.Tinubu swears in seven new ministers today
The Federal Government has approved N18 billion to compensate property owners and individuals impacted by the ongoing 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal road.
Barring last-minute changes, President Bola Tinubu will swear in seven new ministers today, marking a significant development in his administration’s restructuring efforts.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the compensation, yesterday, in Lagos during the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works and the Federal Ministry of Works stakeholders’ engagement on the project to address grey areas in the construction process.
He stressed that the amount was increased from N8 billion to N18 billion by Tinubu to mitigate the impact on the citizens and to demonstrate his commitment to the successful completion of the project.
The minister stressed that the final payment of the compensation would be made within 10 days, while the names and photographs of the recipients would be published.
He urged all stakeholders to support the project because of its overall economic benefit to the country.
Umahi, who advised all aggrieved parties to shun taking laws into their own hands, urged them to approach the court for adjudication of the grey areas.
He added that the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the coastal highway would take care of all concerns.
Also, Umahi said the President directed immediate repair of roads across the country.
He urged governors in various states to go on with the construction of road infrastructure across their states.
The Chairmen of works committees at the National Assembly led by Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Peter Nwebonyi, and Chairman, House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu and the ministry for the stakeholders’ meeting which addressed the alignment issues.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Dr Yakubu Kofarmata, said Tinubu meant well for the country by approving the construction of the highway, knowing it would bring about development.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed on his verified X handle, yesterday, that the new ministers, who were cleared by the Senate last week, would, after their inauguration, assume critical roles in various sectors under the Tinubu-led administration.
Those to be inaugurated include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi as Minister of Labour and Employment, and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata as Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, and Dr Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State for Education.
