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FG Threatens To Revoke MTN’s N202bn Enugu-Onitsha Road Contract

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The Federal Ministry of Works has issued a stern warning to telecommunications giant MTN over delays in the N202 billion Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project. The Ministry demanded that MTN commits to paying contractors at least ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months or face termination of the contract.

The project is being executed under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme and handled by RCC Ltd.

The warning came after a high-level meeting in Abuja, chaired by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, and attended by members of the Anambra and Enugu Caucus of the 10th National Assembly, along with representatives of MTN.

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READ ALSO: JUST IN: MTN Shuts Offices Nationwide

A statement issued by Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, read in part:

“The Federal Ministry of Works will write to MTN demanding an irrevocable commitment to pay contractors a minimum of ₦15 billion monthly for the next 10 months to fast-track the completion of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. Failure to comply will result in the termination process being initiated.”

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The Ministry expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and financial delays, which have reportedly caused a cost escalation of over 100%.

Further resolutions included: Engaging three contractors to complete the 79 km section of the road within the initial ₦202 billion contract sum.

Awarding the remaining 72 km to other contractors through due process, with MTN and RCC eligible to bid.

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READ ALSO: MTN Disconnects 4.2 Million Lines Not Linked To NIN

The Ministry noted that MTN’s handling of the project did not align with the Tax Credit Executive Order. Officials warned that continued delays could increase the project cost by over 200%, which is unacceptable to the Federal Government.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including:

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MTN Representatives:

Ikechukwu Uchendu, General Manager

Ifeoma Nkata, Manager of Federal Affairs

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Engr. Chris Okoye, Community Liaison

Onioha Dike and Tochuckwu Onuorah, Project Managers

C.J. Caleb, Legal Adviser

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Ministry Officials:

Engr. C. A. Ogbuagu, Director of Highways Construction and Rehabilitation

Engr. B. U. Obioha, Director of Highways Bridge and Design

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Engr. M. Saidu, Acting Director of Highways Road and Design

The ultimatum underscores the Federal Government’s renewed resolve to complete critical infrastructure projects and hold stakeholders accountable for delays.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

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The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

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READ ALSO:Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

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“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

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Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

READ ALSO:I’ve Been Blacklisted In Music Industry For 13 Years – Seun Kuti

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

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Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

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Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

READ ALSO:My Beef With Wizkid Is For Life – Seun Kuti

By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

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Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

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READ ALSO:South Africa To Investigate ‘Mystery’ Of Planeload Of Palestinians

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

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When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

READ ALSO:South African Ambassador Found Dead Outside Paris Hotel

We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

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DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

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