FCT
FCT minister for State performs Zuba Modern Market ground breaking ceremony
Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has performed the ground breaking for the construction of Zuba Relief Market In the Gwagwalada Area Council under Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Special adviser on media to the minister Austine Elemue in a statement quoted the minister at the event to indicated that the ceremony is a confirmation of the administration’s commitment to the provision of critical infrastructures to residents, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.
8
She described the ground breaking was a bold step by the FCT Administration through the Gwagwalada Area Council towards reducing the burden on funding through budgetary allocations.
Explaining further she said, the Zuba Modern Market was awarded to Khuntex Engineering Company Limited in December 2021, on a Public Private Partnership agreement, to redevelop the market to a modern market.
According to her the agreement was for the Area Council to provide unencumbered land and Khuntex to fund the construction 100 percent.
“To solve the protracted funding issue, the Gwagwalada Area Council decided to explore private sector funding options as we are witnessing today which leverages the utilisation of private sector in exchange for land as a resource for the redevelopement of the Zuba Modern Market, amongst other Public, Private, Partnership (PPP) initiatives”.
While emphasising the importance of robust market infrastructure in rural areas, the minister noted that rural markets serve as the lifeline of countless communities, providing a platform for farmers and artisans to sell their produce and goods.
Mahmoud assured that through collaboration, the rural markets are equipped with modern facilities that would not only enhance the efficiency of agricultural value chains, but also empower rural entrepreneurs to access larger markets and attain better prices for their products.
She said; “the redevelopment of this Zuba modern market under public-private partnerships fosters economic resilience and social inclusion.
“It generates employment opportunities, enhances income levels, and promotes skill development among rural youth”.
In his remarks, the chairmen and chief executive of Khuntex Engineering Company Ltd. Engr. Dayo Jigan, assured that the first phase of the project would be completed in 10 months, as a mark of unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit of two dynamic forces.
He, however, expressed his appreciation to the administration, for their leadership foresight in initiating the remodeling of Zuba modern market.
He described the partnership as a labour of love and dedication.
On his part, the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Councils, Hon. Abubakar Giri, identified the Zuba modern market as one of the major markets that would boost the revenue base of Gwagwalada Area Council.
He promised that other abandoned markets within the area council would be revived, even as he called on the contractor to complete the construction work within the stipulated period.
Recall that the 618 Zuba modern market will consists of mixed units of open/lock up shops, warehouses, eatery, banking hall, restaurant, police post, fire station, public toilet, bus loading bay as well as other amenities in line with global standard.
FCT
FCT-IRS Partners EFCC to Boost Tax Compliance in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) is seeking a strategic partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance tax compliance and boost revenue generation in the nation’s capital.
During a courtesy visit to EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters, FCT-IRS Acting Executive Chairman, Michael Ango, emphasized the need for collaboration, given the crucial roles both agencies play in financial accountability and governance.
He highlighted that harmonizing revenue collection and administration is a key priority for 2025, ensuring transparency and efficiency in tax collection.
Ango also proposed that the EFCC integrate tax compliance checks into its investigations, noting that many financial crime suspects often evade tax obligations.
“If they escape through one door, we can catch them through another,” he stated, suggesting that tax compliance could be linked to asset forfeitures and financial crime investigations.
In response, EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He acknowledged the impact of effective revenue utilization in the FCT, commending the ongoing infrastructural developments under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The collaboration between FCT-IRS and EFCC is expected to tighten tax enforcement, ensuring that individuals and businesses fulfill their financial obligations, ultimately strengthening the economy of the FCT.
FCT
Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s ₦110 Billion Fraud Case Amid Legal Disputes
The trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged ₦110 billion fraud has been adjourned to April 3, April 24, and May 6, 2025, following a contentious court session at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on Wednesday.
Justice Maryann Anenih made the ruling after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, with the session dominated by disputes over the availability of key documents and the introduction of a surprise witness.
At the heart of the courtroom drama was a heated exchange between the legal teams.
