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Bickering Threatens N156Bn Abuja World Trade Centre

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FCT Administration is partnering with the Churchgate Group to build one of the gigantic structures in Africa – the World Trade Centre”
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Trade dispute between the construction workers and contractors handling the N156 billion Abuja World Trade Centre project, Messrs Churchgate Group may jeopardize its scheduled completion date, even as the later has shut down on-going construction works.

The 37-story complex which was expected to be handed-over complete before end of 2013 is at present just over 50 percent being at 22nd floor.

But Thursday, matters got to head-on when Messrs Churchgate locked out all low skill workers, otherwise called artisans over wage row.

Some of the workers seen locked out by the contractors told journalists they have been unfairly treated.

“I started work here more than a year ago and from foundation to the 22nd floor we have reached on one of the blocks, they keep paying us N2, 500 daily. We demanded for increased payment and they stopped paying altogether,” a worker who pleaded anonymity told journalists.

But there were also notices pasted outside of the gate by the management of the construction company advising workers who wish to continue to report at its office to collect backlog of salary.

Another notice said the construction site is shutdown due to on-going ‘reorganisation’ process.

“They also put signboards at the gate to inform us about a re-organisation and instructing us to go and collect the arrears of our salaries at Churchgate; that is why we are here. We have also tried to see the management representatives, but nobody is willing to talk to us. They merely sent somebody called `Bola’ to pay us.”

Meantime, armed security operatives ensured that the premises were kept sealed and nobody is allowed in to speak with any management staff. 

The workers also insinuate that construction management which is outsourced to Churchgate had been poorly handled.

The Churchgate Group is represented by First Continental Properties Ltd as management consultants to the project.

The Abuja World Trade Centre is planned to be a discerning edifice expected to have only 132 residences with lavish layouts ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms, duplexes, as well as several alluring penthouses, a landmark internationally-branded hotel and top-rate office accommodation.

Some of facilities designed for the complex are basement parking lots, swimming pools and other world class recreational facilities.

Sitting on 6.102 hectares of land in the Abuja Central Business District, the project was flagged off in the Q3 2011.
 
 


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NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

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The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.

According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.

The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.

It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.

“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.

The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”


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NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.

Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.

He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.

Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.

“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”

He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.

Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.

He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.

“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.


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CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

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Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.

In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.

Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.

He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.

He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.

In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.

Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.

CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.

Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.

The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.

 


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