TheNewsGuru

Tag: FG

  • FG’s $150m suit against Google, GoDaddy.com stalled

    FG’s $150m suit against Google, GoDaddy.com stalled

    The absence of Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, stalled the 150 million dollars suit filed by a Nigerian, Chianugo Peter, against Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC.

    Peter had filed the suit over allegations bordering on the shutdown of his YouTubeAudio.com domain name after eight years of promotional and marketing efforts in breach of the contract.

    Justice Egwuatu had fixed today for the defence to cross-examine Peter after he was led in evidence virtually on the last adjourned date by his lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong.

    However, the matter, which was on number 7 on the cause list, could not proceed due to the judge’s absence. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 16 for hearing.

    Peter, through his lawyer, named GoDaddy.Com LLC and Google LLC as the 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit filed on April 14, 2023 and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/238/2023

    In his earlier originating summons filed by Ekpenyong of the law firm of Fred-Young & Evans LP, the Nigerian sought a $150 million in compensation from Google LLC and GoDaddy.com LLC for the alleged cyberspace contract breach.

    The plaintiff alleged that the defendants shut down his domain and business name: YouTubeAudio.com and transferred the rights over the name to Google LLC, an American multinational technology company.

    Google LLC, in its initial statement of defence dated Nov. 9, 2023, and filed Nov. 10, 2023, by its lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, of the law firm of Aluko & Oyebode, urged the court to dismiss Peter’s suit as being unmeritorious and lacking in merits.

    Justice Egwuatu had, in April 2024, gave the plaintiff go-ahead to amend his originating processes after his lawyer moved the application for same and it was not opposed by the defence counsel.

    In his amended statement of claim dated April 29, 2024, Peter sought ten reliefs.

    He sought a declaration that GoDaddy.com was wrong to shut down the YouTubeAudio.com domain name on Dec. 7, 2022 and that Google was wrong to remove “YTAudio” with its website youtubeaudio.com from its Google PlayStore on Dec. 25, 2023 without adequate compensation to him.

    He said this is notwithstanding that YouTubeAudio.com domain and business name is different and distinct from YouTube trademarks.

    He wants the court to declare that he is entitled to compensation from the defendants for the loss of the YouTubeAudio.com brand and goodwill which has accrued on the brand and domain name for eight years of promotional and marketing works from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.

    He sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of $50 million to him for promotional and marketing works on the YouTube Audio business name and YouTube Audio.com domain name for eight years from July 2, 2015 to Dec. 7, 2022.

    He sought a $100 million in damages for loss of anticipated profits associated with the brand equity and goodwill of YouTube Audio and YouTube Audio.com domain name.

    Peter also sought from the defendants, the sum of 50 million naira to enable him to carry out fresh registrations of its new name and secure an alternative domain name to host its application to attract users.

    The Nigerian sought an order directing the defendants to pay the sum of 10 million naira to him for prosecution of the suit.

    Alternatively, Peter prayed the court for an order for GoDaddy.com to reinstate and hoist the YouTubeAudio.com domain name which was shut down on Dec. 7, 2022 and for Goggle to also reinstate YouTubeAudio.com on its Google PlayStore platform which was unilaterally removed on Dec. 25, 2023.

    He submitted that he acquired rights over YouTubeAudio.com domain name from Go Daddy.com LLC who conducted a search before confirming that he could make use of the name.

    The plaintiff averred that he promoted the domain and business name from 2014 to 2022 and even wrote to Google to introduce YouTubeAudio’s services and to partner with it in 2014 and 2021 but received no response from it on both occasions.

    He said in February 2021, he applied for and YouTubeAudio.com was registered on Google Adsense platform for displaying advertisement on the website.

    Besides, Peter said in August 2021, the domain and i business name was registered on Google Playstore.
    According to him, the plaintiff consistently paid GoDaddy.com LLC for registration and use of the domain name from 2015 to 2022.

    But Google LLC, in its amended statement of defence and counterclaim dated and filed May 31, 2024, averred that its registration of the YOUTUBE trademarks at the Trademarks Registry gives it the exclusive night to the use of the said trademarks.

    It submitted that it has incurred expenses in the sum of 24,040 64 dollars in dealing with Peter’s “deliberate infringement of the counterclaimant’s YOUTUBE trademarks.”

    The company, therefore, sought a declaration that Peter’s registration and use of the YouTubeAudio business name with BN 2395035 at the CAC is an infringement of its YOUTUBE registered trademarks.

