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Tag: FG

  • FG releases update on N6.3trn Third Mainland Bridge reconstruction contract

    FG releases update on N6.3trn Third Mainland Bridge reconstruction contract

    The Federal Government has said the contract for the reconstruction of the 3rd Mainland Bridge in Lagos, estimated by Julius Berger to cost 6.3 trillion naira, has not been awarded.

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated this when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit on Saturday in Abakaliki.

    Umahi said defects on the 3rd Mainland Bridge and the Carter Bridge were not new, noting that he had been engaging stakeholders on the matter.

    He explained that the 3rd Mainland Bridge, which is over 50 years old, was assessed in 2013 and 2019, and that deliberations were held with experts on how to address identified issues.

    The minister added that while the Carter Bridge also required rehabilitation, works on the Eko Bridge were ongoing.

    “From our findings, to rehabilitate the Carter Bridge could cost us N386 billion, but to do a brand new bridge would be at about N359 billion.

    “And for the 3rd Mainland Bridge, to repair it will cost us N3.86 trillion, but to construct a new 3rd Mainland Bridge will cost us N3.6 trillion.

    “Now, that is the findings we took to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting. We did not take it there for contract to be awarded, we only brought estimated findings as done by Julius Berger Ltd.

    “Therefore, no contract has been awarded for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Any information aside this is not correct.

    “And we believe strongly that if we expose these findings to more industry experts or players, they may come with a better solution and a better cost too.

    “But the important thing is for FEC to note that we have a problem with the two bridges; so, nobody has awarded any contract to that regard,” Umahi stressed.

    He disclosed that the federal government had closed the 3rd Mainland Bridge to heavy trucks and would also close the Carter Bridge to heavy trucks by Sept.

    According to him, the only bridge now open for movement of heavy-duty vehicles from Lagos Island to the Mainland is the Independence Bridge, which he said had been rectified.

    Umahi recalled that the Eko Bridge was once completely burnt, but that rehabilitation works on it were currently ongoing.

    “Now, for the way forward, FEC approved that there should be an advertisement for experts in bridge construction to bid with quotation to do comprehensive rehabilitation of the two bridges.

    “We want them to do the investigation, the design, costing, and submit, or tell us the cost of constructing new ones.

    “Another option is that, we are also opening it to public private partnership for the private sector to come and get involved, do the bridges, toll it and recover their money.

    “So nobody has awarded contract for the reconstruction of 3rd Mainland Bridge for N3.6 trillion or contract for the Carter Bridge,” Umahi reiterated.

    The three major bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland are the Carter Bridge, built in 1901; the 3rd Mainland Bridge, whose first phase was commissioned in 1980 by President Shehu Shagari and completed in 1990 by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The third is the Eko Bridge, which was constructed in phases between 1965 and 1975.

  • FG speaks on appointing firm to sell assets linked to Emefiele

    FG speaks on appointing firm to sell assets linked to Emefiele

    The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has denied claims made by a private company that it was appointed to coordinate the sale of 753 houses reportedly seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the ministry cautioned the public to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and emphasized that it has not authorized any company or consultant to manage this process.

    This disclaimer came after reports that a firm named Pink Synergy Global Company Limited had circulated letters to unsuspecting Nigerians and agencies, claiming to be the government’s official auctioneer for the properties in question.

    The ministry noted that these letters, which were signed by the company’s Chief Executive, Yashim Kejang, invited potential buyers to submit “expression of interest” forms.

    “The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development wishes to categorically inform the general public that it has not appointed or given sale rights to any company or consultant to coordinate the sale of the 753 houses seized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), linked to the former CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele.

    “The disclaimer became necessary on the backdrop of a claim by a company named Pink Synergy Global Company Limited, that it has been appointed as the official auctioneer for the sales of the 753 units of houses by the Federal government.

    “The ministry learnt that the company has written proposals and introduction letters to unsuspecting Nigerians and agencies asking them to purchase an expression of interest form to purchase the houses.

    “The copy of the Pink Synergy Global Company Limited letter sighted by the ministry has one Yashim Kejang, Chief Executive, as the signatory.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, no sales of the 753 units of houses have commenced by the Ministry.

