The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered the contractor handling the Mabushi Bus Terminal project back to site, insisting that the current level of finishing is unacceptable and must be corrected before the facility can be commissioned.

Wike, who gave the directive during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital city, emphasized that quality finishing is a non-negotiable requirement for all public structures under his watch.

“We are now in the bus terminal which is almost ready, but I have told the Secretary of Transport, a lot of work still has to be done. I will not accept the finishing because finishing is key,” the Minister said. “The contractor must come back here to do what he is supposed to do so that we can invite Mr. President to inaugurate the Mabushi Bus Terminal.”

He said while the pace of work was commendable, aesthetic and structural precision must not be compromised. “We are happy with what we are seeing, but the finishing of structures like this is key. I have pointed out some of the things I thought should be corrected.”

Key Road Projects Progressing Steadily

Wike also inspected several road projects and gave updates on their timelines. He expressed satisfaction with the work on the Apo-Wassa road being executed by CGC, assuring residents that it would soon be completed.

“The one from Apo to Wassa—you can see that CGC is doing a very good job, and by the grace of God, that’ll be ready,” he said.

He also commended the progress on the interchange along the Kubwa Expressway, handled by Gilmor. “They have also assured us that it will be ready.”

However, he expressed cautious optimism regarding the Jabi-Mabushi road link. “The one we have doubts about is the one that has to join Jabi and Mabushi. But they still believe that by the second week of June, they will have rounded it up. So let’s believe what they have said.”

Clarification on New Land Allocation Policy

The Minister also clarified the rationale behind the FCTA’s new land allocation policy, which requires beneficiaries to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) within 21 days and develop allocated plots within two years.

“We are trying to stop land speculators. Somebody who says they want land in Abuja and cannot develop it in two years—that is simply land speculation,” he said.

Wike noted that many individuals acquire land only to hold onto it for years without development, hoping to resell at a profit. “So many people will get R-of-O and keep it for four years, looking for who will buy the land. We don’t want to allow that anymore.”

He described the 21-day payment window as both realistic and necessary for revenue generation. “You cannot apply for land and then say you don’t have money to pay for the C-of-O. It doesn’t make sense. Twenty-one days is enough,” he maintained.

Minister Defends Legality of the Policy

When asked whether there was a legal framework backing the new policy, Wike responded confidently: “You don’t need a law. It’s a regulation, and the Minister has the power to carry out administrative reform.”

He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to driving infrastructural development and urban renewal through transparent land administration and timely execution of capital projects.

— Ondo, Bauchi, Edo account for 71% of confirmed cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 127 deaths from Lassa fever in 2025 as of the 14th epidemiological week, with the Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, warning that late presentation of cases and poor sanitary conditions are driving the fatality rate higher.

“Despite ongoing efforts, we’re still seeing avoidable deaths. The case fatality rate stands at 18.8% this year—slightly higher than the 18.5% recorded during the same period in 2024,” Dr. Idris said.

According to the NCDC’s latest situation report, a total of 674 cases have been confirmed from 4,025 suspected cases across 18 states and 93 local government areas. In the most recent week under review (March 31 – April 6), 15 new cases and five deaths were reported from six states: Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, Ebonyi, and Gombe.

Ondo, Bauchi, and Edo States remain the epicentres of the outbreak, jointly accounting for 71% of all confirmed cases. Ondo alone contributed 30%, while Bauchi and Edo recorded 25% and 16% respectively.

“The data shows a disturbing trend,” Dr. Idris noted. “Most of the confirmed cases are among young people aged 21 to 30 years. Poor awareness and environmental sanitation, along with the high cost of treatment, are serious barriers.”

The NCDC said no new health worker infections were recorded in the reporting week—a positive development amid concerns for frontline responders. However, it acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited community awareness and poor healthcare-seeking behaviour.

To tackle the spread, the NCDC has activated a multi-partner, multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS) at the national level, deployed rapid response teams to high-burden areas, and intensified community engagement.

The Centre also confirmed that essential medical supplies, including personal protective equipment and antiviral drugs like Ribavirin, have been distributed to states and treatment centres. Surveillance, risk communication, and infection control measures are also ongoing.

Dr. Idris called on Nigerians to take preventive measures seriously: “Avoid contact with rodents, maintain clean environments, and report to a health facility promptly if you have symptoms like fever, headache, or unexplained bleeding.”

The public is encouraged to stay informed via the official NCDC website (www.ncdc.gov.ng) or call the toll-free line 6232.