News
‘N28bn Gusau Cargo Airport Project, A Hoax’
The Gusau Cargo Airport and the Gotawa Independent Power Plant in Zamfara State only exist on paper, a verification committee has revealed.
Senate Saidu Dansadau, Chairman of Debt Verification Committee set up by the state government, made the declaration in Gusau yesterday, while presenting the report of the committee to Governor Abdulaziz Yari of the state.
Our correspondent reports that former Governor Mahmud Shinkafi of Zamfara State awarded the two projects at the cost of N28 billion.
Our correspondent recalls that the cargo airport contract was awarded at a cost of about N9 billion in 2009, while the Independent Power Project was awarded at about N19 billion in 2010.
Dansadau said that there were no traces of the commencement of the power project since its award in 2010, adding that N64 million was already paid as consultancy charges out of the project cost.
He also said that N14 million was paid as consultancy fees for the cargo airport, while nothing was paid as compensation to the owners of the land acquired for the site.
The senator said that in spite of the publicity given to the projects, nothing was on ground to suggest that the projects had commenced, but did not say if any fund was released as part payment for the projects.
“Above all Zamfara does not need a cargo airport, but a small airport that could take care of the flight needs of the state.”
Dansadau also said that the committee had discovered that the total debt owed contractors by the state government was N18 billion and not N26 billion as earlier announced.
He, however, said that contractors owed the state government about N4 billion as funds collected for jobs not done.
The verification also revealed that the state government had a total of 29,000 workers on its payroll, while authenticated monthly wage bill stood at N1.3 billion before the implementation of the minimum wage.
The committee recommended the revocation of some contracts viewed as not relevant to the state, as well as refund of all monies collected by contractors for jobs that were not executed.
In his response, Yari said that the verification exercise was not a witch-hunt, but was a way of charting a new course for the state.
He said that the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure that those, who have some questions to answer regarding any transactions would be invited.
Yari assured the committee that he would carefully study its recommendation for implementation and commended it for a thorough job.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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