The Federal Government has terminated the contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) from Julius Berger Construction company.

A statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, said the decision was made following the failure of the management of Berger to show up for a meeting to fine-tune the contract sum which the government had pegged at N740bn which the company rejected.

“It is a sad commentary on the Company that rather than accepting the offer, they tinkered with the Bills of Quantities, as well as that of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation via a letter to the Ministry dated 29th October, 2024. The company was summoned for a meeting with the Management of the Ministry, today, 4th November, 2024 but refused to show up, hence the termination of the contract based on effluxion of time and non- performance.”
“Based on non-compliance with reviewed cost, scope and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), today, 4th November, 2024.”

He said the decision was borne out of several months of back and forth without any meaningful progress was reached at management meeting between the Ministry and Julius Berger.

Recall that the Contract for the road was awarded to Julius Berger in 2018 and was supposed to cost less than N155.7bn with a 36 months completion date.

But the cost rose to over N600 billion and 6 years after less than 50 percent of the road had been completed.

Ahmed noted that the ministry has in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail.

“Nigerians may wish to know that the contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three (3) Sections was awarded to the company on 20th December, 2017 and flagged off by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, H:E. Babatunde Raji Fashola at an initial sum of N155.7bn on 18th June, 2018.

“Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed for the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract.

“The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. Approval for the Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38 (thirty-eight) kilometres on concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127 (one hundred and twenty-seven) kilometres remained with the substantive contractor. The Phase 1 was flagged off on 17th October, 2024 with a 14-month completion period.

“Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the Ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc from the sum of N797.2bn to N740.7bn was granted by FEC on 23rd September, 2024 and conveyed to the company on 3rd October, 2024.

“As due to the socio-economic importance the road as a vital artery connecting Abuja, the FCT to the North, the Ministry conveyed the approval for a Final Offer on the Abuja – Kaduna Dual Carriageway to the company on 23rd October, 2024, stating that it should agree, in writing, to accept the reviewed contract sum of N740.7bn within seven (7) days or risk the termination of the said contract.”

Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has accused Dangote Petroleum Refinery of trying to suppress competitors in the downstream sector.

On November 1, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said petrol — also known as premium motor spirit (PMS) — from the refinery is more expensive than buying from other sources.

Yakubu Suleiman, national assistant secretary of IPMAN, said the group’s members go for more affordable options at other depots across Nigeria than the high logistical costs associated with buying petrol from the Dangote refinery.

Responding to the claim, Dangote refinery said its ex-depot price of petrol is N990 per litre for trucks and N960 per litre for ships.

Dangote refinery said its prices are benchmarked against the international prices and the amount the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited sold to local marketers.

On Sunday, the refinery said any oil marketer that sells petrol cheaper than the price it offers is importing substandard products.

In a statement signed by Joseph Obele, PETROAN spokesperson, on Monday, the association said the accusation of importing substandard products by Dangote refinery is “his usual gimmick for maintaining monopoly”.

According to PETROAN, consumers get the best value for pricing when competition is at its peak, hence competition should be encouraged.

PETROAN said the group has never compared the price of Dangote refinery’s petrol with any other.

“PETROAN has concluded plans with her foreign Refinery counterparts and financial partners to import the best quality of PMS and then sell far lesser than the present selling rate of PMS in Nigeria,” the retailers said.

“We planned to enter the market before December 2024, pending the approval of our import permit license by the regulatory agency and access to foreign exchange from CBN at the official rate.

“Before now, Dangote Refinery has refused to make public her selling rate of PMS until IPMAN and PETROAN announced readiness to sell lesser.

“The rate of #990 as announced by Dangote refinery was inconsiderate base on the fact Dangote Refinery enjoyed massive concession for accessing foreign exchange during the construction of the refinery.”

‘CORE DETERMINANT FOR SETTING PRICE IS COST OF PRODUCTION’

PETROAN said the core determinant for setting the price is the cost of production and margin.

“But this wasn’t the case for the determinant of PMS price by Dangote refinery as they said the parameter was comparison with the international selling rate at the global market,” PETROAN said.

“A nation that gave you a yet to be disclosed concession for foreign exchange which was highly criticised by financial experts, such a country Pricing template shouldn’t have been templated by the selling rate at the international market but rather it should have been cost of production plus fair margin.

“Goods from the China markets are not selling as high like goods from the America market because the cost of production differs.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import inferior Products and saying also that an international company is trying to establish a PMS blending plant in Lagos are all strategies for Dangote Refinery to push others out of the market inview achieving monopoly for exploitation.

“Few months ago the CEO of Dangote Refinery said NNPC LTD was importing inferior petroleum products, that his own was far better than what NNPC LTD was selling to marketers.

“In another press conference he said the refinery at Malta was just a blending plant and not a refinery.

“Evidences available showed that diesel (AGO) as a deregulated product was selling less than #800 in Nigeria market few weeks before the commencement of AGO production by Dangote Refinery, at the entrance of AGO market by Dangote refinery we witnessed a rapid surge above #1,000 as against the the perception of a ‘Salvaging Refinery’.”

PETROAN said Dangote refinery made the allegations “with the objectives of closing the doors for other operators so to enjoy monopoly””

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, to collaborate more with state governments in the Niger Delta region for the development of legacy projects that will impact the lives of the people.

Governor Diri spoke at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, during a courtesy visit by members of the NDDC Executive Management, led by the Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye; the Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai; the Bayelsa State representative on the Governing Board of the NDDC, Senator Denyanbofa Dimaro and directors of the Commission.

The governor commended the NDDC for charting a new path, noting that cooperation and collaboration should be the way forward.

He charged the NDDC leadership to ensure that the Commission’s intervention was in tandem with the efforts of the state governments, lamenting that this had not been the case in the past.

The Governor advised the Commission to avoid duplication of projects, stating that it was essential to consult the states before embarking on projects in their territories.

Senator Diri observed that NDDC had many uncompleted projects in Bayelsa State but said he was consoled by the fact that something was being done about it.

He remarked: “I believe that you can lead the NDDC to greater heights to the admiration of people of the Niger Delta.”

“I urge you to quickly meet with the governors to get their blessings on matters of development projects in the states.”

Speaking earlier, Dr Samuel Ogbuku said the Commission was determined to partner with governors of Niger Delta states to ensure that the oil-producing states enjoy sustainable development.

He stated: “We need to create a new life in the NDDC and collaborate more with development partners, including the state governments and other regional stakeholders, to achieve our objectives. I know that we have had problems with duplication of projects.

Henceforth, representatives of the states in the NDDC Board will be in constant touch with their state governments and ensure that projects are based on needs assessment.”

Ogbuku said further: “For us to achieve the enormous task of developing the region, it is pertinent that we enhance collaboration with state governments by working closely in our development programmes and projects.”

He told the Governor that NDDC was constructing six multi-purpose emergency shelters in Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states to provide relief to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the event of flooding in the Niger Delta region.
The project aims to provide comprehensive support to affected communities, with facilities including schools, hospitals, cafeterias, police posts, and recreation centres.

The NDDC boss observed that the project was conceived as a response to the frequent flooding challenges faced by Niger Deltans. He noted that facilities at the emergency shelter would include essential amenities such as a school, hospital, cafeteria, police post, and recreation centre, providing comprehensive support to the communities in times of distress.

He explained: “We have six of these facilities currently under construction in Otuokpoti and Odi, in Bayelsa State, while the ones in Delta State are being built in Patani and Ozoro and another two in Rivers State.

The NDDC boss also informed the Governor that the Commission would flag off the channelisation of Kolo Creek, connecting the Okarki-Otuogidi-Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

He explained that the project would remove all the blockages causing flooding in the communities in both states, adding that it would not only prevent flooding but also boost commercial activities in the communities.

Atalanta’s Nigerian superstar Ademola Lookman continued his outstanding form for club and country, netting a superb brace in La Dea’s 3-0 win over Napoli.

Lookman’a opening brace set the tone for the match before Matteo Retegii rounded up the scoring ro give the away side a rare victory over Napoli.

Lookman breaches stubborn Napoli defence

So far in the Serie A season, home side Napoli had only conceded two goals in their opening five goals at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

However, Lookman showed why he remains one of the hottest forwards in Serie A, breaching one of the most stubborn defenses in the league at the moment with two stunning goals.

With his 16th goal of the year, Lookman became the Serie A player with the most goal contributions for 2024.

Lookman’s goals come amid the backdrop of Napoli’s on-going tussle with another Super Eagle star, Victor Osimhen, who is still on loan from the Partenopei to Galatasaray after a protracted battle to leave the club during the summer.

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in seven newly-appointed ministers.

The new ministers, who were cleared by the Senate last week, took their oaths of office at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja on Monday.

The newly appointed ministers, who were nominated by President Tinubu include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odinaka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (Trade and Investment), Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers cleared by the Senate.

The minister said the President ordered the immediate release of the minors without prejudice to whatever legal processes that are ongoing.

The President also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also take part to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

Tinubu also directed that a committee would be set up to be spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of the minors.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, Nigerians were enraged and disgusted when the government brought 72 minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The defendants, who were accused of treason, among others, were arrested in places like Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. Some of them looked gaunt and poorly fed and collapsed in court.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted N10 million bail to 72 minors who were arraigned.

A Traditional Ruler in Bayelsa State, King David Amakiri, has applauded the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, for executing many development projects in communities across the Niger Delta region.

The monarch, elevated as the Obanobhan of Emeyal Clan, gave the commendation when the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, led a delegation from the Commission to pay him a courtesy visit at his palace in Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Ogbuku was accompanied on the visit by the Bayelsa State representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Denyanbofa Dimaro and other Directors of the Commission, as contained in a statement by NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama on Sunday.

King Amakiri acknowledged the contributions of the NDDC to the growth of the community, in particular and the local government area at large. He thanked the NDDC for the various interventions that had improved his people’s lives and livelihoods.

The king praised the NDDC for constructing the Oruma rigid pavement Road and other internal roads in his community, stating that his people had faced many challenges in infrastructure before the Commission’s intervention.

The monarch declared: “Our people are anxious to see more development projects. We have played our own role by ensuring that there is peace in the Niger Delta region. Having provided a peaceful environment, there should be no excuse for not developing our region.”

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Managing Director said that the Commission considered it necessary to visit the royal father to congratulate him on his recognition as the Obanobhan of Emeyal Clan in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Ogbuku acknowledged the importance of the traditional institution, noting: “We recognise the importance of the traditional rulers in ensuring peace and stability in the various communities in the Niger Delta region.”

He urged the monarch to ensure peace in his domain, stating, “We need peace for the speedy execution of development projects.”

The NDDC boss said the Commission had mobilised contractors to channel the Kolo Creek, connecting the Okarki-Otuogidi-Ogbia communities of Rivers and Bayelsa states.

He explained that the channelisation project would remove all the blockages causing flooding in the communities in both states, adding that the project would not only check flooding but also reduce the threat of cholera and other health challenges associated with waterborne diseases.