News
Works Minister Unveils Highways Devt model Strengthening Parameters
From Lateef Taiwo
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. Nweze David Umahi, has introduced parameters that would boost quality delivery and management of road infrastructure under the Public-Private-Partnership, PPP, arrangement known as Highway Development and Management Initiative, HDMI, and ensure efficient utilisation of the completed projects by road users.
Umahi gave the indication during a meeting with the PPP unit of the ministry and Messrs Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd, APPNL, concessionaires for the Benin-Asaba and Lagos-Abeokuta road corridors in his office on Tuesday, according to statement signed by the SA, Media to the Minister, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji.
In the meeting, which had in attendance the team of the PPP headed by Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya, Mrs, and the team of APPNL lead by Mr. Dipo Lawore and Mr. K. V. Rao, there were discussions on the way forward to achieving a more effective operational model for the HDMI programme and more efficient contractual relations between the federal government and concessionaires.
The meeting dwelt largely on reviewing parameters, was necessitated by the heightened inflationary pressures, exchange rate concerns, reduced vehicular traffic on the highways occasioned by the increase in pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, popularly known as petrol, according to the statement.
Speaking on the need for quality delivery of road projects and efficiency in project negotiation, the Minister listed what he termed Renewed Hope Model of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), saying the parameters would be finetuned, agreed upon and adopted in all contractual relations between the federal government and concessionaires going forward.
The parameters, as highlighted by him, includes: a. the design of the project to be in line with the specification of the Federal Ministry of Works and investor can only improve upon it;
b. a reasonable construction period must be agreed upon; c. there shall be no variation on the project; d. 100% of one carriage way must be completed before tolling by concessionaires; e. the business plan must be in line with the socio-economic dynamics; f. terms of tolling of road projects must be in accordance with the Laws of the Federation, and standard contract conditions must be followed, etc.
In their separate responses, the team leader of the APPNL and the head of the PPP unit of the Federal Ministry pf Works assured the Minister of their commitment to the innovative initiatives of the ministry on road infrastructure.
They thanked him for pointing out that there was a dire need to review not only the cost of the concessioned project, but also the scope of the project to meet with the standard of road construction in accordance with the innovations introduced by the ministry under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They equally expressed their commitment towards a robust negotiation on the project review that would lead to a financial close so that work could commence without further delay, while promising to carry out further technical analysis on all the issues raised in the meeting and re-present same to the Minister for consideration.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader