Nigeria Times

The House of Representatives Committee on Works has formally requested detailed records of contracts awarded and funds disbursed to the federal Ministry of Works from key government agencies. The committee, led by Chairman Akinola Alabi, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to provide comprehensive financial and contractual documentation related to the ministry.

In a letter titled “Request for Information,” Mr. Alabi asked these agencies to submit documents including bank statements tied to the ministry, all payments made and received, contract awards, contractor details, and project timelines. Additionally, the committee requested records of bid advertisements, fees paid, technical and financial bid evaluations, tax clearance certificates, and other procurement-related documentation.

The agencies are required to submit these documents by October 7, 2024. The directive aligns with the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which empower it to conduct inquiries into the conduct of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) as part of its oversight responsibilities.

According to Mr. Alabi, this review is essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in the federal Ministry of Works, and the committee is prepared to thoroughly examine the activities and financial records of relevant MDAs to fulfill its mandate.

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled plans for a 30-day National Youth Conference aimed at engaging young Nigerians in the process of nation-building. The announcement was made during his broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of involving the next generation in shaping the future, noting, “We cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.” The conference, he said, will provide a platform for young people, who make up over 60% of the population, to address challenges such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice.

“The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to key issues,” Tinubu stated, adding that the event will encourage meaningful dialogue and ensure youth participation in policy-making.

In collaboration with youth representatives, the government will design the structure and selection process for the conference delegates. Tinubu assured that the recommendations from the confab would be taken seriously and implemented, as part of his administration’s commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

He also highlighted other youth-focused initiatives, such as the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), both designed to empower young people. Additionally, the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP) will be launched later this month to further support youth employment and empowerment.

Protesters gathered at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos on Tuesday morning to mark Nigeria’s 2024 Independence Day with a rally against the nation’s ongoing economic challenges. The demonstration, organized under the hashtag #FearlessOctober1, took place under tight security, with a strong presence of law enforcement.

Security personnel at the scene included police officers, members of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, led the police contingent, closely monitoring the protest.

Chanting solidarity songs, protesters displayed placards with messages such as “Reverse electricity tariff now,” “End all attacks on democratic rights,” “Reduce petrol price to ₦197 per litre; end scarcity,” and “Profit soars while people suffer.”

Civil society groups, including the Take It Back Movement, Education Rights Campaign, Coalition for Revolution, and Socialist Workers League, played a leading role in the protest. This marks the second major demonstration in two months, as frustrations over worsening economic conditions continue to grow.

Organizers of #FearlessOctober1 stated that the protest was a follow-up to the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August. They cited the government’s failure to address key issues such as rising hunger, inflation, insecurity, wasteful government spending, electoral reforms, and the need for better human capital development as reasons for the ongoing demonstrations.

Photos from the protest captured the energy and determination of those participating.

A nationwide protest, known as #FearlessInOctober, officially kicked off today in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), extending the momentum of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations that occurred from August 1 to 10. The protests are driven by the growing economic struggles facing many Nigerians.

By 7 a.m., protesters had gathered at the busy Utako Market in the Utako district, where the demonstration is now in full swing. Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, expressed grave concerns about the economic hardship, blaming the Federal Government’s policies for the situation.

In response, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has assured Abuja residents of a secure and peaceful Independence Day celebration. In a statement released on Monday by the Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police announced the strategic deployment of personnel and equipment across the city in preparation for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day.

The deployment includes Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teams, anti-riot equipment, and heightened visibility policing. Additionally, traffic diversions have been planned for key areas such as Central Area and Eagle Square, which are expected to experience large crowds.

The FCT Police Command has urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities via their emergency lines to ensure a safe and smooth Independence Day celebration.

In a Nationwide Broadcast to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that his administration is making significant progress in the fight against terrorism, specifically targeting Boko Haram insurgents in the North East and bandits across the country.

Reflecting on the challenges he inherited 16 months ago, Tinubu noted the severe economic and security issues that plagued the nation. He emphasized that reforms were essential to stabilize the country, stating, “We decided to reform our political economy and defense architecture.”

The President highlighted the swift elimination of over 300 Boko Haram and bandit leaders, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest, and expressed confidence in the nation’s security forces. “Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever,” he said.

Tinubu affirmed that peace has been restored to many communities in the North, allowing displaced people to return home. However, he acknowledged that the fight is ongoing, and the government remains committed to ensuring complete peace and stability across the country.

President Bola Tinubu has awarded national honors as part of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. In his October 1st address, Tinubu announced that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun have been conferred with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) title.

Other prominent leaders, including the Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, were honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the Deputy Speaker of the House received the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON). The full list of honorees will be released soon.