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Reps Partner Armed Forces On War Against Small Arms Proliferation

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2025

The House of Representatives and Nigerian Armed Forces have resolved to work together towards addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

This was made known at an interactive session between
the House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and the military high command at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

In his remarks the committee’s chairman, Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau
(Bauchi) said the panel was committed to addressing the pressing issue of small arms proliferation in the country.

He said the issue of small arms and light weapons is not merely a matter of national security but a pressing humanitarian concern that affects the everyday lives of the citizens.

Bappa-Misau said the escalation of proliferation of these weapons has far-reaching consequences, contributing to erosion of trust within the communities, violence and instability, hence it is the collective responsibility of lawmakers and military to address the challenge with urgency and resolve.

“We believe that a harmonious working relationship between the legislative and the arm forces is crucial in addressing this challenge.
By pooling our resources, expertise, and knowledge, we can develop innovative solutions to the problems posed by small arms and light weapons.

“Today, we are here to seek collaboration and to foster a strong working relationship between our offices. Together, we can develop and implement comprehensive strategies to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons. I believe that a united front among our institutions will empower us to tackle this issue more effectively.

“Some key areas we would like to collaborate on includes but not limited to: Capacity Building – Providing training and capacity-building programs for military personnel and other stakeholders to enhance their ability to address small arms proliferation.

“Legislative Support – Working together to develop and implement effective laws and policies to prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Public awareness campaigns: We need to engage our communities in understanding the dangers posed by the proliferation of these weapons. By raising awareness, we can inspire citizens to participate in initiatives aimed at promoting peace and security,” he added.

For his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa also lamented the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which caused by amongst other factors the porous borders, affecting security efforts generally.

Represented by the Chief of Policy, Defense Headquarters, Air Vice Marshall Sayo Olatunde, he decried the porousness of the boarders and called for the fencing of Nigeria boarders as a way of curbing small arms proliferation.

“We need to address our problems from the root. Yes we have to fence our boarders. Porous boarders is one of the critical drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. We have neighbours and countries that are not stable around Nigeria,” he said.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

18 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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