The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, N-HYPPADEC, has intensified efforts to improve the welfare and livelihoods of host communities in Gombe State, through a series of engagements and interventions.

The Managing Director of N-HYPPADEC, Mr. Abubakar Yelwa, said the visit to Gombe was part of the Commission’s engagement tour of newly admitted member states, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023.

Mr. Yelwa, who began the tour with a visit to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the commission’s mandate to mitigate ecological damage arising from hydroelectric power operations and to promote sustainable development in host communities.

He explained that Gombe State was admitted into the Commission because it hosts the Dadin Kowa Hydropower Dam.

Mr. Yelwa listed several interventions already carried out in the state, including the supply of 1,100 life jackets, the provision of an operational flying boat to Kupto Community, installation of solar streetlights, construction of solar-powered boreholes, desilting of drainages, construction of classrooms, and support for indigent students through the payment of National Examination Council, NECO, fees.

The Managing Director stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the state government, particularly in the areas of flood mitigation, education and health infrastructure, youth employment and the strategic establishment of Area Offices.

He also commended the Gombe State Government for supporting the establishment of the Commission’s State Office, describing it as a clear demonstration of commitment to the welfare of affected communities.

The Gombe State Government, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with N-HYPPADEC to improve the welfare and livelihoods of residents.

Dr. Jatau praised the Commission for living up to the objectives of its establishment, noting that unlike many organisations that focus largely on internal development, N-HYPPADEC has prioritised interventions that directly impact people’s daily lives.

While expressing appreciation for the Commission’s interventions in the state, including streetlights, life jackets for riverine communities and payment of NECO fees, the Deputy Governor also welcomed the promised delivery of a 33-seater boat.

Safety facilities

He gave the Commission the assurances of the state government’s support through public enlightenment, particularly on the proper use of life jackets and other safety facilities, while appealing for wider coverage of N-HYPPADEC’s activities across all 11 local government areas of the state.

Dr. Jatau further pledged the state’s technical support and local knowledge to assist the Commission in siting offices in areas most affected by hydroelectric dam operations to ensure effective and sustainable interventions.

He said the Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya administration had established the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to create employment opportunities for youths, noting that the initiative aligned with N-HYPPADEC’s focus on socio-economic development.

The delegation also visited Nafada, where the Emir of Nafada, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Dadum Hamza, described N-HYPPADEC as the headquarters of rural development in Nigeria, citing the scale and impact of its interventions across communities.

He commended the projects executed in Nafada and ranked N-HYPPADEC first, second and third on the scale of productivity among development agencies operating in the area.

The Nigeria Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has urged the people of South East to be grateful to President Bola Tinubu for the infrastructural transformation in the zone.

Umahi said the President has constructed many road projects in the zone with some  ongoing.

The Minister disclosed this immediately after project supervision in some parts of the Southeast Nigeria.Contractors handling various projects were present at the supervision.

He said many roads in the zone were death trap before they received President Tinubu’s attention. “It is interesting to note that all the nightmares on the roads will come to an end. And who is the one doing it?  President Bola Tinubu”.

“We will continue to say that South east people should be very grateful to him because that which has been expected has come to pass.

“And for me, that’s the Biafra we’re looking for. And that is President Bola Tinubu. What he’s doing in Southeast, in fact, you need to open your eyes to see what he’s doing.

“But even if you are in darkness, you will definitely feel it because the roads are probably being paved,” he said. He said the federal government has banned mining within bridges across the country.

He explained that the government will deploy patrol boats to enforce the ban around bridge corridors, and will also provide two vehicles to the police for highway monitoring.

According to him, the ministry will support the vehicles’ maintenance with a monthly allocation of N3 million.

He further reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to safer highways, noting that CCTV cameras and solar lighting installations will extend beyond bridges to cover federal highways nationwide.

“We have already commissioned CCTV installations at Tomei Land Bridge and the Second Niger Bridge.“Our commitment in deploying solar light and CCTV to monitor the bridges and the surroundings is not limited to bridges. It is what we are going to have in all our federal highways,” Umahi said.

The minister disclosed that the CCTV project at Tomei Land Bridge cost N480 million and is part of broader measures to improve surveillance and road security.

Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, provided updates on major road projects in the Southeast, highlighting significant progress in rehabilitation and construction works.

He reported that the Asaba Heartland Road, a 48-kilometre rehabilitation project valued at $48 billion, has recorded substantial progress.

He said the road features reinforced concrete pavement and extensive drainage infrastructure. “Mr. President gave us an intervention fund of about N50 billion, which we paid the contractor. We raised concerns about slow pace, but we are satisfied with the quality,” he said.

The minister directed the contractor to accelerate work by implementing night shifts. Umahi confirmed that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) is executing the 17.5-kilometre bypass at a cost of N179 billion, and that 30 per cent payment has been made.

