THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2024

Cardoso, Edun Woo Foreign Investors, Say

Confidence

Restored in Nigeria’s Economy

www.thisdaylive.com

Tinubu Discharges Ade-John, Ohanenye, Mamman, Gwarzo, Ibrahim in Cabinet Shakeup

Appoints Oduwole, Yilwatda, Dingyadi, Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Maiha, Ata, Ahmad, redeploys 10 Niger Delta ministry merged in new regional development ministry, tourism now infused into art, culture and creative economy FG issues Oct 30 ultimatum to affected ministers to complete handover exercise

Deji Elumoye, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Three weeks after hinting at a possible cabinet reshuffle, and 17 months into his administration, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, made good his promise as he discharged five ministers, appointed seven new ones, and reassigned 10 of the cabinet members.

The discharged ministers were Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Prof Tahir Mamman (Education), Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth

The Curious Case of Ondo, Imo and Abia

Yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though was intended to inject energy into the team, it might have thrown up more questions than answers, especially for the people of Niger Delta. One of the highpoints of his decision was the scrapping of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, a portfolio dedicated to the people of the oil-rich region and their development needs. But with the ministry now fused into the newly created Regional Development Ministry, the region appears shortchanged. Perhaps, inadvertently. This is where it gets even more confounding. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),

Yusuf Abdullahi Ata - State, Housing and Urban Development

Nentawe YilwatdaHumanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

Muhammmadu M. DingyadiLabour and Employment

Bianca OjukwuState, Foreign Affairs

Jumoke OduwoleIndustry, Trade and Investment

Suwaiba Said AhmadState, Education

Kaper Jesse Legacy (2024) by Fred Ebami. Courtesy of Galerie MAM

GOLD

Insecurity: FEC Approves €443.3m, $141m Facility

to Procure

Fighter Jets,

Okays establishment of creative economy fund

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday gave the federal government the go-ahead to obtain credit facilities from financiers for the procurement of fighter jets and ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to newsmen after the Council meeting presided over

by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.

This is just as the Council also approved the establishment of the Creative Economy Fund to ensure the deepening of the sector and creation of jobs.

Idris, who offered to stand in for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said t that there had also been approvals for some contracts,

about seven of them for the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS).

“ The next one is that there's an approval for an agreement for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

"The third one is an approval to

Ammunition

obtain a credit facility in a sum of 443,330,781.49 Euros and another 141 million US dollars from a group of financiers for the procurement of six units of M346 fighter aircraft and ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force.

"And the last one from the Federal Ministry of Finance is the approval for signing of an agreement for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income

and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Botswana," the minister said.

Also briefing, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, told newsmen that FEC gave approval for the creation of a Creative Economy Development Fund which is a special purpose vehicle that will allow members within the creative

TINUBU DISCHARGES ADE-JOHN, OHANENYE, MAMMAN, GWARZO, IBRAHIM IN CABINET SHAKEUP

Development).

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the development to newsmen at the State House, Abuja, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, later

clarified that the ministers were not sacked but discharged.

Speaking on a national television, he explained that the term “sacked” did not accurately describe their departure, insisting that the “ministers were not sacked; they were discharged.”

According to him, the new ministers whose appointments would be subject to confirmation by the Senate to include Dr Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction); Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour & Employment);

Bianca Odinaka Odumegu-Ojukwu (State, Foreign Affairs); and Dr Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade and Investment).

Equally lucky were Idi Mukhtar Maiha (Livestock Development); Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (State,

DISCHARGED MINISTERS

Housing and Urban Development) and Suwaiba Said Ahmad (State, Education).

Onanuga listed the 10 redeployed ministers to include Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu former Minister of State, Education, now Minister

REDEPLOYED MINISTERS AND THEIR NEW PORTFOLIOS

CARDOSO, EDUN WOO FOREIGN INVESTORS, SAY CONFIDENCE RESTORED IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

Number (BVN) platform for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Besides, International Monetary Fund (IMF) advised Nigeria and other African countries to work towards making their tax systems more efficient, equitable, and progressive.

Cardoso and Edun spoke during an interactive session with groups of foreign investors at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings holding in Washington DC.

The CBN governor told his audience, who were mostly asset managers, investment bankers and investors from JP Morgan, Standard Chartered, among other global financial institutions, “Confidence has returned to the market and there is also confidence by Nigerians in their currency.

“Clearly, a situation where interest rate has gone up, we expect that there would be more interest in local currency instruments.

“Something else that is important in these whole adjustments in the Nigerian economy is the fact that Nigerians would be more inclined to produce locally because it is a lot cheaper for them to do so, rather than depend on imported goods.”

Cardoso added, “Concerning the harmonisation of rates, bear in mind that for those who are used to sending money to Nigeria, they no longer have to find other unorthodox

methods of sending their monies home. I particularly refer to remittances from the diaspora. That is why we have had a major uptick in that level of inflow.

“Yesterday (Tuesday), we engaged those in the diaspora to ensure that process continues. There are also positive outcomes to Nigerians.”

Responding to a question as to whether the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) at its last meeting took cognisance of the latest fuel price increase, Cardoso said, “The answer to that is, yes. We had to do so because we predicted that situations would get a little bit more sticky and to moderate the effects of that we decided to increase interest rate.”

Edun pointed out that there had been a commitment by the federal government to raise oil production to two million barrels a day, as part of efforts to boost revenue.

He stated, “In 2015 or so, we were at 2.3 million barrels a day. So, it's a very reachable target, which the whole ecosystem, the government, and the oil sector, are committed to administering the process that has been improved and will allow speedier implementation of investments.

“The subsidy removal, the fact that the petrol subsidy and the related foreign exchange subsidy are removed means that you can expect, and we will see, a flow of funds into the government coffers. We know that

there's still a demand for foreign exchange.

“In terms of fiscal performance, where we met things was huge debt servicing, costing nearly 100 per cent of revenue and deficit of 6.5 per cent. We got it down so far in the first half of this year, and the debt service to around 60 per cent of revenue, which is still high, but we're coping with it.

“And by prioritisation, and in terms of the other aspects of fiscal policy, the budget deficit is down to around 4.4 per cent of GDP as of first half of 2024. The target for the year is four per cent, and we are still hopeful of achieving that.”

He added, “It is the overall macroeconomic reset to stop the haemorrhaging and then build up the revenues and add investments. That is the overall strategy of getting Nigeria, once again on the path to rapid, sustained, and inclusive growth, which is the president's strategy, his objective and his commitment.”

Edun also revealed, “In terms of Value Added Tax (VAT), the commitment of President Bola Tinubu is that while implementing necessary, but wide-ranging reforms, the poorest and the most vulnerable would be protected. In terms of VAT.

The bills going through the National Assembly would raise VAT for luxury goods, while at the same time seek to exempt VAT for the essentials and what

the poor and vulnerable can purchase. Those items would be singled out and exempted from VAT, while hitting VAT for luxury goods.”

Earlier in a presentation, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, said the Tinubu administration hit the ground running last year with the removal of two key subsidies, which he stressed had held back the Nigerian economy for over 40 years.

Abdullahi stated that with the subsidy removal had resulted to improved revenue mobilisation.

He said, "The fiscal and monetary policies are working hand in hand to deliver a stronger and more stable Nigeria in terms of the institutional reforms. There has been a lot of focus on restoring price stability, rebuilding confidence and regaining market credibility. The stoppage of quasi-fiscal activities for the CBN and its return to orthodox monetary policy has been a cornerstone of the leadership of the bank."

The CBN geputy governor explained that the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and CBN regarding Ways and Means was critical to ensure price stability.

He stated, "On the fiscal side, there's been a lot of work on fortifying the public finance buffers, addressing low domestic revenue mobilisation through various measures, including

much stronger tax administration and improving corporate income taxes.”

Abdullahi pointed out that the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation was aimed at strengthening the system.

He said, "The social safety net, which is one piece of work that is ongoing, and prioritising expenditure to ensure that we allocate as much funds for social protection and other priority spending that goes to take care of the vulnerable parts of our society, has been a priority.

"We are at the cusp of a structural transformation and we hope to see Nigeria emerge from an importdependent economy to one that is export-driven. And there's a lot of work that's happening right now in terms of ensuring that we clean up our export processes.

"There's a lot of work in other sectors, in agriculture, electricity, and we are really freeing the electricity markets to be able to reprice this market-based pricing and to ensure that we get investments within that. So there's a lot of work also happening."

Director-General of Budget Office, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, said with the performance of the 2024 budget in terms of revenue, the country was doing well.

Yakubu stated, “In terms of

of State Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, now Minister of Education; Bello Muhammad Goronyo Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation, now Minister of State Works. Also on this list were Hon. Abubakar Eshiokpekha Momoh, Minister of Niger Delta Development now Minister of Regional Development; Uba Maigari Ahmadu Minister of State Steel Development, now Minister of State Regional Development; Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment now Minister of State Finance; Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of Sports Development now Minister of State Trade and Investment (Industry).

Still, among those reassigned were Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State, Police Affairs now Minister of Women Affairs; Ayodele Olawande, Minister of State for Youth Development now Minister for Youth Development and Dr. Salako Iziaq Adekunle Adeboye, Minister of State, Environment now Minister of State, Health.

The presidential aide further explained that Tinubu has approved the immediate implementation of eight far-reaching actions to reinvigorate the administration’s capacity for optimal efficiency pursuant of his commitment to deliver on his promises to Nigerians.

According to him, the eight actions included "The renaming of the Ministry of Nigeria Delta Development to Ministry of Regional Development to oversee the activities of all the Regional Development Commissions.

“The Regional Development Commissions to be under the supervision of the new Ministry are; the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South East Development Commission, the North East Development and the North West Development Commission.

"The immediate winding up of the Ministry of Sports Development and the transfer of its functions to the National Sports Commission in order to develop a vibrant sports economy.

"The merger of the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture to become Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; the re-assignment of 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and the discharge of five Ministers.

"The nomination of seven (7) new ministers for onward transmission to Senate for confirmation. The appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission.

"The appointment of Sunday Akin Dare as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation working from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation."

The President, according to Onanuga, thanked the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

He then charged the newly appointed ministers as well as their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation.

Tinubu added that all appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and determination to set Continued on page 27

Tinubu

Uju-Ken Ohanenye (Women Affairs)

Prof Tahir Mamman (Education)

Lola Ade-John (Tourism)

Abdullahi M. Gwarzo (State, Housing and Urban Development) Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development)

Tunji Alausa - Education

John Eno - State, Trade and Investment (Industry).

Doris Anite - State, Finance

Abubakar Momoh - Regional Development

Barr Bello Goronyo - State, Works

Uba Maigari - State, Regional Development

Ayodele Olawande - Youth Development

Imaan Ibrahim - Women Affairs

Tanko Sununu - State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction

Salako Adeboye - State, Health

SENATE PUBLIC HEARING ON IRAGBIJI FEDERAL VARSITY...

NESG: Nigeria’s Business Operating Environment is Largely Negative

Business performance index - 11.13 for January to September 2024

Dike Onwuamaeze

The inaugural edition of the Nigeria Economic Society Group (NESG) report titled “Business Confidence Monitor: Gauging the Pulse of Nigeria’s Business Environment” has declared that Nigeria’s current business performance from January to September 2024 showed that the country’s business operating environment is largely negative, as underlying business and economic challenges have upscaled significantly.

According to the report, most businesses faced significant hurdles that limited their growth performance.

It stated: “The current business performance index (January - September 2024) was -11.13, indicating a decline in business activities compared with the same period of 2023”

It said that the -11.13 indicated “a mild negative business performance among businesses due to tightening state of economic activities and reduced demand conditions.”

The report, which was produced by the NESG with the support of the Stanbic IBTC Bank, said that on average, most businesses across sectors performed poorly in the first nine months of 2024.

It further stated that beyond the various economic inertia that dominated the business environment in 2024, the sub-sectoral results showed an uneven degree of negative business mood performance during this period.

It stated that the country’s business operating environment is largely negative, as underlying business and economic challenges have amplified significantly.

The largest negative contributions to the current business condition were from higher prices (-26.14) and constrained access to finance (-21.14), which affected business cash flow (-1.02) and employment (-3.96).

The weak production level and poor demand conditions also restrained economic activities and contributed significantly to Nigeria's business climate.

“While drastic intervention and reforms by the government in the FX market has improved liquidity and stability, businesses continue to grapple with poor credit access. Consequently, this led to higher input costs of production,” the BCM said.

BCM indices ranged from -100 to +100 percentage points. An index with a positive net balance would suggest that businesses are more confident about prospects and that economic activities will likely gather

more strength. In contrast, a negative index relates to the opposite.

The report stated that the weakest performance is notable in the agriculture sector (-22.22), followed by Trade (-13.21) and Manufacturing (-6.07) while non-manufacturing (-5.21) and Services (-2.58) had the least negative business conditions.

According to the report, the main obstacles were the high prices (-26.14), limited access to credit (21.14), constrained cash flow (-1.02), poor demand condition (-29.73), the elevated cost of business (+47.64) and reduced production activities (14.70).

It noted that limited availability of foreign exchange, inadequate power supply, limited access to finance and insecurity were the major challenges in the period.

It stated that “the biggest contributor to negative business performance in the period under review is Cost of Doing Business +47.64.”

Concerning future expectations, the BCM revealed a positive index of +26.86, indicating moderate optimistic expectations of business performance improvement.

Optimistic expectations are driven by the anticipated higher business activities from an uptick in investment, export performance,

demand conditions, cash flows and employment.

“The services sector (+2.54) is the least optimistic, and the nonmanufacturing sector is the most optimistic (+30.54) about the future.”

It added: “The optimistic outlook, though at a cautious level, was consistent across the five economic sectors covered.

Sector indices were +30.54 for non-manufacturing; +24.46 for Trade; +23.87 for Agriculture; +21.28 for Manufacturing, and +2.54 for Services.

“Majority of businesses expect improved general business conditions and production levels while financial conditions, supply orders and prices are expected to retrogress in the near term.”

The BCM said that based on the responses from firms surveyed across the trade, agriculture, manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and services sectors, there is an indication that economic activities would continue to experience fragile recovery and constrained business momentum over the next few months.

However, this current business condition does not deter managers and business executives from planning output expansion in the coming months, as expressed by 35.7 per cent of firms surveyed.

WHO Urges African Leaders to Sustain Action Against Polio

70 million children vaccinated

The World Health Organization (WHO) has asked governments in Africa to keep up the momentum in the effort to eradicate all forms of polio that cause paralysis and death for the people.

In a message by the Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, to mark this year's World Polio Day, the organisation said the region has reached significant milestones, including the notable success of Madagascar, which has now gone a full year without detecting circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1).

She said that nearly 70 million children in high-risk areas have been

vaccinated since the beginning of the year.

"World Polio Day finds us at a pivotal moment in our mission to eradicate polio. We are now closer than ever to a polio-free Africa, but much work remains.

"Our success is not just Africa’s - it is the world’s. With sustained momentum, strong leadership, and global solidarity, a polio-free future is within our reach. Together, we can attain a polio-free world," she said. WHO said the achievements highlighted the strength of joint action, the resilience of our communities, and the unwavering dedication of frontline health workers.

"Data equally bear out these

results. When comparing them from 2023 and 2024 (as of 31 August for each year), cVDPV1 detections have decreased by 96%, while cVDPV2 detections have dropped by 65% in the African Region.

"It is important to recognize that the countries in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel have also united to tackle a new and pressing challenge: the continued transmission of circulating variant polio type 2 (cVDPV2)," Moeti said.

The WHO regional director noted that despite substantial efforts, the virus persists in these regions fueled by factors like insecurity, limited access to healthcare, and high levels of population movement.

"In 2024 alone, 134 polio type 2 detections (both in the environment and in affected people, as of September 5th) have been reported jointly in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. Strong political commitment is crucial to the fight against polio," she said.

She said that government leaders, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners had joined forces in July and August 2024 to develop a coordination plan aimed at eradicating variant poliovirus in the above countries.

"As a result, nearly 70 million children in high-risk areas in those countries have been vaccinated since the beginning of the year," she said.

Despite the dominant poor state of the business environment in the current period, the optimism of business managers regarding the short-term outlook outweighs their experience in the first nine months of 2024.

The future expectation index settled at +26.86, resulting from moderate optimism in only one of the five sectors – non-manufacturing (+30.86), and a dominating cautious optimism in other sectors.

This suggests that business and economic activities will witness a fragile bounce-back from the current condition motivated by higher seasonal productive activities in the fourth quarter of every year. Regarding the leading indicators, the general business situation (+27.11), production (+37.50), investment (+44.88) and operating profit (+28.91) are expected to experience improvement in the next one to three months.

National Electricity Grid Collapsed 105 Times in 10 Years

Emma Okonji and Agnes Ekebuike

The Managing Director and CEO of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (AMED), Chief Sunday Odunto, has again raised concerns over the recurring collapse of the national electricity grid in Nigeria, which according to him, has collapsed 105 times in the past decade.

Speaking yesterday on the state of the power sector on ARISE NEWS Channels, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, Odunto pointed out that the latest grid failure occurred due to the explosion of a transformer in Jebba, causing a significant drop in the load and leading to a system-wide collapse.

Odunto highlighted that these frequent collapses were a direct result of poor maintenance, lack of investments, and successive government’s failure to address critical issues over the years.

“Whatever you fail to do in the power sector, it will catch up with you eventually,” Odunto said, while citing decades of neglect and mismanagement as major contributors to the ongoing power crisis.

Referring to Nigeria’s power infrastructure challenges, Odunto said: “Between 1989 and 1999, the country had four leaders, but no new power plant was built, despite rapid population growth. Any country with a growing population must expand its power infrastructure accordingly, something successive Nigerian governments have failed to do, which resulted in the current system struggles to meet the demand of a population estimated at 220 million.”

to address these issues, Odunto expressed optimism about recent government moves to establish the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO). This development, he explained, aimed to unbundle the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which has long been criticised for its inefficiency. He urged the government to ensure that appointments to NISO were made based on merit, warning that any lapses could further exacerbate the situation.

However, Odunto remained critical of leadership accessibility in Nigeria, saying, “Once people become leaders, they are often isolated from the realities of the common man.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), Chijioke Okonkwo, revealed that Enugu government took unprecedented steps to solve the state's electricity challenges. Under the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubisi Simba, the state is implementing a strategic plan aimed at improving electricity supply and driving investments in the sector.

Okonkwo who also spoke yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channel, explained that Enugu received about 69 to 70 megawatts from the national grid, which is inadequate for 24/7 electricity supply across the state. However, through the passage of the Electricity Act and the Enugu State Electricity Law, the state is setting up frameworks to encourage investments across the entire electricity value chain from generation to distribution, he said.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

L-R: Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; and Senator Solomon Lalong, at the opening of the Public Hearing on proposed Agric University in Iragbiji, Osun State, yesterday

FG Gives Land Title Owners 60 days to Pay Ground Rents or Face Documents’ Revocation

Dangiwa says trillions of Naira lost, over 90% of land unregistered Insists Nigeria in state of emergency on level of land administration

Emmanuel Addeh and Aminat Hassan in Abuja

The federal government, yesterday, handed down a 60-day notice to all federal Certificates-of-Occupancy title owners in Nigeria to either pay up their outstanding debts or face full revocation of their land documents.

Speaking at the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa,

stated that the persistent failure of the concerned persons to comply had resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the federal government.

At the opening ceremony of the two-day programme, Dangiwa stated that the government had also observed the activities of various residents’ associations of federal government landed properties that were preventing ministry staff from accessing the estates for

Host Oil Communities Defend NUPRC on Akwa Ibom HCDT Funds

Says any area not getting 3% Opex undergoing validation

A coalition, the Host Communities Confederation (HCC) yesterday firmly defended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) over the alleged nonremittance of the 3 per cent accruals to some Akwa Ibom oil host communities.

The group made the observation in a press conference in Abuja by the National Chairman, Confederation of Oil & Gas Communities of Nigeria, Dr Mike Emuh, alongside heads of other host community groups headed by Jonathan Usigho; Dr. Emerson Moore; Sam Eribo and George Bucknor. Emuh asserted that whoever was making the allegation of lack of accountability in the administration of the funds had not been following up on NUPRC-Host Communities activities and events from the commission’s inception.

HCC noted that it was absurd to ask NUPRC, a regulator, to account for the revenue paid on the communities’ behalf without first asking the oil companies whose obligation it is to deliver to the communities on its development responsibilities.

“The demand is completely misplaced and it smacks of ignorance to ask NUPRC to account for 3 per cent Opex Hostcom fund that flows directly to HCDT operated by board of trustees appointed by the host communities democratically.

“NUPRC maintains arm’s length with host communities’ funds and as such is not in a position to account for funds not remitted to the commission.

The first line of action begins with the settlor to the Host community Development Trusts (HCDTs),’’ the group stated.

It said that the issue of gas flare penalty fund would be addressed when the gazetted gas flare penalty Act has been repealed and the Act reviewed in tandem with the current cost reality of gas revenue in the world market.

“Therefore, the issue of $21 million paid by Mobil for Akwa Ibom State to address the ecological footprint should not be the major issue affecting the Akwa Ibom State. The first thing to do is to tackle the root cause of the problem of inadequate gas flare penalty remittance to NUPRC by demanding from the oil and gas company.

In light of the challenges in the host communities, NUPRC, the confederation said, has put mechanism in place to ensure effective implementation of the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to enhance host communities’ development for fairness, accountability and transparency.

“For dispute resolution, NUPRC has set up Alternative Dispute Resolution Centres (ADRC) one in Lagos and the other in Bayelsa to address the numerous host communities’ challenges than resorting to litigations in court.

billing purposes and enforcement of non-payments.

The conference was themed, "Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and its Impact on Climate Change and Community Rights."

The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and community representatives.

Dangiwa said, “I want to use this occasion to address pertinent issues that are hampering the ability of government to maximise the revenue earning potential of its landed assets. The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is aware that several owners of its titled properties have failed to pay ground rent and other statutory charges to the ministry for several years now.

“This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the federal government.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated, as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.

“As such, all federal C of O title owners are hereby given a 60-day

notice to settle all outstanding ground rent and statutory charges. Failure to make payment within this period will result in the revocation of their C of Os.”

The minister warned residents associations to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in their respective C of Os, threatening that failure to adhere to the requirements will attract appropriate penalties and sanctions.

He listed some challenges in land administration in Nigeria as complexity of Nigeria’s land laws, particularly the Land Use Act of 1978, which he said continued to pose significant challenges.

Besides, Dangiwa mentioned the lengthy, expensive and complicated land titling and registration processes, which he said was discouraging many Nigerians from formalising land ownership.

He also highlighted the lack of formal land titles, which prevented landowners from accessing credit and leveraging their land as a financial asset, particularly in rural areas.

Dangiwa emphasised the clash between formal legal structures and

customary land tenure systems, especially in rural areas, which created uncertainty and hindered land transactions.

Others, he said, included limited access to land information; conflicting land laws and policies; inefficient dispute resolution mechanisms; corruption and land grabbing; as well as non-compliance with statutory obligations regarding government-owned land assets.

According to him, the inefficient and slow mechanisms for resolving land disputes, leading to prolonged conflicts that delay development, also remain a key challenge in the sector.

Dangiwa said the ministry was prioritising land governance issues and had taken significant steps, including ensuring the establishment of a new regime of revised rates for crops and economic trees that was fair, equitable, and provided adequate compensation to persons affected by government projects.

He added that the ministry was partnering with the World Bank to address Nigeria’s longstanding land registration challenges, with over 90 per cent of the land in the

country still unregistered, leading to an estimated $300 billion in dead capital.

“Let me state that we are still in a state of emergency regarding our level of land administration. It is, in fact, a national economic, security, and social development risk. We must understand this and resolve to act with the urgency that is required,” he noted.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, observed that equitable land stewardship called for a balanced approach to land management that took into account not only economic development, but also environmental protection and social justice.

“As Africa confronts the realities of climate change ranging from desertification in the Sahel to rising sea levels in coastal regions, our land administration systems must evolve to support climate resilience,” Ogunbiyi stressed.

Director, Lands and Housing Development Department in the ministry, Collins Alabi, said as a precious resource, land required careful management and equitable distribution.

NCDMB Moves to Bridge Academia, Industry Gap, Gets 47 Research Papers

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) yesterday continued its bid to close the widening gap between the academia, industry as well as government with its Triple Helix SciBiz annual conference.

At the event which took place in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, stressed that research and innovation represent the lifeblood of Nigeria's oil and gas industry.

He noted that this has been recognised by the board, reason a $50 million Nigerian Content Research & Development Fund was created by the NCDMB in 2020. The three-day programme was

themed: “Integrating Research, Innovation, and Policy: Triple Helix Pathway to Research Commercialisation”.

Strategically, Ogbe stated that the Triple Helix model of academia, industry, and government collaboration remains an appropriate international business framework for expressing ideas about how research can be turned into new products and services. Ogbe, who was represented by the General Manager, Planning Research and Statistics, Silas Ajimijaye, stated that the NCDMB intends to on-board more impactful research projects in the upcoming months in addition to the 14 applied research projects that it presently sponsors at various stages of technological readiness.

“Pivotal to any meaningful sustainable initiative is funding, and within this context, the $50 million Nigerian Content Research & Development Fund was created by the board in 2020 and was designed to provide much-needed research funds in the oil & gas R&D space,” he added.

