Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Nigerian Navy has urged maritime stakeholders in Lagos to strengthen intelligence sharing and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to curb crimes within the nation’s maritime domain.

The Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu made the call at a maritime stakeholders’ meeting held at the NNS BEECROFT Officers’ Mess.

Adams-Aliu said effective security of the maritime environment required closer cooperation between the Navy other security agencies maritime operators and host communities.

He said stakeholders should establish reliable reporting channels through designated security focal persons agreed communication channels standardised incident reports and timely feedback to organisations that report security incidents.

According to him the maritime security situation within Lagos waters and environs was currently calm but required constant monitoring to prevent criminal activities.

He identified smuggling and attempts by illegal migrants to stow away on commercial vessels as some of the prominent infractions recorded in the area.

The commander said NNS BEECROFT had confiscated 23 bags of illegal drugs since February and handed them over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He said the seizures included 480 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa recovered at Abule Osun Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area in February; 192 kilogrammes recovered at Ikare Island in April; and 756 kilogrammes recovered from a wooden boat at Alfa Beach in July.

Adams-Aliu also said the base had rescued 25 stowaways during the period and handed them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

He said the Navy had also conducted joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force Department of State Services Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NDLEA and other agencies to tackle drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

The commander noted that two suspected drug peddlers were arrested at Gidan Drama in February while nine others were arrested around Agbo Malu in Apapa in September.

He added that the meeting was organised to improve synergy among institutions operating within the maritime space and ensure that legitimate commercial activities were allowed to thrive while criminal activities were discouraged.

Adams-Aliu said: ‘We just need to get more reports more information more intelligence sharing. Share with the police share with NIMASA also share with the Nigerian Navy through NNS BEECROFT.

We can all respond. Once we are all working together it is only Nigeria that will benefit.’

The Chairman Apapa Local Government Idowu Senbajo said the council would continue to work with NNS BEECROFT and other security agencies to improve security in the port city.

Senbajo said Apapa’s status as a port city made it particularly important for security agencies to pay close attention to activities and movements within the area.

She added that the council had maintained a cordial relationship with NNS BEECROFT and other security agencies adding that stronger collaboration would help address security challenges in the area.

She also commended security agencies for their interventions in protecting residents particularly children from criminal activities.

The chairman said the council would continue to support security agencies in efforts to maintain a safe environment for residents and businesses.

The Nigerian Army has deployed the first batch of 300 personnel to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training as part of efforts to enhance troops’ combat proficiency in difficult terrains.

The training programme will cover a total of 600 personnel and is aimed at strengthening the Army’s capacity to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.

According to a statement issued on Friday October 23 by the Army’s spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele the first batch departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja on Thursday October 22 aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft: a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

‘The Coordinator Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team Army Headquarters Department of Army Training Major General UG Yusuf who represented the COAS witnessed the departure alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria’ the statement said.

The Army said the training underscored the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu to building a professional adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests mountainous areas and other challenging environments.

‘It also aligns with his Command Philosophy which prioritises operational effectiveness realistic training personnel development and enhanced combat readiness’ the statement added.

According to the Army the specialised programme is expected to equip the personnel with advanced jungle and mountain warfare skills improve operational manoeuvrability and strengthen their capacity to deny criminal elements safe havens in difficult terrains.

The statement added that the training would further reinforce Nigeria-India defence cooperation and support Shaibu’s efforts to sustain a resilient mission-ready Army capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.

It said arrangements were also underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the training.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted preliminary approval to global financial services giant JPMorgan to establish a merchant bank in Nigeria. This move could strengthen the country’s financial markets and attract more international investment.

The proposed bank to be known as JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited has received Approval-in-Principle (AIP) from the apex bank. However it must meet further regulatory requirements and obtain a final operating licence before it can begin business.

The development comes as the CBN pursues reforms to strengthen the banking system improve confidence in the financial sector and increase Nigeria’s participation in international capital markets.

