Wed 08 May 2013 The Guardian Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper

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TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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Reps want probe of Kuku, Asari-Dokubo From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Terhemba Daka, Adamu Abuh (Abuja), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and John Ogiji (Minna) RESH outrage yesterday trailed alleged inflammatory statements by Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Kings-

• Aliyu seeks arrest, CNPP, Tofa condemn ex-militant • Senate to annul Abacha’s law ley Kuku, and former militant leader, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo. Kuku and Asari-Dokubo al-

legedly said that there would be a crisis in the country if President Goodluck Jonathan

is denied re-election in 2015. Condemning the stand of the duo yesterday, the House of

Representatives urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar, to investigate them. The parliament’s resolution came following the adoption of a motion introduced by a member, Ali Sani Madaki (PDP,

Nigeria hits all-time high 1.5b cubic feet gas production – Page 4

Kano), on the urgent need to check the utterances of some Nigerians capable of causing disaffection among people in the country. Specifically, the statements were in connection with the 2015 presidential elections. While in the United States (U.S.), Kuku reportedly deCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

NEWS

Govt arraigns four over bombing of Abuja UN office From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja BOUT two years after the A suicide bombing attack on the Headquarters of the United Nations (UN) in Abuja, the Federal Government yesterday arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, four persons for alleged complicity in the bombings. The suspects – Mr. Salisu Mohammed, Inusa Mukailu, Danzumi Haruna and Abdulsalami Adamu – were slammed count-charge, four with wherein they allegedly agreed amongs themselves and with others still at large, on or about August 20, 2011, to do an illegal act which resulted in the death of 23 persons, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 (a) of the Penal Code Law. They were also alleged to have knowingly assisted and facilitated the activities of persons

engaged in an act of terrorism and thereby committed a offence. punishable At the trial, the prosecutor, Mrs. I. Ideva, a Chief State Counsel, applied that the charges be read to the suspected terrorists but the suspects claimed that they do not understand English Language. One of the court’s interpreters had to be invited to interpret proceedings to the

suspects in Hausa language before their pleas were taken. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the entire counts of the charge. The bomb explosion, which caused massive devastation to the building’s lower floors, also destroyed offices of 26 humanitarian and development agencies of the UN, which are there. housed More than 73 persons, including members of staff of

Two feared dead in collapsed building By Odita Sunday WO persons were feared T dead yesterday in Lagos when a three-storey building at 24, Kabiru Street, OjoduBerger, Lagos, said to be under collapsed. construction, One body had been recovered

at press time while five persons were said to be still trapped in rubbles. the The Guardiangathered that the trapped victims are construction workers at the building church. a by owned The Public Relations Officer of the National Emergency Man-

Gunmen kill two relatives of Dickson’s aide From Willie Etim, Yenagoa N a wave of renewed vioIcoastal lence, gunmen in the community of Kuroamagbene in the Southern Ijaw Local Council of Bayelsa State yesterday killed two persons identified as relatives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Dr. Godswill Ziriki.

the UN, visitors and members of staff of private businesses operating from the building received serious injuries while scores of others lost their lives. In September 2011, Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) pointed accusing fingers to one Mr. Astrid Mantuk as the mastermind of the attack and offered a huge sum of money as reward to anyone with useful information that will lead to arrest. his

The latest killing is coming three days after the killing of eight persons at Lorbia community in the same Southern Ijaw area of the state. The incident happened in the early hours of yesterday. Sources confirmed to The Guardian that the victims met their untimely death when alongside other youths in the community

they tried to scare away some intruders suspected to be pirates from stealing a speedboat at the community waterfront. It was learnt that the victims and other community youths were at a wake some distance away from the waterfront when they noticed an unusual movement around the speed-boat.

agement Agency (NEMA), South-West Zone, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said one body was recovered. He added: “The emergency team moved in immediately when information filtered in about the collapsed building. We gathered that five persons were trapped in the building and already our search tap located one body, which we have recovered. “The search tap also located three other persons at a different location and we are working assiduously to rescue them; so we are going to work overnight. “We just got a voice under the rubbles and rescue operation is ongoing to get him out without jeopardising others who are also buried underground with him. He confirmed that five of them were trapped together.”

Aliyu seeks arrest, CNPP, Tofa condemn ex-militant CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 clared that there would be chaos in the country if President Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015. Asari-Dokubo on his own part said at the weekend that Nigeria should get ready for war if Jonathan is not reelected for a second term. While condemning the statements, the chamber mandated its Committee on Public Safety and National Security to liaise with the IGP and report back to it any development on the issue. Madaki had, while presenting the motion, expressed regret that “while Nigerians are fervently praying for peace in Nigeria, some Nigerians are already out sowing a seed of discord among people.” The lawmaker warned that if such inflammatory statements as the ones credited to Kuku and Asari-Dokubo were not checked, they were “capable of creating disunity and disaffection among the good people of Nigeria.” Reacting to the matter, Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu called on the security agencies in the country to arrest AsariDokubo without delay. While receiving members of the House of Representatives Committee on Education led by Aminu Sule who paid him a courtesy call at

the Government House, Minna yesterday, Aliyu described the statement credited to Asari-Dokubo as “unfortunate and inciting”, saying “by now, the security agencies should have arrested him for treason.” While urging politicians in the country to advise their supporters to mind their utterances, Aliyu said there were some statements that were capable of fanning embers of disunity in the country. “You don’t win election by frightening people and even if you win, the victory will be pyrrhic. We should bring discipline to our politics, we should be a nation of rules,” he said. He also urged the National Assembly to check the excesses of some individuals who might cause disaffection in the polity through their utterances. “I have never seen in any country where somebody will stand up to say that if you don’t elect that person there will be war. I have never heard that, the security agencies should have arrested that man because that is what we call treason in reality,” he said. According to him, the National Assembly has the right to invite anybody to come and explain what he has said on a particular matter and that is the only way disci-

Our error Supplement on Page 65 of Monday, May 6, 2013 ediIandNtionour titled, “Special Focus on Manufacturers of Quality Cable Wire in Nigeria”, we wrongly referred to Mr. Ifeanyi Uzodike, President, Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CAMAN) as Dr. (Engr.) Ifeanyi Uzodike. The error is regretted

pline can be brought into the country. Also, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday described as “dangerous to democracy” the statement credited to Asari-Dokubo. Urging the President to call Asari-Dokubo to order as a matter of urgent national interest, the CNPP said the statement could endanger the national security, subvert and endanger democracy. The statement signed by CNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu, said: “ We are making this call in the interest of our dear country, our fledgling democracy and President Jonathan himself. “For we are yet to locate how President Jonathan can secure the kind of votes he secured in 2011 elections; if people like Alhaji AsariDokubo are allowed to stridently hit the dangerous ethnic drum of war? “ It continued: “Is Alhaji AsariDokubo aware that there are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities who root for his brother? Or how can the votes of only Ijaw ethnic nationality in a multiethnic nationality of ours make anybody a president?” CNPP said that AsariDokubo and his “ethnic jingoist cohorts” must be reminded that in all liberal democracies, the core ingredient of election is referendum on the candidates, adding that 2015 presidential shall be a referendum on President Jonathan’s performance. Erstwhile presidential candidate of the defunct Nation-

al Republican Party (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Tofa, also condemned Asari-Dokubo’s position. Meanwhile, an Executive bill seeking to annul the act establishing the National Economic Intelligence Committee, which was enacted during the late Gen. Sani Abacha’s regime, yesterday scaled second reading. The decision to repeal the Act, lawmakers stated, was a right step in the right direction towards the rationalisation policy of the existing administration. The bill, which was first read in September 2012, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba. In the lead debate, the lawmaker maintained that the Act had outlived its usefulness and such, should be expunged from the status book. The committee was established by the late Abacha to analyse yearly budgets and extract all economic measures requiring enforcement. It was aimed at working out details on the method of implementing yearly budgets. Other functions of the Act then included the analysis of monetary guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and monitoring of implementation of all measures enumerated therein, monitoring and identifying factors inhibiting the realisation of set revenue targets such as tax evasion as well as enforcing the implementation of existing tax legislations. It also functioned to recommend increase or decrease in price of manufactured goods as well as monitor the supply and demand of foreign exchange.

NEWS | 3

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

News Govt may introduce charges on new roads From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja O recoup its ‘investments’ in the road sector, the Federal Government may introduce user related charges particularly for new highways being constructed in different parts of the country, Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen has said. He added that paucity of funds pushed government to explore the new option. And faced with the huge incidences of road traffic fatalities, government officials are putting together an effective framework for addressing road failure phenomenon in Nigeria. Onolememen disclosed this at a national conference on road pavement failure in Nigeria, organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and held in Abuja

• To tackle highways failure

yesterday. He stressed that for Nigeria to be among the top 20 economies of the world in terms of development and growth by the year 2020, critical road infrastructures were essential. “Our road infrastructure needs to grow from 200, 000 kilometres to about 300, 000 kilometres in the next five years. Most of the new alignments will serve as feeder roads to mine

fields, agricultural centres industries, and other major theatres of economic activities around the country. The provision of these roads will no doubt be capital intensive. But due to the dearth of funds, government is considering intensifying its policy on publicprivate sector partnership (PPP) options in the construction of these roads. “In addition, my ministry is seriously considering

evolving effective and sustainable strategies for recouping any investment in the road sector through user related charges.” Also speaking at the conference, the Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa, stressed that Nigerian roads were overstretched in relation to its designed capacity. Noting that many roads undergo failures, he stressed how the situation is compounded when

roads are not maintained or suffer delayed maintenance due to paucity of funds. He added: “Incidentally, there are other related issues which include the nature of the soil and terrain on which the road is founded; the challenge of ensuring quality control in the maintenance of roads which has linked to the design and construction of roads, among others. The net effects of these are manifold.”

Imo workers begin strike over pay, others From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri MO State workers yesterday began an indefinite strike to press home their demands for regular salaries and improved working conditions. Chairman of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Colman Okwara and Secretary, Roland Adebayo, had on Monday issued a statement directing workers in the state to commence indefinite strike until directed otherwise. When The Guardian visited some offices, including the State Secretariat along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, the gates were under lock and key and no worker was seen around.

Northern group lauds CAN over justice From Saxone Akhaine, Northern Bureau Chief GROUP, Christian Elders of Northern States (NORCEF) yesterday expressed its support and loyalty to the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for fighting injustices and oppression in the region. Besides, the body said it would honour the CAN’s President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejiafor for continually identifying with the Church in the North. The Chairman of the Forum, Matthew Owojiaye said at a press conference in Kaduna, that the Christian elders in the North have decided to confer on the CAN president the award of “True Servant of God” for his courage and steadfastness. Owojiaye pointed out that despite intimidation from all corners, the CAN president had continued to identify with the Church and the North through his relentless war against injustice and oppression.

Kwara gets new police chief From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin WO months after the murT der of Kwara State Police Commissioner, Chinwezu Asadu, the Police authorities yesterday announced Agboola Oshodi Glover as his successor. According to the Kwara Command spokesman, Olufemi Fabode yesterday in Ilorin, Oshodi’s assumption of office is “ with immediate effect.” Until his recent posting, the new Police boss was the Commissioner of Police, Cooperative, Abuja.

Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu (middle) declaring open the Nigerian Pavillion at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, USA … yesterday.

Jonathan charges African leaders on development • Tasks surveyors on insecurity, flooding From Mohammed Abubakar, Windhoek (Namibia) and Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday charged African leaders to brace up to tackling economic development of the continent by making it their priority. He believed that Africans after successfully fighting for the political independence of the continent, their next priority was how to consolidate the independence by ensuring that the continent remained self-reliant. Meanwhile, President Jonathan has said that effective deployment of surveying and mapping as well as efficient acquisition and management of geo-spatial data would help address insecurity, flooding and contemporary challenges presently facing the country. The President, who made the call while addressing the South African parliament as part of the activities marking his state visit to the country,

noted in Cape Town that having successfully liberated the continent from colonialism, racism and apartheid, African leaders must now give the fullest possible attention to the economic emancipation of their countries. He called on his colleagues across the continent to make building strong economies

and strengthening democratic governance their topmost priority. His visit also coincides with the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF), today in Johannesburg where the President is also expected to address the Forum. He is expected to follow it up with a visit to Namibia, on Thursday. His words: “On the 25th of this month, Africa will be cele-

brating the golden jubilee of the Organisation of African Unity, (OAU) now the African Union. As we take stock of the achievements of our continental organisation, it is also appropriate that we reflect and decide where our continent should be in the next 50 years. “That destination has to be a democratic and united Africa that is at peace with itself and

can compete with the rest of the world”, the President declared. Noting that Africa has emerged as the new frontier for trade and investment in the world, Jonathan said that African leaders must rise to the challenge of managing the new opportunities presented by this situation for the benefit of their peoples and countries.

Court orders police to pay Ugolor N5m over Oyerinde • Oshiomhole extols ex-aide’s virtues From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City PHOLDING an earlier verdict, the Court of Appeal in Benin City has given a 60day ultimatum for the Police to pay the N5 million damages awarded against it by a Benin High Court over the detention of Executive Director, African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) Rev David Ugolor. Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole on

Monday said he brought Oyerinde who hailed from Osun State along with him to Edo State because, aside the late aide’s brilliance and selflessness; he wanted somebody to constantly remind him of the ideas that propelled him into pro-people struggle. Ugolor was accused of complicity in the murder of Principal Private Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Olatain Oyerinde May 4 last year.

He was in prison custody for 41 days before he was granted bail and later discharged and acquitted. A Benin High Court awarded the N5 million as compensation but it was appealed by the police. The three-man panel of justices headed by Justice Helen Olagumwumiju also yesterday struck out the stay of execution filed by counsel to the Inspector-General of Police (lGP) and Attorney General of Federation (AGF), Michael Ehunde. She held that the judgment

sum of the lower court should be paid into an interest yielding account pending the determination of the substantive appeal filed by the police. Counsel to the respondent (Ugolor), Olayinwola Afolabi had argued that the motion of appeal was incompetent, legally virus and urged that it should be struck out accordingly. The Appeal court ruling is coming eight months after Justice E.A Edigin of a Benin High Court ordered the police to pay the activist the money.

APC governors urge support for party From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri EVEN governors under the budding All Progressives Congress (APC) were yesterday in Owerri, Imo State for a rally, saying that the newly formed political party is aimed at enhancing unity in the country. The governors included, Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rafiu Aregbesola (Osun), Tanko Alimatura (Nasarawa), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Shettima Ibrahim (Borno) and Rochas Okorocha (Imo). Speaking in the rally, Okorocha said the country was suffering from insecurity and other problems under the leadership of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), advising that Nigerians should work towards enthroning the APC led- government.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

NEWS

PDP may adopt zoning for Anambra gov poll From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki HERE are indications that T the internal crisis bedeviling the Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would soon be resolved just as the party is likely to adopt zoning for the state’s 2014 governorship seat. A source within the chapter told The Guardian that the decision to zone the governorship seat to Anambra North Senatorial District followed findings by a five-man committee set up to look into the party’s chances of winning the governorship poll. “Part of the findings is that unless PDP zones the governorship to Anambra North Senatorial District, it may find it hard clinching the 2014 governorship seat,” the source disclosed, stating that the yet-to-be-submitted report harped on the reconciliation of various factions of the party in the state.

N’Assembly workers disrupt legislative activities over alleged corruption From Terhemba Daka, Abuja LLEGING corruption, agA grieved parliamentary workers yesterday staged a peaceful protest within the precincts of the National Assembly, chanting solidarity songs against the management and disrupting legislative activities in both chambers of the parliament. The workers threatened fullscale industrial action if their demands were not met urgently. They alleged sundry levels of corruption against the Clerk,

Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, who is the Chief Accounting Officer of the National Assembly, and diversion of all the appropriated funds as well as other unpaid “welfare” and fringe benefits meant for them by the management. Efforts by some lawmakers to pacify them fell on deaf ears as the protesters insisted on their demand to speak with only the principal officers of the two chambers. However, tension subsided when the Senate President, David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Repre-

sentatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, later addressed them. In their petition, the workers described the National Assembly management, led by Maikasuwa, as a cabal and accused it of turning against the workers and the nation. The petition, read by Comrade Odo Chris on behalf of the Chairman of G-1200, urged the leadership of the two chambers to probe the activities of the National Assembly management with a view to making it account for the funds appropriated for salaries,

training, welfare and other incentives meant for the workers, among others. Specifically, the workers accused the management and Chairman of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Comrade Rawlings Agada, and the former chairman of the National Assembly Service Commission of connivance and diversion of all the deductions from their “meagre” salaries, including pensions and taxes, among others. The workers also alleged that the management connived to

Stakeholders urge sustained funding for W’Africa’s peace initiative From Karls Tsokar, Abuja FFORTS to restore tranquiliE ty to most parts of the troubled West African countries, now plagued by internal crisis, would require sustained funding to ensure the survival of the peace support initiative and succour to the affected people. Speaking at the just-concluded stakeholders’ forum, organised by the regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, participants called for uninterrupted funding for and sustainability of peace support initiatives, especially the resettlement and rehabilitation of thousands of conflict displaced persons in the region. The participants, which included representatives of the United Nations (UN) agencies and government officials, as well as host communities and beneficiaries of the Peace and Development Project (PADEP) in the country, made a strong appeal for the sustainability of the project’s gains and continued support for the displaced.

NSCIA names former UNILORIN VC secretary By Joseph Onyekwere IGERIAN Supreme Council N for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the appointment of the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Ishaq Olarewaju Oloyede, as the new Secretary-General of the Council. He is to replace the late Lateef Adegbite who died last year. Prof. Oloyede was born in October 1954. He hails from Abeokuta South Local Council of Ogun State. He was appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) on June 19, 2003 and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) on July 6, 2005. He had his secondary education from 1969-1973 at the Progressive Institute, Agege, Lagos and Arabic Training Centre, Agege, Lagos (Markaz) from 1973-1976 and later to the University of Ibadan between 1976 and 1977 where he obtained a certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies.

Senate President David Mark (left) addressing workers of the National Assembly during their protest in Abuja… yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

defraud them of N10,000 in the guise of Owner Occupier Housing Scheme since 2009, diversion of lands allocated for staff quarters and intimidation within the Assembly Complex by the security agents attached to the premises.

Ekiti Assembly ratifies Adelabu as deputy gov From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado-Ekiti ROF. (Mrs.) Modupe AdeP labu’s nomination as Deputy Governor of Ekiti State was yesterday ratified by the state’s House of Assembly, which found her capable and suitable for the job after 30 minutes of screening. Governor Kayode Fayemi had, through a letter to the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, nominated Adelabu as replacement for the late Mrs. Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka, who died on April 6, 2013. Speaking with newsmen after the screening, the deputy governor-designate appealed to politicians in the state to co-operate with the government in building a state that all indigenes could be proud of. The professor of Education from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, is currently the chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education. She said: “Irrespective of our political differences, this state belongs to all of us. We should all come together and forget our political differences to build a solid state because whatever happens now, either good or bad, will be for all of us.”

Nigeria hits all-time high 1.5b cubic feet gas production From Collins Olayinka and Roseline Okere, Houston, Texas ITH 1.5 billion cubic feet per W day and another 300 million that is unutilised in the East, the country has hit an alltime high record in domestic gas production. Also, an assurance has come to lawmakers that are opposed to the inclusion of the Petroleum Host Communities Fund (PHCF) in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that the fund is not only to benefit oil-producing areas but every community where pipelines run through. Former Senior Special Adviser to the President on Energy Matters, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, told The Guardian in Houston yesterday that the controversy over the inclusion of PHCF in the PIB was unnecessary. Senator Ganiyu Solomon has also assured that the National Assembly would pass the PIB before the end of the year. “We had a briefing on the PIB just last week Monday and I can assure Nigerians that we are on course to passing the most beneficial oil and gas legislation. We have our rules and all we have been doing is to conduct activities that will culminate in the passage of the bill in accordance with our rules. We have a roadmap we are following and that roadmap includes passing the bill this year. Nigerians have every reason to be hopeful that a new oil and gas legislation would be passed before the end of the current year,” he said.

• North to benefit from host communities’ fund • National Assembly to pass PIB this year • FG decries foreign appetite for stolen Nigerian crude Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on the global community and international oil traders to drop their appetite for stolen crude oil from Nigeria and join in the fight against the nefarious activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals. The appeal signaled a major focus in tackling the demand side of the global oil theft matrix, which is a growing menace to the smooth operation of the industry in Nigeria. Speaking at the presentation of the keynote address at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, United States, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke who was represented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director Andrew Yakubu, stated that it was imperative to halt the appetite for stolen crude oil from Nigeria if the country must make appreciable progress in this regard. The NNPC’s Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, Dr. David Ige, said the erratic power supply in the country was as a result of inability to transmit and distribute and not for want of gas production. Yakubu, fielding questions on

the sidelines of the conference, said: “The President is taking this matter seriously and the Honourable Minister is working at it aggressively. It takes two to tango. If those stealing our crude do not find a market for it there would be no incentive to steal; that is why we are appealing to the international community to take action. The tracing of our crude by DNA to the destination is being looked into to ensure that the fingerprints of our crude are traceable to the various destinations.’’ The address, which dwelt on the theme, “Development Efforts in the West African Exploration Zone,” described the sub-region as the most important petroleum province in the world. “The natural advantages of the region’s open and unrestricted sea lanes and light sweet crude makes it one of the most important petroleum provinces in the world,” the minister stated. She noted that as the dominant player in the sub-region Nigeria has pioneered some set of initiatives geared towards ensuring positive impact on the economy. They include growth in crude oil reserves and expansion in production capacity,

repositioning of gas for re-industrialisation/stimulation of the economy, regional and export penetration, revitalization of existing downstream capacities and additional capacity to support energy needs as well as reforms of key institution to anchor the growth aspiration of the industry. Mrs. Alison-Madueke noted that the PIB was designed to increase exploration and development activities in the region by creating a more competitive environment for both independent and major oil and gas companies. “This in addition will attract investment into the sector. Therefore, West Africa will continue to play a significant role in the global oil and gas energy supply mix post-Shale oil and gas discoveries in the world,” she said. Speaking further, Ige said: “The generation of power is not a stand-alone thing. It involves generation, transmission and distribution. I can talk clearly on the gas supply side. If you look at the progression over the last two years, we have significantly increased gas production. In fact, at the moment, domestic gas production in Nigeria is at all-time high. We are now producing about 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas, which is the highest ever, the country has produced. Apart from this, we have another 300 million that is available in the East that is not utilized now. So, our gas devel-

opment is actually on the increase and it is the most aggressive rate. We have grown about 200 percent year-onyear.” Ige went on to blame the epileptic electricity supply in the country on failure to evacuate gas that has been produced. According to him, as supply continually competes with demand, stakeholders are also taking steps to increase gas generation to meet the anticipated increase in transmission and distribution of power. “The generation capacity is growing everyday because stakeholders are bringing in new turbines everyday. However, I can say for sure that our current gas availability is not enough for all the generating capacity that is being built and we recognize that. At any point in time, demand is going to be ahead of supply because demand is pulling supply. Right now, the inability of Nigeria to have stable power supply is not as a result of unavailability of gas but the distribution challenges we are still grasping with. Generation is far ahead of distribution and transmission,” he explained. Ige disclosed that plan was underway to bring additional 130million cubic feet per day aimed at achieving two billion cubic feet per day over the next two years. According to him, Nigeria is on strong footing to generate, transmit and distribute 4.5 gigawatts of electricity if all the

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

NEWS

Oil workers threaten strike

Lagos Assembly passes bill on oil agency, pilgrims’ welfare

By Sulaimon Salau ATIONWIDE crisis may be N brewing in the petroleum sector as the oil workers, under the auspices of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), threatened to embark on an indefinite strike that would cripple business activities in the oil sector. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) branch of the union yesterday hinted The Guardian on its planned industrial action to involve shutting down of all oil installations, petroleum depots, jetties and terminals across the country, beginning from Monday May 13, 2012. The workers are alleging negligence of their grievances that include under funding of the DPR, poor working conditions and inadequate welfare package for workers, which have critically hindered the industry-watchdog from efficiently performing its statutory role.

Navy releases names of crashed aircraft’s pilots HE Nigerian Air Force has T announced the names of the two pilots who died Alpha Jet accident in Niamey on Monday as Squadron Leader Benjamin Bem Ado and Flying Officer Ayuba Joab Layelmenson. According to a statement by the Navy’s Director of Public Relations, Air Commodore Y. Anas, Ado hailed from Konshisha Local Council of Benue State and was a member of the 50th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was an instructor pilot who has flown many aircraft types in the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force, as well as in Pakistan and United States. Layelmenson was said to have hailed from Azare in Shongom Local Council of Gombe State and was a member of the 57th Regular Course.

Court assumes jurisdiction in FAAN, Bi-Courtney dispute

By Wole Oyebade AGOS Assembly yesterday Lestablish passed the bill seeking to state-owned oil and

Baba Adinin of Lagos, Alhaji Shehu Abou (left); Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Kaduna…yesterday

Nigeria, WHO tackle HIV drug resistance in children From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja IGERIAN officials working N with experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) are reviewing efforts and working on new strategies to check the rate of Human Immune Virus (HIV) drug resistance in children in Nigeria. HIV drug resistance, according to the WHO, refers to the ability of the virus to withstand the effects of a given anti-retroviral drug to prevent its replication. “Drug resistant virus will continue to replicate in the presence of the drug to which it has become resistant. As ART continues to expand, the emergence of some drug resistance is inevitable. Insufficient knowledge among patients and health workers, suboptimal adherence to treatment regimens, drug stock-outs, and inadequate patient monitoring mechanisms are among the many factors leading to treatment failure and eventually drug resistance, “the WHO said in a fact sheet. As at December 2010, the number of children less than 15 years living with HIV was estimated to be 3.4 million. To prepare the country to treat drug resistant HIV, the Institute of Human Virology

‘Why disease is difficult to eliminate now’ Nigeria (IHVN) and the National HIV Drug Resistance Technical Working Group yesterday started work on a national guidance/roadmap on HIV resistance drugs in children. The IHVN said the meeting would deliberate on and adapt WHO protocols that will smoothen the process for treating both adults and children who fail second line therapy for HIV in Nigeria. Acting Director of Laboratory Research at the institute, Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, who spoke at the experts’ group meeting in Abuja, stressed that the meeting would deliberate on the Pediatric HIV Drug Resistance Survey, Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance Survey and Pretherapy HIV Drug Resistance Survey, the three WHO protocols yet to be implemented by Nigeria. He stressed that the institute was also working on getting the Asokoro Laboratory Training Centre accredited for HIV drug resistance testing within the WHO Resistance Network. “The meeting will also provide an avenue for discourse on the magnitude of HIV drug resistance in the country. The Federal Ministry of Health,

World Health Organisation and several implementing partners are assisting in the process,” he stressed. Meanwhile, the institute has stressed the difficulties in eliminating the HIV/AIDS endemic in Nigeria. Ndembi, who spoke on the worrisome situation, said: “It is difficult to say we have to eliminate HIV/AIDS by now because many people who are supposed to be on treatment do not have access to it. How

then will you eliminate the ailment? In Africa in general, only 60 per cent of persons that are in need of drugs has access to them. How about the 40 per cent? “How can you eliminate something when you have not covered everyone? So, I am really against that idea saying ‘eliminate HIV/AIDS’. We don’t have enough resources. Look at 100 people who are in need of drugs, only 60 have access, what about the remaining 40? How can you eliminate something that you cannot fight against?”

By Bertram Nwannekanma HE Musical Copyright T Society Nigeria (MCSN) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Justice Ibrahim Auta, over alleged interference in cases involving it and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) pending before the Lagos division of the court. In the petition dated May 6, 2013, and signed by MCSN’s Chairman, Orits Williki, the rights collecting society expressed dismay over what it called unjustified with-

drawal of its case files from Justice Mohammad Yunusa by Justice Okechukwu Okeke without any official petition or motion by parties to the suit. According to MCSN, the withdrawal was part of a move by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) trying to engage in another round of forum shopping. The group said it was compelled to bring the issue before the chief judge for urgent intervention in view of the apparent underhand dealings and interference going on in these mat-

FEDERAL High Court in Group urges govt’s intervention to avert succession crisis in UBTH A Lagos has assumed jurisa scenario of mutual suspidiction over the case between

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City

XCEPT the Federal E Government takes adequate steps to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along, there would be crisis at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) over who becomes the institution’s Chief Medical Director (CMD) when the incumbent, Prof. Michael Ibadin’s, first term elapses in July. Though Ibadin is entitled to a second term, members of staff and some interest groups are divided over his return or replacement. Yesterday, a group, the Benin National Congress (BNC), called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of

Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, to ensure transparency in the process leading to the emergence of the next CMD. A statement by the BNC Director of Publicity, David Ekomwenrenren, noted that federal appointments had been characterised by “highwired politics” at the expense of merit and fairness, adding that this controversial style of picking heads of parastatals was affecting the smooth and effective management of federal institutions. “We have it on good authority that the various union leaders in the UBTH are being blackmailed to officially endorse the incumbent administration on the pages of newspapers (under the guise of felici-

gas corporation known as Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation. The bill, titled: “A law to establish Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation to invest and engage in oil and gas activities in Lagos State and for connected purposes”, has been passed to the governor for assent. The lawmakers unanimously supported the bill at its third reading yesterday, ending several months of debates. The 28-section bill, among other provisions, empowers the corporation to engage in all oil and gas upstream activities, including exploration drilling and production. The corporation will invest in a company or a consortium for the purpose of participating in oil and gas bid rounds and seeking marginal fields allocation; acquire old or new exploration and drilling prospects and prospecting abandoned wells anywhere in Nigeria or overseas. The Assembly on Monday passed a Bill for “A law to establish the Lagos State Christian and Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.” The Bill, which was passed after its third reading, has been sent to the governor for assent. The 31-section Bill seeks to establish separate boards for Christians and Muslims by law, to ensure effective and efficient pilgrimage operations in the state.

MCSN alleges undue interference in cases with NCC

By Joseph Onyekwere

Bi-Courtney Limited and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over the concession agreements at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA2). The court also indicted the Federal Government of suppressing facts to obtain an injunction against the firm. The trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the government against Bi-Courtney’s suit challenging the purported revocation of its leasehold interest on the Hotel and Conference Centre at the airport. The court held that BiCourtney’s action was properly filed, adding that “it is competent and the court has jurisdiction to hear it”.

tations), a situation we consider antithetical to decorum, peace and tranquility before, during and after the recruitment exercise,” BNC said. “As a socio-cultural organisation of Edo people, we don’t project any candidate for any public office of this nature, but we will resist any attempt to impose a dishonest candidate or a stooge by a centrifugal force that believes that federal establishments are their inheritance, and that they must produce or impose their helmsmen”, it stated. The group said it believes in constructive engagement with the institution but alleged that the last exercise to bring in a head for the hospital was not transparent. It spoke further: “It is to avoid

cion between management, staff and community stakeholders that we make bold to say that Mr. President should appreciate the peace in our communities by prevailing on the Ministry of Health to insist on fair play, else they may plunge the establishment into chaos.” According to the statement, the group would do everything possible, including protests and legal action, to ensure that the appointment of the next CMD was transparent. The Guardian learnt that the apprehension became heightened when news filtered in that the Ministry of Health would soon advertise the position as provided by law.

ters. In the petition copied to Obi Ezeilo of NCC, Justices Okeke and Yunusa, MCSN also alleged that NCC has since 1999 engaged in relentless persecution of its officials and forum shopping by bringing the same charge in different suits, now totaling 10 before different judges of the court with the hope to get a judge to convict them. MSCN said: “We are parties in the above civil suit and criminal charges. All the cases are before Justice M. N. Yunusa of the Ikoyi, Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. “Judgment was entered in favour of our organisation and officials in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1163/12 between MCSN & 7 Ors vs. NCC & 4 Ors on 18th March 2013. “The other three cases are criminal matters. Rulings were reserved for May 6, 2013, on two applications brought by us, the accused persons, in Charge No. FHC/L/CS/351C/2012 and Charge No. FHC/L/352C/2012 seeking to quash the charges on the basis that they were incompetent and do not exist in the statutes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that they have been declared unconstitutional, null and void. “A similar application was filed by our organisation and other accused persons in charge No. FHC/L/353C/2012, which was adjourned for hearing on May 6, 2013.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

6 | NEWS

Swedish ministers foresee trade opportunities in Nigeria From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign Affairs Editor ESPITE the prevailing security challenges, ScandinaD vian giant, Sweden still sees a myriad of opportunities in Nigeria. The opportunities, according to visiting Swedish Ministers of Finance and his International Development Cooperation counterpart, Messrs Anders Borg and Gunilla Carlsson, include the opening up of more sectors of the economy as well as what they have termed “Nigeria’s innovative use of mobile services.” This scenario “paired with Swedish experience and young entrepreneurs in this field may be a recipe for strong partnership,” said Borg and Carlsson who are leading a Swedish ministerial delegation to Nigeria as part of a brief African tour, which would end with the World Economic Forum in Cape Town. In their mission statement, which emanated from The Guardian’s enquiry, the duo maintained that to an emerging economic power like Sweden, “Nigeria has experienced impressive growth in recent years while the government’s vision of making Nigeria one of the world’s 20 strongest economies by 2020 is within reach. If handled wisely, this growth will improve the living conditions of millions of Nigerians and inspire hope for its

young and growing population.” Trade between Nigeria and Sweden has increased steadily over the past five years, and Nigeria is now the country’s second-largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Stressing that “we have common interests in telecom and renewable energy, two sectors with great importance for the future” the ministers noted the “positive developments in Nigeria motivate the renewal and expansion of our bilateral ties in order to capitalise on the new opportunities for cooperation that are now emerging...Our joint trip to Nigeria and other countries in Africa is an expression of the Swedish Government’s desire for stronger political and economic relations with the new Africa.” Looking at the continental scenario, they insisted that despite the odds, Africa is a continent of opportunities, one of the last emerging investment markets. “With one billion people living in 54 countries, Africa is facing widely differing opportunities and challenges. Africa is changing and there is renewed optimism about its future. The progress made over the past decade inspires hope for more sustainable and inclusive development, with lasting improvements in living conditions for the continent’s large and growing young population,” they added.

President, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Bode Adeaga (LEFT); Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, and President, International Federation of Surveyors Chee Hai Teo at the official opening ceremony of the 27th FIG (Working Week) International Surveying Congress in Abuja … yesterday. PHOTO: LADIDI LUCY ELUKPO

Businessman sues firm over N40m debt By Joseph Onyekwere LAGOS businessman, Femi Ogunniya and his company, Flamin Nigeria Limited has filed a legal action at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere seeking the leave of court to recover an alleged N40 million debt from the Asset Resource Management Company Limited (ARMC). The plaintiff is also demanding the sum of N10 million as damages for alleged breach of contract between his company, Flamin Nigeria Limited and the ARMC. In a Writ of Summons filed at the court by the plaintiffs counsel, Dapo Omolodun of the Legal firm of Tunji Braith-

waite & Co, Plaintiff is claiming the sum of N44, 836, 875 being fees for pumping 35,869.5 m3 of sand for the defendant. Ogunniya, who is the managing director of Flamin Nigeria Limited, in addition to the sum of N10 million general damages he sought for breach of contract, also want an interest at the rate of 21 per cent of the money till final judgment and interest at the rate of 7.5 per cent thereafter. In his statement of claim, Ogunniya said ARMC owed him and his company in respect of a contract it executed for it. According to him, his firm created a Golf Course, dredge and pump sand to create a lake and reclaimed parcel of land situated at Summerville Golf Estate, along Lekki Expressway, Lagos. Plaintiffs also claimed that they earlier had the contract with SGF Nigeria Limited un-

der an agreement dated March 27, 2009 but that the Asset Resource Management Company took over and offered them the contract after the agreement with SGF terminated. The claimants avers that the defendant, through its authorised staff, Mrs. Yinka Ogunsulire (in the first instance, and who was at the material time about to disengage from the defendant company) and Mr. Bode Olabisi subsequently) orally contracted with the claimants directly to continue working despite the staggered termination of the agreement between the defendant and SGF Nigeria Limited. Ogunniya averred that the defendant appointed Mr. Marius Labuschagne of EQ3 Projects Services Limited, Lekki as project manager for the entire project inclusive of the dredging of sand done by the claimants herein from the commencement thereof.

U.S. exchange programme for African journalists begins today From Kabir Alabi Garba, Washington, USA N exchange programme A targeted at examining the role that journalists play in the society and the challenges they face while doing their jobs tagged Spring 2013 Professional Fellows Congress opens today in Washington, D.C., United States of America with 10 journalists from four countries in Africa – Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda – participating. The journalists are Ibrahim Kasita of New Vision, and Dorothy Nakaweesi, Monitor Publication Limited (Uganda); Lanre Lasisi, Channels Television; Hamza Idris, Media Trust Limited; and Kabir Alabi Garba, The Guardian (Nigeria); Alphonce Shiundu, Nation Media; Bevertone Kipchuma Some, The Standard, and Joan Chepkorir Barsulai, The Guardian (Kenya); Ekow Essabra-Mensah, Business and Financial Times; and Albert Futukpor, Ghana News Agency (Ghana). The congress, seventh in the series, which runs till Saturday, May 11, will feature a total of 220 participants including fellows from other fields such as Economic Empowerment as well as Legislative Process and Government.

Specifically, the programme provides targeted professional development and support to emerging leaders working in the fields of Economic Empowerment, Legislative Process and Governance, and Media. It is designed to provide participants with a fourto eight-week practical fellowship experience to broaden their professional expertise. Placed in private, non-profit and government offices across the United States, Professional Fellows learn about how issues in their respective fields are addressed in the U.S., interact with a broad network of professional colleagues, and develop a more nuanced understanding of Americans and American society. The ongoing Spring segment attracted Professional Fellows from over 40 countries and territories across the world. Coordinated by the Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) unit of the U.S. Department of State, the main objective of the programme is “to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries…and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations” (Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961).

Court remands Edo lawmaker over possession of firearms From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City MAGISTRATE court sitting in Auchi, Etsako West local council of Edo State yesterday remanded a member of the state House of Assembly, Rasaq Momoh, in prison custody till June 3 when the state Director of Public Prosecution would have given advice whether he should be tried for possession of firearm. Momoh, who represents Etsako West Constituency 1 in the Assembly, was arrested on April 20, 2013 on the day of local government election in the state for unlawful possession of firearm. He was earlier arraigned on May 2, 2013 before Magistrate Caroline Nwoha, who ordered his remand in police custody instead of prison on health grounds as prayed by counsel to the accused, Olayiwola Afolabi. The magistrate had reserved ruling for yesterday on his bail application after listening to the amendment of the earlier charge of unlawful possession of firearm to that of robbery. But the prosecuting police officer, Daniel Mato had also prayed for the case to be heard in the state high court, adding that the charge had nothing to do with electoral offence as he said it was only a coincidence that the offence was committed the same day the council polls took placed.

Taraba distributes relief materials to victims of religious crisis From Charles Akpeji, Jalingo UCCOUR is beginning to Sreligion reach victims of the recent unrest in Wukari, Taraba State as the state government has commenced the distribution of relief materials worth millions of naira to the internal displaced persons, IDP. The action, according to the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Murega Danhabu, is aimed at cushioning the negative effects the crisis, has heralded on the people. Over 3,000 persons, most of whom are women and children, The Guardian gathered, are presently taking refuge in various IDP camps in Wukari following Saturday religious crisis that led to destruction of lives and properties.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8 2013

Court orders retrial of Indian for allegedly importing fake insecticide By Bertram Nwannekanma

Natives seek suspension of Abuja land swap policy From Terhemba Daka, Abuja RIGINAL inhabitants and land owners of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have faulted the land swap policy recently introduced by the Bala Mohammed-led FCT Administration, calling on the authorities to suspend the programe in the interest of peace in the territory. This comes as the FCT Administration claims that it

ATIONAL Agency for Food O N and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has won a major legal victory in the battle against importation of fake drugs into the country. The Kaduna division of Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment, ordered the retrial of a criminal charge against an Indian national, Vijay Lalwani, which was earlier struck out. NAFDAC had charged the Indian before a Federal High Court in Kano for allegedly importing fake and unregistered Rambo Aerosol Insecticide into Nigeria. Lalwani had challenged the competence of the charge and jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge on the ground that he had earlier filed a civil suit in respect of the subject matter, and urged the court to strike out the charge for being oppressive. The court upheld the argument of the foreigner, while the criminal charge was struck out.

NEWS 7

would realise over N500 billion from investments under the model in the next couple of years. However, the indigenes, under the aegis of Original Inhabitants Development Association (OIDA), have threatened to frustrate the programme if the errors in the initiative were not immediately addressed. According to OIDA President, Danladi Jargi, “the policy

failed to address the interest of the natives in the land swap programme, just as the FCT Administration does not involve the natives, whose land is the subject of exchange or swap, in the transaction in the first place. “Instead of involving the people in the pre-policy dialogue, the FCT indigenous communities were left out,” he said. “We have not been compensated by law since the cre-

ation of the Territory by a decree in 1976. “The government told the world that it was going to be N2.8 billion, but that money was not paid and they just came to inhabit the place. After 37 years without compensation, the government wants to still swap the land that is not its own. But we the original inhabitants are saying no to it! “Like the other Nigerians, it is

Jigawa spends N2b on physically-challenged residents From John Akubo, Dutse

XECUTIVE Secretary of E the Jigawa State Rehabilitation Board, Alhaji

Anambra Assembly gives govt ultimatum on council audited accounts From Chuks Collins, Awka HE Anambra State House of T Assembly has called on the executive to submit an audited account of the 21 councils of the state for the past two years within the next fortnight. The Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Chinwe Nwaebili, had in a motion by its Chairman on Public Accounts, Gabriel Onyenweife, unanimously requested the state’s Auditor General for Local Governments to submit before it the audited 2011 and 2012 accounts of the 21 councils of the state within two weeks. The motion was overwhelmingly supported by all members present at the sitting yesterday. They reasoned that the call has become necessary to ensure that transparency and accountability were entrenched in the local council system of the state.

Adamawa donates N20m to Borno over Baga killings From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri OVERNOR Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State has donated N20 million to the Borno State Government to cushion the devastating effects of the recent Boko Haram insurgency, particularly the Baga crisis that claimed 228 lives and destroyed about 4,000 houses and shops in mid April. Speaking on Monday in Maiduguri at the Government House to “commiserate and condole” with the people and Borno State Government over the carnage, Rear Admiral Nyako (rtd) said the people of Borno and Adamawa states had been facing the challenges of insecurity to lives and property for many decades in the North-East subregion, until the four-year Boko Haram insurgency in the North.

only on the pages of newspapers that we read bits of the policy, especially the portion which states that investors would have 60 per cent and the government 40 per cent.” Jargi lamented that land administration in Abuja has always been shrouded in secrecy, with the natives never considered despite several court judgments to the effect that they still hold customary rights to their lands.

Former Governor of Anambra State and 1st erstwhile female governor in Nigeria, Dame Virgy Etiaba (left); former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike and Managing Director, Repro-India, Mukesh Dhrwe, at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Book Fair Conference at the Multi Purpose Hall of the University of Lagos… yesterday PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Ministry can’t probe me twice on same matter, registrar tells court By Joseph Onyekwere HE Registrar and Chief ExT ecutive Officer of the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCN), Jay Oghifo, who was purportedly suspended from office by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchukwu Chukwu, will on May 10 at the National Industrial Court (NIC), Lagos, know whether the suspension will be of effect or not. The court yesterday said it would deliver its ruling to that effect on that date. The expected ruling is sequel to arguments canvassed by counsel to the parties either in support of the suspension or against it. Oghifo was represented by Albert Akpomudje (SAN), while Paul Ogbu represented the Minister and the Federal Ministry of Health. Oghifo had approached the court, praying it to order that his suspension by the defendants should not be given effect. Apart from the minister and the ministry, others joined in the suit as co-defendants are ICCN, Chairman of ICCN Council, Prof. Felix Okieimen, and a management staff member, Sylvester Obinyan. Urging the court to declare the suspension of his client of no effect, Akpomudje, who tried to puncture some of the issues raised in the defendants’ counter-affidavit, argued that the first and second defendants (the minister and the ministry) respectively were aware that the claimant was challenging the process and still went ahead to suspend him even after being served with court processes.

Akpomudje further stated that the claimant could not be investigated twice under the same allegations. According to him, the defendants claimed that they only suspended him in order to investigate allegations against him in their counter-affidavit whereas the letter of suspension read in part that his suspension was as a result of the recommendations of an investigative panel. He wondered how a new panel should be set up again on the same issue, adding that since the claimant did not interfere with the activities of the first investigative panel as a sitting chief executive, there is no reason to sus-

pend him on the ground that he needs to vacate office in order to allow for a proper investigation. The counsel insisted that the defendants breached the provisions of the Civil Service Rule. But in response, Ogbu argued that granting the prayers of the claimant would amount to acceding to the content of the substantial suit. He maintained that all his clients did was within the provisions of the law. “All that the first to second defendants did in this matter was within the law. The Rule is contained in the Civil Service Rules. It says if an allegation is made against a public officer, he is invited and in-

terrogated. If a prima facie case is established, he is placed on suspension in order to conduct proper investigation. That is what the first and second defendants have done”, he declared.

Ibrahim Rabakaya, has said that the government, through the board, has expended over N2 billion under its social security policy in upgrading the status and welfare of the disabled in the past six years. Rabakaya, who spoke on the activities of the board in his office, said the amount covers payment of the monthly social policy allowance of N7,000 to 150 destitute in each of the 27 local councils across the state. The board spends over N4 million monthly on payment of the allowances. Other activities covered include renovation of the major rehabilitation centres in Kiyawa, Dutse, Hadejia, Birnin-Kudu, Gumel, among others. Rakabaya added that the state government also renovated the destitute vocational training centres across the state.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

AfricanNews DR Congo is ‘worst place to be a mother’ HE Democratic Republic T of Congo has displaced Niger to gain the unenviable distinction of being the worst place in the world to be a mother, according to a new report by Save the Children. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa took up each of the bottom 10 places for the first time in the 14 years that the report has been produced by the London-based charity. Finland took the top spot, with its Nordic neighbours filling the other leading positions. The charity’s “State of the World’s Mothers” report is-

sued yesterday compared 176 countries in terms of maternal health, child mortality, education and levels of women’s income and political status. It called for investment to close the “startling disparities” in maternal health between the developed and developing world and for a push to fight inequality and malnutrition. The report found that a woman or girl in the DRC, which has been wracked by conflict for years, has a one in 30 chance of dying from maternal causes – including childbirth.

Zimbabwe’s new constitution gets to parliaNEW draft constitution A was sent to Zimbabwe’s Parliament yesterday, where it is expected to be approved after it was overwhelmingly endorsed by citizens in a March referendum. “This bill, Mr. Speaker, will provide for the replacement of the constitution of Zimbabwe that came into operation on the 18th of April, 1980,” Constitutional Affairs Minister Eric Matinenga told parliamentarians in the capital, Harare. The charter will be debated next week in the Lower

House and Senate. It is expected to pass the parliament’s two thirds majority threshold and then be signed in to law by President Robert Mugabe. The text would take away presidential immunity after leaving office, bolster the power of the courts, and set up a peace and reconciliation commission tasked with postconflict justice and healing. It also limits a president’s tenure to two five-year terms, curtails presidential powers and abolishes the post of prime minister.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right) addressing a joint news briefing with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa after a bilateral meeting in Cape Town…yesterday. PHOTO: STATE

World powers, others laud Somalia’s progress, warn of dangers ahead T

HE representatives of more than 50 countries and organisations that attended an international conference on

rebuilding Somalia yesterday remarked that the strife-torn nation had made “significant progress” and its economy was starting to revive, but warned that many challenges remained. Specifically, British Prime Minister David Cameron, who co-hosted the London meeting yesterday, described the progress made since the first international conference on Somalia 15 months ago as “remarkable”. The conference, according to a report by Agence France Presse (AFP), aimed at boosting political stability in the impoverished nation, which has had no effective government since 1991. After a day of talks, the participants said there were reasons for optimism. “The number of pirate at-

We have been given a chance and we will prove in the eyes of the world that we will deliver – and we will.

tacks committed off the coast of Somalia has dramatically reduced. The famine has receded. The diaspora have begun to return. The economy is starting to revive,” a final communiqué said. But it said the Al-Qaedalinked Shabaab militants were “still a threat to peace and security”. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, co-hosting the conference with Cameron, said “the time to help Somalia is now”. The president’s calls for international funding were an-

swered with a pledge of 44 million euros ($58 million) of aid from the European Union, while Britain announced £35 million ($54 million, 41 million euros) to support Somalia’s security forces and governance. Mohamud’s government, which came to power last year, remains weak and needs the support of about 18,000 African Union (AU) troops to stay in power. “We have been given a chance and we will prove in the eyes of the world that we will deliver – and we will,” Mohamud told a press conference after the meeting. Britain also promised £145 million to help Somalia avoid the devastating famines that left almost 260,000 people dead, half of them children, between 2010 and 2012.

Al-Qaeda in North Africa urges attack on French interests Its troops fighting alongside haust its capabilities, and push BU Obaida al-Annabi, a

leader of Al-Qaeda in North Africa, has urged Muslims worldwide to attack French interests in retaliation for France’s military intervention in Mali, a threat President Francois Hollande said is being taken seriously. “It is your duty, all Muslims... to attack French interests everywhere,” Annabi said in a video message posted online. Annabi, presented as the head of the council of dignitaries of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), called for “full mobilisation” to combat the “new crusade of France.” “Jihad (holy war) is now the duty of every capable among you,” he said in a recording dated April 25. France sent troops in January to Mali to quash Al-Qaedalinked groups that had taken control of half of the country.

the Malian army and other African soldiers have largely succeeded in driving Islamist insurgents from the north, but pockets of resistance remain, particularly in the Gao region. France has begun withdrawing some of its 4,000 troops and said it will leave 2,000 soldiers on the ground throughout the summer. Last month, Paris assured Mali that it was not planning an overnight withdrawal and would provide a permanent support forces of 1,000 soldiers after elections slated for July. “If the French president wants his crusade to be quick, short and limited, to spare his country descending into a swamp like that faced by Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is your duty to foil his plan and drag him into an open war,” said Annabi. He said such a war should “drain France’s economy, ex-

it into a recession and contraction.” Hollande offered a swift reaction to Annabi’s call. “We are taking seriously the threat by AQIM,” Hollande told reporters in Paris, adding that despite considerable losses inflicted on Islamists in Mali, “the terrorist threat has not disappeared.” “So, we believe we must continue the operation in Mali for as long as it takes – even if we reduce our presence – and stay vigilant around Mali to continue the fight against terror.” Hollande said he had ordered measures to protect French installations abroad. The AQIM threat came after a car bombing at France’s embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli last month, which wounded three people. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

WorldReport After 10 years, three missing women found alive at Cleveland home in U.S. HE United States (U.S.) security agents yesterday continued to work to put together the details of how three women freed from a decade in captivity inside a Cleveland home, United States (U.S.) were abducted and kept by three suspects. But the freed women celebrated in the arms of their families yesterday, a report on the Cable News Network (CNN) indicated. The three women – Amanda Berry, Georgina “Gina” DeJesus and Michele Knight – were freed Monday night after Berry attracted the attention of a neighbour who helped her escape. Also, a six-year-old girl that police said is believed to be Berry’s daughter was freed. Berry reportedly told police in a frantic 911 call from the neighbour’s house that “help me, I am Amanda Berry. I’ve been kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for 10 years. And I’m here, I’m free now.” Police said yesterday that a man who lived at the house, 52-year-old former school bus driver, Ariel Castro, and his two brothers have been arrested and are in prison pending charges in the case.

Help me, I am Amanda Berry. I’ve been kidnapped, and I’ve been missing for 10 years. And I’m here, I’m free now.

Berry

Dejesus

Deputy Chief Ed Tomba of the Cleveland Police Department hailed Berry’s courage in escaping. “The real hero here is Amanda,” he said. “She’s the one that got this rolling. Without her, none of us would be here today.” According to CNN’s report, investigators remained at the home overnight and plan to inspect other properties possibly owned by Castro. Tomba said investigators haven’t yet interviewed the women in detail to learn details about their abductions and decade in captivity. He said their reunion with relatives at a Cleveland hospi-

tal Monday night was “chaotic.” Witnessing it, he said, allowed for “nothing but compassion and love in your heart for them.” The women and the girl were released yesterday from the hospital where they had been evaluated, a spokeswoman said. According to police, the women vanished in separate incidents nearly a decade ago. Berry was last seen after finishing her shift at a Burger King in Cleveland in 2003. It was the eve of her 17th birthday. Georgina “Gina” DeJesus disappeared nearly a year later, in April 2004. She was 14.

Knights Also, Michele Knight vanished on August 22, 2002, according to Cleveland Public Safety Director Martin Flask. A family member reported her missing the next day, Flask said. She was 20 at the time. Meanwhile, their final escape started when a neighbour, Charles Ramsey, sitting down to a fast food meal Monday night heard screaming. “I see this girl going nuts trying to get out of a house,” he told CNN affiliate WEWS. “I go on the porch and she says, ‘help me get out. I’ve been in here a long time.’” Figuring it was a domestic dispute, Ramsey kicked in the bottom of the door and the

woman came out with a little girl and said, “Call 911, my name is Amanda Berry,” according to Ramsey, who admitted he didn’t recognise the name or know she was missing. Berry pleaded for a phone after she was free from the house where they had been held captive. “They were crazy, screaming, ‘Help, call police, please help.’ ... They were desperate, crying, running,” said Angela Garcia, whose aunt provided the phone for them to call police. Ramsey also called 911, less than a minute later. “She’s like, ‘This (…) kidnapped me and my daughter,’” he told 911. DeJesus’s mother, Nancy, met with her at the hospital, cousin Sylvia Colon told CNN. She had never given up hope of finding her daughter alive.

Queen Elizabeth to miss Commonwealth meeting in Sri Lanka From Oghogho Obayuwana, Foreign Affairs Editor T is said that the Queen sees I“family” the Commonwealth as a and takes pride in its work. But for the first time since 1973, ceremonial head of the Commonwealth of Nations, Queen Elizabeth 11, will not be attending the heads of government meeting slated for November this year. The 87-year old British monarch would be loudly absent when the heads of state and government of the 54member assembly gather in Sri Lanka later in the year as they have done every two years discussing global issues and matters of common interest. The Commonwealth has increasingly gotten under scrutiny from diplomatic watchers in terms of relevance and overall contributions to the economic development of member states. When the body’s SecretaryGeneral, Sir Kamalesh Sharma, visited Nigeria last March, he admitted of the need to reinvent the Commonwealth. Two billion citizens make up the voluntary association worldwide. The Queen was forced to cancel her appearance in March at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey – the first time the monarch had missed the occasion in 20

Queen Elizabeth years. This was one of the fallouts after being admitted to hospital suffering from the symptoms of gastroenteritis, which doctors said can cause vomiting, fever and stomachache. Agency reports, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that quoted Buckingham Palace, said yesterday that the queen would be represented by Prince Charles at the Sri Lanka summit. It said the Palace was now reviewing the amount of “long-haul travel” that is taken by the Queen. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “I can confirm the Queen will be represented by the Prince of Wales. The reason is that we are reviewing the amount of longhaul travel that is taken by the Queen.” Analysts think this represents a significant moment for the Prince of Wales and it

was also a symbolic move suggesting a transition of sorts, a period where the reigning queen is now able to do less and less. By stepping in for the Queen, Prince Charles will be performing one of his most significant duties to date as a future King. Buckingham palace watchers say Prince Charles had never before attended in place of the monarch at the two-yearly gathering of Commonwealth leaders. In 2007, both the Prince and the Queen attended CHOGM in Uganda. However, Commonwealth Secretary General said the “family of nations completely understands and respects” the Queen’s decision. “The presence of the Prince of Wales at our Commonwealth gathering will carry forward Her Majesty’s outstanding record of enduring commitment and diligent service as head of

the Commonwealth,” he said. Also, concerns have been raised about the choice of Sri Lanka as the host nation for the 2013 summit. Campaigners, including Amnesty International, are

calling for the CHOGM meeting not to take place there before an investigation is carried out into human rights abuses in the final six months of the 26-year Sri Lankan civil war.

Four UN peacekeepers seized in Golan Heights HE United Nations (UN) T stated yesterday that armed fighters in the Golan Heights yesterday abducted four of its peacekeepers from Philippines, the second seizure in two months linked to Syria’s civil war. But a Syrian rebel group claimed responsibility for the abductions. The four were “detained today by an unidentified armed group while they were patrolling” near Al Jamlah in the ceasefire zone between Israel and Syria, said a UN peacekeeping spokeswoman, Josephine Guerrero. “The four are from the Philippine battalion. Efforts are underway to secure their release,” Guerrero added. Twenty-one Filipino peacekeepers were seized in the same area by Syrian rebels in March. UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon strongly condemned the latest attack on peacekeepers in the tense ceasefire zone. UN officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there has been mounting military activity by Syrian government and opposition forces in recent days in the zone patrolled by the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). In a Facebook posting, the “Yarmuk Martyrs Brigade” rebel group said they had taken the four peacekeepers for their own safety because of fierce fighting in the area. The rebel group also staged the abduction in March. The Yarmuk Martyrs Brigade said it staged “an operation to secure and protect United Nations forces in Wadi Yarmuk in the area between Syria and the occupied Golan Heights.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Politics How Akeredolu, Oke lost to Mimiko From Niyi Bello, Akure was clear, to only the discerning observers IsetTthough, that the Election Petitions Tribunal, up for the purpose of looking at the petitions against the October 20, 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, would not change the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko, as the winner of the exercise. The foreboding signs for the petitioners were evident during the proceedings, as the petitioners could not reveal anticipated absurdities in the electoral process, as claimed in their petitions. Ondo State public had witnessed an election tribunal between 2007 and 2009 during which a lot of irrationalities in the electoral process were revealed. Therefore, many people, including party faithful had thought that the same cans of worms, which putrid smell permeated the entire political landscape of the state or even beyond, would be opened. At its commencement, the opposition parties, five of them initially, approached the tribunal with tens of Ghana-Must-Go bags of exhibits, and the appetites of members of the public for electoral were whetted. But the petitioners did not live up to that expectation, as no monumental fraud was revealed, at least the kind that characterised the earlier panel, which made even a layman to predict with accuracy the outcome of the litigation. Therefore, last Friday, in a unanimous verdict, the three-man Justice Andovar Kanka’an-headed tribunal upheld Mimiko’s election and dismissed the petitions against it as lacking in merit and devoid of the ingredients they sought to establish. According to the tribunal, “it is clear that the petitioners relied on corrupt practices to push the cases but Section 131(1) of the Evidence Act stipulates that election should not be cancelled if it is not substantially non-compliant with the relevant law.” “Like soccer, it must show goals scored with figures and the petitioner must not only assert, but show evidence that the non-compliance, if proved, substantially affected the results and the outcome of the poll,” it added. However, the opposition elements would not buy any of the tribunal’s rationalisations, showing that they could head for the appellate court “after studying the details of the judgment.” To the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), whose candidate, Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu placed third in the election, “the ruling of the tribunal, no doubt, has put the Judiciary on trial in the open court of the people, who relied heavily on the courts to dispense justice without fear or favour.” On his own part, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusola Oke, who came second at the poll, said, “the judgment demonstrates a mindset exhibited by the tribunal in the manner it had shut out relevant and material evidence on frivolous excuses during the trial. The judgment remains unacceptable to me and the good people of Ondo State.” It’s worthy to note that in the beginning of the proceedings, the opposition parties, mainly the ACN and the PDP, through their candidates, Chief Akeredolu (SAN) and Chief Oke, respectively had raised the bar of expectations of their supporters by drawing strength from the verdict of the 2007 Garba Nabaruma tribunal. That tribunal installed Mimiko as the governor after 22 months of litigation that followed the reported electoral robbery of April 14 of that year. Yet, unlike the Nabaruma panel that resolved the legal tussle between former Governor Olusegun Agagu’s PDP and Mimiko’s LP, the last tribunal did not have the opportunity of access to innumerable evidence, reliable witnesses and highly supportive public opinion that made the case a must-win for the petitioners. During the long period that the Nabaruma tribunal sat, it was clear that the PDP government and its legal team were unsuccessfully defending the indefensible because, as Mimiko said when he was in the witness box, “they stole in so much a hurry that they left evidences of their grafts everywhere.” Actually, it was easy for Mimiko to prosecute the 2007 case, as the overwhelming evidence at the disposal of his counsel always put the respondents’ team on edge and in many

Akeredolu

instances, making them looked pathetic in their fruitless efforts to discountenance the facts. For instance, in one of the pleadings to establish violence during the election, the death certificate of a youngster, who was killed on Election Day at Arogbo in Ese-Odo local council of the south district, was presented. To link the ruling Labour Party (LP) government with the alleged killing, a letter that emanated from the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), giving the family of the deceased about half a million naira to keep their mouths shut, was attached. Another man, whose entire denture was violently removed with iron bars for daring to question the irregularities on polls day in Akoko, Ondo North, was paraded as a witness. He showed the whole court how his entire mouth was wired but the PDP brought another witness to establish that the fellow was born with wire in his mouth. To establish cases of disenfranchisement, hundreds of thousands of voters’ cards that were collected from those who were denied their rights to vote, were presented as exhibits and with them, the voters’ register where the names of the denied persons were ticked as having voted. At almost all the sittings of the tribunal, before the PDP team got succour in unending adjournments like when one of the lead counsel was performing the Muslim pilgrimage or when another was being conferred with doctoral degree, the respondents’ (PDP) counsel always arrived in the courtroom, not to raise any new matter, but to object to any issue raised by the petitioner (LP). It was also entertaining to see how senior government officials and political leaders, who were not supposed to sign election papers but who did so, made unsuccessful attempts to show that they were not the ones that signed the documents but the state government and their banks refused to present their specimen signatures. Interestingly, Akeredolu, then one of Mimiko’s leading counsel, played a great role in exposing the lies of the witnesses. And when it was time to establish cases of mutilation of the voters’ register, it was easy to convince the tribunal when names of nonNigerians and dead individuals, whose photographs were cropped from old almanacs and newspapers, were presented as exhibits. One fellow, who claimed to be a Professor of Computer Science and was brought by the PDP to discredit the exhibits of the petitioner, was discovered, under cross-examination, not to belong to the University of Lagos that he claimed. He could not operate a laptop that was presented to him by the tribunal, or name the current Head of the Computer Science Department of the university. After sweating profusely for several minutes of trying, he justified his inability to operate the device on the ground that he had his special computer that was different in configuration with the one he was presented with, eliciting an uproar of laughter in court. With the continued discrediting of the PDP witnesses on daily basis, and with the threat of a jail term on one that was found to be lying under oath, all the PDP witnesses ran away from the court.

Mimiko

The party, however, created a way around the problem by putting them inside a locked air-conditioned bus stationed at the entrance of the court, surrounded by armed policemen, to be called one by one. OWEVER, the last tribunal lacked the preponH derance of evidence like the foregoing or generated hilarious uproars in the courtroom. Therefore, it was easy for the panel to dismiss the petitions and the submissions of all the 41 witnesses called by the ACN and the 45 by the PDP while describing some of them as “unreliable liars.” After navigating through the arguments of the counsel in the petition and the submissions in their final addresses, Justice Kaka’an ruled that the petitioners did not prove their cases beyond reasonable doubt, especially since many of the allegations bordered on criminality that, by law, should be proved beyond any reasonable doubt. The tribunal ruled that for the petitioners to prove that there was non-voting during the poll, the disenfranchised voters must be brought as witnesses and they must show evidence that they were registered but disallowed from voting through the presentation of their unused voters’ cards and the registers on which their names appeared. It was also held that of all the witnesses called by the ACN, only two, who were not in the state during the election, tried to establish cases of nonvoting, thereby making it difficult for the tribunal to accept the allegation of non-accreditation and disenfranchisement. On the allegation of illegal injections of names to manipulate the voters’ register, the tribunal held that the petitioners should have challenged that at the High Court before the election was conducted because the third respondent in the matter, the INEC, had given each party copies of the register on November 20, 2012, 30 days before the election in accordance with the Electoral Act. Besides submitting that the matter is a pre-election issue that should have been tackled before the poll to which the tribunal had no jurisdiction, the petitioners did not prove how that affected the outcome of the election. Stressing that it would have been a different case if the petitioners had challenged the alleged flaws noticed in the register before the poll and approached the tribunal with evidence, particularly how it affected the outcome of the exercise with proof of the injected names and who they voted for, the tribunal said with the way it was handled and presented, the allegation held no water. It also held that to argue that the injected names affected the poll, the petitioners must show that the declared winner was credited with undeserved votes from a manipulated register. Specifically on the testimonies of the expert witness called by Akeredolu, Justice Kanka’an said his submissions were made by an interested party, who admitted on cross examination that he was engaged for financial consideration and that he was contracted to look for evidence after the petition had been submitted. Delivering judgment explicitly on Oke’s petition, which differed slightly from Akeredolu’s because the PDP candidate prayed the tribunal to declare him as the winner of the poll; the tribunal held that Oke failed to show to the tribunal why he should be so declared. According to the tribunal, Oke would have helped his case greatly if he had presented evi-

Oke

dence on how he should be announced instead of Mimiko, by showing his scores and how he satisfied the constitutional requirements of declaration. The tribunal also held that since irregularities were specifically alleged in only 28 out of the 3,007 polling units where the election was held, proving all would still amount to insubstantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and would not be enough to cancel the entire exercise. HILE a cross section of the people of the state W hailed the judgment for confirming the outcome of the election by affirming Mimiko’s victory, opposition members condemned the verdict. In a release by its spokesman, the ACN said the party “received with shock the ruling of the election petition tribunal headed by Justice Kanka’an upholding the election of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko as the governor of the state.” “The party found it surprising that the tribunal could find accommodation in the judicial realm for the much vilified election widely condemned for non-compliance with known norms of free and fair elections. “It is rather unfortunate that the trial judges chose to close their eyes on the overwhelming oral and documentary evidences presented by the petitioners even when the INEC, principally challenged, refused to defend itself at the tribunal.” The party added that, “we are, however, consoled by the fact that this is just the first leg in the struggle to get justice for the people of Ondo State and free them from the serial chain of poverty, which the LP government has sentenced them to.” The PDP candidate, Chief Oke, in a release, said, “the judgment constitutes a brazen defeat of the expectations of the people of Ondo state who had desired light after four years of total darkness.” “I have accordingly directed our legal team to study the judgment with a view to subjecting it to a review and reversal by the higher court. “I have no doubt in my mind that no matter how long darkness may endure, it takes a spark for light to overcome.” Nonetheless, in an address to the people of the state, Governor Mimiko said the judgment had further confirmed that the Judiciary was a protector of the country’s democracy, and appealed to the opposition to sheath their swords and join hands with him in building the state. “Apart from the dimensions of popular participation and fairness in any democratic election, there must also be the normative dimension that consists of the acceptance of majority wish and the protection of minority say,” he said. “It is, therefore, the hope of the Labour Party government in Ondo State that this judgment should rest any further political or judicial agitation about the outcome of the election having, aside the electorate’s verdict, been affirmed by the court. “That is why the Labour Party government is calling out to opposition party members to partner with us in meeting the expectations of our people. “Since we hold the belief that opposition party politics should be to the constructive engagement of the government in power, we are urging those opposed to our politics to shed the adversarial toga and join hands with us in building an enviable and prosperous Ondo State.” Perhaps, the verdict will shift attention from the courts to real governance, which, during the months of litigation, suffered tremendously, as the governor did not make any serious moves to put in motion the machinery of his second term tenure.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

TheMetroSection Students on rampage in Ekiti

Briefs NB holds investors, media forum today

• Youths protest govt’s silence on alleged Police killing of varsity student

IGERIAN Breweries (NB) N Plc. will today hold an Investors/Media forum at

From Muyiwa Adeyemi, Ado Ekiti OMMUTERS from Abuja passing through Ekiti State yesterday experienced untold hardship as youths and students of Ilupeju Ekiti barricaded the highway for almost eight hours. The angry youths protested what they called “poor handling of investigation on the alleged police killing of a 400-level student of Ekiti State University (EKSU) Seyi Fasere. The youths also criticised the state government, especially the Secretary to the State Government who is an indigene of the town, Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi and the Chairman of Oye Local Council, Mr Akindele Ogungbuyi, for their unusual silence on the matter. The protesters, who started as early as 7.00a.m. were said to have engaged the police in serious battle as the police tried to disperse them with tear gas, which culminated in a stampede that led to the hospitalization of one Deji Omoniyi, who was said to have sustained injury during the melee. Seyi was allegedly killed at Oye Ekiti, after a gang of robbers operated at a first generation bank in Oye Ekiti on February 28, by a policeman the community gave his nickname as Akobi Esu. The students, who chanted derisive songs against the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly killing Seyi, sealed off all the public and private schools in the town, as well as commercial centres thereby paralysing social and commercial activities in the sprawling town. The protesters blocked the IfakiLokoja Highway, disrupting human and vehicular movements along that axis. Motorists travelling from Ifaki Ekiti to Kogi State had to detour at Oye Ekiti and passed through Isan Ekiti to Kwara border to prevent being enmeshed in the protest. Addressing the protesters, the President of Ilupeju Youths, Evangelist Ajayi Idowu, said it was morally and constitutionally wrong for the Police to have conducted the post-mortem on the deceased without involving the parents. He demanded that the police should pay a sum of N150 million to the family as compensation for them to take care of the siblings to the university level, saying this is the best way the police could appease Seyi’s parents.

the Panoramic View Hall, Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos from 11.00a.m. to 1.00p.m (local time) or 12 – 2pm CET. It will feature presentations by Nico Vervelde, the company’s Managing Director/ CEO, Victor Famuyibo,Human Resource Director and Jasper Hamaker, Finance Director. The public can follow the event live on the Investor Relations page on www.nbplc.com.

Church anniversary HE 10th anniversary of T the Archbishop Timothy Olufosoye Memorial Anglican Church (ATOMAC) Ogba, Lagos holds on Sunday, May 11, while the dedication of its ultra-modern church building is on Sunday, May 18. According to the Vicar of the church, Rev. Abiade Adeniji, activities lined up to celebrate the anniversary, which begin include fasting/prayer, street evangelism, hospital visitation, blood sugar test/blood pressure check-up at the church premises and vigil. Adeniji said the newly enthroned Bishop of the Lagos West Diocese, the Rt. Revd. James Odedeji, Bishop of Idoani Diocese, the Rt. Revd. Ezekiel Dahunsi, the recently retired Bishop of Lagos West Diocese and the Rt. Revd. Peter Awelewa Adebiyi would attend.

The protesting students

NOA awards Ejebe, Otumara, others May 11

The baricaded road

PHOTOS: MUYIWA ADEYEMI

According to him: “The family did not know when the bullet was extracted from Seyi’s body. The siblings and the parents were not there, neither were they consulted to send representatives, so we doubt the authenticity of the autopsy. We, therefore, demanded that Seyi’s remains be buried in the premises of the State Police Command and the Command should be named after him, so that his death will not be in vain.” While addressing the protesters, the President, Ilupeju Ekiti Students’ Union, Mr Temitayo Fatile,

said he expected the police to have owned up that Seyi was killed in error, rather than to be playing pranks with the death of such a promising young man. He said the police should be courageous enough to issue a statement denouncing its earlier statement that Seyi was an armed robber, to dispel all ill feelings about the deceased. Fatile added that, “the police was taking the family for a ride by writing a letter to the parents that they should come and take Seyi’s corpse for burial. Up till now, the report of

the autopsy has not been made known to the family. The bullet that was extracted, nobody knew whether it was police bullet or not. So, it was wrong for the police to have told the parents to come and pick Seyi’s corpse for burial, when all these matters have not been settled. However, when contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Police Command, Mr Victor Babayemi, said the Command has not been briefed about the protest.

