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Bad roads: Ministry, NNPC sign N621bn tax credit MoU
The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding of N621bn to construct 21 critical roads funded by the NNPC through tax credit.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the MoU emanates from the Executive Order 7, that ensures compliance to road infrastructure development in the country.
Fashola said, “This originated from Executive Order 7. The order we inherited from the previous administration had an expiration date and it expired. But two things, when we started there were lots of criticism but the goal is to serve Nigeria.
“This is not an order for one person; it is an order for all the Nigerian businesses. We are now seeing the oil sector steeping in fooy with over N600bn to address 21 roads that cover 1,800 kilometres.
“This is really massive; it is the first big show of confidence by NNPC. And we are even seeing them beginning to show interest in the telecom sector and we hope this will carry on as a strategic expansion of private sector interests in contributing to the development of Nigeria.”
Ahead of the yuletide celebrations, Fashola pleaded with motorists to not exceed the maximum speed limit of 100km per hour when on the highways and travelling for the Christmas and New year celebrations.
“The absolute maximum speed on the federal highways is 100km/h. It is not the minimum, it is the maximum. Motorists are not expected to exceed this speed limit when driving on highways. What this does if when that speed is maintained, when trouble comes, you would be able to put your vehicle under control.
“We appeal to you during this period, please do not exceed the speed limit of 100km/h. And drivers should desist from using their phones while driving.” he said.
Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, said the Company was pleased with the partnership with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in funding the construction and rehabilitation of a number of roads in the country.
Kyari, who was represented by the Group General Manager Corporate Planning and Strategy of the NNPC, Umar Ajiya, said, “In our quest to participate in ending insecurity in Nigeria, we are charged with the responsibility of pointing the country to the right direction of national growth and development.
“It is on this note that we find this tax credit a very big step to support the Federal Ministry of Works in funding a number of these roads.”
Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammad Nami, said the agency would ensure the actualization of the 21 critical road projects.
“This came against the backdrop of the Executive Order 7, and to this effect, we would carry out these projects on the grounds made available by the executive order as well as the funding from the NNPC.”
metro
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.
A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.
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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”
The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.
The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
metro
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.
During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.
It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.
In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.
He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.
The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.
He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.
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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.
He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.
“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.
Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.
“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.
“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
metro
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.
A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.
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The statement reads:
“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.
“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”
Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
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