The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a stern warning to telecommunications giant MTN over delays in the N202 billion Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project. The Ministry demanded that MTN commits to paying contractors at least ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months or face termination of the contract.

The project is being executed under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme and handled by RCC Ltd.

The warning came after a high-level meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and attended by members of the Anambra and Enugu Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, along with representatives of MTN.

A statement issued by Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, read in part:

“The Federal Ministry of Works will write to MTN demanding an irrevocable commitment to pay contractors a minimum of ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months to fast-track the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. Failure to comply will result in the termination process being initiated.”

The Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and financial delays, which have reportedly caused a cost escalation of over 100%.

Further resolutions included:

Engaging three contractors to complete the 79 km section of the road within the initial ₦202 billion contract sum.

Awarding the remaining 72 km to other contractors through due process, with MTN and RCC eligible to bid.

The Ministry noted that MTN’s handling of the project did not align with the Tax Credit Executive Order. Officials warned that continued delays could increase the project cost by over 200%, which is unacceptable to the Federal Government.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including:

MTN Representatives:

Ikechukwu Uchendu, General Manager

Ifeoma Nkata, Manager of Federal Affairs

Engr. Chris Okoye, Community Liaison

Onioha Dike and Tochuckwu Onuorah, Project Managers

C.J. Caleb, Legal Adviser

Ministry Officials:

Engr. C. A. Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation

Engr. B. U. Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design

Engr. M. Saidu, Acting Director of Highways Road and Design

The ultimatum underscores the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to complete critical infrastructure projects and hold stakeholders accountable for delays.

Safest cities in the world abound with safety an important factor for people when deciding where to live, work, or travel.

And the rating of safety depends on low crime rates, good healthcare, public safety, affordable costs, and clean surroundings.

Safe cities attract visitors, investors, and new residents. They offer places where people can achieve their goals and build strong relationships. Safety also helps cities grow economically. Low crime encourages businesses to invest, supports new ventures, and makes shopping safer for customers. Safe cities also attract tourists, who spend money and help the local economy.

The safest cities are ranked based on factors like crime rates, public safety, healthcare, cost of living, and

environmental quality. Cities with low crime and high safety scores are the safest.

Abu Dhabi has been the world’s safest city for nine years in a row, and the UAE has several cities ranked highly on the global list.

Based on the 2025 Numbeo Safety Index, here are the top 10 safest cities in the world.

10. Munich, Germany
Safety Index: 79.3

Munich is a safe city with a mix of tradition and modernity. It has efficient public services and low crime rates.

9. The Hague
(Den Haag), Netherlands (Safety Index: 79.5)

The Hague is a secure city with international importance. It is known for peace and justice and offers a high standard of safety.

8. Trondheim, Norway
(Safety Index: 79.6)

Trondheim is a safe and beautiful city. It has low crime rates and a strong community, making it a great place to live.

7. Muscat, Oman
(Safety Index: 80.8)

Muscat is safe and clean. It has a low crime rate and offers a peaceful environment for residents and tourists.

6. Manama, Bahrain
(Safety Index: 81.0)

Manama is peaceful and welcoming. The city has a strong sense of community and low crime rates.

5. Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Sharjah is family-friendly and culturally rich. It maintains high safety standards and is a secure place to live.

4. Taipei, Taiwan
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Taipei is known for its friendly residents and safe streets. It has good public transportation and very little violent crime.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 83.8)

Dubai is a modern city with strict laws and advanced security systems. It provides a safe place for people to live and travel.

2. Doha, Qatar
(Safety Index: 84.0)

Doha is safe and well-organised. It has low crime rates, reliable public services, and a secure environment for residents and visitors.

1. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
(Safety Index: 88.4)

Abu Dhabi has been the safest city in the world for nine years. It has low crime rates, modern infrastructure, and effective law enforcement.

Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission in Nigeria has emphasized that military action alone is insufficient in addressing terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Rowe made the statement during the launch of the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration (CBRR) Policy and Transitional Justice Framework at the 5th Lake Chad Governor’s Forum held on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Speaking at a high-level forum on counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria, Rowe, a representative of the International Support Group, stated the need for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to security challenges that go beyond military action.

“The one thing that we all know is that kinetic action alone is not enough to resolve the challenges around extremism and terrorism that many people are facing,” Rowe said.

“Effective security measures must also address the underlying causes of extremism, through dialogue, justice, and development,” she said.

Rowe emphasized the importance of integrating both local and national systems, engaging traditional leaders, and ensuring that counterterrorism measures uphold the dignity of affected communities.

“Understanding the root causes of extremism and addressing them through dialogue and community based solutions is essential,” she added.

“Reconciliation and community resilience are just as crucial as military action,” she said.

The British official further stressed that crime and insecurity required strategic, accountable, and sustainable solutions.

She pointed to the necessity of practical action, stating, “The final word I would actually give to Madame Wondu, is about action, not paper; and I think that’s what we are all here for in the end,” she noted.

Rowe also spoke about the need for cross border cooperation among the Lake Chad Basin countries, noting the shared challenges of insecurity, displacement, and extremism facing Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

“It’s fascinating to have our colleagues from Cameroon here who can share insights on what is happening in their country,” Rowe remarked.

“We all have unique experiences but common challenges, and we can learn a lot from one another.”

Reflecting on her previous experience working in Nepal, Rowe spotlighted the importance of collaboration and communication in crisis management.

“The lessons we learned in Nepal about transitional justice and communication are still relevant today.

“The global community is watching Africa, and we are committed to addressing these challenges together.”

She also commended Nigerian officials for their ongoing efforts in engaging with regional stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.

Rowe stressed the need for continued international support and collaboration to rebuild communities and restore peace across the region.

She also expressed gratitude for the contributions of organizations such as the European Union and the UNDP in supporting peace-building efforts.

“The world is watching, and it’s critical that we continue working together to address the root causes of extremism and displacement,” she added.

Earlier, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), stressed the importance of a harmonized and coherent approach to national and local reintegration efforts in the Lake Chad Basin region.

He noted that the CBRR policy provided guidance to affected countries to support the reintegration process, while recognizing the unique context of each member country.

The executive secretary emphasized the necessity of adopting the policy to local circumstances to ensure its effectiveness.

“The CBRR policy recognizes the importance of community-level reconciliation and traditional justice to sustain reintegration efforts.

He explained, “It also acknowledges that these community-level processes complement nationally-led prosecution strategies and formal mechanisms.”

The Ambassador highlighted that the policy also addressed the trauma and damage caused by conflict in affected communities, with a focus on community readiness and the restoration of social and productive infrastructure.

He pointed out that reconciliation formed the foundation for justice and reintegration support.

“It’s crucial to understand the role communities play in the reintegration process,” Nuhu said.

He explained that the policy aimed to harness the capacities of men, women, youth, children, and different groups within the community to ensure the success of the reintegration efforts.

The CBRR policy also proposes the establishment of community committees to drive the process at the local level, with guidance from a central committee overseeing the entire process.

Nuhu explained that these committees would work in tandem with appropriate regional, national, and local governance structures to ensure the success of reconciliation and reintegration.