NDLEA docks two over drug trafficking By Joseph Onyekwere HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday docked two teenagers before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos over allegations of drug trafficking. They were Adebowale Awode, 17 and Eze Igedi, 17. They are standing trial on a one-count charge of dealing on a restricted narcotic, cannabis sativa. The prosecutor, Mr. James Aernan told the court that the accused, who both re-

sides at the Ojo area of Lagos, committed the alleged offence on February 21. Aernan said that they were apprehended by Custom officers at Agbaji check-point in Ojo, on route Seme. He told the court that about 2.7 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, a narcotic similar to cocaine was recovered from the accused who intended exporting same. The prosecutor told the court that the accused

were then arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution. He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, 2004. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. But counsel to the accused, Basil Jimoh, told the court that the accused were teenagers and so ought not to be arraigned at a high court. He said they ought to have appeared before a

lower court since they were classified as young persons within the provision of the law. Justice Idris in his ruling held that the issue of age ought to have been raised by defence counsel before the charge was read to the accused and their plea taken. The judge, however, released the accused on bail to their parents who were present in court, but warned that they produce them in court at the next adjourned date. “As parents, we must be

mindful of the places our wards visits and the type of friends they keep. “It is your responsibility to ensure that your children do not go out without your consent. I will release these children to you on bail, but you must ensure that you produce them in court anytime trial commences”, Idris ruled. He adjourned the case to June 11 for trial. If found guilty on the offence, an accused is liable to a term of imprisonment not less than three years.

HE Public Relations Officer T (PRO) of the University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA) Worldwide, Dr. Isaac Ejebe, FNOA will be among personalities to be honoured by the Delta State chapter of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Hotel Benizia, Asaba during the association's Dinner/Awards Nite. Ejebe will receive the Distinguished Service Award for Optometrists who have distinguished themselves in the practice of the Optometric profession. Ejebe, a fellow of the Nigerian Optometric Association (FNOA) has served the NOA as National PRO (1998-2002) and Delta state chapter Chairman (2008-2012). Ovuouzorie Macaulay is Special Guest of Honour while g, Chief Paulinus Akpeki will chair the occasion. Dr Joseph Otumara, also an awardee is chief host. Dr. Sam Ntem aand Dr Ronald Eyime are also expected at the occasion.

Ejebe

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

METRO

Photonews

Dr. Kelsey Jones (left); Dr. Gareth Tudor-Williams; Prof. John Warner; Dr. Dayo Ajayi-Obe; Dr. Michael Webb; Dr. Tina Williams and Prof. Stephen Obaro during the training of medical practitioners on children care by Sub-Sahara Health Solutions Nigeria and Imperial College, London

Soldiers arrest 14 MASSOB members in Abakaliki From Leo Sobechi, Abakaliki OLDIERS at a checkpoint in Nkwagu along Afikpo- Abakaliki Expressway, Ebonyi State, yesterday arrested 14 members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB), who were travelling in a chartered Kombi bus to Imo State. In a statement signed by MASSOB Director of Information, Uche Madu, disclosed that 14 of its members who were travelling to Okwe, Imo State

for its national meeting were arrested and handed over to the Special Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID) in Abakaliki. MASSOB, therefore, calls for immediate and unconditional release of its members, lamenting that the security personnel, especially the military, were pushing them to the wall for arresting non-violent MASSOB members to create artificial tension in the South-eastern part of the country. Part of the statement

read: “14 MASSOB members in a chartered bus on their way to MASSOB national meeting at Okwe were arrested today at Nkwagu, Abakaliki by military men at a check -point and transferred them to SCID. We condemn these cowardly acts of Nigeria Army, who always attack our non- violent members with military might but shy away from violenceprone areas.” “ We demand for their immediate and unconditional release.”

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left), Commissioner for Works, Sola Adebayo, Site Engineer, Hajaig Construction Company, Hameed Jamel during an unsceduled inspection of ongoing construction work along IfakiIworoko Roa, Ado Ekiti

YMCA marks Wuraola Day, joins in fight against malaria By Bertram Nwannekanma HE event brought toT gether over 300 students and teachers from secondary schools in Ikeja, Bariga and Ikoyi environs. It was this year’s Wuraola Day, which is celebrated every May 1, by the Y’s Men and Y’s Menettes Int‘l, the service arm of the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA). It focused on “Blood Transfusion” and “Roll Back Malaria”. This fund-raising event, which was held at the Romney Hall of the YMCA of Lagos, featured a variety of activities and display of talents by the participating students and guests. Students defied the rain to march from Awolowo Road Ikoyi to Onikan with a Brigade Band. The students wore shirts with inscriptions such as “Blood Transfusion – What’s your role?” and “War

against Malaria – Play your role!” It was in honour and remembrance of Mrs. Wuraola Delano, a dedicated member of the club, who left her footprints in the sands of time. The Wuraola Day programme witnessed national and international dimensions as two youths, Victoria Evboifo and Samuel Nwabunike came from Benin City, Edo State while Ms Daisy Leich travelled from Nairobi, Kenya to be a part of fun, information, fellowship and interaction (FIFI). Monies realized from the yearly Wuraola Day would be channeled to charity and assist victims of natural disasters. An Assistant to the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Alori Samuel, spoke on blood transfusion. There was voluntary blood screening and

transfusion with a large team of volunteers from the Blood Transfusion Commission. Also, the Assistant Roll Back Malaria Manager of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Alausa, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Omoera, was the guest speaker on “Roll Back Malaria”. The two guest speakers intimated the students on the importance of donating safe blood in order to save lives. Omoera said malaria’s eradication was possible if mosquitoes were wiped out, which is achievable only if we keep our environment clean and healthy. Representatives of the Delano Family, Roti Delano and Balogun Kunle Delano (Wuraola’s husband) were full of praises for the students, teachers and guests as well as the organizers including Mr. Tunji Makinde, Otunba Femi Oduntan and Ms Lola Areogun.

Managing Director/Editor -in-Chief, National Mirror, Mr. Steve Ayorinde (right), the Editor, Seyi Fesugba and General Secretary, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Isaac Ighure, at th World Press Freedom Day in Lagos...yesterday

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Adegboyega O. Dosunmu (right), the celebrant, Deacon Lawrence A. Okunade, his wife Jemimah and Chief Launcher, Chief Olusina Ogundimu at the presentation of book “A Chapter of your life” to mark Okunade’s 80th birthday celebration of Okunade in Abeokuta PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Julius Berger gives N1m to orphanage From Inemesit Akpan-Nsoh, Uyo S part of its corporate social responsibility, Julius Berger Plc., recently donated N1,000,000 for the upkeep of about 2,800 children at Goodnews Humanitarian Foundation, Abak, Akwa Ibom, a charity home founded by Archbishop Elijah Mboho. Julius Berger’s Public Affairs Advisor, Mr. Clement Iloba, who visited the home to make the donation, said apart from the company’s expertise in construction, the company was committed to showing love to its corpo-

rate citizenship in key areas such as health, education and sports for the disabled. “What we are doing today is to give back to the society and will continue to support the foundation”, he said. According to him, the company in 2012 gave N1 million to the foundation for the upkeep of the inmates, and because the Julius Berger has seen that the foundation made judicious use of the money, decided to, in 2013, to repeat its feat of giving another N1 mil-

lion. He challenged the founder and workers to keep up their good works, especially taking care of the orphans and abandoned children, as in them are future leaders at different levels of leadership in the country and indeed the state. Full of joy and so elated, Archbishop Elijah Mboho thanked the company and said he was happy to be a beneficiary of the company’s good gesture, noting that, what the firm had done was a good way to partner with him in doing God’s business.

A group of women during a Walk for Asthma to mark World Asthma Day in Lagos...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

TheGuardian

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011) Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial Nigeria’s roads to nowhere CROSS the nation, states are asking the Federal Government to settle the bills for A work done on federal roads in their respective territories, just as the Federal Minister responsible for roads announced that the federal road network of 35,000 kilometres requires N921.4 billion to remain motorable. This raises yet again, the need for prompt action on a reform policy for roads in Nigeria to tackle the challenges of funding and management in a truly federal structure. Lagos State claims the Federal Government owes it N51 billion for works carried out on federal roads in the state. The justification for the claim by Lagos State is that most federal roads in the state are arterial routes, bridges and flyovers. The state had been engaged in a dialogue with Federal Government officials, and verification teams had visited the state to assess the routes. A timely settlement of the claims would therefore enable the state to construct and upgrade more state roads. Lagos also set an example for the nation with the cheery information that 49,742 jobs were created as a result of involving local contractors in the strategic road construction sector. Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun made the case for his state when the President flew in by helicopter to commission a steel factory in Magboro, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Amosun’s current claim is only an addition to the existing N4.39 billion owed Ogun State by the Federal Government for roads worked on by his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel from 2003-2011. Amosun’s “Standards Roads Programme” included many federal roads passing through major cities of the state. The governor even lamented that the separation of federal and state roads was hampering the effort to attract investors. The federal roads in Ogun State are very important for development because they link the industrial sites in Ikorodu/Mosimi, Agbara Estate, Otta, Ewekoro, Ibese and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway axis. The President’s response to Amosun was, of course, another policy pronouncement. He directed the Ministry of Works to develop a Comprehensive Document to be given to all the 36 states on procedure for state intervention on federal roads. He also stated the obvious that ordinary Nigerians do not care about separation of governments as Federal, State or Local and that all they want is good roads. The tiers of government, after all, are constitutional demarcations for the purpose of development. He was also categorical that states can intervene, to maintain or expand a federal road, but they must follow due process. Federal Government owns only the land of the Federal Capital Territory and all federal roads pass through state lands. The Federal Government, according to Jonathan, would therefore share in the costs of intervention, subject to budgetary allocations for the particular road, so long as there was no over-invoicing and the due process of law was complied with. Pronouncements like this are however far from the reality that dawns once the comments are off and the last word of such pronouncement is uttered. Although the experiences of only two states, both of critical importance to the nations’ economy (one is the commercial nerve centre, while the other is the gateway from it to the rest of the country), have been listed, all the states have similar tales of woe in their attempts to work on federal roads. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio’s experience of being prevented by Federal Government officials, after getting approval in principle from the President to spend Akwa Ibom’s funds on a road linking his state with a neighbouring state is still fresh. The President rightly noted that the people want good roads and are not interested in which tier of government is responsible for each road. The Chief Executive of the state is often held accountable or blamed for bad roads in his domain. Though willing to spend meager resources of the state on federal roads, especially passing through the urban areas, the due process for intervention is arduous and time consuming. Under the pressure from the public, many state governors simply embarked on work on federal roads, even though the structure of Federal Highways Department does not permit such intervention. The minister has overall responsibility. Many state governments therefore embarked on federal roads repairs without the written approval of the Ministry of Works or FERMA. In cases where approval was given, there is no evidence that any state has been paid. At the 2012 Council of Works Meeting held in Lagos, federal and state officials decided that sections of federal roads passing through urban areas be handed to the states. What has been done to implement that decision? What resources would be made available to the states for the maintenance and management of such routes? The Minister of Works once assured the nation that the establishment of the Federal Roads Authority and the Road Fund would eliminate the duplication in road maintenance and management. The delay in effecting this would make it impossible for the Federal Government to meet the claims from all the states as well as get the N921.4 billion needed to rehabilitate the nation’s network of 35,000 kilometres of federal and 30,000 kilometres of state roads. And the question must be asked: What does the nation have to show for the N1.397 trillion the minister said has been the Gross Project Portfolio on roads from 2001 to date; including on-going projects totaling 6,530 kilometres distributed in all the six geo-political zones? The solution to the crisis in Nigeria’s road network is the timely implementation of the Road Policy Reform, which will include the establishment of the Roads Authority and a Road Fund with input from the states. Until this is done within the context of a total infrastructural development strategy, Nigeria’s road network will remain one below the requirements of the nation.

LETTER

APC: Change is coming over the world, the SnentIR:onlyAllis thing that is permachange. Framers of constitutional democracies worldwide made provisions for change in leadership by providing for two-party system or multi-party system. They put this very important clause in place to make way for change when there is need to do so. When there is one party system, the possibility of change is no longer there. We all call this dictatorship and dictatorship breeds fear, tyranny, oppression, suppression, repression, intolerance, political assassination, brutality, stunted growth, corruption, political irresponsibility, impunity, greed, hatred, arrogance, wickedness, sufferings etc. Nigeria is supposed to be a multi-party democracy where change is inevitable if things are not going well as they are now. But the ruling party (PDP) has held the nation hostage since 1999. The party leadership has effectively used the wealth of the nation not for productivity and economic growth but to muzzle and stifle opposition. They have effectively used the nation’s resources for themselves, their wives, children, and even generations yet unborn. Every attempt made by the opposition to come together to challenge the octopus has met with ruthless

obstacles put in place by the ruling party. They use our money to corrupt our hard earned democracy and to democratise corruption. As if that is not enough they tell us that their party will rule Nigeria for 60 years, whether we like it or not. This is impunity simplicitta! This is arrogance being taken to a primitive level. This is a celebration of political brigandage, so to speak. In 2015 Nigerians deserve change of leadership, change of attitude, change in ideas, change in character, change in strategy, change in approach, change in plans, change in focus, change in conducting the affairs of state and in conducting the business of governance. Nigerians deserve new ways of doing things, new thinking in the art of governance, new men and women in the seat of government, and a real turnaround in transforming a country endowed with both human and material resources. Everything that needs to be done to bring about this change is being put in place right now by committed men and women in ACN, CPC, ANPP, APGA and others. Twenty-four hours and seven days in a week they work tirelessly to get the desired result. You can see the challenges they are facing just to get APC registered. Two fake and faceless APCs being driven

by political rogues have been trying to be cogs in the wheel of progress of the real APC. All kinds of political grenades and mines have been buried in the way of the real APC, but how far these people can go is yet to be seen. All things considered, I know that APC leaders are determined to take this project of giving Nigerians an alternative to a logical conclusion, but the biggest headache is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Is INEC fully prepared to provide a level playing field this time around? The people get the kind of government they really desire. Change comes because the people really want it and they go the extra mile to get it. Change in a political setting like Nigeria is not going to be secured on a platter of gold. Men and women, young and old must gird their loins, remove the kid gloves and jettison the timidity to conquer. Our country has been stolen since 1983 (30 years) when the military took over power from civilians, and time has come for us to say no, enough is enough. The struggle to reclaim Nigeria is going to be a serious battle because we are dealing with people without conscience, hearts, minds, souls, heads, eyes and brains. • Joe Igbokwe,

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Business Compulife P25

Energy P48

Strenghtening local OEMs to check capital flight

Legal risks, regulatory implications on oil, gas sector growth

World Bank raises Nigeria’s economic rating From Mathias Okwe, Abuja OR reducing the level of endemic poverty in the country, the World Bank has promoted Nigeria from a low income country ranking to a medium income position with the privilege of borrowing from the Breton Wood’s elite club, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development [ IBRD]. The decision elevating the country’s rating , according to the

World bank Country Director for Nigeria , Ms. Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, was taken at the last month’s Spring meeting of the World Bank / International monetary Fund [IMF] in Washington. She said the decision was taken after a review of the Nigeria’s economic indication revealed that there was a reduction in poverty rate per capita in the country which has now dipped to 62.6 per

Nigeria, before now, has been eligible to borrow only from IDA, which offered a 40-year payment plan with a 10-year grace period at no interest rate charge. Beneficiaries only pay a service charge of about 0.75 per cent. cent from 64.2 per cent as well as improvement in revenue accretion. The World Bank boss who spoke to journalists in Abuja on the post Spring meetings

said the implication of the promotion was that Nigeria now would have more access to resources from its creditors as it becomes eligible to borrow not only from the

Head Distriburion, FBN Life, Ayodeji Olushina (left); Head Mobile Finacial services, First Bank, Mike Ogbalu; and the Head Media and external relations, First Bank, Babatunde Lasaki; at the First Bank seventh edition of product fair conference in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

EITI may rate Nigeria low, as incompetence threatens oil, gas audit reports From Collins Olayinka, Houston, Texas, U.S IL and gas audit reports turned in by Nigeria to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) may be subjected to greater scrutiny by the international body, The Guardian has learnt. This scrutiny is allegedly informed by some underhand practices in the selection process of the auditing firms. This comes just as Nigeria faces imminent downgrade on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) compliant countries owing to its inability to comply with annual auditing of its oil earnings. As the Minister of

Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke prepares to address international oil experts an investors on the opportunities Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry offers the oil and gas sector at the on-going Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, United States, there are fears among stakeholders that Nigeria is on the verge of losing out on the ratings. While the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has continually reiterates its desire to ensure it produces accurate and timely audit reports in tandem with the requirements of EITI, preference for specific local auditing firm is threatening the accuracy and time-

liness of the reports. For instance, Idris Sada and Co. who got the N226millon contract for the audit of 2009/2011 reports and have collected N155million out of the sum and is yet to complete the job. The Guardian gathered here in Houston at the weekend that halting the rot in the selection process may have indeed begun with the conduct of a technical presentation that was allowed to produce the best bidding process in many years. It was also learnt that though the technical presentation was not scored, it however provided the opportunity for NEITI to critically examine the competence level of the applications of the competing

auditing firms. For the first time also, Sada Idris and Co, which has been persistent winners lost out to Taju Audu Electivo Baker Tilly Consortium. Observers were curious how Sada Idris, a company that is battling to finish the 2011 audit report was allowed to entre the race for the execution of the 2012 reports. It was alleged that most local firms without international partnerships lack the competence to execute the audit of such magnitude and staff of NEITI are beginning to ask questions on how certain firm continually emerge winner even though the firm is yet to demonstrate high-level of competence going by how it has handled previous assignments.

International Development Association (IDA) but also from the International Bank for Reconstruction And Development (IBRD). She said : “ This follows the Bank’s resolve to give the country a ‘blend’ status in its 2014-2017 Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) document which would be release later this year. The blend status, which is for a period of six to seven years applies to countries with gross national income per capita of about $1,170. Nigeria, before now, has been eligible to borrow only from IDA, which offered a 40year payment plan with a 10year grace period at no interest rate charge. Beneficiaries only pay a service charge of about 0.75 per cent. The decision also followed the growth in Nigeria’s revenue as her gross national income per capita had reached about $1,200 in the past two years, prompting

the Bank to undertake an upgrade from its current IDA only status. She however explained that the country would continue to benefit from both resources for seven years although the repayment conditions would now be reviewed. While on the new status, the country would now adapt to new repayment plans as the IDA condition would change. She gave further insight into the new plan : “Instead of having 40 year repayment it will be 25 year-repayment; the grace period moves down from 10 years to five years and you have an interest rate of about 1.3 to 1.5 per cent.” During the six to seven-year period, allocations fom the IDA is expected to be reviewed and phased out gradually while the IBRD allocation steps in as the only borrowing window.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Success of Vision 20:2020 tied to functional infrastructure By Bankole Orimisan OVERNMENT’S dream of making Nigeria rank among top 20 economies in the world by year 2020 be a reality, existing infrastructure must be made functional; but also managed sustainably, an expert, Erabor Okogun, has stressed. Chief Corporate Adviser, Signal Alliance , Erabor Okogun, speaking with the media recently in Lagos, he said government must adopt a way of maintaining its assets to ensure optimal service delivery. According to him, if Nigeria was to achieve its 2020 economic blueprint, functional infrastructure, good maintenance culture and proper planning to attract investment. He said that the company, in collaboration with SAP, is holding a forum on May 9 in Abuja to sensitise government on the need to deploy Enterprise Asset Management Solutions to tackle the challenges, adding, “it is important that government has a solution like this because achieving Vision 20:2020 would require a lot of infrastructure and investments.”

Africa’s share of global FDI increases over five years FRICA’S share of global A foreign direct investment (FDI) has grown over the past five years highlighting the growing interest from foreign investors, according to Ernst & Young’s third Africa Attractiveness Survey released recently. The report combines an analysis of international investment into Africa over the past five years with a 2013 survey of over 500 global business leaders about their views on the potential of the African market. The latest data shows that despite a fall in project numbers from 867 in 2011 to 764 in 2012, in line with the global trend project numbers are still significantly higher than anything that preceded the peak of 2008. The continent’s global share of FDI has also grown from 3.2 per cent in 2007 to 5.6 per cent in 2012.

Managing Director, Qualcomm West Africa, Alex Dadson (left); Vice President, Techno Group, Afrif Chowdhuri, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria and Public Relation Manager, Techno Africa, Mounir Boukali, during the media launch of a new phone from the stables of Techno in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO; OSENI YUSUF

Govt shifts attention to hydro-power generation By Sulaimon Salau OISED to tackle the erratic power supply in the country, the Federal Government may have shifted concentration to hydro power generating plants. The Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, who disclosed this during a visitation by European Union delegation, led by Ambassador David Macrae in Abuja, yesterday attributed the reason to environmental degradation associated with fossils power generation. Igali said that apart from being environmental friendly, small hydro power

generation can also be transmitted off grid for use by small rural communities around the dams. According to him, there are about 200 dams across the country that were hitherto constructed for purely irrigation purposes, but can now be adaptable for electricity. A statement made available to The Guardian by Deputy Director/Head of Press, Timothy Oyedeji, said the concomitant multiplier effect in agricultural value chain is unimaginable, employment generation and empowerment would naturally follow. While commending the European Union for its unrelenting assistance in

There are about 200 dams across the country that were hitherto constructed for purely irrigation purposes, but can now be adaptable for electricity. critical areas of the nation’s economy, the Permanent Secretary assured the delegation that the waste associated with gas flaring would soon be a thing of the past. He said that our Independent Power Projects (IPP) was designed to take advantage of our gas potentials. The Permanent Secretary called for partnership with European Union and other development partners to provide un-interrupted

electrification in Nigeria, “we need to leverage resources from European Union, World Bank, African Development Bank and others to develop our renewable”, for instance study has shown that in the North apart from solar, wind energy source is abound. Earlier, the EU leader David Macrae has described Nigeria’s energy sector as priority to the EU, saying that the EU will help Nigeria meet the gap in financing of

Women group seeks efficient tax system, utilisation From Chijioke Nelson, Calabar HE Society of Women in T Taxation (SWIT) has charged tax authorities and government on efficient tax system and proper resource utilisation, saying that its campaign for revenue generation and women’s rights were part of its vision to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the country. The National Chairperson of SWIT, a women arm of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Mrs. Justina Adaku Okoror, said this at the soci-

ety’s symposium tagged: “The role of women in enhancing revenue generation and utilisation for economic growth, in Tinapa, Calabar. According to her, the symposium was part of the overall objective of tyhe society, in an effort to ensure that the policies of government as it affects taxation and national development have positive impact on the women, children, less privileged and the economy in general. “The idea is to ensure that tax revenue are colleced

very efficiently, fairly and and also ensure that the revenues are used for the upliftment of the quality of life of our people. “This symposium today has therefore, been designed as a platform to give voice to women, who are critical stakeholders in the tax governance in Nigeria, in terms of revenue generation and the deployment of such revenue. “We have undertaken several sensitisation and awareness programmes aimed at informing women on their right as it affects taxation

and utilisation of tax evenue, students’ education, capacity building programmes, among others. “The result presently is that women issues and rights are being reflected in government policies in some states, with women getting stronger voices policy formulation, while general awareness is on the rise. “Indeed, the national leadership of the society had been engaged in the aggressive programmes of establishing branches in every state of the federation to ensure that ordinary mar-

Bharti Airtel’s subscribers hit 271.2 million in 20 countries By Adeyemi Adepetun UBSCRIBERS on India’s Bharti Airtel network; across 20 countries of operations is now 271.2 million. Besides, the total minutes on the network across countries of operations have hit 293.7 billion, up by 11 per cent on a Year-on-Year basis. Bharti Airtel currently operates in Nigeria, Burkina-Faso, Jordan, Iraq, Tanzania, Seychelles, Bahrain, Saudi-Arabia, South Africa among others. This information was con-

some key capital projects in the sector. Ambassador Macrae promised EU support for capacity building, he said he is allying with the planned arrangement to bring to Nigeria trainers, rather than Nigerians going abroad for such training. This he reasoned is not only cost effective but would afford more Nigerians to be so trained. He also said that EU programme will touch on bringing up stream renewable energy potentials, adding that the EU is interested in ensuring effective power transmission to the rural areas through Rural Electrification programme.

tained in firm’s IFRS results for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2013. The financial statement showed that the firm recorded a slight drop in earnings in some of its African operations, which was as a result of fierce competition and punishing interest charges. Indeed, the consolidated net profit for the three months to March tumbled to 5.08 billion rupees ($94 million), down from 10.06 billion rupees in the same period a year earlier.

Despite the weak earnings, Bharti’s billionaire founder and Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, said: “Market corrections have started… and pricing stability is returning to the sector in India. “With Africa over its peak of organic investments, we are optimistic about the potential for improved market shares and margin expansions. Finally, on the data front, we are now witnessing consistent quarter on quarter growth across all geographies.” Despite the fact that the

number of major telecoms players has fallen from more than a dozen to just seven, due to a Supreme Court ruling that scrapped the licences of a number of smaller firms due to a scandal-tarnished sale, competition remains fierce. Bharti, which has a more than 30 per cent market share, and other operators also face government calls to pay larger fees to renew licences in years ahead. India’s boom in phone connections has been overwhelmingly driven by cellu-

lar services and the country, with 900 million subscribers, is second only to China in terms of customer numbers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national and international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce.

ket woman clearly understands her tax right and make her voice heard when it matters. But the wife of Cross River State Governor and patron of the state’s chapter of women society, Obioma Lyel Imoke, said that for “women to play more active role in revenue generation for economic growth, we must all work collectively to remove all the factors that hinder their optimal participation and contribution in economic activities. “We must labour assiduously tonstill gender equality in all facets of our sciety and do all we can to integrate the application of the National Gender Policy across the board in the country. She noted that women must be empowered to take the role that will lead to the country’s greatness through access to education, good health, as well as having a voice in the community. “The equation is fairly straightforward. The more women who participate in our workforce, the larger the workforce and the greater the income profile for wealth creation and revenue generation through taxation,” she added.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

MoneyWatch Nigeria’s budget amendment bill and matters arising

Tambuwal By Chijioke Nelson HE nation’s budget procedures may been up for another round of controversy, with the gladiators encompassing the Legislature, Executive and the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), as amendment proposals on the 2013 budget are presently being juggled around for any possible outcome. The amendment bill, which is believed to be sponsored by the President and pending before the National Assembly (NASS), is also being contested by CSOs, notably, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). Tthe amendment proposal for the 2013 budget by the President affected clauses six, seven, nine and 10. But CSJ, led by the Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere, at a media briefing in Abuja, on the “2013 Federal Budget Amendment Bill presented by the President to the National Assembly,” queried the rational behind the proposed changes in some clauses, as well as the retention of others. Speculations may have also been rife as the nation’s policy changes are usually characterized by intrigues, overheating of the polity, economic strangulation and ultimately, widening gap between the “haves and the have nots.” Who knows where the present amendment proposal may take us to and when our “deliverance” will come. Specifically, Clause six of the budget provision, for which the President wants amended, states: “The Accountant-General of the Federation shall forward to the National Assembly full details of funds released to the government agencies immediately such funds are released.” But CSJ is opposed to its amendment, saying: “This clause has been a recurring decimal in previous budgets approved by National Assembly (NASS) and signed into law by the President, citing 2009 Appropriation Act: Section 6 (3); 2010 Appropriation Act: Section 6 (2); 2011 Appropriation Act: Section 7 (ii); and 2012 Appropriation Act: Section 5 (ii). “What is special about this clause in 2013? Did the Executive suddenly realise that this clause will not improve the lives of Nigerians? Separation of powers cannot be a shield to be used by the executive to deny the legislature access to timely information. Rather, separation of powers justifies this clause, considering the need for the legislature to know when the Appropriation Act is derailing. The true test of whether NASS is encroaching on the duties of the Executive is to find out whether NASS is dictating to the Executive on how to perform its duties or conduct its affairs. Further, the principle of checks and balances supports the position of NASS. Indeed, members of NASS, as Nigerian citizens have a right of access to this

Okonjo-Iweala information under section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act. “It is apposite to note that the President did not cite any section of any law violated by this clause. Further, previous poor capital budget implementation by the Executive reinforces the need for this provision. Reporting to the legislature does not stop the Accountant-General or the MDAs from reporting to their immediate superiors in the Executive. And the report to the Legislature seeks to facilitate the constitutional role of the Legislature in ensuring compliance with the Appropriation Act. Another proposed amendment by the President is Clause seven, which states that “the Minister of Finance shall ensure that funds appropriated under this Act are released to the appropriate agencies and/or organs of government as and when due, provided that no funds for any quarter of the fiscal year shall be differed without prior waiver from the National Assembly.” Again, CSJ asked the lawmakers to “retain the Clause or demand (from the Minister of Finance) and approve a Fiscal Risk Appendix in accordance with sections 19 (f) and 28 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.” The civil society group said that its justifications for the objection of the proposed amendment stem from the fact that “this Clause has been there in recent budgets- 2009 Appropriation Act: Section 7; 2010 Appropriation Act: Section 7; 2011 Appropriation Act: Section 8; and 2012 Appropriation Act: section 6.” It further queried: “What is special about this clause in 2013? Did the executive suddenly realise that this clause will delay budget implementation? The mischief in extant practice whereby capital budget implementation has been unusually poor warrants this clause to nudge the Minister of Finance to ensure full budgetary releases. NASS is further justified in including this clause when one considers the regular withdrawals from the Excess Crude Account to augment revenue shortfalls. “On the other hand, NASS and the executive should revert to sections 19 (f) and 28 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. From the tone of the President’s assertions on this clause, it is clear that both the Executive and NASS did not avert their minds to the said sections. “Section 19 (f) requires the annual budget sub-

Onyekpere mitted by the President to NASS to contain inter alia a Fiscal Risk Appendix evaluating the fiscal and other related risks to the annual budget and specifying measures to be taken to offset the occurrence of such risks. NASS is supposed to review and approve this Fiscal Risk Appendix. By section 28 of the FRA: (1) Where, by the end of three months, after the enactment of the Appropriation Act, the Minister determines that the targeted revenues may be insufficient to fund the heads of expenditure in the Appropriation Act, the Minister shall, within the next 30 days of such determination, take appropriation measures to restrict further commitments and financial operations according to the criteria set in the Fiscal Risk Appendix. Underlining supplied for emphasis; (2) where the targeted revenues are re-established, either in part or in full, the Appropriations for which further commitments were restricted shall be restored proportionately; the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall not apply to statutory or constitutional expenditure. “If a proper Fiscal Risk Appendix had been prepared by the Ministry of Finance and approved by NASS, this issue would not have arisen. Future budgets should be accompanied by a detailed Fiscal Risk Appendix, which should be specifically considered and approved by NASS.” The Clause nine under the President’s amendment propositions states: “All Accounting Officers of Ministries, Parastatals and Departments of Government who control heads of expenditures shall upon the coming into effect of this Act furnish the National Assembly on quarterly basis with detailed information on the Internally Generated Revenue of the Agency in any form whatsoever.” The group once again, wants it retained. “The report by Accounting officers of MDAs in no way stops them from filing reports within the chain of reporting established by the Executive. And the established chain of reporting referred to by the Executive cannot override the need for the Legislature to make provisions guaranteeing respect for section 80 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended (Constitution). NASS is right in providing a clause or section which seeks to cure the mischief in the existing practice of MDAs who spend their Internally Generated Revenue

“If a proper Fiscal Risk Appendix had been prepared by the Ministry of Finance and approved by NASS, this issue would not have arisen. Future budgets should be accompanied by a detailed Fiscal Risk Appendix, which should be specifically considered and approved by NASS.”

thereby violating the constitutional aphorism of no expenditure without appropriation. See sections 80 and 81 of the Constitution. “Furthermore, this clause has been a recurring decimal in previous budgets approved by National Assembly (NASS) and signed into law by the President- 2009 Appropriation Act: Section 9; 2010 Appropriation Act: Section 9; 2011 Appropriation Act: Section 10; and 2012 Appropriation Act: Section 8.” Lastly, CSJ advocated that Clause 10 should be deleted from the provision, in a move that seemed to be in tandem with the President’s request, against the assumed opinion of the many lawmakers, especially since the recent altercation between the leadership of the Securities and the Exchange Commission, headed by Ms. Arunma Oteh and the Legislature. Could this proposition go down well the lawmakers or on the other hand, will this proposition see the light of the day? The Clause states: “All revenue however described including all fees received, fines, grants, budgetary provisions and all internally and externally generated revenue shall not be spent by the Securities and Exchange Commission for recurrent or capital purposes or for any other matters, nor liabilities thereon incurred except with Prior Appropriation and Approval by the National Assembly.” The group’s justifications for their position were that “the Act establishing the Securities and Exchange Commission has not been repealed and indeed there is no bill pending before NASS for its repeal. Essentially, if this clause is not deleted, NASS would have succeeded in abolishing the commission without repealing its enabling law.” According to CSJ, the reasons given by the President are genuine and make eminent sense, vis a vis, “considering the fact that the budget of the Securities and Exchange Commission does not form part of the core 2013 Federal Budget as presented to the National Assembly, I believe that this clause ought not to have been inserted in the 2013 Appropriation Act in the first place. Secondly, the import of the clause is tantamount to shutting down the business of the commission with a potential negative impact on the capital market”. Recently, CSJ) demanded from the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala to furnish it with the designations of the accounting officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under whose watch some 45,000 ghost workers fraudulently siphoned N100 billion from the Federal Government treasury.

THe GUARDIAn, Wednesday, may 8, 2013

22 moneyWATCH

Challenges of extended cash-less scheme By Chijioke Nelson PPReHenSIon is a word associated with uncertainty and it can only be calmed by positive outcome, but before then, simple and straightforward strategies can boost and sustain optimism ahead of outcome. This may be the case of the nation’s match towards the cash-less project. The project, in reality, is not bad in itself and neither is it a new phenomenon in the global financial industry. It is only evolving, with newer trends on the horizon. Cash-less society refers to an economy where financial transactions are driven by electronic cards across various payment channels rather than the traditional physical office or “brick and mortar” office. These alternative channels include Automated Teller machines (ATm), Point of Sales terminals (PoS), mobile phones and other mobile devices, web, and various ecorporate solutions often provided by regulated financial institutions. Though at present, ATm is quietly being drawn into controversy, as to whether it is full cash-less initiative compliant since it can churn out over n100,000 per single account in a day. There were indications recently that the Central Bank of nigeria (CBn) was getting set for the next phase of the cash-less policy in the country. But the target areas for the second phase of the pilot project for the cash-less economy initiative, which might take-off in July, will be Abia, Abuja, Anambra, Kano, ogun and Rivers states. CBn source said the move may have been informed by the assessed success in Lagos pilot run and that the apex financial institution might also target the deployment of about 150,000 point of sales (PoS) terminals more and ensure increase in the number of Automated Teller machines (ATms) in the country. Perhaps, the embers of the apprehension in the society now over the cash-less initiative are fanned all the more by the performance of the payment channels being used in the scheme already. Added to that, the infrastructure deficiency being identified as the arrowhead and clog in the wheels of its progress seems to remain unsolved. How can confidence be strengthened over newer projects and/or versions of the same scheme?

Sanusi The razzmatazz that greeted the project from the beginning, which turned out to be a failed hope for the many, may have been another entrenched cause for apprehension over the project. At inception, the idea appeared to be beyond any limitation and a clearer picture of how the banking hall would turn out to be “lonely” can easily be imagined. Though at cost, many customers in some areas today are opting for the banking hall and counter transactions, instead of waiting endlessly at the various payment channel points or moving from one place to the other in search of the functional ones. The new target A source from the apex bank said: “The CBn is also looking at expanding the scheme with the mobile money initiative and make it successful. you know if the people have access to these facilities, that is another advantage. The bank has learnt its lesson in the cash-less Lagos initiative and was prepared and being meticulous not to repeat any mistakes learnt. you know the target of CBn with the initiative was

to drastically reduce cost of currency maintenance, risk of carrying cash around among others. We have relatively achieved that in the phase 1. The second phase will be for the apex bank to explore adequately the deployment of more PoS terminals, ATms and we shall also ensure and explore deepening the initiative through mobile money. more nigerians need to explore that area. It is very strategic to succeeding. It will also interest you to note that CBn is also pursuing Federal Government’s target of creating a robust financial system in the country with Vision 20:2020. The cash-less economy is also targeted at helping government achieve this. The initiative is still at the pilot mood and the national roll out may start soonest. CBn is still studying the challenges, especially the connectivity and deployment of more facilities, awareness creation among others. The national roll out depends on the success of the pilot phases. We have made tremendous progress. The fact remains that we cannot completely eliminate cash, but the CBn target is to reduce drastically the use of cash. I can say that we are on top of the situation.” Success record This is not to say that there is no record of success. In fact, the payment system has never been like this before. nigeria is a unique place and this stems from the fact that in the midst of struggle, there must be a way out and circumstances can always be managed. The cashless project so far, being piloted in Lagos State, has presented a positive stance, nevertheless. CBn source said the assessment of Lagos pilot run showed that it overshoot its target of 40, 000 PoS terminals as of march 2013. “We exceeded that our projection. We have over 150,000 PoS terminals now. The plan now is to double that and encourage players to deploy more ATms in order to expand the initiative. The apex bank is also working to ensure that the challenges experienced in the first phase were mitigated in the second phase. “The nation’s deposit money banks may have keyed into the project with the deployment of various electronic payment channels, products and services specifically designed to be compliant with the initiative. With this effort

taking effect since last the year, banks have significantly upgraded their electronic channels and cash-less banking transactions are being pursued vigorously to a world-class standard. Customers get services outside the banking hall, with a certain level of seamless transaction processing in Lagos State. “When the cash-less Lagos was started, there were less than 10,000 PoS in Lagos, but currently there are over 150,000 PoS machines in the state alone. Daily electronic payment transactions through the Instant Payment (nIP) and nigerian electronic Fund Transfer (neFT) of the nigerian Inter Bank Settlement System have increased significantly to about n40 billion daily. nIP and neFT are products used by corporate organizations to make payment for huge transactions electronically, in line with the cashless policy. Data gathered from nIBSS also shows that as a result of the cash-less policy, cheques, Point of Sale (PoS) and Automated Teller machines (ATm) usage have continued to record huge volume and value. The Challenge This might sound like the same old story: infrastructure woes, lack of knowledge, issue of right product development to drive the cash-less initiative, among others. This is where the tasks may shift to the deposit money banks and financial technology providers. It is these two organizations that deal directly with end users of this cash-less project. They are the ones that make profit from the apex bank’s policy and should be at the forefront of the campaign. How far have they gone and prepared to go? The target states have a mixture of challenges in the areas of infrastructure, education, high cashbased transactions, security issues and a cumulative population of about 25 million. The impending rollout of the pilot run in six states from July, would at least have two outstanding challenge. There is going to be a stretch on the existing infrastructure, as more people will be inclined to key into the project and may be frequent downtime. How prepared and fast are the banks and there branches in solving any issue relating that may arise with the payment channels there?

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

23 In partnership with

Shipping UPDATE

INTERACTIVE

COMMUNIQUE

EVENTS

Increasing Local Competitive Capacity In The Upstream Sector Of The Maritime Industry.

Being earlier submissions made by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping’s Strategy Group established in March 2010 by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMD) proferring solutions for the increase of competitive capacity of indigenous operators in the upstream sector of the maritime industry.

which seeks to indigenize shipping as is done in other societies such as the United States of America (via the Jones Act). It is only be domesticating ownership that the full benefits of a vibrant merchant marine business can be felt. The importance of this capability in defending our national security interests in times of international crisis cannot be overemphasized. As a result of these structural issues, the issue of national content in shipping must ultimately be tied to ownership. We have therefore made a number of suggestions that will seek to gradually build indigenous national capacity with time. Our suggestions are as follows:

E are presenting the following report as the basis for credible and sustain“W able national content development plan. In

EXCLUSIVE OPERATING AREAS To encourage the growth of local capacity, we recommend the immediate implementation of exclusivity concept for all boats below a certain threshold. This policy recognizes that indigenous shipping companies may not have the resources to commit to investing significant sums of money in say large DP2 platform support vessels that may cost more than $60m to deploy. We therefore recommend that: All service and support vessels below 30m length should be exclusively left for Nigerians; no foreign participation allowed. This threshold must then be raised after the initial 3 years to include larger boats. Within the initial 3 year period, all service and support vessel above 30m length should be given to Nigerians who have capacity, on a preferential basis, by giving them the right to execute first refusal on all bids. In practical terms,

other areas, such as fabrication and construction, national content has been designed around the domiciliation of work because this actually does result in value added in the Nigerian economy. In shipping, this concept cannot work for a number of reasons”… Substantial domestic value can only be created by the domestication of ownership rather than just crewing. This is because crewing costs are a small part of the value chain in any shipping operation. At present, a lot of the Nigerianisation in shipping is limited to Nigerianizing relatively low level manpower. It is instructive that most of the self-styled foreign champions of Nigerian content do not have trained and highly paid DP masters on their payrolls! There is already in existence a Cabotage Act

this would work as follows: The difference in the bid price between the Nigerian flag vessel exercising right of first refusal and the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag or owned vessel should be limited to 10%. In setting this price adjustment differential, we have taken into account the differential costs such as borrowing and insurance between the large foreign fleet owners and local ship owners. In practical terms, this means that commercial bids from foreignflagged or vessels owners will be “normalized” by adding a 10% bid premium to them when being compared with bids by indigenous Nigerian ship owners. The Nigerian ship owners, to be considered for 1st right of refusal, shall be restricted to those who participated in the technical and commercial bid in question. Those ship owners who have not participated in the bid shall not have any right to claim the right of first refusal at a later stage The Nigerian flagged vessels offered by the Nigerian ship owners should broadly satisfy all the technical and commercial requirements of the bids; Tender requirements should be broad enough to encompass various vessel types to eliminate in-built discrimination based on proprietary technologies such as the recent attempt by an IOC to require vessels to have diesel-electric engines which are only provided commercially by a particular vessel operator. The same IOC has also requested for bow- shaped crew vessels having the specific attributes of vessels provided by a particular operator. The Nigerian ship owners shall be eligible to

exercise the right of first refusal only if they match the lowest price quoted against foreign flagged vessels, as “normalized” in clause (a) above. In case more than one party matches the lowest rate, the eligible indigenous party to exercise the right of first refusal in the bid shall be decided on the basis of the original rate quoted. The difference in the bid price between the Nigerian flag vessel exercising the right of first refusal and the lowest rate quoted by the foreign flag vessel shall be limited to 10%. In case the difference is more than 10%, the right of first refusal shall cease to exist; Nigerian ship owners shall identify and offer their own vessel(s) or vessels chartered in line with the Cabotage Act (Bare Boat Charter) for the entire performance of the proposed contract. In case the vessel(s) offered by the Nigerian ship owners is under construction, such offers shall be considered only against an undertaking furnished by Nigerian ship owners that the vessel(s) shall be converted to Nigerian flag prior to the commencement of the contract; In case the right of first refusal is exercised by the Nigerian ship owner, it shall be mandatory to deploy the same vessel(s) for the entire performance of the contract and Nigerian ship owner shall not be allowed to offer the same vessel(s) for any other contract until 6 months before the expiry date of the contract for which the ship owner was CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Maritime Security Perspectives Of Nigeria’s Maritime And Oil And Gas Industries cont’d th

N a previous edition (10 April, 2013), we Iment published the beginning part of this docu-

at deterring pirates, or chasing them and recovering stolen weapons and cargo, but they are not designed or trained to collect evidence and process criminals for prosecution. 21. Lasting solutions to the problem must therefore take cognisance of the root causes which through research are traceable to a number of socio-economic and political reasons which includes abject, poverty loss of lucrative fishing grounds rising particularly from environmental pollution, grossly under developed coastal communities despite their contributions to national economies through the accruing dividends of oil and gas from their localities, unemployment and poor educational and health care facilities. 22. The growing sophistication of piracy, terrorism and other maritime crimes operational methodology that now includes money laundering, swarm tactics, encrypted communications, competence in weapons handling and ability to operate from mother ships well into international waters necessitates the need for flexibility in our response to maritime security challenges much more than ever before. According to Dave Mugridge whose opinion I uphold, conventional response is becoming overstretched and less appealing politically, whereas a more comprehensive policy could offer politicians the ability to bring together the full force and legitimacy of whole governments with the partnership of stake holders within our shipping, oil and gas industries.

ous ministries and parastatals of government that are charged with our maritime safety and security. These are the Ministries of Defence, Transport and Internal Affairs, the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, NIMASA, NPA, Customs, Immigrations, NPF, NNPC and SSS. For time kindly permit me to discuss just three of these – The Navy, Air Force and NIMASA.

of power and balance of power functions. It is the classic role of maritime defence of the country and its national maritime interest. The diplomatic role refers to the unique ability of navies to exert pressure (negotiation from a position of strength), manipulate and support prestige (as in flag showing visits) all without crossing borders, violating airspace or abuse sovereignty. The functions inherent in the policing role goes further than what it is generally perceived to be, particularly for navies that are not global but contiguous like ours or lesser. It is a Service Rendering Role or as described in RAdm JR Hill’s book – Maritime Strategy for Medium Powers, a Constabulary Role. As much as the military role is the primary focus of the Navy, its policing role needs some elaboration. The policing role of a navy is concerned principally with the maintenance of law and order from the littoral zone of a country to the outer limits of its EEZ, as much as possible. The functions of any navy under this role are Coastguard and Nation Building. 26. However, whatever the size or classification of a navy, effective performance of each of the naval roles and their basic functions demand dedicated platforms and well trained and motivated personnel. Unfortunately, most of the ships in the NN inventory are currently on the average, 30 years old and have had no major refit or upgrade to prolong their service lives. The ships are therefore too far gone for meaningful local refits and must consequently be phased out and replaced.

17. Their spread will be based on growing global poverty, failures in national governance which endears communities to be reluctant to turn their backs on the spoils of piracy, to follow the rule of law, more so when there is an inability to effectively police our waters at a THE NIGERIAN NAVY time of easily affordable global wireless. What 24. Maritime forces take various forms. is required is a comprehensive, coherent and At one end of the spectrum are the ocean co-ordinate (3c) activity that transcends both going or global navies such as the USN while at nation states and international body. the other end are the groups with just motor 18. In July 2010 President Boni Yayi of boats and operate only in comparatively shelBenin sent a worried letter to the UN secretarytered inshore waters, euphemistically called general. His country was being threatened by navies or coastguards. Between these extremithe activities of pirates, who were scaring shipties are the coastal and contiguous sea navies. ping away from the port on which his counOur own Navy is, at best, in the Contiguous cattry’s revenues depend. He wanted internationegory. Contiguous or regional as it is, the al help of the kind which had been deployed responsibilities of the NN as stipulated in against piracy off the coast of Somalia. His letSection 217 of the Constitution of the Federal ter put the issue of piracy off the West African Republic of Nigeria 1999, and Section 1 of the coast onto the world agenda. The attacks conArmed Forces Act (AFA) No. 105 of 1993, includtinue and still cluster in the vicinity of Benin ing the tasking mandate of our National and our country but despite UN missions and a Defence Policy, are to ensure the maritime Security Council debate, the international comdefence of the country, undertake hydrographical munity is still unsure of the best way to prosurvey and maritime search and rescue and also ceed. ensure the enforcement of the nation’s maritime 19. On 16 January, the Nigerian oil tanker regulations in conjunction with sister services and MT ‘Itri’ was hijacked off the port of Abidjan other maritime security agencies. It is important while it was waiting to berth. It was carrying to note that all of these NN responsibilities are 5,000 tonnes of petroleum product. The vessel as posited in the 3 basic naval roles by Ken was then sailed away from Ivorian territorial Booth, in his book – Navies and Foreign Policy. waters and was last detected off Ghana. Since These roles are military, policing and diploAN OVERVIEW OF THE ROLES AND CAPABILITIES December 2012, there has been a steady OF SOME OF OUR MARITIME SECURITY AGENCIES matic. increase in the capabilities of pirate groups in 25. The military role involves projection 23. It is important for us to recall the varithe Gulf of Guinea. While the rate of hijacking of tankers has remained relatively constant, pirate groups have extended their operating range further west to Ivorian waters, particularly off the congested port of Abidjan. Over the same period, there has been an increase in attacks on oil supply vessels off the Niger Delta; three oil supply vessels were attacked and two memorandum. which they bring in as Temporary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 hijacked in December alone. Importation (TI). Our prayer is for 20. Due to the very limited capabilities of preferentially awarded. In contin- VAT to be zero rated on the importTONNAGE TAX regional navies including the major player, the gent situations, Nigerian ship A Case for Tonnage Tax ed vessel which will reduce import Nigerian Navy, and, unlike the seas off Somalia, owner will In an effort to preserve and cost incurred by indigenous operathe lack of an international maritime presence, expand their fleets by making be allowed to substitute the vestors to about 7%. tankers are vulnerable to oil theft, principally them more competitive, many sel(s) with other Nigerian flag ves- Relevant Action Party by Nigeria-based organised criminal gangs. nations are developing aggressive sel(s) The Chairman, Federal Inland Limited improvements to port security in maritime promotional policies. from his own fleet, but not with Revenue Department, Revenue Nigeria and Togo (including private security Prominent among them are severany foreign flagged vessel; House, Plot 522 Sokode Cresecent, guards on vessels at anchor), have resulted in To maintain transparency each Off Dalaba Street, Wuse Zone 5 (TeJ : al European and Asian nations pirate groups moving west into Ivorian waters that have enacted measuresIOC should make monthly returns 09-5236602) who can issue a tax and targeting vessels waiting to berth at of all information circular through its Tax including tax incentives, direct Abidjan. However, using an international subsidies and ship financing Policy Unit. naval task force to address the problem is inap- contract bids and recommendaschemes-aimed at benefiting shiption for awards to ensure complipropriate as navies generally can be very good ance with INCOME TAXATION - PARTNERSHIP / owners operating under national flags, thus enhancing the appeal the 10% criteria. JOINT VENTURE of their ship registries against Vessel requirements by IOCs Foreign companies operating in flags of convenience. These efforts should be sent to the Nigerian Nigeria typically operate the dual have been intensified in recent Chamber of Shipping who shall cir- company bid situation where the culate the requirements to the contracts are in split currency as fol- years. Many countries are taking Dear Readers , steps to enhance the international appropriate Nigerian Ship Owners lows: who will then confirm their avail- 60% of the contract value awarded to appeal of their ship registries. ELCOME to another exciting 4 pages on Countries have introduced tonability within 7 days or their ability a subsidiary owned in a tax haven Maritime Knowledge. to source, Charter on Bare Boat or such as Panama, BVI or similar juris- nage tax in order to become more From the responses and feedback we are globally competitive, level the getting, I believe our readers are really gainacquire such vessel within 14 days. dictions ing a lot from the various publishing of In case no offer is received by the 40% of the contract value awarded to playing fields and turn around papers presented at our last highly successtheir declining shipping indusNigerian Owners within the stipu- a Nigerian subsidiary ful Course/ Workshop on Understanding tries. lated period the IOCs shall be free The way such contracts are run in Cabotage and Local Content in Nigerian Oil Furthermore, it is important to to invite foreign ship owners to bid practice means that the local com& Gas Industry. note that tonnage tax is an alterfor the vessel requirement. pany bears all the costs and makes This week, I have decided to include the connative for normal income tax and, no profits at all. The profits are tinuation of the presentation on ‘Maritime hence, both the tax treatment of POSITIVE SYNERGY BETWEEN declared in the tax haven foreign Security’ by Rear Admiral G.S.A Ombo (Rtd). depreciation and capital gains is NAPIMS, NCDMB & NIMASA company (THFC). The only tax paid We all agree that the security situation in our waters has become a massive problem to our For the actualization of the by the THFC is usually the withhold- no longer applicable under the maritime operators. That however should increase of Indigenous Capacity ing tax of 5% PLUS a 1% minimum tax tonnage tax regime. not stop you from becoming a maritime NAPIMS, NCDMB & NIMASA by levied by the Federal Inland Revenue We are therefore proposing the practitioner. So do take advantage of the ‘Tit introduction of Tonnage Tax in necessity work together preferably Service. When compared with the Bits’ on Vessel Registration. place of the existing Temporary through a joint committee, so as to 30% tax rate paid by Nigerian comI will keep on proclaiming it until it Import Permit, not only will a harmonize their individual posipanies, this is a patent inequity to becomes a reality that competitiveness must long-standing demand of the tions towards achieving the com- the Federal Republic of Nigeria. become part of maritime operations in mon goal. We therefore recommend that the shipping industry be met but also Nigeria, that all must be done to ensure best it will create an atmosphere that VALUE ADDED TAX basis for taxing these THFC be practices and professionalism. So read our earlier submission of proffered solutions for VAT as presently applicable to ves- changed to reflect the inherent prof- will enable Nigerian operators to your information and raising awareness to sel importation by Indigenous itability of their Nigerian operations compete successfully against their the relevant parties. rivals anywhere in the world. Owners has placed the Indigenous in its entirety. The tax laws to deal I hope you enjoy our package this week. I Tonnage tax is so significant for vessel owner at a commercial dis- with the situation are already in promise you to endeavour to bring issues the shipping sector because it is advantage when compared to place and only diligent enforcement that greatly affect us in the Maritime sector their foreign counterparts. of Section13 and 14 of the Companies calculated not on the profit or loss Have a nice Week I. VAT substantially accounts for Income Tax Act, 1990, as amended is of a company in a given year, but God bless. the approximately 14% of cost of required to redress this inequity. For by applying a notional annual Ify Anazonwu- Akerele income on its net registered tonthe vessel imported by indigenous clarity, Section 13 and S14 of the Director General nage. Nigerian Chamber of Shipping owners, where the foreign owners Companies Income Tax Act are This means that the tax burden is pay less than 1% of their vessel cost reproduced as Appendix I to this

Increasing Local Competitive Capacity In The Upstream Sector Of The Maritime Industry

From the Desk of the DIRECTOR GENERAL

known in advance and is neutral to the performance of the company. The effect is to ring-fence the company’s tax liabilities, making financial planning and long-term strategic operations easier. Typically, the Nigerian shipping companies compete, not with rivals in the domestic tariff area, but in the international arena. If 90 per cent of their competitors pay only a nominal tax, Nigerian shipping companies cannot be expected to perform well when they are subjected to tax rates of 30%. If Nigeria shipping industry is to retain its competitive edge, it must be brought on par with the rest of the world. The growth of the flag is not the only positive fallout of tonnage tax. A larger fleet brings a host of economic benefits, the most important being a rise in gainful employment. Every ship flying the Nigerian flag is invariably manned by a Nigerian crew. The Indian experience and indeed the experience of 90 per cent of the world fleet how that the most effective way of encouraging the growth of tonnage in the flag, especially by attracting new players, is through meaningful fiscal policies like tonnage tax. Kindly note the lock-in period for India is 10 years. I believe this was agreed to grow their domestic fleet. In Nigeria based on our peculiar situation (low tonnage) it would be to our advantage to consider the same 10 year lock-in period. The importance of the implementation of tonnage tax is vital in the growth and development of shipping and is second to none. That, we suggest is the way to go! FUNDING The NCDMB should facilitate access to funding for vessel owners who have shown positive potential Capacity

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

CompuLife Strengthening local OEMs to check capital flight By Adeyemi Adepetun T is no more news that Nigeria consumes more IApart technology than its current level of production. from this huge consumption level, the country is gradually becoming a dumping ground for all forms of products, which include mobile devices, PCs and even software products. The development is also believed to be fuelling increase in capital flight. Today, Nigeria is said to be loosing about N212 billion to foreign software importation on a yearly basis alone. Arguably, some of these imported technologies have in one way or the other assuaged the pains of users in the country. Indeed, while many Nigerians appreciate the influx of these products, on the basis that some are of quality and standard, others queried when the country would reciprocate the gesture of exporting locally made ICT wares to other parts of the world. This, they believe, will definitely give the country a comparative advantage. For emphasis, Nigeria’s mobile phone penetration currently stands at 116 million, with a teledensity of above 81 per cent. It has also been established that Nigeria’s Internet users is fast nearing the 50 million mark, making it the largest in Africa. Going by these statistics, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, recently stressed that the country could not be said to be lagging behind in the current global ICT revolution. But to many, it shouldn’t be about statistics alone. They stressed that there should be a balance of trade, if Nigeria must compete adequately. Indeed, statistics showed that out of the 740, 000 computers acquired by Nigerians in 2012, only 148, 000 were manufactured locally, meaning that 80 per cent of the personal computer bought by the citizens are foreign brands. It means that only 20 per cent of market share belongs to indigenous players put together. Foreign computer brands like HP, Dell, Acer, Toshiba and Samsung, among others, are said to be controlling 80 per cent of the Nigerian computer market. Though, many factors have been adduced to Nigeria’s ICT devices production shortfall, including lack or poor technology transfer mechanism, especially from foreign brands, which are making millions of dollars out of the country. Others are that the business environment in Nigeria is yet to be encouraging; poor power situation; multiple taxations among others. At a recent meeting with journalists, the Managing Director of Samsung Electronics West Africa, Kim Brovo, said that though the company is bullish about establishing a plant in the country, but that will be in the distant future, stressing that the atmosphere was yet to encourage such. However, despite these identified challenges, indigenous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMS) including Zinox Technologies, Brian Computers, Speedstar, Omatek Ventures and Veda Computers have taken the bull by the horn. They have not relented in their production capacity. While putting its weight behind Nigeria amidst challenges, St. Kitts and Nevies, a Carribean nation, has called on the Zinox Group, makers of Zinox computers, to expand its operations in the country and partake in the ICT revolution happening there. The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevies, Mr. Denzil Douglas, made the call during a visit to the Zinox headquarters in Lagos last December, stressing that the country’s new economy was currently fuelled by ICT services. As part of its survival strategy, Omatek Ventures too has also diversified. Apart from improved and increased PC productions in the country, the company has also gone into the production of solar powered bulb, which even the Ministry of Education hoped to consider for its school project. Today, other OEMs are fast rising up in Nigeria. These include RlG and Techno Telecoms Limited. For instance, last month, RlG Nigeria said its assembly plant in Osun State would be commissioned and starts operation by June.

A PC Plant The Country Director of the firm, Mr. Tosin Ilesanmi, while soliciting for government support, especially in terms of policies, noted that things were fast taking shape as regards the ICT evolution in the country. He added that the company had been working hard to make sure that while the country was striving to be counted among nations with ICT awareness, it should not get left behind in the area of ICT products manufacturing. According to him, the number of indigenous companies into ICT wares manufacturing is abysmal because most consumers prefer products manufactured overseas, which are also readily available. “But what the stakeholders in the industry know quite well is that for Nigeria to be respected in ICT advancement, it must be able to manufacture its own homegrown ICT wares, which is an area where RlG is currently holding the fort,” Ilesanmi maintained. Like the Chairman of Omatek Ventures, Mrs. Florence Seriki, who said for indigenous operators to really breakthrough in their operations in the country, that the number one citizen (President Goodluck Jonathan) must appreciate local production, Ilesanmi said government must fashion out ways to subsidise the sector. According to him, the firm is engaged in the production of communications equipment such as mobile handsets, electronic notebooks, tablets, laptops, LCD TV monitors. With RlG offices in Ghana, the Gambia, Nigeria, Dubai, Kenya and China, he said Nigeria should boast of world-class high quality products that could compete favourably with top global brands. He said the firm was aware of the huge potential in the country, hence, its massive investments in Nigeria. “We have almost completed our multi-million naira ultra-modern ICT factory in Osun State and the complex will commence operation in June. The complex contains an assembling plant, showroom, warehouse, training institute and accommodation for staff. The facility can provide direct employment for 600 people and 5,000 indirect employments, if fully utilised. “The factory has the capacity to assemble 3,400 laptops daily and over a 100,000 laptops monthly. Similarly, the plant has the capacity to assemble 4,000 mobile phones per day. Equipment for the factory is ready for installation, while the expatriate technicians are due in the country to further train the staff that will work at the plant.” Recently, the Public Relations Manager of Tecno Telecom Limited, Mr. Boukali Mounir,

Source: GOOGLE also confirmed that Tecno is considering opening a phone manufacturing plant in Nigeria to serve the local market. According to him, the prevalent market potential was evident in Nigeria, hence the influx of phones of diverse kinds into the Nigerian market by foreign manufacturers. As a business model, he said the firm remained committed to establishing its plant in Nigeria to serve the country’s large population from a close range. According to him, plans for the project have reached an advanced stage. Indeed, experts are of the opinion that if indigenous OEMs must be up and doing and thrive under this regime, government’s support is very critical. Already, the Minister of Communications Technology has initiated the computer ownership scheme, which will see indigenous operators sell more computers in the country. The

initiative is also expected to boost local content development in Nigeria. The recently unveiled service portal in Abuja, which brings together government services online, is also expected to improve ICT service delivery to the citizens. This, experts believed would be best accessed digitally through communications gadgets like phones and computers; hence, huge business opportunities for OEMs, especially those considering manufacturing in Nigeria. According to Jacob Tamuno, an ICT consultant, “Nigeria will not go anywhere until we have strong policies in place that will assist indigenous productions. In advanced countries where we import all gadgets, softwares, they have policies in place that give them edge, but here, it is still a sorry case. “And except we address this, government’s plan of becoming an economic bloc remains a

26 COMPULIFE

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

‘Low ICT integration in education retarding Nigeria’s competitiveness’ From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja ESPITE the huge successes the country has accomplished in Information Communication and Technology (ICT), its inability to step up the integration of ICT in education is a major hindrance to global competitiveness, Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, has said. The Minister who spoke at a Microsoft ICT for Higher Education Summit held in Abuja, stressed that the pace at which any nation develops today is tied to its ability to access, absorb and utilize knowledge. This, according to her, can only be effectively achieve through the development and deployment of ICT, stressing that the federal government recognizes the critical role of higher

education and ICT towards sustainable national development and has put in place a more focused attention on the sector than ever imagined. “The present state of ICT in education must be remedied, if we must attain sustainable development and global competitiveness. We should devise strategies that ensure ease of access and affordability to requisite ICT infrastructure and facilities. We should create opportunities not only for the deployment but also more importantly, for the development of ICT in education. We should use ICT not only for the acquisition of basic skills but to foster the development of critical thinking, problem solving and Ruquayatu Ahmed Rufa’i communication, she said. tenance of the ICT manpower required The Minister went on: “We also encourage the development and sus- to achieve the human capital require-

ment for the country. We should adopt creative financing models for ICT in education and exploit publicprivate partnership (PPP) to increase funding for ICT in education, as the traditional budgeting by government alone cannot achieve our goal. “At this juncture, let me thank Microsoft for organizing this event. There is no doubt that our partnership with you will bring great improvements to the education sector. The caliber of resource persons and participants assembled here gives every

Vodacom Business Nigeria bags award ODACOM Business Nigeria has V received the Beacon of ICT (BoICT) Award for Enterprise Solutions

Provider of the year 2013. According to the organisers, Vodacom Business Nigeria received the award as a result of its outstanding solutions and customer service. The BoICT awards, is held yearly to liaise with government agencies with a view to promote recognise deserving talents, contribuBy Tosin Fadeke O aid the practicality of information technologies in the importance of the associations and its relevant role in tions and commitments to the the management of businesses within the private and growth of the ICT industry. This year, organizations, Information Systems Audit and public sectors. over 55,000+ Nigerians voted in the Control Association, (ISACA), Lagos Chapter has He added ”As I speak, we are taking step to work out an different categories with Vodacom revealed plans to partner National Information Business Nigeria emerging as the clear Technology Development Agency of (NITDA) in the area arrangement with NITDA so as to help provide framework or structure in which IT can be practiced in all winner in the Enterprise Solutions of human capacity development. organizations. We are limiting ourselves to that alone. We Provider of the year category. The move according to ISACA is targeted at bridging Vodacom Business’ core infrastrucknowledge gaps among members so as to enable them are also spearheading a private sector organization that would be responsible in championing procedures, politure connects over 580 million people impact and add value in their various organizations. across more than 40 African countries Speaking on behalf of newly elected executives of the cies in the way information is managed and controlled”. Outgoing President, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins while speak- and includes over 50 satellite chapter, President elect of the Chapter Mr. Peter Ineh, ing on the activities of the professional body, stated that transponders, 24 dedicated teleports explained that plans are underway to engage in parther administration’s success was not without challenges and access to multiple sub-sea cable nership agreement with big firms such as KPMG, Pwc, landing ports. Delloite, Ernst & Young in the training of its members. as it had to battle with the issue of inadequate trained personnel from time to time. By utilising on-the-ground support, Ineh said, “I hope to improve on the achievement of She said ”You are aware that this association which Vodacom Business provides system the outgoing executive by ensuring that members get updated on various aspects of information security, risk came on board in 2004 is a voluntary organization where integration and maintenance, many of its members have full time job of their own. So, Broadband Internet, Dedicated management and governance. Our main focus would Hosted services, Cloud Services, be about bridging the knowledge gaps existing among getting them to shuffle their time in a way that would International and Pan-African data our members. We want to empower our members to be not have severe effect on their job schedule while at the same time contributing their quota to the body is a bit networks, Enterprise Voice and a host able to add value to their organizations”. of other Value Added Services to its He also disclosed that the body was making efforts to engaging and therefore require sacrifice.

ISACA to partner NITDA, targets human capacity development

assurance that the outcome f this Summit will provide the much needed turn-around in higher education and will be of immense benefit to our country.” National Technology Officer, Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, Olayinka Oni stressed Nigeria needs to advance with times by adopting the digital university system of education, stressing that many advanced countries of the world had stepped up in the adoption of e- learning in tertiary education.

customers. “We are proud to be honored with the BoICT award; it proves that we are on the right path with our solutions and services. We have continuously provided tailor-made solutions that fit customer’s needs opposed to providing stand-alone products. We use the latest technologies to provide our customers with managed communication solutions to and within Africa. These solutions include managed network solutions, voice solutions, backup and archiving and a host of other value added services” said Executive Head of Department Sales & Business development, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Zakari Usman. “Product and service quality has asserted itself clearly in the judging process, with innovative solutions also being rewarded. Both of these criteria are not just yardsticks for good service but also for the potential for success in the Nigerian ICT industry. This potential will increase several times over by the continuous demand of ICT consumers for cutting-edge technologies in their growing businesses”, says Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria Communications Week and organizer Beacon of ICT awards, Ken Nwogbo.

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Visitor, AUST, and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left); Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Ewa, during the unveiling ceremony of UBA ICT Centre at the pan-African institution in Abuja at the weekend.

Technology Distributions, Huawei target enterprise market development By Adeyemi Adepetun EST Africa’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) distributor, Technology Distributions (TD), and Chinese firm, Huawei, have inked deal on the provision of ICT solutions for telecommunications carriers, enterprises and consumers. According to the Managing Director, TD, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh said both global ICT giants are pulling their resources together – Huawei, its innovative and trusted manufacturing capacities and TD, her highly motivated and massive distribution network in West Africa – to provide a wide range of efficient ICT solutions and services to enterprise customers of all sizes. Ekeh described the partnership as timely because it came at a time when Government was embarking on a transformation program across all sectors of the economy. Huge investments were being made in the transportation, energy, education, health, aviation among others and it would be absurd if Huawei enterprise solutions, deployed already in 140 countries, were not part of the choices that TD would offer to her top notch clientele. Besides, she added, 2015, the date set for the attainment of the MDGs was just a stone throw away and industry analysts were expecting that

Governments and NGOs would make further heavy investments in ICT infrastructure. The MD TD assured resellers and the market that characteristically TD would stock large quantities of Huawei Enterprise Servers, Enterprise Switches, Enterprise Routers, Esight, WLAN Solutions, Firewall Solutions, Tele-presence Solutions and UPS. She reaffirmed the TD commitment to immediate delivery anywhere in West Africa. Presenting the Distributors, License earlier, the Director, Channel Department, Huawei, Mr. Vincent Zhou said that Huawei appointed TD a Distributor after an impressive assessment of her capacities in corporate governance, marketing, financial muscle, and logistics. Zhou disclosed that Huawei Enterprise is one of Huawei’s three business groups. He said that the TD partnership would leverage on Huawei’s strong R&D capabilities to service customers in government and MDAs, finance and banking, oil and gas, commercial businesses and ISPs. This partnership would reinforce the customer-centred vision of both companies and deliver end-to-end capabilities and strengths across the carrier networks, enterprise, consumer and cloud computing fields.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Ovia, others task youths on Internet, social media ture driving social media is the Internet, which must be posiEETING parts of Nigeria’s tively explored”, Chukwunye 21st Century goals of stated. becoming a major economic Recognizing the dangers bloc, youths in the country have inherent in negative exploitabeen urged to ensure proper tion of the social media, the and developmental use of the founder of Bela Naija, a popuInternet cum social media. lar social blog, Mrs. Uche Pedro Leading other experts to brought back the Cynthia charge the youths on the posiOsokogu’s scenerio, urging tive side of the Internet, the participants to be extremely Founder, Visafone careful of business and other Communications Limited, Mr. engagements they get into on Jim Ovia, said that some years the Internet. back there was limited expoManaging Director, Visafone sure to the Internet, but that Communication Limited, today things have changed dra- Ovia Srinivasa K.V implored the parmatically, stressing that ICT has ticipants at the event to tap the process become some of the bridged developmental gaps abundance of opportunities in richest people in the world among nations. technology to better their lots, Ovia, who spoke to about 800 today. while urging them to desist To Head of IT, Zenith bank Plc, from any act capable of participating youths at this Francis Chukwunye, everyyear’s ‘Youth Empowerment destroying their future. and ICT development initiative’ thing in the world is driven by Speaking on the ICT. He said Enterprise has organized by the Jim Ovia Foundation’s objective, Foundation for youth develop- moved over to technology as a Srinvasa said one of the cardimeans of doing business. ment in Lagos, appealed the nal focuses is to encourage the “The Internet is right in our youths to take a cue from the teeming Nigerian youths into faces. The kinds of systems we ICT. “Youth Empowerment and likes of Mack Zuckerberg of use to service are technology Facebook; Google founders— ICT Foundation has the intenLarry Page and Sergey Brin, who driven. The world has moved, tion of bringing and educating have explored the positive side Nigerian student must the younger generation on of the Internet and social media embrace the Internet. For how to maximise the benefit to benefits mankind and in the youths today, the infrastrucof ICT. By Adeyemi Adepetun

Firm clinches ‘2013 ICT Implementation Company’ award Managing Director of HDS, Mr. Chinedu Okoli, said the award will enable the young company based Nigerian company, has to put in more effort in reprewon the ICT Implementation senting Nigeria well on the globCompany of the Year Award at al ICT market. an event held in Lagos. “This award is a reward for all the hard work the staffers have The company was honoured with the recognition at the 2013 put over the past year, and we Beacon of ICT Award event are privileged and humbled to organised by Nigeria receive it. It is only the beginning Communications Week to hon- and an indication of what can be or deserving talents, who had, achieved with dedication. We are over the years, shown commit- thankful and grateful to God for ments towards the growth and His mercies and blessings, as we development of ICT in Nigeria. look forward to serving, adding While receiving the award on value and providing satisfaction behalf of the company, to our customers, while looking

IGH Tech Data System H (HDS), an indigenous Information and Technology

forward to adding our own quota to the growth of the ICT ecosystem in Nigeria.” Okoli further reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with its clients to identify, formulate and implement business solutions in order to achieve value for money, increased profitability and market growth as a reputable ICT company that is open in all its dealings with its clients/customers and enthusiastic for its outstanding leadership, which has placed the company on the global map.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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‘Spectrum challenges retarding Nigeria’s growth’ Gary Croke is the Director of Marketing at Aviat Networks, a global backhaul service provider. In this interview with ADEYEMI ADEPETUN, he spoke on how limited spectrum deployment is holding Nigeria and other African markets back in improved telecommunications services. Excerpts. OW do we describe Aviat Networks, especially its operaH tions in Nigeria? Aviat Networks has been doing business in Nigeria since 1998 and we have realised over $500 million in revenue so far in the country. We have installed over 56,000 radios since we started doing business here. We have over 100 employees in Africa with about seven offices and approximately 50 of them are in Nigeria. Nigeria is our largest market in Africa and second largest country by business volume in the whole world, after the USA. It is a strategic market for us. We sell lots of products here and we have full deployment of our services as well. Looking at Aviat Networks global strategy, can you really say Nigeria has played a major role in its growth? Our two largest regions are North America and Nigeria being the largest by business volumes in Africa and second in the world. So the market is extremely important to us. We do most of our businesses in mobile. So many mobile

operators are our customers here. We also do about 30 per cent of our business in private market, that is government, oil and gas among others. Your operations, solutions and services, how applicable are they to business growth, especially in the telecommunications sector in terms of helping to cut operational? We are a very focused business, helping to lower company’s overhead cost. We see the biggest contributor to total cost of ownership being operational expenses (OPEX), which is between 50 and 80 per cent. These include tower expenses; fixing it; tower loading cost; maintenance; shelter cost; generators and spectrum cost. So, our solutions revolve around three things. The first is the product architectures. We are trying to introduce into the Nigerian market, our new split mouth trunking radios, which can reduce cooling and air conditioning cost; generator cost, by mounting equipments. It helps in migration of trunking solutions, especially for generator cost. The next focus for us is RF performance. Improving the system gains of our radios. We offer the highest system gains in

Croke the industry, especially on our antennas. They are longer term and remains very reliable. The third thing we do to lower cost is around our services support. As I mentioned earlier, we have 100 people, seven offices across Africa that are dedicated to helping our customers get the best of our services. Despite huge investments in IT and telecoms in Nigeria, some challenges are bedeviling the sector. What do you think is the problem?

The biggest challenge is that wireless services are key to Nigeria and Africa’s competitiveness. And this can only be achieved through more spectrum usage. There is need to make available adequate spectrum, so that mobile operators can deliver quality services. This also applies to radio access networks; backhaul services provider in the country. I think what is holding LTE back in Nigeria and Africa is access to spectrum the technology can use. The other example is that in the backhaul, there are new frequency bands 70GHz; 80GHz that are not approved for use in Nigeria. We are currently working with NCC to open up those bands. Because through those bands; lots of capacity can be delivered. In 70 – 80 GHz, you have access to a 250Mhz channels, meaning that you can deliver a gigabit per seconds through a microwave channels. I believed that move to IP is happening, mobile operators are taken that decision and I see incredible progress in that region. I believe strongly that to really accelerate the telecommunications growth in Nigeria, there is need to address the challenge of spectrum challenges. How easy are Long Term Evolution/4G upgrades, based on your experiences in the field? LTE is a huge focus for us as a company. Part of what we are doing in Nigeria is to pass on the knowledge and experiences we have about LTE deployment throughout the world. Aviat’s solution is being deployed in over 10 major LTE networks including the largest LTE networks on the planet in North America. The first thing we can do for the operators is to guide them through the backhaul installations and deployment for LTE. Secondly, one of our value propositions is about simplifying our customers’ lives. So with LTE, most operators have 2G, 3G Networks, those networks are going nowhere. LTE is an addition to them. It will help mobile operators to expand their capacity and improve service delivery. Reports have it that the biggest challenge to LTE deployment is capacity. But our findings have shown that it is not capacity, but the challenge of construction. How operators can build the network - the installation; engineering; planning; frequency coordination; the trouble shooting process when something goes wrong among others. But with our local presence in Nigeria, we can help telecom operators resolve that. Aviat Networks has potential in microwave backhaul services. How is that business in Nigeria? Backhaul market is extremely strong here. I think there are huge opportunities for the market in Nigeria, especially in the mobile space. Some have been installed. Mobile operators really depend on microwave backhaul facilities in Nigeria. It is more in Lagos than in Abuja.

CPN reads riot act to non-certified computer firms By Bankole Orimisan

O ensure best practices of computer professional in T Information Technology (IT) market in Nigerian, the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) in partnership with the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), has served two-month notice to six organisations, which have failed to renew their yearly licences. Failure to comply, CPN warned may earn the defaulting firms a court summons. The companies who were visited by the CPN/NCS Compliance and Enforcement team were Alphabeta Consulting Limited, First Logic, NIIT/ IDM Building, Lagos

City Computer College, Tavia Technologies Limited and Allied Computer Limited. According to the letter served to them, which was signed by the Legal Officer of the group, Mrs. A.A. Olatunji, the copy says: “The Council observed that your organisation is engaged in the provision of Information Technology services without registering with the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria. “Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria is the agency of government empowered to control and supervise the Information Technology profession in Nigeria. “By the provisions of section 22 of Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria) (CPN) Act; any person, institution or organisation engaged in the provision of professionals services, Computer/ Information Technology training or renders any services which Council has designated as services constituting practice of computing or professional usage of computational machineries and techniques related thereto without being duly registered with the Council is liable of conviction to both fine and prison term that is not less than two years. “Therefore, you are given two months to register your organisation with the Council. After the expiration of the two months moratorium; commencing from the date stated in this letter, Council would not hesitate to take all necessary action(s) for the enforcement of the provisions of CPN Act. Ignorance of the law does not excuse anyone”.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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NIG forum to discuss broadband development in Nigeria conference which will offer more opportunity to examine and attempt to proffer solutions to issues as, critical sucbordering on broadband cess factors to the infrastrucdeployment and expansion ture provision in Nigeria. will be the subjects of discus“Development or improved sion. Broadband penetration, Scheduled for May 30 and 31 appropriate legal and regulain Lagos with the theme: tory framework and Political“Broadband As A Tool in will from Government to Nation Building”, the president of NIG, Adebayo Banjo in implement the right policies a statement, noted that at vari- to achieve a resounding success among others. It will be ous ICT fora, different opinan interesting two day of ions and explanations had interactive conference with been given about the broadexperts from within and band technology and attempts to proffer solutions, abroad the industry making “these and more are the issues presentations on the theme that have ignited desire by the and the sub-themes. Nigeria Internet Group to organize this all-important T this year’s Nigeria A Internet Group (NIG) conference and exhibition, issues

eWorld rallies industry for Telecoms Day Celebration NE of Nigeria’s ICT magaO zine, eWorld is collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to rally industry stakeholders to mark the 2013 Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) which comes up on May 17. The celebration coincides with the eWorld Forum, which holds every year. The Chairman of Telecom Answers Associates and Publisher of Cyberschuul News, Titi Omo-Ettu will chair this year’s event. Omo-Ettu was once the President of Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria and Vice President of Nigerian Society of Engineers. NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Eugene Juwah and NITDA Director-General, Cleopas Angaye, will give keynote speeches. President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Chris Uwaje, will present a seminal paper on ICT and Traffic Management. Also to discuss the themes of the event are Engr. Lanre Ajayi, President of ATCON and Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiatives among others. For the past four years, Ajomedia has organised the eWorld Forum where industry stakeholders and members of the public gather to discuss topical issues that affect the industry. The eWorld Forums, which was scheduled to hold in April, now shifted to accommodate the WTISD celebrations henceforth, have helped to shape and chart the way for the ICT industry. This year’s event has two main themes: Imperative for a Truly Digital Citizen and ICTs and Improving Road Safety, which is the primary focus of the WTISD celebrations for

Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, presenting gift to a student during this year’s ICT for Girls Day in Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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NiRA registers 30,000 .ng domain names By Bankole Orimisan HE list of registered number of Nigeria’s country code Top Domain Name,.ng, which is used as a national’ identification on the world Web has hit 30, 000, as the cost of purchasing a domain name has been slashed from N500,000 to just N15,000 to encourage more Nigerians in adopting the move. The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Mr. Ope Odusan, disclosed this at the fifth yearly general meeting of the association held in Lagos recently. NiRA is the body saddled with the responsibility of the administration and promotion of the country’s ccTLD .ng. Odusan, noted that the total registered .ng domain names which stood at around 9, 000 as at 2011 has since increased by additional 21, 000 to reach the current figures. He, however, explained that the figure should have increased beyond 30, 000 had Nigerian businesses and individuals taken the uptake of the country’s domains names seriously. According to him, “It’s ironical that the foreigners who many often say are not always ready to do business with any business with .ng domain have constitute the largest owners of the .ng domain names.”

He stressed that this is contrary to the perception of many Nigerians, who often give excuses that the image problem of Nigeria also affect the predispositions of foreign businesses in not wanting to do business with any Nigerian business with .ng. However, recognizing that the high cost of owning the domain names also contributed to its slow uptake locally, Odusan said, in a bid to increase the usage of .ng, NiRA has crashed the cost from about N500, 000 to a paltry N15,000. He noted that within one week of reducing the cost, NiRA recorded additional 300 domain names but lamented that most of the companies that purchased the domain names were foreign businesses. He therefore called on Nigerian businesses to take the huge economic advantage offered by .ng in terms of faster internet location, reduced cost, creation of more jobs and the security of their digital contents, by hosting their websites in-country instead of hosting them abroad, where their sensitive data could be compromised. He also explained that NiRA was already working with the Ministry of Communication Technology, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and other necessary stakeholders to work on policy that can encourage the use of .ng domain names as far as Nigeria is concerned.

Samsung promises accidental damage warranty on Galaxy S4 By Adeyemi Adepetun OREAN mobile handsets manufacturer, Samsung Electronics, has said that it will be providing its customers in Nigeria and other African countries with a 24-month “Accidental Damage from Handling” (ADH) warranty to cover screen and liquid damages to its new, flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, at no extra charge. Samsung explained that the warranty includes two free repairs in the event of accidental damage to the screen of the device. The Galaxy S4, which is now on sale at Samsung stores and accredited dealers across Nigeria, ahead of its formal launch in Lagos on Friday. The company is currently partnering major telecommunication operators and service providers in the country via a pre-order service, in a drive to encourage consumers to be one of the first to own the sought after smartphone. Speaking at a press briefing to announce the coming launch, Director, Hand Held

He added that Samsung Electronics would continue to provide value and long-term, sustainable support and service to its customers. The ADH warranty will be incorporated into the existing 24-month standard factory warranty on the Galaxy S4. Customers can register their devices through Samsung’s eWarranty service from their Galaxy S4 phones within the first 30 days Products, Samsung Electronics of purchase. In the event of West Africa, Mr. Emmanouil damage, registered customers Revmatas described the introwill be able to take their device duction of the warranty as a to an authorised Samsung standard for the Galaxy S4, as Service Centre for repairs. The part of Samsung’s commitment Service Centre will replace the to providing its customers with screen or board free of charge. innovative and impeccable According to Samsung, this warafter-sales services. ranty will cover only screen and “At Samsung, we understand liquid damages. Customers will the unique needs of our cusbe limited to two incidents tomers and this is another val- requiring repairs within a 24ue-added service we are intromonth period. ducing to provide them with Countries where Samsung’s comprehensive service assisADH is currently available tance in the event of accidental include Nigeria, South Africa, handling damage to their Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, devices. We are very excited to Mauritius, Ghana, Uganda, be the first mobile device man- Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, ufacturer to come out with this Angola, Tanzania, Botswana, level of service,” he said. Ethiopia and Mozambique.

Procentric IQ delivers IT solutions to students in Ekiti ROCENTRIC IQ, a leader in P the development of commerce and industry in Africa and fostering the business that drives economic growth and technological advancement across the continent, is delivering IT solutions to 100,000 students and 18,000 teachers in Ekiti State. By this feat, Procentric IQ becomes the first company to pioneer socio-economic transformation through e-learning in the state. This was disclosed by the Business Development manager, Mr. Nsikak John, on the sidelines of the awards night of the Titans of Tech Conference and Expo held in Lagos. The company won the “best education compa-

ny in IT” for delivering elearning solutions at the lowest cost in Ekiti State. He maintained that the support structure being set up for Ekiti State has worldclass service levels and employs a minimum of 10 indigenes. This is in addition to training 10 to 15 interns every quarter thus creating a pool of resources for the state to draw from and export to other states when necessary. Also, Ekiti State is getting a fantastic deal because the over eight servers used for these operations as well as cost of maintenance is borne entirely by Procentric IQ. These equipments will help enhance the delivery and quality of content to

students and expose teachers to a variety of best in class teaching methods that will enhance their productivity, he stressed. Nsikak said their e-learning solutions suite provide an innovative way to meet total learning imperative effectively and economically through custom made web enabled learning solutions for educational institutions and corporate organisations. Furthermore, he maintained that their e-learning solution takes knowledge transfers and collaborations to a new level because learning becomes smart, self-paced, interactive and measurable. This leads to higher efficiency within the educational value chain.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

MaritimeWatch Minister tasks boards on pilots’ appointment, discipline

Crude oil tanker By Moses Ebosele O facilitate safe navigation T along Nigeria’s waterways, the Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, has charged members of the reconstituted Pilotage Boards to ensure pilots are “appropriately appointed, monitored and sanctioned where necessary”. Inaugurating the reconstitut-

ed competent Pilotage Boards within the four compulsory pilotage districts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in Abuja recently, Umar advised members of the boards to hold inquiries concerning the conduct of pilots in the districts. He also charge members to license pilots for the pilotage districts on behalf of the NPA

as well as hold examinations in connection with licensing of pilots for their pilotage districts. Umar explained that the inauguration of the pilotage Boards in the compulsory pilotage districts was a necessary requirement, adding that safe navigation is required for the volume of imports and exports conveyed through the

port in line with International Shipping and Port Security Code (ISPS). According to Umar, members of the pilotage Boards were carefully selected based on their competence and experience in relevant fields in the maritime industry such as Nautical Science and Marine Navigation, adding that they are expected to put their expe-

rience to bear on the pilotage activities of their Boards to ensure compliance with relevant laws as provided for in the Ports Act. Members of the reconstituted Boards were drawn from the NPA, NIMASA and Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, private association of Master Mariners, International Association of

NIMASA, stakeholders parley on enforcement of new sea protection law By Tosin Fodeke HE Nigerian Maritime T Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently held a one-day sensitisation programme with stakeholders on the contents of the official gazette of the Federal Government, which dwells on the protection of the nation’s marine environment. Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpolokemi, who was represented by the agency’s Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping

Development, Capt Ezekiel Agaba, explained that the interactive session was designed to facilitate effective implementation of marine protection regulations in the interest of all stakeholders. Agada said: “There is the need for us to enhance sustainable development of the nation’s maritime environment management system by putting in place a self-funding mechanism that preserves and protects it against degradation and the destruction of the ecosystem with attendants

economic implications from oil pollution.” Agaba said in response to indiscriminate discharge of ship-generated wastes into the marine environment, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the International Convention of the Prevention of pollution from ships. The convention covers six annexes and has regulations stipulating various methods by which member states, ship owners, operators and maritime stakeholders should implement its provi-

sions in order to prevent and control marine incidents/pollution emanating from ships and offshore installations. He explained that oil pollution of the sea was recognised as a major problem, adding that various countries have introduced national regulations to control discharges of oil within their territorial waters. Besides, he said Nigeria as a signatory to the convention decided to gazette the regulation on Marine Environment Management otherwise

known as Sea Protection levy and the Merchant Shipping (Ship-generated Marine Waste Reception Facilities) last year. Head of Marine Environment Management Department, NIMASA, Mrs. Julian Abiodun Gunwa, in her presentation said minimal and haphazard monitoring of polluters within the nation’s territorial waters, if allowed continue unchecked will adversely affect socio-economic conditions of the Nigerian populace.

ers, managers or operators whose fleet is registered or intended to be registered under these flags, in addition to the several other flags previously authorised. Olaniyan noted: “These international acceptances are attestation to the technical capabilities, capacities and overall abilities of the INSB, as a new age Classification Society. This now brings to 28 major and rep-

utable flags which have recognised and authorised INSB to function as a Recognised Organisation (RO) / Recognised Security Organisation (RSO).” International Naval Surveys Bureau S.A. (INSB) otherwise known as ‘The Society’ was founded in 1980 in Piraeus, Greece where it situates its Network Head Office. As a Technical Society and NonGovernmental Organisation,

Light House Authority and the International Federation of Shipmasters and the Exxon Mobil. Speaking on behalf of the Boards, Chairman Lagos Pilotage District, Capt Abdulganiyu Alimi, assured the minister that the members will live up to expectations of all stakeholders and would ensure that pilotage in the nation’s seaports is in conformity with international standards. In a related development, the minister has inaugurated the committee for the realisation of Inland Container Deports (ICD) in Nigeria with a charge to the members of the committee to address all legal constraints militating against the effective implementation of the inland container deports. Members of the committee, according to a press statement, are also expected to examine the concept and revisit the entire process of the ICDs with a view to repositioning the project to achieve its set objective.

INSB gets Kenya’s endorsement HE classification society, T International Naval Surveys Bureau (INSB), was recently endorsed by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA). Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of INSB Africa Region, Akin Olaniyan, an engineer said: “It is our pleasure to also bring to your knowledge that as at April 11th, 2013, INSB class has been authorised by KMA as a Recognised

Organisation (RO)/Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for the performance of statutory work, ISM/ISPS Audits including MLC 2006 and related certification to vessels flying the Kenyan Flag.” Olaniyan explainedthatsinceSeptember 14, 2012, INSB Class has been recognised and authorised as RO and RSO “by the Maritime Administration of the Republic of Moldova / Public Institution

Harbour Master Giurgiulesti and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica for delegation of authority to our Society for the performanceof statutorywork and related certification of vessels.” He added: “These newly attained authorisations expand both the overall authorisation context of our Society and provide INSB Class with the ability to serve ship own-

according to Olaniyan, INSB is duly registered as a member of the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Greece. “It is also a member of the International Association of Technical Surveys and Classification Institutions (TSCI) and is recognised and authorised as a Classification Society with all the major maritime nations worldwide,” he added.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

MARITMEWATCH

‘Ignore clamour for NPA’s further commercialisation, concession’ By Moses Ebosele EMBERS of the Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC) has advised the Federal Government to ignore clamour for further commercialisation and concession of the operations of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA). Meanwhile, the Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi, has announced the agency’s resolve not to outsource its Marine services “as widely speculated”. According to Abdullahi, NPA would rather strengthen its Marine services department with the recruitment of more competent hands. In a message to commemorate the 2013 May Day celebration held recently, President-General of SSACTAC, Adetunji Adesunkanmi, said: “The Association advises government to ignore the pressure from well-placed but unpatriotic citizens to satisfy their selfish interests by advocating the further

concessioning of duties of the Nigerian Ports Authority.” Adesunkanmi also used the opportunity to urge the Federal Government to tackle the menace of corruption: “We owe a duty to the Almighty God, ourselves and other Nigerians. “It is important that on a general note that the leadership makes serious amendments on the distribution of resources, education, health and agricultural policies to tackle the endemic issues of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and corruption in Nigeria. “The seeming inability to deploy sufficient funds where necessary and failure to monitor the deployment of funds seriously aid corruption and the inability to develop infrastructure in all sectors.” Making reference to minimum wage, SSACTAC said: “It is unfortunate that the minimum wage as approved by government is yet to be granted to all its workers. We appeal to the Federal Government to release funds to pay all workers in the parastatals,

the minimum wage as well as the arrears of previous salary increment”. Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently at the end of a two-day working tour of Rivers and Onne Ports, the NPA boss explained that the management would render necessary assistance to all the ports to ensure that they continue to make progressive strides. He disclosed that the management has approved the commencement of rehabilitation of port facilities in the Eastern Zone. The facilities, according to a press statement issued by Assistant General Manager (Public Affairs), Musa Iliya, include rehabilitation of the pilot cutter IMO, purchase of a brand new ambulance for Port Harcourt clinic and the renovation of the warehouse office building to make it more conducive for workers. Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manger Eastern Ports, Sonny Nwobi, informed the managing director that the zone needs more tug boats, adding that it will encour-

Jonathan age 24 hours port operations in the zone. Nwobi added that the Port Harcourt port would be 100 years in a few months, pointing out that the port would like to mark the event.

In her speech, the Port Manager of Rivers Port, Mrs. Carolyn Ufere, requested that the on-going rehabilitation of the zonal offices be extended to her port. Similarly, the Port Manager of Onne Port,

Munir Umar, who according to the statement commended the managing director for his open door policy, wants him to assist the port on the issue of security, provision of trailer park and provision of

damage resulting from oil spills were the first to be developed and adopted by the Legal Committee. Subsequently, as well as expanding the liability and compensation regimes to cover a range of other eventualities, including pollution from a number of other substances, the removal of wrecks and liability in accidents

involving passengers and their luggage, the Legal Committee has dealt with issues as diverse as the protection and fair treatment of seafarers, the suppression of unlawful acts against international shipping, the carriage of arms aboard ships and the legal infrastructure to allow the prosecution of suspected pirates.

Group unveils global strategy for women seafarers NEW International Maritime A Organisation (IMO) film promoting the role of women in the maritime sector has been launched during a conference on the Development of a Global Strategy for Women Seafarers. The conference, held in Busan, Republic of Korea, recently was organised and funded by the government of the Republic of Korea through the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), and hosted by the Korean Institute of Maritime and Fisheries Technology (KIMFT), together with IMO, adopted a declaration of intent towards the development of a Global Strategy for Women Seafarers. Shipping has historically been a male-dominated industry and that tradition runs long and deep. However, through its global programme on the Integration of Women in the Maritime Sector (IWMS), IMO is making a concerted effort to help the industry move on from that tradition and to help women achieve a representation within it that is more in keeping with 21 Century expectations. The film, “Women at the helm” shows how the work of IMO, and others, is promoting positive change for women in shipping, and highlights first-hand experiences from those who have already succeeded. Participants at the conference included women seafarers and government officials from 13 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, two World Maritime University (WMU) lecturers and representatives from two “women in maritime” regional associations. Senior Deputy Director, Technical Co-operation Division, Mrs. Pamela

Tansey, said the conference had provided a unique opportunity for women seafarers and policymakers to come together to identify policies and systems which will promote new opportunities for women seafarers and encourage the exchange of experiences and best practices which enhance women seafarers’ education, competency and career development. “The Republic of Korea is an excellent example of a country for which maritime development has been key to economic development. However, the best technology in the world is useless and can even be dangerous in the hands of an untrained officer. For that reason, this conference strikes at the very heart of the shipping industry, by addressing ways of meeting the predicted shortage of trained and competent seafarers,” Tansey said. She added: “This is directly in line with the IMO’s IWMS programme, now celebrating its 25th year, under which the foremost priority has been to encourage IMO member states to open the doors of their maritime institutes to enable women to train alongside men and so acquire the high level of competence that the maritime industry demands”. In a related development, prominent stakeholder have reflected on some complex legal issues that have been addressed by the IMO, at a special event to mark the 100th session of the IMO Legal Committee, held recently. The legal committee was also presented with the “Award for Meritorious Contribution towards the Progressive Development and Codification of International Maritime Law”,

by Professor David Attard, Director of the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI). The origins of the Legal Committee go back to the Torrey Canyon disaster of 1967, which led to an intensification of IMO’s technical work in preventing pollution and was also the catalyst for work on liability and compensation.

An ad hoc legal committee was established to deal with the legal issues raised by the world’s first major tanker disaster and the Committee soon became a permanent subsidiary organ of the IMO Council, meeting twice a year to deal with any legal issues raised at IMO. Treaties covering liability and compensation for pollution

….Seeks more relevance in Nigeria’s logistics, transport sector By Moses Ebosele OMEN in Logistics and W Transport (WILAT), the women wing of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) has concluded plans to host the first “Women in Logistics and Transport Day”, at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, next week Thursday. Chairperson of WILAT Nigeria, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, explained that the Women in Logistics and Transport Daycelebration was designed to encourage women in the Logistics and Transport industry to fully participate in all activities of the sector. She said several female dignitaries including Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah; Minister for Women Affairs, Hajia Zainab Maina; former Minister of Transport, former Minister of Aviation and current People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader, Dr. Kema Chikwe and Chairman Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Vicky Haastrup are among dignitaries that will grace the occasion. Ali-Ibrahim,whodoublesasthe Traffic Manager of Tin-Can

Umar Island Port Complex said: “WILAT has taken the initiative to identify and give professional support to all female professionals working in and retired from all the modes of transport (such as road, rail, maritime &

air),logisticsandrelatedindustries. It serves as the professional female voice in the industry and recommends gender policies in transport to government, in addition to its com-

munity services like the distributionofwheelchairs,babycarriers, and awareness programmes of safety precaution in transport.” She said the Women in Logistics and Transport Day is in line with WILAT’s aim of sourcing, grooming and sustaining competent female members through career progression “so as to be able to fill up available existing gaps and opportunities in the industry.” She added: “Though we are discussing issues relating to professional women in our profession, our male counterparts have also been invited as it is not our intention to shut them out. “The day as designed is a special purpose vehicle that provides an enabling platform for the recognition and appreciation of the achievements and contributions made by professional men and women in the various sectors of the industry. It is also an avenue to build on the strength and image of the group/institute through networking. The event aims to provide a holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by women in the various sectors of the industry”, she said.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

IndustryWatch Investment destination: Ogun’s slow, but steady move to upstage Lagos Stories by Femi Adekoya T a time when the need to diversify from a monolithic economy has become intense,coupledwiththeinadequacy of many states to run state affairs based on revenue from the Federation Account, many states are beginning to look inward for survival through the development of business strategies and policies to encourage viable investments in the states. Indeed, donors and governments in developing countries have been paying growing attention to improving the environment for business as a means of promoting enterprise development and, through it, of growing their economies, increasing employment, improving welfare and reducing poverty. For a private-sector led development like that of Nigeria, there is a need for a conducive environment in which the private investors, financiers, businessmen and foreign companies and corporations can be confident of the security of their investments and that returns would be forthcoming on their investments. Events in recent years have revealed increasing efforts by some states at improving their business environment. The focus has mainly been at reducing red tape and improving the regulatory environment. For instance, recent activities in the industrial ecosystem, especially between Southwestern states of the country have continued to reveal the dynamics and politics of enhancing business environments for investments. Industry watchers believe that manufacturing will continue to be the fundamental base for the economic health and security of the nation state, irrespective of the resources at the disposal of the country. Already, statistics show that 77 per cent of global trade is in the form of manufactured goods, with food and agriculture accounting for nine per cent of global merchandise trade, followed by fuel with eight per cent, while ores and minerals account for 3 per cent of world trade. This therefore places emphasis on why the real sector cannot be ignored, going by its niche status. One of the notable moves towards creating a sustainable environment for real sector growth is visible in the efforts of the Ogun State government and some other state governments in driving industrialization in their states. However, recent commissioning of notable industries in Ogun State and visits by President Goodluck Jonathan has attracted more attention to real sector growth plans in the state. Indeed, the maiden Nigerian Business Confidence Index (BCI), conducted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, indicated that 98.5

per cent of business executives are planning to expand or open new plant/shop outside Lagos and that Abuja, PortHarcourt, Ogun, Ibadan and Aba are top locations on their list. In his first year alone, Governor Amosun brought President Goodluck Jonathan to Ogun State a record three times. President Jonathan’s journeys to the state began on June 27, 2011 for the commissioning of May & Baker Nigeria Plc’s pharmaceutical facility located along Idiroko Road, Ota;December20,2011alsowitnessed another milestone in the industrialisation of the state as Lafarge WAPCO Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of Lafarge Cement, commissioned its Ewekoro II, otherwise known as Lakatabu plant, with an accompanying 90 megawatts, power generating plant; and by February 9, 2012, President Jonathan had to make a third trip to Ogun State for the commissioning of Dangote Cement Plant, Ibese. Other industries already commissioned in the governor’s first year include but not limited to the smelting plant of Metal Recycling Industries Limited, Ogijo; African Foundries Limited’s 100 per cent export-oriented steel manufacturing project in Ogijo, among others. Recently, the President also commissioned a Cold Steel Rolling Mill built by Wempco Steel Mills Limited in Ibafo, Ogun state, a move many described as one boosting the state’s economic profile. The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun had noted thatthestate’sinvestmentprofilewasrisingfast,bringingthe state to a second position in terms of internally generated revenue, after Lagos State. For Lagos State, a number of significant factors have stimulated the concentration of manufacturing activities in the state. First, the presence in Lagos of the largest seaport in Nigeria offers minimum transportation costs for imported inputs from the port to the factory sites. This was particularly important from the late 1950s,

Fashola

when Nigeria adopted an import substitution industrialization strategy of development. Secondly, good transportation facilities linking Lagos to other parts of Nigeria are available. Thirdly, Lagos still has the largest concentration of skilled and semi-skilled manpower in Nigeria, with an estimate that shows that one in every four workers in the formal sector in Nigeria was employed in the city. Furthermore, there is a large and ready market both within the metropolis and at the national scale for the outputs of the manufacturing establishments. Also, Lagos has fairly welldeveloped basic infrastructural facilities to support manufacturing industries, while state prides itself as one with the premier national and international airport in Nigeria. This thus, gives the state a considerable advantage over any other centre in Nigeria in terms of communication by air. However, Lagos may be losing its attractiveness due to its high-handedness in terms of taxation, especially from its

Amosun

multiple revenue generating agencies, cost of doing business among others. For Ogun, the attraction according to some industry watchers may be due to the tax holidays, access to space, industrial cluster development among others. To some industry watchers, with peer competition, comes speedier development. That is, fierce competition among the states means constantly reinventing themselves, means reinventing business-government and business-institution relationships. As they diversify away from oil, they become less and less interested in waiting for oil revenue allocation as it is a less important driver of competitiveness. In terms of natural resources, the Ogun State is blessed with bitumen, soft sand used for construction purpose, glass sand (for the production of bottle), laterite as well as limestone used in cement industry. Othersinclude,Feldspar,Clay, Tar, Sand, Kaolin, Gypsum, Mica, Phosphate, Silica Sand, Decorative rocks and Quartz. At a recent investors’ forum,

Amosun had said: “all areas that required reform to boost economic activities in the State have been addressed and attended to by the government and these areas include reformation in land acquisition, planning approval, infrastructure development, site and services, power and energy, security environment, technology, taxes and levies and manpower development”. As part of the state’s incentives for investors, Amosun said: the Abeokuta-Lagos old road, Sagamu axis and Papalanto interchange in Sagamu have been designated as industrial clusters where investors can only establish in line with the industrial plan of the State Government. He said land allocation and approval will be largely dependent on what the investors intended to do and in compliance with best practices in the world and Ogun standard.  The Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bimbo Ashiru, during a facility visit to Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company, Orimerunmu

along the Lagos-Ibadan express road, disclosed that owing to its liberal investment policy, the State had succeeded in attracting 35 new companies into the State in the last 24 months, pointing out that this had resulted in massive creation of direct and indirect jobs for the populace. “I’m happy to tell you that in the last two years about 35 companies have opened shop in Ogun State because of the liberal policy that the present administration has put in place” Ashiru said. He assured that the State Government would continue to provide an enabling environment as a way of wooing more investors, urging companies already operating in the State to consider the value chain of their products for synergy as well as local content in their productions to reduce overhead cost. The Commissioner also underscoredtheneedforcompanies to promptly remit their taxes and levies into the coffers of government to enhance the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the State, adding that they should be socially responsible to their

SON seals steel factory over non-compliance with industrial standards TANDARDS Organisation of Ssealed Nigeria, SON, on Monday, off Hongxing Steel Company Limited for undermining Nigeria Industrial Standards NIS117: 2004. Besides, the agency also seized 120 sub-standard generating sets at the Alaba market. According to a team of SON’s Inspectorate and Enforcement officers led by Samuel Ayuba to the Amuwo-Odofin based company, the seal off had become necessary because the company was not producing its 10 millimeter reinforcement bars according to standards for Nigeria steel sector which is NIS117: 2004. Ayuba said: “SON monitors

every company that is manufacturing in this country. When we came one month ago, we saw what they were doing, producing scraps to billet and to the finished products before it is sold in the market. We came back today to ensure if they have complied with the standards. We conducted tensile and chemical test analysis on the spot and we found some irregularities or defects and we told the management of the company to adjust their production and ensure that whatever they produce complies with Nigeria’s standards for the steel sector. “We came back today to verify if they have complied with the

specifications or not, and from the on spot tests we have carried out, results of the tests showed that the irregularities are still prominent in the products. Theresultsshowthatthere are cracks and peels but standards specify that after tests, the product should not show sign of cracks or peels. These are the weak points after the product was subjected to tests for quality. “Right now, the directive has beengiventomebytheDirector General, Joseph Nkem Odumodu, to seal-off this company and every other company that belong to the group until they are ready to fully comply with the specified standards.

Furthermore, he also scored the company low on Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), saying: “There is something in manufacturing: As you can see, the environment for manufacturing is very untidy and the workersareworkingundervery harsh condition.” Heurgedthecompanytoinvest in technology that regulates carbon contents in steel bar if their products are to be accepted in the Nigerian market. “Reinforcement bars are very critical products in the construction industry. To avoid collapse of buildings and structures, we must make sure that every reinforcement bar that is produced meets the required

specifications”, he added. He also urged stakeholders to look out for NIS seal of quality before they buy reinforcement barsdirectlyfrommanufacturers or in the markets. “NIS seal of quality shows that the product has been verify by us and is fit for use in Nigeria,” he said. The company’s General Manager, Andy Lu, said: “We will work hard to improvement on the specifications.” On the generating sets seized by the agency, the SON official noted that the importer brought the products in with another brand name, GER and started printing TI behind the name in a warehouse where the products were concealed.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

INDUSTRY WATCH | 39

‘Nigeria’s milk consumption still very low’ FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc has been a necessary part of most Nigerian homes since 1954 through its flagship brand Peak Milk. An affiliate of Royal FrieslandCampina of The Netherlands, the company has continued to play a leading role in the production, processing, packaging, marketing and distribution of various milk products in Nigeria. During the company’s yearly general meeting and celebration of its 40th anniversary, the company’s first indigenous Managing Director, Peter Eshikena spoke with journalists on the company’s activities within the last four decades, success, challenges and opportunities waiting to be explored by the company. FEMI ADEKOYA was there. Excerpts Can you give an insight into the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations? It is a landmark in the history of FrieslandCampina. We are actually celebrating two landmarks. The first land mark is that we as Nigerians are being giving an opportunity to run the country that has for 40 years, been run by Dutch expatriates and like I said to my team it is not a one-man show, we really have to succeed as a team. I think the team is well geared up now to ensure we deliver better result. It is challenging, no doubt and being stressed from all direction. The team I work with is a very strong one, dedicated and committed to push the company forward. As the first Nigerian to head a multinational like Friesland, How does it feel managing this company? I am the one who have been called to the task of making sure that Nigeria’s name is written in golden colour. That is my main objective. I know the company will grow. All the other elements are in place, and with that, we have to make a point/mark that is paramount in their minds, and I have said to the team, we should work in a way that when I am handing over, the company would be entrusted in the hands of a Nigerian. Describe the business environment in which the company is operating? The business environment is harsh, that is an area, which we are working on now at the corporate level to tap into the opportunity available there. Two, we sell a product that is regarded as a complete food in the sense that the knowledge about milk is still very limited even for myself. Until a few years ago, I never knew the normal potential milk help and you can have milk in any kind of format but milk is the most complete food you can have on the table. We have commenced a campaign to encourage Nigerians take one glass of milk per day. Milk is essential for growth and healthy living. What is the state of your Diary Development Programme? We started the project in 2010, and the status is so far as the yield we get from all the milk operational centres is on the increase. At the moment in April, we have collected the highest amount of milk that has ever been collected, 7000 litres per day. But that is still a small drop compared to the volume or milk processed in Wamco, in the Netherlands. For example, 500 million litres of milk is processed daily and we are talking of 7000 litres that we have collected. So, if you look at the volume, it is still very small. It is a long yielding process, not one that you start and you get the result immediately, you have to be patient, you have to invest in it, we are not making profit from it yet, because we believe in the potential of Nigeria. Of course it is a gradual process and we believe we would definitely get there. How does cow breeds affect the quality of milk produced? The weather condition, availability of good pasture, water, the availability of good infrastructure, availability of water, good roads, among others determine the breed of a cow. These are the things that are making things very difficult. Cow farming is a big time business. If you go to where our parent company is situated in Netherlands, you will discover that cow farming is indeed a big business. We have to take care of the entire chain from grass root to glass, right from the feed that the cow is eating, how the cow is maintained and treated, to how you milk the cow, how

The weather condition, availability of good pasture, water, the availability of good infrastructure, availability of water, good roads, among others determine the breed of a cow. These are the things that are making things very difficult. Cow farming is a big time business. If you go to where our parent company is situated in Netherlands, you will discover that cow farming is indeed a big business. We have to take care of the entire chain from grass root to glass.

Eshikena

you protect the milk and eventually how you put it into finished product that the consumers will take. The downstream as far as we have seen in this country is that there is a lot of potential in harnessing the opportunities in the downstream sector. Once we are able to tie up the downstream sector, the upstream is already there. The market is there. The challenge is just for us to tie up the downstream sector. How does the company cope with importation? There are two legs of importation. We have the raw material importation and there is the finished goods importation. The importers of milk pay 20 per cent duty. It is an open market, it is not restricted, you can bring imported milk or buy. Fresh milk availability in Nigeria is restricted. The volume is still not at the level we want it to be. So people bring in imported milk and pay the duty of 20 per cent. How do intend to tap into the poverty market? The importance of price point comes to play here. If you pick the big pack that we have in the market, the price in the market is at the level at which we want it to be but not affordable, especially for the category of people we are talking about. This involves huge research and development efforts, for which our company is developing a proposition that would carry the same type of nutrients, vitamins, minerals that we have in the big pack and cascade it down to the small pack. The smaller the pack, the lower the margin for the manufacturer. That is the main balance. The second leg is on the distribution, there are 20,000 villages in Nigeria and it is very frightening if you want to go village by village to do the distribution. At the moment we are looking at two countries, Asia and particularly India that have been able to establish a good distribution model for the rural areas. We are trying to see how we can adapt into the system. Of course, they have a very good micro finance banking system, which is still in the infancy stage here. Aside from that we still want to see how we can overcome the challenge of microfinance banking and take the products to the rural people. To further increase its local content and support the Federal Government’s initiative to grow the Agriculture sector, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc commenced the Dairy Development Program in August 2010. This is gradually developing into a full national program as the company is dedicated to make the Dairy Development Program a success by ensuring the transfer of Technology know-how on milk production for Nigerian farmers. The company plans to further train and consult with farmers, with the support of the Government. How has the institution been able to position itself in the market in the last 40 years? Are you considering valueaddition for the milk product? The 40 years is a long time, but the opportunity of the current business that we do here has not been fully tapped. For example, the milk consumption in Nigeria is 8 kilogram per litre. In Holland, if I go the extreme, it is 320 kilogram per litre. Even if we are able to develop the milk consumption awareness, we have not done half of that, it is a

The milk consumption in Nigeria is 8 kilogram per litre. In Holland, if I go the extreme, it is 320 kilogram per litre. Even if we are able to develop the milk consumption awareness, we have not done half of that...At the moment in April, we have collected the highest amount of milk that has ever been collected, 7000 litres per day. But that is still a small drop compared to the volume or milk processed in Wamco, in the Netherlands. For example, 500 million litres of milk is processed daily and we are talking of 7000 litres that we have collected. So, if you look at the volume, it is still very small. huge and massive opportunity. This is what we are working on with our campaign by encouraging Nigerians to drink one glass of milk everyday. What could be responsible for the low consumption of milk in Nigeria? I will not attribute the reason solely to price because if you compare for instance amount of money spent on recharge cards compared to the cost of a can of milk, I think the issue is the level of our priority. What do we lay importance on, we still don’t have our priorities right and that is in my opinion, what the issue is. As long as the awareness level is still low, milk consumption will not increase. That is why our priority is to raise Nigerians’ awareness on the importance of milk in their diet. What is the firm’s outlook for the 2013 financial year? FrieslandCampina WAMCO, in 2012, continued with its development of local milk production capacity in Nigeria with the integration of the Company’s Dairy Development Programme into the Federal Government’s Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA). In 2013, we will advance this Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) and further increase the local capacity of raw milk. In 2012, the company announced a turnover increase of 5.9 per cent from N104.98 billion in 2011 to N111.12 billion in 2012. Profit before Tax (PBT) increased by 46 per cent from N13.99 billion to N20.39 billion for the financial year ended 31 December 2012 To realise our ambition of helping people move forward in life with all the natural goodness of milk, in this challenging operating business environment, the Company will continue to invest in efficiency improvement towards its goal of sustainable growth and value creation. I am confident that with our continued commitment and effort at bringing the ‘goodness of milk’ to Nigerians, FrieslandCampina WAMCO is well positioned for sustain-

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

REGISTRATION OF SHIPS UNDER THE CABOTAGE LAW ERE are the essential tit-bits on registration H of ships under cabotage law for your information. Hope you will find it useful WHY FLAG A VESSEL? Ship Flagging Dates Back To The Period Of The Roman Empire. It Is Deeply Rooted In Common Sense – I.E. The Need To Give Each Ship An Identity Standards The Losc 1982 Lays Out The International Framework For Ship Registration And The General Principles Of Flagging Flag States Are Responsible For The Adherence Of The Ship To Applicable International Rules And Standards TYPES OF SHIP REGISTRIES Closed (Traditional) Registries Open Registries (Flags of Convenience - FOC) CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOSED REGISTRIES Limits The Type Of Vessels And Vessel Owners Eligible For Registration Enforces The ‘Genuine Link’ Principle ORIGINATED FROM THE TRADITIONAL MARITIME NATIONS OF GREAT BRITAIN, ITALY, FRANCE AND THE NETHERLANDS OPEN REGISTRIES They Do Not Apply The Stringent Shipping Laws And Corporate Regulations Imposed By Closed Registries They Have No Interest In Establishing A Genuine Link They Allow The Shipowner To Repatriate Profit As He Wishes They Make No Regulations Concerning Employment Of Their Nationals On Registered Ships They Are Sources Of Substantial Foreign Denominated Income Streams For The Flag States Who Are Usually Small States With Little Economic Might E.G. Income Generated By The Liberian Registry Accounts For 25% Of Liberian Annual GDP DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN REGISTRIES Increases The Inspection And Detention Profile Of Vessels Affects The Chances Of Employment In Many States’ Waters (E.G. Nigerian Cabotage And US – Jones’ Act) Limited Protection For Indigenous

Seafarers/Shipping Companies Less Effective Flag State Control Higher Insurance Premiums NIGERIAN FLAG REGISTRATION SHIP REGISTRATION IN NIGERIA NIGERIA OPERATES THE CLOSED REGISTRY TYPE THE NIGERIAN SHIP REGISTRY IS THE SOLE REPOSITORY OF INFORMATION ON SHIPS FLYING THE NIGERIAN FLAG CATEGORIES OF REGISTRATION 1. FULL FLAG REGISTRATION: Valid For 5 Years. Requires Survey To Be Carried Out. 2.PROVISIONAL REGISTRATION: Allows a Nigerian who has bought a vessel abroad to register under the Nigerian flag to enable him sail the vessel home. Validity: 6 mths or as soon as vessel enters Nigerian waters. FLAG ADMINISTRATION NIMASA IS NIGERIA’S FLAG ADMINISTRATION THE MSA 2007 MAKES COPIOUS PROVISIONS ON VESSELS FLAGGING OWNERSHIP ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS UNDER THE NIGERIAN FLAG ALSO ENSHRINED IN THE MSA REGISTRAR OF SHIPS OFFICE RECOGNIZED BY BOTH MSA 2007 AND THE NIMASA ACT 2007 FLAG STATE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE REGISTRAR OF SHIPS POWERS OF THE REGISTRAR OF SHIPS THE NIGERIAN SHIP REGISTRATION OFFICE Established By The NIMASA Act 2007 Procedures For Vessels Flagging/Registration Certificates Validity And Global Recognition If Issued By A Flag State KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE SHIP REGISTRY Registration Of Ships Keeping Vessels Records (Maintaining The Register Books) Registration Of Mortgages Consent To Sell And Change Of Ownership Caveat Allow Legal Searches Cabotage Registration NIGERIAN SHIP REGISTERS Register For Fishing Trawlers Register For Merchant Ships Register For Fpsos

Register Acting as the clearing house for the process, the NIMASA Cabotage Department transmits copies of the application to the Ship Registry SUMMARY OF SHIP REGISTRATION PROCESS and the Maritime Labour Department of the Submission Of Application Agency Condition Survey And Determination Of At The Ship Registry Tonnage Advise whether the vessel is registered Evaluation Of Eligibility Of Vessel For Advise whether there are wholly Nigerian Registration owned ships with the capacity to replace the Issuance Of Certificate – Validity 5 Years vessel (if not wholly owned) At The Maritime Labour Department: CABOTAGE REGISTRATION Advise whether the vessel’s crew are regisRegistration of ships by the NSRO in the tered Nigerian seafarers Special Cabotage Registers is a prerequisite for Advise whether there are Nigerian crew with participation in the Cabotage Trade (s. 22 cabo- the capacity to replace the vessel’s foreign tage act 2003) crew Important to note that flag registration is a Back At The Cabotage Department condition precedence to Cabotage registration Debit note is issued to facilitate payment of waiver fees THE FOUR PILLARS OF CABOTAGE Recommendation is made to the Minister on Vessel must be: waiver application Wholly Owned By Nigerians The Ship Registry thereafter completes the Manned By Nigerians cabotage registration of the vessel and issues Built In Nigeria appropriate certificate Registered In Nigeria (Flag Registration) Requirements For Cabotage Registration S. 3 CABOTAGE ACT (Wholly Nigerian Owned) Completed form for registration in Special SPECIAL CABOTAGE REGISTERS Cabotage Register (wholly Nigerian owned) Special Cabotage Registers For Wholly Copy of certificate of Nigerian Registry (flag Nigerian Owned Vessels registration) Special Cabotage Register For Joint- Venture Cabotage Affidavit Form Vessels Crew List Declaration Special Cabotage Register For Bareboat Applicable waiver certificate (or evidence of Charetered Vessels payment of waiver fees) Special Cabotage Register For Specialised Evidence of registration of shipping company Vessels with NIMASA Special Cabotage Register For Foreign Licenced Certificate of Incorporation Vessels Memorandum and Articles of Association Certified true copies of form CAC 02 (allotMINISTERIAL WAIVERS ment of shares) An exemption from any of the four pillars of Certified true copies of form CAC 07 (particucabotage, issued by the Minister to any duly lars of directors) registered vessel Current tax clearance certificate It is to be issued only on the ground that there Proof of payment of registration fees are no wholly Nigerian owned vessels available Insurance to do the job in issue Validity: not more than 1 year Being extract from Workshop Paper presented by: CABOTAGE REGISTRATION PROCESS PETER AGBAMINOJA, LL.M (IMLI) Vessel owner or representative submits an NIGERIAN SHIP REGISTRATION OFFICE, application for waiver (as may be applicable) (NIMASA) and registration under the Special Cabotage

An Overview Of The Chamber Of Shipping Training Programmes By Mrs. Vivian Azubuike HE Nigerian Maritime/Shipping T industry has been an evolving one, and different institutions, such as the Certified Institute of Shipping, CIS, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NITT Zaria, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron etc, are contributing their quota in ensuring that the knowledge gaps in the industry are filled. When the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, the Trade Association for the Nigerian Maritime industry, was established, it started by embarking on an aggressive campaign to ensure that Cabotage Act was understood and practised by all stakeholders especially as the Chamber was formed to become a bridge between industry stakeholders and government bodies in the maritime sector, and also to sensitize people on the inherent issues in the industry. It was this need to sensitize industry players, and new entrants in the industry that brought about the need for capacity building and training needs for Human Capital Development in the industry. In the Chamber’s quest to ensure full participation at all levels, a research was made, and it was discovered that a lot of people by opportunity, and desire found themselves in the Shipping/Maritime industry without having the idea of what the industry entailed, and the need to bridge this ‘primary knowledge’ gap resulted to the introduction of the ABC of Shipping Course, in the year 2006; as the name

implies, it was a foundational course created to give people the primary knowledge of the Maritime industry, it recorded huge success, as the participation was drawn from students, graduates, senior executives, and CEOs of different organisations. Suffice it to say, that year was the peak of the transition period in the Nigerian Shipping/Maritime industry. It was the period when people started getting familiar with the Cabotage Law, the Concession of the Ports was at its peak, there were synergies with stakeholders, such as SMEDAN,BOI, etc. The aftermath of the ABC of Shipping, brought about a need for a higher level course, which became the ‘Intermediate Course’. This course was created to increase the knowledge base of middle class officers in the industry as interests in the industry increased. Having been in a position where our ears are close to the heartbeat of the industry practitioners, the Chamber ventured into training as part of her capacity building scheme. In 2008, we held an International Ship Finance Workshop; this workshop drew participation from both Local and International Expertise, which resulted in the need to train Nigerian Banks on Vessel Financing. The Chamber again succeeded in training ten (10) banks between the years 2008 and 2009. In the later years, we started the Structure and Analysis of Shipping, Marine Safety and Water Survival Skills, which were specialized courses created to meet the knowledge needs of some practitioners in the industry. And recently the ‘Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas (Upstream)’

course, which was created to expose a more practical, thorough and indepth technical and commercial understanding and approach to vessel operations from the Cabotage and Local Content perspective, which will eventually lead to a good understanding of International Best Practices as well as improve local participation (with competence) in the upstream sector. We believe that this program will eventually become a platform to sensitize prospective and existing local indigenous companies on the need for standards, compliance, best practices and provide them with the much needed knowledge of the operations of the industry. The first edition recorded tremendous success, and the second is coming up in June. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping for more information. There has become a need for us to reintroduce the ABC of Shipping Course again, and this time it has been revamped to meet the needs of the participants once again, putting into considerations the latest developments in the industry, such as Local Content, Cabotage, etc. Graduates and applicants are encouraged to participate as there will be an opportunity for the best participating students/applicants to be taken as interns for a period of time in the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, this will be our own Contribution/Civic Social Responsibility in encouraging great minds into the Nigerian Maritime/Shipping industry. Mrs. Vivian Azubuike is the Marketing/PR Executive of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping

Our Appreciation In the last edition, we published the names of those of you that generously contributed to the maiden inaugural workshop on Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry. Below are more of the sponsors and participants. We are always encouraged by your active input to our efforts. O& B MANAGEMENT SERVICES RELIANCE PARTNERS RIISE UNDERWATER ENGINEERING LIMITED GANGO GLOBAL ENERGY LIMITED DREDGING INTERNATIONAL SERVICES NIG LTD COMET SHIPPING SERVICES NIG LTD ZIRCON MARINE LIMITED INTERNATIONAL MARINE & LOGISTICS COMPLIANCE MANAGER, LAMNACO NIG LTD LAMNALCO NIGERIA LIMITED MODANT SEABULK LIMITED ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC DREDGING INTERNATIONAL SERVICES NIG LTD KAYODESOFOLA & ASSOCIATE UDO UDOMA & BELLO OSAGIE WAV SPOG PETROCHEMICAL LIMITED ASTERIX LEGAL SERVICES AMOTOI GLOBAL SERVICES NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY SHIPPING DIRECT LIMITED ZIRCON MARINE LIMITED G. ELIAS & CO. RANGK LIMITED STARZS-GROUP TRADEX RESOURCES LTD BOLA AJIBOLA & CO CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT (CILT) SKYE BANK PLC OGUNBANJO & CO FOUNDATION CHAMBER INTELS NIGERIAN LIMITED GUARANTY TRUST BANK NIGER-BENUE TRANSPORT COMPANY LIMITED MAERSK NIGERIA FIDELTY BANK PLC We seize this opportunity to once again thank you for your tremendous support in ensuring that realize the objective of creating between 100-500 professionals in vessel management. The next of the course workshop is scheduled to take place in June. It will be in collaboration with our usual partners SNEPCo and hopefully NLNG. Note that NLNG can presently boast of being completely Local Content Compliant. We are therefore inviting them to give us a practical exposure as to how they have done it.

The GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

New Course Introduction A thorough knowledge of the increasing technicalities involved in the upstream oil and gas sector and its associated support structure is needed for one to successfully engage in any form of business in this sector. The wake of the Coastal and Inland shipping act and the Nigerian Oil and gas industry development act are indicators for a much needed training in line with these regulations. To bridge the need for the much needed training, the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping is introducing a 3-day course titled:

Understanding Cabotage and Local Content in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Upstream).

The course is designed to give an in-depth understanding of the Maritime/Oil and Gas upstream business in Nigeria. Whether as a Bank who wants to finance the acquisition of offshore vessels, or an indigenous operator who wants to build upon existing knowledge, a new entrant that needs the fundamental knowledge of the maritime/upstream oil and gas business, an International Oil Company dealing with Local Operators or individuals who have a purely academic interest in gaining knowledge that will assist with their own personal and professional development; you will find the course very comprehensive and valuable. In the end, you will have a broader knowledge of Contracts, Investments and Vessel Financing in the Upstream Oil and Gas sector.

Core Modules include: 1. The Development of the Maritime Industry in Nigeria/Legislation 2. Overview of the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria 3. Finding a Vessel 4. Vessel/Equipment Inspection (Physical and Classification Surveys) 5. Vessel Registration and Working within the Regulatory Framework (Cabotage & Local Content) 6. Funding your Contract 7. Understanding Marine Insurance 8. Maritime law and Arbitration 9. Ship Management 10. Environmental Issues 11. Maritime Security Our facilitators are seasoned professionals with enormous experience in the industry We are confident you will find that this unique course provides you with the much needed knowledge that will benefit you and your company as well as give you the needed skill in contract sourcing, financing and execution. Tentative Date: 25th – 27th June, 2013 Venue: The Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time: 8:30am – 4:30pm daily For further information kindly contact us as follows: Send e-mail to: info@nigerian-shipping.org Or call: 01-892 2289 // 0803 386 1289 // 0703 959 9551 // 0807 127 8073 // 0803 565 2602 // 0803 532 5870. Visit our website www.nigerian-shipping.org or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/nigerianchamberofshipping

The ABC Of Shipping Course he new ABC of Shipping Course is to meet the needs of the current indusT try climate It starts from the grass roots making room for undergraduates and recent graduates to participate. The purpose of the training course is to provide basic and fundamental knowledge about the Nigerian maritime sector. The course is targeted at three main categories: • Members and Non-members of the NCS: These are individuals already operating in the industry and ancilliary industries with 0-3 years work experience. Their need is for knowledge and introductory information on how the maritime industry operates in Nigeria. • Recent graduates: These are recent graduates (1-2years) who are new entrants into the maritime industry and seeking for knowledge about the industry and how the industry operates. • Undergraduates/Others: These individuals will most likely have personal interests. The Course will help them determine their career and look forward to operating in it in the future. Note: There is an internship opportunity at the NCS or Sponsors Offices for 3 months, after which he/she will be ReCOMMeNDeD to a member organisation for possible employment depending on their performance during the internship period. Benefits: Will attract exemption from certain courses from the Chartered Institute of Shipping (CIS) Undergraduates (UG) and Graduates (G): Internship opportunities at the NCS for 3 months (G) Opportunity to work for a member company (G) Gain knowledge and understand of the shipping industry (UG & G) Certificates of attendance certified by the Chartered Institute of Shipping (CIS) and Letters of Training Completion acknowledged by the DG of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (UG & G). Members and Non-members of the NCS: Gain introductory knowledge on how the maritime industry operates in Nigeria Gain a “ABC in Shipping” certificate certified by Chartered Institute of Shipping (CIS). Opportunity to join the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping. Modules: 1. Principles of Shipping 2. Introduction to Marine logistics 3. Ship Chandling & Supplies 4. Maritime Policies 5. Freight Forwarding Practice 6. Rudiments of Maritime Law 7. I.T. in Shipping 8. Ship Financing, and 9. Maritime Safety, health & environment. NOTe: Undergraduates and recent graduate MUST provide recent and valid documentation. Tentative Date: 5th – 7th June, 2013 Venue: The NCS Training Centre, 6b Maitama Sule Street, SouthWest Ikoyi, Lagos. Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm daily For further information kindly contact us as follows: Send e-mail to: info@nigerian-shipping.org Or call: 01-892 2289 // 0803 386 1289 // 0703 959 9551 // 0807 127 8073 // 0803 565 2602 // 0803 532 5870.

SNEAK REVIEWS ON THE MODULES: UNDERSTANDING CABOTAGE AND LOCAL CONTENT IN THE NIGERIAN OIL & GAS INDUSTRY (UPSTREAM) FUNDING YOUR CONTRACT CReDIT POLICY AND FINANCe DeFINITIONS Credit Policy Definition Factors Influencing The Choice Between A New Built And A Second hand Vessel Vessel Charter SeNIOR DeBT Types of Senior Debt – Overview Financing Vessel Types Lending Methods Borrower Structures Transaction Assessment Why Do Banks Need To have This Information? Documentation Ship Finance Options ShIP FINANCe Introduction To hedging Introduction To Securitisation Mezzanine Project Financing Introduction To Leasing Introduction To Islamic Finance ShIP MORTGAGeS Details Of The Ship The Mortgage Transfer of Mortgage Discharge of Mortgage LOAN DOCUMeNTATION Compiled and edited by Nnamdi C. eronini

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

48 ENERGY

Energy Legal risks, regulatory implications on oil, gas sector growth By Sulaimon Salau ROWTH and development are major pheG nomena desired by most countries of the world. The quest for development in Nigeria has tarried for quite number of years, especially in the energy sector, where doggedness, eloquent personalities and great technologies are claimed to exist. Despite the capacities and resourcefulness of the sector, the desired improvement has remained a mirage, with its concomitant uncertain future. However, the power of politics has come to play in the midst of energy experts and legislators which nearly made things fell apart. Indeed, the legal risks and regulatory challenges in the industry have continued to take its toll, resulting to dwindling investment and economic uncertainty of projects. This may not be unconnected with the tortuous journey to the passage of the petroleum industry legislative document, Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which is presently before the National House of Assembly. Early last month the bill scaled the second reading at the Senate and rekindles stakeholders’ hope on the progressing reforms, however, several comments and criticisms that continued to trail the provisions of the bill seemed to be sketching imminent danger to the desired liberalization of the sector. The same legislative issues, which has lingered for about 12 years now, was a contentious matter before the concerned stakeholders in the industry who gathered at the recently concluded ESQ Energy summit 2013, held in Lagos. The oil and gas experts including some legal luminaries however, called for fair and effective legal and regulatory framework in the medium and long term to enhance investments in the industry. The Managing Partner, Caxton-Martins, Sola Adepetun, said: “The current legal and regulatory atmosphere of uncertainties and legal risks is unsustainable and The PIB must be enacted expeditiously to provide the needed legal solutions.” Adepetun urged that if the PIB cannot be enacted expeditiously enough, a review of relevant existing laws and regulations should be carried out in the short to medium term to effect required amendments, new regulations and guidelines. Contrary to the insinuations that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were the brain behind the delay in the bill, the Executive General Manager, Public Affairs and Communications, Total Upstream Companies, Chidi Momah, said the IOCs support the PIB, but were only making efforts to strengthen the

Jonathan critical areas of the bill. He emphasized that there was need for reforms in the sector, as the existing Act is over 40 years old, although noted that there were general concerns if the PIB will achieve the stated aims that would enable IOCs in Nigeria to progress. Chief Consultant, Adeniji Advisory, ‘Gbite Adeniji, believed that the current draft of the PIB does not present a competitive framework for massive investment in Nigeria’s gas sector, neither does it assure a liberal regulatory regime. “However, it is never too late to amend its potentially ineffectual regulatory and fiscal provisions. This will help reposition Nigeria as an effective competitor in the global gas business as well as leveraging on its gas abundance to usher in an unprecedented period of economic growth,” In the light of the socio-economic issues plaguing the country, and the need to effectively challenge competitors for investment in infrastructure and gas-based industries, Adeniji made some recommendations including: The policy focus should shift towards accelerated invest-

ment in the upstream and gas infrastructure. He also suggested: Let the sector be private sector driven. The Government cannot afford to fund the development of gas infrastructure at the pace that Nigeria’s socio-economic developmental requirements. The gas sector is most amenable to private sector capital if the right conditions are put in place. Rather than embed Government as a commercial participant in the sector, consideration should be given to private sector leadership; Undertake genuine liberalization of the sector – introduce independent regulation. Investors do place a premium on a solid regulatory code. Nigeria must strive for it. Executive Vice Chairman and General Counsel for Exxonmobil Nigeria, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, described the legal and business environment surrounding the Nigerian Petroleum Industry as uncertain. He reiterated that to maintain a robust and viable petroleum industry, Nigeria needs to look at its African competitors and adopt favourable tax regimes that will attract investors. Publisher of ESQ Legal Practice Magazine and convener of the ESQ Energy/Oil and Gas Summit, Lere Fashola, believed that setting the right legal framework in the industry would foster the much-needed investment that would give Nigeria a competitive edge. “It is a critical time in which people are looking for where to invest and they need power and energy. People will rather go to where they are sure of the laws and of the sustainability of their investments. Hence, we chose to sound this warning again that challenging times are here and more challenging times are coming. This is the time for us to get our acts together and reform our laws. The PIB has been on for over 12 years. It is time we sit down and get out of the politics of which section of the country should have what and go into business that will allow long term investments to be retained in Nigeria. Legal Adviser, Mart Resources Inc., an Independent Canadian Oil and Gas firm, Mrs. Asiyah Alao-Mutallab, advised that with the

Deziani increasing divestments from IOCs, Nigeria needs to look at how to attract foreign investors and keep them. “With the discovery of crude oil in over 30 African countries with closer routes to the export market, we need a speedier process of contract approval to enable and create a more reliable legal and regulatory environment,” she said. Meanwhile, the emerging era of the shale oil and gas boom and the development of new opportunities in the Eastern Africa and some West African countries dictates the pace of speed to revolution in Nigeria. Nigeria’s traditional natural gas markets (Spain, Portugal, France, USA) are drying up. Energy policy reform and economic crises in Europe has weakened Nigeria’s position in the European gas market whilst a natural gas revolution promises soon to make the US a netexporter of energy. The global trends are occurring at a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political history and these trends raised a further question as to whether or not the PIB has positioned Nigeria to weather the approaching storms.

DPR introduces trucking policy for petroleum products By Roseline Okere HE Department of Petroleum T Resources (DPR), has embarked on trucking policy project aimed at reducing product adulteration, diversion and general sharp practices in the downstream oil and gas industry. Already, the agency has trained about 80 eighty ad-hoc staff, captured and uploaded screened data on about 5,700 tanker trucks into the database. The DPR in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Paul Osu, said the Implementation of Trucking Policy Project, (TPP), was in line with the ongoing transformation programme aimed at making the agency a world-class petroleum industry regulator.

DPR argued that petroleum tanker trucks play a very important role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. “Over 70 per cent of petroleum products movement across the nation is done by tanker trucks. Tanker trucks have also been used to evacuate crude oil from wellheads to flow stations by the Marginal Field Operators, MFOs, recently. “However, tanker trucks used for transportation of petroleum products are most times the source of product adulteration since some drivers siphoned products and replace the volume with a comparably cheaper product without considering the product quality. “There have been cases where the siphoned volume was replaced with

water! These tanker trucks are often involved in diversion of petroleum products to illegal destinations even across the border and are also used by vandals for evacuation of crude oil and products from vandalised pipelines,” it stated. DPR noted that trucking became imperative in products movement in view of the constant vandalism of products’ pipelines across the country. It noted that the development had led to huge financial losses on account of the millions of litres of petroleum products and crude oil, which are lost annually through these pipelines. It said, “These had led to increase on reliance on tanker trucks for movement of product and crude oil from one location to another. It has been

observed that some of the tanker trucks used for this purpose are not in good state and often breaks down along the way. The breakdown of tanker trucks had led to many accidents with resulting loss of lives and properties.” DPR disclosed that the objectives of the policy was to standardise tanker truck design and construction; create a database and make information on petroleum tanker trucks and their operations available for planning and other purposes; enhance better service delivery between stakeholders and transporters; continuously keep petroleum tanker trucks in view and prevent them from being used for illegal operations; enhance tanker truck usage and road users’ safety and

institute orderliness in trucking activities at the depots. Also, DPR is currently building a National Control Centre, (NCC), located in the DPR Abuja Zonal Office. “Remote monitoring of petroleum tanker truck activities all over the country would be done from this Center, with the Server in Lagos on standby, when commissioned,” it added. DPR said the main objective of the transformation is to ensure, “To ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas resources across the value chain for our stakeholders through effective regulation, while entrenching world class professionalism, accountability, and transparency.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Petroleum marketers allege plot to halt deregulation, decry vandalism By Sulaimon Salau ETROLEUMmarketersinthe P country have expressed fears that political inferences surrounding the planned deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector may eventually overwhelm the policy. The marketers under the auspice of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) lamented that the current situation does not encouraging businesses of independent marketers, which are at the

verge of collapse. The formerChairmanof IPMAN Satellite Depot, Ejigbo, Mark Alaba Obu, who was the guest speaker at the one-day seminal for all elected officers of IPMAN depots and zones recently, alleged that the government has been playing politics with the petroleum industry reforms, which included deregulation of the downstream sector. He said the allocation of products from NNPC depots are minute compared to the requiredquantityofmarketers,

and therefore sending many marketers out of business. He said: “With the trend of things, IPMAN may therefore continue to depend on NNPC depots, either now or in future when most of the independent marketers’ businesses would have collapsed.” “Today, ex-depot price for PMS (petrol) is N87.66 per litre while at the private depots, it is going as high as N94 per litre, how then can IPMAN members survive? He queried. The Chairman, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade, however decried

the implications of the activities of vandals on petroleum supply. The IPMAN scribe said that oil theft and vandalism had been major challenges in the industry and called for concerted efforts of stakeholders to tackle the problems. “By this synergy, there is sure to be steady flow of petroleum products into the various depots in the area and other parts of the country. “We pledge our loyalty and support to the NNPC and PPMC in ensuring hitch-free supply

of petroleum products to the western zone in particular and across the country in general. There is need to double efforts on surveillance of the pipelines. “We have been doing our best to secure the right of way from vandals for almost 10 years using our money because petroleum business is the only business we understand. “We cannot allow vandals to send us out of business because of their notorious activities,’’ he said. Ogunmade appealed to all stakeholders in the oil and gas

industry to work together to fight pipeline vandalism. A marketer, Dele Akinmusuti, also tasks members on discipline in all their business endeavours, adding that that discipline is the bedrock of progress. According to him, “all stakeholders inthedownstream sector of the oil industry, NUPENG, DAPMAN and MOMAN, IPMAN appears to be the least equipped and most undisciplined among its rank and file in the sector. “As a result of which IPMAN

Total extends HSE standards to host communities By Sulaimon Salau ETERMINED to instill D Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) culture in the stakeholders, Total Nigeria Plc has taken the campaign to its host communities in Lagos State. The Managing Director of the company, Francois Boussagol, who spoke at the roll out malaria campaign at Kirikiri, Apapa, urged the stakeholders to always be conscious of their health status and desists from any activity that may be detrimental to their wellbeing. Boussagol said: “Total as a responsible company and we are committed to CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) because in a growing economy, you capture growth for your stakeholders and customers in bringing high quality products, but if you want to move

from growth to development, you also have to improve the lots of the stakeholders such as the employees, host communities, and that is what we are trying to do. We have been in this country for over 56 years, and we are very proud of it. We intend to do our best to run different programmes through our corporate social responsibility. Such as rolling out malaria, fight against HIV and road safety, among others.” Commenting on the malaria scourge, he said the disease does not only posed high risk to health, but also places huge burden on households, health services and the economy at large. “Our goal is to create a lot of awareness on the prevention and control of this deadly disease to children, employees, customers and other key stakeholders,” he said.

The Manager, Deepwater Production Geoscience, Goodluck Adagbasa, Manager, Public & Govt Affairs, Exxon Mobil Nigeria Unlimited, Rita Umoren, and Managing Director Danvic Concepts International Nigeria Limited, Mayowa Afe, at the Train-The-Trainers workshop for South-West universities at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

‘Govt’s gas-to-power initiative will boost power supply’ Philip Ihenacho is the chief executive officer of Seven Energy International. The company recently signed a financing agreement with Nigerian banks to finance its pipeline project in the country. In this interview with ROSELINE OKERE, he expressed the company’s commitment to boost power generation in the country. Excerpts. CCUGAS, a subsidiary of Seven A Energy International recently signed agreement to some banks to finance some power projects in the country. What are the details of the deal? Seven Energy International Limited entered into a $225 million senior debt facility with a syndicate of Nigerian banks. The facility, which replaces an existing $60 million project finance facility will be used to fund the expansion of Accugas’ gas processing and distribution infrastructure in the southeast Niger Delta region. The syndicate of participating banks comprises First Bank of Nigeria Plc, First City Monument Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc, with FBN Capital Limited acting as structuring

bank. FBN Capital Limited acted as the Global Coordinator Bank, Financial Modeling Bank and also undertook the role of defacto Financial Adviser to the Borrower; while UBA, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC and FCMB, jointly acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers on the transaction. The successful signing of the Accugas financing clearly shows the confidence the financial institutions have in Accugas and Seven Energy, as well as the prospects for the Nigerian gas market. How would this project assist in power generation in the country? Accugas, part of the Seven Energy Group, owns midstream and distribution infrastructure for the distribution of gas to the domestic market in Nigeria. The company processes gas at its gas processing plant and transports it down a 60km pipeline, also owned byAccugas,whichconnectsthegasprocessing facility to the 190 Megawatt (“MW”) Ibom Power plant at Ikot Abasi. In addition Accugas has commenced work to lay a second 37-38km pipeline from the gas processing facility to Oron to supply 131 MMcfpd under a 20 year take-or-pay gas sales agreement to the 560MW Calabar Power Station that is currently under construction. The combined 750MW generating capacity of the Ibom Power and Calabar power stations will comprise some 10 per

cent of Nigeria’s current electricity generating capacity. The completion of the Accugas financing marks a major milestone in the project’s evolution. With construction of the Ibom gas pipeline (Phase 1) now completed and on track to deliver gas to Ibom Power Plant from April 2013, we are now embarking on Phase two with construction of the Calabar gas pipeline, already commenced. We believe this would boost power generation in the country. What is the level of partnership between your company and some states to supply gas? Accugas is working with Akwa Ibom State to assist in the creation of an autonomous self-sufficient managed

Philip Ihenacho

supply of gas in the southeast Niger Delta. The result will be a local network for gas processing and transportation in the region to deliver over one trillion cubic feet of gas. This would assist in boosting power generation in the state. Accugas currently has two long-term gas sales agreements in place: a 10-year take-or-pay contract to supply 43.5 MMcfpd to Ibom Power and a 20-year contract to supply 131 MMcfpd (80 per cent of volume on take-or-pay basis) to supply the federally-owned power plant at Calabar. The Federal Government is currently struggling with issue of gas flaring in the Niger Delta, how would your gas supply assist to reduce gas flaring the country? The gas will initially be supplied from the Uquo field which is a non-associated gas field so this supply will not have a direct impact on gas flaring, however it is the case that if the infrastructure built by Accugas did not exist this field would not have been developed. The benefit of this project to the Nigerian economy is to provide gas for electricity generation, which is both substantially cheaper and more environmentally friendly than using fuel oil. As the Accugas business develops it is reasonable to expect that it will have opportunities to process and transport associated gas that might otherwise have been flared. Gas pricing in Nigeriais not too encouraging to investors. How do you intend

to handle the issue of gas pricing? Our gas sales contracts to supply gas for power generation are priced in line with the Federal Government’s pricing framework and we have been able to access capital to invest in processing and distribution infrastructure on the back of these long term contracts. Looking ahead, our goal is to become the preferred supplier of natural gas to light industrial and other end users in the South East Niger Delta, replacing the use of higher cost diesel fuel for power generation. What is the worth of your investment in Nigeria and do you intend increasing it in the nearest future? The Seven Energy Group has invested over $1 billion in Nigeria and we will continue to invest in the country as the government continues to provide a conduciveatmosphereforinvestment. Whatare thechallengesfacingthecompany within the context of its operations in Nigeria? The Seven Energy Group sees immense opportunities for gas distribution in Nigeria. With a population of over 160 million, a GDP growth rate averaging 6.8 per cent per yearly, in excess of 187 Tcf of proved gas reserves the demand for gas is expected to treble over the next 10 years. With chronic power shortages in the country the Group is poised to deliver increased volumes of gas for both power generation and industrial users thanks to its knowledge of the market and ability to deliver gas projects.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Opinion Restore the Midwest geopolitical zone (1) By Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen HE Midwest Region was constitutionally created T 50 years ago. The first motion in that behalf was moved in the Federal Parliament on 4 April, 1961. th

The validity of the motion was contested on the legal ground that it was carried by voice vote instead of the formal count required by the constitution for such an exercise; so, another successful motion was moved on 24th March, 1962. The plebiscite organised and eventual creation bill was passed in 1963. Therefore, at the beginning of military rule in 1966, there were four federating units and regional centres of political and economic activities in our country. The recently published template by the committees of the National Assembly to amend the constitution assumes the ostensible credence of the Nigerian people’s participation in the constitutional amendment exercise. Therefore, it is reasonable to envisage the creation of new states and the restructuring of our country into formal geopolitical zones, in the final process. Hence, it is opportune to revisit the needless continued neglect of the Midwest option in the arguments promoting the geopolitical zones as the eventual federating units, before the horses fled the barns. There are a number of ingrained issues contested in the amendment processes. These include that the content of the published template leaves people to wrestle with the sneaky feelings that the legislators were predeterministic, working from answers to questions. Second, the absence of the representative views of the people, through their autochthonous organised platforms, was evinced in the little coordinated, less deliberate and poorly articulated or considered viewpoints obtained. Third, due to the

rather short notice for the public hearings, the Nigerian people were robbed of their organised inputs. Consequently, the distilled preferences of the Nigerian people, as published by the committees of the National Assembly, were inexorably limited in scope and failed to give wholesome reflection of the critical issues; more so, to array the emergent constitution with popular habiliment. These reservations are justifiable on several grounds. Nevertheless, it is only the window of opportunity provided by the constitutional amendment exercise that we wish to engage in this essay. The amendment exercise represents for us an invaluable platform to interrogate the sore issue of neglect of the Midwest option in the zonal structuration of Nigeria. As things stand, despite the fiery appearance and inhibited argumentations from both sides, the quest for formal zonal structures is favoured in the ensuing amendment of the constitution. Therefore, our plea is that the restoration of the Midwest zone should feature in the amendment. By the republican constitution of 1963, Nigeria was composed of four regions or zones, the East, Midwest, West and North. But by sleight of gerrymandering, Nigeria has morphed, conventionally if not yet constitutionally, into six geopolitical zones with 36 states spread over the north central; north-east and north-west in the former Northern region. The south-west is the old Western region, after 1963 plebiscite to create the Midwest, with its cultural consanguinity, even if not, economic community, in her six states. In the former Eastern region, we now have five states in south-east zone; that is, less the four emergent states from the old Calabar-

Ogoja-Rivers (COR) axis. Currently, the four states of the COR part as excised from the Eastern region is bandaged with the two states in the collapsed Midwestern region to form the south-south zone. Inherent in the south-south zonal arrangement, therefore, is not really the point that a part of the former Eastern region and the former Midwest region were collapsed to form a zone. It is not the issue, although important, that two out of the old four regions retained their geographical structurations. The fundamental point is that the historical gains of the COR and Midwest groups, respectively, have been frittered and scattered to the mercy of inclement comings and goings of our country. It may seem an apparent mutual fortune for the old Eastern region that has been saved its mortal troublesome COR zone, partly blamed for the failure of the Biafra adventure. However, the logic of the self-determination is defective without an independent zone for the COR groups. In the prevailing circumstances, the unfortunate victims of the political gerrymandering are again the usual suspects, Midwest and COR groups. The glaring injustice is more discomfiting by the understanding that both the COR groups were, historically, not the lonesome troubles of larger neighbours, east or west of the Niger. In fact, colonial officers, for example, Mr. W. F. W. Fosbery, toured substantial parts of the proto-Midwest areas in the 1900s on economic and political missions, from Enugu. Indeed, one of the economic surveys included visits to the Ishan country headed by Fosbery himself in 1902 to report on the Ishan cotton cloth. The unstated object of the mission was to ascertain if the raw materials supporting the native cloth manufacture was capa-

ble of meeting the needs of Manchester textile mills, etc! To return to the point, the people of the Midwest were also a trifle rambunctious and raised hell that they were excised from the East in mid-1900s and from the West in 1963. It follows that instead of the supposed eureka of liberation, the south-south concept is a drawback in the resolution of the Nigerian national question, and hence it is dysfunctional. Consequently, in the context of the principles of self-determination of peoples in multicultural and multinational countries, it is relevant to reexamine the Midwest case against the backdrop of historical outcome. That the excised half of the former Eastern region has been heaped with the collapsed Midwest region is misplaced resolution of the national question for the peoples. Indeed, the situation only graphically relates the refusal of Nigerian leadership to fully understand the conceptualisation of the national question, let alone to sincerely address it. The point must not be lost therefore, with the current structuration, the Midwest region has been returned to the colonial era of the 1900s. The happenings of the era are perhaps, necessary to recount in order to illustrate that antedating the creation of what became Benin and Delta provinces, were various anthropological and ethnographical surveys, conducted to ascertain the wishes and relationship of the people. The resultant Benin and Delta provinces had fertile roots in the agitations for commonality in the then poorly structured and ahistorical Central province that rightly ceased to exist with the reorganisation of southern Nigeria following the 1914 amalgamation. • To be continued. • Ebhohimhen lives in Benin City.

To end maritime criminality By Olutunde Oladimeji OR decades there have been circuits of conferences about marFtiesitime security everywhere, in the face of piracy and other illegaliat sea. In Nigeria, in the Gulf of Guinea, in ECOWAS and now in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) the debates have multiplied. One of such forums was that sponsored on April 20, 2013 by the Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs or RIIA) in partnership with its Nigerian counterpart – the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). The conference titled “West African Maritime Security and Development” was planned to coincide with the port call to Lagos by Royal Navy frigate, HMS ARGYLL. The officers of the ship participated in the conference, to the delight of the British High Commissioner in Nigeria. What a good example of the use of the navy as a handmaiden of diplomacy. For analysts of the value of navies in war and peace, the rescue operation by ARGYLL off the Cape Verde coast is a model of warship readiness and competence at sea. It is also important to note that ARGYLL’s training programmes planned to share practical experiences with the personnel of Ghanaian and Nigerian navies is in line with the spirit of sub-regional, regional and global cooperation pervading the navies today. Such cooperation will, when formalised, help to stem the tide of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea as it helped to calm the storms of pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Keen observers of the worrisome maritime security situation in West and Central Africa were expectant. What new ideas would come out of this conference? For many decades we’ve had many of such conferences, seminars, workshops and roundtables. For example, in the same NIIA conference chamber, precisely 30 years ago (February 22-23, 1983), a similar seminar of maritime security agencies was held by NIIA and the Nigeria Navy in the wake of widespread “smuggling and coastal piracy” in Nigeria at that time. Since then, there had been hundreds of seminars and tons of academic reports and position papers. Is there anything new about dialogue, debates and deliberations on maritime security? A French proverb says: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Solomon also says: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which one can say, ‘Look! This is something new’? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time” (Ecclesiastes). This conference seems different. There are some new initiatives and freshness in the approach to finding solutions to this seemingly intractable problem. There is something new about the renewed sense of urgency, worry and frenetic activities by the international community: the ECOWAS, ECCAS, AU, EU, UN, and many discerning locals about the near death of the maritime economy in these parts of the world. What can we do to stop the haemorrhage of what Martin Murphy calls “Africa’s Leaking Wound?” (Proceedings U.S Naval Institute March 2013). The aim of this news analysis is to track the discussions at the conference with a view to contributing to the process of finding enduring solutions to the piracy and other criminal acts in the sub-region. The keynote address by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Nigeria, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, was candid and copious with information about “a topic that touches on the essence of our existence as a peo-

ple in West Africa.” He set the pattern of discussion by informing the conference that the Nigerian maritime environment is home to over 5,700 oil wells, 112 flow stations, 16 gas plants, 126 production platforms, 6 Floating Production Storage Offloading platforms (FPSO). One of those FPSOs called BONGA is a deep offshore production platform with 200,000 barrels per day production capacity. There are also 13 crude oil terminals. He asserted that the sub-region should not indulge in business as usual confabs. This is not the time for endless debates, but time to put a stop to the menace of pirates and other maritime criminals who are all out to destroy the economy. The conference should proffer “enduring solutions and implementable strategies for combating the vices that threaten the positive development of West Africa.” The tone of the papers presented and the contributions on the floor was indicative of the pressing needs to make a difference with this and some other conferences looming ahead. There was a free flow of practical ideas that will enhance the capacity of Nigeria to stem the haemorrhage of her economy and earn the full benefits of being a maritime nation. The British and American diplomats at the conference were less diplomatic but more vehement about the need to minimise the dialogue about the issues at stake and to maximise the pursuit of practical solutions. Besides the papers presented on piracy and oil theft, there were papers on the huge loss of good money to “Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing” in the sub-region. “Let’s declare total war on all this menace,” pleaded one of the three women who presented learned papers. In doing that, an outspoken American diplomat argued that military action alone would not make these waters safe. What Nigeria needs is enforcement with demonstrable prompt and sharp punishment of offenders to serve as deterrent. A British diplomat warned African littorals to desist from proliferating institutions but to support and work with existing ones, arguing that the sooner we wake up from the paralysis of analysis into the trenches of action. Where do we go from here? Has the Navy and other security agencies got what it takes to cope? In the exciting days of the late 1970s and early 1980s when the NN warships were visible in the sub-region, an ubiquitous car sticker proclaimed “Navy Has It!” Whatever other action steps are being recommended to deal with piracy et all, Nigeria requires a strong Navy. Undoubtedly, tough naval action is inseparable from other effective solutions to the threats posed by pirates, poachers and other criminals at sea. Examples of the use of navies in such operations abound in many parts of the world. Therefore, political, legal, social and diplomatic solutions as proffered by several participants at these and similar gatherings must be undergirded by maritime security agencies with the Nigerian Navy as the primus inter pares (first among equals). It is recommended that the nation and the Navy take the following action steps to ensure enduring solutions to the problem of piracy and similar criminality: • Sea-sense: Understanding the sea and its enormous potentials by political leaders and policy makers is the first step every navy should take to ensure it receives what it needs. Speaker after speaker at conference chorus the African “sea blindness,” lack of maritime culture,

and such other expressions. These are indications that African coastal nations will continue to be short-changed in maritime matters as long as stakeholders don’t understand what it takes for these nations to manage and harness the benefits of the sea around them. Navies have a job to do here. • Strategy: Beginning from the Jaji-promoted “Size and Shape of the Fleet” debates in the early 1980s, to the formulation of Admiral Koshoni-led Trident Maritime Strategy from 1987 to 2012, to the current Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, the NN has always taken the initiative to articulate some form of maritime strategy from its perspectives. In addition, the Strategic Guidance 01 issued by the CNS in October 2012, when implemented, will drive the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy, though seen by many observers as a Naval or Nigerian Navy Strategy. There is, therefore, a need for a comprehensive National Maritime Strategy providing clear guidelines for maritime security and other actions. The proposed ECOWAS Integrated Maritime Strategy, covering Maritime economics, education and training, environment, governance, resources, safety and security, may become a handy model for all nations in the Economic Community. • Ships and craft: As the CNS told a reporter recently, Navy people cannot walk on water in the course of their work. They need appropriate platforms with logistics cum fund to run them. Hopefully the current recapitalisation of the NN ships will come to the rescue. • Social responsibility and community action: As we were reminded at the conference, the onshore-offshore linkage of maritime insecurity, which informed the incorporation of the backwaters into the formulation of the Navy’s Total Spectrum Strategy, should also inform intensification of development efforts in the Niger Delta. • Skills across the maritime security spectrum: It is heartening that the NN has been driven to respond to asymmetric threats in the creeks, inshore and by establishing the Special Forces modelled after the British SBS and the U.S. SEALs for counter insurgency, counter terrorism, anti-piracy in the nation’s maritime domain. Capacity building in the areas of safety and search and rescue should be standard for the Navy and other maritime security agencies. They are staples in the operations of people-oriented navies. • Salesmanship: The need to market the Navy to stakeholders, as is done in developed democracies, is urgently called for. Navies in Africa should find solutions to the “Silence of the Admirals” whether serving or retired. The initiative for this may have to come from the Naval Headquarters while the commitment would be required from all concerned. Online briefing and dedicated e-mail service to keep them updated. • Spokesman-ship: Who can speak for the Navy from position of knowledge is a moot point. Of course, official information on issues of public debate should come more promptly and often from the Naval Headquarters. But public enlightenment and informed commentaries should come from well-informed and knowledgeable retired officers. • Sincerity of purpose, political will and commitment: While the National Assembly debates the Petroleum Industry Bill and many other bills, political leaders should be reminded that the geese that lay the golden eggs are daily being stolen by pirates, poachers and vandals. Let the leaders get urgently committed. • Commodore Oladimeji (Rtd) lives in Lagos.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Opinion The black Count (2) By Patrick Cole Continued from yesterday S usual, staggering wealth accompanied staggering brutality; flogging it. Slaves worked 18 hours daily. For 10 – 15 years when they were expected to die and be replaced by new ones, Le Code Noir was the French codification of their slave laws: it was an elaborate law defining the ways blacks could be exploited by whites. Slaves would not marry without their owner’s consent and could not pass on property to children or wives. Ironically, because there were laws, there were limits to what might be done or could be done. The laws created loopholes to be exploited by slaves and masters alike. The Code Noir said nothing about sexual relations between masters and slaves and the resulting offspring of such relations. As a class, the world has never seen a randier and more promiscuous class of men than white slave masters and slave owners. For them, sex was a power trip and they loved power and produced millions of mixed children. A parish priest producing a legion of mixed race children explained that he desired

to increase his flock. French colonial history was an empire based on liberating. With sugar, came coffee. A slave owner, if single, can marry the slave and the children of such a marriage were free. Alexandre Duman was himself descended from slave traders. The phrase – “No slave in France” was commonplace. France was the land of the free and Alex Duman at 14 landed in France a freeman. The book is not one of swashbuckling romance, which stories about the Caribbean always evoke; instead it was a chronicle of the innards of slavery and slave trade, a tale of unspeakable human cruelty and greed, peppered with sexual licence and pretensions “Colonial aristocracy”. It is from all of this that Alex Dumas escaped into the licentious foppish luxury of powdered coiffeurs of Paris. But hidden within it is that rear of rare pearls – the black pearls - about a military genius who fathered the famous novelist Alexander Dumas, who in turn also fathered the equally famous Alex Dumas the poet and playwright. Soon after Dumas joined the army, he moved to Villers – where he promptly married the daughter of leader of the National Guard looking after the local Chateau. Dumas was then corporal.

There followed various attempts by Dumas to form an all-black army (there were two) but the man’s exceptional qualities were such that no racial army could dim his talents. Through various appointments, he rose to be General of the Army of France, serving in all sectors of the war. He commanded the Northern troops in the Alps and guarded the mountain passes where records exist of his extraordinary bravery and humanity and a penchant for justice. His enemies respected and feared him, for they had never seen such horsemanship and courage, which he displayed in battle – they reverently called him the Black Devil. He went to Cairo with Napoleon on that ill-fated journey during which the English nearly decimated the French Navy but only after Napoleon, unbeknown to the rest of the army, had fled the battle. On his way back, Dumas was captured and imprisoned in the cave of a medicinal castle and virtually forgotten. Reis’ book is an extraordinary compendium of how ability could and was frustrated by race, how one of the best soldiers of France was not given the legion of honour; no statue was built for him. That we remember him at all was be-

cause of the extraordinary circumstances of having an extraordinarily brilliant novelist who immortalised his story in some of the best literary stories in any language. But what is curious about Alex Dumas is that he did not seem to want more than to be recognised for his service to his nation. Many a man would be vitriolic in his bitterness but he seemed to be at peace with his wife and children, at peace that in their hearts of hearts, Napoleon and his cohorts knew they did him wrong. No one wants to compare Napoleon with Duman, an egolomaniac genius with a military genius. What would France have become were they able to dovetail and use their combine ability for the glory of France? Even till today, French school children do not know that Gen. Alexander Duman, Count Monte Cristo, was black, like Collin Powell. Maybe that ignorance is Alex Dumas’ greatest legacy. He was great not because he was black. He was black not because he was great. • Concluded. • Ambassador Cole, a consultant to The Guardian Editorial Board wrote in review of Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and the Real Count of Monte Cristo. TON REISS. Harvill Secker 2012. London.

Amnesty and its infinitesimal calculus By Okachikwu Dibia FREELY discussed nation is a well-resolved nation. Therefore, an un-discussed nation is an un-resolved nation, which has A no business with peace. Since January 1914 when Nigeria was created by Britain, several fundamental ethno-religious issues have been acting to tear the country apart. Nigeria’s political leadership has bluntly and dangerously refused to sincerely assemble the ethnic peoples together in a National Conference to discuss how they would like to live together in peace. This failure has resulted in sectional riots, agitations, uprisings, wars and now persistent militant groups inflicting terror on and making Nigeria unsafe. Nobody in Nigeria can sleep with two eyes closed. Government has discovered amnesty as the solution to militancy. Granting amnesty the way it is being done in Nigeria would ultimately lead to amnesty for all Nigerians. Today, Northern Nigeria is highly insecure due to the operations of Boko Haram, a militant religious sect that insists they would want to have Nigeria Islamized; otherwise, they would continue to kill Nigerians daily with knives, guns, bombs and charms. To resolve this, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), on April 17, 2013, set up a 26-man panel to consider the matter and make appropriate recommendations. Recall that amnesty was granted to the Niger Delta militants in about 2009 when they argued that Niger Delta, which produces crude oil and gas contributing over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange revenue, had long been neglected and undeveloped. Northern Nigeria has been unhappy with the granting of amnesty to the Niger Delta militants because it gave Niger Delta more access to Nigeria’s funds than the other parts of the country. Therefore, the North needed amnesty for Boko Haram. The integration calculus of Nigeria’s amnesty must define those variables it seeks to manipulate. The variables include the goal of the agitation, sectionalism, rehabilitation, arms surrender, dialogue, killing of fellow Nigerians, facelessness and selfishness. When amnesty was used for the Niger Delta militancy, these variables reacted wildly. The same analysis may be the end result in the Boko Haram’s case. Applying amnesty to Boko Haram may not achieve the Islamisation of Nigeria (just like Niger Delta had remained undeveloped) but just to enrich its organisers. Meanwhile, the government would be continuously engrossed in the management of the uncountable fall-outs and reactions to amnesty not just for Niger Delta and Boko Haram but for the rest of Nigerians and sectional agitators now militants backed by their “Ogas at the top” for amnesty. This is the amnesty conundrum and industry in Nigeria. Amnesty, from consulted sources and my own residual knowledge as a student of society, refers to the official forgiveness granted to those who in the pursuit of their social struggles may have offended the state and their only reward is forgiveness. Also the cause of the struggle should be able to pass the test of public good. In Nigeria, we have had several of such struggles against the Nigerian State. There were the resistance by the North not to be joined together with the South to form Nigeria, the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, the nationalists’ agitations, the Eastern Minorities agitations, the agitation by the Yorubas of Western Nigeria against the imposition of the late Chief S. L. Akintola as the leader of the Yoruba (which led to the imprisonment of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who was later granted amnesty by Gen-

eral Gowon) and the middle-belt riots against the “perceived neglect and oppressive policies of the ruling Northern Peoples Congress (NPC)…”. All these agitations were for the common good and executed without arms. Next were the Isaac Adaka Boro’s Ijaw uprising and the Biafran struggle led by Odumegwu Ojukwu. The FGN quelled the agitation and charged Boro for treason for which he was jailed; but later granted amnesty by General Gowon in May 1967; while Ojukwu was also granted amnesty during the Second Republic. These struggles were for the common good, but arms were used. The leaders never purposely killed their people to prosecute the struggles; neither did they solicit for amnesty. Others were the Ogoni Revolution, Niger Delta militancy, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Egbesu Boys, Bakassi Boys, Arewa Boys and now Boko Haram. Except the Ogoni Revolution and MASSOB, the rest had been in the main for the selfish interest of the organizers and executed with arms, bombs and charms. OPC is a little in-between. Amnesty to the Niger Delta militants was inappropriate politics. Though the cause was noble and popular; they kidnapped and killed fellow Niger Deltans. Why should they join cults and infiltrate community politics, kill perceived enemies and destroy properties in places like Emohua, Port Harcourt, Ogbogoro, Rumuolumeni, Ogbakiri, Okrika, Rumuekpe etc? Why should they be the primary, direct beneficiaries of all the monies and benefits derivable from their struggle? Why should they kidnap workers of construction companies who are engaged in the construction of roads and bridges to develop and reduce the neglect they agitated against? Why have they not demonstrated against the Federal Government’s reluctance to implement the UNEP report on Ogoni? Why should they abandon the struggle while Niger Delta remained undeveloped; but insisting that FGN must facilitate Henry Okah’s release from prison in South Africa, otherwise, they will return to the creeks and streets of Niger Delta? Is this how to pursue a social cause? Where is the popular interest of the struggle? Where is the morality of the struggle? The current security tension in Nigeria is the Boko Haram. In Northern Nigeria today, life is almost at the mercy of Boko Haram. They say they want total Islamisation of Nigeria. We must agree at this point that the FGN, through the police, was wrong to have killed Yusuf, one of the leaders of Boko Haram. The police was also very wrong for the massive killings of the sect’s members as reported by Aljazeera television in about 2009. However, is the Islamisation of Nigeria as demanded by Boko Haram a popular cause? To me it is not because Nigeria is a secular state and it is inappropriate politics to demand for the Islamisation of the country. Like the Niger Delta militants, Boko Haram had being killing and destroying lives and properties in Northern Nigeria, especially in Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja for selfish interests and that is why granting amnesty to Boko Haram does not make sense. On the part of the government, it is either amnesty or nothing; so why did the FGN waste all this time, lives and properties before setting up the committee whose recommendations the government and Nigerians already know? President Jonathan should know that from the utterances of the leadership of the North, they arranged Boko Haram for amnesty funds to share and become millionaires like the members of the amnesty committee for the Niger Delta militants. Yet, some Northern leaders

claim that Boko Haram is not fighting for Islam. This statement requires full dialogue with Boko Haram to find out exactly what their grievances are. That Boko Haram said they reject amnesty is shakara (Fela’s special language describing the outward rejection of an offer you desperately want). Since amnesty did not succeed in the Niger Delta, it may not succeed in the North too. If the FGN grant amnesty to Boko Haram, Mr. President should be ready to replicate the equivalents of NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Special Advisers and Assistants, rehabilitation centres, skills trainings abroad etc for the direct benefit of the members of Boko Haram, MOSOP, OPC, MASSOB, Bakassi Boys, Egbesu Boys, Arewa Youths etc and all strata of the Nigerian populace that would embrace organized militancy. Amnesty to Niger Delta and Boko Haram militants is a time bomb that will soon explode with consequences much heavier and immense than all the atrocities of the existing militancy groups combined. Thereafter, every other 160 million Nigerian would carry guns and bombs, kill each other in order to earn amnesty. This is amnesty infinitum calculated to the last kobo to appease the intrinsic selfish goal of the Nigerian version of dubious militancy. It is the infinitesimal calculus of amnesty in Nigeria. At last the real dividends of democracy would be the dividends of militancy. Remember that in the midst of these militancy groups are other insecurity breeding intra/inter-community conflicts that consume thousands of lives and properties worth millions of naira. They include the Tiv versus Jukun, Berom versus Fulani, Amuleri versus Aguleri, Ife versus Modakeke, Ogoni versus Okrika, Hausa-Elele versus Ikwerre and Ahoada communities, Rebisi versus Okrika, Zango-Kataf wars, Choba killings and rapes, Umuechem, Odi and Zaki-Biam massacres etc. In some of these conflicts, government had always set up committees to investigate the causes of the fights and recommend solutions. Yet, no solutions! It is the unsatisfactory management of these agitations that remain a source of hate, huge regrets, psychic pains, anger, bitterness and intolerance among the peoples of Nigeria. Amnesty is no solution at all. So, where is the solution? As at today, none of these struggles has been dispassionately discussed in order to seek a comprehensive and permanent resolution to them. Yet Nigerian leaders look the other way and the issues keep hunting Nigeria as they resurface in different forms and places. Nigeria must come to terms with how to relate ethnically and religiously well. There is once again the urgent need for the FGN to immediately assemble all the ethnic groups in a National Conference to tell their painful stories, discuss, dialogue and agree on how to resolve these fundamental differences tearing a potentially good country apart. This goes beyond matters for committees! Peace in Nigeria starts with the effective management of ethnic and religious differential variables, which are at the root of all the agitations and conflicts mentioned above and never discussed. If this is not done quickly, even pilots to all the commercial, private and presidential jets and helicopters will refuse to fly their owners out of Nigeria and their gatemen will gladly open the gates to the true Nigerian revolutionaries. Even the military will tacitly support the revolution because they would have been thoroughly tired of the unrelenting mismanagement of Nigeria. If I were Mr. President, I would make history by boldly, quickly and sincerely organizing this most demanded National Conference from where a peoples’ constitution would emerge. • Dibia lives in Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

NigeriaCapitalMarket NSE Daily Summary (Equities) PRICE LIST OF SYMBOLS TRADED FOR

7/5/2013

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

54 CAPITAL MARKET

NSE Daily Summary (Equities) as at 7/5/2013

LOSERS

PRICE GAINERS

Percentage of retail investors up in stock market By Helen Oji HE Nigerian Stock T Exchange has announced that the percentage of retail investors in the market has increased to 58 per cent while the foreign portfolio is reduced to 42 per cent. The NSE also announced plans to organize an awareness forum to sensitize local investors. Explaining the rationale for the increase, the Chief of Staff and Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, Mr. Bola Adeko said, “it is not unusual in the emerging and frontier market, foreign investors tend to have sophisticated view of

the market trend and they see opportunities initially and when people are running away from the market, they stay and but presently, institutional investors and retail ones has come because the market has become stable.” He said the forum tagged Retail Investors’ Clinic which is slated for Thursday in Lagos was to find ways on how to get retail end who constitute about 70 per cent of investors better educated on investments opportunities. “The first investors’ clinic we organized was focused on high net worth investors, this year we decided to go for

..As NSE set to host retail investors clinic retail investors which is very important to the exchange. We have invited professional bodies like Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers (CIS) among others. The reason is that we have multiple and diverse investors and we believe these professional bodies are avenue to reach them,” he said. Adeko noted that the Exchange will extend the investment sensitization and

awareness to cover the national foot-prints using the branch networks in all region of the country. Meanwhile trading activities on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Market further closed the day in a negative trajectory as confidence level continued to drop in spite of good result being currently posted by some companies. Consequently the NSE AllShare Index (ASI) opened at 34,935.62 depreciating by 120.38 points or -034per cent to close on yesterday at 34,815.24.

Also the equities Market Capitalization also depreciated by N38 billion, from N11.169 trillion to N11.132 trillion. With 27 companies appreciating in price, compared to 28 that constituted the losers chart, May and Baker; and Cutix Nigeria Plc led on the gainers’ table by 10 % each to close at N1.98 and N1.76 per share respectively followed by CAP Nigeria Plc by 9.98% gain to close at N56.62 per share, among other gainers. On the other hands, Learn Africa Plc and RT Briscoe led on the price losers’ table, dropping by -10% each to close at N1.80 and N1.35 per share respectively while

Eterna Oil Plc followed with a loss of 9.82 % to close at N2.48 per share, among other losers. Meanwhile, a turnover of 354.3 million shares worth N4.6 billion in 6,248 deals were recorded during the day. At the close of trading activities, the Banking subsector of the Financial Services sector was the most active during the week (measured by turnover volume) with 190.5 million shares worth N1.9 billion exchanged by investors in 2598 deals. The volume in the sector was driven by Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc.

ARTS

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Midweek Art Nwokedi revisits the past in Kakadu By Ike Oguine AKADU is a rich and ambitious musical by the K lawyer, playwright and producer, Uche Nwokedi (SAN). It takes the name of an iconic Lagos nightclub of the 50s and 60s and transforms it into a metaphor for the wrenching experiences of post-independence Nigeria. In its heyday, Kakadu was where the upwardly mobile elite of Lagos gathered to enjoy themselves, to see and be seen, to pursue and be pursued. They lived a life full of possibilities, having inherited a nation that flowed with opportunity. And then it all went horribly wrong. As corrupt and reckless political leaders went at each other’s throats for the spoils of Nigeria’s newly won freedom, old hatreds were re-ignited and new ones manufactured. Seven years after independence, Nigeria descended into a terrible civil war that claimed more than a million lives. We all know this sad and painful history quite well. We’ve seen the pictures from the civil war; we’ve seen them side by side with the immaculate black and white photographs of the brand new Federal Palace Hotel and Race Course, smart symbols of the new Nigeria. Kakadu the musical makes this familiar story fresh and poignant by coming at it through the eyes of people like us and our friends and neighbours. That which is well known in a political and historical sense it re-packages as a personal story rendered in the incredible music - highlife, foxtrot and swing - of the sixties, and conveyed by characters that are the more powerful because they could so easily be any of us. Nwokedi guides us into a den of strong experiences, leads us through love, vanity, tragedy, loss, suffering, rebirth and hope, and leaves us simultaneously drained and enriched. The ironically named Lugard, manager of Kakadu and the leader of the club’s house band, the Flamingoes, is in a sense both the central character of the musical and its most marginal figure. Lugard has no home, belongs nowhere but Kakadu. He is that special being, the Lagos nightclub devotee, celebrated in Maik Nwosu’s 2001 novel Alpha Song, who comes alive when the music of the night sounds and seems to disappear when day breaks. He is an extremely vital figure when Kakadu is bubbling and young and beautiful Lagosians are having a good time under his admiring gaze. Listen to Lugard on a typical Kakadu night: Tonight, my good friends, is Ladies Night. And this is Kakadu. This is Lagos. All the ladies come in free. Tonight, we have a special surprise at the Kakadu Show. We will rock and roll, we will twist and shout; and we will limbo rock. Forget the Lagos outside. Forget Nigeria. This Is It HEN the civil war breaks out and the joy disappears from Kakadu, Lugard wilts like a plant starved of moisture and sunshine. The civil war is a time when lines are drawn and people are forced to move over to their own side. But Lugard has no side. He is Igbo by birth, but he has metamorphosed into a trans-ethnic figure. We use the word “detribalized” in Nigerian popular speak often in a positive sense. We use it to mean a person who is not a tribalist, who is fair to everyone regardless of ethnic group. But ‘detribalised’ can also mean ‘alienated’, a person with no roots because they are not properly contained within an ethnic identity, they are not ‘real’ Yoruba or Urhobo or Gwari. In Kakadu when the music is throbbing, there are no ethnic groups or religions, just people, joy and ecstasy and a ‘detribalised’ Lugard blossoms. But when civil war ensues ‘alienated’ Lugard becomes an object of scorn because he belongs nowhere. He has no place in a world that is divided into ethnic groups, in a world from which joy has disappeared. To some, he is therefore a pathetic figure – the man with no home, the ship without an anchor. But to the idealist or optimist it is the world that is pathetic, not Lugard. The world is pathetic for how easily it lets go of joy, how readily it embraces division and rancour. We should be sorry for such a world, such a nation, and not for those joyful spirits that have risen high above

A rehearsal scene

its puny and narrow-minded divisions . So Lugard to some extent embodies the entire story of Kakadu. Yet to the spine of the musical, he is a bystander, for Kakadu is at heart a love story. As in all great love stories, Emeka and Bisi’s love is played out against a background of bitterness and opposition. Emeka and Bisi are seeing each other before the war, enjoying wonderful weekends at Kakadu. The fact that Emeka is Igbo and Bisi Yoruba is irrelevant. They are Lagosians, citizens of new Nigeria. And then war breaks out and Emeka flees to the east like most Igbos. For more than two years Bisi does not even know if he is alive or dead. The most poignant scene in the musical is probably the Igbo exodus. Emeka and the other Igbos make their way fearfully through the darkness. They carry their belongings in small boxes and hold hurricane lamps to show them the way, and the men sing: It will be hard we know And the road will be muddy and rough But we’ll get there, heaven knows how we will get there . . . Emeka and the others endure the horrors of war, the mass starvation, the unimaginable suffering. He returns to Lagos after the war to find that Bisi’s love for him has, if anything, grown, and with the civil war barely over, the two lovers decide to get married. They defy the war which is still so fresh in people’s minds. Or they transcend it and all that bitterness and suffering and offer instead through their love for each other the hope of reconciliation. In the last scenes of the musical, Emeka and Bisi’s love is sharply contrasted with the bitter residue of the war, the wariness between people of different ethnic groups and the feeling, expressed by Emeka, that something had changed about Lagos, perhaps irreversibly. Lugard is trying to revive Kakadu but even the nightclub has been infected by the new despair. Lugard laments to Emeka: People prefer street parties now. Owambe they are called. Where they can show off their wonyosi and money by spraying praise singers and women. It’s been tough. A lot of the officers come here now and you know, their temperament is different. One has to be careful with them. The nation had lost what innocence it had left and in its place is left a hollowness. The fighting was over but in its place there now existed a slowburning despair. This hollowness and despair is filled by vulgar materialism and the ever-present threat of violence. Surrounding the two lovers is the counsel of division, of holding onto our own because to do anything else is too risky in a divid-

ed and unpredictable world. After recounting all the injustices the Igbos are suffering on account of having lost the war, one of Emeka’s uncles confronts his father, Ezennia about Emeka’s plans to marry Bisi: Now we are hearing that Emeka wants to marry one of them Ezennia, is this true?... Emeka is your first son. He must marry from our place. Bisi’s father is also opposed to the marriage. He is, perhaps understandably, nervous about the prospect of his daughter getting married to one of a people who had just come out of war. He is alarmed by stories that Emeka had been a soldier during the war. Fear and mistrust on all sides, love and hope struggling to survive like tendrils emerging among thorns. Many of our people have embraced fear firmly and have long since given up on Nigeria. You hear very often these days of how life would be so much better if we cut the country into its ethnic pieces and each group went its own way. That is supposedly the solution to boko haram, corruption and mismanagement, injustice in the distribution of revenues, etc. Kakadu the musical will invite such people to think again, by offering a human angle that has the capacity to transcend all our fears. Pervading the musical are the rhythms of the fifties and 60s, which have remained so fresh to the present day. Highlife is enjoying a revival in a fast-paced, extremely danceable variety among

today’s young musicians who have done incredible new things to the music of Bobby Benson and Rex Lawson. But the classics remain in a class of their own. Nothing can equal the gentle, slightly inebriating effect of an old highlife tune or those at once sad and humorous laments about wickedly elusive beauties and unrequited love. When interspersed with foreign dance tunes from the 60s, the music of the Beatles and the Supremes advising, you can’t hurry love, there is a real risk for people of a certain age of being overwhelmed by nostalgia and longing. That is the music of the Flamingoes, of the joyful phase in the narrative of Kakadu. The audience is satiated with lovely music and dance and then the joy dies. In place of Omo Pupa and the Supremes whisper the Igbo voices making their way through the darkness followed not long after by the dirges of a terrible war. Dibe dibe dibe dibe ndidi ka nma, onye o mere ya dibe, ndidi ka nma, the Igbos sing slowly, endure, endure, endure, for endurance is best, whoever tragedy has befallen should endure, for endurance is best. Kakadu is thus as much a narrative of postindependence Nigeria as it is a wonderfully varied musical journey. If you’re so jaded that the human story doesn’t get you, the music most definitely will. More likely, both of them will test every pore in your mind. Prepare to be overwhelmed!

How Don Jazzy got his groove back By Tony Nwanne ODAY marks exactly one year T since Michael Collins Enebeli publicly decided to chart a new course in his life with the birth of Mavin Records. Coincidentally, that hard decision of breaking up with his bosom friend, D’banj, with whom he did much exploits at home and abroad, was taken on his birthday. Though, both men have been strategising on how to establish their solo career, it has been months of hard work and trials, getting their audience to come to terms with their newfound status. Since the break, not many had given Don Jazzy the slightest

opportunity to prove his worth in the absence of the showman, D’banj. However, he has remained resolute, determined and undeterred in his decision to break even with MAVIN, his new record label. No doubt, Don has remained relevant and steadfastly, cooking up beats that has left the music industry in a state of frenzy. But has he really succeeded? That depends largely on a person’s definition of success. With over a dozen productions this year such as Take Banana, Oma Ga, Amarachi, Goody Bag, Kick, Without my heart, Rotate, Lady Don Dada, it is obvious that the talented

producer still has his creative mind intact. From Tiwa Savage to Wande Coal, D’Prince and Dr. Sid, it’s obvious that Don Jazzy has structured a way out for himself and his league of Mavins. However, only few people want to understand the obvious fact that the 31-year old producer, whose wizardry has become one of the most talked about revolutions in the Nigerian music industry, remains the regular man who can be caught tweeting on popular micro-blogging network site, Twitter, as Don Jazzy, or the young man that has decided to give back to that major society that has consistently supported him.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Sports Bayern is AP team of the week, Klose beats Messi in poll

Minister meets with NFF, Keshi over Confederations Cup, other issues

RESH off a second straight Fmighty drubbing of the onceBarcelona, Bayern Munich was voted the top team in the Associated Press global soccer poll for the sixth straight week. And keeping up the distinctly German flavour of recent weeks, Miroslav Klose Germany’s second-highest scorer - is the player of the week after scoring five goals in just 40 minutes for Lazio in its 6-0 thrashing of Bologna in Serie A. Lionel Messi was next in the player vote after his double for Barcelona in the 4-2 win over Real Betis in the Spanish league on Sunday.

Coach wants Okpala, Valerie back From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE rift between the Super T Eagles’ Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi and his employers, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may soon be over following the intervention yesterday of the Minister of Sports/Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bolaji Abdulahi, who summoned the NFF management and the Eagles coach to his Abuja stadium complex office in his efforts to sort out their differences. Keshi, who visited the NFF Secretariat yesterday, had a brief meeting with he Federation’s President, Aminu Maigari, and Chairman of the Technical Committee, Chris Green, before they moved to the office of the minister alongside the Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire. The Guardian gathered that the parley deliberated on the face off between the Eagles’ chief coach and the NFF over the sack of Keshi’s backroom staff and omission of some players in the team list released by the coach ahead the June World Cup qualifiers and Confederations Cup. Only recently, the NFF, which had earlier set up a committee to look into the rift between Keshi and the team Captain, Joseph Yobo, stated that both Yobo and striker, Osaze Odemwingie, would not return to the national team for the Confederations Cup and World Cup qualifiers unless it re-jigged the coach’s list.

But Keshi told the media on Monday in Abuja that he could only add a replacement for the injured Emmanuel Emenike, adding that he had no need for another defender now. Speaking to the media after yesterday’s meeting, Keshi, who disclosed that they held a fruitful discussion with the minister, revealed that he made it very clear to them to restore his coaching staff, stressing that they are his engine room. The Eagles’ head coach maintained that although he appreciates the federation’s financial challenges, they should, however, restore his coaching staff while discussions on the other members of his backroom staff continues. “We are on the same page on the goal of picking the World Cup ticket and doing well at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. But I pleaded to them and made it clear to every one at the meeting that I would want my backroom staff back to the team. We have worked as a team and I would want us to continue the way we started for us to get more positive results,” the coach, who blamed the media for amplifying the rift, said. Keshi also pleaded with the NFF to forgive his trespasses, adding, “I am truly sorry for whatever bad blood my actions and general conduct might have generated. But I want everyone to forgive and forget and let us focus on the big challenge of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.”

NSC teaches 100 kids taekwondo techniques From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja VER 100 kids were at the O weekend exposed to the techniques of the game of taekwondo in a one-week clinic conducted by the Grassroots Sports Department of the National Sports Commission (NSC), in Jos, Plateau State. The taekwondo clinic, which was conducted in partnership with the Chika Chukwumereije Foundation, involved the teaching of the basics and self defence techniques, as well as, tug of war with participants chosen across the cultural and religious groups in the state. The organisers said it was aimed at taking the children away from the crisis that is currently rocking the state

and make them active in sports while excelling in their academics. Speaking at the occasion, the NSC Director of Grassroots Sports Development, Alhassan Yakmut noted that the clinic would add to raise the consciousness of parents in sports, as well as, to encourage early identification and training of talents for the production of future champions for the country. The NSC director also noted that the occasion, which was used to mark the anniversary of the demise of former Sports Minister, Ishaya Mark Aku, who died in a plane crash in 2001, expressed satisfaction with the turn out of kids and their parents, stressing the need for children to be encouraged by their parents to participate in sports.

Napoli in search of Champions League slot APOLI will head to N Bologna today in search of one of their greatest

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi (left) with midfielder, Mikel Obi, during the preparations for the South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup, which Nigerian won. The coach says he needs the services of sacked Silvanus Okpalla and Valerie Hondounou to build a successful national team.

Plateau sees nothing wrong in artificial turf From Isa Abdulsalami-Ahovi, Jos LATEAU State yesterday said P there is nothing wrong with putting artificial turfs at the Jos stadium because ‘FIFA still uses it for international football competitions.’ The state’s Commissioner of Sports, Yakubu James, told journalists in Jos yesterday that “very unfortunate and unfair” aspersions have passed by some critics on the use of artificial turf in the new stadium, adding that it was wrong to describe the new stadium as “a waste” on the excuse that FIFA no more uses artificial turfs for international tourna-

ments. James said those criticisms were “baseless” “because FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf shows that the use of artificial turf began in July 2004 with two-star standard recommended as the quality standard.” “Even the regulations for 2014 World Cup scheduled for Brazil stipulates that all matches shall be played on both Natural Grass and the two-star standard artificial turfs,” he added. He also disclosed that FIFA Law 1 insisted on green colour pitch, which the state government demanded from the contractor building the stadium,

BCC Tropical Nigeria Ltd. James revealed that FIFA last month declared the artificial turf of the stadium fit and awarded Plateau with a second star standard certificate. The commissioner also said that most of the pitches at the South Africa 2013 African Cup of Nations, which Nigeria won, had artificial turfs. “We are building a 45, 000 capacity stadium of international standard, which the government is spending over N7 billion, yet some people are criticising instead of being proud of having such a huge project on the plateau,” he said.

achievements in recent years at the same ground which a year ago witnessed one of their biggest disappointments. A win at the Stadio Dall’Ara would guarantee a place in next season’s Champions League, regardless of how third-placed AC Milan fare at Pescara. However, Napoli Coach, Walter Mazzarri is hoping for a happier ending in Bologna than 12 months ago when, as he recalled, “it was there where we lost the chance to qualify for the Champions League.” Securing a place in Europe’s elite club competition could also be enough to persuade striker, Edinson Cavani to commit his future to the club. Having broken through the 100-goal barrier with his eighth hat-trick for Napoli in the weekend win over Inter Milan, it is hardly surprising most of Europe’s top clubs are casting an eye over the Uruguayan. Napoli may struggle to turn down bids for him this summer, but with guaranteed income from Champions League football, it may take a greater sum to make them part with their star player.

Madrid Open: Serena continues progress, Robson shocks Radwanska ORLD number one and rience would stand her in A 15-times grand slam sin- year at last week’s Portugal W defending champion, good stead the next time she gles champion, Williams will Open. But the Briton was Serena Williams, continued came up against a player like ruthless in Madrid, returning her serene progress at the Madrid Open tennis when she eased past Spanish wild card Lourdes Dominguez Lino 6-2 7-5 in the second round yesterday. Chasing a fourth title of the year and the 50th of her career, Williams had too much power for the slightlybuilt Dominguez Lino, who nonetheless managed to unsettle her illustrious opponent with some clever drop shots and lobs. Williams, 31, said she had enjoyed the test and the expe-

the 47th-ranked Spaniard, who likes to mix up her shots. “I made a lot of errors, but her game kind of forces you to make errors,” the American told a news conference. “It was a really good clay court tennis match for me. “Seeing as I have a few more tournaments on clay, it was perfect to play a match like this, so I know if I face another opponent like that I’ll have that experience and I’ll know how to play.”

play unseeded Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic or 13th-seeded Russian Maria Kirilenko for a place in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Laura Robson achieved her first victory over a player ranked inside the world’s top five by beating world number four Agnieska Radwanska. The 19-year-old beat Radwanska, last year’s Wimbledon finalist, 6-3 6-1 to progress to the third round. Robson had endured a torrid few months, suffering a sixth first-round defeat of the

brilliantly to secure one of the finest wins of her career. “I’m really happy with how I played today and I went on the court with a clear game plan,” Robson told BBC Radio 5 live. “I’ve practised with her a couple of times so I knew what her strengths and weaknesses were.” The teenager went toe-totoe with Radwanska until she broke the Pole in the eighth game of the first set when the 24-year-old netted to give the Londoner a 5-3 lead.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

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CricketWeekly Sagoe re-elected as African Cricket boss Stories by Christian Okpara MPRESSED by the giant Iunder strikes African cricket made Kwesi Sagoe, presidents of the continent’s federations have re-elected the Nigeria Cricket Federation president for another twoyear tenure in charge of the game. At its AGM at the Southern Sun North Beach Hotel, Durban, on April 19, the Nigerian cricket chief was returned un-opposed in acknowledgement of his sterling leadership of the body in the last two years. Other members elected into the board are Wilson Manaseh of Zimbabwe, who is the vice-chairman, Dipankar Sengupta of Mozambique (finance director), Zully Rehemtullah of Tanzania (development director) and Jackie Janmohammed of Kenya (tournament director). Others are Taherali Hassanali of Tanzania, who is the East Africa regional director, Johnny Gomez of The Gambia (North & West Africa regional director) and Reuben Chama of Zambia (South & Central Africa).

ICC hails Nigeria over Division Seven win CC Chief Executive, David Ilated Richardson has congratuNigeria for winning the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 7, held in Gaborone, Botswana. In a letter dated April 16, 2013, and addressed to the President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Kwesi Sagoe, Richardson extended ICC’s congratulations to the NCF on the national team’s performance in winning the championship. The letter reads: “The success of the squad in winning the final against Vanuatu was testament to the skills and consistency of the players and the quality of the coaching staff and team management. “I would like to wish you and the Nigeria team even greater success in the future as you seek to progress through the World Cricket League, which now includes participation in WCL Division 6 in Jersey.”

Nigerian senior national team players celebrating a good outing in an international competition. The national U-19 team is currently preparing for the World Cup qualifiers billed for Kampala, Uganda… later this month.

Ibeju Lekki beats Foundation Cricket Club to Super Four trophy BEJU Lekki Cricket Club Iphies made it a hat trick of trothis season when they beat hard-fighting Foundation Cricket Club (FCC) by 51 runs to win the Super 4 Final play-off title at the Tafawa Balewa Square cricket oval at the weekend. Ibeju Lekki, who are the Lagos Club Cricket Committee League champions, won the toss and decided to bat first decision to bat first. But that option almost backfired when Ademola Onikoyi

and Femi Solebo lost early wickets to the superb bowling of Joshua Ogunlola and Godffrey Bakinwenyen. However, the Lekki boys came back with the quartet of Joshua Ayannaike (58 runs), Captain Endurance Ofem (36 runs), James Chukwu (31 runs) and Leke Oyede (55 runs not out) steadying the sinking ship with their insipid batting. They posted a respectable score of 241 runs all out in 49 overs.

18 begin training in Lagos ahead ICC Under-19 World Cup qualifiers HE Nigeria Cricket T Federation (NCF) has selected 18 players for intensive training in Lagos ahead of the ICC under-19 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for Kampala, Uganda. The players, including seven from Ogun and Lagos each, one from Oyo and Rivers respectively, as well as, two from Kaduna, were picked after a four-day trial at the University of Lagos Cricket pitch in Lagos.

The new camp, holding at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, Lagos, began on Sunday and will end on May 17, 2013. According to the NCF, before the end of the close camp, 14 players would be selected from the 18 to represent Nigeria at the ICC Cricket World Cup qualifiers to be held in Kampala, Uganda from the May 25 to 29, 2013. Those in camp are Adedeji Sesan, Adiamo Mojeed, Ajeku Daniel, Obisesan Afeez,

Adebiyi Usman, Ogunbayo Dayo, and Adu Bimbo, all from Ogun State. Lagos State’s players in the camp are Awosanmi Kunle, Duru Kelechi, Emmanuel Samson, Oyenuga Niyi, Alfred Tay, Adams Rasaq and Shina Awodele. Oyo State’s Akachukwu Chima and Okojaja Henry from River State are also in the camp, just as Gim Daniel and Okpe Isaac from Kaduna State.

Joshua Ogunlola took six wickets, 45 runs, three maiden in 10 overs, with Ghana’s Senior National Team Opening Bowler, Godffrey Bakinwenyen, complementing with two wickets, 39 runs in eight over’s to raise the expectations of FCC’s supporters on the sunny Sunday afternoon. The task of defeating the seemingly unstoppable Ibeju Lekki looked plausible in the second innings going by the batsmen in the FCC armoury. But Seye Olympio and Leke Oyede both grabbed three wickets each for Ibeju Lekki Cricket Club to end the game on 190 runs all out in 46.2 overs. Captain Kunle Adegbola led the resistance with 39 and Femi Oduyebo added 23 runs to form a solid partnership before the bowling of Leke Oyede broke it. At a point it looked like the FCC boys would break their nine-year trophyless streak with the Super Four title, as left handed batsman Yemi Adegbola hit 38 and Joshua Ogunlola adding

14 runs. But they just could not topple Ibeju Lekki Cricket Club. To crown a rewarding day’s job, Ibeju Lekki dominated the awards, with Leke Oyede winning the Best Fielder gong. They also won the Best Bowler award through Kelechi Duru, Best Wicketkeeper (Joshua Ayannaike), Best Batsman (Leke Oyede) and Cricketer of the Series award, which went to Anyia Shola. Federal Government College Warri Old Boys Cricket Club took the runners up position. In the Division two awards for excellence, the Best Fielder gong went to Foundation Cricket Club Two’s Oladunjoye Dimeji, with his teammate, Dele Oshodi winning the Best Bowler award. The Best Wicketkeeper prize went to Oyenuga Niyi of Ibadan Metropolitan Cricket Club, whose teammate, Ajao Olumide won the Best Batsman and Cricketer of the Series honours. FCC Two won the trophy, with Ibadan Metropolitan Cricket Club as runners

up. Among the dignitaries at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval to witness the event was President of Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Kwesi Sagoe, who is also the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) chairman. Also present at the event were the Chairman of the Club Cricket Committee (CCC), Femi Solebo, CCC ViceChairman, Anil Gopwani, Chairman of Lagos State Cricket Association (LSCA), Koffi Sagoe, LSCA’s first and second Vice Chairman, Ephraim Barnaby and Akin Denton, Managing Director of the Iris Smart Technologies Ltd, Olayinka Fisher, and NCF’s General Manager/ Chief Operating Officer, George Wiltshire. There were also many former internationals, including Kome Agodo, Dipo Idowu, and Bayo Thompson, among others. Withy the Super Four final over, attention now shifts to the T20 Cricket, which begins this weekend at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

60 SPORTS

Mourinho considers Real’s stay OSE Mourinho claims he has JReal “considered staying on” as Madrid coach and defended himself against Pepe’s belief that he should show club captain Iker Casillas more respect. Last week the former Chelsea manager gave the strongest indication yet that he wanted to return to the Premier League at the end of the season by saying, “I want to be where I am loved. In England I am loved by the press, the fans, I am loved by some clubs, especially one.” The 50-year-old followed that up with a confrontational press conference in which he criticised Casillas, hinting that, in his opinion, the goalkeeper “thinks he is above the rest” of the squad. He also remarked that his biggest regret in his three years at the Bernabeu was not

Mourinho

‘Suarez reminds me of Balotelli’ ROUBLED Liverpool striker, T Luis Suarez is as much of a “champion” as controversial former Manchester City frontman, Mario Balotelli, according to Roberto Mancini. As Goal exclusively revealed last month, the Reds were willing to listen to offers in excess of ¬ 47 million for the divisive Uruguayan even before his 10match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic. Mancini is a long-term admirer of Suarez despite his numerous indiscretions and

believes that, in terms of both ability and the controversy he attracts, the similarities with Balotelli are there for all to see. “Suarez reminds me of Balotelli,” he told Gazzetta Extratime. “In part, he looks for trouble, but there is also aggression towards him. But the player is not discussed. He is a champion.” Balotelli departed Manchester for AC Milan for a reported €20 million in January after a series of clashes

with Mancini, and appears to have re-found his best form in his homeland, with nine goals in 10 league games. But the City boss is keen on casting his eye towards Serie A for further recruits this summer, with Roma’s Brazilian defender, Marquinhos high on his list. “Marquinhos I really like, but I do not think that Roma is willing to sell,” he added. “With just two signings next year the Giallorossi can win the Scudetto.”

signing Diego Lopez, who is now his first-choice goalkeeper, at the end of his first season in charge. Those comments heightened speculation over his future and seemed to be a further indication that he was on his way out. However, in a press conference ahead of today’s Primera Division clash with Malaga, the Portuguese was again coy on his future - and even suggested he has not ruled out remaining in the Spanish capital. He said, “I have considered staying on.” Reports in Spain had accused Mourinho of involv-

ing himself in public spats with key players in a bid to force the board to sack him and hand him a pay-off. However, he denied those claims, saying, “I will only earn money until the last day I work here. I don’t want a single euro more.” Mourinho’s criticism of Casillas led to centre-back Pepe speaking out against the coach after Madrid’s 4-3 win over Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu on Saturday. “The boss’ comments weren’t appropriate. Iker is a legend, both at this club and in Spain, and he deserves more respect,” the defender said. Mourinho’s response today

was to accuse his fellow countryman of sour grapes after losing his place in the side to 19-year-old Raphael Varane. “It’s very easy to analyse what Pepe said. His problem has a name - it is Raphael Varane,” the coach said. “We are talking about frustration. It’s never easy for a 31year-old to be rolled over by a boy of 19 years of age. I had the courage to play him (Varane), because I believe that he is the future of Real Madrid, along with Sergio Ramos. The problem is very simple - Pepe’s life has changed.” He also defended his decision to make Lopez his number one ahead of Casillas.

Villas-Boas insists Bale’s central role not permanent “Fortunately it is something the Year awards as well as NDRE Villas-Boas says A Gareth Bale’s switch to a that worked for us and due to a scooping the FWA Player of the gong. central striking position is a couple of injuries it was some- Year temporary solution rather than a long-term plan. The Portuguese revealed how Bale’s shift in position was first tried and tested in Tottenham’s pre-season tour of the United States. And while the Welshman has been in sparking goalscoring form down the middle, Villas-Boas isn’t sure if the switch should be a permanent one. “It was born out of an experiment in Baltimore, America when we played Liverpool in a pre-season game,” he told Y a h o o ! .

thing that we had to keep trying. We fine-tuned Gareth to play there and he has been tremendous because his talent allows him to be adaptable. “I’m not sure that the shift is definitive but it does give us the option of using him in different positions. At the moment, though, the goals he is getting are giving him the buzz to play there.” The former Porto and Chelsea manager was also glowing in praise for Bale, who swept up all the end-of-season individual accolades, taking home the PFA Player and Young Player of

“Great, he has been outstanding this season,” he added of Bale. He has enjoyed his performances and that is vital for any football player. Managers have to guard against limiting them through too much organisation, but that hasn’t been the case with Gareth, who has played in a different position to the one he has played in before. “Doing that has given him the chance to score more goals which has contributed to his wonderful season, plus he has the ambition to be at the very top.”

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

SPORTS | 61

Oshiomhole surprised us at Okpekpe race, says Kenyan champion • We have paid all athletes, insists promoter the male and female cate-

By Gowon Akpodonor ENYA’S female runner and champion of the maiden Okpekpe 10km Road race, Georgina Romo, has described Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as a ‘true lover of sports.’ At the end of the race on Saturday, Oshiomhole shocked the athletes and officials by jerking up the prize monies for the women event. Before the race, the organisers had announced $10, 000 $5,000 and $4,000 for the top three finishers, but the governor jerked it up to $20,000 for the winner, while the second and third positions got $10,000 and $5,000 in that order. “This man is a true sports lover and I want other African politicians to emulate him,” Romo told The Guardian at the end of the Okpekpe Road race. “It is good for the game and we appreciate what the governor has done. In some places, the governor could have overlooked it since no local athlete was among the top three finishers. I am really impressed with this man (Oshiomhole).” Meanwhile, promoter of the race, Mike Itemuagbor has said that all prize monies for the race had been paid. He was reacting to a newspaper headline, which said on Tuesday that the top winners of the Okpekpe race did not get their prize monies in accordance with international rules. The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee/ Competition Director for the Okpekpe Road race, Navy Commodore Omatseye Nesiama had said that the top three finishers in both

gories would be paid after results of their dope tests had been released within the next three and four weeks, noting that the delay was in accordance with ‘standard practice.’ But Itemuagbor told The Guardian yesterday on phone that all prize monies for the male and female athletes were settled, adding, “I understand the position of the AFN because the Okpekpe road race was an international event, but we don’t want a situation whereby people will start to read different meanings to it. We have paid all money for both the local and foreign athletes.” On the middle aged man

said to have been found dead by a stream a day after the race, Itamuagbor said, “we made adequate medical arrangement for all the participants. And everyone will attest to the fact that the athletes were given prompt and adequate medical attention at the venue. There were standby ambulances everywhere. All the athletes left the venue in good condition.” The man identified as Victor Adepoju, 40, was said to be so enthusiastic that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was participating in the race that he decided to compete in the 10 km road race to identify with the governor. He never returned home, as his corpse was allegedly found the next morning on the riverside.

Ethiopian runner, Deko Zemkem, who placed fourth at the just-concluded Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, displaying his prize money at the competition amplified by Malta Guinness Low Sugar.

FCT Angels maul Taraba, Plateau Rock, First Deepwater win is evident as we win our game 61-47.

By Adeyinka Adedipe CT Angels of Abuja defeated Taraba Hurricanes 102-33 to record their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Zenith Bank Basketball League holding in Asaba. After suffering defetas in their first two attempts against First Deepwater and Customs, the Angels bounced back in their third game beating Coal City Queens 91-38 on Monday and followed it up with another victory yesterday. FCT Angels may not be among the top four teams but have gone for victory anytime they have the opportunity to. They are also in good stead for the final in Lagos but would have to improve their performance against the topsides. For Hurricanes have not done well so far n the league after FCT Angels handed them their fourth defeat in a row in the second phase. It would be difficult for them to play in the finals in Lagos but would have learnt some lessons in their debut season in the top flight. Delta Force also defeated Benue Princess 67-45, First Deepwater defeated Coal City Queens 115-17 while Plateau Rocks defeated Oluyole Babes

Coach of First Deepwater, Lateef Erinfolami told The Guardian that his players have improved tremendously in the second phase. “The first phase performance was not up to the scratch but I was sure that the players will pick up. “The good work the technical crew has done on the team

convincingly and the bond in the team is strong. I hope we can continue in the stride and win the title. He also said that all the have put up a good show and predicted a better outing for the newly promoted team. The league resumes tomorrow as the teams observe today as rest day.

FMCG Games gets May 12 kick off date

RGANISERS of the maiden O Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry Games

have announced Sunday, May 12 as the kick off date for the very first Corporate Nigeria Games for the industry. Interestingly, all the teams participating have rounded off preparations and are engaged now in fine-tuning strategies to emerge the best in the events that will feature football, athletics, tennis, table tennis and board games such as Chess, Scrabble and Draught. MediaVision Limited, organisers of the games said through a spokes person, Jimmy Sogbesan that arrangements for a hitch-free take-off has been put in place for the participants and their support-

ers. He listed some of the companies that will be flying their flags on the opening day to include market leaders such as Unilever Plc., Dufil Prima, PZ Cussons and GSK. The FMCG Games thus joins a growing list of industry games that has been providing platform for Nigerians in corporate busineses to compete and network in an atmosphere of healthy physical wellbeing and friendship. Other industry games include the Bankers Games, the Insurance Games and the Telecom Games. The tournament will be concluded on June 1 with a colourful closing ceremony and prize presentations.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

62 | SPORTS

League sponsorship will revolutionise football, says Nwosu By Eno-Abasi Sunday HE N1.896b three-year sponsorship deal signed between telecommunications giant, Globacom and the League Management Company (LMC), is capable of making the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leapfrog most of its travails to become Africa’s truly flagship league. The deal makes Globacom, the title sponsor of the Nigerian domestic league; and ex-Nigerian international, Henry Onyemanze Nwosu says the firm has by this development, done a good thing for Nigerian football by coming to its aid. Nwosu, in an interview with The Guardian yesterday said the implication of the sponsorship is that some of the most nagging problems in the league including remunerating match officials and sundry logistic problems that always taint the outcome of matches would be easily taken care of. While praying for its sustenance, he expressed hope in the LMC’s ability to sustainably manage the league and the resources for the betterment of the sport in the country. “As a Nigerian and an exfootballer, I hope the sponsorship is sustained because I trust Mr. Nduka Irabor to do a good job because of his pedigree,” Nwosu stated. He continued, “as a man of honour, and someone that I know personally, I don’t

expect anything less than a fantastic outing from Irabor and his team. Surely, he will do a great job to the point that he would be asked to stay back in permanent capacity.” Nwosu had words of advice for other corporate entities operating in the country, urging them to contribute their quota to the development of sports in the country. “Football is a popular sport in the country and the country’s domestic league is a very big brand. This is why I see

Globacom as being very lucky to get the right to sponsor the league. “Having said so, I have to add that the male league is not the only aspect of sport in the country that needs funding. The female football league has been in need of a corporate sponsor for a very long time. The amateur division of the Nigerian league also suffers from the same problem. Athletics, boxing, swimming, cycling and the rest are in dire need of sponsors.

Former players unveil plans for 3SC’s Golden Jubilee of players ORMER F(3SC), Shooting Stars Sports Club under the auspices of Ex-Shooting Stars Players Association, have begun moves to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary in a grand way. The club was the first Nigerian side to win a continental competition when in 1976 it won the defunct Cup Winners Cup, and to celebrate the achievements of the club, the former players say they have reached out to all the past stars of the team with a view to writing a new chapter in the history of the Oluyole Warriors. At a press briefing in Ibadan that had in attendance members of the first generation of players of the club, Niyi Omowon, Eddy Ayoola, who is the chairman of the project planning committee (both of the 1963 to 67 set) and Idowu

Otubusen, popularly known as Slow Poison, who played for the club from 1972 to 77, the organisers outlined the programme for the anniversary festivities. Among others, the association is planning befitting remembrances of the late pillar of the club, Lekan Salami, who passed on in 1987 and the first captain of the club, Jide Johnson, who died on November 20, 1986. Johnson was noted for scoring directly from corner kicks in his playing days. During the celebrations, the association would launch a N500 million endowment fund, which would be solely spent on the welfare of the former 3SC players. According to the Secretary of the association, Femi Okenla, “the core value of this noble association is welfare of ex-players of the club.

Group Executive Director, BUA Group, Kabiru Rabiu and the Kano State’s Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth and Sports Development, Prof. Farouk Umar Jubril, at the launch of the sponsorship by BUA of the Kano Pillars Jersey.

BUA Group signs shirt sponsorship deal with Kano Pillars UA Group, one of Africa’s B Leading Conglomerates, has signed shirt sponsorship deal with Kano Pillars Football Club. Established about 25 years ago by Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu as a commodity trading outfit, BUA Group has grown over the years to become one of Africa’s leading conglomerates with interests in sugar refining, cement manufacturing, flour milling, real estates development, among others. Kano State Commissioner of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth and Sports Development, Prof. Farouk Umar Jubril, who signed on behalf of Kano Pillars FC expressed delight over the

sponsorship deal. He said, “we are very happy with this partnership as the State Government encourages Kano Pillars to be financially self-sufficient.” The commissioner then thanked the BUA Group for the partnership, adding, “that is why BUA has a very strong brand in the market place” Kabiru Rabiu, group executive director of BUA Group, who signed for the Group said, “we are very excited to form this partnership with Kano Pillars, the biggest football club in Nigeria in terms of number of fans. Our aim is to encourage local-based clubsides, as we focus on our business plan and strategy of

developing significant commercial partnerships.” He added, “I must also commend the Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso for his unflinching support for the team in particular and youth and human capital development in general.” The General Manager of the club, Abba Galadima said, “on behalf of everyone at Kano Pillars, I am delighted to welcome BUA as the club’s new shirt sponsor. This is a good development for the game in Nigeria. I’m proud of what BUA has done with the local League. It shows there are still corporate bodies that are willing to identify with football.

THE GUARDIAN, Wednesday, May 8, 2013

TheGuardian

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

By Adebiyi Adeyemi HE backward state of our nation is, to a large extent, hinged on the incapacity of T her not being an eligible candidate for international competition. Our position in any international productivity or economic influence is like that of the back benchers of a classroom. The outstanding qualities which allow a country to qualify on international competition grounds from the production or industrialisation umbrella is price; a function of cost at all levels and quality; as well as technology. However, the usability of a product to meet consumer expectation is of utmost consideration. The overall cost is not only a factor in the production of goods but also the environment (our nation) and the undergirding policies. A product produced in China is unquestionably affordable compared to prices of goods produced in the nation. Individuals, production firms and agencies, indeed all Nigerians should be appalled by this scenario. The price in question is after taking into consideration high import duties, corruption at the customs, sundry port levies and all manner of extortions in the chain before the goods get to the end users. That this is what obtains demonstrates that we are far from the Nigeria of our hope and striving. The agricultural sector does not fare any better unlike in the days of old when cocoa and groundnut gave us an edge and put us in the frontline of international competition. The reason behind this may not be farfetched. The cost of production in most developing countries like ours deserves special mention because the cost incurred outside the walls of producing companies revolves around the same figure that is within. This is wrong and it is the first major setback in the production line as it affects the end price. Most estate developers who go into residential property business find themselves providing most things a local government should ordinarily cater for. How do I mean? Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, managing director of UACN Property, has been reported as giving an example of how 30 to 40 instead of about five per cent of the budget prepared for a residential development for low-cost housing goes into road construction to the site, water supply, electricity and a host of other infrastructural provisions which should, in actual fact, be the full or partial responsibility of the government. What most commercial and industrial concerns spend on infrastructural development is even higher. This is reflected in the end price of the product. The one word that covers the outside-industry-wall costs is called infrastructure. Although a number of definitions is attributed to this but for the purpose of this article, I choose to describe infrastructure as all provisions, tangible or intangible, provided either by the government (mostly by them), or individuals or association of individuals, or partnership of both that positively enables dwellers’ activities and also act like lubricant to the dwellers of such of nation thereby making possible for less cost and stress to be incurred within and outside their dwelling or production compounds and making living easier and its standard higher. The definition above is encompassing. However, worthy of note is the fact that it likens infrastructure to a lubricant and intangible infrastructure is policy. Thus polices are as well a type of infrastructure. In a paper presented at the 43rd annual conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, March 2013, Dr. Ghaji Bello, the acting director-general, Infrastructure Concession Delivery Commission, said that for ‘’every dollar spent on public infrastructure investment, the gross domestic product of the country will increase by approximately 0.05 to 0.25 dollars’’. Picture what a thousand dollar will yield, a million dollar will yield and a billion dollar will yield. On the other hand, the second Vice President of NIESV, Dr Bolarinde Patunola-Ajayi, made the disclosure that infrastructure is the underpinning on which strong national development is built, while also speaking recently during the 43rd annual conference of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) held in Benin. In a lecture entitled: ‘‘Infrastructure development and economic empowerment.’’ He spoke on the premise of a survey report on infrastructure

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‘International competiveness’: A major factor of raising our nation’s economy

Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

and household by the Lagos State Central Office of Statistics 2006, which revealed that 90 per cent of households in Lagos relied on street vendors and private neighbourhood for water and only about 39 per cent treat

their water for safe drinking. He also made mention of facts which emerged that based on information provided by the Global Competitiveness Index (2012-2013), Nigeria ranked 130 in overall infrastructural devel-

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opment. Deducible from the foregoing facts is the pointer to the fact that the overall position of our infrastructure state is one close to ground zero. Moreover, in an industrial or production environment, the basic infrastructure required outside policy is that of road and electricity which are evidently grossly inadequate. Roads: In as much as we have inadequate roads, the state of even the ones we have is quite appalling. The road network is terrible and poorly rated on a scale of efficiency as the lubrication that should be inherent in an infrastructure. A highly efficient road network gives birth to highly effective road usage. There are a number of roads and drainage constructions going on especially in the Lagos State, but the focus point should be on their strategic connectivity and network else, more money would be needed on its maintenance because cars have more reasons to remain on the road which in turn creates or contributes to wear and tear, larger fuel consumption and production. Planes are piloted through shortest possible distance in space; ships are directed in the same line in the ocean. The efficiency creation strategy if employed in road construction would lead to cost-cutting effectiveness. If cars stay fewer hours on the roads, less fuel would be consumed or required. This will translate into less cost which will in turn result in marginal surplus at the federal level. Electricity: The president has personal or general wishes and has made endless promises concerning this matter. Unfortunately, each promise is always carried over to the following year which never ends. It is incomprehensible that our leaders do not seek alternative sources of electricity. We all know fuel is ready substitute for electricity in the nation as most appliance, devices and machines gets powered by it. Over decades, the commitment of funds to the production of fuel and its derivatives is well above that which is required for adequate power supply in the nation. The availability of steady power supply in turn translates to less fuel being demanded by the regular users. With the advent of efficient road network, less fuel will be demanded. The over time implication of this is that less fuel production would become operational as less fuel would be required or demanded and cost of its production would go down leading to a marginal profit which can be directed to other needful areas as subsidy or capital. Commitment at the federal level should be directed to electricity generation over the fuel sector. The reason is that it costs less over all. There are more light consumers than fuel consumers industrially and in other areas. A government with a reasonable standard of living by its citizens at heart who is indeed looking for a way out of various menacing problems most of which are traceable to the economic environment that our leaders have created for us should concentrate its energy on what most people need over what they only want. Giving solutions at the smallest cost possible is wisdom. In summary, among the advantages of the strategies being shared in light of efficiency and effectiveness in road usage and also in electricity are that our standard of living goes up and cost is reduced at the federal level thereby creating extra funds for other projects required for the nation’s sustainability. It also supports the eco-green movement and lots more. There is a mafia quote that says ‘every matter has the handles’. For me I do believe ‘’every matter has two handles or more’. Developing countries often fail at getting revenue from projects because projects hardly get completed and the completed ones are poorly managed. Thus it is best for such nations to find ways to reduce cost and diversify cost saved to other needful areas of their economy. The impact of exportation outweighing importation is that it gives advantage of a positive drastic shift in the economy because exchange rates become friendlier and GDP gets an upward pull. Hence more and more international businesses as countries with same currency or close exchange rate do more business with one another than those of a wider gap. Thus, it is not enough for a nation to go into production for its citizens alone as the target consumers without actions geared towards exportation and international competition. The end of such is an economy devaluation and relegation.