He stated the ministry aims to have 50 per cent of the project commissioned by President Bola Tinubu by April 20. Describing the Enugu–Onitsha route as “very troubling,” the minister commended President Tinubu for revitalising the long-neglected corridor.

He said the project, spanning 107 kilometres (dual carriageway), was originally awarded to MTM under a tax credit arrangement valued at N202 billion.

According to him, due to economic realities affecting costs, the ministry has de-scoped the project to match available funds as MTM also reportedly completed works worth N50 billion in the area.

Umahi said the project is being executed by MTM, Nigercat, and RCC, with completion of the first phase set for April 28.

He also stated that solar lighting installation is underway, with the first five kilometres expected to be completed within two weeks.

The minister raised concerns over CCCC’s performance on the Second Niger Bridge Bypass section, citing delays and inadequate supervision.

He said the ministry will issue a letter to CCCC, copying the bank, demanding accelerated progress within 60 days or risk contractual consequences.

Umahi confirmed that CCCC has completed 61 kilometres of the Enugu–Port Harcourt highway and is finalising additional sections.

He issued a strict directive against road rework, saying: “No place in the country should asphalt be removed from our road again.”

The minister ordered redesigns to include concrete shoulders and stone base with cement stabilisation to prevent premature road failures. Umahi stated that the Enugu-Ebonyi road is being reconstructed by the Federal Government, while the Enugu State Government is already dualising part of the corridor from the airport junction to the state boundary.

The project, valued at N180 billion, will be executed in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed within the year and the second phase extending into 2026.

He also referenced other projects, including the Bini–Asaba corridor, noting that work is still at the conception stage.

He directed that a report and site visit be conducted before the end of the month.
Umahi praised the performance of contractors SKC, NYJCAT, and RCC on various sections, while noting that some areas require corrective actions.

The minister commended President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast, describing the administration’s efforts as restoring hope and infrastructure stability in the region.

Umahi said the ministry will continue to ensure timely completion and proper supervision of federal road projects, noting that the briefing covered only a fraction of the ongoing works in the Southeast and South-South.

Responding on behalf of stakeholders, Mrs.  Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement for the South-East, commended the administration’s road projects, noting that the interventions have improved travel and boosted economic activities in the region.

She described the projects as transformative and expressed gratitude for the government’s renewed presence in the Southeast after decades of neglect.

The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) of the United Kingdom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening international cooperation in urban and regional planning and addressing the growing challenges facing cities worldwide.

According to a statement by the National Public Relations Secretary of the NITP, Dr. Chiahemba Nor, the agreement, signed recently, marks a historic development in the long-standing relationship between the two professional bodies, both institutions play influential roles in shaping planning policy and practice within their respective jurisdictions and beyond.

The MoU formalises years of collaboration and opens a new chapter of structured engagement focused on knowledge exchange, professional development and global best practices.

Under the MoU, NITP and RTPI will collaborate in areas including the exchange of ideas and expertise, mutual participation in conferences and professional programmes, and the facilitation of study visits between both institutions. The partnership is designed to strengthen capacity among planners, particularly in response to rapid urbanisation, climate change, sustainability concerns and infrastructure pressures confronting towns and cities across the world.

A key component of the agreement is the promotion of awareness around professional membership pathways in both institutions, enabling planners to better understand opportunities for career advancement and cross-border professional recognition. The MoU also provides for the sharing of information on continuing professional development (CPD) frameworks, standards and best practices, with plans to explore co-branding selected NITP events in Nigeria as RTPI Core CPD activities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Tpl Helen Fadipe, MBE, emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing global development challenges.

She noted that, “Complex urban issues require shared learning and collective action that transcend national boundaries.”

On his part, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Tpl Dr Andrew Ogbonna Chime, FNITP, described the MoU as timely and strategic for the planning profession in Nigeria.

He said the, “Partnership would significantly benefit young Nigerian planners by exposing them to global best practices, enhancing their skills and strengthening professional standards through sustained exchange of ideas, practice and experience.”

The agreement builds on the long history of interaction between NITP and RTPI through their membership of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), a platform that has facilitated collaboration, research, policy dialogue and capacity building among planners across the Commonwealth over the years.

The MoU, which will run until December 31, 2030, provides for annual reviews to assess progress and sustain momentum. It is voluntary and non-financial, founded on mutual respect, confidentiality and goodwill. Both institutions say the partnership represents a renewed commitment to advancing excellence, innovation and sustainability in planning practice, while strengthening the capacity of professionals to respond effectively to the demands of modern urban development.

The Nigeria Employees Consultative Association NECA is partnering with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund NSITF to ensure that workers are safe and healthy in their places of employment.

At a media briefing jointly organised by NECA and the NSITF in Abuja, the Director General and CEO, NECA, Mr Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said that responsible business conduct is something that NECA is very particular about saying that members of the Association will be penalised if they are found wanting in that aspect.

