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FCT: We can’t accept variation – Wike blacklists contractor
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has once again reiterated that the FCT Administration will not accept any form of variation of contracts awarded by the FCTA.
The FCT Minister, while inspecting some projects in Abuja on Wednesday, even blacklisted some contractors for this purpose.
Wike, particularly spoke against the backdrop of a request by Setraco Construction Company for variation of the contract for the construction of the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, to include provision for streetlights, warned that the FCTA will not entertain such requests.
Wike noted that the FCT administration had earlier agreed with contractors on the funding pattern that will enable them to complete ongoing projects in the FCT by May this year, adding that the Administration has also made payments as agreed.
He said the request for variation was therefore not tenable and stressed that the FCTA may be forced to blacklist contractors if they fail to complete the project within schedule.
According to the minister, “When I came on board, I had to call most of these companies and I asked them, would you be able to complete some of these projects so that as part of Mr. President’s one year, it will be inaugurated and they all agreed. We agreed on the funding pattern and I can tell you authoritatively, we have not failed.
“In fact, as far as that road is concerned (construction of Southern Parkway), we have paid not less than 97 percent. So, when I asked about the streetlight, he talked about variation. Of course, you know I will never accept that because we funded the projects very well without any failure on our own part.
“So, I’m still being categorically clear, there cannot be any variation on that project and if they don’t complete it on time, I’m going to blacklist the company. That is the truth of the matter. Nobody will toy with us; nobody will try to outsmart us. We are not going to accept it. Of course, the Managing Director was there and he knows we are serious about it.”
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Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.
Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.
Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”
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Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.
Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”
Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”
On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”
Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said
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