Headlines
Amaechi accuses CCECC of playing politics with Kano-Kaduna rail project
Nasiru Yusuf
The Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has accused the contractor handling the Kaduna-Kano rail project of playing politics with the construction work.
KANO FOCUS reports that Amaechi made the accusation on Saturday in Kano during the inspection tour of the rail project and the Dala inland dry port.
The Minister while describing the pace of work as ‘extremely low’, said the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) needs to focus on the project.
He also accused the contractor of not having adequate equipment on ground to execute the project.
Amaechi, while admitting that inadequate funding was one of the challenges affecting the pace of work, noted that it was stated in the contract that the contractor should also source for funds.
Amaechi said: “Going by the pace of work, I think CCECC is beginning to play politics. They should move away from politics and focus on construction and I think they need to complete the Kaduna-kano rail. I will not say more than this until I meet with them on Wednesday.
“The speed is extremely slow, equipment is supposed to be over 2000 and all they have brought so far is 541.
“They claimed that over 300 is in Kaduna, people have gone to check that. Even if you add that together, it will be about 800 equipment, 800 as compared to 2000 that they are supposed to bring is nothing and it means something is wrong somewhere.”
On the fund, he said: “I know they will claim we have not funded them but part of their responsibility in the contract is to look for the money and CCECC has not brought money.
“The Chinese are no longer giving us money for more than three years to four years now. So, they cannot afford to delay it because it is their responsibility to look for the money. That is what the Chinese must do.
“I will only address the press and the country when I finish meeting with them on Wednesday, I will tell them my mind and if there is no difference, I will tell the country what is going on.”
On whether quality won’t be compromised while trying to meet up with the deadline, Amaechi said: “Quality is not our problem as TEAM is there to ensure that. Our problem is speed.”
Speaking on when Dala inland dry port would be declared port of origin and destination, the Managing Director of the port, Ahmed Rabiu said: “It is feasible to commence operation at the Dala Inland dry port within the next couple of weeks.
“Access road we have been guaranteed would be completed within a week, and other facilities will be completed soon. The stocking area has been
“We assure you that on 31st March, this place will be ready and it will just wait for the minister to do the last bit which is to declare it as a port of origin and destination because all thr equipment is ready.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
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Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
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