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FG Committed To Executing Projects That will Better Lives of Nigerians

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has reiterated the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to providing quality infrastructure designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people, through well thought out and strategically delivered projects.

Goronyo made this statement on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024, at the official commissioning ceremony of solar- powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto, Sokoto State, stating that, amongst other benefits, the streetlights will create visibility, improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on the road users, as well as mitigate security challenges.

While also maintaining that the project is very strategic because it is both an entry point for travelers to Sokoto through the Airport and the fact that Sokoto is the coordinating nerve center of the adjoining states of Zamfara and Kebbi, the HMSW insisted that the commissioning aligns effectively with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described the President as a committed, astute and patriotic leader, who is all out to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, as well as to right the many wrongs of yester years.

He congratulated the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and communities within the corridor for having the streetlights, also urged them to take ownership of the project and full advantage of the inherent opportunities.

The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, described the project as iconic and of strategic importance to Sokoto, as it will enhance travel experience and the economic lives of the people being capable of prolonging their trading time.

The Honourable Minister and the MD/CEO, thereafter, led other dignitaries and stakeholders to commission the Sokoto – Ilela Road, recently rehabilitated by FERMA. It is about 58 kilometres, linking Sokoto to the border town on the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.

The Minister described the project as very strategic, as it is capable of providing employment opportunities, as well as curbing threats of insecurity. He, however, warned that the palliative works were done through taxpayers’ money, warning that Government will not continue to fold its arms, while road users, especially articulated vehicles damage it without paying.

“Vehicles found damaging the roads will be impounded and made to pay for it before they are released, to serve as deterrent to others,” Goronyo further warned.

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Boundary Commission Rolls Out 2025 Strategic Plan For Boundaries Resolution For Economic Prosperity

Published

16 hours ago

December 21, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

National Boundary Commission NBC has outlined its strategic priorities for disputed areas in 2025, focusing more on boundary resolution that it believes will bring economic prosperity and promote peaceful coexistence, as well as to drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

The plan includes deployments of drones, advanced geospatial technologies, Expand Public Awareness Campaigns, Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country for the coming year.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Dr the Director of Internal Boundaries Dr Bulus Emmanuel, at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.

He stated that boundaries are instruments of unity, growth, and development to build bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, as well as means of unlocking the full potential of nation and region.

While rolling out vision for the year ahead, Adaji expressed; “As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:

“Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.

“Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.

“Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.

“Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.

“Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.

“Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.

“Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.

“Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC (REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database amongst others.

He used the occasion to reflect on NBCs achievements; ” The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.

“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas: Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation,

“The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” being introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.

“Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.

“Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.

“Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.

“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.

NBC also recorded successes in International Boundaries resolution as the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, Nigeria-Niger International Boundary, Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Community Resettlement Projects were carried out with great success.

Speaking on the Challenges Adaji said, despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles.

He commended the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support as well as the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering.

He assured that, the NBC remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions

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