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Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2025

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, whose construction was long abandoned, has been re-awarded at the cost of N777 billion.

Flagging off the road at the weekend, the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said that the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), is vital to the socio-economic life of northern Nigeria.

He noted that the road had suffered neglect for several years, costing lives, hardship and stunted economic growth.

Sani described the road as the busiest in the north and second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, lamenting that the people watched, helplessly, as its condition worsened over the years.

According to him, the road is a major artery linking the Federal Capital Territory to over 12 states across the North Central, North West, and North East geopolitical zones.

“The reconstruction of this road will undoubtedly bring much-needed relief and development to our communities. It will create job opportunities and boost security, transforming the socio-economic and political landscape of the region,” he further explained.

The governor recalled that he had pushed for the road’s completion by mobilising fellow lawmakers, organising several town hall meetings, and engaging directly with the then-president, Muhammadu Buhari.

“In response to the cries of our citizens and travellers enduring hardship on this failed portion of the road, I visited our dear leader and president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to brief him. Mr President not only gave me a listening ear, but he also gave the Minister of Works marching orders to ensure the project takes off without any delay,” he said.

According to him, one of the reasons that the former contractor gave for not completing the project, apart from funding, was the insecurity that was prevailing along the corridor at that time.

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Uba Sani noted that the non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity is bearing fruit, as motorists can now ply the road at any time of the day or night without the fear of being attacked, kidnapped or killed.

He commended the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, for stabilising the security situation along the route through the effective coordination of security agencies and the implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model.

The governor also disclosed that the president has directed all stakeholders to expedite work on other major federal road projects, including the long-delayed Eastern and Western Bypasses in Kaduna town.

In a statement, the Minister of Works, Umahi, assured Nigerians that the 700-kilometre expressway would be completed within 14 months with continuous reinforced concrete-pavement (CRCP).

He stated that the road’s standard will be like that of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the president has added 11 kilometres to the 280 kilometres at the end of the Zaria-Kano Section, extending to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

The governor revealed that after terminating the contract with Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC, the project had been re-awarded to a new firm with a proven track record that has been “tested and proven to be competent to do the job. I have no regrets about awarding them this job.”

Umahi also disclosed that the president has directed that the reconstructed highway will have solar-powered lighting and close-circuit TV surveillance throughout its stretch.

The minister further stated that President Tinubu has awarded the completion of the remaining portions of Sections I and III, a total of 118 kilometres for a total sum of N252 billion, adding that “30 percent of the amount has been paid to the contracting firm.

“Today, we are also flagging Section II, which is 82 kilometres by two, that is 164 kilometres at a total cost of N525 billion.

“In the past, we have been building roads, but today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is constructing roads that will last between 50 and 100 years,” he emphasised.

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He commended Uba Sani for his relentless efforts towards ensuring that the project took off, describing him as “a smart governor who has united the people of Kaduna behind the president and the APC.”

Also, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, appreciated Tinubu for his people-orientated leadership and infrastructural interventions across the length and breadth of the country.

“We see your numerous achievements, especially infrastructure from Illela-Sokoto to Lagos-Badagry. You have redefined road construction in Nigeria through the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement, a bold shift from the old asphaltic model,” he said.

Also, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, the Director, Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation, Engineer Clement Ogbuagu, drummed up the importance of collective support from all the stakeholders, including those on the corridors of the road, to appreciate the Federal Government’s efforts on the infrastructural interventions.

“Your experience, passion, and collaboration will be instrumental in driving this project forward as the government determines the well-being of its citizens. He urged the company handling the project to remain focused on the mandate and make it a resounding success,” he added.

In his remarks, the former Senator of Kaduna South, Danjuma La’al, commended the Federal Government’s efforts at infrastructural development in the state.

Abuja-Kaduna expressway re-awarded for ₦777bn, to be delivered 2026

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₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

Published

1 hour ago

October 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Bernard Doro

₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of ₦50,000 cash assistance to vulnerable Nigerians under a new intervention aimed at helping low-income households cope with rising food prices and the increasing cost of living.

The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as part of efforts to provide financial support to households facing economic hardship.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the programme on Friday, October 30, 2026, explaining that the intervention was designed to provide immediate relief to eligible Nigerians.

According to the minister, the ₦50,000 cash support is intended to help beneficiaries meet essential household expenses amid persistent increases in the prices of food and other basic commodities.

He said the programme was introduced in response to the pressure of global food inflation and the rising cost of living, which have continued to affect the purchasing power of many households.

The government said the intervention would be reviewed periodically in response to changes in economic conditions, with beneficiaries expected to receive direct communication about any adjustments.

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Under the payment arrangement, the ministry is working with approved digital financial service providers to ensure that the funds reach selected beneficiaries through secure channels.

The programme’s official website lists ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB and NairaGram as approved payment providers. Beneficiaries are expected to receive text messages from the providers and give their consent before the funds are transferred to their accounts or mobile wallets.

The government said beneficiaries would not need to pay any fee, register through an agent or submit an application to access the intervention.

Selection is expected to be based on verified national identity records and information in the National Social Register, which is used to identify poor and vulnerable households.

The ministry also warned Nigerians to be cautious of fraudsters seeking to exploit the cash transfer programme by demanding payments or requesting confidential banking details.

Doro urged beneficiaries not to disclose their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone claiming to facilitate their payments.

He advised Nigerians who receive suspicious messages or are asked to pay money before accessing the support to contact the programme’s official helpline on 0700-022-2222 for clarification.

The intervention is expected to complement existing social protection programmes and other government efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on low-income households.

