Connect with us

News

Akpabio secures N10bn Sukuk funding for East West road

Published

on

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio ( 3rd from Left) Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr (Mrs) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, DG, Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs Patience Oniha and members of the National Assembly, during the during the Symbolic Cheque presentation ceremony for 2021 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance at the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, on Thursday in Abuja.

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has secured the sum of N10.4bn for the completion of construction work on the East- West road, from the 2021 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance.

In his remarks before he was presented with the cheque by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr (Mrs) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Thursday, Akpabio, who spoke through his Permanent Secretary, Dr Ardo Babayo, thanked his Finance counterpart for her support for the Ministry and by extension, the Niger Delta Region.

According to him, ” let me acknowledge the support and effort of the Hon Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, for the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the people of the region. The Eleme Junction to Onne, a 15 kilometer section of the East- West was abandoned because of lack of funds and that was why we went to Sukuk through the Ministry.

” We also recall that during the 2021 budget presentation, it was agreed that the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs will contribute the sum of N10bn from its meagre N19bn for capital projects, with the understanding that the Ministry of Finance would add N35bn and NIger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) N35bn, making N80bn for the completion and commissioning of that road by President Muhammadu Buhari this year 2022.”

” Before now, the Niger Delta Ministry had mobilised the RCC for necessary repairs on the collapsed portion of the road, as a stop gap measure, for easy vehicular and human movements. The Eleme Junction had to be redesigned to accommodate the Power Station that was not there when the road was contemplated in 2006,” he stressed.

Speaking further, the Minister said, “we are here today to collect the N10bn of that money from the Ministry of Finance, we are also waiting for the balance of N25bn, while the NDDC would remit its own support when its finance improves”

” Sometimes in October last year, there was a presidential directive that we transfer the road to the Ministry of Works and the Minister, Niger Delta Affairs, has commenced talks  with his Works counterpart in that regard. Let me also appreciate the effort of the Debt Management Office (DMO). We hope that the outstanding sum of N65bn would be released in due course, ” he stated.

Speaking at the symbolic Cheque presentation ceremony for the 2021 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance, the Finance Minister, said,” today’s event of N250bn disbursement is the 4th in the circles since 2017 that the special funding for reconstruction, rehabilitation of roads and other key infrastructure as directed by President Buhari. I acknowlege the support of the various chambers of the National Assembly to the success of this event of today.”

Jackson Udom, Chief Press Secretary To The Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Abuja

Comments

News

Kano Assembly Moves to Impeach Deputy Governor Gwarzo Over ₦1.6bn Alleged Fraud

Published

on

By

Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.

The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.

According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.

Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.

“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.

The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.

If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.

As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.

Continue Reading

News

IGP Inaugurates State Police Committee, Gives Four-Week Deadline

Published

on

By

State policing has been on the frontburner in Nigeria in recent years. Photo: X@PoliceNG

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.

The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.

“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.

He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.

“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.

The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.

It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.

The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.

Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.

The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu swears in Disu as IGP, inaugurates RMAFC, FCSC commissioners

Published

on

By

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.

Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).

The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.

He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.

A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.

Continue Reading

Advertisement

Entertainment

Advertisement

MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page

Advertisement

MEGAICON TV

Advertisement

Trending