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Watch moment Sen. Manu moves motion to include $5.8bn Mambila Hydroelectric power project as part of Tinubu’s legacy projects
…wants 15% counterpart funding to be funded
…Senator Manu and 28 others promote motion
The Senate on Thursday resolved to urge the committees on Finance and Appropriation to include the $5.8billion Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project funding as part of the legacy projects and the 15% counterpart funding of $868,800,000 to be funded from the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Development Funds.
The lawmakers also highlighted the failure of previous governments to prioritise the national project with its capacity to generate 3050 megawatts, and reposition the Ajaokuta Steel Complex with $1.7bn.
The Senate also resolved that in reviving the project, the original idea of 3,000 megawatts capacity be maintained.
This was sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Haruna Manu, Taraba Central Senatorial District and 28 other Senators.
The motion entitled: The Urgent Need To Address The Challenges Of Commencing The Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project, Senator Manu in his submission said:
“That the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Power signed a contract with a consortium of Chinese contractors comprising CGGC, SHC, and CGOC in 2017 to construct a 3050 MW hydroelectric power project known as the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project (MHEPP) in Taraba State at the sum of $5.792bn.
Manu explained that “the Federal Executive Council of the Buhari administration approved the said contract with an agreed JV funding structure of 85% from the Chinese consortium (CGGC-45%, SHC-35%, and CGOC-20%) and 15% from the Federal Government of Nigeria as counterpart funding for the entire project with a 72 months’ construction period and on a site area over 146sqkm in Kurmi, and Sardauna Local Government of Taraba State.
He noted that because of” the priority placed on power in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly to electricity generation for capacity expansion; the Mambila Hydroelectric Power project (MHEPP) with its capacity to generate 3050MW and reposition the Ajaokuta Steel Complex with $1.7B makes it a priority project of national importance.
Watch video below:
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“The project has great benefits for local content in the area of human capital development, including the creation of over 55,000 jobs, construction of resettlement homes for over 100,000 people, hauling and supplying of over 2.7 million tons of steel, Production and supply of over 76 million tons of quarry stone, the opportunity for Ashaka and Benue cement to produce and supply cement, and for Styer Nigeria Limited, DPAN Limited, and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Limited to manufacture trucks and participate in over 12,000 trips of haulage and transportation logistics from Lagos and Calabar ports to the host community.
“Decades of efforts towards the take-off of this national economic asset have been ongoing including that from North East governors to place the project in implementation mode; the appointment of HYPERTECH Nigeria by the Chinese consortium as the local content consultant; the creation of a presidential inter-ministerial committee comprising four relevant stakeholders (The Federal Ministry of Power.
“The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, and The Federal Ministry of Justice) in 2019 by the Buhari-led government to effectively coordinate the implementation of the project.
“A schedule of pre-commencement activities by the government on resettlement, access road, security, and airfield has been provided and 27 MDAs and over 500 companies have already been identified towards the actualization of the 15% local content counterpart funding.
“The project is to be carried out based on Presidential Executive Order 5 which has been issued to provide the platform for the framework of the local content especially as it relates to preference, accreditation, capacity development, and contract award.
He further stressed that “the volume of contradictory information about the project may hinder the actualization of the good objectives and the benefits it brings to the good people of Nigeria.
“The agreement between a Russian firm and the Republic of Niger to construct the Kainji hydroelectric project, located about 180 kilometers northwest of the capital Niamey along the Niger River, will reduce the volume of water supply to and hamper the capacity of Kainji dam to generate electricity for Nigeria.
“Also, the proactive steps taken by His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attending and taking action at the Climate Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (UAE) to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply through renewable energy.
News
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
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NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
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President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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