However, there is an important discrepancy over how frequently the ₦50,000 will be paid. Although the minister’s announcement describes the support as a monthly payment, the programme’s official website currently identifies it as a one-off grant.

The ministry should therefore clarify whether beneficiaries will receive the money every month or only once under the current intervention.

For now, Nigerians are advised to rely on official government announcements and verified messages from approved payment providers for information about eligibility and disbursement.

₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

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Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

Published

1 hour ago

October 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

Three Islamic clerics abducted by armed bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity, following a joint security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force.

However, three other clerics abducted alongside them on September 12, 2026, are still being held by their captors, with security agencies intensifying efforts to secure their release.

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, confirmed the rescue on Friday, October 30, during an interview with journalists in Gusau.

Bello said the operation was successful because of the collaboration among the security agencies, which combined intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations to locate and rescue the victims.

He explained that the operation involved the ONSA, DSS and police operatives, adding that security personnel were continuing efforts to track down the armed bandits responsible for the abduction.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence supplied by residents and members of affected communities had also been useful in the ongoing operations.

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The rescued clerics were among six Islamic scholars kidnapped on September 12 while travelling to Talata Mafara in Zamfara State.

The victims were reportedly intercepted by heavily armed bandits at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, approximately three kilometres from Damri village.

The clerics were travelling to attend a special prayer gathering organised for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari.

The gathering was intended to offer prayers for the success of Tinubu’s administration and political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the clerics.

The incident generated concern among their families, religious communities and residents of Zamfara, particularly as the victims remained in captivity for weeks.

A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation said the three clerics were freed unharmed following intelligence-led security manoeuvres.

They subsequently underwent medical examinations and security debriefing and were reported to be in stable condition.

Security operatives said arrangements were being made to formally hand them over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner said operations would continue until the remaining three clerics were rescued and those responsible for the abduction were brought to justice.

He urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking criminal groups operating across the state.

The rescue comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of north-western Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and other violent crimes.

The latest development has brought relief to the families of the three rescued clerics, although uncertainty remains over the fate of those still in captivity.

Security agencies have assured that efforts to secure their freedom remain ongoing.

Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

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Ghanaian Teen Chased, Shot Dead on Way to School in New York

Published

2 hours ago

October 31, 2026

Trends Admin

Javits Badu Nkansah

Ghanaian Teen Chased, Shot Dead on Way to School in New York

A 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, has been shot dead while walking to school in the Bronx, New York, with his grieving father raising concerns that alleged bullying at school may have been connected to the fatal attack.

Frimpong was reportedly shot in the stomach shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, near East 171st Street and Third Avenue in the Claremont neighbourhood of the Bronx.

The teenager was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital by responding police officers but later died from his injuries.

According to reports, Frimpong was on his way to DreamYard Preparatory School when he was attacked. Surveillance footage from the neighbourhood reportedly showed him running along the street as a person dressed in black pursued him before he collapsed.

Police said they were searching for three people believed to have been involved in the shooting. The suspects were reportedly seen fleeing the area after the attack, with some accounts describing them as teenagers wearing dark clothing and face coverings.

As of Friday, October 30, no arrests had been announced, while investigators were yet to establish the motive for the killing.

The teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, said his son had complained about being bullied by another student and had repeatedly reported the alleged harassment to school authorities.

According to him, the school’s principal contacted him a few days before the shooting to inform him that two students had been suspended following complaints involving his son.

Thomas said he became concerned that the alleged bullying might have played a role in the killing, although the police have not established any connection between the school incidents and the shooting.

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He described Javits as a quiet, intelligent and disciplined teenager who rarely went out and was committed to his education.

The father said his son moved from Ghana to the United States in 2025 to live with him in the hope of building a better future.

Recounting the final moments before the tragedy, Thomas said he woke his son up on Thursday morning before leaving home.

He recalled that Javits came to open the door for him before he left, unaware that it would be their last encounter.

The father said he later received the devastating news from the principal of his son’s school.

He also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the attack, insisting that his son had not been involved in any serious trouble and had repeatedly sought help over the alleged bullying.

A school bus aide also told CBS New York that he was aware of at least two students who had been suspended in recent weeks over alleged bullying involving Javits.

However, authorities have not confirmed whether the students reportedly involved in the school incidents had any connection with the shooting.

A friend of the deceased also told local media that Javits had been involved in an altercation with two students at school shortly before his death. The friend, however, said the confrontation was not particularly serious.

The conflicting accounts have added to calls for a thorough investigation into the teenager’s death, although police have not publicly established a link between the school dispute and the fatal shooting.

Meanwhile, the killing has attracted attention in Ghana, with the country’s government promising to work with United States authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said he had spoken directly with the deceased’s father to convey the government’s condolences and assure the family of its support.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government would actively engage relevant American authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and accountability.

Ablakwa, speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, described the teenager’s death as a painful loss and assured the bereaved family that Ghana would support its pursuit of justice.

The minister also pledged that the government would provide appropriate legal and consular assistance to the family.

Officials of Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York reportedly visited Thomas Frimpong to express their condolences and convey the government’s support.

The government also urged authorities in the Bronx to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible for the killing is brought to justice.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about school bullying, youth violence and the safety of students, particularly those who may be experiencing harassment without adequate protection.

For Javits’ family, however, the immediate priority remains obtaining answers about why the teenager was killed and ensuring that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

Police investigations were ongoing as of October 30, with authorities appealing to anyone with information about the shooting to assist in identifying the suspects.

The father’s concerns have been reported by NBC New York, while CBS New York independently reported that a school bus aide was aware of students being suspended over alleged bullying. Ghana’s government has also officially pledged support to the family.