez Kaka is not just talking about community development—he’s living it. From skills training to direct aid, his work in Kaduna North is leaving a lasting mark.

    “This time, Kaka will be providing cash grants and food packages to 1,000 beneficiaries, offering tangible relief to those who need it most.”

    Maina stated that “Over the years, his empowerment programmes have touched lives across multiple fronts, reflecting a deep understanding of what it takes to uplift a community. When it comes to skills development, his efforts speak for themselves.”

    Read Also: IBB: I wasn’t afraid of Abacha, only concerned for my safety

    According to him, “He (Kaka) has successfully run four batches of training programmes, covering six essential sectors: tailoring, bead-making, cosmetology, makeup artistry, frames production, and beddings manufacturing. For hundreds of participants, these aren’t just skills—they’re opportunities for a better, more independent future.

    “Kaka also recognises that in today’s world, digital literacy is non-negotiable. That’s why he has organised ICT training sessions twice, focusing on digital marketing. These sessions give local youth the tools to navigate and succeed in the digital economy.

    “His commitment extends to supporting small businesses. Through specialised training programmes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Kaka has helped business owners master record-keeping, business structuring, and the process of accessing grants and loans.”

    “His football competitions have become a staple in Kaduna North, fostering community spirit and giving young people a positive outlet,” he further stated.

  • Kaduna adopts gender-responsive public procurement policy

    Kaduna adopts gender-responsive public procurement policy

    Kaduna State has become the first subnational government to adopt the Gender Responsive Public Procurement Policy, developed in collaboration with UN Women and other stakeholders. 

    In a statement on Wednesday, Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, announced that the policy was approved during the State Executive Council meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Tuesday. 

    The policy aligns with the governor’s economic empowerment agenda, aiming to promote inclusive growth by increasing the participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in public procurement.

    ‘’The Gender Responsive Public Procurement seeks to bridge the gender gap by enabling equitable economic participation of women-owned and women-led cooperatives.

    ‘’The policy mandates the inclusion of women in procurement committees and at least a woman should be included at the Directorate level in all procurement committees,’’ the statement added.

    The Chief Press Secretary further said that the policy also gives women different waivers, adding that it ‘’grants complete waiver of registration fees for businesses that are 100% women-owned.’’

    ‘’The policy also provides for a 50% reduction in tender fees for enterprises that are 100% women-owned,’’ the statement further clarified.

    Read Also: Kaduna Refinery at 60% mechanical completion, says NNPCL

    The meeting also directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Kaduna State to adopt the policy in their procurement process as this ‘’would ensure equitable access and increased opportunities for women-owned businesses.

    Malam Ibraheem further said that the State Executive Council also approved the establishment of five Sector Strategic Teams, to enhance coordination and synergy amongst Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of Government.

    ‘’The Teams are expected to achieve more effective governance and delivery of programs and projects,  in line with Governor Uba Sani’s Seven-point agenda. They would be headed by senior Government officials.

    ‘’The Teams include the Rural Transformation and Urban Development Sector Strategic Team, Human Capital Development and Social Investment Sector Strategic Team, Governance and Institutions Sector Strategic Team, Economic Development and Monitoring Sector Strategic Team as well as the Peace, Security and Public Safety Strategic Team,’’ he added.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary, each Team would meet once a week and the Chair is expected to brief the Governor on the resolutions of meetings.

  • Don’t plunge Kaduna into crisis again, CSO warns political actors

    Don’t plunge Kaduna into crisis again, CSO warns political actors

    A civil society organisation, the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has cautioned political actors in Kaduna State not to derail the peace being enjoyed in the State.

    The group alleged that recent happenings in the state among the political class are “beginning to threaten the peace and stability of Kaduna State.”

    A statement by TAN National Coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs in Abuja, said the group would mobilise against any attempt to plunge the State back into the “abyss of turmoil.”

    Disturbed by the development, the group called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, “to act swiftly and decisively,” stressing that the “seeds of discord must be uprooted before they take root and spread their toxic vines across the state.”

    “We cannot risk undermining the trust of investors who are starting to come back to the state. The fledgling investments in Kaduna, nurtured by the return of confidence, are the tender shoots of economic growth. The state’s resurgence as a hub of commerce and industry must be sustained.

