Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • MAAN raises concerns over customs succession gaps

    President of The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN)

     

    MAAN raises concerns over customs succession gaps
    Lagos, June 24, 2026,  The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has raised concerns over succession gaps in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
    The association warned that weak leadership transition planning could threaten institutional stability and service delivery.
    MAAN President, Chief Jean Anishere (SAN), spoke in Lagos on Wednesday while reacting to recent developments within the customs service.
    She commended President Bola Tinubu for extending the tenure of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
    However, Anishere said the extension exposed deeper challenges surrounding leadership transition and capacity building.
    She noted that the situation reflected gaps within the NCS Board’s succession planning framework.
    According to her, younger officers needed stronger preparation for strategic leadership positions.
    “The extension provides temporary stability, but it exposes failures in preparing future leaders,” she said.
    Anishere stressed that training, mentoring and empowerment remained essential for institutional continuity.
    She said sustainable leadership pipelines were necessary to preserve reforms and strengthen public institutions.
    The MAAN president said the decision highlighted questions about knowledge transfer and institutional planning.
    She added that the NCS Board must prioritise developing officers capable of assuming higher responsibilities.
    Anishere described succession planning as a major lesson for public service institutions nationwide.
    She said leadership should be measured beyond titles, positions and official recognition.
    “Impact, standards, shared knowledge and lasting legacy define true public service,” she said.
    The maritime arbitration expert urged agencies to preserve institutional memory through proper mentorship.
    She said her election as MAAN president would support reforms addressing leadership challenges.
    Anishere said the focus should extend beyond maritime arbitration to allied government agencies.
    “The voyage toward eminence is defined by the standards we uphold,” she stated, adding that leaders should focus on the legacy they leave behind.
    President Tinubu on June 19 approved a six-month extension of Adeniyi’s tenure.
    The extension allows Adeniyi to remain as Customs Comptroller General until February 2027. His statutory tenure was earlier expected to end on Aug. 1, 2026.
    The Presidency said the extension would help complete the National Single Window Project.
    The project aims to improve efficiency in Nigeria’s import and export processes. It also seeks to strengthen trade facilitation through digital integration and coordination.
    The Presidency said the extension would support key personnel decisions within Customs.
    These include promoting qualified officers to Comptroller positions and retiring eligible personnel.
    Officials said the measures would encourage an orderly succession process, adding that the move would sustain ongoing reforms within the service.

     

  • CCC decries politicisation of NCS succession, urges due process

    The Secretary, Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) Dr Eugene Nweke

     

    CCC decries politicisation of NCS succession, urges due process

     

     

     

    Lagos, June 24, 2026, The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has expressed concern over growing controversy on leadership succession in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), warning that politicisation threatened institutional stability and discipline.

     

    The committee stated its position on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The Secretary, Mr Eugene Nweke, said that discussions on the next Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) were increasingly driven by politics.

     

    While noting that Nigerians were entitled to opinions on appointments, the CCC said it was destabilising for public office holders to suggest that succession in a disciplined institution was subject to political influence.

     

    Nweke stressed that the NCS was not a political constituency but a statutory institution governed by law, procedures, hierarchy, and professional traditions developed over decades adding that leadership emergence should remained institutional, not political.

     

    He expressed concern over some public office holders speaking authoritatively on matters within the President’s constitutional powers and NCS governance structures. Such actions could create uncertainty, undermine discipline, and erode morale among officers.

     

    The CCC secretary said legislative oversight should not be mistaken for authority to influence, announce, or personalise appointments in agencies under supervision, oversight and administration were different functions, and blurring them breeds distrust.

     

    He said that committee condemned introducing regional, ethnic, and political narratives into succession matters that should be governed by merit, competence, integrity, and national interest adding that strategic institutions thrive only when appointments were seen as fair and transparent.

     

    He noted that the NCS has a serving Comptroller General whose tenure was extended by the President to consolidate reforms, including the National Single Window project and succession management adding that stakeholders should allowed leadership to function without distraction.

     

    He expressed the committee stand cautioning against premature succession campaigns or speculative declarations creating

     

    “Comptroller General-in-waiting” impression. Such narratives harm discipline, foster rivalries, weaken command structures, and create tension within the service, he said.

