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The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve manufacturing in Nigeria

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By Dr Oluseun Adediran

About the Author
Dr. Oluseun Adediran (British-Nigerian Manufacturing and Oil & Gas Expert UK-Based) is a highly skilled chartered mechanical and marine engineer, and registered with UK Engineering council, holding a PhD in mechanical engineering. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) in the UK, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FNIMechE).

Oluseun is currently Lead Engineer (Global Technical Lead) – OE Packaging for Clyde Union Pumps UK, part of Celeros Flow Technology. Dr Adediran is the pioneering Chair of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the founder of the British Nigerian Professionals United Kingdom, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting educational, technology and engineering excellence, with a particular focus on supporting individuals from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

Introductions:
This article delves into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are being applied within manufacturing firms, with a particular emphasis on the benefits and incentives of incorporating AI into production processes.

How can Nigerian manufacture cheaper, faster and higher quality?

The application of AI technologies into manufacturing in Nigeria can lead to significant time savings, particularly within the production process. One of the primary advantages of AI adoption is its ability to enhance long-term time efficiency. AI can dramatically accelerate tasks such as initial analysis and complex data processing, aiding companies in streamlining decision-making and increasing operational efficiency.

By automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows, AI ensures that production line operations are faster and more efficient. This not only expedites the manufacturing process but also improves the speed at which products are delivered to the Nigeria market. AI can significantly enhance production speed by automating tasks and deploying robots, allowing engineers and workers to dedicate their time to creative work rather than repetitive tasks in Nigeria.

A critical factor in this accelerated speed is substituting human workers with AI-controlled robots on the production line. These robots can operate continuously without breaks, substantially increasing manufacturing speed. With advanced AI, robots perform tasks with greater accuracy and consistency than humans, working relentlessly without rest. This results in higher overall efficiency and swifter attainment of production targets with minimal downtime.

Additionally, AI-controlled robots can swiftly adapt to new tasks and processes, easily reprogrammed to handle different aspects of production. This adaptability not only accelerates production but also facilitates quicker launches of new products and innovations, making the manufacturing process more flexible and responsive to evolving needs.

The application of AI technologies in Nigeria would enable the real-time monitoring and adjustment of robot performance. By analyzing data and identifying inefficiencies, AI systems can make immediate adjustments, ensuring the production line operates at peak efficiency.

The applications of the AI can significantly cut down the time employees spend on repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on creative and higher-value work. By automating tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and responding to common customer queries, AI makes these processes faster and more accurate. Consequently, employees can dedicate their efforts to critical and innovative tasks like refining ideas or enhancing designs.

Furthermore, AI’s quick data analysis provides insights that support better decision-making. By handling routine work, AI boosts productivity and creates opportunities for employees to learn, grow, and find more enjoyment in their roles. AI technologies have advanced significantly in optimizing maintenance schedules, playing a crucial role in the industry. By predicting maintenance needs and avoiding unnecessary part replacements, AI enhances production speed and minimizes downtime. Advanced predictive maintenance algorithms analyze data from sensors and historical performance records to forecast when equipment might fail or require servicing. This proactive approach enables companies to schedule maintenance during planned downtimes, avoiding unexpected breakdowns. As a result, AI minimizes unplanned outages and maintains efficient production lines.

AI identifies which parts genuinely require maintenance, preventing unnecessary repairs and reducing operational costs. This targeted approach allows for a dynamic, need-based maintenance plan rather than rigid schedules, ensuring optimal servicing of each component. Beyond predictive maintenance, AI optimizes the entire maintenance workflow by planning schedules and ordering parts in advance, minimizing delays due to parts or technician availability. This streamlined process helps machinery return to operation quickly, boosting production speed.

Additionally, AI enhances overall machinery health and efficiency by continuously monitoring equipment performance, detecting early signs of damage, and recommending minor adjustments before they become major issues. This proactive monitoring extends equipment lifespan and maintains high productivity levels.
AI technologies have significantly advanced production planning and product design optimization, making them essential in modern industries. In production planning, AI improves demand forecasting by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and other factors to accurately predict future demand.

