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FEC approves N142bn for bus terminals in geopolitical zones

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The Federal Government on Wednesday approved N142bn for the construction of modern bus terminals across the country.

This was as the government also ordered all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies still processing contracts under the 2024 Appropriation to complete their procurement activities by the end of September 2025.

The approval for the N142bn and the deadline for the conclusion of the 2024 project procurement were made during the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking with State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Transportation, Sai’du Alkali, confirmed that the bus terminals will be constructed in the six geopolitical zones across the country.

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Alkali noted that the terminals will be sited in Abeokuta (South-West), Gombe (North-East), Kano (North-West), Lokoja (North-Central), Onitsha (South-East), and Ewu in Edo State (South-South).

He said the sum of “N142,028,576,008.17” was approved for the construction of the terminals.

The minister identified that the lack of major bus terminals contributes to crime, road accidents, and illegal arms proliferation, which prompted them to seek presidential and Federal Executive Council approval for the project.

“This is the first time the government is having intervention or road infrastructure apart from road construction. The idea of these terminals was chosen based on choice of their economic viability.

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“It has come to the notice of the ministry that in spite of the significance of road transportation in Nigeria, there are no bus terminals to address the interests of millions of Nigerian commuters. As a result, we have a lot of crime, road traffic, accidents, proliferation of arms and ammunition on our highways.

“So, that is what informed the ministry to approach Mr. President and indeed the Federal Executive Council to seek the approval of the construction of this bus terminal,” he said.

The directive for the September deadline for MDAs to conclude the 2024 project procurement was contained in a brief from the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Adebowale Adedokun, made to President Bola Tinubu.

According to the directive, which was presented to journalists by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the BPP said over 70 MDAs had yet to conclude procurement for 2024 projects, even though the budget year should have ended in December 2024.

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While the law was extended to allow for full implementation, the bureau noted that it was now more than 20 months since passage, warning that prolonged delays could result in avoidable liabilities for the government.

The brief by the BPP recommended that President Tinubu obtain a full account of all projects awarded by ministers and their ministries, with each ministry and its parastatals directed to submit lists of projects for both the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

This aligns with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s circular on project reporting.

Reaffirming the administration’s Nigeria First policy, the BPP urged MDAs to give priority to locally-made goods and services in project execution, provided they meet international standards and are certified by relevant government authorities.

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The bureau, working alongside the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, will monitor compliance and forward reports to the Presidency for further action.

On the 2025 budget cycle, the BPP advised that a significant share of projects be procured through open competitive bidding to stimulate job creation and reduce poverty.

It also recommended that the BPP Director-General be included in all bilateral loan negotiations for infrastructure projects, ensuring professional oversight of procurement decisions and cost assessments.

The bureau further expressed concern over persistent non-compliance with the Public Procurement Act by some government-owned companies and enterprises, despite the Finance Act 2020 mandating adherence.

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It warned that such disregard has fostered financial recklessness in certain entities and called for strict enforcement to bring all procurement activities in line with the law.

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We’re using 31 days to commission projects in FCT to mark Tinubu’s 3rd year anniversary – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced an unprecedented 31-day marathon project commissionings across the nation’s capital to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

​Speaking at a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, the Minister showcased the administrative landmark achievements under his watch, attributing the massive infrastructural development to the strategic backing and vision of the President.

​According to Wike, the month-long commissioning circuit will feature major road networks, public utilities, and massive urban renewal projects designed to completely reshape the nation’s capital.

Brushing aside critics, the Minister issued a direct challenge regarding the scale and quality of his administration’s output in the FCT.

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​”This third year of Mr. President alone…, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this” Wike stated.

​He emphasized that the rapid development unfolding in Abuja is a direct testament to purposeful leadership, throwing down a challenge to opposition figures to match the scale of the ongoing works.

​While highlighting his milestones in the FCT, the former Rivers State Governor pivoted to a surprisingly reconciliatory tone regarding the intense political friction in his home state, offering a blanket pardon to all political opponents.

​”I use this opportunity today, to announce that I have forgiven everybody,” Wike declared, stressing that prolonged political warfare serves no constructive purpose.