Also speaking, President, Triple Helix Nigeria who also doubles as the Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, NCDMB, Abdulmalik Halilu, stated that the programme launched in 2021 was in fulfilment of the requirements for galvanising participation of members of the association in intellectual discourse, to promote research and innovation culture in Nigeria and Africa

“In response to the identified challenges and opportunities inherent in a knowledge based economy, the journey of Triple Helix Nigeria started in October 2021 when a group of professionals that share common interests of economic development through research and innovation decided to establish Triple Helix Chapter in Nigeria. Through this period, our membership has grown from an initial 12 founding members to over 240,” he said. According to him, the objective of THN is to foster value creation in the Nigerian economy in line with local content philosophy of looking inwards as well as promoting the development of technology skillsets required to solve Africa problems by Africans.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Gbefwi 'Gaza', Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Solid Minerals, when the minister paid a visit to Senator Sampson's office at the National Assembly, yesterday.

EDUN/CARDOSO WOO GLOBAL INVESTORS TO NIGERIA...

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and Governor of Central Bank, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, during a meeting with global investors at ongoing IMF/ World Bank

Conference in Washington DC, USA....yesterday

Mo Ibrahim Report Ranks Nigeria Among

11 Worst-ruled African Nations in 10 Years

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation yesterday ranked Nigeria among one of the eleven countries in Africa with the highest level of deterioration in governance in the last 10 years.

In a new report: “2024 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG)” published by the foundation, it saw Nigeria slump three places from 30th on the continent to 33rd, making it one of the worst-ruled states since 2014.

Established in 2006, the foundation says it is dedicated to strengthening the African voice on global challenges, especially by providing data and analysis

Relief

for

to assess continental challenges.

Published since 2007, the IIAG assesses the public governance performance of 54 African countries every two years over the last available decade. IIAG data comes from 49 independent sources, some of which are financially supported by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Overall, the country scored 45.7 per cent , flopping on absence of armed conflict (2.1 per cent) and scoring 39 per cent on security and rule of law and 47.3 per cent on accountability and transparency. On anti-corruption, Nigeria scored 28.9 per cent. It scored 47 per cent on inclusion;

43 per cent on equality; 59 per cent on women equality; 48.6 per cent on economic opportunity; 41 per cent on infrastructure and 44.6 per cent on health; 51 per cent on education; 44 per cent on social protection and 45 per cent on sustainable environment.

In all, 33 countries in Africa made progress in governance during the last decade while 21 countries became worse in 2023 than it was in 2014.

Nigeria was grouped with Sudan, Senegal, Tunisia, Uganda, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Guinea, Mauritius, and Mozambique as those with worst deterioration in governance in the last decade.

It stated that governance progress in Africa was grinding to a halt as security and democracy on the continent deteriorated further, threatening substantial advances in human and economic development.

The 2024 IIAG stated that after four years of almost complete stagnation, Africa’s overall governance progress ground to a halt in 2022 as rising conflict and insecurity, as well as a shrinking democratic space across the continent, undermined critical progress achieved in human and economic development.

“Over the decade 2014-2023, there is progress for just over half (52.1 per cent) of Africa’s population, living in

Detained Binance Executive, Tigran Gambaryan as FG Drops Charges

After 10 months in custody, the detained executive of Binance Holdings Limited, Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, is said to breathe some fresh air, following the withdrawal of the charge that took him into custody.

Gambaryan was arrested in February this year alongside one Mr. Nadeem Anjarwalla, who is Binance Regional Manager for Africa.

However, Anjarwalla had escaped from custody and fled the country leaving only Gambaryan to face a five-count charge preferred against him and the cryptocurrency firm.

Specifically, the federal government had accused Binance of manipulation of the country's currency.

Although, the defendant pleaded

US

not guilty to all the five-count criminal charge, Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja, had continued to decline to admit Gambaryan to bail. The defendant had on some occasion attended his trial on wheelchair and could not make it to court on the last adjournment due to his deteriorating health.

However, at Wednesday's proceedings, Justice Nwite struck out the charge against him and ordered his immediate release from the custody of the Correctional Service Center in Kuje, Abuja.

When the matter was called, lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, recalled that the case could not proceed on the last adjourned date due

to the failing health of the defendant, which, according to him, the state has managed effectively.

Iheanacho added that a report from the Nigerian Correctional Service, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), now indicates that Gambayran’s health has deteriorated to the extent that he can hardly walk without the assistance of a wheelchair, in addition to suffering from other health issues.

In addition, the prosecution told the court that Gambayran needs to undergo surgery and that the surgery and recovery will take some time, potentially impacting the pace of the trial.

Besides, Iheanacho informed the court that the government has reviewed the fact of the case and

recognized that Gambayran is merely an employee of Binance, whose status in the matter has no significant impact.

He also hinted of some critical diplomatic and international meetings involving the Nigerian government and its U.S. counterpart, to the extent that the federal government has now resolved to discontinue the charges against Gambayran.

The prosecution counsel subsequently urged the court to discharge Gambayran accordingly.

Responding, Gambayran’s lawyer, Mark Mordi, SAN, who did not object to the withdrawal of the case against his client, however requested that the court should order an acquittal rather than a discharge, following FG's recognition of Gambaryan as an employee of Binance.

Empowers Nigerian Businesses, to Benefit from Market Opportunities through AGOA Workshops

government institutions, hosts the African Growth and Opportunity

Act (AGOA) workshop to empower Nigerian businesses to benefit from U.S. market opportunities. AGOA is a program that allows eligible countries in sub-Saharan Africa to export 6,800 different products to the United States without paying tariffs or facing limits on the amount they can export. The two-day workshop, organized in partnership with the Small and

Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), provided valuable training to export-ready Nigerian businesses.

It focused on businesses in the agriculture, manufacturing, textile, and apparel sectors, and had in attendance customs and trade officials.

Over 200 participants learned about

the requirements for benefiting from AGOA, strategies for export growth, and practical guidance on improving the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian exports. They also received practical guidance on navigating the U.S. market, enhancing trade capacity, and the benefits of strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.

33 out of 54 countries, but for the remaining half, the level of overall governance reached in 2023 is worse than in 2014,” it said.

Reflecting on the findings of the 2024 IIAG, Mo Ibrahim, the Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said: “The 2024 IIAG is a sobering reminder of the threat that a deepening security crisis and shrinking participatory environment poses to the continent’s progress. Of course, it also reflects the global crisis.

“Escalating conflicts and deepening mistrust in democratic institutions and values are not specific to Africa; we see it right around the world. But it is specifically concerning in Africa because it threatens our progress in economic and social development, as well as the advancements which we are yet to achieve.”

Collected from 49 independent sources, with some data commissioned by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the IIAG is based on 322 variables clustered in 96 indicators, organised under 16 sub-categories and four main categories:

Security & Rule of Law; Participation, Rights & Inclusion; Foundations for Economic Opportunity; and Human Development.

“At country level, 13 countries –including Egypt, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Somalia – managed to follow a successful course of overall governance progress over the decade, even accelerating improvement since 2019.

“The latter four also rank in the top 10 most improved countries between 2014 and 2023, along with Seychelles, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Angola, Mauritania and Djibouti. Seychelles, having made striking progress over the decade (+10.0 points), overtakes Mauritius and is the top-ranking country in 2023.

“Following an opposite course, 11 countries are on a concerning decade-long trend of deterioration that even worsens since 2019. Some of them, such as Sudan, grapple with ongoing crises. However, decade-long deteriorations are also seen in highranked countries.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said that no part of the state has been left out of the developmental projects of his administration in the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2025 Budget.

According to him, projects were evenly distributed to the three Senatorial Districts in accordance with the 2024 budget.

Dapo Abiodun made this known during the town hall meeting on the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and 2025 Budget held at the Bisi Rodipe Event Center, Ijebu-Ode.

Abiodun, who lauded all stakeholders for their inputs during consultations towards putting together the 2024 budget, said his administration has approved the reconstruction of some major roads in the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The roads, according to the governor, are Imoro-Imegun-Opopo road, Igbeba-Eid praying ground to

Prison road, Imoru road in Ijebu-Ode, and the Odelewu-Ladeshi-Ishiwo road.

Abiodun, represented by the Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, noted that despite the fiscal pressures on its resources, his administration has also commenced the construction of over 64 kilometers of rural roads across the state.

The construction of the rural roads, Abiodun said, marks pivotal steps in his administration's ongoing commitment towards expanding infrastructural development for easy rural accessibility and boosting agricultural productivity in the state.

He said: "In continuation of our infrastructural development, our administration recently approved the reconstruction of the Imoro-ImegunOpopo road in Ijebu-North-East, Igbeba road to Eid praying ground to Prison, Imoru road in Ijebu-Ode, and Odelewu-Ladeshi-Ishiwo road. "Despite the fiscal pressures and increased government spending, infrastructural investments to promote rural development and the economy have equally gained attention.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Annual Governors'

PHOTO: ABIODUN

COMPLIANCE INSTITUTE NIGERIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS RETREAT...

L-R: President, Compliance Institute Nigeria, Mr. Pattison Boleigha; Retreat Facilitator, Dr. Yinka Olugbodi; and Chief Executive Officer, CreditRegistry and Guest Speaker, Dr Jameelah Sharieff-Ayedun, at the Compliance Institute Nigeria Board of Directors Retreat tagged "Building a Lasting Institution" held in Lagos…recently

Service Chiefs: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Will Spawn Security Challenges on Completion

Ask FG to factor in security infrastructure Air

Dike Onwuamaeze

A new dimension was added to the controversy trailing the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, yesterday, when service chiefs raised concerns that Nigeria might be open to new security challenges when the road is completed and operational.

The apprehensions were raised at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) “2024 LCCI Security Meets Business Dialogue Series.”

The security chiefs advised that it was important for security experts to be involved in the conceptualisation and development of infrastructure with bearing on the country’s national security interests.

President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, in his welcome address, said reports revealed that Nigeria suffered “20 per cent loss in productivity annually due to these security issues.

Many entrepreneurs are relocating, diverting investments to more stable

Obasanjo, Danjuma Commend League of Northern Democrats

Danjuma: quality of leadership is declining in Nigeria

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended members of the League of Northern Democrats for their initiative in conceiving the group but quickly advised the group to expand itself beyond a regional grouping to that of a national one.

President Obasanjo said this while receiving a 20-man delegation of the League led by its chairman, former governor of Kano State, Sen, Ibrahim Shekarau, in his Abeokuta Presidential Library Complex yesterday.

In a statement made available to newsmen by the league, Obasanjo said: “Anytime you people metamorphose into a League of Nigerian Democrats, come back to me and I will be your patron. I share your concern of the situation in Nigeria, but if you’re a National League, I will join you and even be your Patron if I cannot be active because I’m getting old.”

The former president said with the caliber of membership of the delegation, he is confident something good will come out of it. He thanked Shekarau for his commitment, commended the group for taking the trouble to come to Abeokuta in spite of the hash economic situation in the country. He also commended Dr. Umar Ardo for the foresight of convening the group.

Earlier, Shekarau informed President Obasanjo that the group was with him to tap from his wealth of experience in governance and leadership.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the group, Emmanuel Jime, thanked God for the life of President

Obasanjo who he described as the most nationalistic and detribalized Nigerian alive.

In another development, a former Chief of Army Staff and former Minister of Defense, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, has warned that the standard and quality of political leadership in the country is declining at an alarming rate. He warned those in authority to take immediate steps to stem the tide.

General Danjuma stated this when he received the Delegation of the League of Northern Democrats who called on him at his Ikoyi Residence in Lagos.

In his words: “leadership quality in Nigeria is going down and down and down”. He said the situation is worse in the North. He urged leaders to sit up and stem the worrisome tide.

He advised the League of Northern Democrats to pursue their vision with measured doggedness because they are up against a section of a corrupt political class with plenty of power and money that will be ready to fight back to continue being in power.

The leader of the Delegation and former Kano State Governor, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, earlier said their visit was to brief Gen. Danjuma on the vision and mission of the League which include principally to influence the emergence of credible leadership, most especially in the North, by forging unity among the various interest groups in the North, facilitate for a credible leadership recruitment process across all offices and make the North a bloc of first influence in Nigeria.

Force: we provide aerial cover each time train moves on Abuja-Kaduna rail line

African regions.”

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, represented by Air Vice Marshal Adeniran Ademuwagun, said, “Now we are building road network from Lagos to Calabar. I can also say that the biggest challenge there is that there is no consideration for security architecture to protect this 700-kilometre stretch of road.

“But what we see is that when this project goes live, there will be attendant security challenges that would not have been catered for throughout the whole project. I think that as a nation we need to address this.

“When projects that have significant bearing on national security are being conceptualised, it is important to bring security agencies on board from the beginning.

“I can assure that when this road (coastal highway) opens it will also provide access to miscreants and other people that we do not intend to have access into our country.

“However, we can assure you that the Nigerian Air Force will continue to prepare to provide robust support for the safety of our commercial environment and industrial growth.”

Abubakar also disclosed that the air force went on aerial patrol every time a train was on the rail network between Kaduna and Abuja

He said, “However, when this rail network was conceptualised and eventually built, military organisations, particularly, were isolated.

“Security was missed in its consideration but eventually, we have inherited the challenges.”

Speaking in the same vein, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, represented by Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mike Gregory, agreed that the coastal highway would come with attendant security issues.

Ogalla said, “Coastal road? Yes! My colleague in the Air Force has said that.