     

    Nweke highlighted international implications, noting that Nigeria chairs the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the highest global customs decision-making body, so the country should exemplified integrity, professionalism, transparency, and good governance.

     

    He observed that the global customs community monitors members, especially WCO leaders, perceptions of political interference could diminish confidence in NCS governance and project a negative image of Nigeria’s public administration standards.

     

    Nweke said that the Nigeria’s WCO role offers opportunity to showcase best practices in succession management, institutional continuity, and administrative discipline.

     

    ” Avoidable controversies should not overshadow NCS progress in modernisation, trade facilitation, and international cooperation.

     

    “The CCC called on political actors, public office holders, and stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow due process in succession matters.

     

    “The Comptroller General’s office is too important to economic security and border management for speculation,” He said.

     

    Nweke urged statesmanship over partisanship, institutional loyalty over personal loyalty, and constitutional order over grandstanding adding that NCS integrity would be preserved not by loud voices, but by commitment to due process and rule of law.

     

    The CCC secretory said that the future of the NCS should be determined by law, competence, integrity, and national interest, not political influence or sectional considerations. The world is watching Nigeria’s transition

     

  • PTML unveils $50m port expansion plan, Minister reaffirms maritime hub vision

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola (left), and the Managing Director of Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Mr. Ascanio Russo, during a meeting on PTML’s fresh investment of an additional $50 million at the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, held in the Minister’s office in Abuja on Tuesday

    PTML unveils $50m port

    expansion plan, Minister reaffirms maritime hub vision

     

     

     

    Lagos, June 24, 2026, Port and Terminal Multiservices Ltd., (PTML) has said its proposed a $50 million investment to expand its terminal, Managing Director Ascanio Russo, said Tuesday in Abuja.

     

    Russo disclosed the planned investment during a visit to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, according to a statement issued Wednesday in Lagos.

     

    The Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said in a statement made available to media on Wednesday.

     

     

    confirmed the development, noting that the investment targets infrastructure upgrade, efficiency boost, and trade facilitation.

     

    Russo said the investment would support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa through expanded capacity.

     

    He stated that PTML, a member of Grimaldi Group, would expand berthing capacity and acquire additional state-of-the-art port equipment at Tin Can Island.

     

    “The Grimaldi Group remains deeply committed to Nigeria and firmly believes in the country’s potential as the leading maritime and logistics gateway,” Russo said.

     

    “This proposed investment of $50 million is designed to position PTML for the future by expanding our berthing capacity and deploying modern equipment,” he added.

     

    He explained that expanded facilities would enable PTML to receive next-generation Container/Roll-on Roll-off (Con-Ro) vessels, including the largest Con-Ro ships operating globally.

     

    Russo noted that the maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with larger and more efficient vessels becoming the standard for international trade and logistics.

     

    He said through this expansion, PTML would be fully equipped to accommodate next-generation Con-Ro vessels, ensuring Nigeria remains competitive and attractive globally.

     

    The PTML boss described the project as a direct response to Federal Government’s call for increased private-sector participation in port infrastructure modernisation.

     

    He highlighted expected economic benefits, including facilitated trade, increased cargo throughput, employment opportunities during construction and operational phases, and higher government revenue generation.

     

    Responding, Oyetola welcomed the proposed investment, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in ongoing Federal Government reforms transforming the maritime sector.

     

    The minister reiterated government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment, ensuring Nigerian ports become preferred hubs for shipping and logistics.

     

    Oyetola said the Federal Government was implementing measures to improve port efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen ease of doing business nationwide.

     

  • Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach – NEMA DG

    Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach – NEMA DG

    Preventing avoidable flood disasters requires a whole-of-society approach – NEMA DG

    The Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, says preventing avoidable flood disasters required a whole-of-society approach.

    Umar said this on Wednesday in Enugu during a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Enugu State.

    NEMA in collaboration with Sahel Consulting organised the flag-off of the 2026 National Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) on Flood Disaster and Related Hazards in Enugu State as part of nationwide efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies on the outcome of the 2026 seasonal climate prediction.

    The engagement was themed: “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance for a Resilient Nigeria.”

    Represented by Dr Evans Ugoh, NEMA’s Deputy Director Disaster Risks Reduction, the director-general noted that effective flood response is built on inclusiveness, community participation, and shared responsibility.

