Good Morning. Here’s a recap of top trending news stories this morning.
1. The Federal Government has assured that the construction of 50,000 Renewed Hope Housing Units, initiated under phase one, will be completed within three months. Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, gave this assurance during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 250-Housing Unit Renewed Hope Estate in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.
2. Governor Umo Eno is set to commission phase 1 of the State Government Mass Housing Estate, named Grace Estate, on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Situated in Ibiono Ibom and Ikono Local Government Areas, within the Uyo Capital City, the estate covers 40.7 hectares and features 236 expandable semi-detached two-bedroom flats. The fully fenced and gated community includes 3.1 km of internal concrete roads, 2.5 km of drainage, as well as electricity and water supply.
3. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, reported that the ministry has received approximately 8,925 expressions of interest for the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities housing scheme. He disclosed this at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, detailing that these interests include 1,294 for outright purchase, 2,408 for mortgages, 2,184 for rent-to-own, and 3,039 for installment payments.
4. The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has called on federal, state, and local governments to support indigenous construction companies. This move aims to boost the local economy, showcase Nigerian expertise globally, and enhance local content. Surv. Daudu Andrew, the chairman of NIS Kaduna State Council, made this appeal in Kaduna.
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5. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, announced that the federal government has allocated N260 billion to revitalize Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) nationwide. Pate stated that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive, and the funding is accessible at the state levels through International Development Association (IDA) financing and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
6. The Federal High Court in Lagos has issued an interim forfeiture order for $4,719,054, N830,875,611, and several properties associated with former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the order on Thursday after an ex-parte application was submitted by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lawyers Bilkisu Buhari and C.C. Chineye.
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7. No fewer than 200 officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria were relieved of their duties on Friday, contributing to the ongoing wave of disengagements at the apex bank. This follows the dismissal of 117 staff members between March 15 and April 11, 2024. The terminations affect directors, deputy directors, assistant directors, principal managers, senior managers, and lower-ranking staff.
8. Professor of Civil Engineering John Wasiu has attributed frequent building collapses to structural defects, substandard materials, unqualified professionals, and non-compliance with building laws. He expressed concern that existing building codes, designed to guide builders, have become ineffective. Wasiu also called for stricter sanctions against violators to curb this “worrisome trend.”
9. The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to review Dana Air Limited’s training program and standard operating procedures. The bureau emphasized that the review should focus on incorporating Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Threat and Error Management (TEM) as essential tools for managing abnormal or emergency operations.
10. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) conducted an investigation into price hikes of foodstuffs at Musa Lawal market in Bauchi state. Vice Chairman Adamu Abdullahi revealed findings of alleged conspiracy, price gouging, hoarding, and other unfair practices within the food chain and distribution sector during a market survey.