The approval also follows the completion of the banking sector recapitalisation exercise which was designed to strengthen banks’ financial capacity and improve their ability to withstand economic shocks.

In a statement on Friday the CBN said the proposed entry of one of the world’s leading financial institutions into Nigeria’s merchant banking sector reflected growing international interest in the country’s financial markets and long-term economic prospects.

Speaking on the development CBN Governor Mr Olayemi Cardoso said the apex bank was working to build a financial system that can attract investment and support economic growth.

‘Our objective is to build a financial system that is stable competitive and internationally connected one that commands confidence and can effectively support investment and economic growth’ he said.

Cardoso said the CBN was encouraged by growing interest from international financial institutions in Nigeria adding that the bank would continue implementing reforms to improve the credibility of the country’s financial markets.

‘Our focus remains on sustaining the reforms strengthening the credibility of our markets and creating an environment in which both domestic and international institutions can participate and thrive’ the governor said.

The approval is expected to strengthen the presence of international financial institutions in Nigeria’s banking industry. However the actual impact will depend on the proposed bank’s eventual operations and the services it provides.

Merchant banks generally provide financial services to businesses governments and institutional clients. Their activities may include corporate financing investment advisory services capital raising and other specialised financial services subject to the applicable regulatory framework.

The CBN’s approval of JPMorgan’s proposal is however not a final banking licence. The Director of the CBN’s Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Department Mr Michael Akuka said the AIP was only the first stage of the regulatory approval process.

He explained that JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited must meet all relevant requirements including registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission and completing necessary operational and regulatory arrangements before the CBN can permit it to commence business.

The proposed bank can begin operations only after the apex bank issues its final licence.

As part of the approval process the CBN has approved the nomination of Mr Adedapo Adedayo Olagunju as managing director of the proposed institution.

The apex bank also approved Latter Kevin George Nzelu Chinedum Izunwanne and Syed Gabriel Murtaza as non-executive directors.

In addition the bank approved Alade Sarah Omotunde Ajayi Olukonyinsola and Adetu Seni as independent non-executive directors.

The appointments form part of the proposed bank’s leadership structure subject to the applicable regulatory requirements.

The development comes amid the CBN’s efforts under Cardoso to strengthen the financial system improve market confidence and expand Nigeria’s links with global financial markets.

The banking sector recapitalisation exercise is a key part of these efforts as it seeks to ensure that banks have stronger capital bases to support lending finance businesses and withstand financial pressures.

The proposed establishment of JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited could provide another channel for Nigerian businesses and other eligible clients to access specialised financial services. Its entry would also add to the range of institutions operating in the country’s financial services market.

The apex bank said it remained committed to maintaining a sound competitive financial system that supports sustainable economic growth while deepening Nigeria’s participation in global financial markets.

Actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday has shared her philosophy on love saying she prefers to love deeply and genuinely rather than hold back for fear of heartbreak.

The film star shared her thoughts in an Instagram post reflecting on love’s meaning and impermanence.

According to her love does not have to last forever to be meaningful.

‘I want to love with my whole heart without constantly worrying about how the story will end. Not every beautiful thing is meant to last forever and not every love story needs a lifetime to be meaningful’ she wrote.

The actress chose to embrace the present and appreciate every moment of love regardless of how long it lasts.

‘If it lasts forever I’ll be grateful. If it ends tomorrow I’ll still be grateful that I got to experience it. I refuse to let the fear of losing someone rob me of the joy of loving them today’ she stated.

She added that life is too short to love halfway or suppress affection out of fear of getting hurt.

‘Life is too short to love halfway to hold back affection or to pretend we don’t care just because we’re afraid of getting hurt’ she said.

Nkechi Blessing further explained that for her the essence of love lies not in its longevity but in the beauty it brings while it lasts.