    According to her, we call on all partners, traditional institutions, religious organizations, women and youth groups, the media, and the private sector to support NEMA in amplifying these early warning messages.

     

    Umar said that the stakeholders’ engagement/campaign was designed to drive early and coordinated action to protect lives and livelihoods during the 2026 rainy season.

    On the theme, the director-general underscored the need for stronger institutions, clearer responsibilities, and proactive collaboration across all levels.

    “The recurrent impact of flooding in Nigeria demands an urgent and collective response. Each year, lives are lost, livelihoods are disrupted, and public and private infrastructure worth billions of naira are damaged.

    “Communities also bear the burden of injuries, displacement, and the loss of life savings due to unmitigated flood events and their secondary effects.

    “The 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency is for 23 states including the FCT.

    “It covers 132 local government areas, fall within high flood risk zones. A further 14 states, with 148 local government areas, are classified as moderate risk areas,” she said.

     

    Umar said that NEMA had convened an expert review meeting to assess implications of these forecasts; adding that analysis indicated potential challenges including delayed/erratic rainfall onset, shorter growing seasons, above-normal rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and higher temperatures.

    She said that these factors were expected to affect key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, water supply, education, and overall public wellbeing.

    The director-general said, “In response to these projections, NEMA has developed the 2026 Climate-Related Risk Management, Preparedness, and Mitigation Framework.

    “This framework provides a structured guide for reducing flood impacts nationwide. Key mitigation strategies included: capacity building for local responders and simulation and tabletop exercises.

    “Others are strict adherence to rainfall and flood advisories; prepositioning of relief materials in high-risk areas; infrastructure integrity assessments and development and testing of community evacuation plans.”

    In a goodwill message, Mrs Anyanwu Chinwe, the representative of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), urged stakeholders to work in closer synergy and achieve holistic result against flooding as predicted.

     

    Speaking, Mrs Amaka Desmond, representative of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, (NIHSA), called on Nigerians to take early warning and proactive preparedness serious to avoid human and property losses.

    Corroborating, Mr David Ogidan, who is with Sahel Consulting, urged farmers in Enugu State to adopt smart climate agricultural practices for better yield as well as maximise the positive side of the climate to remain in their agricultural and agro-allied businesses.

    Speaking, the State Coordinator of Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC), Mr Emeka Oko, assured stakeholders that the committee would escalate flood alert and mitigation messages to all nooks and crannies of the state.

    The engagement featured paper presentation on Overview of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Enugu State by NIMET.

    Also, a lecture on “2026 Crop-Weather Calendar and Livestock Comfortability Index Enugu State” was delivered by NIMET; which highlighted the impact of the 2026 Flood outlook on rice, cassava, maize and livestocks.

    Another lecture titled: “Disaster Preparedness and Risk Reduction Strategies on the Outcomes of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction”, was delivered by a NEMA official. The paper highlights the 2026 flood dashboard, disaster risk reduction strategies, expected actions by state government and local authorities via the LEMC, and the sectoral recommendations.

    In conclusion participants were reminded that effective disaster preparedness and risk reduction is a shared responsibility and requires a collaborative effort.

  • Group hails President Tinubu over the elimination of over 13,000 terrorists in one year

    Group hails President Tinubu over the elimination of over 13,000 terrorists in one year

     

    By Bassey Asuquo

    The Tinubu Media Volunteers (TMV) has applauded the President Bola Tinubu administration on the elimination of over 13,000 terrorists and other violent criminals in the past year.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Segun Ogedengbe, the group insisted that it was an affirmation of the seriousness of the administration in prosecuting the ongoing war against terrorism.

    The statement read in full: “We note that President Bola Tinubu had announced to the public that following the sustained pressure by the military, Nigeria has witnessed 81% decline in terrorism-related death tolls since 2023.

    “Also, during the period under review, 17,000 terrorists have been arrested under the Tinubu administration.

    “We also note that these milestones were recorded based on the adequate equipping of the military and a boost to their morale.

    “Additionally, the military has advanced in its operations by transiting from training with allies such as the United States, France and other European countries and now engaging in joint operations targeting the terrorists.

