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Water Resources Bill Will Generate More Income For Government, Says Ale
. calls for non politicization of bill
A Sustainable Development Expert (SDG) and Founder, CEO of Global Initiative for Nigeria Development (GIND) Development, Engr Michael Ale has called on Nigerians to shun the call for the withdrawal of the Water Resources bill by various political and sociolo cultural groups as many are just reacting without critical understanding of the content of the proposed Water bill currently at the National Assembly.
Engr Ale made this call while featuring on an Ibadan based radio station programme on Thursday.
He explained that Nigerians should not put political reason why the water bill should not be passed adding that each state can come up with their bill just like the recently launched Operation Amotekun in the south west.
The Sustainable Development Expert said if the bill is to be amended, some portion of the bill that has been greeeted with controversy should be expunged, then a replica of the bill should be enacted at the state level by the state assemblies with the establishment of a regulatory commission at their level.
“if anyone want to abstract the water should get a permit this is non sacrosanct.
Why should just some part of a bill which has been greeted with controversy because of the political marauding now makes the whole document invaluable. It’s like throwing away the baby with bath water.
In line with the International best practices, water law is important for protection of our water resources, just like we have laws governing airspace and land activities in the International best practices.
The former world bank consultant on water to the World Bank further explained that the current practice along the water sector is the Integrated Water Resources Management Commission which requires that the water Resources must be Governed and Managed well for the sake of sustainable and equitable use of common Resources by all, irrespective of political affiliations, race, gender and sociology cultural belief and interpretations.
He stated that current political atmosphere and the bad naming of the bill is creating unnecessary apprehension in the political terrains leading to misconceptions and distortions of the process that has gone through a legislative proceedings.”
“If the portion of the bill can be amended not all the content of the bill, it isn’t perfect as far as am concern because it has been trailed with controversy, if it has not been trailed with controversy and not misinterpreted then it is a perfect deal, but federal government can come from everywhere all over Nigeria and take over the land”
“When many are asking for the drop of the proposed bill, then they can also ask for federal government to stay away from their developmental project like water, roads, markets and other projects being executed by Government. Those interpreting the bill don’t even have the authority to do so.”
It is a pity this bill is coming at a later time because of the denigrate effect of the water and the consequences of our economic mistrust.
Imagine if petroleum regulatory bill is coming at this time, am so sure it will not pass. What is not regulated cannot be termed to be economically important. Water is both social and economic goods, it’s a human right and must be protected.
“Water Resources is causing war in some countries now, imagine the flooding we experience yearly and nothing has been done on curbing it, this bill gives direction on who takes responsibility and how things are done in the properly.
Let’s take the critical look at the petroleum industry.”
“For example, federal government control who establishes petrol stations and state government is still part of that activities that has to do with establishment of petrol station, do we have any controversy over that? There could be synergy between federal and state government on this.”
“Recently, just about two weeks ago, on the main road, somebody was drilling on the main street of Sabo in Oyo State causing vehicular gridlock preventing Nigerians from their means of livelihood, when there is no law, what do you expect? imaging that most of these bottling industries have been abstracting the common Resources which belongs to you and I free without any guideline on replenishment or guiding principle to give back to the operating community thus making billions of dollars yearly without any recourse to the source for its protection.
Engr Ale said the state government and federal government should can come with permit, licensing fees, water use charges and the rest, and no need for people to attribute to Ruga, adding that Ruga is not coming through back door as many Nigerians believed.
He further disclosed that the benefit of the bill is that most practitioners would be supported by financial institutions, and it should not be all comers affair especially by foreigners who takes no interest on what happened in the enviroment as their only interest is to make dollars and send back to their countries.
“The merit is that business would grow, water quality would be protected and it prevents any earth tremor because people can control any activities they are doing and by the time they get license, governm ent are getting taxes to take care of you and I.”
“This could be an additional means where government can get money, not from the poor but for the rich that has taken advantage of activities. Let us open our eyes and read the bill very well. A lot of people that are commenting on the bill has not read the bill, they want to put political attributes to it, let’s expunged that part and let us see the activities.”
He said that the demerit is all about how the bill has been presented adding that Nigeria as a nation must allow regulations in its developmental efforts in order for it to move forward.
The Oyo State Government has directed officials of the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development to halt the marking and demolition of houses situated beyond the 150-metre setback along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to address the Oyo Govt Halts Demolition Beyond 150metres Along Ladoja Ibadan Circular Road of affected residents, while an enumeration of properties within the corridor is being conducted to ensure adequate compensation.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, during a joint press briefing on Friday with the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Kehinde Shangodoyin, at the Ministry’s Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.
Akin-Funmilayo emphasised that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s administration remains committed to prioritising the welfare of its citizens, denying claims that the governor had extended the setback from 150 metres to 500 metres.
He clarified that no new land acquisitions had been made in the Circular Road corridor since Governor Makinde assumed office in 2019.
He explained that the 150-metre setback on both sides of the road was initially acquired in August 2006 during the administration of Senator Rashidi Ladoja. An additional 350 metres on both sides was acquired and gazetted by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2018.
“The governor has not acquired a single square metre of land along the Circular Road since 2019,” Akin-Funmilayo stated. “We are simply continuing with what was met on the ground, and we are developing the 150-metre segment for construction.”
He reassured residents that properties within the 150-metre boundary will be preserved, including housing settlements and villages, with no immediate plans for total clearance.
The commissioner also stressed that the current markings of buildings are for enumeration purposes, to assess affected properties for compensation and to prevent further unauthorised construction within the acquired land.
“Our focus now is on stopping new developments and determining the existing structures,” he explained. “The markings do not necessarily indicate demolition; they are part of the process to freeze further development and ensure proper compensation is made to those affected.”
The government, he added, has already started compensating residents whose properties are impacted by the project.
Akin-Funmilayo also instructed that no buildings beyond the 150-metre boundary should be marked or demolished at this time.
“We are taking every step to minimise the impact of the road construction on residents,” he said. “While some buildings will have to go, compensation will be paid fairly, and we are also exploring the option of providing alternate land to those affected.”
Prince Niyi Fasoye, speaking on behalf of the affected residents, expressed hope for more favourable responses from the government as the enumeration and compensation processes unfold.
The government has urged residents to support its efforts, assuring them that the project is being carried out in the public interest and not for personal gain.
The first phase of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit has transported over 250,000 passengers in just over 100 days since it began commercial operations.
This was revealed by John Zhao, an official of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC), which constructed and operates the rail system.
Zhao shared the update on his X handle on Friday.
According to Zhao, the rail network, consisting of two lines, covers a total length of 45 kilometers, with 12 stations across the city.
The trains have been operating safely, reaching a maximum speed of 100km/h, since commercial operations began on May 29, 2024, following its commissioning by President Bola Tinubu.
The rail lines connect the Abuja city center, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and the Kubwa satellite town.
Zhao highlighted the impact of the rail system on traffic in the city, stating, “The Phase 1 of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit by #CCECC has been operating safely for over 100 days! Consisting of 2 lines with a total length of 45 km and 12 stations, the maximum operating speed of the trains can reach 100km/h. It connects Abuja city center, the international airport, and Kubwa satellite town. During its operation, over 250,000 passengers have already been served, significantly reducing traffic congestion in the capital.”
Popularly known as the Abuja Metro Rail, the service has provided a vital link for commuters, easing the burden on the city’s road network.
Also, President Tinubu recently approved the extension of free rides on the rail system for another six months, until the end of 2024. This follows an earlier announcement by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, offering commuters two months of free rides.
Canada has announced an immediate end to the policy allowing holders of visitor visas to apply for work permits from within the country.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting the move as part of broader efforts to manage the number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.
The statement noted that while the temporary policy was originally set to expire on February 28, 2025, the decision to terminate it was accelerated due to concerns over misuse.
“IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization,” the statement read.
The IRCC further assured that applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the policy, will still be processed.
The policy was initially introduced in August 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at assisting visitors who were unable to return home due to border closures.
It permitted them to apply for a work permit without needing to exit Canada. Additionally, it enabled those who had held a work permit within the previous 12 months but had switched to visitor status to legally work in Canada while awaiting a decision on their new work permit application.
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