The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the state executive council, retaining only the position of Chief of Staff, which will now be held by Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Atagher, an experienced administrator and former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, effective immediately, at the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.

Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced that the dissolution affects only the commissioners.

Governor Alia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their two years of service, encouraging those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a valuable learning process.

The former commissioners have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Deputy Controller-General (DCG) Olumode Samuel Adeyemi as the new Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), effective August 14, 2025.

The announcement was made in a statement by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), signed by its secretary, Abdulmalik Jibrin.

“This appointment comes ahead of the imminent retirement of the current Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola, on August 1, 2025, as he reaches the age of sixty.

“DCG Olumode Samuel Adeyemi brings a wealth of experience to this new role. He transferred from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service to the Federal Fire Service and has progressed to the rank of Deputy Controller-General of Fire in the Human Resource Directorate at the Service Headquarters.

Throughout his career, Adeyemi has successfully completed all mandatory in-service training, participated in command courses, and attended various courses both within Nigeria and abroad.

He has served in numerous capacities and is a member and fellow of several professional associations, including the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria, the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management of Nigeria.

The Board also extends its appreciation to the retiring Controller-General, Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji Olola, for his remarkable contributions to the development of the Federal Fire Service, acknowledging his dedication, commitment, and the numerous initiatives he spearheaded during his tenure,” the statement added.