₦airaland Forum

The Federal Government has allocated N15 billion for the dualization of the Benin-Akure-Ilesha road, a new infrastructure project covering a total length of 150.7 kilometers.

This initiative, part of the Ministry of Works’ budget within the proposed N49.74 trillion 2025 budget, includes two phases: Phase I focuses on rehabilitating the existing Benin-Akure road, while Phase II will add a new lane to the existing carriageway.

In addition to the Benin-Akure-Ilesha road dualization, the Federal Government has earmarked significant funding for other key infrastructure projects in the 2025 budget.

These include the N15 billion allocated for the rehabilitation of failed sections of the Bauchi-Jigawa state border road, aimed at improving critical transportation links in the region.

Another major allocation is the N11 billion set aside for the reconstruction of the Shagamu-Ore road, a 96-kilometer route connecting Ondo and Ogun states. The N10.45 billion allocated for the dualization of the Akure-Ilesha road, spanning 66.15 kilometers, is also a significant part of the budget.

Furthermore, N9 billion has been earmarked for the construction of the Ukana-Ikot-Ntuen road in Akwa Ibom state, while N8 billion will go toward the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Abeokuta road, enhancing the key transport corridor between Lagos and Ogun states.

Additional significant allocations include N8 billion for the construction of the Abak-Ekparakwa-Ete-Ikot-Abasi highway in Akwa Ibom state.

N7 billion will be invested in the construction of the Ugep road in Cross River state, and N6 billion will be used for the construction of the Oferekpe bridge, improving connectivity between Cross River and Ebonyi states.

Similarly, N6 billion has been allocated for the rehabilitation and dualization of the Ado-Ekiti-Afe Babalola University road, spanning 30.55 kilometers, and N5 billion for the construction of the Illara-Isolu road, which will enhance regional transport.
N4 billion has been allocated for the construction of a 23-span flyover bridge at Eke-Obinagu junction along the Enugu-Abakaliki road, and N4 billion will be used for the rehabilitation of Ogunusi Road in Ikeja, Lagos.

Additionally, N3 billion will go toward the dualization of the Abakaliki-Afikpo road, including flyover works, and N8 billion has been allocated for the construction of the Benin-Agbo road, improving access to Benin City.
These are just some of the new infrastructure projects that have received allocations in the 2025 budget for the Ministry of Works.

In September 2024, Minister of Works David Umahi announced that the Federal Government would prioritize the completion of four key road projects per geopolitical zone in 2025, focusing on finalizing ongoing initiatives rather than launching new ones

This decision, Umahi explained, is a response to economic challenges, including inflation, the naira’s devaluation, and the removal of fuel subsidies, all of which have significantly increased infrastructure costs.

Umahi further pointed out that the Tinubu administration inherited 2,600 road projects valued at N13 trillion, emphasizing the need to streamline resources and focus on completing four major projects per zone to ensure the efficient delivery of critical infrastructure.

However, a review of the 2025 Federal Government Final Budget Proposal reveals a different picture. Despite Umahi’s statements, the documents indicate allocations for several new projects, in addition to ongoing ones, suggesting that the government’s approach includes both new and continuing infrastructure developments.

Heavens1stson:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/nlc-insists-on-withdrawal-of-tax-reform-bills/

The breakdown in security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger Republic has not only encouraged the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, but has also fuelled mutual suspicions. Ejiofor Alike writes that the two countries should de-escalate tension and re-establish cooperation for their internal security

Tensions between Nigeria and Niger worsened recently as the foreign minister of the former French colony accused Nigeria of facilitating efforts to destabilise the junta-led nation.

The tense relations between the two neighbours had strained following the overthrow of a civilian government in Niger by the country’s military.

With the July 26, 2023 coup d’état in Niger, which sacked President Mohamed Bazoum, and installed General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as the leader of a new military junta, relations between Niger and ECOWAS broke down.

In an emergency session held barely five days after the coup, ECOWAS under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu gave Niger’s junta leaders one week to release and reinstate President Bazoum, threatening that all measures, including the use of force, were on the table to restore constitutional order.

ECOWAS had also imposed sanctions, including the suspension of all commercial and financial transactions, blocking crucial imports and cutting electricity, resulting in blackouts in Niamey and other major cities.

