News
AfDB Dissatisfied With $210m Nigeria Agro-Industrial Zones Project
The African Development Bank has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress of the first phase of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones project, raising concerns about the disbursement of the $210m loan allocated for the initiative.
According to the bank’s latest Implementation Progress and Results Report dated January 30, 2025, obtained from its website by The Tide yesterday, 98.39 per cent of the total loan remains undisbursed more than two years after the project was approved.
The SAPZS-I project was approved in December 2021 as part of efforts to drive agro-industrial development in Nigeria by establishing processing hubs, supporting infrastructure, and improving agricultural productivity.
However, the project has suffered significant delays, leading to warnings from the AfDB and the introduction of remedial measures to hasten implementation.
The report read, “Procurement of supervision consultants for the DBO contractors is at RFP stage in the case of Kaduna State and REOI stage for Oyo, Imo and Cross River State Design Build and Operate bidding documents have been cleared for four states of Kaduna, Cross River, Oyo and Ogun states and Kaduna has already advertised its DBO.
“All these will result in improved implementation, disbursement, and rating in the year 2025. However overall performance status from the time of project approval to date is relatively slow, especially with respect to project disbursement.”
It reveals that of the total loan amount of $210m, only 1.61 per cent has been disbursed as of December 2024
The ADB was to provide $160m of the total loan, while the Africa Growing Together Fund would provide an additional $50m.
Further checks by The Tide showed that AGTF is a $2bn facility sponsored by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the AfDB.
Despite the availability of these funds, the pace of disbursement has been sluggish.
Further breakdown of the figures shows that only 1.93 per cent of the AfDB’s portion of the loan has been disbursed, leaving 98.07 per cent undisbursed.
Similarly, the AGTF’s portion has recorded a disbursement rate of just 0.58 per cent, with 99.42 per cent of the funds yet to be utilised.
The bank identified administrative inefficiencies, weak capacity among project staff, and delays in procurement processes as key factors hindering the disbursement and implementation of the initiative.
The AfDB has also raised concerns about the slow progress in Imo State, which has not commenced any major activities under the project.
Unlike Kaduna, Cross River, Oyo, and Ogun states, which have made some progress, Imo has lagged.
The bank has formally warned the Imo State Government to begin implementation immediately or risk losing its share of the loan.
The report states that the bank has informed “the Government of Imo State on the need to start activities or the bank will recourse to a cancellation of the loan.”
Meanwhile, the bank has also directed the Ogun State Government to provide an acceptable Service Level Agreement to ensure continued funding.
The Tide learned that a service level agreement defines the level of service expected from a vendor, laying out metrics by which service is measured and remedies should service levels not be achieved.
It is often a critical part of any technology vendor contract.
Despite the project’s potential to drive agro-industrial growth, the bank noted that weak capacity among the staff managing the initiative has posed a major challenge.
The National Project Coordinating Unit and Participating State Implementing Units were found to lack the expertise needed to efficiently manage financial resources, procurement processes, and environmental and social safeguards.
The report highlights that, as part of efforts to address these shortcomings, the bank has deployed two experienced consultants to support project staff and ensure they meet the bank’s fiduciary requirements.
Due to the weak capacity at the PSIUs and the NPCU, the bank noted that it is providing “handholding support to both National Coordinating Office at the Federal level and PSIUs in terms of financial management, procurement processes, Environmental and Social Safeguards etc; reinforced by regular technical workshops on Bank fiduciary requirements.
“The Bank has also provided additional two experienced consultants to backstop and hand hold the project staff on the implementation of project activities.”
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
-
Maritime3 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports3 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports3 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports3 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports3 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports3 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
-
Sports3 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports3 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
