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House of Reps Committee Urges Increased FCSC Funding for Effective Constitutional Mandate Delivery

Published

3 months ago

February 27, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Honorable Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters to defend the Commission’s 2026 budget proposal.

He was accompanied by the Commissioner representing AkwaIbom and Cross River States, Ededet Eyoma; the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi mni; Directors; Special Advisers; and other senior staff of the Commission.

In a press statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Acting .Head PPR Florence Dagogo Azike in Abuja reveals that, Prof. Olaopa’s presentation focused on the ongoing difficulty of insufficient budgetary provisions, which have hampered the Commission’s capacity to carry out its constitutional duty on time.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of increased funding to support key operational areas such as upgrading and securing the Commission’s Local Area Network (LAN), conducting computer-based test (CBT) for promotional examinations on time and efficiently, and digitizing recruitment processes to improve transparency and efficiency.

The Chairman stated that the absence of dedicated funds has resulted in unmet expectations for the full execution of the 2024 recruitment waiver.

He said that the ongoing human resource audit across the civil service may discover major vacancies, emphasizing the importance of proper budgetary assistance for recruitment. Prof. Olaopa also voiced worry about the Commission’s incapacity, due to funding constraints, to effectively monitor MDAs designated to recruit, which has resulted in incidents of indiscriminate hiring, hence increased government personnel costs.

He also emphasized the Commission’s backlog of legal duties, including delayed court appearances that resulted in default penalties. He also advocated for better welfare and working circumstances for Commissioners, such as the allocation of official vehicles to support field missions.

The Chairman emphasized the importance of resources for meeting international obligations, particularly as Nigeria prepares to host the 2026 General Assembly and Biennial Conference of the Association of African Public Service Commissions (AAPSCOMS), a significant event that will project Nigeria’s leadership in the global public service community.

In response, Hon. Sani Umar, Chairman of the Committee, admitted that the Commission’s present budgetary allocation falls short of what is needed for optimal performance.

Bala stated that the planned N2.6 billion allocation, which includes N1.24 billion for human costs, would be insufficient for the commission to carry out its essential functions of recruiting, promotion, disciplinary control, and handling of staff appeals.

Following a voice vote among Committee members, he asked the Budget Office of the Federation to examine and amend the FCSC’s allocation to match its operational requirements.

With this commitment from the House Committee on Public Service Matters, the Commission’s leadership expressed confidence that funding constraints would be addressed soon,and the FCSC will effectively carry out its core mandate of recruitment, promotion, and discipline within the federal civil service.

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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

15 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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