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Umahi Hands Over New Carter Bridge Project To CCECC, To Shut Down One Carriageway Of Eko Bridge

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Umahi

Umahi Hands Over New Carter Bridge Project To CCECC, To Shut Down One Carriageway Of Eko Bridge

The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a brand-new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians.

The event took place at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after years of alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath both the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

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According to the Minister, investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridges began as far back as 2013, with another assessment carried out in 2019. The reports, he said, showed that the defects were increasing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.”

“The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi stated.

He explained that upon assumption of office, the present administration immediately engaged geologists and specialist divers to conduct further underwater investigations, which confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had already shifted from their pile caps.

“It’s just like the hip of the leg is cut off,” the Minister explained while describing the severity of the damage.

Umahi said extensive consultations were held with bridge experts, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly, including foreign professionals, to determine the best solution.

Experts, according to him, advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost almost twice the amount required to build a completely new structure. Following detailed technical analysis, the Federal Government approved the construction of a new modern bridge.

He revealed that part of the new Carter Bridge will feature a world-class cable-stayed design to improve navigation and add aesthetic value to Lagos.

“We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities,” he said.

The Minister disclosed that the project is expected to last 36 months.

He praised President Tinubu for what he described as bold leadership and commitment to infrastructure renewal across the country.

“So we are here to commend the president, president of first, president of infrastructure, the president of second tenure,” Umahi declared.

The project, valued at N545 billion, will be financed through a combination of Federal Government counterpart funding and external borrowing, with 30 percent to be paid by the Federal Government and 70 percent sourced externally.

Umahi further stated that due process was strictly followed in selecting the contractor, noting that seven firms were invited while six submitted bids, including Julius Berger. According to him, CCECC emerged as the most technically and commercially viable company.

“The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. And that’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council has awarded the project to them,” he said.

Formally handing over the site, the Minister directed the company to immediately mobilize to site while assuring Nigerians that the Ministry would closely monitor the project monthly to ensure compliance with all technical and safety standards.

“By the authority of our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and with gratitude to God Almighty, it is our prayers that this which the president had started, that will last 36 months… It is the president that has started this work, and God will give him enablement and the second tenure to complete this project to the glory of God,” Umahi added.

Meanwhile, the Minister also announced an emergency closure of one carriageway of the Eko Bridge following severe structural damage caused by illegal sand miners.

He disclosed that illegal dredging activities around the bridge led to the destruction of several supporting piles after miners struck one of the pile caps with a barge.

“When they knocked the pile cap, they broke three piles. And when they were trying to remove the barge, they broke another two,” he said.

Umahi explained that the damage has weakened a section of the bridge, resulting in dangerous cracks and structural instability that could threaten lives if urgent action is not taken.

As a precautionary measure, he directed that one full carriageway of the Eko Bridge be shut down by midnight of Sunday, May 10, 2026, while the unaffected carriageway remains open to traffic.

Umahi

Umahi

“We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” the Minister said.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government has already designed an emergency technical solution involving the lifting of an entire bridge span to expose and repair the damaged sections beneath.

According to him, Buildwell Construction, which has extensive experience handling bridge lifting operations on the Eko Bridge, will execute the emergency repairs alongside underwater structural investigations by specialist divers.

The Minister assured Lagosians that President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and directed that the matter be treated as an emergency.

“President said I must be in Lagos to examine it and then treat it as an emergency situation. And that is what we are doing,” Umahi stated.

He appealed for patience and understanding from residents, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains fully committed to protecting lives and preserving vital national infrastructure.

“We are solving problems we didn’t create, but that’s why you voted for us, and that we are going to be working day and night,” the Minister said.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works
(Media)
May 6, 2026

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NIWIIT Seeks Collaboration With EFCC On Cybersecurity

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NIWIIT

NIWIIT Seeks Collaboration With EFCC On Cybersecurity

An information and technology-driven group, Nigerian Women in Information Technology, NWIIT has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards enhancing the country’s cybersecurity.
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This request was made on Tuesday in Abuja on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 when the group paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.

The group’s President, Dr Oluwakemi Ayodele, described NIWIIT as an “interest group within the Nigerian Computer Society,” that advocates, empowers and mentors women and girls in information technology as well as run Women in Cyber Security Initiative.

According to her, the Women in Cyber Security Initiative is meant for women that are in the cyber security corridor or interested in cyber security. The Initiative, she explained, “helps organizations like the EFCC. We’ll train and retrain them so that we’ll be able to spread our tentacles and cover more grounds.”

Speaking further, she said, “We are looking out for Commissions like the EFCC that this Initiative aligns with; that can support us; that we can collaborate with, so that we’ll be able to cover more ground, cover more people, cover more states and cover more communities in the area of cyber security.”

In his response, Olukoyede who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, expressed delight with the visit and pledged the commitment of the Commission to assist the group, particularly in its cybersecurity training initiative. “The Commission is willing and ready to support you. We will do it appropriately through our Academy and IT Department,” he said.

NIWIIT

NIWIIT

In his contribution, the Chief of Staff to EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, expressed joy at the desire of the group to collaborate with the Commission in its fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes through the security enhancement of the nation’s cyberspace.

“One of our core values is stakeholders’ collaboration. It is very important because no one can fight corruption alone. He harped on the need for a broad-based awareness campaign across the country, pointing out that such awareness will help Nigerians in developing strength against cyber-related fraud.
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Tinubu Considering Enhanced Welfare Package For Information Sector Personnel – Information Minister

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Information Minister

Tinubu Considering Enhanced Welfare Package For Information Sector Personnel – Information Minister

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering measures aimed at improving the welfare package of personnel within Nigeria’s information sector as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the public service and enhance service delivery.
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The Minister made this known on Tuesday during the second day of activities marking the 2026 Civil Service Week Celebration at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Abuja, where Certificates of Recognition were presented to deserving officers and staff members in appreciation of their dedication, professionalism and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the Ministry.