But in his reaction, Gen. Tchiani had, while promising to return Niger to civilian rule within three years, declared that the West African nation did not want a war but would defend itself against any foreign intervention.

“If an attack were to be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk-in-the-park some people seem to think,” he had warned in his televised address.

Tchiani also condemned what he called the “illegal and inhumane” sanctions imposed by ECOWAS on the landlocked country.

Rather than succumb to ECOWAS demand, Niger had joined Mali, and Burkina Faso, to announce their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS in January 2024.

While accusing the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, the three countries also criticised the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups.

There were series of military takeovers – Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023 – each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the regional body.

However, few days after President Tinubu had promised German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier that ECOWAS would handle the three countries’ return to the group with wisdom, the regional bloc, in December 2024, formally approved the withdrawal of the three countries from the regional body, with effect from January 29, 2025, in accordance with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty.

With the breakdown in security cooperation between Nigeria and Niger, insecurity across their borders worsened, leading to the emergence of a new terrorist group, Lakurawa, which has been terrorising their border communities.

Niger’s withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) tackling the emerging regional threats also worsened regional stability.

Niger had been a key ally of the West in the fight against militant groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaida in the Sahel region.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, had recently confirmed to journalists in Abuja that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the military coup in that country had led to the breakdown of military cooperation between the Nigerian government and the new military leaders.

“The new terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in the Niger Republic. Before the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces, which kept the terrorists at bay,” Buba had explained.

The revelation by the DHQ showed that the Nigerian government prioritised the ECOWAS resolution above the country’s internal security.

Many security analysts have argued that Nigeria, with her numerous security threats and porous borders, should have considered national interest before signing any resolutions with the other member-countries of ECOWAS to cut military ties with the Niger Republic.

The strained relations between the two countries led to mutual suspicions as the Nigerien Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, recently accused Nigeria of facilitating efforts to destabilise the junta-led nation, and summoned the chargé d’affaires at the Nigerian embassy in Niamey.

“Despite efforts to normalise relations, we regret that Nigeria has not given up on serving as a rear base for the destabilisation of Niger, with the complicity of some foreign powers and officials of the former regime, to whom it offers refuge,” Sangare said in a statement aired on national television.

Nigerien authorities specifically alleged that foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, aided the Lakurawa terrorist group, in the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region of the country on December 13, 2024.

Niger has also continued to harbour the suspicion that Nigeria provided a military base for its former colonial master and estranged ally, after the French military base in Niger was sacked by the new junta.

Security analysts believe that President Tinubu’s recent week-long state visit to France and his warm reception by President Emmanuel Macron may have fuelled this suspicion.

However, the Nigerian government has since refuted the allegations, insisting that it remained committed to the fight against terrorism, and had not condoned the activities of a terrorism group.

A statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, also debunked the allegation that Nigerian security forces aided the Lakurawa terrorist group in the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.

The statement also clarified that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilise the Government of Niger.

In another statement issued last Thursday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the federal government described Tchiani’s accusations as unfounded and a diversionary tactic aimed at covering his administration’s failures.

“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilise Niger Republic,” the statement said.

The minister specifically denied allegations that Nigeria had ceded parts of its territory to foreign powers or established terrorist bases in Sokoto State in collaboration with France.

“The claims about the establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond,” the minister stated.

With the worsening insecurity across their countries’ borders, Abuja and Niamey should sustain the security cooperation they resumed in August.

The two countries should shun regional bloc’s sentiments and foreign influence and strengthen their security cooperation for their mutual benefits.

While Niger should be encouraged to rejoin the MJTF for regional security and stability, the two countries should prioritise their security and territorial integrity above the interest of any regional bloc, as well as foreign interest.

In a strategic move that could alter Nigeria’s cement industry, Chinese cement giant Huaxin Cement has entered the Nigerian market by acquiring an 83.81% stake in Lafarge Africa. In a deal valued at $1 billion, Huaxin will become Nigeria’s third-largest cement producer, well placed to compete against local giants Dangote Cement and BUA Cement. Currently, Dangote Cement dominates the market with a share of over 69% of sales, with BUA in a distant second with about 16% and Lafarge in third spot with 15.5%.

