News
Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins
Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Saturday in Lagos, flagged off the demolition of a section of the Landmark Beach, the Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to give way to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Umahi began the demolition after he inspected kilometre 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access the coastal roads without much damage.
He noted that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was located on Federal Government’s Right-of-way.
He stressed that a number of structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided.
Umahi said, “So with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and the commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in our infrastructural development agenda in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition.
”It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is legitimate right of way of the Federal Government.
“Before the flag off of the demolition of landmark, I graciously increased the grace period by another seven days and yet another four days and here we are because the project stopped because of lack of demolition.
“And I want to commend the likes of Bolaji, incidentally from kilometre zero to four from what I’m seeing, he is the only one that is majorly affected. That’s the only infrastructure I can see that is affected.”
READ ALSO:
- Landmines kill 5 JTF members, others wounded on Borno highway
- Chelsea in dramatic come back dent Aston Villa top-four hope
- 5 Benin chiefs suspended for visiting Ooni of Ife
The Minister, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development.
He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated, adding that documentation would start between May 2 and May 3.
Umahi also assured that he would be available throughout the week to address any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.
Responding, the Chief Executive Officer, Mami Chula Beach, Mr Bolaji Ariyo, acknowledged the project’s necessity for development, even when it causes inconvenience for a small number of people.
He said, “We all hope this is the renewed hope that we all clamoured for, during the campaign, we all prayed for development in Nigeria.
“And some of us have so much belief in Mr President that he will do it well, and this is an opportunity.
“For example, I’m a Lagosian and this is also a development that has been set down for a very long time. It is good that Mr President is doing that right now.
“It is unfortunate. We all prayed for development, and in every development, some people pay the price and sacrifice for the development.
“You might be wondering why I’m talking like this, maybe because I was also on the other side before, so, I understand what governance means.
“I understand when a government is promising to make life easy for the entire Nigerians.
”Some of us are affected, no doubt about it, but those of us affected are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal roads.
“That’s why people like me, have taken it to heart to also support Mr President and the honourable minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
News
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
The Federal Government has defended its decision to borrow to address budget deficits, despite surpassing revenue targets in 2024.
Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu clarified this position during a session with the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Finance, Budget, and National Planning. The meeting focused on the 2025–2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
Last week, the National Assembly approved President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion loan request to fund the N9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget partially.
During the session, key agency heads, including Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) CEO Mele Kyari, Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji, presented their revenue reports.
The agencies reported exceeding their 2024 targets.
- Customs Service: Generated ₦5.352 trillion by September 30, surpassing its ₦5.09 trillion target for the year. For 2025, the agency projects ₦6.3 trillion, with a 10% increase planned for 2026.
- NNPCL: Achieved ₦13.1 trillion in revenue, exceeding the ₦12.3 trillion projection for 2024. Kyari announced a ₦23.7 trillion revenue target for 2025.
READ ALSO:
- Mixed reactions trail moves to privatise PH, Warri, Kaduna refineries
- Ronaldo’s brace propels Al Nassr toward AFC champions league quarters
- Nigeria would have been better under Peter Obi, too much nepotism under Tinubu – Senator Abaribe
- FIRS: Surpassed multiple tax collection goals, including ₦5.7 trillion from company income tax against a ₦4 trillion target. Education tax collections also exceeded expectations, reaching ₦1.5 trillion compared to a ₦70 billion target.
Overall, ₦18.5 trillion of the ₦19.4 trillion 2024 revenue target had been achieved by September, indicating the goal will be exceeded by year-end.
Despite these surpluses, the government insists borrowing remains essential to cover budget gaps and support vulnerable populations.
Bagudu explained, “Even with agencies exceeding revenue targets, borrowing is necessary to address deficits and boost productivity, particularly for the poorest. This aligns with Agenda 2050, which aims for a GDP per capita of $33,000.”
Edun also reiterated that loans were critical for adequately funding the budget.
The committee, led by Senator Sani Musa, questioned the rationale behind the borrowing and demanded further transparency. The Immigration Service was specifically asked to provide documents regarding an “unacceptable PPP arrangement” before the end of the week.
The session underscored the government’s balancing act between increased revenues and fiscal challenges requiring external borrowing.
Why we’re borrowing despite surplus revenues – FG
-
metro22 hours agoBREAKING: Port Harcourt refinery begins operation
-
Business3 days agoJust in: Dangote refinery reduces petrol price for marketers
-
metro2 days ago40-foot container falls on car in Lagos
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Lagos Speaker, Obasa joins gov race, may battle Seyi Tinubu, others
-
Politics2 days agoLagos 2027: Seyi Tinubu campaign team releases his life documentary
-
International2 days agoTrump to sack 15,000 transgender officers from U.S. military: Report
-
Entertainment2 days agoPolygamy best form of marriage for Africa – Okey Bakassi
-
Education15 hours agoUS University opens 2025 scholarships for international students