    Read Also: Kaduna disco restores power supply to Kaduna, other franchise states

    “To the political actors and community leaders of Kaduna, we issue a clarion call: reject the siren song of division and violence. The path to power must never be paved with the broken dreams and shattered lives of the innocent. The people of Kaduna are not pawns to be moved across a chessboard of political ambition; they are the heart and soul of the state, deserving of peace, dignity, and opportunity.

    “We also call on the citizens of Kaduna to remain vigilant and united. Like a mighty tree that withstands the fiercest storms because its roots are deeply intertwined, the people of Kaduna must stand together in solidarity. Let no one sow seeds of hatred or fear among you. Instead, nurture the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that have always been your greatest strength.

    “We are calling on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate these allegations with the precision of a surgeon removing a tumor before it metastasises.”

  • Kaduna group hits El-Rufai for distracting Gov Sani

    Kaduna group hits El-Rufai for distracting Gov Sani

    The Kaduna Good Governance Forum (KGGF) has condemned former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s alleged attempts to rewrite history and act as the owner of the state. 

    The group accused el-Rufai of harassment and distraction of incumbent Governor Uba Sani while threatening him with the 2027 general elections.

    According to the forum, el-Rufai’s actions smack of desperation to rewrite history and suit his narrative. 

    They argued that his threats towards Governor Sani are a threat to democracy, as only the people of Kaduna state have the right to decide their leader.

    In a statement by Comrade Richard Amos, the forum praised Governor Sani’s efforts in healing the wounds of insecurity and corruption that characterised el-Rufai’s tenure. 

    They criticised el-Rufai’s alleged inability to tackle insecurity in the northwest while in office.

    Read Also: Kaduna Gov’s loyalty to Tinubu conditional, El-Rufai alleges

    The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demanded that el-Rufai stop his alleged revisionism and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State.

    “He is a retired former politician who is traipsing the country, trying to form a collective of those who had failed in public office and are too bitter at being rejected.

    “We urge el-Rufai to desist from any further threats and allow the current administration to continue its work in restoring peace and unity to Kaduna State while focusing on how to explain how money was spent in his tenure

    “The Kaduna Good Governance Forum demands that el-Rufai immediately stop his attempt at revisionism, as the people are too enlightened to fall for such a cheap trick.”

  • Kaduna unveils software to eliminate fraud, improve land administration

    Kaduna unveils software to eliminate fraud, improve land administration

    Governor Uba Sani is enhancing land administration and tackling compensation fraud through a comprehensive database established at the Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS).

    Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, KADGIS Director General Bashir Garba Ibrahim announced the launch of a new Compensation and Valuation System (CVS) software by the Kaduna State Government.

    ‘’The software is intended to eliminate compensation fraud by establishing a comprehensive database that utilizes National Identity numbers and Bank Verification Numbers, incorporating biometric data during initial data capture.

    ‘’This innovative approach is expected to address common inefficiencies associated with manual compensation methods, such as inadequate documentation, lengthy approval processes, and a lack of transparency, which can contribute to disputes and public dissatisfaction,’’ he added.

    The DG explained that CVS is characterized by its robust and user-friendly design, equipped with advanced tools for creating, managing, and tracking compensations.

    He said: “This software aims to promote transparency and improve operational efficiency at various stages of the compensation process. It  is designed to enhance governance and accountability by modernizing the processes associated with compensation linked to state-level projects.

    Read Also: Kaduna Gov’s loyalty to Tinubu conditional, El-Rufai alleges

    ‘’The new system is particularly advantageous for organizations engaged in large-scale projects, real estate development, and claimant management, as it addresses the limitations of outdated manual systems,’’ he added.

    The DG further said: ‘’That the software will accurately identify each parcel of land and link it to the relevant beneficiaries, thus streamlining the compensation process further.’’

    Commending Governor Sani for his support to the development team which created the advanced software, he said that it is  tailored to cater to the needs of government agencies, marking a notable enhancement in project management across Kaduna State.

  • Kaduna Gov’s loyalty to Tinubu conditional, El-Rufai alleges

    Kaduna Gov’s loyalty to Tinubu conditional, El-Rufai alleges

    Former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai has questioned Governor Uba Sani’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    He was reacting to Sani’s remarks during an interview on TVC on Monday. 

    Sani expressed surprise at the growing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by some founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Reacting via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, El-Rufai alleged that Sani’s steadfast support for Tinubu was linked to over N150 billion of federal reimbursements granted to Kaduna State in the past 18 months.

    “Every day I see this governor embarrassingly and sycophantically rambling, I used to wonder why? However, confirming that Federal Government ‘reimbursements, interventions, and grants’ in excess of N150bn have been given selectively to Kaduna by Tinubu in the last 18 months now explains everything,” El-Rufai alleged.

    He added: “By all means, defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer. Asiwaju has earned it, coming from you. The people of Kaduna State will judge at the right time and place. Have a nice day.”

    During the interview, Sani criticised some APC members for public opposition to Tinubu’s policies, describing their actions as “unfortunate” and “undemocratic.”

    Read Also: Presidency to Atiku, El-Rufai, Obi, others: we’ll meet in 2027

    “I was really surprised when I heard the coalition of politicians coming together at this critical time to make most of those comments they made. Some of them were even calling for people to come out and take laws into their hands,” Sani said.

    He urged Tinubu’s critics to wait until the 2027 elections if they believed they had the popularity to unseat the president.

    “Of course, I also want to make it clear here that we’re in a democratic dispensation, and we have just about two and a half years to the next election. Any politician who feels he is popular or can defeat Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the APC should work hard and present themselves in the next election,” he added.

  • Black out in Kaduna as KAEDCO sacks 900 staff

    Black out in Kaduna as KAEDCO sacks 900 staff

    Kaduna has been thrown into darkness after Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) sacked 900 staff.

    The Nation gathered the company started distributing the termination of appointment letters since Saturday through Sunday.

    Staffers under the auspices of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike to protest the sack.

    They picketed the Headquarters of the company on Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna, signing solidarity songs.

    The aggrieved workers, who carried placards with various inscriptions on Monday, blocked the entrance of the corporate headquarters of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and prevented workers and even customers from going into the premises.

    The aggrieved workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) accused the management of high-handedness and fragrant disregard for all industrial agreements.

    The Chairman, NUEE, Kaduna state Council, Comrade Sheyin Nuhu Wakili told reporters: “While trying to address the issues, the management has terminated the employment of 10 senior staff members without adhering to the company’s conditions of service. Despite our interventions and agreements from previous meetings, these actions have not been fully implemented.

    “To our dismay, we have learnt that the management has initiated the termination of over 900 additional staff members.”

    Read Also: EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    The Nation observed the entire state has been thrown into darkness as a result of the strike action.

    However, the conpany’s management said the number of staff affected by the sack was not up to 900 as alleged by the striking workers.

    Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the Head of Corporate Communications of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company told The Nation the impasse will be resolved tomorrow (Tuesday).

    According to Abdullahi: “Everything will be resolved tomorrow. But the number of the affected staff is not up to 900 that they (NUEE) are saying.”

    The management of Kaduna Electric in a letter dated January 31, 2025 to the affected workers, directed them to hand over the company’s property in their possession to the Human Resources department immediately, while plans to pay them their severance packages were underway.

    The letter signed by the Deputy Managing Director of the KADECO, Abubakar Mohammed, told the affected workers that their services were no longer needed by the company from January 31, 2025.

    A copy of the termination letter to one of the affected staff titled: ‘SERVICES NO LONGER REQUIRED’ read that, “We refer to your offer of employment and write to inform you that your services will no longer be required by the company, effective January 31, 2025.

    “This decision was not made lightly and reflects our commitment to adapting our operations to meet current challenges.

    “Please find below the summary of your benefits and outstanding obligations: Kindly note that the sum of N494,481.19 will be credited to your account accordingly.

    “Your accrued pension will be paid to your retirement savings account with your PFA in due course.

    “Upon receipt of this letter, you are expected to return all company property including work tools and your staff identification card to the Human Resources Department without delay.

    “We appreciate your contributions to Kaduna Electric and wish you success in your future endeavors.”