The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to pay N1.12bn in compensation to the family of one Mike Madu, killed by an INEC driver in Imo State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment on Friday, ordered INEC to pay the N1.12bn with 10 per cent interest per annum from the date of judgment until the final or full payment is made.

In addition, the judge ordered  INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to the late Madu’s family.

“An order is hereby made for the defendants to pay the cost of prosecuting this action. This shall be the judgment of this court,” Justice Ekwo added.

The plaintiff, Augustine Madu, filed the suit on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.

The amended writ of summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as the first to fourth defendants, respectively.

Augustine filed the suit on September 18, 2019, seeking four reliefs, including an order for the defendants to pay N1.12bn in compensation to Madu’s family for the unlawful termination of his life.

In his statement of claim, Augustine described his deceased brother, Mike Madu, as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, to the late John and Chioma Madu in Awo-Omamma, Imo State.

He said Abdul, an INEC staff member and driver under the office of the national commissioner, was responsible for the fatal accident that claimed Mike’s life on June 16, 2019.

On September 10, 2019, the deceased’s family resolved to take legal action against the defendants.

Augustine noted that his brother frequently travelled between China and Nigeria, often accompanying Chinese investors to facilitate business opportunities.

On one such trip, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors to explore investment prospects in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone.

During their journey on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their Lexus car, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by the fourth defendant, Hassan Abdul.

The Toyota, occupied by Abdul and a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control, swerved into the opposite lane, and crashed into the Lexus in a head-on collision.

The Land Cruiser then somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while the Lexus sustained heavy damage.

Mike sustained severe injuries and died, along with one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan.

The victims were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village for medical attention, while the deceased were later transferred to Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.

 The surviving Chinese investor, Qu Xin Dong, was admitted to the same hospital, while Chukwudi, the Lexus driver, was treated at Enugu State Orthopaedic Hospital. Abdul and his police escort received treatment at Holley Memorial Hospital.

A police report dated July 16, 2019, concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding was the cause of the accident.

On July 10, 2019, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased. The plaintiff later obtained a warrant to bury his brother and the deceased investor.

Augustine lamented that throughout this period, INEC and its officials showed no concern or remorse for causing Mike’s death.

He emphasized that his late brother was not only the breadwinner of his immediate and extended family but also provided for his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son.

He further stated that Mike’s untimely death had left his family in distress, especially his wife and child in China, and that INEC had willfully refused to offer any compensation.

During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, an officer in the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.

 Augustine testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023.

Although he was recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023, the defendants failed to appear in court.

Justice Ekwo, ruling in favor of the plaintiff, upheld the claims and awarded the compensation.

Embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from calling additional witnesses after 10 had testified in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.

Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), contended that since EFCC listed only 10 witnesses in the proof of evidence it filed in court, it should not be allowed to call additional witnesses.

But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, asserting that further testimonies were necessary to ensure a fair and thorough presentation of the case.

Oyedepo argued that denying the agency the ability to call additional witnesses would infringe on their right to a fair hearing. 

After taking arguments from sides on Monday, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned till March 20 for ruling.

Emefiele is facing 20 counts, bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

He was also accused of using his position as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

However, during Monday’s proceedings, EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, said the award of contract to  April 1616 for the procurement of vehicles for the CBN adhered to procurement laws and the CBN guidelines.

Fielding questions during cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Gana said the CBN’s Procurement Department evaluated the quotations submitted by the bidders, vetted the submissions, and resolved to award the contract to April 1616 because its quotation was the lowest.

He added that Emefiele only approved the contract award based on the recommendations of the CBN Tenders Board.

The witness also confirmed that the vehicles were supplied, and the company, April 1616, was paid based on the recommendations of the board to Emefiele for approval.

Gana, who was the Head of the Procurement Unit at the time, stressed that Emefiele was not a member of the CBN Tenders Board.

He admitted that neither he nor the five procurement officers who recommended April 1616 for the award had been charged by the EFCC.

Gana also said he had not seen any evidence or document showing that money was paid from April 1616’s bank account to Emefiele.

He confirmed that, according to the company’s registration certificate, Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or signatory to April 1616’s bank account.

Gana further testified that Emefiele did not direct or influence him, either through phone calls or SMS, to favour April 1616 in the procurement process, adding that he reported directly to his supervisor, Mr Ekanem Akpan, and not to Emefiele.

The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented bundles of exhibits related to the bidding processes for 45 different contracts for vehicle supplies to the CBN by April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors.

During his evidence-in-chief, Gana reiterated that April 1616 was awarded the contracts because it submitted the lowest quotations.

Satisfied with the evidence of 19 witnesses they produced to testify before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, closed their case.

The petitioners are challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the gubernatorial contest held September 21, 2024 in the state.

At the resumed proceeding in the matter, lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, informed the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel tribunal that they have concluded their case.

The application came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, produced five additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines that were used for the election.

The electronic devices, which were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of INEC, Mr. Anthony Itodo, were admitted in evidence, though all the respondents in the matter objected, saying they would give their reasons in their final written addresses.

It will be recalled that the tribunal had earlier admitted in evidence, a total of 148 BVAS that were used in 133 polling units where results of the election were being disputed by the PDP.

Meanwhile, the tribunal has fixed tomorrow, for INEC to open its defence.

INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured 291,667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,655 votes.

Aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid by reason of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

They equally argued in the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, that Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.

It is a profound privilege to be engaged in this esteemed profession. It is essential to recognize that, as an educator, your role extends beyond mere instruction; you are instrumental in shaping the future of a nation through your teaching. Your lessons should transcend conventional experiences, ensuring that each session leaves a lasting impression on your students. In my view, cultivating a growth mindset among teachers should be approached with genuine commitment and instinctive understanding.

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How can we cultivate a growth mindset? There are numerous strategies for educators to enhance their mindset. Primarily, it involves establishing high expectations, fostering curiosity, selecting diverse tasks, and actively seeking feedback. Additionally, persistence and a strong desire for learning are essential. Dr. Carol S. Dweck's groundbreaking research on the growth mindset has significantly transformed the educational landscape. Her findings, published online on November 28, 2007, in "The Secret to Raising Smart Kids" by Scientific American, emphasize that teaching individuals to adopt a growth mindset—prioritizing effort over innate intelligence or talent—can lead to greater success both academically and in life.

Embrace a growth mindset that resonates with you. Foster a learning environment within your classroom. You hold the authority in your class; it is unnecessary to explicitly state this to your students. Your actions and responses will speak volumes. Nurture this role diligently. Engage your students positively, maintain an open mind, and involve them in decision-making processes. Acknowledge their humanity and allow them to make choices regarding their learning environment. However, it is crucial to address any instances of indiscipline promptly. I am confident that your influence will leave a lasting impression on their life journeys. Continuously enrich your knowledge and consistently adopt a growth mindset. Strive to be the best version of yourself. Your potential as an educator is recognized globally. Cultivate the ability to learn and relearn, enhancing your intellectual capacity while delivering your lessons.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit that is seeking to compel the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over alleged rights violations.

The plaintiff, in his suit that has the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as the 2nd defendant, is seeking six principal reliefs from the court.

He urged the court to declare that alleged persistent suppression of peaceful protests organised by Nigerian citizens, by the President Tinubu-led administration, amounts to an impeachable offence.

For instance, the plaintiff alleged that the government had, between August 1 and 10, 2024, violently clamped down on peaceful protesters across the federation, an action he argued constituted misconduct and a ground for Tinubu’s impeachment from office.

The plaintiff maintained that section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowered the NASS to set machinery in motion for President Tinubu’s impeachment.

However, in a joint preliminary objection they filed against the suit, both President Tinubu and the AGF queried the locus standi (legal right) of the plaintiff to institute the action.

Aside from praying the court to dismiss the suit for being incompetent, the defendants insisted that the action failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action to warrant an exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.

In the process, they filed through a team of lawyers led by Mr. Sanusi Musa, SAN; President Tinubu; and AGF further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

More so, the defendants applied for “an order striking out this suit for being incompetent as this suit is not initiated by due process of law having been initiated under a wrong procedure.”

Adducin 18 reasons why the case should be terminated, President Tinubu and the AGF argued that the plaintiff filed the action on behalf of faceless citizens, noting that he did not disclose the persons whose rights were allegedly violated.

The defendants argued that by the provision of Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, only the person whose right was breached has the right to file an action before the court to seek redress.

According to the defendants, “Pursuant to the provision of Section 46 (3), the Chief Justice of Nigeria has {brought into being the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, which makes ample provision of the procedure to follow in filing an action with respect to a breach of the Fundamental Rights of any Nigerian.”

They argued that the plaintiff’s questions two and three for determination were in respect of the alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution by the 1st defendant (President Tinubu) vis-a-vis Section 143 of the said constitution.

The defendants maintained that the plaintiff failed to disclose any of his rights that were breached.

Likewise, in a counter affidavit that was deposed to one Gbemga Oladimeji, a principal state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, he averred that contrary to the plaintiff’s claim, the President Tinubu-led government has been a promoter of democratic tenets.

He averred that the president had always allowed people to air their grievances and conduct peaceful protests.

“I know for a fact that the protest conducted between 1st August 2024 and 10th August 2024 was peaceful, as there was a court order limiting the protesters to demonstrate within a confined location,” he added.

The deponent added that during the protest, security agents under the control of the president were present to protect the protesters and ensure that their civil action was not hijacked by hoodlums.

“I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has always ensured that law and order are adhered to strictly by the security agencies and institutions of the arm of government.

“Contrary to the deposition in paragraph 26 of the Affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has not violated any provision of his oath of office and allegiance.

“There has been no breach on his part that would warrant his impeachment from office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he further averred.

Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho, on Monday, adjourned the case till March 4 to enable the counsel representing the plaintiff, Mr. Stanley Okonmah, to respond to the preliminary objection by President Tinubu and the AGF.

Four persons were reported killed on Sunday night in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a clash between residents of the area and security operatives during a demolition.

Our correspondent learnt that the victims were allegedly shot dead when security personnel opened fire after residents resisted the destruction of their buildings.

The team,  according to a witness, promptly began demolishing properties, which was met with stiff resistance from residents of the community.

“In the ensuing chaos, security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing two people on the spot, while two others were rushed to the hospital, where they were subsequently pronounced dead,” he said.

Another eyewitness told PUNCH Metro operatives of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority had previously marked the affected buildings, mostly residential buildings under construction, for demolition.

The affected buildings were said to be about 40, while the disputed land belongs to the Bayero University, Kano.

A resident affected by the demolition who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Monday, that the KNUPDA had initially cleared the properties, confirming they were not within the university’s land.

“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us that our properties were not within the BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings.

“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.

Efforts to obtain an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as efforts to contact the agency’s Managing Director proved abortive as his mobile phone was not switched off.

Meanwhile, the KNUPDA office had been deserted while most of the officials were alleged to have gone into hiding for fear of being attacked by the aggrieved residents of the area.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident.

He, however, directed our correspondent to contact the PRO of the state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps “as they have the casualty on their side.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Kano Command, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, adding that security personnel, including their officials, were deployed to the area to protect government property but were confronted with hostility.

“We went there to provide security and safeguard government properties. However, the residents attacked our personnel, injured one of our officers, and damaged our vehicles,” Abdullahi said.

When contacted, the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning confirmed that the said lands in dispute belonged to the Bayero University but declined further comments.

Sources at the ministry revealed that the government would soon make its position known on the matter.

The loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) at private depots dropped to N925 per litre on Monday.

The amount was a difference of N27 from N952 offered by the highest-selling depot last Friday.

Marketers said this reduction was influenced by the decision by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to reduce its ex-depot price of PMS, from N950 to N890 per litre, effective from Saturday.

This development came at a huge cost to many petroleum marketers who bought products at higher costs.

It was learned that some marketers who bought the product a few hours before the announcement would be forced to sell below the cost, incurring debts running into millions of naira.

Meanwhile, data obtained by our correspondent analysing petrol price movements at loading depots showed that there was a significant price drop across all depots although this is yet to impact the retail cost of petrol.

Nipco Depot reduced its selling price to N935 from N952 per litre last Friday. Chipet reduced its loading price to N935 per litre from N945 last Friday. Also, Aiteo slashed its costs to N925 from N942.

Wosbab Depot reduced its price to N930 from N947, while Rain Oil Depot made a similar change to N935 from the N947 that it sold a litre of petrol last Friday.

In Warri, Matrix reduced its price to N960 from N970 per litre. AYM Shafa sold at N960 from N970.