    “The Ministry is informing the public that it will give a clear and adequate announcement regarding the sale as well as the strategy outlined for the sales of the houses, as directed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The public is advised to direct all inquiries to the ministry through the departments of Public Building and Housing Development, and Press and Public Relations, for clarification before committing any resources”, the statement stated.

  • FG adopts new policy on menstrual health, removes tax on sanitary towels

    FG adopts new policy on menstrual health, removes tax on sanitary towels

    The Federal Government and stakeholders have validated and adopted the first-ever National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) to tackle challenges affecting women and girls.

    Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, at the validation meeting on Friday in Abuja, described the policy as a step towards ensuring menstruation does not limit any woman or girl-child.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Dr Maryam Keshinro, noted that the recent waivers on sanitary towels by President Bola Tinubu, showed his deep sensitivity to gender and public health matters.

    She noted that women aged 15 to 49 constitute about 25 to 30 per cent of the country’s population, meaning tens of millions of Nigerians manage menstruation monthly.

    “Alarmingly, 15 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 are already mothers or pregnant, and over 7.3 million adolescent girls and women suffer from undernutrition.

    “With 55 per cent affected by anaemia; conditions that can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products,” she said.

    She explained that these realities further justify the urgency of the national policy validation, adding that menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; but a family, community, and national development issue.

    “Every month, from bustling cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, to remote villages in Borno, Benue, Cross River, and Sokoto, as well as IDP camps in Maiduguri, Zamfara, and Adamawa, millions of women and girls experience menstruation.

    “It is a normal biological process that should never be a source of shame, stigma, or economic hardship,” she said.

    The minister highlighted inadequate access to sanitary products, poor WASH infrastructure, lack of accurate information, and persistent cultural taboos as factors that have contributed to exclusion, absenteeism from school, and preventable health challenges.

    She added that the development of the policy will address these realities; break the silence, eliminate stigma, and embed MHHM into the national development agenda across health, education, water, sanitation, and gender sectors.

    According to her, the policy will set a clear vision by 2030 which includes that no girl in Nigeria should have to choose between managing her menstruation and pursuing her education.

    “No woman should be hindered in her personal or professional development because of menstruation; and no community should sustain stigma or exclusion linked to it.

    “Implementation will require strong collaboration across sectors, political will, and active participation from states, communities, and development partners,” she said.

    The minister, therefore, expressed appreciation to partners; particularly Population Services International and WaterAid Nigeria for their support in addressing menstrual health and hygiene challenges.

    Also, Mrs Fifi Ogbondeminu, Acting Country Representative, Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, said the event marks a milestone towards ensuring that menstruation is no longer a silent burden but an issue addressed with dignity, empathy, and urgency

    Ogbondeminu, represented by Abdulhameed Adediran, Team Lead for Menstrual Health Initiatives at PSI Nigeria, said menstrual health is a human rights issue, a gender equality issue, and a development issue.

    She noted that through PSI’s Menstrual Health No Wahala (MH-NoW) programme, the organisation provided women and girls with affordable menstrual products, age-appropriate education and enabling environments that break stigma.

    She emphasised the need to ensure the availability of low-cost menstrual products across rural and urban areas, integrating menstrual health into school and community programmes, and empowering girls to stay in education without shame or interruption.

    Also, Evelyn Mere, Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, noted that the policy will also improve access to essential infrastructure including clean water, sanitation facilities, waste disposal systems and hygiene education.

    Mere, represented by Dr Theodora Ngozika-Igboaneka, Policy and Advocacy Manager, said the policy is a powerful signal of commitment to human rights, health, dignity and empowerment of girls and women across the country.

    “At WaterAid Nigeria, we have seen firsthand what changes when communities address menstrual health properly. Schools where girls no longer miss classes. Workplaces where women participate fully.

    “Communities where the silence and shame around menstruation give way to open, practical support,” she said.

    Also, Mrs Mabel Adinya-Ade, Consultant on the Development of the National Policy on MHHM, emphasised that its objective is to provide a comprehensive framework to improve access to safe menstruation for vulnerable women and girls.

  • “Many of our custodial centres were built 100 years ago”-FG reveals

    “Many of our custodial centres were built 100 years ago”-FG reveals

    …says 12 undergoing rehabilitation

    The Federal Government has revealed that many of the custodial centres in Nigeria were built 100 years ago.

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed this saying many of the custodial centres were built 100 years ago and were old.

    “Mr President did not become President 100 years ago. We have 246 correctional centres, and none were established under this administration.

    “The one in Ikoyi was established, I think, in 1956. The one where we had the jail break in Suleja, I think, was established in 1914, and there are so many correctional centres that are 100 years old.

    “I can tell you that about 12 correctional centres are undergoing rehabilitation,” the minister said.

    He explained that some of the centres did not have medical doctors until President Bola Tinubu approved the employment of doctors for the facilities.

    “What you look at what this government has been able to do in the last two years with regards to even Port Harcourt prison, which was in a bad state, what the President has been able to do in Kuje, where some weeks ago, major surgeries were held.

    “That is beyond the infrastructure. When this government came on board, we had a scenario whereby in some state commands, we didn’t have a single doctor for the correctional centre.

    But the President came, approved the employment of 50 doctors, 100 nurses, and also approved that NYSC doctors should also be posted to correctional centres,” Tunji-Ojo explained.

    On what the government was doing to fortify the custodial centres, the minister said, “A lot is going on. There is a lot I wouldn’t want to talk about. As I said, we have 246 correctional centres.

    “You cannot expect Mr. President to fix 246 locations — in each location, you can have about 10 structures — within two years. So, what we are doing is we are collaborating.

    “Yes, we are not where we want to be, but we are not where we were. And how have we been able to do this? Of course, I have to say a big thank you to the other security agencies.

    “So, there is a lot of intelligence work that goes into a lot of these things, but I don’t want to go into details.”

  • FG to empower 8m Nigerians across wards level – Onanuga

    FG to empower 8m Nigerians across wards level – Onanuga

    No fewer than eight million Nigerians are set to benefit from the Renewed Hope Empowerment Scheme across the political wards of the country.

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy,  disclosed this during Citizens’ Engagement with the people of Enugu State on Thursday in Enugu..

    A Federal Government team led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is embarking on a three-day citizens’ engagement and tour of projects in Enugu and Ebony states.

    The essence of the tour is to interact directly with citizens and showcase ongoing projects of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in the South East region.

    Speaking at the event, Onanuga said that President Bola Tinubu is determined to make, at least, eight million Nigerians wealthy through the empowerment programme.

    He said the empowerment pogramme that will come on  board soon, will target 1000 Nigerians in each political ward of the country.

    “The programme is designed to address poverty at the wards level across the country. We have over 8,000 wards in the country. If you multiply 1000 beneficiaries in each ward, it will amount to eight million Nigerians

    “The programme will empower the targeted people with different types of entrepreneurship skills and opportunity to create wealth for themselves and their family.

    “The programme will soon start and we are sure, it will go a long way to create wealth for the beneficiaries, with a value chain effects,” Onanuga said.

    He appreciated the people of Enugu for coming out in large number  to engage with the federal government team.

    The president’s spokesman also  solicited their continuous support, stressing that Tinubu is committed to empowering Nigerians and making the people happy.

  • Polytechnics staff threaten strike, issue FG ultimatum

    Polytechnics staff threaten strike, issue FG ultimatum

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands in an agreement entered with the union.

    Mr Shammah Kpanja, President of ASUP, said this while addressing newsmen at the end of an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council of the union on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kapanja said that the demands by the union includes the non release of a circular to effect the payment of its Peculiar Academic Allowance by the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

    He said the Peculiar Academic Allowances paid to academic staff across Polytechnics was a component of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement.

    The union leader said, rather than make provisions for payment, the allowances have been removed from the budgeting template and the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) had failed to intervene in definite terms on the subject.

    He said the NEC expressed deep concerns over the continued decision by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to outsource the accreditation process for polytechnics in the country despite assurances to desist from such actions.

    The union leader said the 25/35 per cent arrears of salary review was yet to be implemented.

    He said that the arrears which cover a 12-month period and captured in the budget was yet to be released for reasons beyond the comprehension of the union.

    ASUP president added that NEC  expressed deep concerns over the continued decision by the NBTE to outsource the accreditation process for polytechnics in the country despite assurances to desist from such actions.

    He said that most states government have failed to implement the New National Minimum Wage.

    He said NEC have expressed worry over the continued delay and non approval of a dual mandate structure aimed at eliminating the agelong discrimination against HND holders.