This alignment ensures production schedules match market needs, preventing overproduction or underproduction. AI-powered scheduling tools enhance efficiency by creating optimal schedules that consider constraints such as equipment availability, labor shifts, and maintenance needs, leading to smoother operations and fewer delays. Additionally, AI enhances supply chain management by improving visibility and coordination, ensuring raw materials and components are available when needed, reducing bottlenecks, and maintaining steady production flow. In product design, AI enables generative design, allowing designers to explore numerous options based on specific criteria and constraints, resulting in innovative solutions that balance performance, cost, and manufacturability.

AI also facilitates detailed simulation and testing of product designs under various conditions, predicting performance and identifying potential flaws early in the design process. This reduces reliance on physical prototypes and accelerates product development. AI also analyzes customer feedback from reviews, surveys, and social media to understand preferences and identify issues. This feedback improves product designs to better meet customer needs. By integrating AI-driven product design optimization, feedback analysis, and production planning, companies create a streamlined workflow that enhances overall efficiency. This approach allows real-time adjustments to production plans based on changes in design, demand, or resource availability.

How can AI enhance manufacturing cost reduction?

AI tools can significantly reduce costs by leveraging advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring to eliminate unnecessary expenses across the entire supply chain. Data gathered from interviewees highlights the vital role of AI in lowering production costs. Open-source AI algorithms offer an affordable development approach, providing a strong foundation that can be customized to meet specific manufacturing needs, without the high costs of proprietary software. This approach not only lowers initial development expenses but also offers greater flexibility and adaptability as manufacturing processes evolve.

Moreover, the hardware requirements for deploying AI solutions are relatively modest, further reducing the overall investment needed. Interview data indicates that open-source AI algorithms provide a cost-effective solution for development. They allow for customization tailored to specific manufacturing needs, avoiding the high costs associated with proprietary software. This approach not only cuts development costs but also adapts as manufacturing processes change. Moreover, some AI solutions require lower capital expenditures compared to traditional methods, which typically demand significant investments in installation and ongoing maintenance.

AI technologies are flexible and scalable, enabling companies to implement them incrementally, based on specific needs and budgets, thereby reducing upfront costs. AI tools also play a critical role in reducing costs while improving sustainability by optimizing energy usage. With advanced algorithms and real-time monitoring, AI can analyze and adjust energy consumption, minimizing waste, lowering energy bills, and reducing carbon emissions. For instance, AI systems can automatically regulate heating, cooling, and lighting according to real-time data, ensuring more efficient energy usage in manufacturing.

Additionally, AI-driven energy management systems can identify peak usage times and suggest strategies to shift consumption to off-peak hours, reducing both costs and emissions.
In maintenance management, AI helps companies perform maintenance only when necessary, cutting down on unnecessary activities and reducing costs. AI identifies which components require servicing and which do not, preventing the premature replacement of functioning parts. This approach saves resources and minimizes expenses associated with purchasing and installing new components. AI also optimizes the maintenance process by predicting the parts and tools required, allowing companies to order them in advance and in the right quantities, preventing overstocking or emergency orders.

Continuous monitoring by AI also helps detect small issues before they escalate into major problems, enabling cheaper, smaller repairs instead of costly breakdowns. This proactive approach significantly lowers long-term maintenance costs. AI also helps lower inventory costs by improving inventory management and demand forecasting. AI-driven analytics ensure materials and products are available when needed, preventing both overstocking and understocking. This minimizes excess costs while ensuring efficient inventory levels. AI technologies also help manage costs related to labor and employee turnover. By automating routine tasks, AI enables employees to focus on more meaningful and valuable work, which can boost job satisfaction and reduce turnover. This, in turn, saves on the costs of hiring and training new staff. Moreover, AI can address labor shortages by taking over tasks that are difficult to fill, ensuring that productivity remains steady.