‘I want to love deeply laugh freely create beautiful memories and give genuine love while it feels right. Because to me the beauty of love isn’t just in how long it lasts but in how beautifully it makes us feel while we have it’ she noted.

Concluding her note the actress said she would rather take the risk of loving fully than live guarding her heart.

‘I would rather have loved with my whole heart and lost than spend my life protecting my heart from the very thing that makes it feel alive’ she added.

Lagos State government has called for stronger food value chains and collaboration between food-producing and food-consuming states to tackle food insecurity reduce post-harvest losses and improve food availability.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Ope George said efficient storage transportation distribution and market access were essential to building a resilient and sustainable food system.

He spoke at the bi-yearly review of the implementation of Nigeria’s Food Systems Transformation Pathways (FSTP) and validation of the draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Southwest geopolitical zone.

George said Lagos as a major centre of consumption commerce and distribution depended on food supplies from other parts of the country including northern states making regional cooperation necessary to address challenges affecting the food value chain.

He said: ‘Our collective goal must be to strengthen food value chains improve market access for producers enhance food availability and build a more resilient and sustainable national food system.’

The commissioner said the review provided an opportunity to assess implementation progress identify gaps and agree on practical measures to accelerate food systems transformation.

He added that the draft SOP would provide guidance on coordination clarify responsibilities and promote consistent implementation reporting and accountability among participating institutions.

George urged stakeholders to ensure that the document was practical inclusive and responsive to the operational needs of states and institutions responsible for its implementation.

He said the meeting should produce a clear assessment of progress and outstanding challenges a validated SOP and concrete measures to strengthen coordination and accountability.

Also speaking Nigeria’s National Food Systems Convener Okoro Ebere said the review would enable stakeholders to assess achievements at federal and state levels document implementation challenges and share lessons and good practices.

Ebere said Nigeria developed its Food Systems Transformation Pathways following the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit to improve food security nutrition livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

She said the draft SOP was designed to establish clear operational guidelines define responsibilities and strengthen coordination among stakeholders involved in implementing the pathways.

According to her the document requires contributions from states and geopolitical zones to ensure that it reflects the realities of implementation.

Ebere said food systems transformation required the participation of government institutions the private sector civil society organisations academia and development partners.

She identified climate change insecurity malnutrition post-harvest losses and rising food prices as interconnected challenges requiring coordinated action and evidence-based decisions.

She also highlighted the importance of using available data including information from the Food Systems Dashboard and State of Nutrition Dashboard to guide policy decisions.

Ebere reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s commitment to coordinating the implementation of the pathways in collaboration with relevant ministries departments and agencies state governments and other stakeholders.

The Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget Mrs Olayinka Ojo said the engagement would help stakeholders review progress exchange experiences and identify implementation gaps.

Ojo said collaboration across states and geopolitical zones was essential to building resilient food systems given Lagos’ strong food supply links with other parts of the country.

She added that food systems transformation was critical to economic growth job creation and improved livelihoods.

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu describing it as the foundation of a new Nigerian Army built on professionalism adaptability combat readiness and resilience.

The President made the remarks in the foreword to ‘The Shaibu Doctrine: Mission Command and the Remaking of Nigeria’s Army at War’ co-authored by Dr Muhammed Sani Abubakar and Associate Professor Sunday Adejoh of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Tinubu said the doctrine reflected the Armed Forces’ responsibility to secure Nigeria and create an environment in which democracy and development could thrive.

‘As Commander-in-Chief I have charged our Armed Forces with one mission: to secure Nigeria so that democracy and development can thrive’ he said.

He said the four pillars of professionalism adaptability combat readiness and resilience guided the Army’s approach to training equipment operations and leadership.

According to him the reforms marked a shift from static defence to more mobile offensive operations alongside technology adoption indigenisation of military tools improved welfare and renewed emphasis on ethics.

‘These were not abstract reforms. They were choices made in the heat of battle with lives on the line and the nation watching’ Tinubu said.