    It prayed the court for an order directing Peter to pay the company the total sum of $24,040.64 being the expenses incurred in dealing with his infringement of the YOUTUBE registered trademarks.

    It equally sought an order directing the plaintiff to pay the company the cost of defending the suit.

    In his amended reply to Google’s amended statement of defence dated 12th July 2024, Peter responded that it is not in doubt that Google LLC owns YouTube trademarks, however, YouTubeAudio is distinct and different from YouTube trademarks.

    He submitted that Google LLC, being a foremost search engine in the world, knew that he had earlier written to it, that he was making use of the YouTubeAudio domain name for the past eight years without any objection or caveat by either GoDaddy.com  or Google.

    “Hence, Google LLC is estopped from claiming any right over the YouTubeAudio domain name,” he said.

    GoDaddy.com LLC had neither filed any process nor represented in court.

  • Children’s Day: FG to review adoption rules

    Children’s Day: FG to review adoption rules

    The Federal Government is set to review its adoption regulations to strengthen the adoption process and prevent violence and other forms of abuse against children.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim made this known at a press conference organised in collaboration with Save the Children International (SCI) ahead of the Children’s Day celebration on Monday in Abuja.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the move aimed to ensure children’s rights and welfare were protected, and that adoption procedures were transparent, efficient, and child-centered.

    She added that plans were underway to roll out revised National Creche Guidelines to regulate and prevent abuse in childcare facilities.

    “We are establishing the Child Protection Knowledge and Data Centre. We are finalising the Child Protection Services structure, including formal protection, reporting, response, and rehabilitation.

    “We are also promoting the approved six-month maternity leave for new mothers and two weeks’ paternity leave for new fathers.

    “We are reviewing adoption regulations to strengthen processes that prevent abuse in that space,” she said.

    She added that the government was also working to strengthen the Nigerian Children’s Parliament at both national and state levels.

    “We recognise it as a vital platform for child participation, leadership, and advocacy on development issues.

    “The voices of our children matter, and we must amplify them in shaping policies that affect their present and future,” she said.

    Also, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI, stressed the importance of including children in identifying challenges affecting them and proposing solutions.

    He said: “Children are not just victims; they are part of the solution. Support child-led platforms, peer support groups, safe spaces, and school clubs that encourage children to speak up and support one another.

    “Involve children in developing school rules and anti-bullying policies. Incorporate empathy, respect, and conflict resolution into the children’s syllabus.

    “Engage children in feedback sessions and policy reviews to ensure their voices shape school culture and anti-bullying measures,” he said.

  • FG deploys technology in boundary management

    FG deploys technology in boundary management

    The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is entrenching the use of research, technology including drone, in boundary management.

    The Director-General, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this on Sunday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

    Adaji told NAN that the commission had advanced from analogue systems to digital and electronic systems in boundary management.

    He said with the support of President Tinubu, the commission had made significant progress in managing Nigeria’s boundary issues.

    “For those of us who are into the profession of mapping and surveying, we now know that we have advanced from the usual analog system to electronic system.

    “Now, we have satellite imaging, aerial mappings and drones and with these modern technology, you can assess areas that ordinarily would have been difficult, if you were to go on foot.

    “So, we’re really embracing technology,” he said.

    He reiterated the commission’s commitment to tap into available technology to get adequate and real time data for efficient definition of boundaries.

    The D-G also said that research was assisting significantly with data gathering to support the delineation of internal and international boundaries, including maritime boundaries.

    He added that the commission’s Research and Policy Analysis Department was equipped to provide relevant data for decision making for effective management of the country’s boundaries.

    “Going forward, we will capitalise on Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” to deepen the adoption of technology and research in the definition and demarcation of internal and international boundaries.

    “This, in the long run, will bring the dividends of democracy to the people, especially those living in border communities

    “We are going to emphasise on the physical definition of these boundaries, particularly those areas that we have resolved.

    “Thank God, we have improved budgetary provisions that will enable us to double our efforts in boundary demarcation and organise workshops to sensitise people to how to manage boundaries,” he said.

    Adaji further noted the difficulty in accessing some boundary locations, but expressed confidence that with modern technology, the commission would overcome some of the challenges.

  • FG raises alarm of serious safety concerns for popular Lagos bridge

    FG raises alarm of serious safety concerns for popular Lagos bridge

    The Federal Government has begun evacuation and demolition of illegal structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing serious safety concerns and risk of imminent collapse.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, gave the order while inspecting the bridge alongside structural engineers and officials of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., on Sunday.

    Umahi expressed concern over the condition of the bridge which, he said, had been severely compromised by illegal human activities.

    He said: “We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it.

    “People have converted the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential areas.

    “These activities have caused significant damage, to the extent that Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and reconstructed.”

    He said that the Cowry Bridge and the Independence Bridge had also been affected by similar activities.

    According to the minister,  attempts by the Federal Government to engage with the illegal occupants have met resistance, with some of them saying that the matter is before the court.

    “They have refused to vacate the premises. They wrote to us, claiming the matter is in court.

    “It appears that what they are selling is more important to them than the lives of Lagosians, but we cannot allow that,” Umahi said.

    Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos state, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, to ensure that all illegal structures beneath the bridge would be demolished before the close of business on Monday.

    “This is about saving lives. We must act to prevent the collapse of the bridge.

    “Beams have already been hit by vehicles, and some have been burnt. The structural integrity of the bridge is compromised,” he said.

    He also said that policemen should be deployed to the site to secure any valuables that might be found during the demolition.

    “If we find even a pin, it should be recorded and returned but I can tell you that what I have seen so far are mostly iron doors and partitions.

    “There are no significant goods inside,” Umahi said.

    The minister emphasised that there would be no going back on the decision to demolish and conduct a thorough examination of the bridge.

    “We are not trying to punish anyone, we are trying to save lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must go before Monday ends,” he said.

    The contract for the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge was awarded in 2024 to Julius Berger Plc.

    In April, Umahi, explained that one of the major problems with the bridge was  low headroom clearance.

    He noted that a section of the bridge had a headroom of about 3.0 metres, far below the required minimum of 5.6 metres.

    According to the minister,  the situation has resulted in frequent collisions by trucks, which hit the underside of the bridge deck and caused structural damage.

    Umahi also raised concerns about shops near the bridge which were selling chemicals, warning that such activities posed serious safety risks.

    He noted that a chemical once caught fire near the bridge and caused extensive damage to the structure.

    He said that the bridge’s structural elements had been significantly compromised and required urgent attention.

  • FG moves to deepen Lekki Channel beyond 16.5M

    FG moves to deepen Lekki Channel beyond 16.5M

    The Federal Government has given the nod for the maintenance dredging of the $1.5bn Lekki Deep seaport channel from its present 16.5metres to 17metres in the first instance as it targets 19meters depth.

