David Umahi, the minister of works, says roads constructed on his watch will last fifty years before the need for maintenance arises. The former governor of Ebonyi was among the 45 ministers sworn in by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, the former senator said he will deploy “concrete technology” that will aid the construction of quality roads. “I noticed that some of the projects, while you are still on the roads, have gone bad,” he said.   “The lifespan of a road is between five to seven years. That should not be. And that’s why everywhere, we are putting money on projects and not getting value for it. “I have directed that all the ‘no objections’ my ministry submitted to the BPP be returned. “We need to look at the new method of constructing our roads based on our climate.   “The moment we deploy concrete technology… I am speaking with the state governors on this. It is a revolution that is going to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. “I promise Nigerians, with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, that any road we do with our new technology, for fifty years, nobody is going to maintain it. “Money will be saved and money will be wisely spent in our tenure.”

  A multi-storey building collapsed at Lagos Street in Garki, Abuja killing about 37 people while many others are trapped on Wednesday. Confirming the incident, the Federal Emergency Management Authority said that 37 people had been rescued, while two were fatally injured. The Director General of FEMA, Dr Abbass Idriss, in a quick release on Thursday morning, said the 37 rescued persons had all been taken to various medical facilities in Abuja, and that rescue efforts were ongoing, in collaboration with other rescue agencies. “37 persons were rescued alive, while 2 others were fatally injured. Meanwhile, FEMA Search and Rescue team are awaiting excavators to intensify the search to ensure that no victim is left in the rubble of the collapsed building”. “A combined team of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps,(FRSC),FCT Police Command, and the VIO are on the ground to carry out the rescue efforts”. An eyewitness who was at the scene confirmed to an online platform (not The PUNCH) that the building housed many apartments, while the ground floor was full of shops. He said the building collapsed during the downpour which started around 11 pm on Wednesday. According to him, “There was wailing all over the place after the building collapsed. Dozens of people are either dead or trapped as the building is fully occupied. It was a scene of helplessness with people screaming and going helter-skelter, while the heavy rain continues,” he added. As of the time of filing this report, officials of emergency agencies were yet to arrive at the scene of the incident.

  The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says the ban on the importation of whole-body SIM cards raked in over N55 billion for local manufacturers. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman (EVC) of NCC, disclosed this at the second edition of the Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE) in Lagos, on Wednesday. Danbatta was represented by Ubale Maska, the commission’s executive commissioner (technical service). He expressed the commitment of the agency towards the drive of the federal government to place the economy on a sustainable pedestal through all the necessary policies put in place. In fostering this vision, Danbatta said the commission created the Nigeria Office for Development of Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS) as a special-purpose vehicle to bring it to fulfilment. “I am happy to inform you that NTICE is one of the achievements of NCC through NODITS because it has served not only to promote pillar number five (strategic partnering) of the strategic management plan SMP 2020-2024 of the commission,” the NCC boss said. “The commission is equally committed to continuously supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and innovators to promote our talented young persons and ventures through angel investments, research and development support, exposure to investors and sponsorship to local and international tech events.” In addition to NCC’s feats, Danbatta said the ban on the importation of whole-body SIM cards — announced at the maiden NTICE event last year — was another significant achievement. “This ban has not only eased the burden on our demand for foreign exchange but has also created business in excess of N55 billion for the local SIM card manufacturers in Nigeria which in turn has created direct and indirect jobs,” he added. Danbatta said by promoting indigenous content, Nigeria can boost economic growth. He also urged the government to grant the telecommunications industry autonomy to enable it to thrive. ‘PRICING REGIME OF INDUSTRY IS NOT SUSTAINABLE’ In his remarks, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), asked the federal government to consider granting the industry autonomy. He said the industry’s success, especially in the most recent years, has been traced to its independence. Adebayo said ALTON is requesting the independence of the industry regulator — the NCC. “So, while we welcome Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation and digital economy and congratulate him, we ask that a guarantee be placed on the autonomy and independence of our regulator,” the ALTON chairman said. “Let him (the minister) stay with the issue of policy and leave NCC with regulation. “Another hard conversation we must have is the current pricing regime of the industry is not sustaining. We are basically selling below cost. “We cannot continue like this. We must allow market forces to determine the prices of services.” Adebayo, therefore, urged the government to intervene to ensure that the industry is profitable.

  No fewer than 41 fighters from the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), including their Commanders were killed after an infighting that broke out Wednesday in the North East of Borno State. It was gathered from sources that the ISWAP terrorists who came on several canoes attacked the Bakoura Buduma-led faction of Boko Haram in the axis of Duguri in Kukawa Local Government Area. Kukawa in Northern Borno senatorial district is about 130km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital. Impeccable sources informed, which was also confirmed on Thursday by Zagazola Makama, a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region that “the bloody encounter left 41 fighters dead on both sides including Commanders of the group”. Makama said that the ISWAP dealt a heavy blow on the Boko Haram terrorists leaving many of their Commanders killed. The source listed some of the Commanders to include; Modu Kayi, Abbah Musa, Isa Muhammed, Ibrahim Ali, Kanai Zakariya and Bula Salam, Isuhu Alhaji Umaru, Dogo Salman and Abdulrahman Malam Musa among others. Clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP became increasingly common and intense. Notably, in Borno state’s Sambisa forest and the Lake Chad region. The ISWAP were now having an upper hand following the defection of one Abou Idris, a former chief of operation of Boko Haram, who joined ISWAP to fight his former group.

  Thursday 24 August 2023 States debt may hit N1.34tn over palliative loans Panic as rogue killer soldiers spread deaths on Lagos roads Man drives tractor into market, destroys N320m property Assembly drops Abayomi, 16 Sanwo-Olu nominees, confirms 22 Military, Police begin search for kidnapped Zamfara corpers APC NWC Replaces Kyari, Edu with Dalori, Idele I Didn’t Buy N300m Bulletproof Car As FCT Minister — Wike Niger: UK Defence Minister Meets With Military Chiefs, Backs ECOWAS NERC Urges Nigerians To Update Prepaid Meters Before Nov 2024 Suspected ‘Yahoo Boys’ Arrested In Port Harcourt Over Murder Of Newborn Diezani Alison-Madueke Charged With Bribery — UK Police Niger: Algeria, Egypt oppose military action, seek dialogue Alleged N6.9bn fraud: Emefiele explores plea bargain deal IPOB attacks Army base in Imo Suspected drug dealer knocks down NDLEA officer while evading arrest in Lagos Suspected Yahoo boy allegedly stabs girlfriend to death in Edo Prigozhin, leader of Wagner Group, killed in ‘plane crash’ in Russia Naira weakens to N773.4/$ at I&E window, N905/$ at parallel market Wike Bans Street Trading, Accuses Corn Sellers Of Fueling Crime Reps Begin Probe Of ‘Unremitted’ Housing Funds 24yrs after, Nigeria’s space programme loses traction despite yearly allocations Importation ban creates N55 billion local SIM card industry Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  A suspected Yahoo boy, identified as Victor Ifakachukwu has been arrested in Benin City for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, whose identity was yet to be ascertained. The incident reportedly occurred at 10, Osahon Street, Ogheghe Quarters, off Sapele Road, Benin City, where two blood-stained knives were recovered. The suspect was said to have been hospitalised due to severe injuries he sustained during what appeared to be a deadly knife attack suspiciously between him and the girl. Police said the suspect, Ifakachukwu, was being monitored at an undisclosed hospital for him to recover and tell them what happened. The incident reportedly happened on Monday. One blood-stained knife was recovered from the apartment and it was gathered that the incident was reported to police by the suspect’s landlord, Mr. Emmanuel Momoh. Confirming the incident, yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, said a full-scale investigation had begun and that detectives would unravel what transpired between the two lovebirds. Meanwhile, security personnel who joined in the evacuation of the girl’s corpse, said: “When we arrived at the house, blood was flowing like water, I believe they started stabbing each other when quarrel erupted between them. “I suspect something went wrong and the girl fought back with her last power. “When the boy regains consciousness, he will tell us how many of them were in the house and what actually happened.”

  The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has urged citizens with prepaid meter to update them before November 2024. The regulatory body said users who fail to update their meters before the said date won’t be able to recharge their prepaid meters. NERC, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, said updating the meters attracts no cost. The regulator said electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) would start to issue free token to enable the update. “If you have a prepaid meter, it may be time for an update,” the post partly read. “From November, 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter. However, updating is easy and free. DisCos shall commence issuance of 2 free Key Change Tokens (KCTs) which will update your meter. “The update will not affect the units in your meter nor will it make your meter run faster than usual.”   If you have a prepaid meter, it may be time for an update. From November, 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter. However, updating is easy and free. DisCos shall commence issuance of 2 free Key Change Tokens (KCTs) which will update your meter. pic.twitter.com/H5KwrIaMjW — NERC Nigeria (@NERCNG) August 22, 2023

  Between July 2022 and June 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in over 582 kidnapping incidents in the country, with a reported ransom demand of at least N5billion and an actual ransom payment of over N302million, a figure that could be higher due to underreporting. An SB Morgan intelligence report released on August 23, 2023, entitled, “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: Follow the Money,” disclosed these figures. The Nigeria Police Force and the military high command – the Defence Headquarters, however, have gone silent over the heart-wrenching situation, while security experts called on the Office of the National Security Adviser currently headed by the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, AIG Nuhu Ribadu (retd.), to declare a state of emergency to curb the disturbing situation. As Nigeria faces security crises across the six geopolitical zones, Boko Haram, Islamic States of West Africa, Ansar terrorists, bandits, sea pirates, and armed separatist agitators – the Independent People of Biafra, and all other violent groups, take part in kidnapping for ransom, even with the country’s struggling economy, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates. The PUNCH reports that civilians bear the brunt of this horrifying trend, accounting for 430 fatalities. Security agents and kidnappers themselves suffered 19 and 121 deaths, respectively. The inability of security agencies to effectively curb this menace is evident, as even the killing of kidnappers has not deterred potential abductors. The SB Morgan intelligence report delves into the harrowing statistics, motivations, and complexities of the growing epidemic. The report unveils a striking correlation between Nigeria’s struggling economy, rising inflation, and soaring unemployment rates and the exponential growth of the kidnap-for-ransom industry. “Between July 2022 and June 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in 582 kidnap-related incidents in the country, with a reported ransom demand of at least N5 billion and actual ransom payments of N302 million. However, this figure could be higher due to underreporting. Kidnap dynamics differ between individual and community cases, with less secrecy in larger-scale abductions. In some instances, kidnappers opt for non-monetary ransom, like foodstuff. Notably, the Northwest and Northcentral regions exhibit higher in-kind cases of ransom demands, correlating with Nigeria’s widespread poverty. Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in demands for motorcycles as part of ransom payments,” the report said in part. It further noted that Catholic priests, previously targeted for their ransom value, encountered 21 abductions during this period. It further delves into the geographic nuances of kidnapping, identifying Edo State as a state with high ransom demands but minimal returns. Taraba State, however, stands out for high ransom payments, though these numbers stem largely from a single incident. Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states were identified as hotspots for kidnapping, often involving mass community abductions. In contrast, Borno recorded minimal deaths, likely due to the sophistication of Boko Haram’s tactics. It added, “Kaduna was the most dangerous state for priests, who were often kidnapped during services. Abductors demanded around N50 million in the past, but the Church now refrains from disclosing ransom negotiations possibly to avoid encouraging further attacks. Statewise, Edo kidnappers sought high ransoms but received little. On the other hand, Taraba paid the most, primarily due to a single case. “The Northcentral saw higher ransom amounts demanded, notably in Nasarawa, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransom with minimal resistance. The South-South’s low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence. The past year showed a higher likelihood of being kidnapped in Kaduna, Niger, or Zamfara, the three states recording the highest per capita abduction rates and deaths during kidnap attempts. Civilians bore the brunt of kidnap attempts around the country, with 430 casualties, while security agents and kidnappers accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively.” When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, and the Director, Defence Information, CSP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, and Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, respectively, did not respond to phone calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages by our correspondent on Wednesday night.

  US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was “not surprised” at news that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, may have died in a plane crash in Russia. “I don’t know for a fact what happened, but I’m not surprised,” Biden said. “There’s not much that happens in Russia that (President Vladimir) Putin is not behind,” Biden told reporters after taking an exercise class with his family near Lake Tahoe. “But I don’t know enough to know the answer” of what may have happened to the powerful former Putin henchman, he said. Prigozhin’s name was on the passenger list of the aircraft, which crashed northwest of Moscow, according to Russian state media.   The crash came two months after he launched Wagner on a short-lived rebellious march on Moscow, aiming to force the removal of the country’s military leadership. Last month in Helsinki, Biden jokingly warned that Prigozhin, whose elite Wagner force has played an important role in the war on Ukraine, should watch his step after his abortive rebellion. “If I were he, I’d be careful what I ate. I’d keep my eye on my menu,” Biden said. White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson also said Wednesday that no one should be surprised about Prigozhin’s sudden death, if confirmed. She pointed to the June uprising and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “The disastrous war in Ukraine led to a private army marching on Moscow, and now — it would seem — to this,” said Watson. AFP

  Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died Wednesday in a plane crash near Moscow, was a Kremlin confident catapulted to infamy by Russia’s offensive in Ukraine before he turned his troops on Russia’s capital. Prigozhin’s order in June that his private fighting group march on Moscow to unseat Russia’s top brass presented the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s hold on power over more than two-decades. His forces captured a key military headquarters in the city of Rostov-on-Don in southern Russian before setting their course for Moscow, where authorities beefed up security in anticipation of a showdown. “The evil that the military leadership of the country brings must be stopped,” Prigozhin announced after claiming the defence ministry had launched strikes on Wagner bases. But the failed bid ended with Putin ultimately offering exile in neighbouring Belarus to the mutineers and Prigozhin, who appeared in footage this week vowing to make Africa “freer” and suggested he was on the continent Before Putin, who accused Prigozhin of treason, ordered troops to Ukraine in February last year, the 62-year-old mercenary head dispatched fighters from his private force to conflicts in the Middle East and Africa but always denied involvement. That changed last year when he announced himself as the founder of the Wagner group and began a mass recruitment drive at Russia’s prisons for foot soldiers to fight in exchange for an amnesty. – Bitter top brass rivalry – He gained public acclaim as Wagner spearheaded the capture of several key Ukrainian towns including Bakhmut. But Prigozhin began blasting what he said was systemic mismanagement and lying in the Russian defence ministry. Prigozhin was locked in a bitter months-long power struggle with the defence ministry as his ragtag forces spearheaded the costly battles for limited gains in eastern Ukraine. He had earlier accused the Russian military of trying to “steal” victories from Wagner and slammed Moscow’s “monstrous bureaucracy” for grinding progress on the ground. And he directly blamed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other senior officials for his fighters’ deaths, claiming Moscow had not provided sufficient ammunition. Unlike Russia’s generals, who have been criticised for shirking the battles, the stocky and bald Prigozhin regularly posed for pictures alongside mercenaries allegedly on the front lines. He posted on social media images from the cockpit of a SU-24 fighter jet and challenged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to an aerial duel. The former hotdog seller and native of Putin’s hometown Saint Petersburg, who was jailed for nearly a decade during the Soviet era, for years dismissed he was linked with Wagner. But last September, he conceded that he had founded the fighting force and opened headquarters in Saint Petersburg. A video surfaced of a man bearing a strong resemblance to Prigozhin in a prison courtyard, offering contracts to prisoners to fight in Ukraine with a chilling set of conditions. – Shooting deserters – “If you arrive in Ukraine and decide it’s not for you, we will regard it as desertion and will shoot you,” said the man. When video footage circulated showing an alleged Wagner deserter being executed with a sledgehammer, Prigozhin praised the killing, calling the man featured in the video a “dog”. Prigozhin rose from a modest background in Russia’s former imperial capital to become part of an inner circle close to Putin. He spent nine years in prison in the final period of the USSR after being convicted of fraud and theft and, in the chaos of the 1990s, he began a moderately successful fast food company. He fell into the restaurant sector and opened a luxury location in Saint Petersburg whose customers included Putin, then making the transition from working in the KGB to local politics. The company he founded at one point worked for the Kremlin, earning Prigozhin the soubriquet of “Putin’s chef”. Prigozhin has been described as a billionaire with a vast fortune built on state contracts, although the extent of his wealth is unknown. One of the best-known images shows him at the Kremlin in 2011, bending down over a seated Putin and offering him a dish while the Russian leader looks back with an approving glance. – The ‘troll factory’ – He was sanctioned by Washington, which accused him of playing a role in meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, in particular through his internet “troll factory”. Prigozhin at the time denied any involvement and in 2020 asked for $50 billion in compensation from the United States. In July 2018, three journalists researching Wagner’s operations in the Central African Republic for an investigative media outlet were killed in an ambush. Western countries have accused the private fighting group of coming to the aid of the military junta in Mali, in a move that contributed to France’s decision to end an almost decade-long military operation there. AFP