Connect with us

News

Owners of Kuyan Tainna Layout in Kano Allege Taking Over of Their Lands by Federal Government for Railway Without Compensation

Published

on

Members of the association assessing their lands

The Association of Kuyan Tainna layout owners has decried the takeover of their lands, which they bought years ago, for railway construction without prior consultation with them or their legal representatives.

The chairman of the association, MIKAIL Kuyanta Inna, made this statement today in Kano while addressing the owners on the possible course of action and to inform whoever is involved to desist or face legal action.

Parts of the layout

Parts of the layout

The chairman mentioned that since last year, they have been hearing rumors that the Federal Government is taking over their lands for railway construction without consulting them. Thousands of owners were unaware of the issue until this week when they observed some people digging on their lands for the erection of a standard gauge railway line.

RegenFARM UK Launches Regenerative Agriculture Landscape Design Tool in Nigeria

Some victims of the alleged land seizure, including Rukayya Yau, stated that her land is among the areas where contractors have commenced digging. They learned about the issue over the radio and subsequently, there was a meeting announced to discuss the way forward.

#

MIKAIL, the chairman of the association, emphasized that if not addressed promptly, the issue could escalate, as thousands of affected landowners have their lands valued from 2.5 million to 3 million and above. The Federal government appears unyielding on the matter.
He added that the contractors have not engaged with anyone since they assessed the site last year.

MIKAIL expressed dismay that the contractors stated they would not compensate anyone who did not develop their land, which he deemed unfortunate.

Kuyan Ta Inna

Kuyan Ta Inna

They appeal to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to intervene and resolve the situation.

The association also informed journalists that they are prepared to pursue their rights through legal means if necessary.

The affected layouts include Kuyan Tainna 338 A and B.

Kuyanta Inna is a residential layout established by the Kano state government around 2013 and 2015 in Kumbotso local government area under the former Governor of Kano state, Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. It was later owned by private individuals, with 70 to 80 percent already developed as residential areas.

The previous federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari decided to construct a railway, affecting the residential area of Kuyan Tainna, with no plans for compensating the owners.

News

Nigeria, other African countries committed to energy transition amid global push for net-zero emissions – Veheijen

Published

on

 

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for hydrocarbon investments to address energy poverty, emphasizing that Africa is not a net contributor to global emissions.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, made this statement on Tuesday in Houston Texas, United States during a session at CERAWeek by S&P Global, themed “Policy and People: Pathways to a Just Transition.”

The session, chaired by Vera Blei, Head of Market Report & Trading Solutions at S&P Global, featured key speakers including Scott Tinker, CEO of Tinker Energy Association, and Sunita Narain, Director-General of the Centre for Science and Environment.

Africa’s Role in Global Emissions
Nigeria, along with other African and middle-income countries, continues to advocate for a just energy transition amid the global push for net-zero emissions. Under its “Decade of Gas” initiative, the Nigerian government has adopted natural gas as a transition fuel to support economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.

Verheijen highlighted that Africa and other low-income countries contribute only about 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, in contrast to China and the United States, which account for approximately 30% and 13% of global CO₂ emissions, respectively.
Together, both countries are responsible for nearly 40% of global emissions.

Creating an Attractive Investment Environment, Verheijen emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a stable investment climate and addressing climate-related risks through clear and transparent policies.

“In Nigeria, we are ensuring that we create an enabling environment for investments. On climate change, we recognize the importance of risk perception in our markets and are committed to transparent policies that stand the test of time, enabling the deployment of capital,” she stated.

She also underscored the need for greater regional integration to attract capital and enhance market efficiency.

“We need to strengthen economic integration across African nations to create a larger, more attractive market for investment. By pooling resources, integrating markets, and leveraging collaboration across the continent and regional blocs, we can drive sustainable development,” she added.

Data-Driven Policy for Sustainable Growth
Verheijen stressed the importance of better data collection and analysis in Africa to support informed decision-making and policy development.

“Even if Africa experiences exponential economic growth and reaches middle-income status, the continent will still not be a major contributor to global emissions. The bulk of emission reductions will have to come from developed nations, which must diversify their energy sources and invest heavily in carbon removal and reduction technologies,” she explained.

