Home Blog Page 502

FG rejects Julius Berger’s N279bn cost for Second Niger Bridge bypass

admin
-
0
FG rejects Julius Berger’s N279bn cost for Second Niger Bridge bypass

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has rejected Julius Berger Plc’s proposed cost of N279 billion for the Second Niger Bridge Bypass, describing it as excessively high.

In a statement on Thursday, Umahi expressed his disappointment with Julius Berger’s pricing, saying, “One of the bypasses, which is 17.27 kilometres by two on asphalt, was awarded to Julius Berger. We changed the pavement elements to concrete, and the cost we calculated was N133 billion. Berger presented a figure almost twice our estimate, at N279 billion.”

He further stated, “We disagreed with this cost during the negotiation in September 2023. We’ve decided to refer the project back to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and invite more contractors to bid because this involves public funds.”

The Federal Ministry of Works has reviewed Julius Berger Plc’s performance on all ongoing projects awarded to the company, with Umahi raising concerns over the unacceptable condition of some projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway phase 2.

He explained that the Ministry would seek selective tendering to complete the project, stating, “We changed the pavement elements from asphalt to concrete, and the total cost we calculated based on prevailing rates is N153 billion.

However, they are proposing N258 billion. Since we’ve been negotiating since September 2023, we have no choice but to terminate this contract.

“We will then request a ‘No Objection’ from BPP for selective tendering, submitting our estimate of N153 billion and their proposal of N258 billion to BPP, while inviting other contractors to bid. This process will be concluded within the next month to ensure the project is completed promptly.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

FG empowers 500 tomato farmers in Edo

admin
-
0
FG empowers 500 tomato farmers in Edo

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has empowered over 500 small holder farmers in Edo State with seeds in order to boost tomato production in the country.

The state Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Samuel Owoicho, who distributed the seeds to the farmers who are members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria on Thursday in Benin, said the effort was to alleviate the high cost of tomatoes in the state.

While also urging farmers to cultivate tomatoes in their backyards for self-sufficiency, Owoicho, said the initiative was geared towards making Edo state self-sufficient in tomato production, reduce market prices and improve food security nationwide.

He said, “The federal government is dedicated to empowering farmers and ensuring a sustainable future.

“The Farmers have received training on best practices for the tomatoes cultivation. The training will ensure they maximise the yield and quality of their produce.

“Tomatoes are not only a staple in our diets but also a key crop that supports the livelihoods of many farmers across the country.

“Recognising the significance of tomato farming, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been actively working to provide support and foster growth in this sector”, he said.

The Director noted that the ministry was committed to ensuring that tomatoes farmers have access to high-quality seeds and inputs.

“We have partnered with research institutions and seed companies to develop and distribute improved seed varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases, have higher yields, and are better suited to our climate

“Additionally, we are facilitating access to fertilizers, pesticides, and other essential inputs at subsidized rates to reduce the cost burden on our farmers,” he stated.

In his remarks, the state Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Bako Dogwo commended the federal government for the empowerment.

Dogwo noted that the seeds would boost tomatoes cultivation in the state and in the country.

He urged the farmers to use the seeds effectively, noting that the state is also blessed with good soil for the cultivation of tomatoes.

He also called on the farmers to follow the guidelines provided for the cultivation of tomatoes in order to achieve the best results

We shall only pass reasonable power costs to Nigerians – NERC boss

admin
-
0
We shall only pass reasonable power costs to Nigerians – NERC boss

The Commissioner in charge of consumer affairs with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Aisha Mahmud has disclosed that the commission which has the critical responsibility of tariff setting will always ensure that while setting prices, only prudent costs are passed to the electricity consumers.
She spoke in Calabar during a 3-day town hall meeting to address numerous complaints from electricity consumers and to sensitise them, explaining that they are out to maximize access to electricity which is a fundamental right of all Nigerians.
Mahmud added that they were holding similar meetings in various parts of the country which have been very successful.
“We are here to resolve problems as have been done in several parts of the country and have been a huge success.
“Complaints will be resolved on the spot and NERC will ensure this is done except for technical issues that require investigation”, she said.
A representative of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution, Plc Angela Ajere assured consumers that the distribution company is ready to ensure that complaints are resolved.
She welcomed the meeting at the instance of NERC and stressed that it would be a win-win for both consumers and the distribution company.
We shall only pass reasonable power costs to Nigerians – NERC boss

Police releases 10 minors arrested during #EndBadGovernance protests in Nasarawa

admin
-
0
Police releases 10 minors arrested during #EndBadGovernance protests in Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State police command has released 10 minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests in the state.
The command’s spokesman, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed this to journalists on Thursday in Lafia.
Police had on August 1 arrested 50 protesters in four local government areas of the state for allegedly attacking their personnel and looting.
In a statement released the same day, police said 25 protesters were arrested in Lafia, 16 in Karu, six in Keffi, and three in Mararaba Udege of Nasarawa LGA.
Nansel said the 10 minors were released to their parents and guardians.
He, however, said the remaining 40 had been charged to court.
The spokesman urged the people of the state to go about their lawful activities without fear of intimidation.
The post Police releases 10 minors arrested during #EndBadGovernance protests in Nasarawa appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

NLC gives Nasarawa ultimatum over N250m arrears, new minimum wage

admin
-
0
NLC gives Nasarawa ultimatum over N250m arrears, new minimum wage

The organised labour has issued a 3-week ultimatum to the Nasarawa State Government to commence payment of the financial promotion entitlements of civil servants in the state amounting to over N250m and the implementation of the approved new National Minimum Wage to avert an indefinite strike action.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Ismaila Okoh, issued the ultimatum during a press briefing in Lafia on Thursday.

