NEWS
FG Reviews Concession Agreements for Transparency in PPPs
The Nigerian Government is in the process of reviewing the concession policy to pave way for private sector funding and participation in road infrastructure development.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi made the disclosure in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser (Media), Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji.
The statement reads, “In the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the concession policy for concessionaires and to enhance funding and private sector participation in the road infrastructure development under the Highway Development Management Initiative, (HDMI), the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has concluded a meeting with stakeholders and concessionaires with the aim of having a more realistic, transparent and productive approach to financing in the construction and maintenance of road projects under Public-Private Partnerships.
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“In the two-day meeting held at the conference hall of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja, and which started on Friday 18th July 2025 and was concluded on 22nd July 2025, the Honourable Minister of Works identified certain articles and clauses in the existing concession agreements executed on 23rd May 2023 that needed to be reviewed both in the original concession agreement and the proposed addendum to ensure value for money, strengthen long term collaboration, transparency and accountability as well as degravitate potential Put-Call Option Agreement and litigation. He raised issues for discussion including the issue of Put-Call Option Agreement (PCOA), additional facilities, performance security, shifting of encumbrances on site, the role of the independent engineer, competing road/alternate road, change in project scope, revision of toll fees, force majeure and stakeholder consensus building to ensure active citizenship participation in the effective take-off of project construction, tolling and maintenance. He recalled that contractors were already on some of the project sites before the signing of the concession agreement by concessionaires and that innovations had been introduced to add value to the works sector, hence, the need for a review of the existing concession agreement and its addendum.
“He listed some of the requirements for the concessionaires to activate the implementation of their projects, including their obligation to ensure mutual termination of existing contracts before taking over their respective sites, the need to show evidence of their capacity and readiness, including proof of source of funds for the project, payment of all outstanding debts owed to the existing contractors, evidence of technical and financial competence, and availability of company or partner’s equipment. The Honourable Minister restated that the Federal Ministry of Works would not disengage any existing contractor from the site in any of the projects unless the conditions precedent are complied with by concessionaires.
“He presented the full details of the proposal of the Federal Ministry of Works on the matters of concern in the existing concession agreement inherited from the past administration and maintained that the essence of the review sought was to ensure that the concessionaires comply with the best practices and the innovations introduced by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He read the draft review as prepared by the Federal Ministry of Works, clause by clause and page by page. Part of the new addendum he presented was that the concessionaires shall construct compulsory facilities which shall include CCTV and solar streetlights, rest areas and any other additional facilities needed to improve travel safety and comfort of travellers on the entire project route.
“He subjected all the issues and concerns raised to extensive deliberation by the stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, the Permanent Secretary Secretary Cabinet Affairs Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Emanso U. Okop, the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Finance, Debt Management Office, Bureau on Public Procurement, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Bureau of Public Enterprises, the team from Public-Private Partnerships Unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and directors of key departments as well as the concessionaires who were in the meeting including Africa Plus/BAAECC, Africa Finance Corp, Morta-Engine, Morta-Engil, Balosh Integrated Services, LIB Concession and Greg Jane Int. Limited. In his speech, the Honourable Minister of State for Works tasked the concessionaires on commitment to the extant laws and regulations necessary for them to achieve the objectives of the HDMI. He praised the passion and sense of patriotism of the Honourable Minister of Works. Other stakeholders aligned themselves with the impression of the Honourable Minister of State for Works on the efforts of the Ministry in strengthening the concession agreement. The concessionaires also made contributions that aligned with areas of their concern.
“While declaring the meeting closed, the Honourable Minister of Works stated among other things that the articles and clauses as reviewed during the meeting would be exposed to the principal stakeholders (Heads of relevant MDAs) within 7 days for further and final deliberation and that each of the concessionaires should communicate their acceptance of the agreement as reviewed or communicate the Federal Ministry of Works on grey areas so that such concerns would be reviewed in a meeting of the principal stakeholders.”
NEWS
Dangote Preaches Ambition, Africa First to Nigerian Creatives
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs and creative industry practitioners to think beyond conventional limits, build globally competitive enterprises and create enduring legacies, declaring that Africa must take responsibility for its own economic transformation rather than depend on foreign investors for prosperity.
Dangote gave the charge while hosting leading figures from Nigeria’s creative industry at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Lekki, Lagos, where he also disclosed that the Group was considering raising its US$100 billion Vision 2030 target in response to its expanding industrial investments and growth ambitions. The delegation, comprising Nollywood stars, content creators, comedians and other entertainment and lifestyle personalities, toured the industrial complex before engaging Dangote in a conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, ambition, and legacy.
Addressing the creatives, Dangote urged Nigerians to match their creativity and entrepreneurial drive with discipline, perseverance and the courage to pursue ambitious projects, stressing that lasting success should be measured not merely by personal wealth but by the businesses built, opportunities created and contributions made to society.