    “It is also worthy of commendation that since 2023, over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have laid down their arms through the Operation Safe Corridor, a development confirmed by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.

    “We acknowledge that as part of efforts to curb the terrorism menace, the federal government has opened a window of surrender for the terrorists, and failure to utilise the opportunity will lead to the government descending on them with the heavy hammer of the law.

    “We also acknowledge the gallantry of the Nigerian Army in rescuing 337 kidnap victims and recovering 4,105 rustled cattle in the Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states.

    “The successes of the command and in other commands are attributed to the strategic support and guidance provided to the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.”

    The group attributed it to the proactive efforts by the Tinubu administration in curtailing insecurity in the country and utilising more technology and intelligence-gathering in the war against terrorism.

    End

  • 81% drop in terror-related deaths, a landmark achievement in Tinubu’s counter-terrorism efforts – TDF

    81% drop in terror-related deaths, a landmark achievement in Tinubu’s counter-terrorism efforts – TDF

     

    By Iyiola Olalere
    The Democratic Front (TDF) has identified a drop in terror-related deaths in Nigeria by 81% as a major achievement in the ongoing war against terrorism in the country.

    In a statement signed by its Chairman, Mallam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary Chief Wale Adedayo, TDF said the revelation, which first emerged in President Bola Tinubu’s National Democracy Day speech, was an indication of the administration’s great strides.

    The statement read in part: “We are heartened to welcome this remarkable landmark achievement in the ongoing counter terrorism efforts of the Tinubu administration, especially at this crucial period when the spate of insecurity is being weaponised by the opposition against the government.

    “This significant drop in the number of Nigerians who have died from terror-related attacks has brought back sad memories of the bombardments of a Catholic Church in Niger state, Nyanya Motor Park, Kano Central Mosque, Maiduguri Central Mosque, the Sani Abacha Military Cantonment in Abuja, and several other civilian targets where scores of innocent people were murdered by terrorists.

    “Despite the fact that continuous abductions and sporadic banditry in the ungoverned spaces are still creating security concerns and public apprehension, we pay kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s introduction of non kinetic approach to counter terrorism, as well as the ongoing shift towards “precision targeting” that has led to improved military operations against terrorists.

    “Furthermore, the reduction in the number of terror-related deaths in Nigeria aptly explains the monumental success recorded in military operations, which have neutralised over 13,000 insurgents and also led to the surrender of over 124,000 low-level terrorists. And we believe that the immediate impact of these commendable strides is the reduction in terror-related deaths by 81%, as noted by the President.

    “It is equally pertinent in this particular regard to note President Tinubu’s cautious, consistent, and effective coordination of the ongoing Deradicalisation Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme.

    “We, however, urge the managers of the programme to remain focused and vigilant in ensuring that repentant insurgents do not bypass it to infiltrate civilian communities to cause fear and uncertainty among residents.

    “The fruitful partnership between the Tinubu administration and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, is also yielding impressive results by providing repentant fighters, widows, and displaced victims of terrorism with agricultural and economic opportunities to make a decent living.

    “Finally, we laud President Tinubu’s diplomatic partnership with other countries like the United States, Turkey, and France in his result-oriented multifaceted counterinsurgency moves. It shows that the President fully understands the true nature of terrorism as a local crime that is fueled by international dimensions.”

    The group also called on Nigerians to ignore the rantings of the opposition and continue to give their moral support to the President and the Armed Forces in the unwavering determination to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria.

    End

  • BPP tasks state govts. on effective resource utilisation to ease FG’s burden

    BPP tasks state govts. on effective resource utilisation to ease FG’s burden

    Dr Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), has charged state governments to ensure effective utilisation of available resources to ease pressure on the Federal Government.

    Adedokun made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Delta Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, at Government House, Asaba.

    He highlighted the critical link between effective local governance and national stability, noting that when states prudently managed their resources, it relieved pressure on the central government, allowing sharper focus on critical national issues like defence.

    He said “if the states function well, the Federal Government can then focus on responsibilities on the exclusive legislative list such as defence, national security, foreign affairs and national policy formulation.”

    He added that President Bola Tinubu had directed the bureau to strengthen collaboration with all thirty-six states and, indeed, with local government areas  across the country.

    “This is because we are all working with common resources, and through collaboration, we can ensure the successful delivery of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerian people.”

