Friday, July 11, 2025
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Breaking: JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Resit Results for 315,763 Candidates

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…Blacklisting for CBT Centres Involved in Irregularities, Malpractices—JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) resit conducted for candidates affected by technical glitches during the initial exam.

A total of 315,763 candidates sat for the rescheduled examination, following JAMB’s acknowledgment of system failures that compromised the earlier session. The board stated that of the 336,845 candidates who were scheduled for the resit—including those from centres later disqualified—21,082 were absent.

In a statement issued on Sunday, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that the release of results followed a comprehensive review by the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) during a high-level meeting.

The CEEs’ meeting, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria and CEE for the FCT, Prof. Olufemi Peters, also engaged the expertise of psychometrics professor, Boniface Nworgu, to validate the integrity of the results before release.

The statement also revealed that the Board had identified a disturbing trend of malpractices and fraudulent behaviour involving some candidates, school proprietors, tutorial centres, and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

Key decisions from the meeting include:

Underage Candidates: Results of underage candidates, previously withheld, are being released as part of a reconciliatory gesture. However, such candidates remain ineligible for admission as they had earlier signed undertakings confirming their awareness of the minimum age and academic requirements.

Candidates Involved in Exam Malpractices: Some candidates were found to have participated in “WhatsApp runs” and other unethical practices. JAMB emphasized that while their results are released, the move does not legitimize their actions and serves only as a one-time waiver. Future misconduct will attract severe sanctions.

Blacklisting of CBT Centres: All CBT centres found complicit in registration and examination fraud will be blacklisted. Owners may face prosecution. Individuals involved in altering candidates’ biometric data and photographs are also being tracked for arrest and legal action.

Regulation of Tutorial Centres: The Board raised concern over the growing influence of unregulated tutorial centres in promoting examination malpractice. It called on federal and state governments to license and monitor such institutions more effectively.

Mop-Up Exam for Absentees: Candidates who missed the resit or original UTME for any reason will be allowed to participate in JAMB’s annual mop-up exam as a final opportunity.

While acknowledging the contribution of CBT to reducing exam malpractice, the board also noted gaps in the accreditation process for CBT centres. It recommended the engagement of a reputable management consulting firm to enhance operational procedures, including accreditation and registration systems.

JAMB reiterated its commitment to transparency, integrity, and the continuous reform of Nigeria’s examination and admission processes.

PDP Demands Transparency, Accuses Gov. Otti of Secrecy in Project Costs and Revenue Management

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, accusing his administration of operating under a veil of secrecy regarding the cost of key projects and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures, just ahead of his second anniversary in office.

The party, in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday in Abuja by its Abia State Publicity Secretary, Mazi Eric Ikwuagwu, alleged that voices once aligned with Otti’s government are now raising red flags over financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.

The statement, titled “Calls for Accountability Mount as Critics Challenge Abia State’s Financial Management Under Governor Otti”, criticized the administration for being intolerant of constructive opposition and for attempting to silence critical voices instead of addressing concerns transparently.

Highlighting examples, Ikwuagwu cited Engr. Eke O. Ako, a respected Abia-born engineer based in Scotland who had been a vocal critic of the previous Ikpeazu administration. According to him, Engr. Ako, once hailed as a symbol of integrity by Otti and his allies, is now being smeared and accused of partisanship for applying the same scrutiny to the current government.

“Engr. Ako was never accused of being sponsored when he criticized former Governor Ikpeazu,” Ikwuagwu said. “Today, simply because he is demanding answers from the Otti-led administration, he is labelled a political tool. That’s hypocrisy at its peak. Eke Ako is not for sale.”

The PDP spokesperson also referenced Chief Obinna Oriaku, a former finance commissioner under the past administration, known for his outspoken stance on public finance. “Oriaku was once celebrated by the very people in power today as bold and uncompromising. Now, because he’s exposing what he describes as unprecedented looting under Otti’s leadership, he’s being vilified,” Ikwuagwu said.

He further alleged that both men have based their criticisms on data extracted from the government’s own official publications, such as quarterly budget performance reports.

“From these reports, questions have emerged around expenditures such as N6.5 billion on recreational facilities, N10 billion on capacity building, N7 billion on ICT infrastructure, and N54 billion on the renovation of non-existent public schools—a combined figure exceeding N200 billion,” he stated.

