Economy
Decades Of Broken Promises, Isolation Ends As FG Embarks On Transformative Roads On Plateau Community
Decades Of Broken Promises, Isolation Ends As FG Embarks On Transformative Roads On Plateau Community
Decades of broken promises, isolation ends as FG embarks on transformative roads on Plateau community. The Federal Ministry of Works has concluded its National Media Tour of the North East, visiting ongoing projects on the Mambila Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area (LGA) of Taraba State.
The projects visited include the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Bali–Serti (Gashaka)–Gembu and the Construction of Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) Roads.
The Gembu–Mbamnga–Yang (Lip) Road, which links to the Cameroon border highlights a renewed hope under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. It will be recalled that during the 1961 UN Plebiscite on the former Northern Cameroons, it voted to join Nigeria, thereby creating the Sardauna Province on June 1, 1961. And, most importantly, the construction of the road was one of the conditions given, then, by the communities for being a part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which was accepted, promised but remained unfulfilled for a long time.
The Mbondua of Mbamnga Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sale Mbondu, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE for bringing a remarkable federal presence to his domain. He noted significant improvements, including trade, tourism, investment and commerce, travel time, movement and connectivity, access to healthcare, and more.
The monarch further highlighted that journeys, which previously lasted up to six hours due to poor road conditions and river crossings have now been greatly shortened due to the commencement of the project and, most especially, the completion of one of the bridges. He described the ongoing construction of the road linking Nigeria with the Republic of Cameroun as an intervention that has finally assuaged decades of neglect and suffering by communities on the Mambila Plateau.
According to him, the project represents the fulfilment of long-standing promises by successive administrations and a turning point in the integration of Mbamnga and surrounding communities into the national economy. “This road has changed our story. For decades, we were cut off. People crossed rivers with canoes and ferries, and a journey of barely 15 kilometres could take up to six hours. Today, that suffering is coming to an end. We now feel that we truly belong to Nigeria,” he ascertained.
The Mbondua of Mbamnga expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the project, and to the Federal Ministry of Works for its drive, noting that the decision has fulfilled expectations that had lingered for over six decades. “He (Tinubu) just awarded the contract, not knowing that he has also fulfilled one of the promises made in 1961, before we joined Nigeria. So we are so happy and full of praise,” the monarch stated.
He, again, commended the contractor for the timely delivery of a bridge along the route and highlighted the project’s importance in easing the movement of goods, improving access to healthcare, and strengthening community relations and connectivity. He described the use of CRCP technology as a very wise decision to ensure longevity, stating that most of his people are seeing it for the first time in their lifetime.
The Federal Controller of Works in Taraba State, Engr. Ibrahim Usman, had earlier explained that the project, which is located on the Mambila Plateau, commenced on January 13, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by July 12, 2027. It is to be constructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology.
He described the road as a critical transport artery linking the Mambila Plateau to the Camerounian border. He also disclosed that as of January, 2026, overall progress stood at about 20.76 per cent, with key components recording between 25 and 30 per cent completion. “One bridge has been completed, while work continues on a second bridge along the corridor,” he further revealed.
Also speaking, a representative of the contractor, Mr. Mathew Legacy, said the company remains committed to quality delivery despite challenges posed by difficult terrains and heavy rainfall. He complained that prolonged rains have affected construction timelines but assured that standards would not be compromised.
Plateau Community
The area experiences double rainfall maxima, annually. On his part, the Vice Chairman of Sardauna Local Government Area, Hon. Paul Ngantem, described the project as dynamic for daily life and economic activities across the plateau.
Another project inspected by the team was the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Bali–Serti (Gashaka)–Gembu Road, approximately 235 kilometres long, which is being executed by S.C.C. (Nigeria) Limited, as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
The project, which is funded under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, begins at Bali Roundabout and extends to Gembu, traversing lowlands and the mountainous terrains of the Mambila Plateau.