The endorsement came as the Defence Ministry and the Nigerian Navy also outlined measures to strengthen national security through economic protection financial discipline and indigenous technology.

Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.) said intensified military operations were gradually restoring stability in Nigeria’s economic corridors agricultural belts and industrial zones.

He told the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja that security was indispensable to the country’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar economy.

‘No investor commits capital where lives and assets are not safe and no economy grows beyond the reach of its security’ Musa said.

He identified five priorities: protection of strategic economic assets good governance and human capital defence financial discipline cybersecurity and financial intelligence and domestic defence industrial capacity.

Musa also announced a joint Ministry of Defence-ICAN Implementation Committee to drive training in public financial management forensic accounting financial intelligence and veterans’ welfare.

The Navy meanwhile plans to establish a research institute and research and development cells across its commands to develop indigenous technologies reduce costs and improve combat capability.

Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas stated this at the Navy’s 2026 Research and Development Seminar in Abuja themed ‘Deepening the Application of Emerging Technologies for Operational Effectiveness.’

The book examines Shaibu’s leadership philosophy particularly Mission Command troop welfare and decentralised decision-making as tools for improving operational effectiveness.

Abubakar said his professional interactions with Shaibu began when the COAS served as Brigade Commander in Bama and continued during his tenure as Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI. He said those experiences offered insights into Shaibu’s management of personnel and resources in demanding operational environments.

The philosophy is built on five pillars captured as PROSE: Professional Excellence Robust Administration Operational Readiness Strategic Cooperation and Exemplary Leadership. At its centre is a Soldier-First culture prioritising welfare morale training dignity and empowerment.

Abubakar described Mission Command as an approach based on trust initiative and the empowerment of subordinate commanders to make decisions within their areas of responsibility. Senior commanders set objectives while field commanders decide how best to achieve them based on battlefield conditions.

‘The core of Mission Command is trust’ he said adding that commanders needed authority to respond promptly to threats without waiting for multiple approvals.

He however said decentralised decision-making required adequate equipment logistics training and welfare. Abubakar identified intelligence gaps inadequate persistent air support and limited aerial surveillance as areas requiring attention. He called for greater investment in human intelligence closer Army-Air Force coordination stronger Army Aviation and long-endurance drones.

He also advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving security agencies government institutions and communities saying counter-insurgency could not be won through military action alone.

The book scheduled for presentation on November 24 2026 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja is not a biography of Shaibu but an analysis of military strategy and institutional reform.

Musa said national security should go beyond military operations and law enforcement to include protection of human capital critical infrastructure and conditions for long-term investment.

He acknowledged challenges including attacks on communities highway kidnappings and sporadic insurgent activities but said the Armed Forces were intensifying operations to reclaim vulnerable areas and protect economic activity.

He aligned the strategy with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commended ICAN for promoting fiscal discipline and transparency.

Navy seeks indigenous solutions

Abbas said criminal networks were increasingly using technology to evade detection and threaten critical national assets. He said technology-enabled surveillance had improved the Navy’s awareness of activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain and helped direct patrols to identified threats.

According to him the intelligence-led approach had enabled more efficient deployment of limited assets reduced fuel and maintenance costs and strengthened the fight against crude oil theft.

He said surveillance of offshore installations had helped create a more secure environment for oil production while emerging technologies could extend monitoring to creeks and coastal areas for pipeline protection.’

Abbas said the Navy’s dockyard and shipyard demonstrated growing capacity for indigenous shipbuilding and maintenance. He said the deployment of Marines and Special Forces in joint counter-terrorism operations had increased the need for intelligence gathering unmanned surveillance secure communications and battlefield awareness.

‘It is important to note that meaningful innovation cannot be achieved through isolated efforts. It requires purposeful collaboration with universities research institutions and indigenous industries’ he said.

Chief of Transformation and Innovation Rear Admiral Chijioke Oyenmobi said unmanned systems artificial intelligence advanced sensors and additive manufacturing were reshaping naval operations and fleet maintenance.

