FG allocates N23bn for airports, aerodrome repairs.

FG allocates N23bn for airports, aerodrome repairs.

The Federal Government has planned to spend the sum of N23,085,000,000 on the rehabilitation of airports, aerodromes and air navigational equipment in the 2024 fiscal year.

From this allocation, exactly N20.9bn was budgeted for the rehabilitation of airports and aerodromes, while 2.1bn was budgeted for the rehabilitation of air navigational equipment.

The figure, which is part of the FG’s executive proposal in the 2024 Appropriation Bill, also earmarked over N63.3bn for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

While the ministry is to get N39.8bn, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency is to get N131bn; the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria would get N5.5bn while the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau would receive the sum of N4.8bn.

Other details of the allocation revealed that the aviation ministry and its agencies would be spending over N1.3bn on refreshments and meals, welfare packages, and sporting activities, among other listed items.

As an ongoing project, the ministry plans to spend N2bn on the development of Aerospace University in Abuja, and N1bn on the expansion of wing D and E fingers of Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

The sum of N60m has also been set aside for the ongoing Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement, and Multilateral Air Service Agreement, for Namibia, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Russia, Senegal Israel, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Eritrea, Namibia, Venezuela, among others.

Budget: Federal Government To Spend N837bn On 2,254 Roads, Bridges.

Budget: Federal Government To Spend N837bn On 2,254 Roads, Bridges.

The Federal Government is planning to rehabilitate and construct 1,925 roads and highways across the country in the 2024 budget proposal, according to findings by The PUNCH.

The government also allocated N548.56b for roads construction in 2024, with the East-West and Benin-Akure roads getting N2bn and N3.75bn respectively.

This is however separate from the N288.44bn allocated for the modernisation of 329 roads and bridges in the 2023 supplementary budget.

If road projects in the supplementary budget are added to those in the 2024 budget proposal, it means the government is expected to spend N837bn on 2,254 roads and bridges in the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.

The road projects to be executed under the Ministry of Works also indicated the provision of N1.05bn for the removal of overgrown vegetation on some federal roads.

An analysis of the 2024 budget christened, “Budget of Renewed Hope”, showed that the ministry allocated N3.19bn for the purchase of 50 motor vehicles.

Some of the road projects to be constructed include the rehabilitation of Kabba- Ayere- Isua- Ipele road in Kogi and Ondo states at the cost of N2.14bn, as well as the construction of Ikot Ekpene border Aba-Owerri dual road at the cost of N1bn. Also, the dualisation of Lagos- Otta road will gulp N1bn while N8.2bn was provisioned for the counterpart funding of the Lafia bypass and 9th mile Enugu- Makurdi road.

The Kano-Maiduguri Road Section IV, Potiskum-Damaturu Road got an allocation of N2.1bn, while the dualisation of Aba-Ikot Ekpene road in Abia/ Akwa Ibom states was allocated N1.41bn; the construction of Ikot Ekpene border-Aba – Owerri dualisation got the sum of N1.01bn, while the rehabilitation of Odukpani junction -Akpet central section -Ikom-Ogoja road in Cross River State got N1.1bn.

The budget also made provisions for the construction of culverts and drainage in flood-prone areas on federal roads in the South-East zone at the cost of N3.03bn; N10.7bn for the counterpart funding for the expansion of the Abuja-Keffi carriageway while the rehabilitation of three sections of the Lokoja-Abuja road got N6bn, dualisation of Suleja-Minna road phase II in Niger State got N500m.

A similar provision of N3.031bn was made for culverts and drains at flood-prone areas of the federal road network in the North West zone, while the rehabilitation of Shagamu road in Lagos State will gulp N1.3bn. The rehabilitation of the access road to Apapa/Tin can Island Port/NNPC depot got a budgetary allocation of N143.5m.

In the South-South zone, provision was also made for culvert drainage and flood-prone areas on the federal road network in four locations in Rivers State for the sum of N2.6bn, the rehabilitation of Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road, section I Odukpani- Itu Bridge head both in Cross River State, received an allocation of N1.5bn.

For the dualisation of Ibadan/Ife-Ilesha road in Oyo State, a sum of N2.2bn was allocated, while N104m was set aside for the rehabilitation, construction and expansion of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway section I, Lagos State.

The ministry also proposed to spend N15bn on emergency contingency funds, N145m for gaming and sports equipment, while local travel and transport was allocated N33 million.

In the budget, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency also got N66.702bn for the repair and maintenance of federal roads and bridges in the country while an appropriation of N1bn was given for the construction of the agency’s corporate headquarters.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works has instructed contractors who are being owed to approach the ministry with all relevant documents between December 12 and December 22, 2023.

The ministry through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Uchenna Orji, on Sunday, said the current administration inherited huge debts arising from unpaid certificates of road projects to the tune of N1.5tn, a reduction of N10tn from the N11.16tn announced by the former Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, while defending the 2023 budget.

Umahi revealed that to tackle the debt inherited from the past administration on ongoing road projects nationwide, he had set up six committees to review all debts of unpaid road projects.

The minister said that the committees would also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or were yet to be approved and make recommendations to the ministry.

The statement read in part, “The minister notes the huge debts arising from unpaid certificates inherited from the past administration, which runs up to N1.5tn up till date and the expected contract reviews arising from inflation and has, therefore, set up six committees of one committee per geopolitical zone to review all debts of unpaid certified certificates generated before May 29th, 2023, and from May 29th 2023 to date.

“The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the ministry’s management.”

Omoyele Sowore Declares Mass Street Protests in Ondo State.

Omoyele Sowore Declares Mass Street Protests in Ondo State.

.....Challenges Governor Akeredolu to Resume or Resign.

Renowned human rights activist and former Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has initiated plans for mass street protests scheduled to commence on Saturday, 16th December 2023, in Ondo State.

The focal point of these planned protests is to exert pressure on the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, urging him to either end his prolonged medical vacation and resume his gubernatorial duties or submit his resignation as the Governor of Ondo State.

The announcement was made through Sowore's various social media platforms, where he stated, "There will be a Townhall Meeting & a beginning of Street Protests In Akure and across Ondo state on Saturday December 16th, 2023!

"All persons of conscience are invited! #GovAkeredoluMustResign #RevolutionNow."

The declaration underscores Sowore's commitment to civic engagement and his advocacy for responsible governance. The call for mass protests aims to draw attention to the prolonged absence of Governor Akeredolu and seeks a resolution to the governance vacuum created by his extended medical leave.

Concerned citizens, activists, and supporters of the #RevolutionNow movement are invited to participate in the Townhall Meeting and subsequent street protests in Akure and various locations across Ondo State. The mobilization is anticipated to amplify the demand for accountability and clarity regarding the state's leadership.

As the scheduled date approaches, the public watches attentively to witness the unfolding events, anticipating how the government and the public will respond to this call for civic action.

The hashtag #GovAkeredoluMustResign becomes a rallying cry as Sowore initiates another chapter in his persistent efforts to advocate for transparent and responsible governance in Nigeria.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

ECOWAS SUMMIT: President Tinubu Advocates Good Governance To Counter Coups In West Africa.

ECOWAS SUMMIT: President Tinubu Advocates Good Governance To Counter Coups In West Africa. 

Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, implored West African leaders to prioritize good governance and collective prosperity as an essential tool to prevent authoritarian takeovers of power and unconstitutional changes of government in the region.

 

Addressing the high-powered regional gathering at the 64th ordinary session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President identified good governance as a key catalyst to secure popular support through the socio-economic transformation and development of West Africa.

 

"The delivery of good governance is not just a fundamental commitment; it is also an avenue to address the concerns of our citizens, to improve their quality of life, and create a stable environment conducive to the achievement of sustainable development. 

 

"By providing good governance that tackles the challenges of poverty, inequality and other concerns of the people, we would have succeeded in addressing some of the root causes of military interventions in civilian processes in our region," the President stated.

 

Recounting decisions taken by West African leaders to further strengthen the region’s democratic achievements and uphold the right of the people to elect the leaders of their choice, the President said the bloc has outlined specific measures to be taken against any member state opting for unconstitutional change of government. 

 

"While the imposition of punitive sanctions may pose challenges, it is important to underscore that the struggle to protect the fundamental liberties of our Community's Citizens must be upheld and respected. 

 

"To this end, I would like to reiterate the imperative of re-engaging with the countries under military rule on the basis of realistic and short transition plans that can deliver democracy and good governance to the innocent populations in those countries.

 

"On our part, we should be prepared to provide them with technical and material support, to ensure the achievement of these strategic goals," he said.