The PDP also questioned the justification for N36.5 billion allegedly spent on the 5.7km Port Harcourt Road, translating to over N6.1 billion per kilometre, claiming it to be the most expensive road project in Africa.

“Rather than provide clarifications or rebuttals to these serious allegations, the administration has focused on discrediting the messengers, leaving the core issues unaddressed,” Ikwuagwu said. “No press statement, no official response—only coordinated media distractions.”

The party accused the state government of diverting attention from the revelations by staging publicity stunts and alleged media manipulation, warning that “no amount of PR or foreign media involvement can erase the facts or suppress the demand for transparency.”

“The people of Abia deserve honest answers, not political theatrics. Accountability is not optional—it’s a democratic obligation,” the statement concluded.

Coalition Talks to Be Finalised Within Two Weeks – ADC’s Ralphs Nwosu

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…Confirms Meetings with Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Amaechi, Others

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralphs Nwosu, has revealed that discussions on forming a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections are expected to be concluded within the next one or two weeks.

Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Nwosu confirmed that committees set up by the party had already held consultations with key political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.

He noted that the party had been actively engaging in grassroots mobilization and strategic discussions over the past 16 months, emphasizing the need for a “patriot’s coalition” in response to the nation’s pressing challenges.

“ADC has been at the forefront of this process, building from the ground up. The situation in the country demands either a citizen’s revolt or a coalition of patriots. We chose the path of responsible transformation,” Nwosu stated.

The ADC chairman, who also heads the party’s National Consultative Organ, explained that different arms of the coalition effort are being coordinated by key leaders within the party. According to him, Dr. Bamidele Jamilu Jade, Deputy National Chairman, is liaising with some political parties, while Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmad is handling engagements with other political stakeholders.

“Our committees have met with almost all major 2023 presidential aspirants and candidates, including Rotimi Amaechi. Dr. Ahmad has also held discussions with various political parties,” Nwosu revealed.

He dismissed claims that the ADC is simply being used as a political “molue” or multipurpose vehicle for ambitious politicians. “At the Arewa House summit in Kaduna, we made it clear—ADC is not a political taxi for anyone’s ambition. That’s what weakens democratic structures in Nigeria.”

On the sensitive issue of zoning the presidency within the proposed coalition, Nwosu said consultations are ongoing. He acknowledged differing opinions from youth groups and stakeholders but stressed that ADC is not driven by ethnic or regional considerations.

“I’ve heard many youth groups say it’s the South’s turn. But I’ve also listened to others who say that since 1999, the South has held power for 17 years, and the North for 11 years. If the South retains power after Tinubu, it becomes 22 to 11. We don’t encourage regional division in ADC. Our structure doesn’t include North-South designations. Our Deputy National Chairmen are assigned based on function, not geography.”

Nwosu emphasized that the party has distributed its constitutional guidelines and value-based pamphlets to leaders involved in the coalition talks to ensure alignment with the ADC’s vision of inclusive, issues-based politics.

“We are laying a foundation for a new political order—one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and opportunism. What we seek is transformation, not transaction.”

As the coalition talks enter the final phase, all eyes will be on the ADC and its partners to see if a credible third force can emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.

TINUBU’S MINING REFORMS DRIVE ₦38BN REVENUE SURGE, $800M INVESTMENT BOOST — ALAKE

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic reforms in the solid minerals sector have triggered a six-fold revenue increase and attracted over $800 million in new investments, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has revealed.

Speaking during a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking the administration’s second anniversary, Dr. Alake said the solid minerals sector generated over ₦38 billion in 2024, a dramatic rise from ₦6 billion in 2023, despite receiving just 18% of its ₦29 billion budgeted allocation.

“This is a testament to the power of the reforms introduced by President Tinubu. We insisted on value addition—no more raw mineral exports. If you don’t have a processing plan, you don’t get a license,” Alake stated.

Among the headline investments:

A $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border set for commissioning this quarter,

A $200 million lithium refinery outside Abuja nearing completion,

Two more lithium processing plants in Nasarawa State, due before Q3 2025.

Dr. Alake highlighted the administration’s drive to transform Nigeria from a raw material exporter to a hub of value-added mining activities. “The days of pit-to-port exportation are over,” he declared.

