Connect with us

News

FG threatens to revoke MTN’s N202bn Enugu-Onitsha road contract

Published

on

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:

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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:

Advertisement

Ikechukwu Uchendu, General Manager

Ifeoma Nkata, Manager of Federal Affairs

Engr. Chris Okoye, Community Liaison

Onioha Dike and Tochuckwu Onuorah, Project Managers

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

News

Insecurity: Criminals Cart Away NSA Ribadu’s Office Hilux During Juma’at Prayer In Abuja

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has initiated a search following the theft of a black Toyota Hilux vehicle belonging to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which was stolen during Friday’s Juma’at prayers in Abuja.

It was gathered that the vehicle was parked around 1:05pm opposite the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) complex in Area 10, while the official attended prayers at a nearby mosque.

Security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the incident via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealing that the ONSA official returned from the mosque only to find the vehicle missing.

Advertisement

According to him, a sources said the theft was immediately reported to the Garki Police Division at approximately 2:00 p.m., leading to a swift response by law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command promptly activated a stop-and-search operation at various checkpoints and across all entry and exit points in the capital city.

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and all efforts are being made to apprehend the culprits and recover the vehicle.

The Command said it had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen Hilux.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Governor Kefas Inaugurates Taraba State Investment International Summit Committee+Photos

Published

on

By

In a significant step towards enhancing investment opportunities in Taraba State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas on Saturday inaugurated the Committee for the International Investment Summit at the Executive Chamber of the Government House in Jalingo.

Senator Manu Haruna, former deputy governor of Taraba State and a serving Senator, a seasoned administrator who chairs Taraba State Mobilization and development Investment Committee expressed gratitude to Governor Kefas for his visionary leadership in organizing an international summit aimed at attracting investment to the state.

He highlighted the potential this initiative holds for fostering economic growth and development in Taraba State.

Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumedu the Chairman of the Taraba State International Investment Summit Committee, emphasized that such summits are crucial for stimulating economic activities and creating opportunities..

Advertisement

According to him, the summit will play a vital role in showcasing Taraba’s investment potential, thereby attracting both local and international investors.

The committee is expected to work diligently to prepare for the summit, ensuring that it positions Taraba State as a favorable destination for investment and economic collaboration.

Governor Kefas remains committed to promoting policies that support economic diversification and sustainable

development in the state.

This inauguration marks a positive development in Taraba’s ongoing efforts to enhance its economic landscape and improve the standard of living for its residents.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

OERAF Rounds Up Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete’s remembrance with Novelty Match

Published

on

By

By Kennedy Atevure

Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.

Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.

Advertisement

The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.

The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.

Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News