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Umahi Commends CHEC For The Quality Execution Of The Ongoing Mararaba-Keffi Road Project

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FG Reaffirms Strong Commitment To Kogi Roads As Umahi

Umahi Commends CHEC For The Quality Execution Of The Ongoing Mararaba-Keffi Road Project

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for the quality execution of the ongoing Mararaba-Keffi Road project.

Mr Umahi made the remarks on Saturday during an inspection of the 43.65-kilometre road reconstruction and expansion project linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Nasarawa State.

He also appealed for the prompt release of outstanding funds that have been approved for the project.

The minister said the project, executed under the Federal Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, had reached technical completion. Eereporter.com

He added that the project would be ready for commissioning after a few outstanding observations were addressed.

“We are very happy with China Harbour. They have done a very good job. Today, the job is technically completed and ready for commissioning.

“The few observations we have made will be addressed before then,” he said.

Mr Umahi noted that the project, awarded in June 2023 at a cost of N73.9 billion, would significantly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion along the busy Abuja-Keffi corridor.

He, however, expressed concern over outstanding payments owed to the contractor under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Tax Credit Scheme.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment of outstanding commitments under the scheme, and the funds should be released without delay.

“We are owing the contractor quite a lot on this project. The President has approved the payment, and I appeal that the funds be released promptly.

“I feel unhappy when contractors are encouraged to work and the approved funds are withheld,” he said.

Mr Umahi also noted that design innovations were introduced on the project, including the use of rigid concrete shoulders alongside flexible carriageways to enhance durability and reduce maintenance costs.

He also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for complementary infrastructure projects around the corridor, particularly flyovers aimed at improving traffic flow.

Mr Umahi further directed contractors handling adjoining projects to adopt night-time construction schedules where necessary to minimise inconvenience to road users.

“We must put the people first. While carrying out these projects, we should not subject road users to unnecessary hardship,” he said.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works supervising the project, Yakubu Usman, said the road had attained 99.8 per cent completion.

Mr Usman said only a few ancillary works, including the installation of streetlights, kerbs, and U-drains, remained outstanding.

He added that the project was a model for future federal highway construction, noting that the innovative shoulder design would protect the pavement structure and extend the road’s lifespan.

The Chairman of CHEC, Wang Wenfei, on behalf of the contractor, appreciated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works, and the National Assembly for their support throughout the project.

“With the support of the Minister of Works and the National Assembly, we have successfully completed the job.

FG Reaffirms Strong Commitment To Kogi Roads As Umahi

Umahi

“We will also address the observations and directives given during the inspection as quickly as possible,” Nr Wang said.

The Mararaba-Keffi Road is one of the busiest transport corridors in the North-Central region, serving thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles travelling between Abuja and neighbouring states daily.

The project is expected to boost regional mobility, facilitate trade, and stimulate socio-economic activities along the corridor upon commissioning.
Eereporter.com

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Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Rising Debt, Says “N200tn Borrowed Without Accountability”

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Peter Obi To Tinubu

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Rising Debt, Says “N200tn Borrowed Without Accountability”

The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as excessive borrowing and poor fiscal accountability.

Obi said Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to about N200 trillion, which he attributed to what he called “imprudent governance” under the current administration.

He said the debt level represents an increase of over N100 trillion in three years, contrasting it with the approximately N49 trillion accumulated during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Labour Party presidential flagbearer in the 2023 election stated this in a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, saying the situation reflected a lack of accountability and transparency in the management of borrowed funds.
Eereporter.com

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has engaged in remarkably imprudent borrowing, escalating Nigeria’s total debt to approximately N200 trillion. This represents an increase of over N100 trillion within a mere three years, a stark contrast to the roughly N49 trillion accumulated during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year tenure, which would have projected to around N80 trillion.

“As millions of Nigerians grapple with the shock of this unsustainable debt accumulation, the situation is exacerbated by the government’s reckless approach to borrowing and a profound absence of accountability and transparency in the utilisation of these funds,” he said.

Citing figures from the Budget Office, Obi said the government borrowed N11.89 trillion in the first three quarters of 2025 (January to September), exceeding its planned borrowing target of N10.34 trillion by about N1.54 trillion.

He said such an overrun should ordinarily attract scrutiny and explanation from relevant authorities.

“Under a responsible and accountable government, such an overshoot would necessitate rigorous scrutiny and explanation from relevant governmental bodies. Regrettably, this is not the reality under the current administration,” he said.

He questioned how the remaining funds were utilised.

“The most disturbing aspect of the financial management fiasco under Bola Tinubu is that there is no explanation or information regarding how the balance was utilised or deployed.

“The question that Nigerians are rightly asking and deserve an answer to is what happened to the balance? Was it deployed for recurrent expenditure/consumption, for the entertainment of guests to Aso Rock or transferred to the Renewed Hope Agenda 2027 Election Campaign Fund?

“Nigerians deserve an answer on how our economy and resources are most unpatriotically managed,” he said.

Peter Obi To Tinubu

Tinubu, Peter Obi

Nigeria has faced mounting debt pressures since the Tinubu administration’s major reforms began in mid-2023, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies and unification of the foreign exchange market.

These moves aimed to correct fiscal distortions but triggered immediate inflation spikes, naira volatility, and higher living costs, while increasing the local-currency burden of debt servicing.

Tinubu had disclosed in May 2026 that Nigeria plans to spend about $11.6 billion on debt servicing in 2026.

While supporters of the government argue that borrowings support critical infrastructure, critics warn of a debt without growth trap.
Eereporter.com

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ACAN Hosts Maiden International Diplomatic Dialogue, Bringing Together Global Perspectives On The Fight Against Corruption

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ACAN

ACAN Hosts Maiden International Diplomatic Dialogue, Bringing Together Global Perspectives On The Fight Against Corruption

The Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) hosts its Maiden International Diplomatic Dialogue, bringing together global perspectives on the fight against corruption.

Today’s theme — “Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Kenyan Perspective” — features His Excellency, Ambassador Isaac Keen Parashina, MBS, Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, as Guest Speaker.

ACAN

ACAN

 

The dialogue is chaired by the Hon. Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and hosted by ACAN Provost, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim.

Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria
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Police: Kidnap Victim Freed, Four Suspects Nabbed In Ondo

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Police

Police: Kidnap Victim Freed, Four Suspects Nabbed In Ondo

The police command in Ondo says it rescued a 26-year-old woman kidnap victim and arrested four suspects linked to the abduction in Owo.

The police command in Ondo says it rescued a 26-year-old woman kidnap victim and arrested four suspects linked to the abduction in Owo.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday, said the kidnapping was reported on Monday.
Eereporter.com

Mr Jimoh said the victim, Ogechi John, was forcibly taken away at Gozako Filling Station along Emure-Akure Expressway.

He explained that the suspects reportedly arrived in an ash unregistered Toyota Camry before abducting the victim.

Mr Jimoh said the command’s rescue operation was carried out alongside Amotekun, local hunters and vigilantes. According to him, the strategic entry and exit points within Owo and adjoining communities were secured, while multiple patrol and tactical teams were deployed to comb nearby bushes.

“The prompt and coordinated response yielded immediate results as the suspected getaway vehicle was later discovered abandoned in a bush at Ojana, Owo.

“Acting on intelligence gathered during the operation, police operatives arrested three suspects found in possession of a lady’s motorcycle, believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation.

“The suspects were identified as Friday Shola, 27; Friday Monday, 21; Osho Joseph, 24, and one other.

“During preliminary interrogation, one of the suspects disclosed that the abandoned Toyota Camry had earlier been handed over to a herbalist identified as Lawal Lucky of Idimepe Street, Owo, who is currently at large.

Police

Police

“Sustained operational pressure and intelligence-driven efforts by the police culminated in the successful rescue of the victim, John. She has been rescued safely and is currently receiving the necessary support while investigators continue to process relevant evidence,” he said.

Mr Jimoh explained that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and identify any other persons who may have played a role in the crime, and ensure the successful prosecution of all culpable persons.
Eereporter.com

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