Economy
Kaduna-Kano rail line project will employ 20,000- Ameachi
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Ameachi, has said that 20,000 workers would be employed to work on railway stations along Kaduna-Kano modern railway.
Ameachi stated this on Thursday in Kano at the ground breaking ceremony of Kano-Kaduna railway line.
He said that the project would improve socio-economic activities within the corridor when completed.
“This is a directive given by Mr President who said to me that I should make sure that we create employments.
“I am happy to inform you that we are going to employ not less than 20,000 workers,” he said.
He said that the project covers 203 kilometres double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna.
The minister said the rail line traversed Kaduna, Zaria and Kano cities, with three railway stations both for passengers and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano, with varying capacities and categories.
He explained that the project, which was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company, would be completed within 18 months.
According to him, the rail line would be provided with accessories and special installations including water supply, power, signalling systems and communication in GSM-R, freight yards, rolling stocks depots and maintenance workshops.
“The ministry will continue to work assiduously in line with Mr President’s directives, to implement all the corridors within the Nigerian Railway Modernisation project and aggressively expand the railway network,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, Gov. Simon Lalong, said that all northern governors would continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari to move the country forward.
“We are proud to be in Kano for the ground breaking ceremony. All governors are with you and will continue to support Mr President to leave a legacy.
“We prayed to God to continue to give you wisdom and strength to do what will benefit the country,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, commended the President for the development projects his administration executed in Kano state and the country at large.
He said he would follow the footsteps of the president in reflecting such efforts for the development of the state.
Ganduje said that the government did much on ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
According to him, that was why Kano was one of most peaceful States in the federation.
He called on the contractor to ensure quality job and complete it within the timeframe.
Reports said that dignitaries at the occasion include Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, Ministers of Agriculture, Communication and Digital Economy, Police Affairs, Defence as well as Environment.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, other Emirs from within and outside the state, as well as diplomats also attended the event.
By Sodiq Adelakun
Inflation in Nigeria continued to rise for the twelfth consecutive month in December, with the headline inflation rate reaching 28.92%, up from 28.20% in November.
The National Bureau of Statistics released its consumer price index report on Monday, revealing the ongoing impact of inflation on the country’s economy.
More details to come…
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has announced the first reading of a bill aimed at regulating private schools and tertiary institutions in the state.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” was introduced during the House proceedings on Monday in Lafia.
In addition to this bill, the House also passed two executive bills that focus on promoting education and skills training in the state.
The bills, if passed into law, are expected to enhance the quality of education and boost skills training across Nasarawa State.
Three bills have successfully passed their first reading in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The first bill, titled “A Bill For a Law to Establish the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, and other Matters Connected Therewith,” aims to establish a vocati onal and technology institute in Lafia, the state capital. This institute will provide valuable skills training and education to the youth of the region.
The second bill, named “A Bill for A Law to Amend College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and Matters Connected Thereof,” seeks to amend the existing law governing the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Lafia.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance the college’s operations and ensure it remains at the forefront of agricultural and technological advancements.Lastly, the third bill, titled “the Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” focuses on regulating the establishment and operation of private educational institutions in the state.
This bill aims to ensure that these institutions meet certain standards of quality and provide a conducive learning environment for students.
“The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, announced that the second reading of the bill for the establishment of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, and other related matters will take place on October 2.
The second reading of the bill to amend the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and matters connected thereof, will be scheduled for October 3.
These bills demonstrate the commitment of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to improving the educational sector and providing opportunities for skills development in the state.
“I will slate Oct. 3, for the second reading of A Bill for A Law to Amend College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and Matters Connected Thereof.
“I will also slate Oct. 4 for the second reading of A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” he said.
Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Omadefu, the Majority Leader of the House, moved motions for the bills to scale first readings.
The Minority Leader of the House, Mr Luka Zhekaba, seconded the motion.
The House unanimously passed the bills into first readings.
The Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf has said the current inflationary pressures might ease by December this year.
Yusuf disclosed this on Sunday in his Half Year Review of 2023.
His review comes amid the effect of fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Consequently, the prices of goods and services sharply increased.
The National Bureau of Statistics said Nigeria’s inflation is 22.41 per cent. Nigerians have continued to lament the hike in the prices of goods and services.
Meanwhile, Yusuf said that the effect of fuel subsidy removal and forex reforms would be in the short term.
According to him, the challenges would gradually reduce before the year ends.
Meanwhile, Yusuf said the CBN should implement a sustainable intervention framework to moderate the volatility in the forex market.
“Inflationary pressure is expected to ease before the end of the year.
“It would pave the way for an equilibrium exchange rate which would be more tolerable and sustainable”, he stated.
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