The chairman spoke at the end of an emergency meeting he held with officials of the organised labour union on issues about the welfare of workers in the state.

He stated that most of the workers had, over the years lost a large portion of their monthly salaries due to the non-implementation of their promotions and annual increments since the year 2017.

Okoh maintained that workers had resolved to resist any template produced by the state government without input from organised labour to pay the N70,000 minimum wage.

“We are giving the Nasarawa State government until the end of August to start paying the new national minimum wage and other entitlements of workers in the state to avert an indefinite strike.

“Civil servants in the state have made enormous sacrifices for the development of the state, so the state government needs to act fast to improve the welfare of workers.”

Reacting, the State Head of Civil Service, Abigail Waya, said the state government was yet to conclude on the implementation of the new minimum wage.

She, however, assured the workers of the state government’s commitment to improving their welfare.

Our correspondent reports that the atmosphere around the civil service in Nasarawa State has been characterised by uneasiness, uncertainty, and apprehension following repeated pronouncements by the state government that it is ready to commence payment of the new national minimum wage.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

NLC Raid: Call security agencies to order – CNPP tells Tinubu

admin
-
0
NLC Raid: Call security agencies to order – CNPP tells Tinubu

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, has condemned the unwarranted raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, headquarters by security operatives.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, James Ezema, on Thursday, CNPP described the distasteful act as a ‘Gestapo-style operation’, pointing out that it was a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
The organization urged the President to call the security agencies involved in this particular act to order.
“It is appalling that this incident occurred under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was produced through opposition struggle and has presented himself as a democrat over the years.
“The CNPP demands that President Tinubu immediately call to order the security agencies that are turning Nigeria into a police state, attacking opposition voices, and hounding them into detention in a manner reminiscent of a draconian military junta”, the statement read in part.
The CNPP reiterated that they are not advocating for violent agitation or protests, or distribution of inciting materials but decried the attempt to gag citizens or intimidate them into submission.
According to the agency, this approach will only encourage further anarchy and earn more hatred for the Tinubu administration from the people.
“As the saying goes, “a hungry man is an angry man.” We warn that if the Tinubu administration forgets that Mr President was a product of the trenches, it may be disastrous for the economy if security agencies push citizens underground through the ongoing high-handedness”, the statement continued.
The organization therefore called on President Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens, including the NLC, and to focus on addressing the economic and security challenges facing the nation.
NLC Raid: Call security agencies to order – CNPP tells Tinubu

Legendary defender Pepe announces retirement at 41

admin
-
0
Legendary defender Pepe announces retirement at 41

After a storied career spanning over two decades, Portuguese football icon Pepe has officially announced his retirement from the sport.

The 41-year-old, who was widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, hangs up his boots following a remarkable journey that saw him represent his country with distinction and achieve unparalleled success at the club level.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, Pepe announced with a caption, “OBRIGADO.”

Pepe’s last game came at Euro 2024, where Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarterfinals. He became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals tournament.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe amassed an impressive tally of 141 appearances for the Portuguese national team, during which he helped his country clinch the European Championship in 2016.

At the club level, Pepe’s most notable tenure was his 10-year spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won an enviable haul of trophies, including three La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

He also won two FIFA Club World Cups during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In 2019, Pepe returned to his former club, Porto, where he continued to excel, winning four Primeira Liga titles across his two spells with the Portuguese powerhouse.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

PDP demands credible local council election in Anambra

admin
-
0
PDP demands credible local council election in Anambra

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday charged the newly constituted Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) to be independent and transparent in its conduct of local government election in the state.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Mr. Chigozie Igwe, made the call in a chat with journalists in Awka.
Igwe was reacting to Tuesday’s inauguration of a six-man ANSIEC board by Governor Charles Soludo.
The board is headed by Magistrate Chinelo Osakwe.
Igwe, who welcomed the inauguration of the commission, urged the body to adhere to the principles of transparency, fairness and impartiality before and during the elections.
He said: “The PDP in Anambra wishes to call on ANSIEC to ensure that all eligible voters are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without any form of intimidation or harassment.
“We will not accept any form of manipulation or rigging in the upcoming local government elections; as a party, we are fully prepared and positioned to win the majority of the elections.”
The post PDP demands credible local council election in Anambra appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

SON to prosecute substandard iron rods’ manufacturers, distributors

admin
-
0
SON to prosecute substandard iron rods’ manufacturers, distributors

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has stated that it will wield the big stick on erring manufacturers and distributors who indulge in the illicit trade of substandard steel in the country. The Chairman, Special Task Force, SON, Enebi Onuchenyo, at a stakeholders meeting with manufacturers and distributors of steel and iron rods in Lagos on

Read More

Pastor, three others kidnapped in Rivers regain freedom

admin
-
0
Pastor, three others kidnapped in Rivers regain freedom

A pastor simply identified as Kingsley, who was kidnapped alongside others in Oyigbo in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, has regained his freedom.

The three pastors were said to be attached to a guest speaker who was attending a programme.

Gunmen dressed in military camouflage invaded a new generation church, Light Intercessors, located in Oyigbo last Friday, shot sporadically, and whisked the clerics to an unknown destination.

However, it was gathered that the pastor and the other three clerics breathed the air of freedom on Wednesday night.

A member of the church, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, told our reporter that the abductors released them on Wednesday.

He stated, “The pastor and three ministers who came with the bishop were all released at the same time at a location.”

Asked if a ransom was paid before they were allowed to breathe the air of freedom, he said, “I don’t know. don’t have that information.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed their release, saying an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the gunmen.

“I can confirm the release of the pastor and others who were kidnapped. But an investigation is ongoing to ensure that we apprehend those behind the kidnapping to make them face justice,” she stated.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...501502503...2,815Page 502 of 2,815
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv