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10 Years After, Senate Investigates N2.4trn Abandoned Centenary City Project
The Senate has commenced investigation into the mystery behind the abandonment of the $18 billion dollars, about N2.4 trillion Abuja Centenary City project.
The project, which has a life span of 10-15 years completion, driven by public and private partnership, was launched by President Goodluck Jonathan to mark the 100th anniversary of Nigeria on 1 January, 2014.
The Centenary City was to model global smart cities like Dubai, Monaco and Singapore.
But the Senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the mystery behind the abandonment of the project 10 years after flg off.
The Senate resolution followed the adoption of a motion at the plenary on Tuesday.
The motion titled ” Urgent need to revive and complete the stalled Centenary City Project Abuja to realise its economic and development potential” was sponsored by Yisa, Oyelola (APC- Kwara South)
Mr Oyelola in his lead debate said the Abuja centenary economic city project commenced in 2014 through a public-private partnership to develop a modern city in the mould of Dubai.
He said the project was earlier designed to commemorate the 100 years of Nigeria’s amalgamation celebration.
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According to him, the original vision for the project was for it to serve as a potential economic hub with plans to create over 150,000 construction jobs.
Mr Oyelola said the project was also designed to create 250,000 permanent well-paying Jobs, residential accommodation for over 200, 000 residents, and facilities to attract over 500,000 daily visitors.
He said the original estimated investment for the project stood at $18.5 billion as of 2014.
According to him, the centenary city was also designated as a free trade zone under the regulatory oversight of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), without prejudice to other statutory agencies like the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja Investment Company (AIC) and Abuja Infrastructure Investment Centre (AIIC).
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He expressed concern that the project has been stalled for almost 10 years since its commencement.
He expressed worry that the project had recorded developmental estimates of less than seven per cent of road construction and other critical infrastructure.
This, he said was contained in the independent investigation assessment of Nov. 2023.
The Kwara senator said the report fell drastically short of expectations of the original vision of the project’s conception.
He said reviving and completing the project would have great benefits for Nigeria, including job creation, and increasing Nigeria’s profile as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, tourism and overall national development.
Isa Jubril,(APC-Kogi) in his contribution said that there was a need for the federal government, through the Federal Ministry of Finance to look out for investment bankers to take over the completion of the project.
Ali Ndume (APC-Borno) said it would be cheering news and a good report if the senate could facilitate the completion of the project, given the several uncompleted estates in the FCT.
The Senate in its further resolution specifically tasked the committee to review the original public-private partnership agreement and recommend amendments if necessary.
This, it said was to facilitate smooth and expeditious completion of the project within the defined timeframe.
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It also urged the federal government to prioritise the revival of the Abuja centenary city project by providing appropriate support and resolving regulatory issues.
It urged the government to address any other impediments, given its beneficial potential to the economy and people of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ad hoc committee has the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jubrin as chairman.
Other members of the committee include Solomon Adeola, Titus Zam, and Aminu Tambuwal, among others.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged the committee to turn in a report of the investigation in four weeks.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested businessman Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on Tuesday morning.
E-Money, who is the CEO of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was arrested in Lagos State for alleged abuse of the naira.
He is being held at the EFCC facility in Lagos, according to sources who confirmed his arrest to ELANZANEWS on Tuesday.
According to the source, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both Naira and US dollars at a party in Lagos in violation of Nigeria’s currency laws.
The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.
The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.
“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.
“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.
Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.
“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.
“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.
Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.
He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.
NAN
It was an evening of glamour, prestige, and fine living as the crème de la crème of society gathered for the Falcon Aero Jet Night, hosted in collaboration with Glenfiddich Grand Cru. The event, which took place amidst an atmosphere of refined luxury, marked the announcement of a major partnership: Glenfiddich Grand Cru is now the official in-flight spirit and drinks partner for Viva Jets, catering to both local and intercontinental long-haul flights.
The gathering attracted industry heavyweights, top executives, and celebrated Nigerian celebrities, all of whom came out in full support of the union between the two premium brands. Guests and business leaders at the event expressed strong optimism that the partnership would set new standards for luxury travel and sophisticated experiences, aligning with the shared values of excellence and class that both brands embody.
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Eddie Madaki, the Glenfiddich Grand Cru representative, emphasized that the collaboration with Viva Jets is a testament to the brand’s commitment to offering memorable, world-class experiences. “This partnership with Aero Jet will continue to create unforgettable memories for our patrons. Glenfiddich Grand Cru stands for elegance, tradition, and innovation, and we are excited to bring this spirit of excellence to the skies,” he said.
A representative from Aero Jet also shared insights into their vision for the collaboration, highlighting the importance of selecting Glenfiddich Grand Cru as their official in-flight partner. According to the representative, the choice was driven by Glenfiddich’s reputation for quality and luxury, which perfectly complements the bespoke flying experience Aero Jet is renowned for providing to its discerning clientele.
Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a unique expression from the Glenfiddich distillery, renowned globally for its pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. Aged for 23 years and finished in rare French cuvée casks, Glenfiddich Grand Cru fuses the finest flavours from Scotland and France, delivering an extraordinary drinking experience designed to celebrate life’s most special moments. This latest partnership further cements Glenfiddich’s standing as a beacon of luxury and sophistication.
The Falcon Aero Jet Night was not just a celebration of a new venture, but a true testament to the power of vision, craftsmanship, and shared values, ushering in a new era of premium experiences in aviation and luxury lifestyle.