It, additionally, serves as the primary access route connecting Taraba State to the Cameroun Republic. Although, NNPC funding of road projects has been stopped by the President, he has graciously approved that such works continue, while another financing option is being considered.
The Bali–Serti (Gashaka) stretch of the alignment has largely been asphalted, with road markings and finishing works currently on. Other ongoing works on the remaining alignment include retaining walls, crash barriers, and slope protection measures to mitigate landslides, and rocks falling on road users and the carriageway.
Engr. Usman added that approximately 12 kilometres of wearing course and 18 kilometres of binder course have been laid, alongside over 4 kilometres of drain-to-drain asphalt shoulders to enhance durability. He emphasised that all works comply strictly with the Ministry’s specifications and the Minister’s directives to prioritise critical sections, as well as to protect completed carriageways.
The Zonal Manager of S.C.C Nigeria Limited, Engr. Michael Rolbin, the contractor handling the project, brought out the technical challenges of the hilly terrain and the attention given to slope stabilisation and protective works to ensure the safety of motorists. He expressed confidence that upon completion, the road will improve accessibility, transportation efficiency, and regional economic potential.
The two projects aim to provide high service levels to road users by reducing vehicle maintenance costs, lowering transportation expenses, saving travel time and energy, and minimising highway incidents and fatalities.
The icing on the cake was the Commissioning of Special Intervention on Failed Sections Caused by Flooding along the Jalingo-Mutum Biyu-Tella-Wukari Road. This vital artery, according to the FCW, links the North-Eastern states of Nigeria with the North Central and Southern States, including the FCT, through Makurdi, stressing that its socioeconomic status cannot be denied. It also has within its corridor commercial and agricultural towns and villages, making it vulnerable to high vehicular traffic.
The contract was for an emergency repair of distressed and deplorable parts of the road requiring urgent attention in order to reduce travel time, cost of vehicle maintenance/repairs, and prevent accidents.
Inaugurating the project, on behalf of the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Taraba State Branch, Comrade Mathew Jen, saluted the President and the Minister for various road projects in the state and found him worthy to perform the all-important task.
Navy Dismantles Illegal Refining Capacity, Destroys Site With 3 Storage Tanks in Rivers
The Nigerian Navy, through FOB BONNY, has dismantled an illegal refining site discovered in Promise Land Community along Nanabie Creek, Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, further denying criminal operators the infrastructure required to process stolen crude oil.
Eereporter.com
The site was discovered on 30 September 2026 following credible intelligence and comprised one large cooking pot and 3 large storage tanks intended for illegal refining activities. On 2 October 2026, the Commanding Officer, FOB BONNY, Captain SMC Umeh, led a team to the location, where the illegal refining site and associated equipment were destroyed in accordance with established regulations.
The intervention represents a further disruption of illegal refining capacity within the Bonny area, particularly by removing infrastructure that could be used to process and store stolen crude oil. It also follows recent operations by FOB BONNY under Operation DELTA SENTINEL that uncovered substantial volumes of suspected stolen crude oil and associated illegal refining infrastructure within its Area of Operations
Oil
The Nigerian Navy has continued to strengthen surveillance and monitoring across the area to prevent the establishment or reactivation of illegal refining sites and deny criminal operators the infrastructure required to sustain crude oil theft and related activities.
ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO
Navy Captain
Director Naval Information
Nigerian Navy
Eereporter.com
NNPC Ltd Offers N66 Fuel Discount Throughout the Nation
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has unveiled a nationwide ₦66 fuel discount promotion for customers using the NNPC Fuel App.
Eereporter.com
In a post obtained from its X handle on Friday, the promotion, which runs from October 1 to 7, is being held across NNPC stations nationwide as part of activities marking the period.
“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!
“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!
The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.
NNPC said customers across the country have already begun participating in the promotion, with highlights from the first day showing activities at several stations.
“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.
NNPC
NNPC also shared moments from the first day of the promotion and said more pictures and activities from stations across the country would be released.
The company urged customers not to miss the opportunity to participate before the promotion ends on October 7.