Already in Q1 2025, two regulatory agencies—the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) and Mines Inspectorate—have posted ₦6.9 billion and ₦7 billion in revenue respectively, paving the way for what the Minister called a “record-breaking year” for the sector.

A major budgetary allocation of ₦1 trillion for mineral exploration has also been earmarked to develop internationally certified geological data.

“Without reliable data, investors won’t come. When we took office, Nigeria had spent just $2 million on exploration—compared to $40 million in Sierra Leone and over $300 million in South Africa. That’s changing now,” the Minister said.

As part of the Ministry’s Seven-Point Agenda, Dr. Alake said over 300 illegal miners were arrested in 2024, with 150 prosecutions ongoing and nine convictions secured—including foreign nationals.

“We’re using a dual approach: enforcement through Mining Marshals, and empowerment via cooperatives,” he explained. Over 250 mining cooperatives have now been established, absorbing artisanal miners into the formal economy and enabling them to access funding and revenue-sharing frameworks.

On the diplomatic front, Dr. Alake revealed that Nigeria now chairs the African Mineral Strategy Group, formed to champion local value addition and fair trade terms for African countries. The initiative was birthed at the 2024 Future Minerals Conference in Riyadh.

“Nigeria is leading the call: no more raw exports without beneficiation. We’re setting the tone for Africa,” he affirmed.

Global interest is growing. The former UK Deputy Prime Minister invited Dr. Alake to 10 Downing Street for high-level talks on Nigeria’s lithium potential. The U.S., looking to reduce its reliance on China, has also shown keen interest in Nigeria’s critical minerals.

With over 10,000 license applications received by the MCO this quarter alone, the Minister said investor confidence is at an all-time high.

“This level of vitality has never been witnessed in Nigeria’s mining sector. We’re enforcing the law, attracting FDI, building data, and creating jobs. The sector is now a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda,” Dr. Alake concluded.

PDP in Turmoil: Wike Bows Out of Peace Deals, Vows to Fight On

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced his withdrawal from all previously agreed resolutions aimed at resolving the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State of betrayal and deliberate sabotage.

In a statement personally signed and titled “PDP Crisis: My Position,” Wike expressed disappointment over what he described as serial violations of gentleman’s agreements reached by PDP stakeholders to stabilize the party. He vowed to continue the struggle until justice prevails.

“I have now firmly decided to pull out of all agreements hitherto reached. I have decided to fight on until justice is attained,” Wike said.

The former Rivers State governor recounted a series of high-level meetings, including a G5 Governors’ session in Lagos and a broader reconciliation dialogue at former Senate President Bukola Saraki’s guest house in Abuja. According to Wike, those meetings produced critical resolutions, such as the reaffirmation of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary—based on a Supreme Court judgment—and the withdrawal of all legal cases involving Rivers State.

However, Wike said those agreements were disregarded almost immediately. He accused Makinde of colluding with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to push for Ude Okoye as a replacement for Senator Anyanwu and of engineering moves to subvert internal party processes.

“To my utter dismay, Governor Makinde teamed up with Peter Mbah to convene a South-East leaders’ meeting that threatened to pull out of the PDP if Ude Okoye was not imposed as Secretary,” Wike stated.

He also alleged that some PDP officials, under the influence of Makinde, tried to legitimize unauthorized party actions, including issuing NEC meeting notices and electoral correspondence through the Deputy National Secretary instead of the legally recognized National Secretary, leading to the collapse of the zonal congress in Jos after INEC refused to participate.

Wike, who has been with the PDP since 1998, said he had contributed significantly to the party’s survival and to the electoral victories of many governors but has never demanded personal rewards.

“What is more painful is that I contributed substantially to most of these governors winning their elections, yet I have not made any personal demands on any of them and I would never do so,” he stressed.

Concluding, Wike warned that the continued violation of internal agreements will only deepen the PDP’s crisis, and he has therefore resolved to distance himself from further negotiations and pursue justice by all means.

The minister’s latest outburst adds fuel to the already raging fire within the PDP, signaling a renewed internal struggle that could reshape the party’s future direction.

