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FG Awards Lagos-Abuja, Lagos-PH Super, Coastal Highway Contracts To AEC, Hitech

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The Federal Government has unveiled plans to embark on a 460km superhighway project that would cut travel hours from Lagos to Abuja from about 14 hours to four-and-a-half hours and the Lagos-Port Harcourt Coastal Highway.
While the Abuja-Lagos Superhighway project was awarded to Advanced Engineering Consultants (AEC), the Lagos-Port Harcourt Coastal Highway was given to Hitech Construction Company Limited.
According to the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who addressed a press conference at Eko Signature Suites in Lagos on Saturday, September 23, the road would be built with concrete, not asphalt, and the construction through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) would be on a Build Operate and Transfer (BoT) arrangement with a consortium led by Advanced Engineering Consultants (AEC) under the chairmanship of Chief Kenny Martins.
Umahi announced that the highway running from Abuja through eight states to kiss the Fourth Mainland Bridge in Lagos will be completed in four years.
He said, “The President has approved that I should FastTrack this project.”
The minister said that at completion, an average vehicle traveling at 100km/hr could get to Lagos from Abuja in four and half hours.
“This is a journey that is more than 14 hours presently, so people found it hard to believe when this idea was introduced, but that is the Renewed Hope agenda of our divine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is what God has brought him to do. He is the last hope for Nigeria, no matter what people say… Things that couldn’t have been done are being done under this administration… Nobody can fix Nigeria like Tinubu.
“This project is going to be two lanes, but the two lanes will be two carriageways – 14 meters; the only carriageway that is equivalent to this is the Third Mainland Bridge where each carriageway is 14 meters. It’s going to be built on 275-millimeter thick concrete… The lifespan will be 100 years. Bridges will be built and there will be tolling points.”
Umahi, who was accompanied by top officials from the Federal Ministry of Works and contractors, said, “We are here to FastTrack the development of the Greenfield of the PPP development under a new program of the Federal Ministry of Works which is the HDMI Programme (Highway Development and Management Initiative).
“Under this programme, there are two kinds, we have the Greenfield, and we have the Brown Field. The Greenfield is the one we are doing with the Advanced Engineering Company. They identified the project; they came up to discuss it with us; we threw the idea to the market; we invited investors; they made proposals… They won the bid to further engage us.”
The superhighway will pass through the FCT, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos – Abuja, North-Central, and South-West.
Umahi said that the government would not put money into the project but would give the bid winners every support.
He commended the promoters of AEC, who he described as brilliant people.
“I’m very satisfied with their concept and what they have put in place. The next stage is to bring their business proposal so that we can negotiate on what the cost of the project will be. And then, they’ll go to the Ministry of Finance to negotiate the cost.
“We are building on concrete, so we can predict the cost; with asphalt, you cannot predict the cost. The cost of asphalt roads changes every month. Today, the dollar is almost a thousand naira. The oil price is almost $100 per barrel.
“Concrete roads are more durable and cheaper than asphalt. I’ve directed that the remaining jobs on all the ongoing projects that have not advanced up to 80percent must change to concrete.”
The minister also spoke on failed roads across the country putting the blame on civil servants.
He warned that any controller that allowed trucks to fall on the road under his supervision would go on indefinite suspension, and the director in that region would be recalled.
He said, “Hold civil servants responsible for failure of road projects. Civil servants in other parts of the country apart from Lagos stay in the office and issue certificates to contractors.
“I’ve inspected roads in South-West and South-East. I spent 14 hours traveling from Abuja to Benin. I had pains, and I was so happy having the pains because Nigerians are going through the pains on a daily basis.”
Umahi also blamed the failed road projects across the country on lack of supervision; “contractors took money and didn’t do the work. They constructed failed roads. Roads that could not stand three years. They could not even maintain the roads. Trucks are falling. Travelers pass through communities. People are being kidnapped. I went to Warri. I went to Bayelsa, the story is the same.
“In every contract, there’s provision to maintain the roads. If a contractor is greedy to take a project of 150km that should go to three contractors, he should be prepared to maintain it. I’ve created a platform where I have all the contractors and the directors inside. Everybody is back to work. It’s the directive of Mr. President. He said that he must not see vehicles falling on highways again. I will get whoever flouts the directive out of the way.
“I have just informed Mr President that in 30 days if no urgent attention is given to the road, nobody will pass from Bayelsa or Port Harcourt to Warri. And that is very dangerous. So, he directed that I should go and inspect the roads and bring comprehensive information on what should be done immediately.
“He is a man who listens. He’s in a hurry to solve people’s problems in this country. He’s very much in a hurry to change the story. From Bayelsa, I went to Port Harcourt, to Akwa Ibom, to Cross River, and from there I flew to Enugu yesterday evening by 6 o’clock to discuss this road matter with the governor of Enugu State.
“I’m also to reinspect the Third Mainland Bridge and start work on it immediately, and then discuss with the Ogun State governor on the HDMI.”
Fielding questions from reporters on challenges that PPP projects have been facing in Nigeria, Umahi said that things would be different this time.
“We will tie ourselves very well with irrevocable agreement. On the issue of Right of Way, they own the entire land until they recover the money invested. If the Federal Government reneges, they have to pluck their investment directly from the Federation Account.
“If the investment must work, it must not be subjected to political dynamism. It has to be a business venture. That’s why I like President Bola Tinubu. He inherited 18,000 km of roads, and 2,640 projects; there are still constituency projects that are over another 2,000 in number. So, you have over 64,664 Federal Government projects that are ongoing.
“He has not stopped any contractor. He wants to complete all those things. Certain leaders will say we want to do our own, that is gross irresponsibility.
“They (bid winners) are going to give me a letter of comfort; if they back out, they must pay us $10million. My coming here is at a cost, and nobody should waste our time.”
In his response, Chief Kenny Martins assured that the road would be the first of its kind with communication cyber cable, rail lines, and coastal areas.
“The road will be ICT complaint so that electronic vehicles can operate on the road; there will be all kinds of security and there will be solar lights, the whole 460kilometres of the road,” he said.
The minister also mentioned that the Federal Government is working to actualise another project, the Lagos-Port Harcourt Coastal Highway.
He said that Hitech Construction would fund the project under the PPP model.
Hitech is a division of the Chagoury Group, a business conglomerate in Lagos that oversaw the construction of the Lekki-Epe expressway and the Ajah flyover.
Umahi added that upon completion, the highway would have multiple spurs connecting major towns and cities, including a spur connecting Ogoja-Ikom-Cameroon Road.
“There will be a spur that will connect the proposed fourth mainland bridge in Lagos,” he said.
“It is also connected to the deep seaport road being constructed by Hitech, under the concrete technology and it is also connected at Lagos-Badagry to the proposed Lagos-Abidjan superhighway.”
He said there would also be multiple connections with roads leading to the northern parts of the country.
“There is a proposal for connection to Sokoto. I think about four to five connections to northern Nigeria,” he said.
Umahi described the project as a brainchild of President Tinubu, who asked him to also “fast track this project because it is going to be a catalyst towards the economic development of this country.
“Let me announce that it is under PPP. The Hitech Group is going to look for the money. They have already found the money and that is the good news because we don’t waste our time talking and holding meetings and wasting resources,” he said.
“We are engaging seriously because we have seen the financial capacity and capability of Hitech and this project is going to be delivered in phases.
“Any section that we complete, we will toll it, and then business and transportation will start.
“The right of way of this project is about a 100-meter corridor. There is provision for a rail line in the middle of the road which is about 20 meters.
“The road has four carriageways. Each of the service lanes is 10 meters wide. The main carriageway is 14 meters.”

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Bill For Compulsory Counselling For Convicted Corrupt Nigerians Scales Second Reading

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A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.

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Judiciary, Media Key Pillars Of Democracy, Says CJN

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The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.

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Senate Issues Arrest Warrant Against Julius Berger MD Over Road Project

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The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.

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