Tinubu administration revives abandoned South-East road projects, says Minister of Works
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, announced that major South-East road projects, including the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway, are being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Umahi stated this during an inspection tour of Federal Government projects in Ebonyi. The minister noted that Section One of the highway, extended to 123.6 kilometers, is being executed at a cost of ₦45 billion, while Section Two, traversing Benue and Kogi states to Nasarawa, has been awarded at ₦668 billion and is about 28 percent complete in some sections. He highlighted that the adoption of concrete road technology allows construction to continue during the rainy season. Umahi described the Trans-Sahara Superhighway as an investment corridor that will boost trade and connect Nigeria to Cameroon. The inspection team also visited the 1.3-kilometer Ndi-Egbe Bridge in Afikpo Local Government Area, expected to be completed in December 2026, and the ₦35 billion Onueke Flyover project. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi commended President Tinubu for the infrastructure projects and the administration's commitment to national renewal. Umahi also disclosed that South-East governors and leaders would gather in Abakaliki for a rally to endorse President Tinubu for a second term. The National Media Tour, organized by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Media Team, will continue to Enugu, Abia, Anambra, and Imo states.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party has declared June 12 a historic symbol of the collective struggle for freedom, justice, popular participation, and the right of the people to determine their future through democratic processes. In a statement signed by state party chairman Peter Azubuike, the party highlighted that democracy thrives on active citizen participation in the electoral process. Commemorating the sacrifices of those who fought for democratic governance, the party urged all eligible residents of Abia State to register for the Independent National Electoral Commission Continuous Voter Registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards PVCs. They specifically called on young men and women who have recently turned 18 to register, emphasizing that the PVC is a powerful democratic instrument for electing leaders, holding governments accountable, and safeguarding good governance. The party warned that failing to register means surrendering one's democratic voice and encouraged community leaders, religious institutions, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to mobilize their members for registration. They concluded by stating that protecting democracy requires active participation, vigilance, and commitment from every citizen to strengthen democracy and secure a brighter future for Abia State.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, seeking an account for approximately ₦5.9 billion allegedly spent on the incorporation, transition, and rebranding of the NNPC into NNPCL. SERAP states that ₦2.9 billion was reportedly paid for incorporation expenses from petroleum product proceeds, and the National Petroleum Investment Management Services also charged ₦2.9 billion to crude oil revenue for the same purpose, totaling ₦5.9 billion. The organization is requesting a court order to compel NNPCL to provide a comprehensive reconciliation statement detailing financial transactions, contractor identities, and fund utilization. SERAP also seeks disclosure of the names and official positions of government officials who authorized the expenditure, and clarification on compliance with procurement laws. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows concerns raised by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts regarding the expenditure, which the Committee described as excessive and unjustifiable. SERAP argues that there is a legitimate public interest in the disclosure of these details to ensure transparency and accountability, especially given the size of the expenditure and NNPCL's legal responsibility to demonstrate value for money and lawful spending of public funds. The transformation of the national oil company from NNPC to NNPCL was mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act 202
Adeniyi Adelana, the traditional ruler of Ode Oriya community in Ondo State, was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday. The incident occurred around 8 pm when approximately six armed men invaded his residence, whisking the 60-year-old community leader away into the bush. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the abduction, stating that the Ondo State Police Command has initiated a coordinated rescue operation. The victim's wife sustained a gunshot injury to her right hand during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police operatives and other security personnel have been mobilized, and a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation is underway, with security forces combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Felix Ohagwu, has directed all tactical units and operational teams to intensify efforts for the swift rescue of the victim and the arrest of the perpetrators.