The Enugu State Government and WANDE NEXUS, an Austrian company, have formalized a $100 million Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) deal to enhance water infrastructure in Enugu City.

The agreement, signed on Monday at the Government House in Enugu, aims to implement the Sustainable Last Mile Connectivity and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project, which will improve water service delivery and ensure equitable access to clean water for all households.

Governor Peter Mbah, speaking at the ceremony in the presence of Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Thomas Schlesinger, described the partnership as an excellent example of collaboration between sub-national and national governments.

He emphasized that the investment will address critical challenges in Enugu’s water system, particularly the downstream connections, which will now be connected to homes through the expansion of the water network.

Governor Mbah highlighted that the $100 million investment will directly improve the downstream sector of Enugu’s water supply and create lasting solutions to the problem of water access in the city.

“We have made significant strides in increasing water production, from just 2 million liters to 120 million liters per day. With this partnership, we aim to expand production capacity to 200 million liters per day,” he added.

He further explained that while the state government would continue to oversee the upstream sector, this new investment would focus on modernizing the network, including the procurement of meters and connectivity to households.

Mbah expressed confidence that the FDI would help bridge the gap in water access and improve the city’s infrastructure.

Ambassador Schlesinger commended the Governor for his commitment to transforming Enugu’s water sector and fostering international relations that attracted this major investment.

He also praised the leadership of Governor Mbah and the strong ties with Austria, noting that the $100 million investment was a testament to Mbah’s vision for Enugu’s future.

Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, Chairman of WANDE NEXUS, also expressed confidence in the project, citing the conducive investment environment in Enugu and the state’s improving ease of doing business.

He committed to delivering the project as planned, creating 500 direct jobs, and improving the health and economic prospects of the state.

Ugbor’s leadership, backed by over 20 years of experience in international organizations, was praised for his role in the project.

The Kano State House of Assembly has voted to reject the tax reform bills currently being reviewed by the National Assembly.

The decision was made during a plenary session on Monday, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Ismail Jibrin Falgore.

Lawan Husseini, the Majority Leader and representative of Dala Constituency, introduced a motion calling for northern lawmakers and the conference of speakers to prevent the passage of the bills.

He argued that the proposed reforms would not be beneficial to the northern region, accusing them of being part of a “deliberate plan to harm the economy” and exacerbate hardship in the north.

Husseini raised concerns about the proposed VAT allocation, suggesting that states like Lagos, home to many major corporations, would receive the largest share, further disadvantaging northern states that are already struggling with economic challenges like low revenue and rising poverty.

Supporting the motion, Salisu Mohammed of Doguwa Constituency urged the Senate to focus on pressing issues such as insecurity and unemployment, rather than rushing the tax reform.

Murtala Kadage from Garko Constituency also emphasized the need for unity among northern lawmakers to prevent the bill’s passage.

Following extensive discussion, the House called on northern members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and the conference of speakers to act decisively to stop the bill.

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday swore in three judges who were previously overlooked by former Governor Godwin Obaseki in May 2024.

In his address during the ceremony in Benin City, Okpebholo explained that the swearing-in of the three judges was part of his commitment made during his inauguration.

He said that despite the National Judicial Council’s recommendation of eight candidates for the position, only five were appointed under the previous administration, leaving out three individuals who had been fully cleared by the NJC.

“Today, I have the privilege of righting this wrong,” Okpebholo stated, emphasizing that no one should be excluded or discriminated against for personal reasons or lack of political backing.

The new judges sworn in include Ojo Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

Justice Osa, who spoke on behalf of the others, expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged to serve impartially, ensuring justice is delivered without bias.

In addition to the judicial appointments, Okpebholo also announced the reinstatement of the lecturers from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were dismissed by the former administration in March 2023.

These lecturers, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), had been sacked by the Special Intervention Team (SIT) set up by Obaseki’s government, following their demand for unpaid salaries and other entitlements.

The governor, through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, confirmed that the sacked lecturers would be reinstated immediately.

The statement affirmed the governor’s belief in justice, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law.

The ASUU Chairman at Ambrose Alli University, Cyril Onogbosele, welcomed the reinstatement, calling it a just and positive development.

He highlighted that the decision had been a long-standing demand, with promises made by the former governor in March 2023 that had not been fulfilled.

Seriake Dickson, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, has assured that the National Assembly will pass the controversial tax reform bills, despite opposition from various groups.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Dickson emphasized that the bills would be approved just as the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed, adding that there would be no catastrophic consequences when the tax bills are ultimately enacted into law.

The tax reform bills were transmitted to the National Assembly by President Tinubu on October 3, 2024.

The bills, which aim to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal institutions, align with the President’s broader development goals for the country.

However, they have faced significant backlash from various stakeholders, including state governors, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and lawmakers.

While the Senate has already passed the bills for a second reading, the House of Representatives has yet to act on them.

Dickson, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, dismissed concerns that the planned public hearing on the bills could lead to chaos without adequate consultations.

He urged critics of the bills to attend the hearings and present evidence-based arguments if they have concerns about any specific provisions of the proposed legislation.

Dickson also pointed out that, similar to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the tax reform bills would pass without any adverse effects.

He recalled how lawmakers reduced the proposed 10% in the PIA to 3% and yet, “heaven did not fall.” He also highlighted the need to review the current tax-sharing formula, which he noted benefits other states, like Lagos, at the expense of Bayelsa.

Dickson stressed that the new tax laws present an opportunity to correct such imbalances and ensure that taxes from goods and services consumed within a state are returned to that state.

While acknowledging concerns from states worried about a reduced share of revenues under the new formula, Dickson emphasized that the process should be guided by facts and national interest rather than emotional sentiments.