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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 13TH AND 14TH MAY, 2024

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The Federal Executive Council concluded its meeting that started yesterday today, Tuesday May 14, 2024.

After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country. The under-listed are the major highlights:

1. Council supported a series of initiatives set to be launched that will revolutionize Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Housing sector through Public-Private Partnerships

The initiatives which can unlock about N2 trillion are aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing mortgage sector, meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership, fostering job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

Inspired by the 1970s era, the government envisions a future where ordinary Nigerians can access 25-year mortgages at low-interest rates to realise their dream of owning a home. By collaborating with private institutional investors, the government seeks to replicate past successes and address current challenges effectively.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the expertise and capital of private investors to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, driving sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians.

2. FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.

3. The council announced a ban on sand dredging 10 kms from all Federal bridges throughout the country.

4. Council annouced a 4-week deadline for review of visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals visit Nigeria. The ease of doing business, the council agreed cannot materialise if prospective visitors face a herculean problem getting our country’s visa. Part of the review envisaged is that visa applicants can apply for the visa online and get one within 48 hours. Also visas may be waived for holders of visas of some countries.

5. The council granted approval for the supply, installation and training of operators of disabled aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract will cost N4.2 billion. Similar contract was awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.

6. Council approved Special Purpose Vehicle to be created on a PPP basis to develop 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to increase Nigeria’s internet connectivity by 60-70 percent. The SPV intends to copy the NLNG model.

7. Council approved a consultancy service for the reconciliation and expansion of the remittances to NITDA.

8. Council approved the request of the Ministry of Communications to convert the property at 324 Jackson Street, San Francisco, USA into a Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub. Property owned by the Nigerian government is valued at close to $7million.

9. The Federal Executive Council also approved the award of contract for the building of bus terminals and other transport facilities in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Terminals will be built within 15 months at Kugbo, Abuja Central Business District and Mabushi. The whole project will cost N51 billion and will be executed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, which did similar contracts in Lagos and Oyo states.

10. Council approved the award of contract to Messrs El & Matt Nigeria Limited to upgrade Kwaita-Yebu Road in Kuala Area Council of Abuja at a cost of N7.6 billion. Completion time is 18 months.

11. Council approved contract for the building of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division at a cost of N37.2 billion. Project will be executed by Messrs Visible Construction Limited.

12. The Council awarded contract at a cost of N412million for street lights on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Expressway. The job includes the procurement of 8 back-up generators, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas( CNG) or Solar, in line with government’s decision about migrating from fossil fuel to renewable energy. The council discussed extensively the need for this energy transition, as it is climate friendly, because of low emissions and also because it will reduce cost of transportation and inflation.

13. Council approved the request by Nigeria Customs Service to buy 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 at a cost of N12.5 billion. All the vehicles will be CNG powered. Government also approved insurance cover for the vehicles at a cost of N522 million. The cover will be provided by NEM.

14. Messrs Yuan Resources Limited was awarded the concession to deploy a revenue assurance platform under PPP arrangement in the lottery and gaming sector. The concession which will be for 15 years, will be done via DFBOT option, which means Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer.

15. Before the Monday meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, council approved several road projects. Among them was the reconstruction of Iseyin-Okeho-Iganna Road in Oyo State.

16. Council approved Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway for construction, at a cost of N1.6 trillion.

17. Approval was granted for the award of contract for reconstruction of Koton-Karfe -Abaji Road (Abuja bound), along Abuja-Lokoja Route in Kogi state at a cost of N89 billion.

18. On Day 2 of the FEC meeting, approval was given for the award of contract for the equalisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, Okpela Section, Lokoja-Benin, Dualised Auchi Section -Uromi Link Road and Lokoja-Benin Road, Ekpoma Section. It was on this road that a fuel tanker fell into high water recently, with villagers having to swim to rescue the occupants of the tanker. The reconstruction will be financed by BUA Cement at a cost of N120 Billion under the tax credit scheme.

19. Council approved contracts to various contractors to build roads and bridges in Kaima-Tesse, Kwara State, Benin-Agbor, BeninByepass and Ngaski-Wara in Kebbi State. All the four contracts will cost N546 billion.