APC Governors Endorse Tinubu for 2027 Presidential Race

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…Pledge to Deliver Their States for APC Victory

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 general elections as the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) officially endorsed him as the sole presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement was announced during the APC National Summit currently holding at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by Imo State Governor and PGF Chairman, Hope Uzodimma, and seconded by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani—signaling a united front by APC governors in backing the President’s second-term ambition.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Uzodimma reaffirmed the governors’ unwavering support for Tinubu, commending his leadership and reform agenda. He pledged that APC governors will mobilize political structures in their respective states to secure victory for the party in 2027.

> “We are committed to delivering our states for President Tinubu. His transformative leadership has set a new direction for Nigeria, and we stand fully behind him,” Uzodimma declared.

The endorsement aligns with recent declarations of support from other party blocs, including APC governors from the North Central, who recently passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu’s administration, citing his strides in infrastructure, economic reforms, and inclusive governance.

This strong show of support from the APC governors comes at a time when opposition alliances are beginning to take shape. Notably, former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are reported to be aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in anticipation of the 2027 polls.

Tinubu’s endorsement by the Progressive Governors Forum not only solidifies his hold on the APC structure but also sends a clear signal to opposition blocs as political realignments continue ahead of the next election cycle.

More details to follow…

FCTA to Repossess 4,794 Prime Abuja Properties Over N7bn Ground Rent Default

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will, from Monday, May 26, 2025, begin repossessing nearly 5,000 high-value properties in Abuja over unpaid Ground Rent liabilities dating as far back as 43 years — a decisive action expected to jolt the capital’s property sector.

The properties — located in Abuja’s most sought-after areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Wuse I & II, Garki I & II, and the Central Business District — were officially revoked in March 2025 due to non-compliance with Ground Rent obligations totaling nearly N7 billion.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, senior FCTA officials, including Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister; Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that enforcement operations will commence with physical takeover of the affected properties.

“Beginning Monday, we will seal and restrict access to all revoked properties. Ownership has reverted to the FCTA, and we will enforce this under the provisions of the Land Use Act,” the officials stated.

Galadima clarified that while some former allottees have approached the courts, no injunction currently restrains the FCTA from exercising its legal rights. Nwankwoeze noted that another category of defaulters — those owing between one and ten years of Ground Rent — had been granted a 21-day grace period, which has now expired.

The revocation was triggered after the FCTA uncovered that 8,375 property owners owed N6.97 billion in Ground Rent, in violation of their Right of Occupancy under Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act. Officials emphasized that Ground Rent is a statutory obligation, payable annually on January 1st, regardless of demand or reminder.

The sweeping action marks the first phase of enforcement targeting Abuja’s Phase 1 districts — areas with the highest commercial and residential value — and is seen as part of a broader push by the FCTA to improve land administration, recover revenue, and discourage speculative landholding.

Officials warned that more revocations would follow if property owners continue to default.

“This is a clear message: no property is exempt from compliance. The FCTA will not tolerate long-term defaults or misuse of land titles meant for development,” Olayinka added.

The move underscores the FCTA’s resolve to enforce urban discipline and increase Internally Generated Revenue, with stakeholders already bracing for its impact on Abuja’s high-end property market.

Reinstate Our Children Now!” – Parents of Dismissed NDA Cadets Demand Justice, Enforcement of Court Rulings

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Parents of 67 cadets withdrawn by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) have called on President Bola Tinubu and military authorities to immediately enforce court rulings ordering the reinstatement of their children, who were dismissed despite completing their training and passing out in 2019.

The affected cadets, members of the NDA’s 67 Regular Course, were dismissed shortly after their graduation in October 2019, allegedly over minor disciplinary offenses. However, a Federal High Court in Kaduna ruled on May 18, 2023, that their dismissal was unlawful and directed the NDA to reinstate them with full benefits. The Court of Appeal upheld this ruling on March 20, 2025, affirming that the cadets are entitled to their degree certificates, back pay, and official recognition as graduates of the academy.

At a press conference held in Abuja, the aggrieved parents — including Mr. Adebayo Onaivi, Mr. Daniel Chijoke Obioha, Mrs. Margaret Salisu, and Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Daura (the Maradin Daura of Katsina State) — made an emotional appeal to the President, the Senate President, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure compliance with the court judgments.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Onaivi expressed deep frustration that, despite clear court victories, the NDA has continued to defy the rulings.

“We went to the National Assembly, we went to the Federal High Court — we won. The NDA appealed, and the appeal was dismissed for lacking merit. Yet, till now, they have refused to obey the court. This is not only disobedience; it is injustice,” he said.