It is a very good initiative that will

help business. But security agencies have to be factored in because it will come with attendant security issues.

“It will be better to have security experts bring in their own inputs so that we will have that road and it will be secured for businesses (sic).”

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Air Vice Marshal Bashiri Maman, described the LCCI Security Business Dialogue Series as a needful platform that had created an avenue for stakeholders in the economy to deliberate on the state of security in the country and its effect on the private sector.

Musa stated that there was no gainsaying that a secure environment would provide confidence for investors, businesses and consumers.

He said, “When there are strong measures in place to protect assets, transactions and personal data both local and foreign investors are more likely to flow into the economy.

“This will surely boost economic

growth and development of any nation. Invariably, a striving economy supported by active trade and business generate jobs and wealth, which reduces poverty and unrest.

“Sadly, insecurity, such as insurgency and organised crime, has had significant negative impact on business operations, supply chains and investors’ confidence in Nigeria.”

In his remarks, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, AIG Fayoade Adegoke, said that kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes had created a climate of fear and instability, which deterred both local and foreign investors.

Egbetokun said, “When businesses feel safe, they tend to invest more, expand operations and engage more productively as a decrease in crime means fewer disruptions, better worker attendance and improved supply chain.”

Education Loan Scheme Not Discriminatory, NELFUND MD/CEO Reassures

Juliet

Akoje in Abuja Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has assured that the scheme is inclusive not discriminatory.

Sawyerr, while meeting with the members of the House of Representatives' Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, said it was inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.

He also said they have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind - particularly the South East and that they have made significant progress in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications.

He said: "So far, the Fund has received over 350,000 applications and disbursed over N10 billion,

with a commitment to disbursing N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends. Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities.

“Moreover, we are focused on addressing the barriers to girl-child education, recognizing that denying girls the opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential.

“With 70% of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide access to education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence. This intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time.

“The Fund is an institution designed to bring succour to the common man, especially in these challenging economic times, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

"It was not just a palliative

for immediate relief but a longterm solution aimed at fostering stability and growth in a large and diverse nation like Nigeria. This administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has introduced many brilliant policies, and the student loan initiative is one that hits closest to home. It is reaching every corner of the nation-East, West, North, and South."

He further said: “This policy is not discriminatory; it is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve. It is akin to monumental policies such as the free education program of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by Gen Yakubu Gowon, and the creation of federal universities.

“These policies have shaped Nigeria's development, and the student loan initiative is equally progressive, representing an investment in our nation's future.

We have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behindparticularly the South East. I am pleased to report that my team and I have made significant progress in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications."

According to him, "the Fund is committed to working closely and harmoniously with the committee. It is only through cooperation and peaceful collaboration that they can achieve the best possible outcomes for Nigeria and its students.

“In this regard, NELFUND will also be working closely with the National Assembly in the area of sensitization, recognizing that you are closest to the people and best positioned to reach your constituents. A comprehensive work plan will be developed to guide our efforts, ensuring that we engage effectively at all levels to make certain that no student is left behind.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Akinsolotu: Aiyedatiwa’s Score Card Will Earn Him Re-election in Ondo

Ondo State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Otunba Wale akinlosotu in this interview says Governor Lucky aiyedatiwa’s track record in less than one year will earn him victory in the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial poll. Folalumi Alaran brings excerpts:

The battle for Alagbaka Government House is on. What stands Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa out as the candidate to beat?

You called it a battle! But I will say an electoral contest between Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on one side and candidates of the other political parties participating in the election on the other side. It will be an easy ride for the governor to secure re-election on November 16, 2024 because of two things.

One is the position of APC, the political party presenting him. The party is solid, on sound footing, and acceptable to the people of Ondo State. That is why the party won the last two governorship elections. The superlative performance of the party since it got to power in the state makes it a darling to the majority of the people of Ondo.

The second is the candidate, Aiyedatiwa, who was deputy governor and now the sitting governor in the last 10 months. He hit the ground running immediately on assumption of office and has a lot of achievements to his credit as governor within the short time. He continued from where the late Governor stopped and Ondo State has been better off for what he did in all sectors of economy in the state within a short time.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s love for the development of all parts of the state daily endears him to the people of Ondo State. That is why you see that even members of the opposition parties are applauding him and joining our party that if he can do all he is doing within only 10 months, if his contract with the people of the state is renewed with votes on November 16, the state will be better for it. Also, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s mien and the man of peace that he is attracts him to people as well as development to the state.

These, coupled with his achievements, the new-look Ondo State under him and his superlative promises for the second term especially that the people know him as a promise keeper make him stand out as the candidate to beat in the election.

But the opposition have complained about poor performance?

You cannot but expect such from the vicious opposition we have in the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa has performed exceedingly well in office in just 10 months. People cannot but marvel at what he has achieved and question where he gets finances to execute all the projects and programmes he has put in place across the state.

It will interest you to know that the reasonable and objective ones among the opposition members can see what the governor has done and what he is still doing and appreciate him. This is the reason opposition party members are coming in droves to join our party, APC, to be part of the winning train and the party delivering dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

How will you associate somebody who is touching the people’s lives through the developments going on in the different sectors and areas of the state with poor performance! That is what you hear from opposition that is averse to growth and progress.

Let us look at Governor Aiyedatiwa from the perspective of the basic function of government viz welfare and security of lives and property, which he takes as

priority.

He demonstrates that he is worker-friendly through meeting their welfare and sundry needs including promotion and clearing of their backlog of unpaid salaries and pension arrears.

To lessen the impact of fuel subsidy removal on workers, the governor approved monthly palliative allowance for all public workers.

He approved N73,000 as the new minimum wage for workers at a time many states are still dilly dallying. He spared thoughts for those in the informal sector, including struggling entrepreneurs, petty traders, artisans, and peasant farmers, by approving over N2 billion as soft loans, which they can assess to grow their ventures.

The Aiyedatiwa government is

prioritising the needs of the rural areas. He has commissioned the sinking of 54 boreholes in rural communities for potable water and as well approved installation of 1600 solar-powered streetlight for illumination and security.

When the recent food inflation reared its head as a challenge across the country, he rose to the occasion in Ondo State with immediate palliative measures as well as lasting solutions through taking steps to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

As part of efforts to make food available to the people at affordable prices, the Aiyedatiwa government came up with the Thursday Market at the Ministry of Agriculture where affordable foodstuffs are available and the ongoing test-running of purchase of grains like rice, beans, garri to sell directly to the masses ahead of fulltime commencement are part of efforts.

The government is also supporting

It is getting better. We are telling them to convert their attendance at the rallies to vote for APC on November 16. We are telling them to get their PVCs ready to reelect Governor Aiyedatiwa. The governor, who has landmark achievements to point to everywhere, is telling the gatherings what he has done and making them know what he will do in the next four years when re-elected. Excellent campaign rallies depicting love for and acceptance of the governor.

farmers in the areas of land cultivation and distribution of farm tools/equipment and inputs to boost food production and as well serve as attraction to others including youths to farming.

The governor is not leaving any stone unturned in the bid to ensure security of lives and property. He is giving needed logistic support to the security agencies to be more effective in the discharge of their duties.

He has also strengthened the Amotekun Security Network so that the communities, roads and farms can be secured.

The governor has commenced his campaign in the state. How would you assess the reception given to the governor so far at the campaign rallies? Don’t forget that Governor Aiyedatiwa runs an inclusive government style. People are carried along in the administration. He has appointed so many aides. Can you remember he recently appointed about 344 Special Assistants and Senior Special Assistants in one day in fulfillment of his promise of involving everybody in government? These people are from different homes and communities where their impacts are being felt. You should expect such communities to naturally identify with such a governor.

That is exactly what we have seen in our campaign rallies so far. We have held the campaign rallies in the three senatorial districts, and we are now to begin the local government campaigns.

Our campaigns have been exciting, issue-based, and carnival-like and as well in an atmosphere of celebration of the expected victory. The beauty of it all is that our party leaders are united in their support for the party candidate, as shown in the campaigns. The rallies so far have been avenues to receive defectors from the opposition parties into APC. The crowd of party members, supporters, and people who want to vote for the governor at each of the three senatorial campaign rallies is a sign of the victory expected on November 16.

It is getting better. We are telling them to convert their attendance at the rallies to vote for APC on November 16. We are telling them to get their PVCs ready to reelect Governor Aiyedatiwa. The governor, who has landmark achievements to point to everywhere, is telling the gatherings what he has done and making them know what he will do in the next four years when re-elected. Excellent campaign rallies depicting love for and acceptance of the governor.

To what extent does the Governor enjoy the support of the APC at the national level?

The APC is one united big family, so you should not expect less. Governor Aiyedatiwa is a governor on the APC platform and enjoys cordial relationships with the APC-controlled Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu and the party’s national leadership and as well the zonal leadership.

Remember Governor Aiyedatiwa was the Chairman, Election Planning and Strategy Committee of the APC for the recently conducted Edo State governorship election. We are expecting the APC leaders and national leadership at the flag off (or/and) grand finale of the Ondo State APC governorship election campaign. That is what will finally seal the fate of the opposition parties in the November 16 election.

Akinlosotu

‘Behind the Curtain: The Making of the FUZE Talent Show Success Story

Stories by Precious Ugwuzor

The FUZE Talent Show has rapidly established itself as a pivotal platform for Nigeria's creative youth since its inception in 2022. Organised by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, it caters to the vibrant 18 to 35 demographic, showcasing a diverse array of talents in music, fashion, technology, and da nce. This ingenuity goes beyond mere competition; it serves as a lively stage for emerging talents to gain visibility and recognition. Participants have the chance to network, fostering connections that can lead to collaborations and mentorship opportunities, vital for their career development.

By highlighting creativity and innovation, the FUZE Talent Show not only celebrates young talent but also paves the way for future career prospects, helping participants navigate their paths in the creative industries.

In the beginning…

At the heart of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager's innovative approach was recognising Nigeria's youths untapped potential and the numerous challenges in showcasing their talents. With a vision to bridge this gap, it introduced FUZE as an innovative platform to empower young creatives nationwide. The mission was clear: to provide support and encouragement; and facilitate opportunities for young talents to shine on a grand stage. At the launch press conference held at the Stanbic IBTC Blue Academy in Ikeja, Lagos, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation amongst Nigerian youths, marking a new chapter in support for the creative industry.

According to Olumide, "At Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, we believe in the transformative power of creativity and innovation in driving economic and social progress. Our commitment to nurturing the ambitions of Nigeria's young creatives through the Stanbic IBTC FUZE initiative reflects our dedication to being more than just a financial institution; we aim to support the young artistic talents shaping our culture and economy."

Audition process

Each season, the FUZE talent show takes great care to ensure its audition phase is perfectly designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This approach is pivotal in eliminating potential barriers for participants from various backgrounds. Aspiring entrants submit 60-second video clips showcasing their unique talents across multiple categories.

This method was selected to capture the diversity and richness of Nigeria's talent pool, ensuring that every voice can be heard and recognised regardless of their location across the country. By adopting this democratised approach to its auditions, FUZE showcases its commitment to celebrating various talents. More than just a competition, the platform is a nurturing ground for the diverse artistic gifts harboured within Nigeria; paving the way for a richer cultural showcase.

FUZE Festival - Beyond just a talent show FUZE Talent Show transcended the typical competition framework, evolving into a comprehensive cultural phenomenon. It wasn't simply about discovering talents; it encompassed a more ambitious objective of creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. The event featured various attractions, including exhibitions, a market for creative goods, and live performances by emerging artists.

This innovative entertainment, empowerment, and engagement blend materialised into the FUZE Festival. This grand finale celebrated the participants' journey and spotlighted Nigeria's dynamic and rich cultural fabric. By morphing into a celebration of creativity, community, and culture, FUZE effectively transformed the narrative around talent discovery and support within Nigeria; heralding a promising horizon for the nation's artistic and creative talents.

Empowering and connecting through the FUZE Marketplace

With the launch of FUZE 1.0 in 2022, the FUZE Marketplace was introduced. This innovative platform was conceived to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and potential buyers, serving as a dynamic space where various products could be showcased. The range of offerings included, but was not limited to, fashion pieces, artistic creations, lifestyle and wellness including food and drinks. This diversity provided local artisans and burgeoning entrepreneurs with a prominent stage to display their talents and an invaluable opportunity to interact and engage with a broader audience.

The purpose of the FUZE Marketplace extended beyond simple commercial transactions. It aimed to foster a lively and thriving community where individuals could unite in a shared creativity and innovation

space. By doing so, it sought to nurture an environment that encouraged collaboration, inspiration, and mutual support among creators and innovators.