The ₦66 discount offer is available through the NNPC Fuel App during the stated promotional period.
Eereporter.com
President Tinubu Tells EFCC: You Have Justified my Confidence in You
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has applauded the efforts and performance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in the country, stressing that it has justified the confidence reposed on it.
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He gave this commendation on Friday, October 2, 2026 in Awka, Anambra State at the commissioning of a new Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. The President pointed out that there are evidential proofs of the success of the Commission in convictions, recoveries and other landmark achievements
Represented by Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tinubu noted that “supporting the EFCC is not particularly difficult. The agency has consistently demonstrated that the confidence reposed on it is well founded. Without mincing words, the evidential proof of the EFCC’s success speaks loudly in convictions secured, assets and properties recovered”
He affirmed that the strides of the Commission are in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
“When we came in three years ago, I highlighted nine major focal areas of my administration. Two of which are reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth and promotion of good governance. The anti-graft agency compliments this agenda as they are focused on accountability and transparency and appropriate deployment of resources”, he said.
At the commissioning, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede restated the commitment of the Commission to preventive frameworks in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption in the country.
According to him, the Commission will continue its focus on making corrupt practices difficult by blocking avenues through which they may happen.
“This new Directorate will not only enforce the law professionally and courageously, it will be high on corruption prevention. It will engage government institutions, businesses, financial institutions, professional bodies, schools, markets, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious bodies and communities. It will educate stakeholders, build relationships and mobilise the people to own the fight against all forms of corrupt practices in the zone”, he said
He assured Nigerians that the EFCC would not relent in the pursuit of its mandate, recalling the achievements of the Commission in the last 34 months and describing them as impressive progress.
“The pursuit of our mandate has been our dominant engagement and in the past few years, we have made impressive progress. Between October 2023 and July 2026, the Commission received 49, 673 petitions, investigated 39, 615 cases, filed 14, 476 cases in court and secured 10, 872 convictions. This gives a conviction-to-filing ratio of 75.1 percent. In the first half of 2026 alone, we recorded 1, 370 convictions from 1, 889 filings. The Commission also recorded recoveries of N1, 233, 612, 040, 411. 11, $684, 478, 457. 32, £373, 905. 78, €9, 343, 803. 66 inn addition to recoveries in other currencies”, he said.
He noted that at the institutional level, the Commission has made radical reforms that have been yielding optimal results as there are consequential improvements in the agency’s processes and procedures, which partly explains the impacts the EFCC has made and will continue to make in all the matrices of law enforcement.
“Reforms that have strengthened the Commission during the period include new guidelines on arrest and bail, a review of sting operations, the establishment of the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control, the Security Department, the Immigration and Visa Section and the Cybercrime Rapid Response Centre”, he said.
While charging Ndi Anambra on whistleblowing, the anti-graft czar said that the Commission has established channels through which members of the public can submit petitions and provide information. He noted that the Commission’s Eagle Eye App allows citizens to provide details of suspected wrongdoing and makes the provision of an informant’s personal details optional. “However, whistleblowing must be responsible and based on facts. It must not become an instrument for settling scores”, he said.
EFCC
He thereafter said that Anambra and Imo States deserve effective and responsive institutional presence as they are renowned for enterprise, innovation, commerce and an extraordinary culture of industry, adding that these legitimate activities must be protected from fraud, cybercrime, money laundering, investment fraud, diversion of public resources and other forms of economic and financial crimes. “Therefore, our coming to Awka is beyond geographical expansion. It is about taking the mandate of the EFCC closer to the people and closer to the economic activities we are meant to protect”, he said.
In their remarks, His Excellencies, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State and Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State said that they were pleased with the activities and management of the EFCC under the leadership of Olukoyede. They pledged their support to the Commission as it opened a new Zonal Directorate in their domain.
The commissioning of the new Directorate witnessed massive turn out of distinguished Nigerians, including members of the National Assembly, civil society organisations, community leaders, students, media among others.
Eereporter.com
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