FCT Minister inaugurates construction of 618-shop modern market in Abuja
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FCT Minister inaugurates construction of 618-shop modern market in Abuja
Mahmoud said during the inauguration in Zuba on Saturday, that the market would be constructed by Khuntex Engineering Company Ltd. under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
She added that under the arrangement, the Area Council would provide the land, while Khuntex would fund the construction of the market, 100 per cent.
She said that the project would be delivered within 20 months in two phases of 10 months each, adding that it would foster economic resilience and social inclusion.
The minister added that the market would also generate employment opportunities, enhance income levels, and promote skill development among rural youths.
According to her, the development is a testament to the FCT Administration’s commitment to the provision of critical infrastructures to residents, in line with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
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“To solve the problem of protracted funding, the Gwagwalada Area Council decided to explore private sector funding options.
“The move leverages the utilisation of the private sector in exchange for land as a resource for the development of the Zuba Modern Market, amongst other PPP initiatives,” she said.
The minister stressed the importance of market infrastructure in rural areas, which she described as a lifeline for countless communities.
“However, inadequate infrastructure often hampers their efficiency and accessibility, hindering economic growth and perpetuating poverty.
“Public-private partnerships, therefore, offer a pragmatic solution to this challenge.
“By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, we can create sustainable marketplaces that cater for the diverse needs of rural populations,” Mahmoud said.
She explained that markets provide a platform for farmers and artisans to sell their produce, goods, and services, and in turn, improve the quality of life of rural dwellers.
Mahmoud said that the market would be equipped with modern facilities that would enhance the efficiency of agricultural value chains.
She added that the market was also designed to empower rural entrepreneurs to access larger patronage and better prices for their products.
The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Councils, Abubakar Giri, said that the Zuba Modern Market, when completed, would boost the revenue base of the area council.
Giri also promised to revive other abandoned markets within the area council and urged the contractor to complete the project within the 20-month period.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Khuntex Engineering Company, Dayo Jigan, promised that the first phase of the project would be delivered in 10 months.
Jigan said that a set of 250 units of the shops would be completed in the first phase of the project.
He explained that the market would consist of mixed units of open/lock-up shops, warehouses, eatery, banking hall, restaurants, police posts, fire station, public toilet, bus loading bay and other amenities in line with global standards.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- 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
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