    “In view of the items listed above our union’s NEC has resolved to issue a 21 days ultimatum to the Government to address the issues satisfactorily.

    “A failure to utilise this window may lead to the declaration of a trade dispute and withdrawal of services of our members across public polytechnics and monotechnics nationwide” he said.

  • VC reacts over ban on creation of new universities

    VC reacts over ban on creation of new universities

    Prof Olayemi Akinwumi,  Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Lokoja (FUL) has commented the Federal government for suspending the establishment of more universities for seven years.

    Akinwumi gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday.

    The VC described the government’s decision as  apt and commendable, especially in the  education secror.

    Accordi to him,  the period  will enable the government concentrate on developing the existing universities.

    “University system is capital intensive, we therefore  expect that within the seven years period, government will concentrate on developing new universities like FUL, which is battling with so many things, yet the funds is not there, ” he said.

    The VC also  disclosed that close to 2000 applicants are jostling for 350 available vacancies at the  university following a window opened for  it to employ more personnel by the office of Director-General,  Budget.

    Akinwumi said that the interview of applicants, which began on Tuesday was opened  to the general public.

    “We intentionally refused to short list names so that people won’t read meanings into the exercise. We have almost 2,000 applicants jostling for the 350 vacant positions here.

    “We have been given the opportunity to employ 350 personnel, divided into two main sections, Academic and Non-academic. This allocation is for 2024, ” he said.

    He explained that  the academic has 253 personnel including, Professors (45), Readers (14), Senior Lecturers (60), Lecturer I (8), Lecturer II (47), Assistant Lecturer (57), and Graduate Assistant (22).

    The VC said the Non-academic staff vacancy has only 89 personnel including, Chief Head Officer I (1), Physical Programmer I (1), Administrative Officer I (1) and Administrative Assistant (2).

    Others are Higher Executive Officer (1), Accountant II (1), Higher Library Officer (11), Higher Technical Officer (1), Programme/System Analyst (1), Technologist II (45), and Data Processing Officer/Confidential Secretary (2)

    He noted that  Chief Clerical Officer (4), Data Analysis/Secretary (3), Assistant Executive Officer (2), Computer Operator (1), Senior Artisan (1), Assistant Suppervisor (4), Senior Driver Mechanic (1), Lab. Attendant (1), Chief Portal (5) were also available.

    According to him, Eight Medical Personnel, including  Medical Officer (2), Optometrist (1), Medical Officer (2) Pharmacists (2), Medical Lab. Scientist (1) will be employed too.

    He said that the instructions given to the university on the employment read, “You’re employ to comply strictly with the approved cadre, number and Grade Levels”.

    “We have decided that 75 per cent of those to be employed will go for our new programmes – MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Lab, Architecture, Building Engineering, Law and Agric Engineering.

    “This is because we need more than one 1, 000 personnel to help take care of our new programmes in the university, which had grown from four faculties to 12 faculties.

    “The management of FUL is grateful to the federal government for the opportunity given to the university to employ personnel that could help cover the gabs, ” he said.

  • BREAKING: FG approves $34m, N13bn to boost electricity supply

    BREAKING: FG approves $34m, N13bn to boost electricity supply

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved major funding to upgrade power infrastructure across the country, in a bid to boost electricity supply and support national industrial growth.

    ‎Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this after Wednesday’s FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    ‎He said four key proposals were approved, marking a new phase in the country’s ongoing power sector transformation agenda.

    ‎Adelabu said that the first approved proposal involves the resumption of compensation payments for right-of-way access for key industrial and transmission projects.

    “FEC approved N13 billion for compensation under the Lagos Transmission Industrial Project, backed by a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

    ‎“The request submitted was approval for the sum of 13 billion naira for the Lagos Industrial Transmission project which is being funded through a $230 million development loan from Japanese International Cooperation Agency jaika.

    ‎“This project, when completed, will not only improve capacity and credibility of power supply along the industrial axis of Lagos Ogun, it will also be good news for industrial development and ensure that industries around that axis enjoy improved supply.”

    The minister said the project will boost electricity to industrial corridors in Lagos and Ogun States, ensuring manufacturers receive a stable power supply.

    ‎“This funding covers compensation to property owners and communities affected by the transmission lines’ route.”

    ‎“Once completed, the Lagos Industrial Transmission Project will ensure that our industrial estates have the dedicated, stable power they need to drive economic growth and create jobs,” the minister said.