 

President Tinubu also used the occasion to applaud President George Weah of Liberia for conceding victory and congratulating his opponent during the last presidential election in Liberia.

 

He invited leaders at the summit and other participants to give a standing ovation to President Weah. He also acknowledged the presence of former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, who in 2015, displayed a similar commitment to democratic ideals after losing his re-election to the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.

 

"I would also like to seize this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Republic of Liberia for the successful conduct of the presidential election, widely adjudged to be free, fair and credible.

 

"Let me also commend my brother and colleague, His Excellency George Weah, for his exemplary leadership and conduct throughout the electoral process.

 

"By accepting defeat and congratulating his opponent, President Weah has left a legacy to be emulated by politicians in our region and beyond," he said.

 

President Tinubu also responded to the recent decision by some ECOWAS-member states, under military rule, to float a so-called ‘Alliance of Sahel States’, describing it as distracting and emphasizing the commitment to pursuing ECOWAS integration. 

 

"The phantom pushback Alliance appears intended to divert our attention from our mutual belief in and commitment to democracy and good governance that will impact the lives of our people. 

 

"We refuse to be distracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as it is laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.

"I take this opportunity to also emphasize that despite the numerous challenges faced in our region, ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones for the betterment of our community.

 

"ECOWAS activities have always been people-oriented, with a future of raising the living standard of our people. We have to do that through a relentless focus on qualitative service delivery and good governance," he added.

 

On the recent disturbances in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau, the ECOWAS Chairman asked fellow leaders to pay attention to protecting democracy, reiterating ECOWAS’ zero tolerance to unconstitutional changes of government.

 

"I urge all of us to stand strong and be highly committed in the face of any challenge in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau. The message must go down clearly that we support a democratically elected government, not an unconstitutional exercise.

 

"The re-elected president of Sierra Leone is present here. We are saying loud and clear that we are with you.

 

"Without let or hindrance, democracy will win, if we fight for it, and we will definitely fight for democracy," the President stated.

Katsina set to probe anchor borrower programme, operations.

Katsina set to probe anchor borrower programme, operations.

The government of Katsina State has set up a 12-member committee, with Abdullahi Garba Faskari, the Secretary to the State Government, serving as the chairman, and Aliyu Isah from the governor’s office as the secretary.

 The committee was charged to investigate the involvement of the state in the anchor Borrower Programme, and to determine the level of commitment of the state government in the programme.

While inaugurating the committee at the Government House in katsina, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, charged members of the committee to justify the confidence reposed in them, by diligently carrying out the assignment they were given.

A statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Radda, said the committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks.

He said: “Among the terms of reference given to the Committee is to investigate and identify the beneficiaries of the Program and whether they paid back the loan they were given, as well as to verify the creditors to the program.

‘’The committee will also provide suggestions that will assist the Government in solving the challenges hindering the programme’s successful implementation.”

Sahel Alliance’ll not weaken ECOWAS’ resolve for democracy — Tinubu.

Sahel Alliance’ll not weaken ECOWAS’ resolve for democracy — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said the Sahel Alliance comprising Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso would not lessen the resolve of the Economic Community of West African States to uphold its primary objective.

This objective, he said, is to prioritise good governance for West Africans, as it catalyzes socioeconomic transformation and development.

Tinubu affirmed this in his opening address at the 64th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

He told heads of state, “It is important that we also review some development in our sub-region, including the move by some of our members under Military rule to float an Alliance of Sahel States.

“This phantom, push back-alliance appears intended to divert attention from our mutual quest for democracy and good governance that will impact the life of our people.

“We refuse to be detracted from pursuing the collective dreams, aspirations, and the noble path of ECOWAS integration as laid out in our institutional and legal frameworks.”

In September 2023, Mali’s Assimi Goita, who seized power in a military coup in 2020, explained that the “Liptako-Gourma Charter” forms the building block for an “Alliance of Sahel States to establish.

Senate donates N109m December salary to Kaduna bombing victims.

Senate donates N109m December salary to Kaduna bombing victims.

The leadership of the Nigerian Senate on Sunday announced the donation of N109 million being the December salary of members to the victims of the accidental bombing in Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, made the announcement when the leadership of the Senate paid the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, a sympathy visit over the incident at the government house.

It was reported that the Kaduna State Government had said the Nigerian Army claimed responsibility for dropping bomb on Tudun Biri which left no fewer than 100 villagers dead penultimate Sunday