How to leverage on AI in manufacturing for quality enhancement

AI offers significant advantages to manufacturing, especially in enhancing quality through advanced vision systems. These AI-driven systems automate image analysis for quality control, reducing the need for manual inspections and minimizing errors. By automating the inspection process, AI ensures consistent product quality while generating substantial cost savings by eliminating the need for manual checks.
Moreover, AI, especially when using Deep Learning-based vision systems, significantly cuts down on false alarms and enhances the accuracy of defect detection. Traditional vision systems often generate numerous false positives, leading to unnecessary rework and elevated production costs. In contrast, AI-powered systems provide more reliable quality checks, flagging only genuinely defective products. This improved accuracy helps reduce waste and rework, resulting in cost savings, better product quality, and improved sustainability.

Overall, integrating AI into manufacturing processes results in superior product quality and positions manufacturers for long-term success in a competitive market.

How can Nigeria leverage on AI to enhance and maintain competitiveness in the manufacturing sector?

AI-powered systems can analyze data with remarkable accuracy, identifying potential defects or inconsistencies early in the manufacturing process. By providing real-time insights, AI helps Nigeria companies make informed decisions that improve quality control and ensure products meet high standards and customer expectations. Additionally, AI optimizes processes to reduce errors and variations, ensuring consistent quality across production lines. As a result, strategically adopting AI boosts competitiveness and customer satisfaction, positioning companies for long-term success in the Nigeria market.
To remain competitive, Nigeria manufacturing companies must embrace AI technologies and develop AI-related skills. As full automation becomes the ultimate goal, even traditional manufacturers must become adept at software.

Transitioning to a software-driven approach is critical to maintaining a competitive edge. Achieving full automation requires the use of AI technologies, custom agents, and robots to replace manual processes with digital solutions. In Nigeria, where the manufacturing industry is still undergoing development and advancement, it is essential for companies to integrate AI strategically in ways that align with their specific needs. Staying ahead of the competition demands a commitment to innovation and adopting new technologies. For leading companies across diverse product sectors, leveraging AI and other cutting-edge technologies is crucial for sustaining and enhancing their competitive advantage.

Lawmakers Demand Increased Budget for Solid Minerals Development to Accelerate Economic Diversification

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The Joint Committee of the Senate and House on Solid Minerals has rejected the proposed ₦9 billion budget for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, calling for a substantial upward review to align with Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.

At a joint session on Friday in Abuja, Senator Ekong Sampson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, criticized the allocation as grossly inadequate. “At a time when the country is grappling with the urgent need to diversify the economy, the budgetary allocation to the solid minerals sector is grossly insufficient. The current estimates will not support the ambitious roadmap laid out by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development,” he stated.

Increased Investment as a National Imperative

Senator Sampson emphasized the strategic importance of the sector, urging bold investments in exploration, data gathering, and infrastructure. “Nigeria is richly endowed with abundant mineral resources. However, without bold steps to harness these resources, we will continue to fall short of our economic goals. If we are serious about diversification, this is the sector we must prioritize,” he added.

Similarly, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, highlighted the risks of insufficient funding. “The global energy transition is already underway, and Nigeria risks being left behind if we do not act decisively. Solid minerals hold the key to diversifying our economy, yet the current budget allocation does not reflect the urgency of this moment,” he argued.

Concerns Over Budget Discrepancies

Senator Diket Plang raised concerns about possible discrepancies in the ministry’s budget, pointing to an allocation listed as ₦9 million that might have been intended as ₦900 billion. “The function of the ministry is to identify and exploit the country’s riches through exploration. Any error in this process could jeopardize the critical work of adding value to Nigeria’s economy,” he warned.

Senator Natasha Akpoti of Kogi Central District underscored the global importance of minerals like lithium and nickel in advancing technological development and smart energy solutions. She called for accountability on revenues from these resources and updates on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s gold purchases. “Solid minerals like lithium and nickel are at the core of the global shift towards smart energy solutions. Nigeria must prioritize this sector over oil and gas to remain competitive,” she emphasized.

Minister Alake Calls for Bold Investments

Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, backed the lawmakers’ demands for increased funding. “The current budget of ₦500 billion is just a starting point, far from what is truly required to transform the solid minerals sector. We must take bold steps to capitalize on our vast mineral wealth,” he stated.