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​”I want you to come back home sincerely… We have played politics, we have abused ourselves, this is the right time for you to come back,” he added, urging estranged allies and adversaries alike to swallow their pride and return to a unified fold.

​Despite the sweeping offer of peace, the Minister did not mince words regarding the resilience of his political structure back home, which he described as an invincible “rainbow coalition.”

​Wike issued strong warnings and assertions regarding the political landscape.

He explicitly warned external forces against attempting to destabilize Rivers State, stating, “Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems… You put your hand, you get fire.”

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​He asserted that his political machinery has effectively locked down future electoral cycles.

“If you are talking about the governorship election in this state, forget it, it’s gone… If you are thinking that any miracle will happen to overturn, to pull the rug off us, it’s a lie,” he stated.

​ Reassuring his supporters of their strategic dominance, he noted, “We are very over-alerted anytime, any day. We’ll take you back, we’ll work with everybody. We are not selfish.”

While other states grapple with internal party crises and bitter conflicts within both the PDP and APC, Wike maintained that his political coalition remained secured and fully prepared to maintain its dominance for the next eight years and beyond.

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Watch: FCT minister Wike promises Tinubu’s third admin will showcase commissioning of projects in 31 days

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The Federal Capital Territory FCT minister Nyesom Wike has promised that President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary would showcase commissioning of projects in Abuja for 31 days.

Speaking at the Rainbow Coalition Renewed Hope Luncheon, the ‘talk and do” minister vowed that for 31 days projects will be commissioned across the Territory to mark Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He said: “We’re using 31 days to commission projects in the FCT to mark President Tinubu’s third-year anniversary in office.
He announced plans for next month, after using 9 days in year 1 and 19 days in year 2.

Video courtesy of TVC

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There was No Election in Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Says Ikokwu – Petitions NDC Election Appeal Panel

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Aspirant for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora) says no real primary election took place in the constituency on the 29th of May, and has asked the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Appeal Panel not to declare a winner, and to immediately investigate the roles played by opposing candidates and their supporters in disrupting the process.

“I respectfully call on the Election Panel to immediately investigate the roles played by unruly candidates, their agents, and supporters in the disruption of the process. I further urge the panel to take disciplinary action against any individual found culpable in sponsoring violence, intimidation, or acts capable of undermining the party’s democratic process.

“I also call for a thorough investigation into the role played by individuals and officials saddled with the responsibility of organizing and coordinating the election, whose apparent failure, negligence, or inability to properly manage the process significantly contributed to the confusion, disorder, and eventual collapse of the exercise.

“I demand that the failed exercise be declared inconclusive. Mr. Eric Anyamene should not be declared winner. Hon. Uche Okonkwo should also not be declared winner.

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“It will be a fraudulent choice if the NDC names either Mr. Anyamene or Hon. Okonkwo as winner for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency because the party would have chosen them through brazen criminal acts contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. No direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to enable members to choose their representative by popular votes.”

Background
From the onset, there was widespread confusion over the designated venue for Idemili South, which was a deliberate act of sabotage. Party members, delegates, and supporters were subjected to conflicting information, leaving many uncertain about where the election was to take place. When the designated venue was located, the absence of proper coordination, accreditation, and supervision compounded the disorder, preventing the exercise from taking place.

The situation deteriorated when rival supporters and suspected thugs loyal to both Hon. Okonkwo and Mr. Anyamene engaged in violent activities, creating panic, and forcing many party members to flee for their safety. Specifically, Mr. Anyamene’s unruly supporters recorded a video of random voters in the South while chanting “Eric is winning, Eric is winning,” and there was no election going on. His thugs clashed with other thugs, resulting in an atmosphere of intimidation and insecurity, which rendered the environment in Idemili South unsuitable for the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election.

Dr. Ikokwu’s supporters who had waited from as early as 10:00 a.m., were unable to cast their votes before the exercise collapsed around 1.30pm. In the North, the story was the same. Mr. Anyamene dominated with hired goons that caused mayhem at the election ground. Dr. Ikokwu’s poster was torn to pieces by Anyamene’s thugs over there.
End

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