Connect with us

Latest News

Reps Demand Proof of ₦2.4 Trillion Payment to Contractors

Published

on

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The House of Representatives has asked the Ministry of Works to provide evidence of how ₦2.4 trillion was allegedly paid to contractors for federal road projects.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The lawmakers raised the issue during a public hearing in Abuja on Friday, questioning the ministry over huge payments that were not clearly supported by records.

Rep. Ahmed Munir, chairman of the House Committee on Works, said the amount was too large to be ignored without clear documentation. He told ministry officials to present full details of the projects, the companies paid, and the current status of the works.

“We are talking about ₦2.4 trillion of public money,” Munir said. “Nigerians deserve to know where this money went, which roads were fixed, and whether contractors delivered on their agreements.”

Lawmakers seek clarity

During the hearing, members of the committee expressed concern that many Nigerian roads remain in poor condition despite the reported payments. They noted that bad roads continue to cause accidents, damage vehicles, and slow down business activities across the country.

The lawmakers demanded a list of all road contracts awarded in the last five years, including the total amounts, dates of payment, and level of completion. They said the ministry must show evidence of each project before more funds are released in the future.

Rep. Bamidele Salam, a committee member, stressed that accountability was key to restoring public trust. “People are tired of hearing that trillions have been spent when they cannot drive safely from Abuja to Lokoja or Lagos to Ibadan,” he said.

Ministry defends spending

Officials from the Ministry of Works told the lawmakers that many road projects were ongoing and that some had faced delays due to rising costs of materials and insecurity in some parts of the country.

Permanent Secretary Yakubu Adam said contractors had been paid based on certificates of completion submitted at different stages of work. He promised to provide all the requested documents to the committee.

“The ministry follows due process before making any payment,” Adam said. “We will give the committee the evidence it requires so that Nigerians can be assured of transparency.”

Background on Nigeria’s road funding

Nigeria has over 34,000 kilometers of federal roads, many of which are in poor shape. Successive governments have promised to fix them, but progress has been slow.

In recent years, the federal government has budgeted trillions of naira for road construction and maintenance. However, citizens and transport unions often complain that little improvement is visible on the ground.

Bad roads have also been linked to frequent accidents. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, poor road conditions contribute to hundreds of deaths every year.

Demand for accountability

Civil society groups welcomed the lawmakers’ move, saying it was long overdue. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the National Assembly to make the report of its findings public.

“Transparency in road spending is not just about numbers,” SERAP said in a statement. “It is about saving lives and ensuring value for money.”

Transport unions also joined the call. The National Union of Road Transport Workers said its members spend more on repairs due to potholes and unfinished projects.

Next steps

The House Committee on Works gave the ministry two weeks to submit the full evidence of payments and project updates. Lawmakers said they would carry out independent verification visits to some project sites.

Analysts say the outcome of this probe could shape how future infrastructure funds are managed. If mismanagement is uncovered, contractors and officials may face sanctions.

For now, Nigerians await answers on whether ₦2.4 trillion has truly delivered safer roads — or if the money has disappeared without results.

Latest News

“Kano Will Fall!” – NDC Candidate Declares Total War On APC Ahead Of 2027.

Published

on

Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, has declared his firm belief that his party will defeat the incumbent administration in the 2027 elections. During a recent event to affirm his candidacy, the former deputy governor emphasized the unity between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, asserting their shared determination to lead Kano State in a new direction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gwarzo reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating, “We are the followers of Kwankwaso. We are here, and we continue to pray day and night. By the will of Allah, this government will be defeated in a single stroke.” He pointed to the palpable enthusiasm within the movement as clear evidence that democratic change is well within reach.

Looking toward the upcoming election, Gwarzo outlined a strategy centered on robust grassroots mobilization and consistent engagement with the electorate. He also encouraged his supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the law as the political climate heats up. Finally, he called on the people of Kano to critically evaluate the performance of their political leaders to ensure they are prepared to make informed choices at the ballot box.

Continue Reading

Latest News

“Relief At Last!” – Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price To ₦1,250 Per Litre.

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), lowering it from ₦1,275 to ₦1,250 per litre, marking a two per cent reduction. This price shift is attributed to a decline in international crude oil prices, which serve as the refinery’s primary feedstock.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    An official from the refinery noted that such adjustments are expected in a deregulated market and emphasized that the company will continue to calibrate prices based on evolving market conditions. Despite this move, current retail prices at many filling stations across Nigeria remain above ₦1,350 per litre, with costs varying by location and marketer.Beyond pricing, the refinery has been credited as a key driver of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook. S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the country’s long-term foreign- and local-currency sovereign credit ratings from “B-” to “B,” citing factors such as stronger economic growth, increased oil production, and improved external balances. S&P specifically highlighted the operational ramp-up of the Dangote refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day facility as a significant contributor to the nation’s enhanced balance-of-payments position and overall economic resilience.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Continue Reading

Latest News

Political Grudge Match: Ganduje Mocks Kwankwaso, Declares Him His Former “Political Boy”!.

Published

on

A political war of words has erupted between former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The friction began when Kwankwaso, speaking at his Kano residence, insisted that prominent politicians—including Ganduje—owe their political rise to his mentorship and cannot deny their past loyalty to him. Ganduje, currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, responded through his chief of staff, Muhammad Garba, by asserting that Kwankwaso was actually his own protégé. Ganduje highlighted his role in Kwankwaso’s early career, including his support during Kwankwaso’s rise to the House of Representatives and his decision to step down as a gubernatorial candidate in 1998 to serve as Kwankwaso’s deputy. Ultimately, Ganduje advocated for moving away from “godfather” labels to focus on effective leadership and peace in Kano.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Option 2: Concise Summary

Following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s claims that top Kano politicians were once his “political boys,” Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has fired back, asserting he was actually the mentor in their relationship. While Kwankwaso insisted that his former allies owe their success to his political structure, Ganduje countered by citing his own past support for Kwankwaso’s career, including his sacrifice during the 1998 Kano governorship race. Furthermore, Ganduje requested respect for the office of current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and urged Kano’s political class to prioritize unity over divisive rhetoric regarding past hierarchies.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 NIVONEWS