Addressing staff of the Ministry, the Minister revealed that President Tinubu had directed him to explore practical ways of improving the welfare of workers in the information sector, assuring civil servants that the administration remains committed to rewarding dedication, professionalism and excellence. “I want to reveal for the first time that we are working with Mr. President.

He has asked me to look at what we can do, especially for those within the information sector, so that we can improve their welfare package. I want to assure you that Mr. President is going to achieve that,” the Minister stated.

Idris commended the resilience, dedication and patriotism of civil servants, describing them as the engine room of governance and indispensable partners in nation-building.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation occupies a strategic position in promoting national unity, disseminating accurate information and fostering citizens’ understanding of government policies and programmes.

According to him, information should serve as a tool for unity, development and national cohesion rather than division, stressing that the Ministry remains committed to supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through effective public communication and national orientation.

The Minister also highlighted key achievements of the Tinubu Administration, including economic reforms, improved revenue performance across states, strengthened foreign reserves, ongoing infrastructure development and expanded access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

He further noted that ongoing security efforts, in collaboration with security agencies and international partners, are gradually yielding results in addressing insecurity and improving public safety across the country.

He urged staff to recommit themselves to the ideals of professionalism, integrity and selfless service, emphasizing that sustainable national development depends largely on the efficiency and commitment of the civil service. “No nation can develop and reach its desired destination without dedicated civil servants. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot do it alone. All of us must contribute our quota towards building the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.

The Minister further commended the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, for her exemplary leadership, commitment to staff welfare and efforts toward strengthening institutional efficiency.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire, described civil servants as the unseen drivers of governance whose efforts sustain government operations and ensure effective service delivery to citizens.

Dr. Ukaire stated that the Civil Service Week celebration was designed to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of public servants who work diligently behind the scenes to advance national development.

She urged staff to remain committed to the core values of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), including efficiency, productivity, integrity and citizen-centred service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary reminded officers that they are nation-builders and agents of positive change, whose daily responsibilities directly impact the lives of Nigerians. “Every action you take and every assignment you carry out contributes to national development. We are important stakeholders in building a stronger and better Nigeria,” she said.

Information Minister

Information Minister

The event was attended by directors, heads of departments, senior management staff and employees of the Ministry as part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2026 Civil Service Week Celebration.

Suleiman Haruna, PhD
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation
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23 June, 2026

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EFCC: Witness Reveals Multi-Million Naira Transactions In Alleged N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial Of Ex-AGF Malami

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Abubakar Malami Declares 2027 Kebbi Governorship Bid

EFCC: Witness Reveals Multi-Million Naira Transactions In Alleged N8.7bn Money Laundering Trial Of Ex-AGF Malami

A prosecution witness on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, disclosed before the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, details of several high-value transactions that passed through the account of Alkausar Farm, one of the entities linked to the alleged N8.7 billion money laundering case involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
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The witness, Munawwarah Salisu Anas, a Compliance Officer with Jaiz Bank Plc, testified as the fifth prosecution witness, PW5, in the ongoing trial of Malami, his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the trio on a 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo), contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for continuation of trial and called Anas to testify.

Led in evidence by Okutepa, the witness told the court that as a compliance officer with Jaiz Bank, her responsibilities include interfacing with law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC.

When asked whether she received any correspondence from the EFCC in the course of her duties, she answered in the affirmative and identified a letter from the Commission requesting account-related documents.

According to her, the bank responded through a letter dated February 4, 2026, addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC.

Okutepa thereafter sought to tender the bank’s response and accompanying documents in evidence.

Defence counsel, Adedayo Adedeji, SAN, reserved his objection until the final written address.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted the documents in evidence and marked them as Exhibit E Series.

Explaining the contents of the exhibit, the witness stated: “Page one is the forwarding letter, page two is the certificate of identification, pages three to twenty-five are the account opening documents, while pages twenty-six to thirty are the statement of account of Alkausar Farm.”

While reviewing the account statement before the court, Anas identified several inflows and outflows in the account.

She testified that on June 13, 2018, the account received a cash deposit of N1 million from Hassan Aliyu, while on June 20, 2018, it received another cash deposit of N2.25 million from Aliyu Mohammed.

The witness further told the court that on December 7, 2018, the account received multiple inflows from Kalamu Wahid Global Concept, including transfers of N10 million each on four occasions and an additional transfer of N8 million on the same day.

She also disclosed that on December 18, 2018, the account recorded a debit transfer of N45.5 million to Donaliv Global Nigeria Limited.

Continuing her testimony, Anas stated that the account received N26.25 million from Al-Afiya Energy Limited on July 13, 2020, and another N26.25 million from the same company on July 22, 2020.

She further revealed that on July 24, 2020, the account recorded a transfer debit of N50 million to Sahad Stores Limited and another transfer debit of N1 million to Alfagai Jewelry Nigeria Limited.

The witness also testified that on August 12, 2020, the account received a transfer credit of N2.03 million, adding that on the same day, a cheque withdrawal of N2.03 million was made by one Aliyu Mohammed Hassan.

Abubakar Malami Declares 2027 Kebbi Governorship Bid

Abubakar Malami

Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, the witness confirmed that she did not appear before the court pursuant to a subpoena.

When asked whether she knew the purpose of the inflows and outflows reflected in the account statement, she responded: “Yes, we know because we monitor and report to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, if the transactions are suspicious.”

Following the conclusion of cross-examination and in the absence of any re-examination, the witness was discharged.

Thereafter, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till July 17, 2026, for continuation of trial.
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