News
Fed. Govt. injects fresh N761 billion into Abuja–Kano road project
The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a legacy infrastructure project that will serve future generations.
Speaking during a site inspection on Saturday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi also assured that the 14-month completion period of the project remains achievable.
According to him, Sections 1 and 3 of the project, covering a combined 118 kilometers, were awarded for ₦252 billion, with the President already approving a 30 percent payment of about ₦60 billion.
Section 2, he explained, covers 72 kilometers by two lanes, with 15 kilometers designed as flexible asphalt pavement and the rest reinforced concrete.
The total cost for Section 2 is ₦507 billion, of which 30 percent (over ₦150 billion) has been disbursed, he revealed, noting, “When combined, the project up to Kano amounts to about ₦761 billion, which is highly courageous.
“I commend the President for his interest in building these roads,” the Minister said.
He added that the initiative has been tagged ‘Rebuilding Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu’, noting that the President has made its completion a funding priority.
The Minister emphasised that the current construction, unlike earlier works that dragged on for years, is designed to last for more than a century.
“We are very happy and assured that the roads being built by the present administration will last for over a hundred years. It is a legacy we will leave for incoming generations, as there will be no need to rebuild them again,” he affirmed, urging contractors to deliver quality work.
He further revealed that President Tinubu has directed that the standard of road infrastructure in the South-West, with all accompanying facilities, should be replicated in the North.
“We want to commend the contractors, but we also frown seriously because my integrity is at stake if we don’t complete the project in 14 months,” he warned.
The Minister urged young Nigerian engineers to embrace modern innovations in road construction, while also highlighting the President’s directive that all NNPC-funded projects must not be abandoned.
“We are going to prioritize them, and contractors will work based on milestones, not just certificates,” he explained.
Umahi emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation in road projects, stressing that on-the-ground supervision is essential to the success of any engineering project.
“We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Site inspection and sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project,” he said.
Minister of State for Works, Alhaji Garba Umar Goronyo, commended the contractors for the progress made so far and urged them to intensify efforts to meet deadlines, especially after delays caused by the rainy season.
“People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth.
Metro
Dangote Cement, FRSC strengthen partnership for road safety in Ogun
By Monire-Oluwa Lucas
Efforts aimed at further enhancing road safety in Ogun State received a boost following fresh collaborative engagement between the Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant and the State Sector Command for safer road use and general safety advocacy.
Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese Plant reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer roads and strengthening stakeholder collaboration as it received the newly deployed Ogun State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, and members of his management team on a courtesy visit to the plant.
Speaking during the engagement, Ogunjobi commended Dangote Cement for its consistent support to the FRSC and its contribution to road safety initiatives over the years pointing out that the company has established itself as one of the Corps’ most reliable corporate partners through its commitment to safety and responsible transportation practices.
He said: “Dangote Cement has remained a dependable partner of the Federal Road Safety Corps over the years, and we deeply appreciate the support we have continued to receive from the company. As an organisation with extensive logistics and transportation operations, Dangote Cement understands the importance of safety on our roads. This shared commitment provides a strong foundation for even greater collaboration between our two institutions.”
The Sector Commander emphasised that promoting a culture of safety requires continuous engagement with stakeholders, particularly organisations that operate large fleets of vehicles and professional drivers.
“Road safety is not the responsibility of FRSC alone. It requires collective action from government agencies, private sector organisations, transport operators, and road users. We believe there is significant potential for us to work more closely with Dangote Cement in driving safety awareness and improving compliance with road traffic regulations,” he stated.
As part of the proposed areas of cooperation, Ogunjobi advocated the establishment of an FRSC Special Marshal Unit within the Ibese Plant, noting that the initiative would strengthen safety consciousness among employees and drivers.
“We would like to see the establishment of an in-plant FRSC Special Marshal Unit that will serve as a platform for promoting road safety advocacy and best practices among staff and transport operators. Such a unit will support specialized driver training programmes, regular sensitisation sessions, and proactive safety campaigns aimed at reducing road crashes,” he said.
He further assured the company of the Corps’ readiness to provide technical support through continuous engagement, capacity building and safety enlightenment initiatives that will ultimately benefit not just the company but all road users across the state.
Responding, the Plant Director, Dangote Cement Plc, Ibese, Ayyagri Subbaraidu, described the FRSC as a critical stakeholder in the company’s operations and commended the Corps for its dedication to preserving lives on Nigerian roads. He assured that safety remains a central pillar of Dangote Cement’s operational philosophy and long-term growth strategy.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps plays a strategic role in our operations because transportation is a vital component of our business. We therefore recognise and appreciate the tremendous work being done by the Corps in ensuring safer roads and protecting lives,” Subbaraidu said.
He explained that the company’s Vision 2030 places strong emphasis on responsible operations, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration, making road safety an important priority.
“Dangote Vision 2030 clearly highlights the need for stronger partnerships with key stakeholders such as the FRSC. Safety is not merely a regulatory requirement for us; it is a core value that guides how we operate every day,” he stated.
“Our commitment goes beyond the movement of products. We are committed to ensuring that our drivers, contractors, employees and every road user interacting with our operations do so in the safest possible environment.”
News
Washington attack: US orders review of all Green Cards from 19 countries
The United States government has announced a sweeping review of all Green Cards issued to citizens of 19 countries, following Wednesday’s attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
The Trump administration disclosed the move on Thursday after authorities identified the detained suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national who had previously worked with American forces in Afghanistan.
According to AfghanEvac, an organisation involved in the resettlement of Afghans after the 2021 Taliban takeover, the suspect was granted asylum in April 2025, not permanent residency.
In a statement on X, the Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Joseph Edlow, said, “I have directed a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.”
The order had earlier banned nearly all nationals from 12 of those countries, including Afghanistan, from entering the United States.
Here is a full list of countries under the travel ban:
Countries with Full Travel Ban (12)
1. Afghanistan
2. Myanmar
3. Chad
4. Congo-Brazzaville
5. Equatorial Guinea
6. Eritrea
7. Haiti
8. Iran
9. Libya
10. Somalia
11. Sudan
12. Yemen
Countries with Partial Ban (7)
1. Burundi
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Sierra Leone
5. Togo
6. Turkmenistan
7. Venezuela
News
EFCC summons ex-AGF Malami
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for questioning.
Malami served as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Malami announced the development on his Facebook page on Friday, confirming that he had received a formal invitation from the anti-graft agency.
“I would like to inform my family and friends that I have been summoned by the EFCC to provide clarification on certain matters, and as a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I am determined to honour this invitation without any hesitation,” he wrote.
The former minister reiterated his commitment to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability, which he said guided his years in public service.
“I believe in the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability in governance; these are principles that I have long supported and upheld over the years of my public service,” he added.
Malami also stated that he would keep Nigerians informed of any developments that may arise from the invitation.
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