Will Huaxin be content to maintain the status quo, or is this the first stage of a strategy to take as much of a market that has been predicted to hit $3.89 billion by 2028? This will depend on Huaxin’s appetite to grow Lafarge’s market share and financial muscle. Lafarge Africa’s previous owner, LafargeHolcim, is the world’s largest cement producer but appeared content to manage its footprint in Nigeria. Huaxin appears to have a different outlook. Its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021 – 2025) aims to quadruple its production capacity outside China to 16.5Mt/yr. 6.07Mt/yr-worth of this will come online in 2024 and 2025. The company says that its strategy partly reflects the slowing of its domestic market since 2022.

Huaxin’s financial strength is evident. In 2023, its revenue reached $4.73 billion, almost twice that of Dangote Cement ($2.65 billion) and significantly higher than BUA Cement’s $552 million in the same year. However, scale matters in a market like Nigeria. Dangote’s production capacity of 27.3 million metric tonnes in 2023, supported by its entrenched distribution network, gives it a commanding lead. Huaxin’s capacity, an impressive 131.37 million metric tonnes globally, is bolstered by its Lafarge acquisition. Still, the question remains: can this financial and operational muscle translate into dominance in a competitive landscape?

Beyond financial prowess, Huaxin’s strategy to gain market share might include upgrading Lafarge Africa’s plants and integrating sustainable production methods. The company’s focus on environmentally friendly solutions could carve out a niche in a market increasingly drawn to sustainability. With its cash reserve of $751.8 million in 2023 and its track record of funding overseas expansions, Huaxin appears well-positioned to make significant investments in Lafarge’s facilities. These upgrades could enhance efficiency, increase production, and appeal to large-scale buyers like road contractors prioritising durability and sustainability.

Huaxin may be looking beyond the demand for cement to construct buildings, etc. Minister of Works David Umahi recently announced that all federal roads would now be constructed using concrete, citing its durability and long-term cost-effectiveness, especially for high-traffic routes. Castles Lifestyle had previously pondered what this demand might mean for the supply capacity of the country’s current cement plants. Dangote Cement and BUA have been the beneficiaries of such road contracts so far, and Huaxin might be positioning for such contracts.

Does this mean a price war? With cement prices moving from ₦7,500 to ₦9,400 per bag this year, Nigerian consumers will hope that more competition will mean lower prices. However, that would take some years as the manufacturers build the capacity to exceed market requirements.

Last year, Dangote Cement signed a contract for a new cement plant with China Sinoma International Engineering to build a six million tons per annum cement (6mtpa) plant in Itori, Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State. Ewekoro holds historical significance for Lafarge’s parent body, which, in 1959, built Nigeria’s first cement company (West African Portland Cement) there. LafargeHolcim did not respond to this incursion on its ‘home turf’. Huaxin may have a different reaction. Whether Huaxin cannibalises Dangote’s market share or focuses on opportunities like road projects, its presence will likely reshape the industry. For now, one thing is certain: a shake-up is imminent, and consumers could be the ultimate winners.

Family demands release of Miyetti Allah leader from detention

Members of the family of President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, have called on the military high command to order the immediate release of their head.

Specifically, the Nigerian Army was accused of breaching human rights with the “illegal detention” of the President of the group.

Badejo was allegedly arrested and detained by soldiers of 117 Guards’ Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Keffi, Nasarawa State, on December 9.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Badejo’s brother, Suleman Waziri, explained that his brother’s “illegal” detention was connected to an incident that occurred on December 8.

He narrated that an incident occurred on the said day between a retired General of the Nigerian Army and herders at Tudun Wada in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

“The General reportedly discharged firearms at a herd of cattle, causing significant losses for the herders. Acting in self-defence, the herders disarmed the General and reported the matter to the police.

“Despite having no connection or involvement with this incident, Alhaji Bello Badejo was arrested on the 9th of December 2024 at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, in a commando-style operation carried out by the 117 Battalion.

“His arrest is wholly unwarranted and appears to be based on unfounded allegations,” Waziri said, stressing that his brother had no connection with the matter.

He added, “My brother’s only involvement in this matter arose when relatives of the herders approached him earlier on the morning of 9th December 2024, pleading for his intervention as a respected leader to help secure the release of their confiscated cattle.

“This was purely a humanitarian effort on his part, yet he was unfairly detained without evidence linking him to the events in Tudun Wada.

“Efforts by our legal representatives to meet with Alhaji Bello Badejo have been stonewalled. On visiting the 117 Battalion, both I and his legal counsel were denied access to him.

The Commanding Officer claimed that permission to see him could only come from “above.” This denial is a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights to liberty, dignity, and legal representation.”

When contacted, the acting Public Relations Officer of the Guards’ Brigade, Lt. Olokodana Odunayo, confirmed that Badejo was truly arrested.

She, however, said he has been transferred to the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for further investigation.

“According to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the 177 Guards’ Battalion the man has been forwarded to DIA,” Odunayo said and declined further comments.

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest aviation company, says travellers will pay a minimum of N80,000 for local flights this festive season.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Ado Sanusi, the airline’s managing director, said the ticket price would apply to all Aero’s routes.

Sanusi said through the gesture, billed to end in January next year, the company aims to give back to Nigerians and support them the during the Christmas season.

As at 1:40 pm on Tuesday, Aero’s economy ticket to Abuja from Lagos was N99,643, while business class ticket stood at N189, 167.

“We have understood the pains Nigerians have been going through because of the economic hardship, the high prices of tickets, and the holiday season is nearby,” he said.

“So, Aero contractors has decided to announce a Christmas initiative, we call them, pocket-friendly Christmas prices. These prices are designed to allow Nigerians to travel to all our destinations without paying too much.

“And this is in the spirit of giving, which is the spirit of Christmas. We believe that as a company, this is just a very old history of understanding its customers. We believe it’s time for us to give back to our customers.

“Our prices will start from 80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to flying public. And this is to allow the flying public/families to meet their loved ones during this Christmas season.”

Sanusi said the aviation firm has studied the economic situation of the country, assuring that Aero will still be profitable with the price cut.

He also said the three aircraft in the company’s fleet would be sufficient for all its operations, stressing that Aero intends to “continue to be modestly reliable”.

The managing director urged other airlines in the country to also “give back to the customers”.

Presidency: S’Africa Scraps Passport Submission For Nigerians During Visa Applications.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled passport submissions during tourist visa applications for Nigerians.

Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, announced Ramaphosa’s decision in a statement.

One of the requirements to obtain a South African visa is the submission of the national passport.

Onanuga said Ramaphosa scrapped the process on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which Tinubu attended.

Ramaphosa said South Africa’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria saw the implementation of a five-year multiple-entry visa.

“Our efforts to create a favourable environment include our simplified visa process for Nigerian businesspeople to travel to South Africa. Qualifying Nigerian businesspeople can be granted a five-year multiple-entry visa,” the statement quoted the South African president to have said.

“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.”

Onanuga said Tinubu commended Ramaphosa’s initiative, noting that he shared the belief that Nigeria and South Africa can leverage their potential for continental development.

“I must, however, sound a note of caution. Let us not count our successes by the number of MoUs and agreements signed. They will be mere papers until we implement them,” Tinubu said.

The president urged government officials in charge of relevant sectors to ensure that agreements are effectively implemented.

Mr Ibrahim said the president insisted on the tax reform bill despite opposition from the National Economic Council, Northern Governors' Forum and Islamic groups.

The four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu are stoking anger in Northern Nigeria, with groups in the region demanding the suspension of what they described as the anti-north agenda.

The controversial bills – the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024- SB.584; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586 – are currently before the National Assembly.

The executive bills, presented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, during the Senate plenary on Thursday, passed a second reading with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, presiding,

After the debate on the general principles of the bills, the lawmakers read them for the second time and referred them to the Senate Committee of Finance, headed by Sani Musa (APC Niger state), for further legislative action.


The bills passed the second reading a day after Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, and other officials appeared before the Senate on Tuesday to explain their purpose.

The officials appeared before the Senate plenary, which was presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, angered some senators, including Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South).

On Friday, some Islamic clerics condemned the tax reform bill during the Jumm’at weekly congregational prayer. They hailed Mr Ndume while vilifying his colleagues they perceived as supporters of the bill.

One of the clerics from Sokoto State, Mansur Ibrahim, a professor, alleged that the bill was shrouded in secrecy with its contents still unknown to many Nigerians.

He expressed worry that, unlike other bills that took a long time to pass, the tax reform bills were making speedy progress at the National Assembly.

“Enacting a law is a long process which allows all concerned parties to contribute to its development, and the lawmakers have to deliberate on it; make consultation, debate, and public hearings have to take place before approval, but this particular law, they are using force to actualise it within the shortest period”, the cleric told his congregation on Friday.

Mr Ibrahim said President Tinubu insisted on bills despite opposition from the National Economic Council, Northern Governors’ Forum, and Islamic groups, which have identified grey areas in them.

“The president’s insistence on the tax reform bill is either he is not aware of the hardship Nigerians are going through, or he lacks empathy by planning to add more tax burden on Nigerians, especially on VAT which is why they are gradually withdrawing cash in circulation. With this, any transaction, including buying Maggie cube, you have to pay tax.”

Mr Ibrahim also alleged that Lagos stands to benefit more from the tax reform bills. “He is not fair and just to other Nigerian states who voted for him, especially the north, and we are still aware that Lagos was won by the Labour Party, not APC. Despite this, the president is giving them preferential treatment”, the cleric said.

“We are calling on you to fear God and suspend the tax reform bills as suggested by the National Economic Council”, he added.

“We must salute our Senator Ali Ndume for his firm opposition to the tax reform bill. We are also calling on other lawmakers supporting it to refrain from it because they are not representing the will of their people.

“They must not disappoint their people. If they agree with the bill to be passed into law, we will pray to God to punish them,” the cleric said.

Also, the president of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Bashir Umar, said they have met the Deputy Senate president over the controversial bill.

Mr Umar said they tabled their concerns over the bills and sought an audience with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas. The cleric said the lawmakers promised to address their concerns.

Several clerics in the northern part of the country were captured in a trending video criticising the bills.

But the senator for Jigawa Northwest district, Babangida Hussaini, said the bill passing a second reading is just an introductory aspect. He said another aspect is the public hearing.

Mr Hussaini said the public hearing stage is where all the stakeholders, including the House Committee on Finance, will provide input and declare their position after scrutinising the bills.

“We are representing the people, we will not allow anything to harm them, and we are going to address all issues during the public hearing. The northern senators have met over the situation.

“There are about two or three steps for these bills to become law. There is nothing to worry about; we are on top of the situation, and we will do the right thing as the representatives of the people,” he said.

However, a group, Kano Concerned Citizens, accused Mr Ndume of creating unnecessary debate on the issue while portraying some of his colleagues as either opponents or proponents of the bill.

The group, in a statement signed by its chairman, Haruna Bala, said, “The ongoing misinformation and unwarranted accusations directed at the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, following the recent heated debate in the Senate over the tax reform bill, is maliciously targeted for a reason.

“It has come to our attention that certain individuals, led by Senator Ali Ndume, have sought to use this debate to tarnish Senator Barau’s reputation and incite public sentiment against him. This is not only unfair but also detrimental to the unity and progress of our nation.

“For clarity, Senator Barau Jibrin’s role during the plenary was purely administrative. As the presiding officer, he read a paper submitted by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regarding the tax reform bill. This action is a routine legislative responsibility always undertaken by presiding officers.

“It is important to emphasize that Senator Barau did not introduce the bill, nor did he express his personal opinion on it. Instead, he facilitated the process by allowing Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, and other experts to make a presentation to the Senate. This same presentation had been made to the House of Representatives and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum without similar controversy,” the Kano group stated.

The group said Mr Barau advocated nationwide awareness campaigns in various languages to ensure that Nigerians understand the bill and its implications. This demonstrates his commitment to transparency and inclusivity.

“While we respect Senator Ndume’s right to voice his concerns, his approach during the debate was unnecessarily combative and aimed at creating a false narrative. Instead of addressing procedural issues with decorum, he chose to publicly attack Senator Barau, misleading the public into believing that Barau was behind a supposed anti-North agenda.

“This tactic has unfortunately painted Ndume as a hero defending the North while vilifying Senator Barau without basis. Such behaviour undermines the Senate’s integrity and sows seeds of division among Nigerians.

“We strongly warn Senator Ndume to desist from using the tax reform saga as a tool to tarnish the image and reputation of Senator Barau Jibrin.

“We also call on the general public to seek accurate information about the tax reform bill before forming opinions. The bill is still under review, and further clarifications will be made during subsequent Senate sessions.

“The current political climate requires leaders to act with maturity and a sense of responsibility. Divisive tactics and misinformation only serve to hinder progress.
We urge all senators, including Senator Ndume, to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on the best interests of Nigerians.

