NEWS
School Projects: Gov Otti Denies N54bn Missing, Says N14.43bn Spent On 61 Schools
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has clarified that his government has so far committed N14.43 billion to refurbish 61 public schools across the state, countering claims that billions meant for education were unaccounted for.
Speaking during his monthly interactive programme, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” the governor addressed the controversy raised by former Information Commissioner, Chief Eze Chikamnayo, who alleged that about N54 billion budgeted for school projects had “vanished” without visible results.
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Governor Otti explained that the N54 billion figure was only a budget projection and not actual funds disbursed, stressing that the audited financial report published on the government’s website provided accurate details of expenditures.
“What is important is the actual cash that has been spent,” Otti said. “As of December 31, 2024, the audited statement shows exactly how much of the N54 billion was utilized. We’ve spent N14.43 billion so far on 61 schools.”
He assured that his administration has put in place strict measures to protect public resources, including the use of advance payment guarantees to prevent losses in situations where contractors default.
The governor also dismissed Chikamnayo’s allegations of missing funds, insisting that his government has maintained a high level of financial discipline.
“When someone says N54 billion is missing, unfortunately, he is talking to the wrong people. At least three or four members of our Executive Council are fellows of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. This government is built on transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Otti further emphasized that he had no intention of engaging the former commissioner directly.
“This is a different government. My response to his earlier request at the beginning of this administration remains unchanged,” he added.
He reiterated that his administration’s priority remains the revitalization of the education sector, ensuring better learning environments for pupils and students in the state.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has launched a 5-day Hands-on Oracle Primavera P6 Training in Rivers State, targeting 50 participants.
The training, being executed by Mathnebi Nig. Ltd, commenced today, March 16th and will run until Friday, March 20th.
The intensive hands-on program aims to equip participants with practical skills in project management using Oracle Primavera P6, enhancing their capabilities in the energy and construction sectors.
The NCDMB’s sponsorship of the training underscores its commitment to boosting local capacity and driving Nigeria’s economic growth through skills development.
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The training is expected to benefit participants and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s project management landscape.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s new Minister of State for Finance at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The swearing-in ceremony took place shortly after the Senate confirmed Oyedele’s nomination last Wednesday.
Oyedele, 50, from Ikaram, Akoko in Ondo State, brings over two decades of experience in fiscal policy and tax administration.
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He previously chaired the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system, introducing zero income tax for Nigerians earning N800,000 or less and exemptions for small businesses with turnovers below N50 million.
During his Senate screening, Oyedele described his appointment as “a call to serve at a critical time when Nigeria faces significant fiscal challenges and remarkable opportunities.”
He replaces Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who has been redeployed to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning.
Oyedele also spent 22 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, held executive programs at top global institutions including the London School of Economics and Harvard Kennedy School, and currently serves as a professor at Babcock University.
The minister’s appointment signals a continued focus on implementing the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax system while boosting economic growth.
Passengers were thrown into panic on Monday after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, leaving several passengers injured and disrupting services on the busy route.
The train, which was travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, reportedly failed to reach its destination as scheduled after the incident occurred along the rail line linking both cities.
According to passengers on board, the incident happened suddenly, sending shock through the coaches as the train came to an abrupt halt.
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Some passengers said they heard a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden impact caused confusion inside the train compartments, with some passengers sustaining cuts and bruises after hitting seats and metal fittings.
Initial reports suggested that the Abuja-bound train might have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while authorities assessed the situation.
A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident but declined to give full details, noting that he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
One of the passengers, Sada Malumfashi, shared his experience on social media shortly after leaving the train.
He described the moment as frightening, stating that the loud sound and sudden stop caused many passengers to be flung from their seats.
He said the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly toward Kubwa, located on the outskirts of Abuja.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.
Authorities are yet to disclose the exact cause of the derailment or the full extent of injuries as investigations continue.
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