The media briefing is within the framework of the Safe Workplace Intervention Project SWIP.

“Businesses must operate ethically on all forms, so it’s an issue for us. 

“If an employer is not putting in the necessary infrastructure to guarantee safety, then we should blow the whistle.

“A gap that exists in compliance, I think the biggest gap that exists in compliance is knowledge and awareness, so there are some things you think they are not hazardous, but until you hear the experts analyze those issues, then you know that these things are basically hazardous,” Oyerinde said.

Stressing on the importance of awareness and knowledge in the workplace, Mr Oyerinde expressed the hope that the publicity from the media briefing would help in assisting some organizations that are not up to par, to upscale minimally in the context of the resources that are available, to also reduce the incident of accidents in their premises.

Speaking on the 2025 SWIP, the Managing Director of NSITF, Mr Olúwaṣeun Faleye said that SWIP was conceived as a practical response to a persistent national challenge that is, the reality that too many Nigerian workers remain exposed to avoidable workplace risks, and too many employers still do not fully understand, or comply with, the protections provided under the Employees’ Compensation Act ECA, 2010.

He believes that growth should be anchored on protection and respect for workers adding that economic activities and growth are anchored on the protection, responsibility to, and respect for the Nigeria worker.

“The core purpose of SWIP is simple but profound: To save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen productivity by making workplace safety and compliance the norm rather than the exception.

“Experience has shown us that laws alone do not change behaviour. The Employees’ Compensation Act is robust, but its effectiveness depends on awareness, trust, and consistent engagement. 

“Many workplace injuries and fatalities occur not out of malice, but because safety systems are weak, risks are poorly understood, or compliance is viewed narrowly as a regulatory burden,” he said.

He explained that WIP was designed to close this gap and bring the law to life by translating statutory provisions into practical understanding connecting employers to the real business value of compliance while reinforcing the idea that workplace safety is not an abstract obligation but a human, economic, and productivity imperative.

Faleye called on the media to help escalate workplace safety to national priority.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Salihu Usman, in a message said the Safe Workplace Intervention Project is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through effective collaboration between governments, employers, and social security institutions.

“I am particularly pleased that the audit components of this year’s project covered no fewer than 200 workplaces in all six the geopolitical zones of the country, with the active technical participation of the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.

“The Ministry’s involvement as the audit technical and implementation partner was aimed at ensuring that the process was conducted in line with national occupational health and safety standards and global best practises,” Usman explained.

He stressed that safe workplaces are not aspirational but achievable when “leadership, regulation and responsibility work together, exactly as intended by the ECA of 2010”.

The Nigerian Government is to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers NSE to ensure a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will stand the test of time.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, stated this at the investiture of Engineer Alimasuya Rabiu as the thirty-fifth President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to Professor Utsev, “The importance of Engineers in nation building cannot be overemphasised, and it was in realisation of this that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sees the body as critical stakeholders in national development and appointed many of them to oversee critical technical ministries, agencies and departments who are making remarkable strides in their various places of assignment including himself.”

The Minister informed members of the NSE that the Nigerian Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has engaged sound engineers to carry out total rehabilitation and upgrade of Alau Dam in Borno State and other critical national assignments in water and road infrastructure in recognition of their critical roles in infrastructural advancement of the country.

He congratulated the new President, Engr Alimasuya Rabiu and expressed confidence in his ability to bring his expertise to bear on the society, having served the society as a three-time Vice President and the country in various positions, while thanking women engineers in the country and beyond for their outstanding contributions.

Utsev congratulated the immediate past president of the society, Engr Aina Oguntala, for breaking the barrier to become the pioneer woman president of NSE since its establishment.

The Minister urged the Nigerian Society of Engineers to continue deploying its professional expertise as it makes conscious efforts to support the present administration to turn around the fortunes of the country.

In his remarks, the thirty-fifth President of NSE, Engr Rabiu, whose speech centred on resetting the NSE, pledged on behalf of other members of the EXCO to lead with integrity, restore institutional relevance and reposition the Society as a beacon of excellence, both nationally and globally.

PR/Terver Dominic

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC), has ordered the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board following public outcry over disruptions to water supply across parts of the nation’s capital.

The power distributor said the earlier disconnection was due to the accumulation of over one year of unpaid electricity bills by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities extended to the agency to regularise its account in line with applicable regulatory provisions.

In a statement issued by the signed by the Head, Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications of AEDC, Mr. Omede Odekina acknowledged the concerns and appeals from residents affected by the disruption, noting that the decision to reconnect power was taken in recognition of the critical role of water supply in safeguarding public health and community wellbeing.

According to the company, “The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, directed the immediate restoration of electricity to enable the prompt resumption of water services across affected areas of the FCT.