He criticized the NDA for discarding trained personnel at a time of worsening national security.

“These children were trained for four years, only to be abandoned over issues they were already punished for before the Passing Out Parade. If terrorists can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, why can’t these cadets be reinstated?” he asked.

Onaivi warned of the security risk of leaving such trained individuals unemployed and angry.

“Do we want our children to end up in the hands of criminals or become a threat to society? These are disciplined, military-trained youths who want to serve their country.”

He further revealed that the NDA once offered to release only their certificates if the cadets agreed to withdraw the case — a deal the cadets rejected.

“They are not just fighting for paper. They want what is rightfully theirs — full reinstatement and recognition. They deserve justice, not token settlements,” he said.

The parents urged the federal government to act swiftly and prevent a growing crisis.

“We appeal to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all relevant authorities to resolve this issue once and for all. These cadets are not criminals; they are victims of institutional injustice.”

They vowed to pursue every legal and diplomatic means to ensure their children’s rights are restored and the NDA is held accountable for its actions.

Rivers Emergency Rule Suit Stalls as Court Transfers Case to Abuja

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A high-profile legal challenge against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State suffered a setback on Thursday after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt transferred the case to its Abuja Division.

The case, Suit No: FHC/PH/53/2025, filed by Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner Samuel Amatonjie, names President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State as respondents.

The suit was slated for hearing before Justice Adamu Mohammed Turaki in Port Harcourt but was abruptly removed from the court’s docket. Upon arrival, Amatonjie was informed that the matter had been transferred to Abuja.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, Amatonjie expressed shock and disappointment over the sudden development.

“I was told the case has been moved to the Abuja Division under Order 49 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules,” he said. “While I respect the court’s discretion, I have mixed feelings. This is a matter of great public interest and should have been heard here in Rivers, where the issue directly affects the people.”

He noted that other suits challenging the emergency declaration in Rivers State were also reportedly transferred to Abuja.

Amatonjie stressed the need for urgency in the matter, calling on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to swiftly assign the case to a judge to avoid unnecessary delays.

“My worry is that matters of this nature deserve expeditious hearing. Having transferred it to the FCT, I urge the judiciary to act quickly. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he added.

Amatonjie’s suit seeks to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the emergency declaration by President Tinubu, which was subsequently ratified by the National Assembly. He argues that such an action, particularly in a democratic setting, must be grounded in verifiable threats and follow due process.

“The declaration of emergency without credible justification is not only dangerous but also undermines the constitutional fabric of our democracy,” he said.

The suit adds a fresh layer to the political tensions gripping Rivers State, and legal experts suggest that its eventual outcome could set a precedent for future emergency declarations in Nigeria.

Wike Vows Completion of 14 Key Road Projects by 2025

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged to complete 14 critical ongoing road projects across the FCT under the proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 statutory budget, marking a major push to ease traffic and enhance infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.

Wike made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while appearing before the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT to defend the proposed budget.

He explained that out of the total N1.78 trillion, a substantial N1.28 trillion—72.3 per cent—has been allocated to capital projects, while N494.1 billion—27.7 per cent—is set aside for recurrent expenditure.

According to the Minister, the capital projects will be executed through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD). Specifically, the FCDA will receive N801.5 billion, while N137 billion has been earmarked for the STDD.

Wike outlined the 14 major road projects that have been targeted for completion before the end of the 2025 fiscal year. These include:

Completion of Roads B6 and B12 in the Central Business District

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX)

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape District

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Wuye District

Provision of engineering infrastructure to Maitama II District

Extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from Southern Parkway (S8/S9) to Ring Road II

Full-scope development of FCT Highway 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), with a spur at Kyami District

Construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2km)

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial Road N5

Rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road

Full-scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II

Provision of access roads to bus terminals across the FCT

Dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa-War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads

Construction of Pai to Gomani Road in Kwali Area Council

Dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road

The Minister stressed that the completion of these projects will significantly reduce travel time, decongest the city, and improve access between the city centre and satellite towns.

He emphasized that the 2025 budget is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development and improved service delivery.

Wike added that the timely completion of the road projects is crucial to meeting the infrastructure demands of the rapidly growing FCT population and to positioning Abuja as a world-class capital city.