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Buhari Unveils 106km Section 3 Kano-Maiduguri Road
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, inaugurated the 106.341-kilometre Kano–Maiduguri Road, Section 3 Azare–Potiskum linking Bauchi and Yobe states.
The president inaugurated the completed Section 3 of the giant road project in Azare, Headquarters of Katatagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Buhari, represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Yalwaji-Katagum, said the project was part of his administration’s commitment to provide quality road infrastructure in the country.
“Our commitment to improve road transport infrastructure; our determination to improve Ease of Doing Business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty is what bring us here today.
“Because the result of our investments in infrastructure is manifesting,” he said.
He said the road was a critical component of the national road network and part of the many roads to prosperity.
The president said that the tarred construction was done with highest quality through the application of modern technologies to enhance safety of motorists, ease movement of goods and services as well as encourage growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Buhari urged motorists and other road users to ensure effective utilisation of the road, protect it and report any damage to the appropriate authorities.
While reiterating commitment to infrastructure development, Buhari cautioned motorists to observe traffic rules to ensure safer roads.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the road would link Bauchi and Yobe states, adding that it would spur development of economic activities.
Fashola, represented by the ministry’s Controller in charge of the North-West Zone, Mr Celestin Sahusu, said the project was awarded at the initial sum of N29.1billion in 2006, adding that it was later reviewed upward to N45.181billion with completion period of 42 months.
Fashola said the total project length was 106.341kilometres comprising 93.2km Azare-Potiskum which involved construction of additional new alignment and rehabilitation of the existing ones.
He listed the project to include construction of 1.173km Azare Link Road; 10.5km Potiskum Bypass, 1.968km Postiskum Link Road, 3.936 single carriageway, three bridges, provision of concrete barrier, street lightening and a 4-way cable ducts, among others.
The minister said that the project earlier expected to be completed in 2010 was extended to November, 2020, noting that, “we have executed several projects of this nature nationwide.”
Fashola said the road would link Katagum, Dambam in Bauchi and Nangere and Potiskum LGAs in Yobe State, adding that the importance of this road cannot be over emphasised.
Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed lauded the Federal Government for the project, adding that it would open up economic activities and promote the overall wellbeing of the people.
Mohammed, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Baba Tela, said that his administration had so far constructed about 25 roads covering 200 kilometres across the state under its Urban Rural Renewal programme.
He said the state government in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Bank would construct about 300kilometre access roads under the Rural Market scheme.
The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the expansion of Bauchi–Kano Road and Bauchi–Maiduguri Road.
He further urged the Federal Government to expedite action on 82km Alkeleri–Futuk Road to link Bauchi with Gombe State, adding that the road was important in view of the mineral deposits in the area.
Mohammed further called on motorists to observe traffic rules, stressing that government would continue to monitor activities on the roads.
Earlier, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Kabir, commended Buhari for the successful completion of the project initiated by the previous administrations.
Umar said that the road would enhance road transportation and security in the benefiting communities.
On his part, Managing Director, Mothercat Construction, Mr Raffi Kevorkian, declared that the company had successfully completed the project within time frame.
Kevorkian appreciated the host communities for their understanding and cooperation which enabled the company to complete the project on time.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.