“AEDC remains deeply committed to the welfare of the communities it serves and believes that access to essential services must be protected, particularly where public health and safety are concerned,” the statement said.

However, the electricity distributor stressed that the reconnection was granted on a conditional basis. AEDC disclosed that it has issued the FCT Water Board a two-week ultimatum to present and commence the implementation of a credible payment plan aimed at settling its outstanding electricity debt.

The company warned that failure to comply with the agreed terms within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to reapply service disconnection, in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

While reiterating that disconnection remains a measure of last resort, AEDC assured residents of its commitment to transparent engagement, regulatory compliance and the provision of sustainable electricity services across the Federal Capital Territory.

The Governor of Niger State, in North-Central Nigeria, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commended the Nigerian Army for its dedication, commitment and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s security.

The governor gave the commendation during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) event jointly organised by the Training and Doctrine Command and the 31 Artillery Brigade at the Minna Cantonment.

Governor Bago thanked the Nigerian Army for protecting lives and property in Niger State and across the country. He said the Armed Forces have continued to push back criminals and have helped to restore peace in some troubled parts of the state.

While appreciating the officers and men of the Army, the governor said his government will continue to support them to succeed in their duties and also care for their families.

He described WASA as a very important event because it brings the Army closer to the people and also helps to promote culture and tourism.

To support the families of soldiers, the governor, on behalf of the state government, donated 20 million each to the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA), making a total of 40 million.

Earlier, the Commander of TRADOC, Major General Paul Malla, explained that WASA is a long-standing tradition in the Nigerian Army.

He said the event is meant to build confidence among soldiers, promote unity, and provide a relaxed environment where soldiers and their families can come together to celebrate and display the rich cultural heritage of the Army.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a plaque by TRADOC and the 31 Artillery Brigade to Governor Bago in appreciation of his support to troops in Niger State.

The event also featured colourful cultural displays and a friendly tug-of-war competition between personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.

Nigeria’s drive to reform its justice system has received a fresh boost with the formalisation of a partnership between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), aimed at entrenching people-centred justice across the country’s 36 states.

The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja, marking a transition from years of informal engagement to a structured, long-term collaboration focused on delivering measurable outcomes for citizens.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director-General of the NGF, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s justice reform journey.

He said, “The MoU represents a shift from dialogue to coordinated action, anchored on evidence, innovation and responsiveness to the real justice needs of Nigerians.”

According to Dr Shittu, the relationship between the NGF and HiiL predates the MoU, having evolved through sustained engagement on justice reform initiatives.

He highlighted the Justice Needs and Satisfaction in Nigeria 2023 Report as a defining achievement of the collaboration, noting that it has become a critical tool for understanding how citizens experience justice and where systemic gaps remain.

“The report has equipped policymakers, practitioners and justice sector stakeholders with credible data to move beyond assumptions and design reforms that respond more directly to the needs of the people,” he said.

Dr Shittu explained that the newly signed MoU provides a formal framework for collaboration, signalling a shared commitment to justice that is accessible, affordable, fair and responsive particularly at the subnational level, where most justice challenges are experienced.

He emphasised that the agreement is not merely symbolic but intended as a platform for experimentation, learning and impact, stressing that the partnership is built on mutual respect, recognition of institutional strengths and a common resolve to improve access to justice through innovation and evidence-based approaches.

“This is a commitment to action, learning, innovation and measurable impact across Nigeria’s justice landscape,” he said.

Dr Shittu noted that Nigeria’s governors, through the NGF, play a strategic role in shaping subnational policy priorities.

Through the partnership with HiiL, State governments are being positioned as the frontline of justice delivery and as testing grounds for people-centred justice models tailored to local realities.

The collaboration, he added, is expected to support reforms that strengthen institutions while ensuring that justice systems reflect how people actually experience legal problems ranging from land and family disputes to commercial conflicts and access to basic services.

Acknowledging HiiL’s technical expertise and global perspective, Dr Shittu said its sustained engagement has enriched national and subnational conversations on justice reform and expressed confidence that the partnership would translate research insights into practical solutions that improve efficiency, inclusion and public trust in justice delivery.

According to him, the MoU aligns HiiL’s evidence-based approach with the institutional reach of state governments, creating opportunities to scale reforms across the federation.

“Under the agreement, both parties have committed to working in good faith to advance access to justice through data-driven interventions, innovation and collaboration.”

While specific initiatives will be developed over time, the MoU establishes a broad framework for sustained engagement and reform Dr Shittu added that the NGF looks forward to a partnership that delivers tangible benefits to communities, strengthens justice institutions and redefines justice delivery as a public service shaped by the real needs of the people it is meant to serve.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with long-standing challenges related to access to justice, cost, distance and institutional trust, the NGF–HiiL partnership signals a deliberate shift towards solutions that place citizens at the centre of reform.