    Disclosing this over the weekend during his maiden visit to Lekki port, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho in the company of senior management staff of the Authority, urged Lekki Port to consolidate transshipment volumes to landlocked neighboring countries.
    According to Abubakar Dantsoho, “The rise in throughput volume at Lekki Port is exciting to us.
    “Lekki’s capacity to berth super post-panamax vessels and deliver rapid cargo and vessel turnaround positions is a game-changer for Nigeria’s export competitiveness, particularly for agro-allied products, as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gains traction.
    “The port’s efficiency is driving steady increases in transshipment numbers, meeting the maritime needs of neighboring countries and supporting NPA’s goal of achieving economies of scale.
    “This enhanced competitiveness fuels demand, boosts foreign exchange inflows, and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s year-on-year trade surplus, reinforcing the national economy
    “So it’s very pleasing to note the rising export figures and we hope that the export volume is going to double or even triple in the nearest future. And because of that, we have to still reaffirm our commitment as NPA management to do what we can possibly do within our own powers and with the support of the Federal Government to ensure that this trend, this beautiful throughput trend you have shown us, continues to grow and increase.
    “So what are we doing to ensure that this trend continues? We are doing about five things. Now, number one, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the recommendation of the Nigerian Port Authority has gotten the approval for the dredging of the channel at Lekki Port.
    “This is something that we have been working towards, something that we’ve been discussing for almost two or three years. And finally, we give God the glory that it has happened.
    “We have also syndicated a strategic partnership agreement with
    China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to undertake the dredging in the overriding interest of trade facilitation”. But because we wanted to also enhance the relationship and make the partnership stronger in a concerted bid to grow Nigeria’s trade volumes”.
    “So I think that’s a clear indication of how serious and how supportive we can get when it comes to issues of Lekki Port.”
    On automation, the NPA MD stated that, “Now, the other thing I want to mention is the automation issue that you have raised. Now, luckily for you, and most likely because you are the most current or the latest port that we have in Nigeria, it is expected naturally that all those things that are required for a modern port should be here. Lekki Port is up to date with the technologies and we are very happy about that.
    “The technology that is here will be part of the main requirements for the deployment of the port community system, which is a precursor for keying into the National Single Window.
    “We are hoping that other port locations or other terminals will very soon also have 100 percent capability in terms of technology deployment so that once we deploy the Port Community System, keying into it would not be an issue. So I really appreciate that Lekki Port has done well in the area of technology deployment.”
    On channel survey, the NPA MD explained that the contract has been awarded.
    “We have awarded the contract for the survey of the channel, which is also a major requirement of the international port and harbour and navigation systems. This will give us more optimisation in the area of channel management around Lekki Port.”
    On Lekki Port request for a reduction in Ship Dues, the NPA MD explained that many of the equipment the Authority buys to ensure efficiency at the ports are dollarised.
    “We keep buying Navigational Bouys, Tug Boats and otherd to ensure efficiency in port operations across the country. Because many of the things that we buy are dolariser, in as much as it’s necessary to lessen the burden of Lekki Port payments to government, Lekki Port should also know that we need to have more money to be able to buy more of these things and also ensure that personnel who are running them are also well paid.
    “When the Single window is finally deployed, and 95 percent of port processes become paperless, the revenue at the ports will triple. Electronic transaction will completely or near completely eliminate unreceipted payments in our ports
    “When this happens, it is believed that we are going to make more money. At that point, I think NPA will look at the possibility of bringing down the Ship Dues.”
    The NPA MD also commended the Management of Lekki Deep Seaport for sustaining superior performance and remains unwavering in its commitment to providing every necessary support to optimize the port’s potential.
    Speaking earlier, the MD of Lekki Port, Wang Qiang presented several key requests for policy support to the NPA MD.
    “We wish to request for an adjustment of Tariff Structure to reflect service costs and inflation, reduction in Ship Dues specifically for large vessels and feeders, to enhance port competitiveness.
    “Provision of Night Pilotage Services to enable 24/7 operations and improve vessel turnaround time, amongst others,” the Lekki Port MD stated.
    The NPA MD also paid a visit to the $19.5bn Dangote Petrochemicals Refinery, and met Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

    OUTPUT CONSOLIDATION: Managing Director Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (3rd Right), Managing Director Lekki Port Mr. Qiang Wang (1st Left), Board Chairman Lekki Port, Mr. Abiodun Dabiri (1st Right) and Executive Director Finance & Administration NPA, Vivian Richard-Edet (2nd Right) on Saturday May 24th 2025 when the NPA Management team paid performance enhancement visit to Lekki Deep Seaport.
  • ASUU threatens nationwide strike

    ASUU threatens nationwide strike

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action.

    ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

    He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.

    According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.

    He mentioned withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.

    In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled.

    He highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University.

    According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.

    On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.

    Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.

    He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

    To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare.

    “Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said.

    He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.

    “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges.

    “We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said.

  • JUST IN: Finally, Supreme Court quashes 36 states’ suit against FG over recovered loot

    JUST IN: Finally, Supreme Court quashes 36 states’ suit against FG over recovered loot

    The Supreme Court has quashed a suit by the 36 states’ governments and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) challenging the federal government’s application of recovered looted funds.

    In a judgment on Friday, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court was unanimous in holding that the suit was wrongly instituted before the apex court.

    In the lead judgment, prepared by Justice Chidiebere Uwa, but read by Justice Mohammed Idris, the apex court held that the plaintiffs wrongly invoked its jurisdiction.

    It held that the subject matter of the suit, marked: SC/CV/395/2021, was within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

    The plaintiffs had claimed that “between 2015 and 2021 when the suit was filed, the FG has secured both international and municipal forfeiture, recovery and repatriation of “stolen assets” in the sum of NI,836,906,543,658.73, about 167 properties, 450 cars, 300 trucks and cargoes, and 20,000,000 barrels of crude oil worth over N450million,” which it allegedly failed to remit as required by the Constitution.

    They alleged that instead of paying the cash into the Federation Account, the FG illegally diverted it into the Consolidated Revenue Accounts (CRA) and other accounts not recognised by the Nigerian Constitution.