    He, however, lauded the Delta government for its unprecedented openness and commitment to transparency, describing it as a trailblazer in sub-national accountability.

    Adedokun emphasised that Delta stood out as a progressive partner in the fight against corruption by willingly subjecting its processes to external evaluation.

    “Delta state should be acknowledged as one of those states that has opened its doors for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct peer reviews.

    “This level of receptiveness is a testament to the administration’s confidence in its governance structures and its willingness to align with global best practices in public accountability.

    “Your Excellency, I would thank God for giving us the opportunity to come to Delta  and share our experiences.

    “We are here to discuss how government procurement is being carried out at the federal level and to learn from the efforts being made in Delta.

    “We also look forward to reviewing the progress that has been made in budget implementation and project execution.”

    He assured that the bureau would work with sub-national governments to ensure best practices in public procurement.

    “I am delighted to be here today with my colleagues. We have come, first, to commend you for the good work being done in Delta.

    “We assure you that at the federal level, we are committed to continuous engagement with sub-national governments as our goal is to share best practices that can improve our systems and address any anomalies we may encounter, particularly in the implementation of capital projects.

    “We are also here to extend a hand of fellowship to our colleagues at the state level. We simply want to express our appreciation for the opportunity given to us by the Delta government to visit and engage in this peer review exercise,” Adedokun said.

    The BPP boss said that Mr President directed the agency to ensure stronger collaboration between the federal and state governments.

    “He (President) said, if states function well in the utilisation of their monthly allocations, then the Federal Government will have less work to do.

    “It is, therefore, the President’s desire that we work together with our partners, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that development is effectively delivered at the state level.

    “The President is very passionate about this objective, and that is why we are here this morning,” Adedokun said.

    Responding,  Onyeme, thanked the BPP and ICPC for coming to the state to see how the state handled its procurement duties and to guide it on how to further strengthen all areas that needed improvement to ensure more value for its resources.

    “We are particularly very happy with you and I want to assure you that the Delta  government is wholly willing to partner with both the BPP and the ICPC to ensure better governance; we will collaborate with you.

    “This government is a government that believes in value for money; it is a government that believes in the quality of jobs done.

    “If you have been following us, you will have seen on several occasions where the governor himself goes out to the field to look at the projects that are being executed, and their quality.

    “We do not tolerate shabby jobs here, and I am sure that the two-day discussion you have with us will further strengthen us to make us better,” Onyeme said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BPP and ICPC were in Delta to deliver lectures at a 2-Day Procurement Enlightenment Workshop for Top Government officials,  organised by the  Delta State Public Procurement Commission.

    NAN

  • Eno Employs 2,844 Health Workers, Unveils Medical City

    Eno Employs 2,844 Health Workers, Unveils Medical City

     

     

    By Dianabasi Effiong

    Uyo: (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has unveiled a breathtaking Medical City project to transform healthcare delivery, reduce medical tourism, and position the state as a leading destination for specialised healthcare services in Nigeria.

    The unveiling ceremony attended by healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and development partners, showcased one of the most ambitious healthcare infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

    Eno said at the unveiling that the Medical City was one of the most audacious investments undertaken by his administration.

    Quoting from the Bible, Habakkuk 2:2, the governor said the vision was conceived for the benefit of the people of the state, Nigerians, and Africans seeking access to quality healthcare services.

    He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment and providing support to sub-national governments through ongoing reforms.

    He said that the Medical City aligned with the healthcare objectives of his administration’s ARISE Agenda as well as the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The governor said that the project occupied approximately 100 hectares of land, with various sections designated for different medical specialties and healthcare-related services.

    According to him, the facility is designed to drastically reduce medical tourism by providing technologically advanced, patient-centred healthcare services comparable to global standards.

    “This project is not just a construction project; it is an investment in the future health and prosperity of our people,” Eno said.

    He added that the Medical City was expected to become financially self-sustaining in the long term while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

    He said that the state employed 2,844 healthcare professionals since March 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across Akwa Ibom.

    He urged residents to use the state’s health insurance programmes, emphasising that universal health coverage remained critical to achieving sustainable healthcare outcomes.

    According to the governor, Akwa Ibom will receive a brand-new Aircraft terminal in July, a development expected to complement the state’s growing profile as a destination for investment and specialised healthcare services.

    In his keynote address, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who performed the unveiling ceremony, congratulated Gov. Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom for their vision and commitment to healthcare transformation.

    He praised the governor’s passion for improving the well-being of citizens and described the Medical City as a demonstration of the healthcare reforms as championed by President Tinubu.

    “You have shown remarkable vision, commitment and passion for your people. What we are witnessing here reflects the aspirations of the Federal Government’s healthcare reform agenda,” Pate said.

    He assured the state government of the federal government’s commitment to supporting the successful completion and operation of the project.

    He pledged to facilitate engagement with Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora willing to contribute their expertise toward the development of the Medical City and the country’s healthcare sector.

    The Minister urged the state government to consider making health insurance mandatory to ensure wider coverage and improved access to healthcare services for residents.

    He commended Gov. Eno’s leadership and prayed for continued strength and wisdom to deliver on the vision for the people of Akwa Ibom State.

    Providing an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel John and the Project Manager, Dr. Teinye Isokariari described the facility as more than a hospital and “a journey” toward healthcare excellence.

    According to Isokariari, the Medical City will comprise a 10-storey complex housing 62 medical specialties and equipped with cutting-edge technology capable of delivering world-class healthcare services.

    He said that no fewer than 100 indigenes of the state would be sent abroad for specialised training six months before the completion of the facility to enable them to operate the sophisticated equipment to be installed in the centre.

    Isokarari further said that the structure was being supported by 356 foundation piles to ensure maximum stability and durability.

    He assured stakeholders that the project would meet global standards.

    The Secretary-General, Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Prof. Adamu Danladi Bojude, expressed delight over the project, describing it as a bold initiative that would significantly improve cancer treatment and healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

    He assured the state government that cancer patients nationwide would benefit immensely from the facility upon completion.

    Also speaking, the National President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Ernest Omoti, commended Gov. Eno’s remarkable investments in the health sector, adding that his achievements were a model for other governors across the country.

    He also praised the governor for introducing retention allowances for healthcare workers, describing the initiative as a pioneering step toward addressing workforce challenges within the sector.

    Similarly, the Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Henry Archibong, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state and contribute to the realisation of the landmark project.

    He commended the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare and quality of life of the people of Akwa Ibom through impactful development initiatives.

    The Medical City marks another milestone in Akwa Ibom’s healthcare development journey and reinforces the state’s ambition to become a regional hub for medical excellence, innovation, and specialized healthcare delivery.

  • Firm unveils 300 electric tricycles, boosts jobs in North-East

    Firm unveils 300 electric tricycles, boosts jobs in North-East

    By Talatu Maiwada

    P-GAT Industries Ltd. on Monday unveiled 300 electric tricycles under its Affordable Transport Solution (ATRaS) initiative to ease transportation costs and create employments in the North-East.

    The Chairman of the company, Mr Prime Timothy, disclosed this at the ATRaS Mobility Transition Summit in Numan, Adamawa State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit attracted government officials and stakeholders from the six North-East states.

    Timothy said the ATRaS ecosystem was a long-term strategy designed to expand access to affordable, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility services.

    “The initiative will provide an integrated transportation system across the six North-East states in its first phase.

    “The electric-powered tricycles will reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and support the transition to cleaner energy.

    “Passengers will pay about half of the fares charged by conventional commercial tricycles,” he said.

    Timothy added that the initiative would also create economic opportunities for women and youths across the region.

    In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State said his administration had created a conducive environment for investors to thrive.

    Represented by Mrs Nafisa Tijani of the Borno State Investment Promotion Agency, the governor said the state had removed bottlenecks in licensing and regulatory processes, enabling businesses to commence operations within two months.

    He expressed confidence that the favourable business environment would support the successful implementation of the transport scheme in the state.

    Also speaking, Mr Timothy Iwuagwu, National President of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, expressed optimism about the success of the project.

    Iwuagwu said improved security across the North-East would attract more investments to the region.

    He described the ATRaS initiative as a major step toward making transportation more affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable.

    NAN also reports that officials from Taraba, Yobe and Bauchi states pledged support for the initiative and expressed readiness to partner with the company in their respective states. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).