FG approves N452bn for 14 roads
The Federal Government has approved N452bn for the construction and rehabilitation of 14 major roads across the country, as part of the administration’s infrastructure initiative. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced this during the 23rd Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. Read more
Athena Commentary: While it’s a good thing to expand the road network of a nation, especially for a fast-growing nation like Nigeria, it is also imperative to state that the maintenance culture by the works ministry and its agency is almost zero. The idea of running to failure should be discouraged by all and sundry. Another critical point is the ambiguous amount earmarked for construction and rehabilitation of the road. Would Nigerians get a commensurate development? That’s the crux of the whole issue. Therefore, the President Tinubu-led administration should do more to enhance, strengthen, and sanction, wherever necessary, whoever wants to pull his administration backward.
FG to issue N758bn bonds to clear pension arrears
The Federal Government says it would issue bonds worth N758bn to clear accumulated pension debts. This includes debts owed under the old Defined Benefit Scheme before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, told journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. Read more
Athena Commentary: It sounds good to know that the backlog debt owned by the previous administration would be paid. But the irony of it is, what mechanism has this present administration put in place to avoid the reoccurrence of pension debt? It is worrisome that one would have put its youthful age to the socioeconomic development of the nation and hoped that when it retires, old age wouldn’t be a burden to its people. But the reverse seems the case in Nigeria. Senior citizens are subjected to acute hunger, illness, and untold hardship. Therefore, the Federal government should enhance measures to address the declined welfare of workers vis-a-vis senior citizens.
Seasonal climate prediction will boost food security — FG
The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the timely release of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency will significantly enhance food security in Nigeria. Farmers have also expressed optimism for a bumper harvest in 2025. The prediction, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja, outlines key weather patterns for the upcoming farming season, helping to inform agricultural planning and decision-making. Read more
Athena Commentary: The collaboration between the ministry of agriculture and the NiMet is a welcome development. Perhaps, this would further strengthen the bound, increase productivity and enhance synergy for national development. But our worries is, theres a sharp decline in GDP of agriculture in 2022 from 25.58% to 25.18% in 2023. In same measure, the first quarter of 2024 also saw a decline to 17.22%. These are national concerns. We are therefore optimistic that this collaboration would bring a turnaround to the nation’s GDP.
Compiled by Kesiena Jaspar EVAGBERIEN