By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Senate Thursday urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to include North East in the Super Highway projects just as it commended President Bola Tinubu for the N4.2trilion coastal roads projects.

Senate ‘s call for inclusion of North East in its Super Highway projects , followed a motion moved to that effect by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje ( APC Gombe Central) .

Senator Goje in the motion entitled : Federal Government’s Approval of N4.2trillion for Construction of Lagos – Calabar Coastal Road and Other Road Projects Nationwide “, lamented that out of the N4.2trillion road projects only N19billion for for rehabilitation of two out many others in the North East , was allocated to the Zone .

” It is imperative to note that in this laudable project, the North – East has only two projects, that is, Yola – Fufore – Gurin Road in Adamawa State (N11.81 Billion); and Lamido Road in Taraba State (N7.68 Billion), out of the approved sum of N4.2 Trillion Naira.

” Apart from these two road projects in the North – East, there are other very important road networks, which are in bad conditions, such as: the Bauchi – Gombe road; Biu – Gombe road; Potiskum – Gombe road; Darazo – Gombe road; Numan – Jalingo road; Yola – Mubi road; Yola – Michika – Madagali – Gwoza – Bama road, Ngorore – Mayo Belwa – Zing – Jalingo; Mayo Belwa – Jada – Ganye; Biu – Gombi – Maranraba; Biu – Damboa – Maiduguri; and Biu – Damaturu, among others, which desperately require serious reconstruction and rehabilitation.

” The North – East is the only Zone that is not connected to the SUPER HIGHWAY PROJECT, embarked upon by this administration”, he said .

He however commended President Tinubu for the Super Highway projects which according to him , are to ensure connectivity by improving road safety with the aim of harnessing the viability of resources that abound across the length and breadth of this country, with a view to stimulating economic growth and development but stressed that the North East should be included .

In nationalising the issue , the Senate amended Senator Goje’s second prayer from Urging the Federal Government to, as a matter of necessity, approve the rehabilitation of the listed deplorable roads in the North – East to urging the Federal Government to as a matter of necessity, approve the rehabilitation of all deplorable roads across the Country .

During contributions to debate on the motion , many of the Senators who spoke , commended Goje for the motion but also listed series of federal roads in their various constituencies begging for urgent attention in terms of rehabilitation and even re – construction .

The President of the Senate in his remarks , Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio said until Nigeria has a serious road map for constant rehabilitation and maintenance of roads across the country , issue of road deplorability in Nigeria will remain .

He added that if previous administrations in the country had taken bold steps being taken by the Tinubu administration now , the problem wouldn’t have been gargantuan as they are now , as far as deplorable roads in Nigeria are concerned.

Reprieve may soon come the way of Federal Government contractors as the House of Representatives has waded into the alleged sharp practices in the payment of contractors by the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General Office of the Federation.

The House in response to the Motion titled; “Alleged Fraudulent Practices in the Payment of Contractors by the Offices of the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation cosponsored by Hon. Professor Paul Sunday Nnamchi, House Leader, Hon Professor Julius Ihonvbere and Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji directed the Committee on Finance to investigate the allegations.

The House also urged the Federal Government to strengthen internal controls and enforce strict penalties for officials found culpable in corrupt practices within the parliament system and subsequently establish a transparent digital payment system that eliminates discretionary human interference in payment of contracts.

Professor Ihonvbere who presented the motion on behalf of the lead sponsor Professor Nnamch who was unavoidably absent reminded his colleagues that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended “prescribes transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds as fundamental principles of governance”.

He went further to cite section 15(5) of the constitution which provides that, “the state shall abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power which underscore the government’s obligation to prevent investigate and punish malfeasance particularly in public finance management “.

He noted that there had been reports of contractors being coerced into offering kickbacks or face unjustified deductions from their payments as a condition for processing of their invoices by the officials of Federal Ministry of Finance.

The sponsors further stressed that “unrestrained continuation of these corrupt practices were capable of discouraging credible investors and undermine confidence in government’s ability to uphold transparency and accountability”.

The House sponsors also believed that without thorough investigations of the alleged sharp practices and consequently addressing them, contractors might lose confidence in government engagements thus leading to slow economic development and failed infrastructure projects nationwide.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned that it will deal with banks that force customers to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) despite having sufficient funds and requesting a higher amount.

This was disclosed in a Q&A explainer released by the CBN bank following its recent review of ATM withdrawal fees.

The CBN emphasized that ATM charges for withdrawals made from other banks’ ATMs—both on-site and off-site—are based on the expectation that customers can withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction.

It stated: “Any bank that compels a customer with sufficient funds in their account to withdraw less than N20,000 per transaction, against their desire for a higher sum, would be contravening this regulation and will be sanctioned appropriately.”

The CBN encouraged affected customers to file complaints against banks that impose unnecessary restrictions.

“Consumers denied the right to withdraw up to N20,000 per transaction are encouraged to file a complaint with the CBN using [email protected].”

The CBN further clarified that banks are not allowed to charge more than the prescribed ATM fees, though they can charge less depending on their cost structure and business model.

“The charges and surcharges are capped, meaning banks and other financial institutions cannot charge more than the fees stated in the circular. However, a bank can charge a lower amount depending on its cost structure and business development drive.”

The CBN advised customers to withdraw cash from their own bank’s ATMs to avoid extra charges. It also encouraged customers to explore alternative payment options such as mobile banking apps, POS terminals, and other digital payment channels to minimize ATM withdrawal fees.