“It is not just about money; it is about legacy. We have often been taken for granted, and in many ways, we have contributed to that by waiting for foreigners to come and make our continent prosperous. That will never happen. We must take responsibility for building Africa’s prosperity ourselves,” he declared.
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Speaking on the Group’s long-term ambitions, Dangote revealed that its US$100 billion Vision 2030 target was being reconsidered, with a more ambitious target expected to be unveiled in January.
“We realised that our Vision 2030 target was too modest. We are working towards unveiling a new vision in January, with a revised target that reflects our ambition to achieve far more than US$100 billion,” he said.
He explained that the Group’s continued industrial expansion was driven by a determination to build enduring institutions, strengthen Africa’s productive capacity and demonstrate that the continent could develop enterprises capable of competing globally. Drawing lessons from Singapore’s economic transformation, Dangote said nations could overcome difficult beginnings through deliberate investment, enterprise and a commitment to developing their own capabilities. He challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to reject limiting assumptions about what could be achieved, noting that transformative accomplishments often required the courage to pursue ideas others considered impossible.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and the development of the refinery, Dangote identified perseverance, disciplined execution and sound judgement as essential ingredients of business success. He cautioned, however, that ambition must be tempered by the ability to recognise when an investment was no longer commercially viable.
“Before embarking on any venture, you must carefully consider all the issues involved. We have made mistakes too, and I share these experiences so others can learn from them,” he said. “One important lesson is never to keep putting good money into a bad investment. Some situations are simply too difficult to turn around, no matter how much you invest.”
Turning to the creative industry, Dangote commended Nigerian entertainers for building a formidable international presence despite operating in a challenging business environment and receiving limited government support. He described Nollywood’s growing global influence as evidence of Nigeria’s creative potential, urging practitioners to build on their achievements through stronger business structures, innovation and collaboration. According to him, the industry’s next phase of growth should go beyond international recognition to building sustainable enterprises, creating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.
Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), who moderated the interactive session, praised Dangote’s accomplishments, describing his industrial investments as an enduring contribution to Nigeria’s development.
“Your legacy has already been built, and its continuation is assured. You deserve all the praise and recognition you have received for what you have accomplished,” RMD said.
Nollywood actor Abdullateef Adedimeji described the visit as an inspiration, saying the scale of the refinery had challenged him to raise his ambitions and pursue greater accomplishments in the creative industry.
“Coming here today is a source of motivation for us. As someone in the film industry, this experience inspires me to push beyond my limits, broaden my imagination and strive for greater achievements, including making a more meaningful impact in my community,” he said.
Adedimeji also called for greater collaboration among Nollywood practitioners, drawing lessons from the coordination and partnerships underpinning Dangote’s industrial operations.
“That is what we need in Nollywood. The more we collaborate, the stronger and more successful we become,” he said.
NEWS
Protest Against Oil Company’s Vessel in Rivers Takes 10 Lives
No fewer than 10 people are feared dead after a protest against a vessel belonging to an indigenous oil company turned tragic at Kula community in Rivers State, following an alleged collision involving a community boat and a Nigerian Army gunboat.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday morning when members of the community took to the water in a boat to protest against the oil company’s vessel.
A community leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, disclosed this in a telephone interview with journalists in Port Harcourt.
Sara-Igbe, a former spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), alleged that a gunboat belonging to the Nigerian Army hit the protesters’ boat, causing some of its occupants to drown.
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He said efforts were ongoing to recover the remains of those who drowned during the incident.
The circumstances that led to the protest, the identities of the victims and the precise sequence of events surrounding the alleged collision were not immediately clear.
The Nigerian Army’s response to the allegation was also not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.
NEWS
FRSC Warns Drivers After Brake Failure Kills Two in Kano Crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, has confirmed the death of two persons in a road crash involving a fully loaded tipper truck and a Mercedes-Benz car along the Kano-Zaria Road at Dangi Underpass.
The fatal crash occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and involved a Howo tipper truck with registration number RMG 332 XA, loaded with bitumen, and a Mercedes-Benz C180 with registration number ABJ 783 GB.
According to a statement signed by the FRSC Kano Sector Public Education Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, four male adults were involved in the crash, with two confirmed dead.
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Preliminary reports indicated that the crash was caused by brake failure in the loaded tipper truck, resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
The truck reportedly slid backwards and collided with the Mercedes-Benz behind it, leading to the fatal incident.
FRSC rescue personnel and other emergency responders evacuated the victims to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the Kano Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Mohammed Lawal, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Lawal also urged the affected families to find the strength to bear the loss.
The Sector Commander warned motorists, transport unions, construction companies and fleet operators against neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, particularly the inspection and servicing of critical components such as braking systems and tyres.
He emphasised the importance of defensive driving, urging motorists to maintain safe following distances, remain alert to changing road conditions and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
Lawal stressed that regular vehicle maintenance, responsible driving and strict compliance with road safety regulations remain essential to preventing avoidable road crashes and saving lives.






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