The lead defence counsel, Joseph Daudu, SAN, accused the prosecution of withholding critical evidence, including the sworn statements of the second defendant.
According to Daudu, the defence was blindsided by the prosecution’s witness, Fabian Nworah, a property developer, whom they had no prior knowledge of. He argued that the prosecution was turning the legal process into a “hide and seek” game, depriving the defense of a fair opportunity to prepare for cross-examination.
Similarly, Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, representing the third defendant, demanded access to forensic reports and digital evidence mentioned in the case filings. He argued that the prosecution’s failure to provide these documents raised concerns about transparency and due process.
However, prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, dismissed these objections, insisting that all required evidence had been served on the defence as far back as November 27. He accused the defence of employing delay tactics and emphasized that the prosecution was under no obligation to provide every document unless formally requested.
Despite the defence’s objections, the court proceeded with the testimony of Fabian Nworah, Chairman of EFAB Property Nigeria Ltd.
Nworah detailed how his company sold a high-value property at No. 1 Ikogosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, to Shehu Bello for ₦550 million. However, months later, Bello returned the property documents, claiming the EFCC was investigating the transaction and demanding a refund.
EFAB Property initially declined to reimburse the money but later complied after the EFCC directed the company to return the funds to a designated account. The refund was processed in two instalments.
Interestingly, Nworah noted that while he had dealt directly with Shehu Bello, the official name on the transaction documents was Dr. Bello Ohiani, raising further questions about the true ownership and intent behind the purchase.
The trial is expected to resume in April, with the defence likely to continue pressing for access to key documents while the prosecution pushes forward with its case.
The case promises to be one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent Nigerian history.
FCT
Wike Boosts Investor Trust with Landmark Signing of over 1,000 C-of-Os for River Park Estate
In a landmark gesture, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has approved and signed more than 1,000 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) for homeowners in the prestigious River Park Estate, Abuja.
The move has been hailed as a game-changer for real estate investment in the nation’s capital.
At a ceremony on Saturday, the estate’s developer, Mr. Paul Odili, handed over the certificates to jubilant homeowners.
He praised the minister’s swift action, describing it as a vote of confidence in Abuja’s real estate sector.
“The Honourable Minister of the FCT has done something unprecedented by signing over a thousand C-of-Os at once,” Odili said. “This gesture will undoubtedly encourage more investment in real estate and strengthen trust among stakeholders.”
Odili emphasized the importance of transparency in the issuance process. “These certificates were entrusted to us by the FCT administration, and it was vital to show that they have been delivered to the rightful beneficiaries. This is not just about houses, it’s about securing people’s investments and dreams,” he noted.
In a significant development, Odili also announced his full acquisition of the estate, previously co-owned by international partners.
Houses for Africa Holdings, led by John Townley-Johnson, and Jonah Capital Limited, founded by Adrian Ogun, have sold their stakes to Odili.
Confirming the transfer, Townley-Johnson said, “We are confident that Mr. Odili’s leadership will take the estate to greater heights.
He has the expertise and vision to deliver on the promises made to homeowners.”
Ogun echoed similar sentiments, highlighting his long-standing partnership with Odili and expressing trust in his ability to maintain high standards in the estate.
For many beneficiaries, the event marked the culmination of years of effort and hope. Engr. Benjamin Ogwuche, President of KRPC Cooperative Society, Kaduna, said, “This is a monumental day for us. Our members now have the peace of mind that comes with legal ownership of over 100 properties here.”
Another recipient, Mr. Daniel Okoebor, expressed his excitement. “Holding this certificate in my hands today means my investment is secure. It’s a validation of my trust in this estate,” he said.
Odili highlighted the broader implications of the minister’s actions, noting that the issuance of the certificates would inspire more confidence in Nigeria’s real estate sector. “This is a strong message to investors that Abuja is open for business, and the FCT administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for growth,” he stated.
The ceremony concluded with optimism, as stakeholders applauded Wike’s leadership and expressed hope that similar initiatives would be extended to other estates across the FCT.
END
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News1 year ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro10 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News1 year ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu