Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured that President Bola Tinubu is determined to see the Kano-Kaduna-Abuja road completed in a record time.

KANO FOCUS reports that the 38km Kaduna-Abuja section of the road is estimated at the cost of N126, 562,444,943.93 billion.

Minister of Works, David Umahi set a target of 14 months for completion of the project.

The duo spoke when they visited the Kaduna end of the section.

David Umahi and Mohammed Idris

The Ministers were accompanied by the Special Assistant, Media to the President, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz and other senior management staff of the ministry of works.

Idris said the visit was to demonstrate government’s determination to end the politics relating to the road project because of its importance to the region.

He said: “The President is very determined to ensure this road from Abuja to Kano is completed in record time and if you listen to the minister he say it is for that reason and other reasons that there’s disagreement with Julius Berger that has said that it will still take them another three years to construct this road.

“This is not acceptable to government and the President say he cannot accept that. This road has to be completed in a time that is half of the duration that Julius Berger has proposed and that is why it is going to happen God’s willing within 14 months and that is why it was also broken into three segments for ease of construction.

” Nigerians, especially those who are applying this road are eager to see the completion of this road.”

He stressed that “delay of any kind would not be acceptable.”

He also commended the National Assembly for giving necessary support.

Kano-Kaduna-Abuja road

He was hopeful that with the cooperation of all stakeholders, “there will be no issues, and within 14 months we’re going to have brand new road flying from Abuja to Kano.

“Politics should be kept aside, there’s determination to complete this road and we’ll come back here. This is not a one-off thing, we’ll come here periodically with the honourable minister,” he stressed.

Umahi said he would be presenting a memo for approval for the re-award of the project to another firm at the next Federal Executive Council meeting.

He said the ministry has already received a “no objection from the Bureau for Public Procurement.”

He also explained the termination of the contract initially awarded to Julius Berger.

Umahi disclosed that the Julius Berger contract was terminated after a series of negotiations spanning over 12 months.

He said there was disagreement with the cost and also project duration.

Julius Berger, according to the Minister, was quoting a higher sum of over one trillion naira and a three year completion period.

He said: “As it stands, the project has been irrevocably terminated following due process and open for tendering to allow other contractors to bid.”

He said the ministry also invited Julius Berger to partake in the new bid with five other firms but the company failed to submit its bid.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

The federal government has said that it does not require the approval of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II for the economic reforms introduced under the President Tinubu Administration.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this in a statement issued Thursday in response to Emir Sanusi’s recent remarks at a public event in Lagos regarding the administration’s economic reforms.

Sanusi had made the statement on Wednesday while speaking as the chairman at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Chief Gani Fawehinmi held in Lagos.

“I’ve chosen not to speak about the economy and the reforms or to even explain anything because if I explain, it would help this government, and I don’t want to help the government,” he said, adding, “They’re my friends. If they don’t behave like friends, I don’t behave like a friend. So, I watch them being stewed. They don’t even have people with credibility who can come and explain what they’re doing, but I’m not going to help.”

Reacting to the Emir’s remarks, Idris in the statement said: “We note the Emir’s acknowledgment of the noble initiatives which, he said, he could explain away but for his decision “not to help the government”.

“First, we acknowledge that Sanusi, and indeed any Nigerian, has the inalienable right to express an opinion either in the form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being run. However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism”.

The minister added that the administration had implemented transformative reforms not because they were easy, but because they were essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as Emir Sanusi had consistently advocated.

He said the country is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges, adding the temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, were a “necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management” more than anything else.

He insists the reforms are already delivering measurable progress, saying the unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

The minister also said the removal of the fuel subsidy had freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

According to Idris, projections from respected institutions, including the World Bank, show an upward trajectory in Nigeria’s GDP, signaling that the economy is firmly on the path to recovery, while by addressing inefficiencies, the country has reduced its debt service-to-revenue ratio, creating a more sustainable fiscal framework for future generations.

He explained: “It is deeply disappointing that reforms widely recognised as essential by global experts—including by Emir Sanusi II himself—are now being subtly condemned by him because of a shift in loyalty. His Highness, given his background in economics, has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress because he feels estranged from his “friends” in government.

” We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritize the greater good of Nigerians.”

The administration said it requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders to rebuild the country while it urges esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

He said all leaders owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria, noting at a critical time for the country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s mission is to lead Nigeria towards economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The challenges we face demand courage and collective effort, not divisive narratives. This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else.

“Let history record this moment as a turning point—when leaders and citizens alike, choose to prioritize the nation’s destiny over personal gain. Together, we will deliver on the promise of renewed hope and a better Nigeria for all”.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Following the recent declaration of a State of Emergency on Education, the Kano State Government has inaugurated a 14-member committee to review existing policies in its education sector.

KANO FOCUS reports that this initiative follows the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, highlighting the government’s commitment to reform.

The State Commissioner of Education, Dr Ali Haruna Makoda, represented the State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, at the inauguration ceremony held at the Kano Educational Resource Department Conference Hall.

According to the Ministry of Education’s Director of Enlightenment, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the committee’s terms of reference include evaluating and aligning existing policies with the state’s cultural and religious values. The committee will also assess the feasibility of policy implementation and recommend measures to strengthen the education system.

Kiru identified four key policies under review: the Kano State Girls’ Education Policy, the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Policy, the Non-State School Policy, and the Teacher Development Policy.

Dr Makoda stressed the importance of the committee and urged its members to utilise their expertise in producing actionable recommendations within the three-week timeframe.

Chaired by Malam Abdullahi Muhammad Dutse, the committee includes prominent scholars, government officials, representatives from civil society organisations, and the Emirate Council.

Other members are former vice chancellor of National Open University (NOUN):Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu, Executive Chairman, Zakka and Hubsi Commission Habibu Dan Almajiri, former permanent secretary in the state ministry of education Alhaji Danlami Garba, Kano State Commissioner for Women, Children, and Disabled Affairs Amina Abdullahi (HOD), Tijjani Muhammad Naniya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Emirate Council and kabiru Sani Hanga.

Prof. Abdallah Uba Adamu, receiving appointment letter from Dr Ali Haruna Makoda

The remaining are Malam Munzali M. Mustapha, Prof. Auwal Halliru Arzai, Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Bashir Aliyu Umar, Chief Imam of Alfurqan Jumma’at Mosque, a representative of the Emirate Council, a representative of Civil Society Organizations, Nura Ja’afar Kura and Ibrahim Bawa, Director of Archives and Publication (Secretary of the Committee).

Dr Makoda, who gave the committee three weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report, enjoined them to use their vast experience to come up with recommendations that would enhance the quality of education in the state.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Muhd Dutse, assured that they were resolved to work as a team to justify the confidence reposed in them.