“Senator Barau Jibrin has always been a champion of Kano State and Northern Nigeria. His track record speaks for itself, and we will not allow anyone to tarnish his name for political gain,” the group warned.

Mr Ndume’s known phone contact did not connect on Saturday to respond to the allegations by the Kano group.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) has officially handed over the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) after taking possession of the completed assets from the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nig. Limited.

The contractor, on Thursday, at a brief ceremony in Port Harcourt, handed over the assets, which include 283.060 km of dismantled tracks, 62.800 km of rehabilitated and reconstructed subgrade, and 62.800 km of rail laid for the main line.

The handed-over assets by the contractor also include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 27 sets of turnouts at various stations, the rehabilitation of four existing steel bridges, and the reconstruction of one concrete bridge.

Additionally, 10 existing culverts were rehabilitated, 12 new culverts were reconstructed, and 35 level crossings were reconstructed. The contractor also constructed 33,275 meters of drainage.

The contractor submitted the technical specifications and maintenance manual of the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the project to the consultant, Khairi-Jamub Global Services, and the client, Federal Ministry of Transportation.

The Port Harcourt-Aba rail project is part of the larger Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project, which aims to connect five geopolitical zones in the country.

The project is expected to improve socio-economic activities, boost trade, and facilitate ease of movement among the regions involved.

However, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) officially took over the Port Harcourt-Aba section of the Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway Project.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by Ogunade Adesegun, Deputy Director Track and Civil from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, who represented the Managing Director of NRC, Ben Iloanusi.

According to Adesegun, the NRC is now responsible for the operation and maintenance of the rail section, which spans Kilometers 0-62.

He noted that the commercial aspect of the train has been running smoothly, providing easier, faster, and cheaper transportation for passengers and goods.

“This development is a testament to the government’s efforts to provide efficient transportation systems, and the dividends of these efforts are now materializing,” he said.

Speaking after the handing-over ceremony, Ayo Dada, a supervisor from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, said the development marked a significant milestone in the project’s completion.

He explained that the delay in handing over the project was due to the necessary diligence and processes that needed to be followed.

He stressed that this is just one segment of the larger project, which will be completed in phases.

He said: “The completion of this project is expected to boost the economy of both cities and states, bringing development and growth to the region. The railway will also provide a safer and more efficient means of transportation, reducing the risk of accidents and congestion on the roads.”

In terms of security, Engr. Adesegun assured that the NRC is taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and goods.

He noted that the Corporation has deployed vigilante groups to safeguard the tracks and property of the NRC, adding that the Ministry and Presidency have also put in place their own security measures to protect the rail infrastructure.

The Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail project is a significant investment in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, with a total cost of $3.03 billion. The project aims to connect the southeastern oil center of Port Harcourt to Maiduguri in the northeastern state of Borno, covering a distance of 1,443 kilometers.

The Nigerian presidency has announced plans to fully privatisation of the country’s state-owned refineries, including the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna facilities are underway.

Sunday Dare, the President’s special adviser on media and public communications, posted this update in a statement posted on Sunday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. The bulletin outlined key achievements in the sector and hinted at the administration’s plans to restructure the refineries.

“The full privatisation of Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries is in progress,” Dare stated, though he did not provide a specific timeline for the initiative.

Nigeria’s four national refineries have remained largely inoperative for over four decades, despite the federal government investing trillions of naira in maintenance and rehabilitation. This failure has left the country heavily reliant on imported petrol, placing immense pressure on its foreign exchange reserves.

The urgent need for improved safety standards for oil tankers
Dare expressed optimism that local refining would eventually meet domestic demand, easing the perennial issue of fuel shortages. “With full local refining gradually being met, the days of fuel queues will end,” he added.

In August 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited announced plans to involve private operators in managing the Kaduna and Warri refineries. In a circular shared via its official X account, NNPC disclosed its intent to collaborate with credible operations and maintenance (O&M) firms.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, an integrated oil and gas company involved in exploration, refining, petrochemicals, transportation, storage, and marketing, seeks to engage reputable and credible operations & maintenance (O&M) companies to operate and maintain the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC),” the circular stated.

NNPC emphasised that the partnership would focus on ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the refineries, thereby addressing Nigeria’s petrol supply challenges and bolstering energy security.