    The states argued that the CRA is the account into which FG’s share from the Federation Account, other federal earnings and funds belonging to specific state governments are paid.

    They added that other federal earnings payable to the CRAs include receipts from federal government licenses and land revenue, administrative fees, earnings and sales, rent of government property, interests from federal government investments, repayments from state governments, Personal Income Tax of Armed Forces and others.

    The plaintiffs stated that by establishing the Asset Recovery Account and Interim Forfeiture Recovery Account, into which revenue from recovered assets was to be paid, the Asset Recovery Regulation contradicts the provisions of the Constitution.

    They noted that since 2015, “numerous recoveries of illegally acquired assets have been secured through anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies,” including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

    The plaintiffs, citing sections 162(1), 162 (10) and 80 of the Constitution and section 2 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, 1958, argued that recovered funds qualify as revenue payable to the Federation Account instead of the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government.

    They stated that it is “unconstitutional to remit or divert revenue payable into the Federation Account to the Consolidated Revenue Account of the Federal Government or any other account whatsoever, or to apply the said revenue to any other purpose,” the plaintiffs argued.

    The plaintiffs prayed the court to, among others, declare, “that by the provisions of Section 162(1) and Section 162(10) of the Constitution of all income, returns, proceeds or receipts howsoever described derived from confiscated, forfeited and/or recovered assets constitute revenue of the federal republic of Nigeria, must be remitted to the Federation Account for the collective benefit of the federal, state and local governments.

    They urged the court to issue a d order compelling the remittance of N1.8 trillion (cash) and N450 billion (non-cash) in recovered loot since 2015 into the federation account.

    The plaintiffs also prayed the court to compel the defendants to give a detailed account of the recovered assets that are not remitted into the Federation Account by the President, as well as all the relevant officials and agencies of government.

    They also want the apex court to compel the FG, through the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC), to design the modalities for distributing recovered assets among the federating units.

  • Tinubu not controlled by Cabal – FG

    Tinubu not controlled by Cabal – FG

    The Federal Government has refuted insinuation in certain quarters that President Bola Tinubu is being controlled by cabal and shadowy inner circle in his government.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, denied this in Abuja on Thursday while delivering an address at the APC National Summit with the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far.”

    The minister said that the President, rather, welcomed a wide range of perspectives, and took informed decisions solely in the best interest of Nigeria.

    “You need to study the president very well. You can have your voice; you can say what you want to say; he will listen to you but his decision is ultimately his own. I think it’s important for us to recognise that,” he said.

    Speaking on the theme of the summit, Idris said, President Tinubu remained committed to transforming Nigeria through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a bold, people-first blueprint turning obstacles into opportunities.

    “The Renewed Hope Agenda iis about positively impacting the lives of the people of Nigeria, through bold decisions designed to unleash the full scale of Nigerian potential, in a way that has never been seen or done before,” he said.

    The minister recalled that Tinubu inherited a nation at a crossroads and immediately moved with clarity and courage.

    “Among the first decisions the President made were the removal of petrol and foreign exchange subsidies, which had ,been amongst the biggest impediments to Nigeria’s progress, costing us billions of dollars in losses and waste,” he said.

    Idris noted that “true leadership involves the ability to make decisions that might be tough in the short term, but are guaranteed to deliver lasting returns.’”

    He said the outcomes of the president’s reforms were now evident across all sectors through large-scale infrastructure, social investment programmes, revamping of the nation’s mining and petroleum sectors among others.

    “At the federal level, the increased revenues have set a new standard for ambition and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects,” Idris said.

    He highlighted four signature highways — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Abuja Superhighway, and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Highway.

    Idris said the four signature highways totalled more than 2,600km and linked communities and economies across the country.

    “Another flagship project driving regional integration is the Kano-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway.

    “This vital corridor is a key component of the Lagos-Kano railway modernisation plan and is being delivered as a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.,” he said.

    In the housing sector, the minister said the administration launched the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Projects, “an ambitious intervention aimed at addressing the nation’s housing deficit while stimulating job creation and urban renewal.

    To support the growing digital economy, Idris said that the Federal Government deployed 90,000km of fiber optic cable nationwide.

    He described the on-going project as “unprecedented scale of broadband infrastructure which will not only bridge Nigeria’s digital divide but also support smart governance.

    He added that the fibre optical cable project would attract digital investments, and enable secure e-services in education, healthcare, commerce, etc.

    Idris said about 300,000 Nigerian students are now benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), while workers are accessing the new Consumer Credit Scheme to buy essential goods.

    On security, Idris said, the military neutralised and arrested thousands of terrorists and bandits and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages.

    He said, more than 25 new aircraft had been acquired, and the Navy had taken delivery of four new vessels.

    He hailed the president for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development and Regional Development Commissions across the six geo-political zones.

    The Minister emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda is holistic and people-centered.

  • Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno says his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is reviewing strategies to confront the recent resurgence of attacks in parts of the state.

    Zulum announced this on Saturday during a statewide broadcast, where he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen local security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and support frontline security personnel with necessary tools.

    “In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.

    “I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.

    “Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” he said.

    The governor said that President Bola Tinubu and the Service Chiefs had given firm assurances to support Borno in addressing its security challenges.

    He reiterated the state’s resolve to reinforce volunteer forces, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and hunters, as well as to improve community-based intelligence and early warning systems.

    “Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he said.

    The governor also addressed the ongoing water scarcity in Maiduguri and its environs, attributing it to the destruction of key infrastructure caused by last year’s catastrophic flood.

    “I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he said.

    On rising criminal activities within Maiduguri metropolis, he announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crimes and maintaining public order.

    He called for unity among citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to support peacebuilding initiatives in the state.

    “We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it, insha Allah,” he assured.

    Meanwhile, the governor called on residents of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday, May 19, to seek divine intervention for lasting peace and stability.

    “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” he said.

    “Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope.

    “Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he added.

    The governor commiserated with the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and prayed for them  to bear the irreparable losses.

  • Dasin Hausa Dam completion a top priority – FG

    Dasin Hausa Dam completion a top priority – FG

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to completing the Dasin Hausa Dam project in Adamawa, calling it a top priority to address water scarcity and enhance flood control in vulnerable rural communities.

    This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja on Friday.

    He noted that the renewed focus on the dam was timely, following the devastating floods of 2024, which displaced many residents after the Alau Dam overflowed.

    According to him, the Dasin Hausa Dam will act as a buffer against future flooding while supporting irrigated agricultural development.

    He added that a transactional adviser has already been appointed for the project.

    Utsev said the ministry’s interventions aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially priority three, which focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security.

    He stated that three major multipurpose dams had been completed and commissioned in Niger, Kogi, and Benue, as part of the ministry’s achievements from 2023 to date.

    Utsev further disclosed that the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Plant in Taraba was concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, generating over N7.1 billion in commencement fees for the federal government’s special concession account.

    He added that two other major hydropower projects; Katsina-Ala (460MW) in Benue and Farin Ruwa (20MW) in Nasarawa were at various stages of PPP concession.

    “These projects contribute not only to electricity generation but also to the transportation of agricultural produce and the development of cottage industries in rural areas,” the minister stated.

    On irrigation, Utsev said the ministry had completed four major projects, including the rehabilitation of 9,490 hectares at Bakolori in Zamfara and 2,100 hectares at Dadin-Kowa in Gombe state.

    He added that micro-irrigation systems had been established in Oyo and Jigawa to promote all-year farming through the use of solar-powered boreholes and greenhouses.

    The minister noted that seven water supply projects had either been completed or were nearing completion, benefiting more than one million people.

    “These include the Gashua and Potiskum water supply schemes in Yobe State and a water facility at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abuja”.

    Utsev also stated that more than 560 water schemes were implemented in partnership with state governments and donor-supported programmes.

    He emphasised that access to clean and safe water was a fundamental human right, noting that the ministry had scaled up collaboration with sub-national governments and development partners to expand access to solar-powered water systems in underserved areas.

    Utsev announced that an additional 40 Local Government Areas had attained Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, bringing the national total to 142.

    He added that the “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign had been intensified through public awareness jingles in five Nigerian languages and the construction of sanitation facilities in schools and public places across 23 states.

    The minister also revealed that a revised Clean Nigeria Campaign Implementation Strategy (2025–2030) had been launched to guide progress towards making Nigeria Open Defecation Free.

    “We are not just building toilets; we are restoring dignity. Improved sanitation positively affects public health, school attendance especially for girls and overall community well-being,” he said.

    Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to people-centred policies aimed at promoting economic stability.

    He urged the media to report such developments responsibly and with a sense of patriotism.

    The briefing was also attended by the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi.