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Reps launch probe into $460m Chinese loan for Abuja CCTV project

The House of Representatives is set to investigate the $460 million Chinese loan used to finance the Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project, aimed at boosting security in the nation’s capital.
This decision follows a motion by Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Abia State, highlighting concerns over the project’s effectiveness despite the significant investment.
The project, initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, aimed to monitor and prevent crimes in Abuja.
He noted that in order to firm up the above, erstwhile Finance Minister, Dr Olusegun Aganga, led a Federal Government delegation to Beijing, China, in 2010 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE Communications of China to which the contract for the installation of the CCTV was equally awarded.
Ogah expressed concern that the funds for the contract were secured through a $460m loan obtained from the China-EXIM Bank and lifted from a $600m financing portfolio secured as a soft credit loan, with interest repayable in 10 years, after an initial 10 years of grace.
“More concerned that despite this huge investment as well as the financial burden Nigeria is subjected to by way of servicing the loan, the impact of the CCTV is not felt in any manner. Rather than abating, crime rate has soared in Abuja leading to daily reports of deaths arising from unmonitored crimes around the Federal Capital”
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Nigerian Forest Security Service in Anambra Congratulates Soludo on Re-election
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), has congratulated the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on his re-election victory last Saturday.
While congratulating the governor, whose wife Dr. Nonye Soludo, is a Patroness of the group, the leader of the NFSS in Anambra State, Commander Mazi Destiny Emmanuel Jonas, expressed optimism in continued partnership towards safeguarding Anambra State.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with this administration in safeguarding our forests, combating illegal logging, and enhancing the security of all communities across Anambra State,” Commander Jonas said.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the NFSS in Anambra State, CFS Chibuikem Nneke, the group said they were confident in Governor Soludo’s renewed mandate which they affirm speaks to the viability of the governor’s vision of a prosperous and safer Anambra State.
“This renewed mandate is a testament to the confidence the people of Anambra place in the governor’s vision for a safer, more prosperous state”, the statement added
Similarly, the NFSS extended it’s congratulatory message to their Patroness, Dr. Nonye Soludo, saying: “We also wish to extend our congratulations to Mr. Governor’s wife, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo (Mama Healthy Living), the beloved Mama Anambra whose pioneering role as the only female National Patroness of the NFSS has inspired countless women and youth in our service.
“Her unwavering support and patronage have strengthened our mission and uplifted the morale of our officers. Congratulations, Madam Patroness, and we are sure that her dedication will continue to be a beacon of hope for the entire Anambra State and Forest Security Service”, NFSS affirmed.
It however, wished Soludo and his wife a remarkable second term in office, filled with landmark achievements.
News
JUST IN: FG Suspends 15% Import Duty on Petrol, Diesel
The Federal Government has suspended its earlier plan to implement a 15% import duty on petroleum products, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement signed by George Ene-Ita, Director of the Public Affairs Department, NMDPRA, the agency said the policy is “no longer in view” and urged Nigerians to avoid panic buying.
President Bola Tinubu had approved the controversial tariff on October 29, 2025, following a proposal by Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji. The plan sought to impose a 15% duty on petrol and diesel imports to align import costs with domestic market realities.
The proposal, which had been scheduled to take effect on November 21, 2025, was also meant to encourage local refining by making imported fuel more expensive. The move was widely seen as an effort to protect investments in Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries across the country.
However, experts had warned that the new tariff could push pump prices higher by as much as ₦150 per litre, worsening inflation and transportation costs for consumers.
In its Thursday statement, NMDPRA clarified that the policy would not be implemented as earlier planned.
“It should be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Diesel is no longer in view,” the agency stated.
The regulator also assured Nigerians that there is adequate fuel supply nationwide, noting that the country’s stock remains within acceptable sufficiency levels during this peak demand period.
“There is a robust domestic supply of petroleum products sourced from both local refineries and importation to ensure timely replenishment of stocks at storage depots and retail stations,” it added.
NMDPRA further warned against hoarding, panic buying, or artificial price hikes by marketers. It said it will continue to monitor the market and enforce measures to prevent any disruption in fuel distribution.
“The Authority remains committed to guaranteeing energy security and ensuring smooth supply and distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The agency also thanked industry stakeholders for their cooperation in maintaining stable fuel availability across the country.
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Tinubu Approves Construction of Two Federal Roads in Ekiti
President Bola Tinubu has approved the inclusion of two key federal road projects in Ekiti State in the proposed 2026 national budget.
The projects are the Itawure–Aramoko–Ado Ekiti road and the Aramoko–Ijero–Ifaki Ekiti road.
This was confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, who said the presidential approval was communicated through a letter from the Office of the President to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji was also copied in the correspondence.
Oyebode explained that the approval followed a high-level meeting between Governor Oyebanji and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on November 9, 2025.
The discussions reportedly centered on the poor condition of federal roads across the state.
He added that the approval came amid public complaints about the deteriorating Itawure–Aramoko–Ado route. “There has been deliberate misinformation about the condition of federal roads in the state,” Oyebode said.
“However, the Tinubu-led government has already awarded three federal road contracts in Ekiti, with contractors mobilized to site.”
He further noted that the Oyebanji administration has completed the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki road and launched several inter-city and intra-city projects over the past three years.
According to him, the two newly approved roads will ease travel, improve connectivity, and boost trade across Ekiti and neighboring states.
“These projects will open up Ekiti to new economic opportunities, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oyebanji’s Shared Prosperity vision,” Oyebode said.
Governor Oyebanji also expressed gratitude to the President for his continued support. “On behalf of Ekiti people, I thank President Tinubu for his strategic intervention in the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of our state,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with the federal government, private sector, and development partners to enhance the welfare of residents.
Meanwhile, the Regent of Aramoko-Ekiti, Princess Sherifat Owolabi, recently appealed to the state government to prioritize road rehabilitation.
She warned that the worsening condition of major roads is hurting local trade and discouraging investors.
“Good roads attract investment and drive development,” Princess Owolabi said.
“We are asking the governor to come to our aid and fix our roads. The government has done well in other areas, but this issue needs urgent attention.”
She also urged indigenes in the diaspora to invest in Aramoko, saying improved infrastructure will boost transport, confidence, and commerce in the community.
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