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FCT’s ACReSAL Project Boosts Agricultural Productivity in Kwali Area Council

Toyin Adebayo
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FCT’s ACReSAL Project Boosts Agricultural Productivity in Kwali Area Council

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, supported by the World Bank, is making significant strides in enhancing agricultural productivity in Kwali Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

During an engagement session with community members from Wako-Pukafa Catchment Area, Mr. Lawan Geidam, Mandate Secretary of the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCT Administration, revealed the procurement of tractors and construction of solar-powered boreholes.

These initiatives, part of the project’s livelihood support, aim to bolster agricultural activities in the region. Geidam, also the Chairman of the project’s Technical Committee in FCT, highlighted the installation of solar-powered boreholes in eight communities within Kwali area council, providing sustainable water sources for irrigation and domestic use.

Contracts have also been awarded for the procurement of critical farm inputs, including improved seedlings, fertilizers, and pesticides, to enhance farmers’ efficiency and increase crop yields.

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, Geidam emphasized the project’s goal of fortifying community resilience through capacity building and investments in natural resources management and good agricultural practices.

He underscored the importance of community engagement in achieving the project’s objectives, particularly as the new planting season commences.

Dr. Joy Agene, representing the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project, urged community members to take ownership of the initiative, emphasizing its community-driven nature.

Mrs. Caroline Opara, the Project Coordinator in FCT, highlighted the purpose of the community engagement session: to sensitize residents about the project and its various interventions, emphasizing its community-driven approach.

In response, Mr. Danladi Chiya, chairman of the council, expressed gratitude to the project implementation team and the FCTA for their support in improving the livelihoods of rural dwellers.

He pledged the council’s continued support for the success of the project, underscoring its significance in enhancing agricultural productivity and community well-being.

Federal Government to Host Strategic Retreat to Address Mining Industry Challenges

Toyin Adebayo
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Federal Government to Host Strategic Retreat to Address Mining Industry Challenges

The Federal Government has announced plans to organize a strategic retreat aimed at addressing the lingering issues in the mining industry, particularly the coordination between federal and state governments.

This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, following discussions with AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State.

During a meeting with Governor Dikko Umar Rada of Katsina State, Alake emphasized the crucial role of Katsina in the mining sector due to its rich mineral resources.

He reiterated that while solid minerals fall under the exclusive list, states must work closely with the federal government on mining policies and actions.

Governor Rada commended the minister’s efforts to reform the sector and expressed Katsina’s willingness to collaborate with the federal government to harness its mineral potential for regional and national benefit.

He also raised concerns about security challenges in the state, linking them to poverty, injustice, and illegal mining activities.

In response, Minister Alake assured the governor of the federal government’s support in tackling illegal mining with the newly established Mining Marshals.

He also highlighted the importance of the revised Community Development Agreement guidelines, which require consent letters from host communities before granting mining licenses.

Furthermore, Dr. Alake emphasized the strategic role states can play through the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), where governors can nominate the chairman and a significant number of members to oversee mining operations effectively.

He encouraged Katsina to follow the example of other states that have successfully applied for mining licenses to operate as limited liability companies, promising swift processing of such applications.

This planned retreat and the ongoing dialogues demonstrate a comprehensive approach to resolving the complexities of managing Nigeria’s mining resources collaboratively between the federal and state governments.

FCTA Disburses N6.3 Billion to Area Councils , Stakeholders, Marks 40% Increase

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Disburses N6.3 Billion to Area Councils , Stakeholders, Marks 40% Increase

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has released a total of N6,316,621,045.37 billion to the six area councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for March 2024.

This allocation represents a significant 40% increase compared to the previous month’s allocation of N3,938,092,102.92 billion in February 2024.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the FCT Minister of State, who chaired the 188th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), expressed satisfaction with the substantial increase.

She urged area council authorities to utilize the allocation for meaningful projects that benefit residents, emphasizing that the allocation goes beyond merely paying staff salaries.