Alake reiterated the ministry’s commitment to sustainable economic growth, noting that increased funding would attract investments, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil.

The Path Forward

The session concluded with a unanimous call for a revised budget that reflects the sector’s potential. Lawmakers stressed that aligning funding with the solid minerals sector’s strategic importance would generate significant revenue and create jobs, securing Nigeria’s place in the global energy transition.

The Joint Committee resolved to engage stakeholders and the Federal Government to ensure that the sector receives adequate funding to drive Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

Alake Commends Mining Sector Reforms, Announces Major Milestones

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made in revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector, describing recent reforms as pivotal for achieving long-term sustainability and economic growth.

Speaking to journalists after a joint committee session evaluating the sector’s progress in Abuja on Friday, Alake dismissed concerns that the ministry’s ambitions were overly modest. “I feel quite elated and happy with the outcome. The notion that the ministry’s ambitions were too small for the objectives we have set out was decisively dismissed,” he stated.

Highlights of the Seven-Point Agenda

The minister detailed significant strides over the past year, driven by the ministry’s seven-point agenda, which includes:

  1. Establishment of the Nigerian Mining Company (NMC): Modeled after the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company, the NMC aims to ensure efficient management of solid minerals. President Bola Tinubu has approved the company’s formation, with its ownership structure divided into 50% private sector equity, 25% government equity, and 25% for individual Nigerian investors.
  2. Aggressive Marketing: Efforts to attract both local and international investments in the sector.
  3. Formalizing Artisanal Mining: Over 250 artisanal mining cooperatives have been formalized, enabling them to access funding, expand operations, and integrate technology.
  4. Enforcement through Mining Marshals: The deployment of mining marshals has led to the arrest and prosecution of over 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals. “This speaks to the efficiency of our enforcement mechanisms,” the minister noted.

Combating Illegal Mining

Dr. Alake outlined a two-pronged approach to curbing illegal mining: persuasion and coercion. He emphasized the ministry’s success in formalizing artisanal miners, a move that has made their operations legitimate and bankable.

“By encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperatives, we have not only formalized their activities but also made them bankable. This allows them to access funding to enhance their operations, expand, and integrate technology,” he explained.

The introduction of mining marshals has also strengthened enforcement efforts, ensuring compliance with regulations. “Over 300 illegal operators have been arrested, and some, including foreign nationals, have been convicted,” the minister revealed.

Structural and Economic Reforms

The minister announced that the Nigerian Mining Company, once operational, will be midwifed by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) before transitioning to private-sector leadership. He emphasized that the company’s ownership structure is designed to prevent political interference and ensure sustainability.

“Our goal is to leave a legacy. This structure ensures that future administrations cannot interfere with the company’s operations,” Alake stated.

Commitment to Transparency and Growth

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Alake reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a transparent and investor-friendly mining sector.

“This is about creating a system that thrives beyond this administration, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global mining industry,” he said.

The reforms highlight the ministry’s dedication to driving economic diversification, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and creating a mining industry that benefits all Nigerians.

Wike’s Aide Slams Dalung Over Comments on Road Construction

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The Senior Special Assistant to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, has rebuked former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, over his assertion that road construction projects in the FCT do not constitute development.

Olayinka, in a statement on Friday, described Dalung’s remarks as “a dire exhibition of a mind transitioning from psychology to psychosis,” criticizing the former minister for what he termed a “jaundiced and unfortunate” understanding of development.

Dalung, during a live television appearance, had argued that road construction does not impact the general well-being of Nigerians, claiming that many citizens do not own vehicles and therefore cannot benefit from such projects.

FCT Road Projects as Pillars of Development

Responding to these claims, Olayinka highlighted several road projects undertaken by the administration of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, emphasizing their transformative impact on the lives of residents.

Projects such as the Saburi–Dei Dei road, the 5km Dutse-Usuma Dam road, and the War College/Army Checkpoint road were identified as critical to improving connectivity within the Bwari Area Council. In addition, the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, the 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo road, and the 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa road were cited as key infrastructure developments.

“In Dalung’s estimation, even these projects, when completed, will not serve any developmental purpose. It is shocking that someone with such a shallow understanding of development was once a minister,” Olayinka stated.

He also referenced other vital projects, including the 12km Kabusa–Ketti road, the 7km Kabusa–Takushara road, and the 15km road from the Abuja-Lokoja junction to Pia in Kwali Area Council. These projects, he stressed, are designed to connect satellite towns and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Criticism of Dalung’s Tenure

Olayinka did not hold back in criticizing Dalung’s tenure as sports minister, describing it as “monumentally disastrous.” He recalled incidents such as Dalung’s dismissive remarks about the delayed allowances of the Super Falcons during the 2016 African Women Championship and his controversial comments on the Rio 2016 Olympics soccer team.

“Considering his track record, one should not be surprised at his wild comments. However, the concern of Nigerians, especially those close to him, should be his mental health, which increasingly appears to require urgent attention,” Olayinka concluded.

Reinforcing the FCT’s Development Agenda

The statement underscores the FCT administration’s commitment to road development as a cornerstone of infrastructural growth, directly challenging Dalung’s controversial views. Olayinka reiterated that the ongoing road projects are integral to improving the economy, connectivity, and overall well-being of FCT residents.

43% Capital Budget Execution Sparks Concerns in National Assembly

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Calls for Urgent Funding of Capital Projects to Spur Development

Don’t Let Nigeria Suffer the Fate of Germany, France – Wale Edun Warns

The National Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with the 43% execution rate of capital projects in the 2024 budget, describing it as inadequate to drive economic and infrastructural development.

During a joint sitting of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations and the Presidential Economic Team, lawmakers criticized the disparity between recurrent and capital expenditure, urging the Ministry of Finance to urgently release funds to improve capital project implementation.

The report presented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, revealed that while recurrent expenditure achieved 100% execution, capital expenditure stood at only 25%.

Lawmakers Call for Balanced Budget Allocation
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, advocated for a reduction in the recurrent-to-capital expenditure ratio from the current 80:20 to at least 60:40.

“Capital releases to MDAs are the major drivers of economic activities within the nation. Non-release of funds for capital projects is a major issue in the performance of the 2024 Budget so far,” Adeola said.
He stressed the importance of releasing funds to prevent abandoned projects and ensure the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Hon. Abubakar Birchi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, emphasized the critical role of capital projects like schools, roads, hospitals, and dams in directly impacting over 200 million Nigerians.

“Recurrent expenditure benefits only a small fraction of the population, while capital projects address the broader needs of our people,” Birchi noted, suggesting that debt repayment items could be restructured to free up funds.

Warnings from the Finance Minister
Wale Edun warned against returning to unsustainable spending practices that could lead to economic repercussions similar to those in France and Germany.

“There are warrants awaiting payment for capital projects, but we must avoid the backlash of spending money that is not there,” Edun stated.

Legacy Challenges and Reforms
Minister of Budget and Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, attributed the high recurrent expenditure to developmental challenges and the military’s campaign against insecurity. He noted that these efforts have improved agricultural and economic activities.

The Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, pointed to inherited obligations such as unpaid pensions and gratuities as significant contributors to recurrent costs. Yakubu also called for legislation to cap recurrent expenditure in future budgets.

Next Steps
The meeting, attended by key officials including the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and permanent secretaries from the Ministries of Finance and Budget, also discussed revenue challenges stemming from waivers and tax holidays.

Lawmakers and the economic team agreed on the urgency of addressing these imbalances to ensure the 2025 Appropriation Bill delivers on the administration’s promises of economic growth and improved infrastructure.

The National Assembly reiterated its commitment to working with the executive to address fiscal challenges and ensure that future budgets prioritize the well-being of Nigerians.

FCT Security Agencies Arrest Suspects in Manhole Cover Theft

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Security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have apprehended several individuals suspected of stealing sewage manhole covers along major highways in Abuja. Efforts are ongoing to identify and capture their collaborators, including buyers of the stolen items.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike condemned the act, labeling it a grave threat to public safety and road users.