He said rising costs of imported platforms and spare parts coupled with long supply lead times made domestic research essential.

‘A navy that depends entirely on others for its technology cannot fully control its own readiness’ Oyenmobi said.

Former Vice-President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has demanded the immediate publication of the preliminary voters’ register warning that its reported absence from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) online portal raises concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general election.

Atiku in a post on his X handle said the reported failure to make the register available online during the announced October 9 to 15 scrutiny period had raised questions about transparency in the electoral process.

INEC had announced that more than 103 million Nigerians had registered to vote but Atiku said members of the public who visited the commission’s portal during the designated period were unable to access the register for scrutiny.

‘INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage’ he said demanding that the commission make the register available for public inspection.

The former vice-president argued that announcing the number of registered voters was not enough insisting that Nigerians must be able to verify their details identify omissions and challenge suspicious entries before the election.

He cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 which he said requires the display of the voters’ register at registration areas and online arguing that compliance should not be treated as optional.

Atiku also questioned an alleged discrepancy in statements attributed to the INEC chairman regarding the timing of the register’s public display.

According to him the chairman reportedly said on October 5 that the exercise had already been completed while the public was subsequently informed that the scrutiny period would run from October 9 to 15.

‘Which statement is true? Where was the register published?’ he asked urging INEC to provide the relevant dates links and records of public access.

The ADC presidential candidate further raised concerns about Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 which he said permits a returning officer to count a ballot paper without the commission’s official mark under specified circumstances provided the officer is satisfied that it came from a book supplied to the polling unit.

He questioned what evidence would establish the origin of such ballot papers and how electoral stakeholders could challenge claims they considered false.

Atiku called on INEC to outline enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots and urged the National Assembly to address any gaps that could leave the authenticity of votes dependent on an officer’s unsupported assurance.

He also alleged that INEC had yet to respond to inquiries about the companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.

Atiku maintained that political parties and presidential candidates had a legitimate interest in understanding the procedures and safeguards governing the election adding that transparency was essential to public confidence in the electoral process.

Addressing President Bola Tinubu he linked the demand for electoral transparency to Nigerians’ concerns about the rising cost of living and insecurity.

‘You cannot hide their names from scrutiny and then ask them to trust the election conducted with that list’ he said insisting that voters must be allowed to inspect the register challenge false entries and correct omissions.

He said the ADC and its stakeholders would challenge any denial of those rights through public advocacy and lawful means.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court heard yesterday that a former Managing Director of Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) Fidet Okhiria allegedly stole $385000 and N165.4 million from the corporation.

Witnesses of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of the former NRC boss said this before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

Okhiria faces seven charges of money laundering abuse of office and unlawful enrichment by a public official valued at $385000 and N165438000.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Abba Muhammed (SAN) the first prosecution witness Abasiama Idiong a compliance officer with Access Bank told the court that the bank received requests from the EFCC between October 2025 and January 2026 for account statements and account-opening documents belonging to some customers including Okhiria and Ndubusi Vincent.

Idiong said he retrieved the requested records from the relevant branches printed them and submitted them to his superiors for approval before forwarding them to the commission.

He also confirmed the account numbers names of account holders and authorised signatories.

Documents including certified account statements a certificate of identification and correspondence between the bank and the EFCC were admitted in evidence as exhibits.

The second prosecution witness Clement Mgbolu a compliance officer with Zenith Bank told the court that the bank received EFCC investigation requests in June September and October 2025 for customers’ account statements and account-opening documents.

Mgbolu said he generated and verified the requested records and prepared a certificate of compliance and a forwarding letter which his superiors approved before they were submitted to the EFCC.

When the defence counsel Adebowale Kamoru cross-examined the first prosecution witness he restated that the account numbers investigated belonged to Okhiria and that the transactions were made from them.

The second witness Clement also confirmed that the narrations that accompanied the transaction were made from the bank account statements under investigation.

The court adjourned till October 30 and November 6 for continuation of the trial.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia will on tomorrow receive a Golden Ambassador Award at the 50th anniversary Colloquium and Award Day of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) and Ladies’ Auxiliary in Nigeria.

The ceremony is one of the major events lined up to commemorate 50 years of KSJI in Nigeria which is expected to attract dignitaries from various walks of life.

The event will take place at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria Durumi Abuja.

Speaking ahead of the event the Supreme Subordinate President of KSJI Nigeria Sir Chuks Amamgbo expressed gratitude to God for the milestone noting that the anniversary provides an opportunity for reflection and national engagement.

‘We are grateful to God for the opportunity to celebrate this landmark. And use the opportunity to appreciate those who had supported us and those who believe in our ideals and the principles upon which we stand.’ he said.

Amamgbo said: ‘We are appreciative of our founding fathers for the wisdom and courage in bringing the Order of Knights of St. John International to Nigeria. We intend to also use this opportunity to remember appreciate and recognise those who have been part of our success story and Rev Fr Alia happens to be part of it.’

According to the Supreme Subordinate Ladies’ Auxiliary President Lady Nonye Okafor Alia a friend of KSJI will be among the prominent Nigerians who will be honoured during the Golden Jubilee celebration.

Others include Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide Prof Obiora Okonkwo of United Airlines and Prof Epiphany Azinge the 14th Asagba of Asaba His Grace Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja.

In his congratulatory message Rev Fr Alia appreciated KSJI for the honour of bestowing him with the Golden Jubilee Ambassador Award.

According to him ‘I am particularly humbled and deeply honoured by the conferment of the prestigious Golden Jubilee Ambassador Award which I receive with profound gratitude. This recognition further strengthens my commitment to the service of God and humanity’.

KSJI is a fraternal organization charged with the defense of the Christian faith as presented by the Catholic Church under the supervision of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria(CBCN). They have been in existence in Nigeria since 1976.

The Federal Government said the Kaduna-Zaria-Kano standard gauge railway project is 90 per cent complete.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation Engr. Funso Adebiyi disclosed this during an inspection tour of the project.

Adebiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work described the rail alignment embankment protection drainage stone-pitching and soil stabilisation works as excellent.

He said: ‘I want to confess that the quality of work is second to none. The rail alignment apparently is excellent. When you look through the window you see a sharp elevation change some as high as six metres which tells you the volume of earthwork that is done. The embankment protection work is also great.’

Adebiyi explained that elevation differences of up to six metres or more along some sections underscore the need for proper soil stabilisation compaction and embankment protection to ensure the railway’s safety and durability.

He however identified outstanding land acquisition and compensation claims within Kaduna metropolis as the major obstacle delaying completion of the remaining link between Jaji and the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor.

He assured affected stakeholders that the government is addressing the issue and that it will receive immediate attention.

Adebiyi while stating that President Bola Tinubu is committed to completing the project expressed optimism that passengers would soon travel uninterruptedly by train from Abuja through Kaduna and Zaria to Kano.

Providing further details Adebiyi said the inspected section covered approximately 145 kilometres of the broader 200-kilometre Kaduna-Kano route with only about 10 kilometres of work remaining on the stretch.

He also said the railway sections from Kano through Kazaure and Daura to Katsina are targeted for completion by December with work continuing around the clock to meet the deadline.

The Director Rail Transport Services in the Ministry Engr. Habiba Buhari said the inspection was intended to assess the technical quality of the infrastructure ahead of finalisation and test runs.

She also said that the team examined track geometry alignment drainage facilities concrete works and other components relevant to passengers’ safety and comfort.

‘We are here to check the geometry the alignment drainage facilities and quality of concrete works which we have been doing. We just want to finalise and test-run’ she said.

Engr. Buhari added that the exercise also gave them an opportunity to engage stakeholders as the project neared completion.