20. Messrs CCECC was awarded contract at N230 billion to build Kano Bypass. The road which is 37kms long will include bridges and several flyovers. The company has 36 months to complete the work.

21. The Council approved for procurement the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry superhighway, which is meant to join the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway. The road was first awarded in 1976 and then abandoned.

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Politics

‘If Wike Fails To Apologize To Okinbaloye, We Will Boycott All Press Briefings’ – Broadcasters Warn

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2 days ago

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April 6, 2026

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The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to retract a controversial remark he made about a journalist with Channels Television, Seun Okinbaloye.

IBAN, the umbrella body for independent broadcast stations in Nigeria, also warned that it may boycott all media engagements organized by the minister if he fails to issue a public apology.

In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN Chairman, and Fidelis Duker, Acting General Secretary, the association expressed concern about the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.

The controversy stemmed from a remark made by Wike during a routine media chat on Friday, when he reacted to Okinbaloye’s commentary on the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy while watching the program Politics Today.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.

The minister later clarified to journalists present that the statement was not a literal threat.

On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the minister, described the comment as “hyperbolic”, arguing that it had been taken out of context by critics.

However, IBAN maintained that the remark was inappropriate for a public official, even if it was not intended as a literal threat.

The association said statements suggesting violence could easily be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.

IBAN warned that comments implying violence could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.

The group noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the global press freedom index, adding that journalists already face numerous challenges.

According to the association, these include surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

The association called on the minister to withdraw the remark and apologise publicly to the journalist and the wider media community.

IBAN also urged Wike to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in accordance with Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement read.

Despite its warning, the association said it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” IBAN added.

 

 

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EASTER CELEBRATION: Hon Success Opara Wishes Nigerians Joy, Hope, and Renewal

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4 days ago

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April 5, 2026

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In a heartfelt message, Hon Success Opara has extended warm Easter greetings to Nigerians, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Speaking at St. Peter Anglican Church Ikengbu, Opara emphasized the significance of Easter, saying, “He is risen! May the miracle of Easter bring you renewed hope, faith, and joy. Rejoice in the promise of new life and the joy that conquered everything.”

The lawmaker prayed for Nigerians to experience the transformative power of the resurrection, urging them to find solace in the promise of eternal life. “As we commemorate this sacred occasion, let us reflect on the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness that Jesus Christ embodied,” he said.

Hon Opara’s message was filled with Easter cheer, as he wished Nigerians a joyous celebration with family and loved ones. “May the spirit of Easter fill your heart with peace, hope, and renewed faith. Happy Easter!”

The Easter celebration at St. Peter Anglican Church Ikengbu was marked with prayers, hymns, and reflections on the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

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I’m Not a Part of Any Plan to Turn Nigeria Into a One-Party State, But INEC Will Follow Court Orders, Not Political Pressure — INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

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April 4, 2026

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The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Amupitan has rejected claims that the commission is being used to create a one-party state in favor of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. “I am not guilty as charged,. Let me say it very clearly. I am not a party to the plan of anyone to turn Nigeria into a one-party state. By the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigeria is a multi-party state and this is recognized by the constitution and the Electoral Act,” he stated.

He cited the recent FCT area council elections, noting about ten political parties participated, including ADC, PDP, Labor Party, and Zenith Labour Party. “The democratic space remains vibrant. Parties are participating, and the elections demonstrate that competition is alive,” he said.

On disputes within the ADC and the PDP, he explained, “One of the challenges we’ve had is the issue of party leadership. And it’s something that is impacting on democracy because if those issues are not addressed on time, it can cause a lot of problem. Nobody is looking at that part that ordered the trial court to give it expeditious trial. This is an originating summons. An originating summons that could, if they had gone to court, have been decided by now because the Court of Appeal has given a specific order that it should be decided expeditiously.”

Explaining INEC’s role, he said, “So therefore, it calls to question the fact that this order has been made. They’re supposed to go back to the Federal High Court and let the Federal High Court, with that order, compel the judge to hear that case expeditiously. The Court of Appeal made a preservatory order, status quo antebellum. The commission just recorded positions before 2nd September 2025. If the court gives judgment, parties can proceed. Life goes on.”

He concluded, “The whole idea that INEC is being used to turn Nigeria into a one party state is false. INEC follows court orders, not political pressure.”

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