This initiative was a cornerstone in fulfilling FUZE's overarching mission to cultivate a supportive ecosystem beneficial for the growth and development of Nigeria's creative industries. The FUZE Marketplace was critical in driving economic activity and promoting cultural enrichment and innovation within the community by empowering local talents and providing them with the tools and platform to succeed. The Rising of FUZE Talent Hunt Show Since its inception, the FUZE Talent Show has rapidly established itself as the quintessential platform for young Nigerian creatives looking to showcase their abilities. Spanning various disciplines, including music, fashion, technology, and dance, FUZE has solidified its stature as a prestigious avenue for talent, setting lofty expectations from the outset. These expectations have been met and surpassed, especially with the launch of FUZE 2.0, offering participants an even more refined and expansive stage to display their skills. Throughout its seasons, FUZE has demonstrated a dedication to discovering and illuminating exceptional talent, providing them with avenues for recognition and success.

The inaugural winners of FUZE 1.0 received a cash prize of N32 million alongside invaluable mentorship sessions with seasoned industry professionals. This tradition highlights the initiative's profound commitment to identifying, celebrating and nurturing innate talent; establishing a benchmark for all subsequent editions. FUZE 2.0, the second edition also recorded 12 FUZE Talent Show winners with a total prize money of N32 million.

The show has embarked on its third edition and is scheduled to air episodes of the Talent Show journey from Saturday 02 November on Africa Magic Showcase (5:00-6:00pm), AIT (7:00-7:55pm), and Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel.

As the narrative of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers FUZE Talent Show unfolds with every season, FUZE cements its place as a vital conduit for blossoming talents eager to hone their skills, engage with broader audiences, and play a pivotal role in enriching Nigeria's cultural and economic landscapes.

Ibadin, Security Consultant Highlights Task Before President Tinubu

As Nigerians continue to grapple with an unsteady power supply and rising electricity tariffs, security consultant and entrepreneur Mr. Matthew Ibadin has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize electricity supply across the country. He emphasized that without a stable power supply, industrialization and economic growth would remain a pipe dream.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the recent 34th Convocation Ceremony in honor of the Graduating Cadets of the 71st Regular Course and Postgraduate students of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, Ibadin—one of the graduating Master’s degree students—highlighted that Nigeria’s current electricity generation capacity of about 5,500 megawatts is woefully inadequate.

He referenced a recent statement by the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors, which stressed that Nigeria requires at least 33,000 megawatts to stabilize its power supply.

Ibadin, who is also the Managing Director of Badinson Security Services Limited, pointed out that President Tinubu's eight-point agenda includes economic growth and job creation, but he insisted that these goals cannot be realized without a stable power supply.

According to him, the private sector, which is the largest employer of labor worldwide, is particularly hard-hit by the lack of reliable electricity. "In Nigeria, businesses are struggling not only because of poor infrastructure but also due to the soaring costs of generating their own electricity," Ibadin said.

He noted that many Nigerian businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, have taken out loans that they are now unable to repay due to the rising costs of running their operations, largely attributed to the

high cost of fuel and diesel. "Nigeria is unique in that it is the only country where business plans consistently fail due to the overwhelming expenses of generating private electricity. This is unsustainable, and it’s pushing companies to the brink," he added.

Ibadin further lamented that many artisans and skilled youths are turning to crime out of frustration, as the lack of reliable electricity prevents them from practicing their trades. In addition, multinational corporations and large companies are either downsizing or leaving Nigeria altogether due to the escalating costs of powering their operations. He stressed that without immediate and significant improvements in the electricity supply,

Nigeria’s industrialization efforts will falter, and the country will remain stuck in a cycle of economic stagnation.

The security consultant urged President Tinubu to make electricity supply the topmost priority in his agenda, asserting that almost all production and service processes in both the public and private sectors are power-driven. He suggested that the country’s outdated and inefficient power grid must be modernized through technological upgrades and infrastructure development, to reduce the frequent blackouts that continue to hamper productivity.

Ibadin also highlighted that the government needs to create an enabling environment for private businesses to

thrive, as the private sector is vital to the nation’s economic growth. He noted that Nigeria’s private sector plays a critical role in employment and economic stability, but without reliable power, its potential is stifled.

In addition, Ibadin stressed the importance of rural electrification, noting that the lack of electricity in rural areas severely limits educational and economic opportunities, perpetuating poverty. He advised President Tinubu to expand rural electrification programs to ensure that all communities have access to reliable power, fostering inclusive growth and development across the country.

As many Nigerians already struggle with high electricity tariffs, which have made power unaffordable for a large portion of the population, Ibadin called on the Tinubu administration to introduce a subsidy program for low-income households. He also advocated for the promotion of energy-efficient practices to reduce overall consumption and costs.

Ibadin concluded by urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the nation’s electricity sector, stating that once power generation is increased to the required 33,000 megawatts, it will lay the foundation for broader economic development. "Without electricity, industrialization will remain a distant dream. It’s time to take decisive action for the future of this country," he said..

Reflecting on the failures of previous administrations, Ibadin expressed his concern that successive Nigerian governments have been making policies "in the dark," and he hopes that President Tinubu will not fall into the same pattern. "One agenda that should be paramount now is ‘light up Nigerian businesses.’ If he can achieve this, he would go down in history as one of the best Presidents Nigeria has ever had," Ibadin concluded.

Chief of Defence Staff Major General Christopher Musa , his wife and Matthew Ibadin, at the 34th Convocation Ceremony in honor of the Graduating Cadets of the 71st Regular Course NDA, Kaduna

The judges of the FUZE Talent Show and some top executives of Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers

EFCC should be encouraged to do more, argues

ILIYASU GASHINBAKI

EFCC: THERE’S NO RIGHT WAY OF DOING A BAD THING

I have read the letter from the former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, addressed to the Chairmen of the Constitution Review Committee of both chambers of the National Assembly - Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives. I was looking for his prayers to the esteemed lawmakers on clear and unambiguous anomalies he observed in the Establishment Act of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that need legislative action in the review exercise. I must confess, I could not find any.

Instead, the legal luminary made a sweeping statement that is neither rooted in facts nor verifiable evidence that “I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly. The EFCC is an unlawful organisation.” How? I have asked myself repeatedly. The EFCC is a creation of the National Assembly. It is their duty to make laws for the good governance of the country and establish any Ministry, Department or Agency (MDAs) from either members’ bills or executive bills. It is an intricate process which even requires the President of the Federal Republic to sign off before it becomes law. Of course, the learned silk knows this.

So how the EFCC which passed through this convoluted process and has been a legal entity in the last 21 years suddenly became “an unlawful organization,” because “the powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly,” beats my imagination. So whose powers is it to establish an agency of government to fill identifiable gaps in the polity with clear mandates?

I am aware of the trenchant faulting of the views canvassed by Agbakoba by his fellow legal titan, Femi Falana, SAN, on points of law among other cogent reasons in his article widely circulated in reputable newspapers and online platforms. I will therefore leave the two legal giants alone. I can only add that the EFCC draws its powers from Section 15, Sub-section 5 of the constitution.

Let me state unequivocally that Nigeria was facing an existential problem of corruption and financial crimes which warranted the establishment of the EFCC to mitigate, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002 through an Act of Parliament and amended in 2004. I cannot say these sore issues are no longer with us two decades down the line, but I shudder on where Nigeria would have been without the EFCC.

The EFCC has given a good account of itself in fighting corruption. It has made a lot recovery of looted funds and secured convictions by the courts through diligent prosecutions. Significantly, Nigeria’s image received a boost locally and internationally in the fight against corruption and financial crimes. EFCC should be encouraged to do more. In football parlance, you do not change a winning team. Instead, you fortify it to win more laurels. By all standards, EFCC is Nigeria’s most visible crack team in taming corruption and should be encouraged to do more.

Are there things the EFCC could have done differently? Of course, yes. One of the strategies that would have set EFCC apart, would have been the adoption of the three prong approach of Education, Prevention and Deterrence. These strategies were successfully deployed by the Independent Commission

Against Corruption (ICAC, Honk Kong) as well as the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB, Singapore), with aggregate performance of over 95% conviction rate.

On the issue of the case initiated by the Kogi State governor joined by 15 others on the legality or otherwise of the Establishment Act of the EFCC, I have no problem with that. The courts have always been fair to those who approach them as issues are dealt with on their merits and not on sentiments. The local governments would not have had the financial autonomy it currently enjoys but for the judgment of the Supreme court. Since the inception of democracy in the 4th Republic (1999 till date), local government finances had been tied to the apron strings of the State governors under the nebulous Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC). Not anymore.

That is why I am confident that justice will be served dispassionately in the governors’ case at the Supreme Court. But I am not too sure of the motive of the governors in instituting this case especially given the antecedent of the prime mover. Truth be told, State governors are not fans of the EFCC. It is an agency they love to hate. They would rather the EFCC left them alone to do whatever they wish with their finances.

They want total freedom to deal with their finances any way they so desire. They would prefer to have State established versions of EFCC in the manner of State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) that dance to their tune. Tell me, have you seen any local government election handled by SIEC where the party in power wins less than 100%? That is the perfect scenario they wish for State EFCC if they succeed in their current suit at the Supreme Court. But wishes are not horses and the Supreme court will examine the case on its merit and give a ruling for the benefit of a corruption-free Nigeria. Let me sound it loud and clear. There’s no right way of doing a bad thing. Corruption, frauds and financial crimes are bad and must be done away with if Nigeria will take its pride of place in the comity of nations. Our current Corruption Perception Index (CPI) in the world reckoning is an embarrassment. This is why the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has developed cutting edge forensic tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria in gathering iron clad evidence to nail perpetrators of corruption at the courts.

Gashinbaki

is the President/Chairman-in-Council, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN)

ADAMU RABIU-BAKONDARE contends that the exemption of some top officials from the scheme is unlawful

PARADOX OF THE CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME

In the complex and heart of Nigeria's economic framework stands the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), a testament to the country's commitment to ensuring a secure future for its retiring public and private workforce. However, this well-intentioned journey has been fraught with challenges, compliance issues, legal interpretations issues, executive brigandage and legislative ambush.

Nigeria's pension system underwent a significant transformation with the enactment of the Pensions Reform Act (PRA) in 2004, later replaced with the PRA 2014. Born out of necessity, the CPS was necessitated by the failures, inability to address the myriads of problems bedevilling the unsustainable Defined Benefit Schemes (DBS), which relied heavily on government budgetary allocations. Under the CPS, both employers and employees in the public and private sector are required to contribute a percentage amount to their retirement benefits, creating a more stable, predictable and self-sustaining pension system.

Within 20 years of its implementation, the CPS has stemmed the growth of outstanding pension liabilities of the federal government, reduced fiscal cost to government, stimulated domestic savings, generated pool of long-term funds for developmental projects and increased private sector investments in Nigeria. According to PenCom, as at March 31st, 2024, the sum of NGN19.7 trillion pool of long-term pension assets has been accumulated by the CPS and invested for the economic development of Nigeria.

In recent years there have been a racket among certain categories of federal government employees for exemption from the CPS and reversion to the DBS. Their issues were essentially on the quantum of retirement benefits, which they believed should be enhanced (how crooked and selfish some Nigerians can be!) The prominent categories of such federal government employees are the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSoF) and Federal Permanent Secretaries (Perm Secs).

In 2019, a presidential directive of President Muhammadu Buhari exempted the HCSoFs and Perm Secs from the CPS, allowing them to receive full salaries for life. Thereafter before a blink of an eye, a directive from the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning directed the domiciliation of the pension entitlements of retired HCSoFs and Perm Secs with the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, directing the payment of full salaries as pensions through IPPIS. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) was designed for active workers, not retirees!

The exemption of the HCSoF and Perm Secs from the CPS was based on the bilirubin of a legal opinion by the then Attorney General of the Federation. This opinion stated that these officials are not 'employees' under the Pension Reform Act 2014 but are 'appointees' of the President as per Section 171 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution (as amended). Consequently, in April 2019, the President approved their exemption from the CPS, placing them under a "salary for life".

Questions: When did an opinion become law? Is the IPPIS meant for salaries and allowances for period of employment or including salaries for life?

The pallid interpretation is challenged on several grounds including: Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution relates to appointment of certain public officers by Mr. President. It does not address the issue of pensions. It is therefore, unconstitutional! Two, Section 173(1) of the 1999 Constitution mandates that all public service pension matters be regulated by an Act of the National Assembly. Three, HCSoF and Perm Secs are civil servants and remain so even as they are appointed by the President. Section 171 (3) and (6) of the Constitution clearly states so. By exempting them from PRA 2014, leaves them with no law governing their pensions. The Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014 is the principal extant federal law governing pension matters in Nigeria. Complementary Acts were enacted to regulate the pensions of military and security

agencies. Also, two acts were enacted to regulate pensions of Judicial Officers pursuant to Section 291 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and employees who had three years or less to retire as at June 2004 are exempted. Sections 6 and 7 of the PRA 2014 provide that ‘political appointees’, such as the HCSoF and Perm. Secs are covered by the Contributory Pension Scheme, but shall retire with 100% of their salaries as pensions. Where their Pension Accounts (RSAs) cannot provide this benefit, the federal government shall fund the shortfall through budget.

The Supreme Court had decided in the case of SARAKI Vs. FGN (in 2016) LPELR-SC.852/2015 that no Circular or other administrative Instrument can supersede the constitution or statutes enacted by the National Assembly. The Pension Reform Act of 2014 grants PenCom exclusive authority

over pension administration.