Zone 4 depot in Calabar reduced its price by N8 to N950 from N958 per litre. Alkanes sold at N949 and Northwest sold at N950.

Reacting, an oil and gas expert, Olatide Jeremiah said the price drop was expected.

He said, “Dangote refinery’s reduction of petrol to 890 has influenced private depots and importers to immediately review their fuel price downwards. His capacity in Refining and gantry loading has earned him the market leader in the downstream sector. The era of hoarding and price manipulation is gone. The market share war has forced all players to sit up, thus, it should start reflecting through reduction of fuel at the pump.”

He further called on the regulatory authority to completely regulate filling stations, so the constant price reduction at the depot would reflect at the pump immediately.

Police grill monarch

The Ogun State Government on Monday placed the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, on a six-month suspension for his uncivil conduct not befitting the status of an Oba.

The decision, according to a statement from the Special Adviser to Gov Dapo Abiodun on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, on Monday, was reached after Oba Ogunjobi and his victim, 73-year-old Areola Abraham, were invited by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, for interrogation.

Akinmade said, “This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.

“After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.

“The foregoing decision was reached by the ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021”.

Meanwhile, the Committee for Defence of Human Rights, on Monday petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi for assaulting Abraham in a viral video.

The National Vice President of CDHR, Mr Yinka Folarin, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abeokuta on Monday.

Folarin said that Oba Ogunjobi is said to be found of allegedly going about with thugs to intimidate and harass members of the public while using his influence as a former police officer to perpetrate all forms of nefarious activities.

He explained that “The atrocities of Oba Ogunjobi as captured in a viral video include the recent assault on Elder Areola Abraham Love JP, a 73-year-old resident of Ifo, on January 21, 2025.

“Elder Areola Abraham Love JP was beaten by Oba Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi and members of his suspected killer squad.

“The victim, an elderly man with an ailment, narrated his ordeal, stating that he was going to get food when the Olorile of Ifo saw and called him.

“He respectfully crossed to honour the call, only to be attacked by the Oba, who slapped him severally and ordered his squad to descend on him; all pleas by the old man meant nothing to the Oba, who is notorious for his thuggery and public assaults”.

Folarin said that the viral video and the testimonies of the victim revealed that Ogunjobi assaulted Areola, slapped him severally, kicked and forced him to kneel down and prostrate, an act that was carried out by himself and his men.

The CDHR has therefore urged the IG to ensure the arrest and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi to establish that no one is indeed above the law, no matter the status in the society.

The association also urged the state governor to within 72 hours commence the process to remove Oba Ogunjobi from office for descrating the traditional stools and for not behaving in way that hold the traditional stools in high esteem and greater respect.

Speaking during the press briefing, Areola said he had done nothing to warrant such a humiliating attack from the royal father.

The community leader said that the attack has left him traumatised and he is now very afraid of his life.

He said, “I asked him what I did, but he never wanted to listen to me; he only wanted to molest me; that is what he does. When he gets to his hotel, he will now be showing them the video; he will say look at how he was begging me; I molested him and made him beg.

“He said he is in control of the police, that he will kill me and nothing will happen, I however want Nigeria government to save me from him, he said he would kill me and nothing will happen. I am now very afraid of my life.”

Ogunjobi had sparked outrage after a viral video surfaced showing him verbally and physically assaulting Areola.

In the footage, some men with Ogunjobi were seen slapping the elderly man and forcing him to kneel and prostrate.

The incident led to widespread condemnation.

Police grill monarch

The Ogun State Police Command on Monday invited and interrogated the Olorile of Orile-Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, for assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Areola Abraham.

Giving an update on the incident via a post on his X handle on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuiywa Adejobi, disclosed that the monarch had been invited and interrogated over the matter.

The FPRO noted that the Police Force could not be controlled by any individual, stating that justice would be served in the matter.

Adejobi said, “The Oba has been invited and interrogated today by the command. The matter is being looked into for justice to prevail. Nobody can claim to be controlling the NPF. Justice must be served by all means. Thanks.”

The federal executive council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has approved N885 billion for the execution of 10 road projects.

Speaking after the FEC meeting on Monday in Abuja, David Umahi, minister of works, said the projects are aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.

He highlighted additional major projects approved, including the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road, an important route for trade and transportation. 