“It is disheartening that while the government spends public funds to provide amenities for Nigerians, some criminally minded individuals remove these amenities and sell them, disregarding the danger their actions pose to fellow citizens,” the Minister stated.

Government’s Commitment to Justice

Barr. Wike assured the public that the FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that those involved face the full force of the law. He also emphasized that buyers of the stolen manhole covers would not go unpunished, describing their actions as economic sabotage and a betrayal of public trust.

Commendation of Civic Responsibility

The Minister praised the actions of a patriotic Nigerian who recorded and shared a video exposing the theft. He described this as a commendable act of civic responsibility and called on other citizens to emulate such vigilance.

“The effort of this individual demonstrates the patriotism our country needs. It is through such actions that we can collectively tackle societal vices and build a safer, more secure community,” Wike said.

Call for Collective Action

The FCT Administration has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to vandalism and urged residents to remain vigilant. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies as part of a collective effort to safeguard public infrastructure.

The Minister also directed relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to end the menace of manhole cover thefts, promising to keep the public updated on progress.

This decisive action underlines the administration’s resolve to protect public infrastructure and ensure a safer environment for all Abuja residents.

Abuja Steel Company Under Investigation for Alleged Role in Manhole Cover Theft

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has identified Abuja Steel Company, an iron smelting firm located along the Abuja-Kaduna Road, as a suspected recipient of stolen manhole covers in the nation’s capital.

In a statement issued on Monday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant (Public Communications and New Media) to the FCT Minister, it was revealed that “exhibits of interest” have been recovered from the company and are currently in police custody.

“Further investigations are ongoing to determine the company’s involvement, along with others, in the removal, purchase, and melting of the stolen manhole covers,” the statement read.

Recent Arrests and Recoveries

Security agencies, including the Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have recently made significant progress in combating the theft of public infrastructure. Multiple arrests have been made, and several stolen manhole covers have been recovered.

According to the statement, the arrested suspects have been providing valuable information to authorities about the buyers of the stolen infrastructure, shedding light on the chain of illegal activities contributing to the vandalism.

Restoration Efforts

In response to the growing menace, the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate replacement of stolen manhole covers. The replacement exercise, which began on Sunday, underscores the administration’s dedication to restoring and protecting critical public infrastructure.

Zero Tolerance for Vandalism

The FCT Administration has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on vandalism, warning that individuals and organizations found culpable will face the full weight of the law.

“The administration is committed to ensuring the security and functionality of Abuja’s infrastructure and will leave no stone unturned in holding those responsible accountable,” the statement emphasized.

Public Call to Action

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies and remain vigilant to safeguard public assets. This proactive approach aims to foster a collective effort to combat vandalism and preserve the integrity of Abuja’s public infrastructure.

The ongoing investigation into Abuja Steel Company and other suspected buyers sends a strong message about the administration’s resolve to deter such illegal practices and uphold public trust.

Wike Orders Immediate Replacement of Stolen Manhole Covers, Vows Tougher Measures Against Vandalism

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate replacement of 13 stolen manhole covers along a major road in Abuja to prioritize public safety and maintain critical infrastructure.

The directive follows growing concerns over recurring acts of vandalism in the nation’s capital, which pose a significant threat to both infrastructure and public safety.

Infrastructure Setback

During an inspection on behalf of the administration, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana, decried the theft as a severe challenge to Abuja’s development.

“It’s really unfortunate that we’re having this kind of situation. It’s not the first time, even along this stretch, and we keep coming back to replace them. I think it’s more of a security issue to check vandalism,” Yunana said.

He assured residents of intensified efforts by the FCT Administration to curb such occurrences, stating, “Going forward, the FCT administration will intervene very seriously in terms of checking vandalism within the city.”

Challenges in Replacement

Yunana highlighted the technical hurdles involved in replacing the covers, explaining their critical role in supporting vehicular traffic and protecting underlying sewer and stormwater systems.

“These covers are load-bearing and vital for road safety. Replacing them is not just a matter of installation; it requires meticulous effort to restore the road for proper use,” he said, adding that alternatives such as composite and concrete materials had been explored to deter theft.

However, Yunana revealed that even these materials had fallen victim to vandals, calling the theft of public infrastructure “a theft from oneself.”

Call for Public Awareness and Advocacy

Engr. Yunana urged the media and residents to amplify awareness and advocacy for the protection of public infrastructure.

“We need more awareness to help people understand that these facilities are for their benefit,” he emphasized.

Security and Accountability

While refraining from commenting on arrests made in connection with the thefts, Yunana deferred inquiries to the Police Commissioner, reiterating the FCT Administration’s collaboration with security agencies to address the issue.

The administration encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to authorities, reinforcing the collective responsibility of safeguarding the city’s resources.

A Model City Vision

This proactive approach aligns with Minister Wike’s vision of maintaining Abuja as a model city and ensuring the safety of all residents. By addressing vandalism head-on, the FCT Administration continues its commitment to sustainable development and the protection of public assets.

Wike Declares Zero Tolerance for Vandalism, Promises Justice for Manhole Cover Thieves

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy on vandalism, vowing that individuals arrested for stealing sewage manhole covers on Abuja highways will face strict legal action.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) commitment to making offenders serve as deterrents to others.

Targeting Thieves and Buyers Alike

The Minister also assured the public that those buying or using stolen manhole covers would be apprehended and prosecuted, describing their actions as economic sabotage and a direct threat to public safety.

“We will not tolerate any form of vandalism or the trade in public assets. Those involved in these criminal acts will face severe consequences,” Wike said.

Arrests and Recoveries

Thanks to collaborative efforts with security agencies, over 50 suspects have been arrested, and 25 vandalized manhole covers have been recovered. Wike lauded the swift action, calling it “fantastic” and reassuring residents of the FCTA’s focus on public safety and infrastructure protection.

Public Vigilance and Digital Activism

Wike commended Nigerians for leveraging social media to expose the thefts, encouraging them to continue using digital platforms to report such activities.

“Those stealing and buying amenities meant for public use live among us. Patriotic Nigerians must expose these individuals before they carry out their devilish acts,” he stated, adding that actionable information shared online would receive prompt government attention.

Call to Action

The Minister reiterated that safeguarding public amenities is a shared responsibility, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The FCTA’s stringent measures aim to secure critical public infrastructure, ensuring their functionality and longevity. The administration has warned that anyone caught vandalizing public assets or participating in their illicit trade will face the full wrath of the law.

By prioritizing public safety and infrastructure integrity, the FCTA continues to set a firm precedent against criminal activities in the nation’s capital.

Tragedy Strikes Kuchibiyu Community: School Explosion Leaves One Dead, Three Injured

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A devastating explosion rocked a school in the Kuchibiyu community, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), claiming one life and leaving three others injured.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, disclosed that the explosion occurred at a school where students recently arrived from Katsina under the care of a Malam.

“I visited the scene and saw one of the dead bodies,” Gabaya said. “The Malam who brought the students from Katsina has been taken in for questioning by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to assist in investigations.”

Eyewitness Accounts and Casualties

Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion instantly killed one individual and injured three others, including a young girl selling awara (a local delicacy) to the students.

“The explosion affected four people in total. Unfortunately, one person died on the spot, while three others, including the girl selling food, were rushed to the hospital,” Gabaya added.

Emergency Response and Investigations

When reporters arrived at the scene, emergency responders and security personnel, including the police bomb disposal unit, were actively investigating the cause of the explosion.

The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, while authorities have launched a detailed probe into the incident.

Although the source and nature of the explosion remain unconfirmed, the Malam responsible for bringing the students has been detained for questioning, with hopes of uncovering critical details.

Community Impact and Call for Vigilance

The incident has left residents of the Kuchibiyu community shaken, prompting calls for enhanced security measures in schools and public areas to prevent similar tragedies.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies are working to ensure their safety and determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to safeguard educational environments and foster a secure atmosphere for all.