Indeed, the HCSoFs and Perm. Secs, by fluke of luck and finding themselves in privileged positions, they sought, got exemption and are eating from the sweat of Nigeria and as a body responsible for the implementation of federal government policies have shown ethical and moral bankruptcy for which the bureaucracy is supposed to stand for.

Exempting these top officials from the CPS and placing them on life salaries poses a significant financial burden and potentially unsettle the federal government’s fiscal policy and financial system stability. The monthly salary of a serving Permanent Secretary is in the range of NGN898,000, and their entitlements postretirement can exceed NGN1m. This arrangement not only strains government finances but also sets a dangerous precedent that will lead to similar demands from other civil servants, further exacerbating the fiscal challenges.

In the 2023 budget, the federal government allocated NGN854.81b to pension, gratuities, and retirees benefits. This figure will keep growing.

The yearly budgetary provision for this group of unpatriotic Nigerians is scary, even PenCom will shiver to put that figure in the public domain and don’t forget they collect full salary while on those privileged seats!

And where is ethics, the separation of powers and the rule of law?

This is a precedent for other exemptions. The National Assembly has passed a bill that has exempted its workers from the CPS. An analysis is pertinent there too!

It looks like some Nigerians lack conscience! It is essential to ensure that pension systems are sustainable and fair to all members of the civil service to maintain trust, The exemption shows that there is a privileged class within the civil service. The exemptions threaten the integrity and sustainability of the CPS, undermining the principle of uniformity and inclusiveness that the scheme was designed to uphold.

Alhaji Rabiu -Bakondare writes from Kaduna

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

COLLAPSE OF THE NATIONAL GRID

There are serious systemic issues that should be addressed

For the eighth time this year, the national grid collapsed last week, plunging the entire country into power blackout. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) have blamed the incident on a transformer that exploded at 330kV Jebba Transmission substation. NERC has also announced plans to conduct an investigative public hearing to identify both the immediate and underlying causes of recurring grid disturbances and widespread outages. But these collapses reinforce existing concerns about the structural defects in the sector.

It is becoming increasingly clear that authorities in the sector are incapable of stabilising the power grid, transmit generated volumes with minimal losses and put an end to frequent collapses. Before now, the common excuse for grid collapse was always that the transmission lines could not wheel the power so generated by the generating companies (GenCos). At some point, frequent grid collapses were attributed to vandalism of some transmission infrastructure. But there are more fundamental issues to address, including range of perverse incentives within the system and weakness of regulation.

fared better either.

In a report published last year, the World Bank rated Nigeria as the poorest country in the world on power supply to citizens with 85 million people not connected to the grid and a loss of $26 billion annually. With everybody supplying their own electricity, Nigeria is one of the toughest places in the world to do business. Lack of electricity has limited access to healthcare, education, and other opportunities, including running their businesses for majority of Nigerians. Many small and medium scale businesses have been crippled due to the prohibitive cost of generating their own power. Even the big business ventures, particularly the manufacturing ones, are feeling the biting effect of energy poverty with consequences stretching to every part of the economy.

Nigeria is one of the toughest places in the world to do business. Lack of electricity has limited access to healthcare, education, and other opportunities

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

It is unfortunate that a decade after the privatisation of the power sector, majority of Nigerians have come to the inescapable conclusion that the process through which countries like India, Singapore and a host of other contemporary emerging economies successfully used to reset their electric power challenge is proving too difficult to be applied effectively on our shores. Instead of generating, transmitting, and distributing enough megawatts of electricity to homes and industries across the country, what we get almost daily are excuses from the authorities. Till today, the DisCos that were the beneficiaries of the shambolic power sector reforms have all failed to invest in modernising and expanding the transmission lines. But that is not to suggest that the generation companies (GENCOs) have

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

A former Minister of Power, Bart Nnaji, has called on the federal government to resume the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with private investors to ramp up electricity generation in Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria currently has about 13,000-megawatt nameplate capacity but generates only about 5,000MW due to some factors that include insufficient natural gas availability for the country’s gasfired plants, which account for 80 per cent of national grid electricity.

According to experts, the main reason why top private investors and investments seldom look towards Nigeria’s power sector may not be all about the absence of funds to invest, but rather about the lack of transparency and accountability. As we have stated on several occasions, any country keen on sustainable socio-economic development and prosperity would not overlook the inevitable reorganisation needed at the hugely dysfunctional behemoth called TCN.

What the frequent collapses of the national grid indicate is that there are serious systemic issues across the power value chain that need to be addressed. And the federal government must work with critical stakeholders in the sector to find solutions to them. To address the challenge of the sector would require more than a cosmetic approach.

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive. com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

NOW THAT MR PRESIDENT IS BACK

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on Wednesday, October 2, for a working vacation, returned on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the vacation was also intended to serve as a retreat for Mr. President to reflect on his administration’s economic reforms. The economic policies adopted by this administration, which have caused considerable hardship for Nigerians, have been widely criticized, with some calling for the reversal of certain policies. Now that Mr. President is back, what’s next?

Well, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council have changed the federal ministry structure. The Ministry of Niger Delta and the Ministry of Sports have been dissolved. Among other changes the FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. Now that the reshuffle has been done, it is expected it aligns with the President’s broader strategy to enhance governance. However, to achieve the desired results, it is imperative that issues like workload, funding, bureaucracy, and communication of deliverables, as well as other factors beyond the ministers' control are properly addressed.

While Mr. President is not expected to reintroduce the fuel subsidy, it is imperative that he directs an investigation into the pricing of PMS (premium motor spirit) to ensure Nigerians are not being exploited. The price of PMS has been on a constant rise in recent weeks. Beyond attributing it to the price of crude oil in the international market, Nigerians need to understand how the price of PMS is derived. It is important to note that various petroleum products, not just PMS, are derived from crude oil during the refining process through fractional distillation. This should be taken into consideration during price determination.

The value of the Naira has been unstable for some time, dropping below N1,700 to a dollar at one point. Ordinarily, with the rise in the price of crude oil, which is Nigeria’s major source of forex, one would expect a more stable Naira, but that is not the case. Nigeria’s oil production dropped in the month of September 2024. While this may be one of the factors that contributed to the decline in the value of the Naira, the government should identify and address all the causative factors.

Quite worrisome is Nigeria’s headline inflation rate, which, on a year-on-year basis, rose to 32.7% in September after two months of consecutive decline. Some contributing factors include the rise in

transportation costs due to the increased price of PMS, the depreciating Naira, and the floods that ravaged farmlands. The government should look beyond merely increasing the Monetary Policy Rate to curb inflation and should among other things, consider the advice of the World Bank to lift import restrictions on food and fertilizer, especially as food is the major driver of Nigeria’s inflation. While we welcome Mr. President back to the country from his working vacation, it is important to note that Nigerians expect him to address the rising price of PMS, the instability of the Naira, the increase in headline inflation, and possibly carry out the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle. The current economic policies of this government have received much criticism due to the resulting hardship. However, to the dismay of many Nigerians, at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30) in Abuja on Monday, October 14, 2024, the Vice-President of the World Bank, Mr. Indermit Gill, said that Nigeria’s current reforms must be sustained for the next 10-15 years to transform its economy and become an engine of growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Let's keep our fingers crossed for Mr. President’s next move.

Kenechukwu Aguolu FAC,PMP,FCIA Kenerek1@gmail.com

STAR DEEP WATER PETROLEUM LIMITED A Chevron Company OPERATOR OF THE AGBAMI UNIT (OML 127/128)

DEEPWATER DRILLING CAMPAIGN PROVISION OF MACHINE SHOP SERVICES

NipeX Tender: STARDEEP 00000118

1. INTRODUCTION:

Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (“SDWPL”), a Chevron company and operator of the Agbami field on behalf of its co-venturers (FAMFA Oil Limited, Prime 127 Nigeria Limited, Equinor Nigeria Energy Company Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)), invites interested and prequalified companies with relevant experience in the Provision of Machine Shop Services.

The contract is proposed to span a period of three (3) years with a possible optional term of one (1) year duration.

2. SCOPE OF WORK:

Contractor shall supply Machine Shop Services in support of SDWPL's deep water drilling and completion operation including the following.

The scope of work for the service includes but not limited to the following:

· Cut/re-cut or repair thread sizes for all Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG), predrilling and slotting casings, liners and tubing or proprietary threads as may be requested by Company

· Maintain established base/shop/facility in Onne or Port Harcourt, complete with lathes, drills and other machine shop equipment required to cut OCTG casing, tubing, drill pipe and rotary shouldered connections. Machine Shop is required to be ISO-9000, ISO-9001 and/or ISO-9002 equivalent or better

· Provide experienced 'factory-certified' technicians trained to operate lathes, drills, and other equipment.

· Provide and maintain adequate and up-to-date certifications and thread gauges required for the cutting and/or re-cutting of all Company proposed proprietary Threads. Company shall, at their sole discretion, determine whether certifications provided are acceptable

· Contractor shall maintain proprietary connections licenses and fully equipped machine shop to cut or re-cut proprietary threads as required by Company

· Perform full thread gauge and inspection after cutting/re-cutting of any of above threads or any worked upon for company

· Fabrication of crossover and subs for the connections and sizes of OCTG. Welding of large OD pipe connectors. Only companies with high quality control standards and approved license from the thread manufacturers will be considered. Contractor shall have in place detailed QA / QC program, equipment and training.

3. MANDATORY TENDER REQUIREMENTS:

A. To be eligible for this tender exercise, interested bidders are required to be prequalified and “live” with NJQS Product/Category 3.04.33 - OCTG Services (Cleaning, Hard banding, Recutting, Rethreading, Storage) and 1.01.04 - Casing, Tubing, Liner, Connectors and Accessories (OCTG) categories of the NipeX Joint Qualification System (NJQS) database. All successfully pre-qualified and 'live' bidders in this category by the bid close date will receive Invitation to submit Technical and Commercial Tender (ITT).

B. To confirm if you are pre-qualified and view the product/service category you are listed for: Open www vendors.nipex-ng.com and access NJQS with your log in details. Click on Products/Services tab to view your status and product codes.

C. If you are not listed in the product service category and you are registered with NUPRC to do business in this category, please contact NipeX office at 27B, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi, Lagos with your NUPRC certificate (formerly called DPR Certificate) as evidence for verification and necessary update

D To initiate and complete the JQS prequalification process, access www.nipexng.com click on the services tab followed by NJQS registration.

E. To be eligible, all tenders must comply with Nigerian Content requirements in the NipeX system.

4. NIGERIAN CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited is committed to the development of the Nigerian Oil and Gas business in observance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (NOGICD Act) enacted by the Federal Government of Nigeria in April 2010

Pursuant to enactment of the NOGICD Act, the minimum Nigerian Content in any project, service, or product specification to be executed in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry shall be consistent with the level set in the schedule of the Act and any other target as may be directed by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Contractors shall comply with the provisions of the NOGICD Act and all applicable regulations. Bidders that do not meet the Nigerian Content criterion will not be allowed to participate in next Tender Stage

The following are the Nigerian Content requirements bidders are expected to comply with in their technical bid submission.

A. Demonstrate that entity is a Nigerian registered company. Tenderer shall provide evidence of company Ownership Structure form CO2 and CO7, registration on NOGIC JQS and NUPRC certificate

B. Detailed description of the location of in-country committed facilities & infrastructure (Administrative/Technical offices) in Nigeria to support this contract.

C. Provide evidence of percentage of management that are Nigerian Nationals and the percentage of the total workforce that are Nigerians.

D Bidders shall provide any of the underlisted NCEC categories:

i. Cat. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Fabrication and construction (FC) group NCEC demonstrating capacity and capability as well ownership of fabrication equipment to be utilized in the execution of the work scope

ii. Cat. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 Manufacturing services (MS) group NCEC demonstrating ownership of Machine shop / threading facility to be utilized in the execution of the work scope

E. Comply with the latest approved version of NCDMB HCD guideline by committing (via a letter of undertaking) to providing Project-Specific training, man-hour, budget, skill development and understudy plan for Nigerian personnel utilizing OGTAN registered trainer(s) or other approved NCDMB training institution(s).

5 CLOSE DATE

Only bidders who are pre-qualified and 'live' with NJQS Product/Category 3.04.33OCTG Services (Cleaning, Hard banding, Recutting, Rethreading, Storage) and 1.01.04 - Casing, Tubing, Liner, Connectors and Accessories (OCTG) by 16:00 Hours, 6th November, 2024, being the advert close date shall be invited to submit technical bid.

Additional Information:

1. Suppliers eligible for this tender opportunity are expected to be prequalified in NJQS under this product/service category

2. The Invitation to Tender (ITT) and any further progression of this tender shall be via NipeX.

3. All costs incurred in preparing and processing NJQS prequalification shall be to the contractor's accounts.

4. This advertisement shall neither be construed as any form of commitment on the part of Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited to award any contract to any company and or associated companies, sub-contractors or agents, nor shall it entitle prequalified companies to make any claims whatsoever, and/or seek any indemnity from Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited and or any of its partners by virtue of such companies having been prequalified in NJQS.

