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Don’t Politicize Security, It Will Be Defeated under President Tinubu, Says Umahi

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The Federal Government on Thursday, June 4, 2026 officially flagged off the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualization Project, with the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, expressing confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges will be overcome under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the ceremony in Gombe State, Umahi described the project as another demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and national unity, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the transformation of the state.

This was made known by Francis Nwaze , FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works Media.

“I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria,” Umahi said.

“Just a few hours ago, you took us around, but what we saw, we are honestly very, very proud of what you have achieved in this state. We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you, and we thank you because you’re a true Nigerian.”

Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had expanded the scope of the Gombe-Biu section following requests from the state government and assured residents that construction activities would begin almost immediately.

“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway.”

According to him, the Gombe-Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri.

He explained that the section was awarded to construction giant HITECH after a rigorous procurement process.

“There were five other companies that contested with HITECH, and HITECH won it.”

The Minister also addressed the nation’s security challenges, expressing confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained government action.

“Security should not be politicized. It should not be weaponized. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching, and God is going to pay back.

“If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person.

“So we stand with the President, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace.”

He noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated leadership in stabilizing key sectors of the economy and would also succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country.

“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilize the boat in so many directions.”

“The macroeconomy is stabilized, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty.”

The Minister described President Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects that had remained unrealized for decades.

“I was shocked when the Governor traced back the history of this project, how past governments attempted it, but it remained a dot in a circle.”

“But the man that God has sent to solve the impossibilities, and that’s why I’m confident that this security issue will be solved by him.”

He cited the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Maiduguri Corridor as examples of long-conceived projects now being actualized under President Tinubu’s administration.

“The Sokoto-Badagry project was dreamt about fifty years ago by the Shagari administration. Who actualized it? President Bola Tinubu.”

“The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was dreamt by himself about twenty-eight years ago. Who is actualizing it? President Bola Tinubu.”

“This one also goes back decades. Who is bringing it to fruition? The same President Bola Tinubu.”

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, in his remarks, described the project as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of Gombe State and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for making it a reality.

“The joy and excitement on the faces of our people speak for themselves. Across the state, people are celebrating because this project has come at a very important time in our history,” the Governor said.

He noted that the project aligns with the state’s livestock and agricultural industrial zone initiative and would serve as a major catalyst for economic growth.

“The livestock and agricultural zone will connect directly to the Super Highway, linking economic activities to critical infrastructure and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment.”

Governor Yahaya assured the Federal Government, contractors and stakeholders of the state’s full support throughout the execution of the project.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State, I assure you that the security of your personnel, equipment, and machinery is guaranteed throughout the duration of the project.”

Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to the highest international standards.

“We will execute this project to the highest international standards, as I have previously assured Your Excellencies. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery.”

He also pledged to create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people.

“We are also committed to creating employment opportunities and empowering as many people as possible from the host communities, particularly the youth.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell H. Onyesoh, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and called on Nigerians to support the administration.

“We know we’ll be coming here often considering the so many federal projects here. And I want to appeal to all of you to support Mr. President. He’s doing very wonderfully for the nation.”

“Forget about induced insecurity that people are trying to bring to destabilize the country, but God will not allow it to work.”

Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, praised the partnership between the Executive and Legislature in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country.

He commended HITECH Construction Company for its quality of work, timely delivery of projects and positive relationship with host communities, describing the company as a strong partner in Nigeria’s development.

“As legislators, we oversee appropriations and project funding. From what we have seen on the ground, the company has delivered work that shows commitment and value.”

The traditional ruler of Yamaltu Emirate, The Mai Tangle and Chairman of the Gombe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba III expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works and all stakeholders involved in the project. He also pledged the full support of his people toward the successful execution of the highway.

A significant portion of the road within Gombe State passes through the Yamaltu Emirate, and the monarch assured contractors of a peaceful and conducive environment throughout the construction period.

Dignitaries at the flag-off ceremony included Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Senator Ede Dafinone; Senator Anthony Yaro; Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye; Hon. Ajilosoro; Hon. Inuwa Garba; Hon. Alex; SSA-President Community Development (North East); SSA to President Community Development (SouthEast), Barr. Chioma Nweze, traditional rulers; government officials; representatives of HITECH Construction Company; and other stakeholders from across the country.

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Anambra approves three-month tax waiver for business owners

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The Anambra State Government has approved a three-month tax waiver for business owners under its newly introduced Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration and Tax Regularisation Scheme (VAIDS), from 6 July to 5 September.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Awka.

Mr Mefor said the scheme offers a one-time opportunity for taxpayers to resolve their tax issues without incurring full penalties for non-compliance.

He said the decision was reached by the state tax authority, led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Ikeazor Okonkwo.

He urged businesses and other organisations that have not paid taxes or fees, and those who have not registered as taxable persons, to take advantage of the three-month window to register and pay their taxes.

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Mr Mefor also urged other registered taxpayers with additional income, assets or liabilities to disclose them.

