Connect with us

News

Tinubu serious in solving economic crisis — Wike

Published

on

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Friday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is serious in solving the economic crisis in the country.

Wike gave the assurance during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the 7.3 kilometers Gaba/Tokulo road in Bwari Area Council.

He pleaded with Abuja residents to give the present administration the needed support to deliver the dividends of democracy.

Addressing reporters during the inspection visit, the FCT Minister expressed satisfaction with the speed and quality of work on the road project and assured that it will be adequately funded to ensure its timely completion by December this year.

Advertisement

The Minister who revealed that the project was 40 percent complete, said about 70 percent of the contractual sum has been paid to the contractor by the FCT Administration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the contractor to deliver the project within the agreed schedule.

Wike further disclosed that the Gaba/Tokulo road, when completed, will not only enhance transportation in the rural parts of the FCT, but will also improve food security in the nation’s capital by providing access to the farmlands, as well as access to the markets.

He also stressed the commitment of the FCT Administration to providing infrastructure in the FCT Area Councils, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Wike said: “So many people have thought that we are only concentrating in the city. Yesterday, we were in Saburi, today we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Kuje, so that people will understand that while we are doing in the city, we are also carrying out development in the satellite towns and the rural areas because by the Renewed Hope Agenda, development is not only to be concentrated within the city but also to take to the rural areas in order to improve the economy.

Advertisement

“Here is an agrarian area; without this road, how are they going to move their goods? And this is part of the problems we have in terms of food insecurity. People are talking about shortages of food, but if we don’t have means of transportation, that is also a problem.

“We are trying to solve that problem of transportation for farmers to be able to go and bring whatever they have produced for people to consume or to buy”.

Wike, while thanking the people of Bwari for their support for the government, also reiterated that President Tinubu was committed to addressing the economic problems of the country and called for their continued support.

He said: “We thank the people of Bwari and we want to also let them know that the government of President Tinubu is serious about solving the economic crisis we have. All we urge Nigerians is just to be patient.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Trump Replies Episcopal Bishop’s Call for Mercy on LGBTQ+ Community and Migrant Workers

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

During the inaugural prayer service, Right Reverend Mariann Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, delivered a poignant message urging President Donald Trump to extend mercy to the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented migrant workers.

Her powerful appeal was made in front of a congregation gathered for the historic event, calling on the president to embrace compassion and understanding toward marginalized groups.

Following the service, President Trump was asked about the sermon and the bishop’s remarks.

Advertisement

In a brief interaction with the press, the president remarked that he did not believe the service had been “a good service,” without further elaborating on his stance.

Bishop Budde’s remarks have sparked a range of reactions, with advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities expressing hope that her call would resonate with the president, while others have criticized the president’s response.

The appeal for mercy and inclusion comes as the new administration begins its term, and its stance on issues of social justice and human rights remains closely watched.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Inflation, Rising Costs Behind 50% Telecom Tariff Increase – Minister

Published

on

 

 

…FG to invest ₦6bn in fibre optic expansion

 

Advertisement

By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has attributed the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs to inflation and rising operational costs.

 

Advertisement

The Minister disclosed this during the 2025 budget defense session held by the joint House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Communication, on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

Explaining the rationale behind the tariff hike, Dr. Tijani stated that the move aligns with broader economic trends where increased tariffs lead to higher consumer prices due to added costs on imported goods.

 

Advertisement

The Minister also revealed plans by the Federal Government to invest ₦6 billion in the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, increasing Nigeria’s current coverage from 35,000 kilometers to 125,000 kilometers, and he described this initiative as a critical step towards boosting communication infrastructure and fostering growth in key sectors of the economy.

 

“Tariffs act as a sales tax, causing a one-off price increase rather than sustained inflation.

 

Advertisement

“Outside of South Africa and maybe Egypt or Tunisia, many African countries face a significant deficit in fiber optic cable coverage.

 

“This is going to become a big business. We want Nigerian companies not only to lay cables within Nigeria but also to provide these services for neighboring countries. And we want our people to be the workforce driving this transformation,” he said.

 

Advertisement

Dr. Tijani who emphasised the importance of communication infrastructure in ensuring security and economic development, highlighted the historical reliance on private investment for telecommunications infrastructure, which has often prioritized profitable urban areas over rural communities.

 

“Private companies only invest where they see potential returns.

“They use tools like night-time satellite data to identify economic activity, represented by lights, and focus their investments in those areas. This has left many underserved regions without proper infrastructure. Addressing this disparity is a priority for us,” he explained.

Advertisement

 

The Minister, however, lamented the inadequate funding of the Ministry, which he said hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

 

“The Ministry is underfunded compared to agencies like the NCC. We lack the necessary resources and software to track revenue-generating activities efficiently. With better funding, the Ministry could generate significantly more revenue and enhance its impact,” he said.

Advertisement

 

In his remarks, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communication, acknowledged the critical contributions of the communication sector to Nigeria’s economic growth. He called for a review of the Ministry’s 2025 proposed budget to ensure it is adequately equipped to deliver on its mandate.

 

Following discussions, the Committee adopted a motion urging the Committees on Appropriation to consider an upward revision of the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Kalu Calls On UK Govt to Support Nigeria’s War Against Corruption

Published

on

 

 

…praised diplomatic ties between the two countries

 

Advertisement

By Gloria Ikibah

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

 

Advertisement

The Deputy Speaker made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.

 

Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.

 

Advertisement

He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.

 

Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the  opportunities for sustainable growth and development.

 

Advertisement

He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.

 

“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.

 

Advertisement

“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.

 

“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat  corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.

 

Advertisement

Kalu who is the Chairman,  Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.

 

“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.

 

Advertisement

“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.

 

“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News