    ‎Adelabu said the project supports the government’s vision to “use what we produce and produce what we use” by powering local industries and reducing reliance on imports.

    ‎He stressed that stable electricity is vital for industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic development.

    ‎He added that the remaining three approved proposals relate to the procurement of new power transformers to upgrade the ageing national grid.

    ‎“The other three papers were actually in respect of approval for procurement of various grids of power transformers to replace weak and dilapidated ones across the national grid.

    ‎“If this is done, it will not only enhance power supply, but also relieve overloaded power transformers that are operating across the national grid, and this will also enable us to cope with the increased wheeling capacity of the national grid.”

    ‎He noted that much of the national grid is over 50 years old and struggles with frequent overloads and equipment failures.

    ‎“Many of the transformers, cables and related components are weak and prone to failure. Regular maintenance and timely replacement are essential if we are to achieve a stable, reliable and effective grid that meets the needs of households, offices, small businesses and industries.”

    ‎To address this, he said FEC approved the purchase of 14 high-capacity transformers costing $34 million, plus an additional N5.2 billion.

    ‎“The new transformers include two 150MVA 330/132/33kV units, five 100MVA 132/33kV units, five 60MVA 132/33kV units, and two 30MVA 132/33kV units.”

    ‎The minister said the upgrades will ease pressure on overstretched sections of the grid and improve system efficiency.

    ‎He added that enhanced transformer capacity will help the grid support increased electricity generation and wheeling capabilities.

    ‎He emphasised the need for continuous maintenance and modernization to avoid breakdowns and ensure uninterrupted supply.

    ‎Adelabu assured Nigerians of improved electricity access across homes, offices, small businesses, and industries.

    ‎The minister described the development as “good news for Nigerians,” saying reliable power is essential for growth and competitiveness.

    ‎He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the power sector reforms translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of citizens.‎

  • FG sets deadline for 2024 MDA procurement

    FG sets deadline for 2024 MDA procurement

    The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to conclude 2024 procurement processes by the end of September 2025.

    ‎Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

    ‎He said the directive followed a briefing by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to President Tinubu.

    ‎He noted that more than 70 MDAs are yet to finalise procurement for 2024 projects, despite the fiscal year officially ending in December 2024.

    ‎”Although the law was extended to allow full implementation, the BPP noted that it is now over 20 months after passage, warning that delays could lead to unnecessary liabilities for government.”

    ‎The BPP also recommended that the President obtain a comprehensive update on projects awarded by each ministry and minister.

    ‎”To this end, it asked that lists of projects under the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years from each Ministry and its Parastatals be forwarded for review, in line with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s (SGF) circular on project reporting.”

    ‎MDAs were further urged to prioritise the use of Nigerian-made goods and services in ongoing and future projects.

    ‎”It highlighted that such goods and services must meet international standards and be certified by relevant government authorities.”

    ‎The BPP, in collaboration with the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, will track compliance and report to the Presidency.

    ‎”The BPP, working with the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, will monitor compliance, with details to be sent to the Presidency for further action,” the minister said.

  • FG reveals “shocking data” to back ban on creation of new universities, polytechnics

    FG reveals “shocking data” to back ban on creation of new universities, polytechnics

    The federal government has revealed “shocking data” to back the ban placed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on the creation of new universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports ‎Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, announced that the FEC approved a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal tertiary institutions on Wednesday.

    Speaking after a meeting of the FEC, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Dr Alausa explained that the ban is aimed at improving the quality of tertiary institutions in the country.

    “The shocking data we are seeing; today, we have 199 universities, where less than 99 candidates applied to seek to go to those universities. In fact, zero candidates applied through JAMB to go to 34 universities.

    “For polytechnics, we had 295 polytechnics; federal, State and private that had less than 99 people choosing them as a choice for candidates to go there.

    “For colleges of education, we had 219 colleges of education; federal, State and private that had less than 99 candidates choosing them through the JAMB portal. In fact, 64 colleges of education had zero candidates choosing them,” Alausa said.

    He added: “So, if we want to improve the quality of our tertiary institutions, and not be a laughing stock across the world, the FEC decision today is most pragmatic and the best for our tertiary education system so that we can sustain the respect that the world has for us”.