He said those who failed to fully declare taxable income and assets, or who underpaid or under-remitted taxes or levies, would face the full weight of the law.

He added that those currently under tax audit, investigation, or involved in a tax dispute with the AIRS, and who had been issued Best of Judgement (BOJ) assessments but failed to respond within the statutory time limit, would not be exempted from prosecution.

READ ALSO: Mother hails Anambra free maternity scheme after delivering triplets

The commissioner said eligible taxpayers who make full and honest disclosure would enjoy a 100 per cent waiver of penalties and accrued interest, as well as immunity from prosecution.

He urged those with undeclared income or assets, and taxpayers, business owners, and companies that had defaulted in the declaration of assets and tax payments, to regularise with the tax offices or visit the VAIDS portal.

Mr Mefor warned that the AIRS would commence full enforcement against defaulting taxpayers at the expiration of the tax waiver by 5 September.

(NAN)


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Nigeria tops Africa in 2026 Global Responsible AI Index, climbs 42 places worldwide – Technology Times

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Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s highest-ranked country in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI), climbing 42 places in two years to underscore the country’s growing ambition to become a continental leader in artificial intelligence (AI) governance, digital skills development and responsible AI adoption.

The latest edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI, published by the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG), ranks Nigeria 38th globally with an overall score of 45.93, making it the highest-performing African country ahead of Egypt.

The result marks a dramatic improvement from the inaugural 2024 edition, when Nigeria ranked 80th globally with a score of 7.21, reflecting significant progress in the country’s AI policy, governance and institutional capacity.

For Nigeria, the latest ranking signals growing international recognition of efforts to build a responsible AI ecosystem and positions the country not only as a consumer of AI technologies but also as an emerging contributor to global AI governance.

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Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is seen in the photo. Nigeria ranks first in Africa and 38th globally in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, reflecting major gains in AI governance, skills and policy.

The latest edition of the Global Index on Responsible AI, published by the Global Center on AI Governance (GCG), ranks Nigeria 38th globally with an overall score of 45.93, making it the highest-performing African country ahead of Egypt. The result marks a dramatic improvement from the inaugural 2024 edition, when Nigeria ranked 80th globally with a score of 7.21, reflecting significant progress in the country’s AI policy, governance and institutional capacity.

Index measures responsible AI governance across 135 countries

The GIRAI is regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive evidence-based assessments of responsible AI governance.

The 2026 edition evaluates 135 countries and jurisdictions using more than 68,000 data points across five pillars:

The index also assesses government policies, public-sector initiatives and civil society efforts aimed at ensuring AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

Nigeria recognised as global AI ‘Bright Spot’

Beyond its overall ranking, the report identifies Nigeria as a global “Bright Spot” for combining AI skills development with safeguards designed to protect children and other vulnerable groups from the risks associated with emerging technologies.

According to the report, Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy places strong emphasis on expanding AI literacy across all stakeholder groups while promoting a comprehensive national AI skills development programme that includes teacher training and broad-based capacity building.

Commenting on the ranking, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described the recognition as validation of Nigeria’s deliberate strategy to build an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible and aligned with national development priorities.

“We believe that Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally. Our focus remains on creating the infrastructure, talent and policy environment that will enable AI to deliver real value for our people,” Tijani said.

Government initiatives drive AI progress

Nigeria’s improved standing reflects the Federal Government’s efforts to establish governance frameworks for emerging technologies through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy while expanding digital infrastructure and AI capacity-building initiatives.

Among the initiatives highlighted in the report are:

  • The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, which provides AI and machine learning training through a hybrid learning model designed to reach young Nigerians nationwide.

  • The Nigeria Data Protection Act, which establishes legal safeguards for personal data.

  • The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which provides the country’s roadmap for AI development and governance.

The report also commended Nigeria’s regulatory framework for children’s data protection, citing both the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 for strengthening safeguards around children’s personal data and restricting decisions based solely on automated processing.

Global AI governance gains momentum

The latest recognition builds on Nigeria’s broader efforts to position itself as a leading AI policy player in Africa through investments in AI infrastructure, research, talent development, responsible governance and international collaboration.

The 2026 GIRAI was released in Geneva alongside the AI for Good Summit and the inaugural UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, where governments, technology companies and international organisations examined frameworks for ensuring AI is developed safely, ethically and inclusively.

The release comes amid growing international attention on balancing rapid AI innovation with effective governance.

Speaking at the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned that AI is advancing faster than regulatory frameworks and called for stronger global safeguards, particularly to protect children, while urging governments to establish governance systems capable of keeping pace with technological change.

Nigeria has also recorded gains in other international AI benchmarks. Earlier this year, the country climbed 31 places in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, rising from 103rd to 72nd globally, reflecting continued improvements in AI policy readiness, institutional capacity and digital governance.

The latest GIRAI ranking reinforces Nigeria’s growing profile as one of Africa’s leading voices on responsible AI, highlighting the country’s increasing influence in shaping policies that support the safe, inclusive and ethical development of artificial intelligence.

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