She further noted that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that developing economies can utilize their natural resources to drive prosperity, while also adopting climate solutions that enhance adaptability and sustainability.

Through strategic investments and policy reforms, Nigeria and the broader African continent aim to bridge energy poverty, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable global energy transition.

#
Continue Reading

News

KSIP Staff Raise Concerns Over Non-Implementation of N71,000 Minimum Wage, Seeks Kano Government Intervention

Published

on

 

 

Employees of Kano State Investment and Properties (KSIP) have raised concerns over the non-implementation of the newly approved N71,000 minimum wage in their salaries.

The Kano State Executive Council, led by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, approved the wage increase, scheduled to take effect from November 2024. However, KSIP workers are yet to receive the revised salary, despite the growing economic pressures caused by inflation.

*Allegations Against the Managing Director*

Reports indicate that KSIP’s Managing Director, Auwalu Muktari Bichi, has already adjusted his own salary in line with the state government’s new policy, while the same adjustment has not been extended to other employees.

A source within KSIP questioned the Managing Director’s decision, stating:
“How can he claim the budget has not been approved, yet he increased his own salary? This is unfair to the workforce.”

Employees argue that, as a corporate entity operating a five-day workweek with professional standards, they are entitled to the salary increment approved by the governor.

*Calls for Investigation Amid Staff Complaints*

Discontent among KSIP employees has fueled calls for a thorough investigation into the administration of Auwalu Muktari Bichi. Allegations against him include frequent threats of dismissal against staff over minor issues not classified as violations under the company’s Conditions of Service.

There are also claims that he has involved family members in the company’s operations, a situation reportedly well-known within KSIP. The Kanawa Taxi Association controversy, already under investigation by the state’s anti-graft agency, has been cited as another instance of alleged misconduct.

One concerned staff member urged the authorities to intervene, stating:
“The state anti-graft agency and the supervising ministry must investigate these claims to prevent abuse of power. Ignoring these issues could undermine public trust in the administration.”

*Government’s Stance on the Minimum Wage*

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had previously received a report from the State Minimum Wage Committee, which was tasked with reviewing and recommending salary adjustments. However, no official update has been provided on the implementation process.

A similar delay was previously experienced by workers at the Kano State Water Board, who also faced uncertainties regarding their wage increase.

*Managing Director Responds to Allegations*

Speaking to some Journalists, KSIP Managing Director Auwalu Muktari Bichi confirmed that he had adjusted his own salary in compliance with state government policy.

Justifying his decision, he stated:
“Political appointees have a different status from regular staff. I directed the Finance and Accounts Department to implement my adjustment accordingly.”

Despite his explanation, KSIP employees are urging the state government to intervene and ensure that all staff members benefit from the approved wage policy, as stipulated by the Kano State Executive Council.

#
Continue Reading

News

Kano To Strengthen Collaboration With Online Media

Published

on

 

Kano State Commissioner of to Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with online media organizations in the state.

This assurance was given during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Association of Online Media Organizations, as part of the ongoing engagements with key players in the information sector.

Comrade Waiya emphasized the critical role of online media in modern information dissemination, noting that digital platforms deliver news in real-time, ensuring immediate updates on breaking events that reach a global audience.

He stated that the government recognizes the importance of the online media sector and will collaborate with them to effectively communicate its policies and programmes.

#

“As key stakeholders in the information ecosystem, your role is invaluable. The government will ensure that you are actively involved in its activities, including capacity-building initiatives and training programmes to enhance professionalism in the field,” the Commissioner said.

While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, Waiya urged online media practitioners to uphold ethical journalism by respecting individual rights and promoting professionalism.

He also encouraged unity among members of the Association to strengthen their impact on public information dissemination.

In a statement signed by
Sani Abba Yola
Director, Special Duties Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal AffairsIn their separate remarks, members of the Association of Online Media Organizations commended the Commissioner for recognizing their contributions to public enlightenment. They, however, appealed for government support, particularly in securing retainership arrangements to improve their financial sustainability and providing regular training for new and existing members.

 

Continue Reading

Trending