Politics

We’ve not cancelled inherited road projects – Nigerian Govt

Published

12 months ago

July 14, 2024

The Federal Government has refuted rumours making the rounds that it stepped down inherited road projects.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, who made this disclosure during a meeting with contractors in Abuja, said that such information was misleading, adding that neither President Bola Tinubu nor FEC gave that directive.

Umahi said that the ministry was only directed by the president to review all projects in the country to decide those that would be given priority based on availability of funds.

According to him, “Some of these projects were awarded 18 years ago, some 10 years ago, others five years ago.

“On the issue of new projects, if we have appropriation that has not been completed, at least, one kilometer, we are not going to carry out such appropriation.

“That is what the FEC is concerned about. We can’t have N500 million on budget but procurement is supposed to be N50 billion or N100 billion and you go ahead to award such a project. We have been directed not to do so.”

The Minister reiterated the determination of the Federal Government in bringing funding and budgeting innovations that would fast-track road infrastructure development nationwide.

He said that FEC had directed the Ministry of Works to work with the Federal Ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning to put forward proper budgetary estimates.

This, according to him, was for the 2025 financial year for projects that were not appropriately budgeted for but have attained probably 80 per cent completion so that such projects would be completed and delivered.

He, however, said that projects with huge procurement costs with little appropriation and with little completion milestones would be reviewed in line with section 51 of the Special Conditions of Contracts.

“On issues of Variation on Price (VOP), all projects we awarded in 2024 will not attract any VOP.

“We have made it a policy that such projects can not get any variation.

“However, within the course of the year and the project execution, if there are issues changing the basic market prices of construction materials to a certain extent, we will revisit the issue of VOP and it will not be selective,” Umahi said.

Politics

2027: I’ll defeat Matawalle by 10am – Gov Lawal

Published

13 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Ahead of 2027 general election, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has claimed that he will defeat the former Governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, if he makes a come back to run.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

The statement comes amid speculation that he might switch camp to newly unveiled African Democratic Congress, ADC, following the intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

However, the governor said he remains a member of the PDP, while also dismissing speculations that he was about to decamp to the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking about what would happen if the current Minister of Defense (State) Matawalle decides to seek a ticket for the governorship position under the APC, governor Lawal said he thinks there is no reason for him to fear anybody.

He said: “The truth of the matter is, when I contested in 2023 all these forces were there. They were all in APC when I contested in 2023 and I still won.

“What do you think will change now, in 2027 is it not the same Matawalle that I took over from? I’m praying to God that he should be the one under APC, and let’s see what will happen in 2027 I’m sure history will repeat itself.

“He’s (Matawalle) the one that will be an easier race, in fact, by 10am, it should be a walk over inshallah.”

Politics

Tinubu building on Buhari’s reforms – Former SGF, Boss Mustapha

Published

16 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is building on the foundation of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mustapha said this at the public presentation of a book, “According to the President”, written by former presidential aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s legacy of institutional reforms and praised Tinubu for sustaining and building upon them.

The Ex-SGF stressed that both administrations exemplify a commitment to systemic governance rather than personality-driven politics.

“President Buhari governed with duty rather than drama. He was driven by principles, not applause,” Mustapha stated.

Mustapha also highlighted key policy interventions during Buhari’s tenure, including the Petroleum Industry Act, large-scale infrastructure projects, military retooling, and the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP.

He hailed the former president for advancing reforms in agriculture, power, education, and the digital economy, describing these efforts as part of a broader architecture of inclusive development.

Politics

Otti thanks Tinubu for approving Federal Poly, promises security for Isuikwuato, Umunneochi

Published

34 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA of the State, promising that his administration would not discriminate between Federal and State institutions in Abia.

Otti, who received the Governing Council of the new Federal Polytechnic on Wednesday, said that the institution will be of immense benefit to Abia people.

He praised the Governing Council for securing accreditation for some courses and for the construction works at the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic.

“For us, as a government, we don’t care whether an institution is Federal or State. We don’t pay so much attention to whether it is a Federal, State or local government.

“They are going to be used by our people anyhow you slice and dice it. The majority of the students in the Federal Polytechnic are Abia people”, he said.

Otti disclosed that a lot of attention was being paid to Uturu – Isuikwuato axis to further tighten security in the area, and said his administration was collaborating with security agencies to prevent every form of insecurity in his State.

Governor Otti informed his visitors about the battle he fought to dislodge criminals from Isuikwuato/Umunneochi axis of Abia, adding that he just held a security meeting with Abia State Director of DSS on on how to deal with security issues in Uturu where Abia State University is located.

Earlier, the Chairman Governing Council Federal Polytechnic Ngodo, Isuochi, Suleiman Oduwale said that the visit was to thank Governor Otti for granting Certificate of Occupancy for the permanent site of the Polytechnic and for providing other facilities and for upgrading security of the area.

Oduwale said that the improved security has sent a positive signal to parents to send their children to study in the school.