A breakdown of the allocation reveals that:

  • N3,814,043,951.50 billion was earmarked for distribution to the six area councils
  • N2,502,577,093.87 billion was allocated to other critical stakeholders

Among the area councils, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received N796,985,326.39 million, followed by Gwagwalada with N606,666,131.20 million and Kuje with N635,903,823.41 million.

Allocations to other stakeholders include:

  • N2,115,855,089.92 billion for Primary School Teachers
  • N226,478,989.57 million for 15% Pension Funds
  • N52,394,108.75 million for One percent Training Fund
  • N107,849,405.63 million for 10% Employer Pension Contribution

The JAAC meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kauramata, Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy to the FCT Minister of State, Hon. Bitrus Garki, Mandate Secretary of Area Council Services Secretariat, and Dr. Olusa Olusegun, Permanent Secretary of Area Council Services Secretariat.

Representatives from various area councils were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure transparent and equitable allocation of resources for the development of the FCT.

Wike Forges Partnership with Hungary to Boost Security , Agriculture

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike Forges Partnership with Hungary to Boost Security , Agriculture

In a bid to strengthen security and agricultural development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike has initiated a strategic partnership with Hungary.

This exciting collaboration was unveiled during a meeting with the Consul-General of the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria, Endre Peter Deri, at the Minister’s office in Abuja.

Wike emphasized the administration’s commitment to tackling security challenges and expressed keen interest in acquiring cutting-edge drones to enhance security measures.

He stressed the importance of identifying the most suitable drones for the FCT and ensuring their efficiency and reliability. “We’re determined to address security concerns, and with the help of Hungary, we can leverage drone technology to achieve this goal,” Wike stated.

Beyond security, the Minister highlighted the significance of agriculture and expressed eagerness to collaborate with Hungary in this area.

He offered land for agricultural projects, underscoring the potential for a mutually beneficial partnership. “We’re ready to work together to drive agricultural growth and ensure food security in the FCT,” Wike said.

The Consul-General of the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria, Endre Peter Deri, praised Wike for his impressive achievements and conveyed Hungary’s willingness to support the FCTA in addressing security concerns through drone technology.

He also presented a proposal for collaboration in agriculture, highlighting the University of Agriculture’s readiness to partner with the FCT in promoting sustainable production practices through public-private partnerships (PPP).

This meeting marks a significant milestone in fostering international cooperation to enhance security and agricultural development in the FCT.

The partnership with Hungary is poised to bring about innovative solutions and expertise, further solidifying the FCT’s position as a hub for growth and progress.

FCTA Cracks Down on Okada Operators in Restricted Areas, Vows to Adopt New Strategies

Toyin Adebayo
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FCTA Cracks Down on Okada Operators in Restricted Areas, Vows to Adopt New Strategies

The Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a crackdown on commercial motorcycles operating in restricted areas, with a promise to adopt stringent measures to combat the menace.

Deborah Osho, Deputy Director and head of Operations at DRTS (popularly known as VIO), announced this during a clampdown operation on okada operators at various locations in Idu, including the Federal Medical Centre, EFCC, and NASENI areas.

While Osho did not reveal the exact measures to be taken against the okada operators, she emphasized that discussions and planning are underway to address the challenge.

She expressed concern over reports from residents regarding the activities of commercial motorcycle operators and stressed the need to tackle the issue.

Osho affirmed that it is the mandate of DRTS to rid the FCT of commercial bikes, particularly when they violate traffic laws. She highlighted the areas of focus for the operation, including Idu, NASENI, and EFCC, where residents have complained about the menace of okada riders.

Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary of Command and Control FCTA, clarified that the motorcycles distributed to security agencies by the FCT Minister are not the same as those impounded by DRTS.

He debunked misconceptions suggesting that seized motorcycles were being repurposed for security purposes, emphasizing that the bikes inaugurated by the FCT Administration were specifically purchased for security operations and not for commercial use.

Olumuji emphasized the importance of the security motorcycles in enabling security agencies, vigilantes, and hunters to access difficult terrains in border communities. He noted that these motorcycles have facilitated arrests in challenging environments where conventional vehicles struggle to navigate.

FG Groundbreaking Gender Strategy for Nigerian Mining , Steel Sectors

Toyin Adebayo
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FG Groundbreaking Gender Strategy for Nigerian Mining , Steel Sectors

In a landmark move, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has launched a pioneering gender strategy for the Nigerian Mining and Steel sectors. This innovative initiative aims to promote diversity, empower women, and enhance the overall sustainability of the mining sector.

At a dual launch event, which also introduced the Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy, Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized the administration’s commitment to gender equity and female participation. He stressed that promoting gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that will drive innovation and contribute to the nation’s sustainable development.

Dr. Alake acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector, highlighting their talents, expertise, and perspectives as crucial for industry growth. He reflected on past biases and inequalities, affirming the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and empowering women through its roadmap initiative.

The Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy firm, N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, to develop the gender strategy. The Minister issued a clarion call to action, stating objectives firmly rooted in equality, diversity, and empowerment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities.

The National President of WIMIN, represented by the National Secretary, Mrs. Emily Ofodile, described the launch as a beacon of hope and a platform for collective action and solidarity towards meaningful change. Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Steel Development, urged industry players to remain steadfast in implementing the gender strategy effectively, ensuring an equitable and inclusive mining sector.

Engineer Sellim Salam, Project Coordinator of MinDiver, underscored the importance of engaging a consultancy firm to conduct a gender study and develop a strategy to uplift women’s benefits and mainstream their participation in the sector. The unveiling ceremony featured a revealing presentation by N & G Consulting Firm Ltd, along with goodwill messages from various organizations, highlighting the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and empowerment in the Nigerian mining and steel sectors.

This groundbreaking gender strategy marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector in Nigeria.

AMMC Cracks Down on Streetlights Contractors Over Shoddy Performance

Toyin Adebayo
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AMMC Cracks Down on Streetlights Contractors Over Shoddy Performance

In a bold move to address the lingering darkness in Abuja’s streets, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), issued a stern warning to streetlights contractors on Tuesday. Contractors who have failed to meet their contractual obligations were put on notice, as Obuah vowed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will not renew any contractual relationships with defaulting companies.

Speaking during a press briefing, Obuah expressed dismay over the widespread darkness in almost all districts of Abuja due to non-functional streetlights. He condemned the negligence of some companies tasked with maintaining and securing streetlights, accusing them of abandoning their contractual obligations.

Obuah’s warning came after an inspection of various districts revealed alarming situations where streetlights were not functioning, and infrastructure had been vandalized. He directly addressed the contractors, expressing dissatisfaction with their performance. “I’m not impressed with the way you’ve handled maintenance and security. The city is dark, despite payment for your services. This is unacceptable.”

Obuah emphasized that contractors are responsible for providing security to safeguard facilities and replacing dead bulbs promptly. He warned that continued negligence would result in blacklisting, preventing them from future opportunities. “I’m not interested in pulling anybody down; I’m more interested in getting the job done. Those willing to partner with us will receive our full support, but those who neglect their duties will face consequences.”

The AMMC Coordinator’s stern warning highlights the FCT administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability and efficiency in service delivery, particularly in critical areas like street lighting and infrastructure maintenance. With this move, the FCTA demonstrates its dedication to illuminating Abuja’s streets and ensuring the safety and security of its residents.

Wike Strengthens Alliance with Japan International Cooperation Agency

Toyin Adebayo
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Wike Strengthens Alliance with Japan International Cooperation Agency

Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to a fruitful partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. Wike welcomed Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, JICA’s Chief Representative in Nigeria, and expressed confidence in the continued growth of their relationship, built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

Drawing from his experience as former Minister of State for Education, Wike commended JICA for its significant contributions to enhancing education quality and access across Nigeria. He highlighted JICA’s impactful initiatives, such as the Abuja urban master plan approved in 2019, and praised the organization’s solid relationship with Nigeria, spanning various sectors nationwide.

Wike assured JICA of the FCT’s unwavering commitment to sustaining their partnership, emphasizing the importance of completing ongoing projects, especially water-related initiatives, within scheduled timeframes. He pledged the FCT administration’s dedication to fulfilling its obligations and aligning with JICA’s support.

Expressing confidence in JICA’s capacity to deliver on its promises, Wike welcomed further collaboration to achieve more for the people of the FCT. He proposed expanding JICA’s teacher training programs beyond the FCT, focusing on science and mathematics education, demonstrating the administration’s eagerness to continue partnering with JICA in critical areas for educational advancement.

Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, reiterated the agency’s commitment to capacity building for FCT staff and promising young individuals. He emphasized JICA’s longstanding collaboration with the government in sustainable economic development and its integral role in the development of the Abuja urban master plan.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in the FCT-JICA partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to driving progress and improving the lives of Nigerians.

Demolition Begins at Landmark Beach for New Lagos-Calabar Highway

Ola Akinola
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Demolition Begins at Landmark Beach for New Lagos-Calabar Highway

The iconic Landmark Beach in Victoria Island, Lagos, is undergoing significant changes as demolition work has started to pave the way for the ambitious Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project was initiated following an order from the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who also mandated the closure of the beach from Sunday.

Here are six essential details about the demolition and the highway project:

  1. Project Objective: The demolition is part of the preparatory work for a 700-kilometer coastal highway that will link Lagos to nine other coastal states, facilitating improved connectivity and economic growth.
  2. Project Scale: Touted as the largest single infrastructure project in Nigeria, the highway will be constructed in phases over several years.
  3. Project Timeline and Budget: The construction is projected to last eight years, costing approximately N15 trillion, with each kilometer estimated at N4 billion.
  4. Scope of Demolition: The federal government assures that only structures infringing upon the right-of-way are being removed, primarily targeting makeshift structures and not the primary facilities of Landmark Beach Resort.
  5. Compensation Plan: Minister Umahi has promised compensation for those affected by the demolition, though further details are yet to be disclosed.
  6. Community Response: The community’s reaction is mixed. While some see the potential economic and infrastructural benefits, others mourn the loss of a popular recreational venue.

This development highlights a significant transformation in Victoria Island, balancing infrastructure development with community and recreational concerns.

Concerted Efforts Needed To Address Challenges Facing Border Communities – Badaru

Victor Obabunmi
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Concerted Efforts Needed To Address Challenges Facing Border Communities – Badaru

The Honorable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, has called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced by the border communities’ dwellers.

The Minister made the call when the Executive Secretary of Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Dr. George D.A. Kelly paid him a courtesy visit in Ship House.

Badaru emphasized the urgent need to address challenges such as provision of healthcare facilities and access to clean water in border towns across the nation.

He acknowledged the gravity of these challenges and therefore called for innovative and concrete solutions to improve the welfare of the border communities’ inhabitants

Accordingly, he opined that the Agency should come up with a Strategic Master plan with members drawn from International organisations, non-Governmental organizations, National Assembly, State Assembly, State Governors, Local Government Chairmen, businessmen and other critical members of the society to drive the entire process of mobilising resources to fund some projects instead of depending on budgetory allocation from Federal Government alone.

Badaru commended Dr. Kelly for drawing up a strategic plan for tackling border communities’ issues, pledging to support any viable initiative in addressing the issues.

He said: “I am not only from a Border State, I am also from a Border community and as a former Governor of Jigawa State, I understand these border issues and I will join hands with you to address these issues.”

Earlier in his address, Dr. Kelly outlined the BCDA’s strategic action plan for 2024 to 2027, which includes short-term and long-term solutions to enhance access to essential services, security, communication, welfare, and agriculture in border communities.

He emphasized the agency’s commitment to implementing sustainable and impactful interventions that will address the root causes of border community challenges.

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