News

‘Concrete Has Come To Stay’ – FG Issues Fresh Directives On Road Construction

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the use of concrete technology in road construction had come to stay.

He also directed the contractors working on federal roads, especially in the South-East region, to prioritize the completion of carriageways first before working on the spurs (side roads) to ensure speedy project completion.

Umahi gave the order while inspecting the ongoing construction work at the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States by MTN Nigeria Communication Plc.

Other projects inspected include: the rehabilitation of Old Enug-Onitsha Road, among others in the South-East.
These were in a statement by the Director (Information) Press & Public Relations Unit, of the Ministry, Lere-Adams Blessing, in Abuja, on Thursday.

She said the minister also ordered that the remaining portion of the roads still under construction be done using concrete pavement as he noticed that some of the road shoulders are already cracking because the quality of bitumen in use is of low quality and adulterated.

The Director quoted Umahi as saying, “I will allow the portions already laid with asphalt but the failing road shoulder should be replaced with concrete carriage.

“I know what I am saying; the quality of bitumen in this country is low and adulterated.

“We will not give up the fight till we get to the level where after construction, the road stays for 30 to 50 years before we talk of maintenance.”

Concrete tech

He maintained that the use of concrete technology in road construction is cheaper, safer and reduces the longer time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after the project completion, and that with the use of concrete pavement, no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable.

“It is safer doing it on concrete and cheaper. I believe strongly that when a project is so expensive it keeps the contractor a longer time on site because he will keep delaying to get all his payment, meanwhile there is no money to pay him so he keeps staying on site doing nothing.

The Minister subsequently directed all contractors that have left their site because of payment to quickly and immediately move back to site or he will terminate the contract.

He noted that the monies released already to the contractors from what he was told is suppose `to complete the carriageways before requesting for additional money.

He said: “I am optimistic that the money available will complete the work. Come with your bill of quantity so we review it and give you proper directive.

“Move back to site immediately to continue your work within seven days or I terminate the contract. You cannot say we are owing you and because of that you stop work.”

Umahi promised the contractors that funds would be made available as long as they played their part in ensuring project delivery in line with agreements reached.

He added that he will be meeting with the funding partners and the one being financed through appropriation, all will be given attention.

According to him, “You said there is no money to complete the project. It is my duty to chase the debt, it is yours to go back to site. I guarantee that the money will be paid.

“I will meet with the financers and we will do what we are suppose to do.”

The Minister demanded that the Director, Highways, South-East, Engr. Bede Obioha, bring up the entire project for review to see how they will put ideas together to ensure that all the outstanding projects be completed and be open for usage.

While briefing the Minister and his team, the Operations Manager, Niger Cat Construction Company Ltd. Engr. Fadi Mosaad, commended the Minister for his directives on the use of concrete pavement saying it’s going to help considering the soil texture and the terrain of the zone.

The projects visited were rehabilitation of old Enugu–Port Harcourt Road (Agbogugu–Abia Border spur to Mmaku, Rehabilitation of Oji–Achi – Mmaku – Awgu – Ndeabgor Road section 1 in Enugu State);

Construction of Ugwueme – Nenwenta – Mkwe – Ezere – Awunta – Obeagu – Mgbidi Nmaku Road in Enugu State; construction of Enugu – Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States; the rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra).

In a related development, the minister said the battle to enforce the use of concrete technology will continue because the present administration wants Nigerians to get value for money.

He made the pronouncement in a chart with reporters during his inspection tour of the rehabilitation of outstanding section of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme – Contract no 7629 on September 6, 2023.

News

NAFDAC Raises The Alarm Over Fake Milk In Circulation

Published

11 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control on Friday raised the alarm over the presence of counterfeit Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet milk circulating in Nigeria.

The alert posted on the agency’s website stated that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, which is the marketing authorisation jolder and manufacturer of Cowbell “Our Milk” informed the agency about the existence of a product bearing a close resemblance to the genuine Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet Milk.

“This includes unauthorised use of the brand name, packaging design, NAFDAC registration number, and trademark.

“The MAH has confirmed that these products are neither manufactured or distributed by them as the counterfeit packaging design was last used for production by the company in September 2023,” NAFDAC noted.

Differentiating, it said the genuine cowbell milk is creamy, the packaging material used is the revised PNG artwork “Our Creamy Goodness”, the printing of the batch details is done with laser printing, the coding is done on the coding area on the sachet, and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides are automated.

It said the content of the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet milk does not seem like milk, the packaging material used is the old PNG artwork “Our Milk”, the printing of the batch details was done with ink instead of laser printing, the coding was not done on the coding area but on a different part of the sachet, and the sealing and cutting on the vertical sides were manually done.

It added, “The use or consumption of counterfeit Cowbell ‘Our Milk’ Milk presents serious health and safety risks.

“Such products may contain harmful substances, including toxic chemicals, unapproved additives, or diluted ingredients that do not meet food safety standards.

“Consumption of counterfeit milk can result in foodborne illnesses, allergic reactions, organ damage, or even death in severe cases. Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.”

The agency urged all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators to conduct surveillance and mop up the counterfeit Cowbell 12g sachet Milk products within their zones and states.

“Distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to prevent the distribution, sale, and use of the counterfeit milk product.

“All food products must be obtained from authorised/licensed manufacturers/suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

“Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of sale of substandard and counterfeit food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng

“Similarly, healthcare professionals and patients are also encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of counterfeited food products to the nearest NAFDAC office, or through the use of the E-reporting platforms available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via e-mail on pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng,” it said.

News

Orphaned Nigerian TikToker ‘Geh Geh’ Goes Viral, Rakes In $30,000 From One Live Session

Published

12 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

A young Nigerian known as “Geh Geh” has captured the hearts of thousands online after his TikTok live session on Thursday drew an astonishing 177,000 viewers and reportedly earned him gifts worth over $30,000.

The social media personality, who refers to his online platform as the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has been making waves with his unconventional approach to advising men on relationships and finances.

In a video he posted after the live session, Geh Geh said, “More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today.

“Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”

News

Daredevil Boko Haram Leader, Bakura Neutralized In Niger

Published

16 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

A notorious leader of the Boko Haram insurgents, Ibrahim Mahamadu, popularly known as Bakura, has been killed in the Lake Chad Basin, the Niger Army said on Thursday.

The Army, in a statement, tagged the terrorist a “feared leader” of the group, stating that he was targeted by a fighter jet early on August 15.

“Very early in the morning of August 15, an Air Force fighter aircraft launched three targeted and successive strikes on the positions Bakura used to occupy in Shilawa,” it added.

The statement also revealed that the Boko Haram leader, who was said to be about 40 years old, was originally from Nigeria.

He reportedly joined the terrorist group more than 13 years ago and took over leadership after Abubakar Shekau.

DAILY POST reports that Shekau, a former leader of Boko Haram, died during jihadist infighting in May 2021