“The project will be carried out in concrete and includes: Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion, Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion, Benin Airport to Edo (Section III): N131 billion. The total cost of this project alone is over N305 billion,” the minister said.

He added that FEC approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano highway, which has been restructured into two main sections.

According to Umahi, section one extends from the FCT boundary to Niger state, with an additional 5.71 kilometres, while section two covers areas in Kano state, with a 17-kilometre expansion.

He said most of the project will be constructed with concrete, incorporating solar lighting along its 118-kilometre stretch.

“The council also gave the green light for the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states,” he said.

“The Delta section is set to be constructed using concrete for a contract sum of ₦470.9 billion, while the Anambra section will cost N148 billion.

“Further approvals include: Onitsha-Owerri expressway: N22 billion, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna road: N18 billion, Abia and Enugu state road rehabilitation: N12.75 billion.”

FEC APPROVES N3BN FOR EVALUATION OF BRIDGES IN LAGOS 

For Lagos, he announced that FEC approved N3.571 billion for a thorough evaluation of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges.

Umahi said the assessment will focus on examining the structural integrity of the underwater piles and identifying measures to prevent further deterioration.

Another key project is the continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway (phase II, section I), approved with a budget of N195 billion.

Umahi noted that the federal government is focused on implementing cost-effective solutions, particularly by shifting major road projects to concrete construction, which is expected to offer greater durability and long-term cost savings.

He praised the ministry’s success in renegotiating project costs, stating that by using concrete for key sections, the ministry has achieved substantial savings compared to previous projections.

Addressing concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the minister assured that contractors have been assigned to fix the issues.

“We are not accepting excuses such as high temperatures for road failures. The affected sections are being redone with proper oversight,” he said.

FEC APPROVES N159BN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN ABUJA

Also speaking, Mariya Bunkure, minister of state for the FCT, announced that the FEC also approved an investment of N159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the road networks and transportation systems within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Bunkure said one of the key projects approved is the construction of a bus terminal in Mabushi, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited for N30.97 billion.

The minister said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is part of a larger initiative to enhance urban mobility in Abuja.

“Another critical project is the Arterial Road N1, which will connect Wuye District to Ring Road II. Valued at N62.5 billion, this contract has been awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited and is projected to take 20 months to complete,” the minister said.

“Additionally, the government has sanctioned the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between key satellite towns.

“This project, costing ₦7.5 billion, has been awarded to Gilmo Engineering Nigeria Limited.

“The rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, a vital 15-kilometer stretch linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei, is also on the agenda with a budget of ₦26.87 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, set for completion in 18 months.

“Finally, an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project in Kasana West District has been approved for ₦31.66 billion, also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited with an expected completion timeline of 18 months.”

Bunkure said the infrastructure projects are aimed at improving mobility while also boosting socio-economic activities and increasing access to both residential and commercial developments across the FCT.

She assured that the contracts would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

The minister said the infrastructure plan supports Tinubu’s broader vision for urban development and connectivity in Nigeria’s capital, demonstrating a commitment to tackle long-standing infrastructure gaps and foster economic growth in both urban and satellite regions.

The Kaduna state council of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) began an indefinite strike on Monday.

According to NAN, the strike was in protest of the alleged termination of 900 staff from Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO).

The workers, carrying placards, blocked the entrance to the company’s corporate headquarters. 

They prevented both employees and customers from entering the premises.

The workers also accused the management of failing to pay death and retirement benefits, contrary to the conditions of service.

Speaking on the matter, Pukat Ayuba, zonal organising secretary for NUEE northwest zone, said the strike would continue until the company rescinds the termination letters and pays the benefits owed.

“A year ago, we shut down Kaduna Electric’s premises over staff issues, including pension and welfare. One year later, nothing has been resolved,” Ayuba said.

“The termination of 900 staff, disregarding the conditions of service, is unacceptable. It worsens Nigeria’s growing problems.”

The publication said in a letter signed by Abubakar Mohammed, deputy managing director of KAEDCO, dated January 31, that the company directed affected workers to return the company’s property.

The letter also said the severance packages were being arranged and that the workers’ services were no longer required effective January 31.

In March 2024, workers under the NUEE embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged poor treatment by the management of the KAEDCO.

The action exposed electricity consumers in its franchise — Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi — to total blackout