5. The tendering process shall be the NNPCL contracting process requiring pre-qualified companies to submit technical tenders first. Following a technical review, only technically and financially qualified contractors will be requested to submit commercial tenders.

6. Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited will communicate only with authorized officers of the pre-qualifying companies and NOT through individuals or Agents.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector have reiterated their commitments to advance Nigeria’s digital economy and support businesses facing economic headwinds.

The stakeholders, which include Google, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of select companies operating in Nigeria, including government officials and industry leaders, made the renewed commitment at a roundtable meeting organised by Google, during the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES30), which held in Abuja.

The roundtable, themed, “Leveraging Digital Solutions to Navigate Economic Volatility,”

sparked dynamic discussions on how digital technology can empower businesses to not just survive but thrive amidst the nation’s economic challenges.

As Nigeria stands on the threshold of significant economic change, the country faces both complex challenges and vast potential. With a rapidly growing tech sector and a young dynamic population, Nigeria is poised to become a leader in digital innovation across Africa. Digital transformation is essential for boosting economic growth, increasing productivity, and improving living standards. Research shows that for every $1 invested in digital technology, $8 is generated for the Nigerian economy—underscoring the immense value of embracing the digital shift.

At the roundtable, stakeholders highlighted the urgent need for collaboration across sectors to drive economic progress in Nigeria.

Opening with insights from a CEO survey conducted by Africa Practice, the discussions revealed that 46 per cent of businesses reported revenue declines due to inflation and macroeconomic pressures. Yet, despite these hurdles, 70 per cent of business leaders are actively looking to digital solutions to adapt, innovate, and fuel future growth. This widespread adoption of digital tools signals a strong readiness among Nigerian businesses to embrace technology as a transformative force.

Financial constraints, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to foreign currency remain key barriers to adoption. However, leaders at

the roundtable didn’t just outline the challenges, they also committed to action.

Government representatives pledged to fast-track the digitisation of public services, improve crossagency collaboration, and address fiscal barriers to support digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Google committed to exploring local payment solutions through partnerships, ensuring greater access to digital tools for businesses across Nigeria.

Industry leaders reinforced the private sector’s role in the transformation, emphasising the importance of working closely with the government while investing in technology and digital skills development to bridge the talent gap.

Chairman of the Presidential

Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, stated: “I am excited about forums like this between private and public sector because of the opportunity to hear from one another and ideate. I am a firm believer in working together, because the private sector cannot thrive without carrying along the public sector. Digital transformation should be mobilised within government as foundationary and by beginning this dialogue and continuing momentum, we can achieve a true shift in how Nigeria operates, with a digital first mindset.”

Former CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Laoye Jaiyeola, said: “Policy formation is only as effective as the effort behind it. Over the years, we’ve

seen businesses engage briefly but move on if there’s no immediate solution. The NESG through its Digital Economy Policy Commission provides a platform for the private sector to make meaningful contributions in advancing digital solutions.”

West Africa Director at Google, Olumide Balogun, highlighted the power of collaboration, stating: “Technology holds the power to transform lives and economies. We believe that by working together across government, business, and communities, we can unlock the immense potential that Nigeria’s digital economy holds for the future.”

Raheem Akingbolu

The Chairman of Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), Yomi Badejo-Ogunsanya, has identified the importance of reputation management in national development, insisting that there is a strong correlation between corporate reputation and financial performance.

Speaking to THISDAY during the unveiling of the NRMG in Abuja, Okusanya expressed his disposition for the poor reputation Nigeria has consistently contended with and pointed out that proper reputation management would play a pivotal role in shaping the success

and growth of businesses in Nigeria.

While calling on stakeholders in the Nigeria project to wake up and assume the position of salesmen to market the country’s potential, Okusanya, who is a former President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), said a strong reputation could enhance a country’s perceived value, leading to higher valuation multiples and increased investor interest.

He said: “What applies in a situation where investors and lenders scrutinise a company’s reputation as a key factor in their investment decision making process also affects countries as entities. A strong reputation helps economic growth but conversely, a

tarnished reputation can significantly impede a country’s access to global opportunities, partnership and her ability to attract new investors.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the federal government would remain committed to reshaping the global perception of Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the NRMG. Idris, who admitted that the initiative aimed to highlight and showcase Nigeria’s authentic identity, achievements, and strengths, emphasized the country’s economic progress and potential.

He said by leveraging the

NRMG’s expertise, the government would amplify the diverse voices of Nigerians while celebrating the country’s culture, innovation, and contributions on the global stage. This aligns with the vision of promoting Nigeria’s positives while fostering unity and national pride.

“The Nigeria Reputation Management Group will play a pivotal role in promoting and changing the global perception of our dear country, by showcasing and highlighting our true identity, achievements, strengths and positives, while also amplifying the voices of our various peoples.

”To accomplish this, the Group will build strategic partnerships and

collaborations with stakeholders across various sectors, including government, private industry, civil society, the media, and youth organizations, within and outside the country,” Idris stated.

The Minister said the unveiling of the NRMG, a brainchild of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marked a significant step forward in the nation’s collective resolve to redefine itself as a people as well as harnessing its brand reputation as one of its core assets, which is more often than not, ignored while computing the country’s primary assets.

“As you are all aware, a country’s brand reputation is one of its core

assets, alongside its financial, natural and mineral resources. However, the intangibility of brand reputation means that it is often not reckoned with or grossly underestimated in the accounting of a country’s primary assets. This dismissive mindset is what the NIPR seeks to challenge, through the NRMG,” he further said. As these positive influences accumulate, Idris added that they would create a virtuous cycle, which would further enhance Nigeria’s attractiveness and position it as a destination of choice for even more opportunities.

Emma Okonji

FITC Holds 40th AGM, Reinforces Leadership in Knowledge Solutions and Innovation

FITC, a renowned knowledge institution providing innovative solutions in learning, research, and advisory services, successfully held its 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos yesterday. The meeting underscored the organisation’s significant achievements in 2023 and unveiled ambitious plans as it continues to drive innovation across the financial services and allied sectors.

In his opening statement the Chairman of the Board of Directors FITC and Deputy Governor Financial System Stability, Central Bank of Nigeria, Philip Ikezor, noted FITC’s journey over the past four decades, highlighting the institution’s pivotal role in shaping the future of knowledge in Nigeria and beyond. He stated:

“As we celebrate over 40 years of FITC’s leadership in providing forward-thinking solutions, we are reminded of our steadfast

commitment to excellence. Over the years, we have continued to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the financial services sector, ensuring that our solutions remain relevant and impactful.”

In her statement from the 2023 annual report themed; “Building The Future, Expanding The Knowledge Vista,” FITC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chizor Malize, also took the stage to highlight the institution’s remarkable strides in 2023 and outline strategic goals for the coming year. In her address, she acknowledged FITC’s unwavering dedication to driving change and innovation in the industry.

“I am delighted to present the 2023 achievements of FITC, a year defined by ground- breaking innovations and transformative initiatives that have positioned us as a future- ready organization. Our launch of the Future of

Work Academy and the ESG & Sustainability Institute are key milestones in our quest to equip talent and organizations with the knowledge and tools to succeed in an ever-evolving world.”

Reflecting on the global challenges faced in 2023, Malize added, “FITC met these challenges with resilience and innovation, actively setting new standards of excellence across the professional services landscape. Our focus on digitization, sustainability, and operational efficiency has solidified our position as a leader in the knowledge sector.”

She also pointed out that the institution’s success was made possible by strategic partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), and other regulatory bodies.

DSN Trains over 200 Nigerians on Artificial Intelligence Skills

Emma Okonji

Determined to build capacity and empower tech entrepreneurs in specialised tech skills that will make them globally competitive, Data Science Nigeria (DSN) has assembled over 200 tech-savvy Nigerians for a five-day training at this year’s DSN Bootcamp, which opened on Monday in Lagos.

The over 200 attendees, selected from across 34 states in Nigeria are currently undergoing training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Services, Data Visualization, Language Model, Research Writing, among others for five consecutive days at the University of Lagos, venue of the DSN 2024 AI Bootcamp.

Speaking about the selection process, the CEO of Data Science

Nigeria, Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, said over 36,000 people participated during the selection that lasted for six months, and over 200 people from 34 states were selected to participate in this year’s bootcamp. According to him, the need to train Nigerians on emerging technologies like AI has become necessary in order to build capacity for the current and future jobs.

“Everybody understands that the next big thing that will determine the country that will rule the world is artificial intelligence. So for us as a country, and giant of Africa, artificial intelligence has to be entrenched in everything that we do to drive digital transformation. We need to start building capacity and training young Nigerians now.

After this year’s bootcamp, those trained will begin to train others in their environment, and through that process, we can build more capacities in AI,” Adekanmbi said. Delivering a lecture on research writing on the first day of the bootcamp, Research Specialist, Dr. Elaine Nsoesie, said through the research writing session, the students would not only just think about how to write research papers, but actually get excited about doing research and discovering new things and proposing new solutions to the problems that they are facing.

She advised participants to learn as much as they could, all through the training programme, and take time to digest them and apply them where necessary.

Alitheia Capital, Goodwell Investments Visit MAX Ibadan Facility

MAX, Africa’s leading mobility tech platform, recently received Alitheia Capital and Goodwell Investments to its state-of-the-art facility in Ibadan during its annual investee company meetup.

The visit highlights the ongoing collaboration between MAX, Alitheia Capital and Goodwell Investments, as these companies work towards accelerating the future of sustainable mobility in Africa.

Speaking during the visit, Cofounder at MAX, Chinedu Azodoh, said: “We are thrilled to host Alitheia Capital and demonstrate how our Ibadan facility is at the forefront of our mission to revolutionize mobility across Africa. Investors like Alitheia have been instrumental in enabling us to expand our operations, and we are excited about the future

opportunities this collaboration presents.”

Alitheia Capital and Goodwell Investments, are foremost impact investment firms in Africa, and have been critical aspects of MAX’s growth journey, fueling MAX’s expansion across the continent, as the company ramps up production capacity, enhances its infrastructure for electric vehicle adoption, and creates local jobs.

Co-founder and Managing Partner at Alitheia Capital, Tokunboh Ishmael, said: “MAX is a visionary company, addressing some of Africa’s most pressing transportation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. Our visit to the Ibadan facility showcases the potential of MAX, and we are confident

Firms Launch AfriHackBox at

Agnes Ekebuike

JustUnsecure, a leading nonprofit organisation focused on cybersecurity in Africa, in collaboration with Suwebatu AB, have launched AfriHackBox platform during the Cybersecurity Summit Africa held in Lagos recently.

The platform aims to transform the cybersecurity landscape across the African continent by equipping professionals and aspiring experts with the skills needed to tackle evolving digital threats.

Speaking at the launch, the co-Founder at JustUnsecure, Babatunde Anifowoshe, said: “We

are excited to unveil AfriHackBox in collaboration with Suwebatu AB, who aligns with our shared vision of fostering cybersecurity talent across the continent. Our mission is to train over 500,000 individuals annually and raise $25 million to sustain and expand our initiatives, creating a safer digital environment in Africa.”

Addressing the need for collaboration and shared responsibility in the fight against cyber threats, CEO/MD of Swebatu AB, Paul John, said: “Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it’s a societal challenge that requires collaboration across sectors. The public-private partnership model is essential for

that with continued investment, MAX will be able to scale its impact even further across Africa, creating lasting economic, environmental, and social value.”

CEO of Goodwell Investments, Els Boerhof, stated: “Our investment in MAX, alongside Alitheia, reflects our confidence in MAX’s ability to revolutionize transportation across Africa while fostering inclusive economic growth. By providing cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions, MAX is not only transforming the future of transportation but also creating countless opportunities for drivers, entrepreneurs, and communities. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing MAX’s continued impact on sustainable mobility and empowerment across the continent.”

Africa

ensuring the sustainability and growth of initiatives like AfriHackBox.” Senior Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Mr Arnold AgureDam, in his presentation titled: ‘Building a Resilient Cyber security Ecosystem: Africa’s Path to Digital Sovereignty’, noted that building a resilient cyber security ecosystem remained critical for Africa because its emergence as a hub for innovation, economic growth and technological advancement, is increasingly exposing it to cyber threats that have the potential to derail its progress if not effectively managed.

TGI: Rural Inclusion Crucial to Nigeria’s Socio-economic Growth, Stability

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Vice Chairman of TGI Group, Farouk Gumel has highlighted the role rural inclusion plays in Nigeria’s economic development.

He stated this during a dinner session emphasising the importance of rural inclusion as a key driver for Nigeria’s socio-economic growth and national security, at the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, themed, “Rural Economy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” hosted by TGI.

“Rural inclusion is essential for Nigeria’s development. Most of our resources whether it’s oil and gas, agriculture, or solid minerals, are concentrated in rural areas. That is our GDP, that is our economic activity,” said Gumel.

He called for stronger collabo-

ration between urban decisionmakers and rural entrepreneurs to foster sustainable business growth. “We must ensure urban consumption, processing, and financing align with rural production to unlock the full potential of these areas.”

“We have both the serving and former heads of our security and intelligence agencies sitting in the same room, talking about how some of the progress they have made in bringing peace and stability in rural Nigeria, highlighting how inclusive community engagements contributed to that peace. And now to sustain that peace, more engagement needs to happen,” Gumel iterated.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu while addressing the Nigerian’s economy stressed the

vast potential locked within Nigeria’s rural areas. Bagudu said, “Inclusive development is crucial to unlocking wealth in agriculture, minerals, and energy sectors. In my experience as governor, I witnessed how transformative programmes, like boosting farmers’ yields from less than one ton per hectare to over four tons, can lift people out of poverty.”

He emphasised that strategic investments in rural development are key to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential.

He noted that an agricultural survey revealed that approximately 40.9 million households are engaged in agriculture. This means that if they receive government empowerment, it would lead to a significant boost in national and economic growth.

APM Terminals Apapa Boosts Container Yard Capacity

In a strategic move to bolster Nigeria’s non-oil exports, APM Terminals Apapa, the country’s largest container terminal, has expanded its yard capacity to handle increased export cargo volumes.

With the recent expansion, the terminal now boasts an additional 2,400 TEU container capacity.

Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy, emphasizing recent improvements driven by exporter and shipping line feedback.

“We’ve held several interactive forums to gather insights and improve our processes,” Knudsen said. “The expanded yard is a direct result of this collaboration. Additionally, we’ve completed paving the customs examination

section, enhancing the standard of the inspection area and improving cargo tidiness and efficiency.”

Knudsen also noted that the terminal has achieved this expansion and pavement project with 254,188 number of contractor man-hours without any safety or security infractions, underscoring the terminal’s focus on safety alongside operational efficiency. “We are dedicated to maintaining high safety standards while delivering efficient services,” he added. The enhancement allows for the handling of more export containers efficiently, reducing wait times and ensuring smoother operations. This ensures the terminal’s export section is now better equipped than ever to meet growing demand and improve overall throughput.

As part of its broader export

promotion initiative, APM Terminals Apapa has enhanced its barge capacity, gate access, and dedicated export lanes to reduce turnaround times for export containers. These efforts have yielded significant results, with the terminal recording an increase of 9% for its half-year (H1) export figures for non-oil cargo in 2024 at 51,000 TEUs, when compared with 47,000 TEUs for H1 2023.

Over the past four years, the terminal has experienced consistent growth in non-oil export cargo. Starting with 53,000 TEUs in 2020, export volumes increased to 63,000 TEUs in 2021 and 71,000 TEUs in 2022. The most significant surge came in 2023, with volumes reaching 94,000 TEUs—a remarkable 32% increase.

GOXI to Host Microinsurance, MSME Resilience Conference

Goxi Microinsurance, Nigeria’s leading microinsurance provider, is set to host its annual conference aimed at exploring the role of microinsurance in strengthening the resilience of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The event is expected to take place in Lagos, under the theme, “Microinsurance and Resilience of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.”

According to Managing Director of Goxi Microinsurance, Shina Gbadegesin, “Microinsurance is a lifeline for MSMEs, especially in challenging times.

We believe that by safeguarding these enterprises, we are not only protecting livelihoods but also driving the economic growth of our nation.”

He added, “Our goal is to continually expand the reach and impact of microinsurance in Nigeria. This conference is an opportunity to further that vision by bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore how we can strengthen MSMEs and ensure their resilience in the face of uncertainties.”

The conference will feature prominent speakers, includ-

ing Prof. Sunday Aduloju, a professor of insurance at the University of Lagos; Dr. Olufemi Egbesola, national president of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria; and Charles Odii, CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, among others. They will provide valuable insights into the role of microinsurance in building resilient MSMEs.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of microinsurance in Nigeria.

TFM UK Recognizes Durosinmi as Leading Marketing Influencer

In an impressive feat that celebrates both personal excellence and African representation on a global scale, Khadijat Durosinmi has been ranked 59th on the Top 100 Marketing Influencers Index by Technology for Marketing (TFM). Her recognition highlights her exceptional contributions to the marketing and technology sectors, showcasing her as a powerful voice for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. This achievement underscores her pivotal role in global marketing innovation.

As the UK’s only event dedicated to marketing technology, Technology for Marketing (TFM) is a key platform for top

marketers and decision-makers. It brings together industry leaders to share groundbreaking insights and foster innovation. Khadijat’s presence on this index positions her as a trailblazer among the elite, at an event known for shaping the future of marketing and driving new ideas forward.

Khadijat has continually championed marketing strategies that resonate across diverse global audiences while remaining true to her African roots. Her approach to integrating technology into campaigns has made waves in the industry, blending innovation with cultural relevance. From pioneering digital strategies to

enhancing customer engagement through tech, Khadijat has set new standards for marketing creativity, and her work is a driving force for both local and global change.

Reacting to her recognition, Khadijat said; “It’s an absolute honour to be recognized among such talented and influential individuals driving innovation in marketing and tech. This recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support and opportunities I’ve had. It’s both a privilege and responsibility to represent Africa on this stage, and I’m excited to continue contributing to the growth and evolution of the marketing industry.”

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $87.33 a barrel on Monday, compared with $86.00 the previous Thursday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference

following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: Head of Marketing, Polo Limited, Chika Nnadozie; Managing Director, Polo Limited, John Obayuwana; Creative Director & Founder of Banke Kuku, Banke Kuku and Chairman, Skymit Limited, Tayo Ayeni at the Banke Kuku Fashion show in Lagos...recently

Demand for Banking, Oil & Gas Stocks Lift Stock Market by N529.9bn

Kayode Tokede

The market capitalisation of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) gained N529.9 billion in three days trading this week as investors renewed interest in some listed banking and Oil & gas stocks quoted on the Exchange.

Following investors’ keen interest in some banking and oil & gas stocks on NGX, the market capitalisation that

opened the week at N59.425 trillion gained 0.89per cent or N529.9 billion to close yesterday at N59.955 trillion. Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index appreciated by 0.89per cent or 874.14basis points from 98,070.28 basis points the market opened for trading to close at 98,944.42basis points, with Month-to-Date and Yearto-Date returns printed at 0.4per cent and +32.3per

PRICES

cent, respectively.

As gathered by THISDAY, Banking index in three days trading this week has gained 4.3per cent to close yesterday at 966.46basis points from 926.39basis points it opened for trading, while the NGX Oil & gas Index appreciated by 3.8 per cent to close yesterday at 2,275.78 basis points from 2,192.84 basis points the index closed for trading last week.

THISDAY also gathered that United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), FBN Holdings Plc and Zenith Bank Plc have witnessed significant increase in stock price in three days.

Oando Plc, and Seplat Petroleum Plc have gained in the stock market that impacted positively on the NGX Oil & gas index.

Specifically, the stock price of UBA that opened the week at N25.40 per share has gained

11.8per cent to close at N28.40 per share amid the pan-African financial institution’s impressive third quarter (Q3) ended September 2024 corporate earnings.

UBA’s gross earnings grew significantly by 83.2 per cent to N2.398 trillion in Q3 2024 up from N1.308 trillion recorded in Q3 2023, while its net Interest income which stood at N443.0 billion at Q3 2023, rose impressively by 149 per cent

to N1.103 trillion in Q3 2024. The Group’s financial report filed with the NGX, also indicated a 20.2 per cent increase in Profit before Tax (PBT) to close at N603.48 billion compared to N502.09billion recorded at the end of the third quarter of 2023, while profit after tax also rose remarkably by 16.9 per cent from N449.26 billion recorded a year earlier to N525.31 billion in the period under review.

TRADED ASOF OCTOBER 23/24

ProPerty & environment

UN Climate Chief Calls for Greater Speed in Climate Finance to Prevent Collapse of Global Economy

Bennett Oghifo

The UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has said there is an urgent need to improve global climate finance to prevent the collapse of the economies of all countries, developed and developing.

“International climate finance must grow up, step up, and scale up, to meet this moment,” Stiell stated in his remarks to Brookings Institution’s Global Economy and Development Programme virtual event on Thursday 17 October, 2024.

Stiell talked about where the global community is on climate finance, where it is going, and where it needs to be. The changes

to make and the actions to take to get finance flowing to every sector of every economy.

Stiell referred to a statement by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which said in 2022 developed countries provided and mobilised more than $100 billion in climate finance to developing countries.

He said, “We simply can’t afford a world of clean energy haves and have-nots. In a twospeed global transition, pretty soon everyone loses.

“Because we can only prevent the climate crisis from decimating all economies – including the largest – if every nation has the means to slash greenhouse

gas pollution and boost climate resilience.

“So, we know trillions more are needed. Doing so is a crucial investment to protect the global economy, and will be a fraction of the costs every nation will pay if we allow the climate crisis to keep running rampant, devastating more and more lives and livelihoods every year.”

On the next step to ensure a transition where more countries and companies benefit, and where all peoples and communities are protected, he noted that, “In the past decade we’ve seen some real progress. Over a trillion dollars was invested in climate action last year globally. Up from a few hundred billion

a decade ago.

“We got this far because firstmovers and smart governments – who had the means – seized their chance. They saw the opportunity and grabbed it. But relative to where we need to be – this is nowhere near enough.

According to him, “This year we’ve seen hundreds of billions of dollars of damage to countries rich and poor. So many have suffered from Hurricane Milton and Helene’s devastating damage. My own home island of Carriacou took a direct hit from Hurricane Beryl only a few months ago.

“And even those who’ve avoided direct damages have been hit hard by inflation as

supply chains are blocked and broken.”

The World Bank Annual Meetings, which will be held from Friday, 25 October 2024 – Sunday, 27 October 2024, he said, “Are once again a huge opportunity to create change.

Because Multilateral Development Banks will be at the heart of this transition. Just this week the World Bank announced more concessional lending for climate.

And the IMF is looking at ways to incorporate climate action and risks right across their work.

“This is good news. But incremental increases won’t lead to an exponential surge of investment and green growth. On climate finance, we have a

need for speed, and without a much larger scale, all economies will fail.

“So many countries are facing debt crises that amount to fiscal straight-jackets, making it near-impossible to invest in climate action.

“At the Annuals, we must see further signals that the World Bank and IMF are committed to ensuring developing countries have funds and fiscal space for climate action and investment, not devastating debts and skyhigh costs of capital.

“Debt relief and introducing more climate-related debt clauses are a start. So is replenishing the World Bank’s International Development Association.

PWAN Group Announces Major Restructuring, New Leadership Appointments

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The PWAN Group, one of Nigeria’s leading real estate conglomerates, has undergone

a significant restructuring of its leadership and operational framework to enhance efficiency and drive sustainable growth, according to a statement by the

company.

In a landmark move, Dr. Michael Afamefuna Okonkwo, previously Managing Director of PWAN Legend, has been

shortly after his appointment recently

appointed as the Group Chairman, succeeding Dr. Augustine Onwumere, the Co-Founder and long-standing figurehead of the organization. However, Dr. Onwumere retains his position as co-founder and father figure for the group. Dr. Frederick Okpaje of PWAN Haven has also been named Group Vice Chairman.

Other key appointments include Dr. Vera Oberabor as Group Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Dr. Julius Olaniyi Oyedemi as Group Executive Director of Sales & Marketing, Dr. Mike Akhuetie as Group Executive Director of Recruitment, and Dr. Anthonia Abayomi as Group Executive Director of Finance.

The restructuring efforts will be spearheaded by the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jayne Onwumere, who remains in her leadership role. Addressing the new changes, Dr. Onwumere highlighted the importance of

the restructuring, noting that it was essential for addressing pressing internal concerns and positioning PWAN Group for future growth.

“We’ve grown to over 60 affiliate companies, and we’re expecting over 150 Managing Directors by next year. To ensure sustainable success, we must adapt,” she stated. Dr. Onwumere expressed confidence in the newly appointed leadership and urged directors and stakeholders to fully support the restructuring efforts.

“I believe this team of directors will bring something new. They are highly organized and determined to make a difference. I urge them to not only start but finish strong, as not everyone who starts finishes. This is a call to lead the group into a new season of better, stronger, and more structured organization,” she added.

Dr. Okonkwo, the newly appointed Group Chairman,

echoed these sentiments in his remarks, pledging to address all outstanding issues, particularly those related to land allocation. He called on the affiliate companies to expand beyond land sales, stating that from next year, PWAN Group will mandate the construction of structures alongside land provision.

“PWAN Group has grown significantly, and our affiliate companies must start building. From next fiscal year, we will be known for delivering excellent buildings, not just lands,” Dr. Okonkwo stated. He also emphasized the importance of recruitment and urged the PWAN Business Owners (PBOs) to align with the Group’s new goals, noting that PWAN Group is set to expand globally.

“We are going global. If you don’t have a passport, get one now, because PWAN Group will be recognized in every state and beyond,” he added.

Ewuzie: Why Bukasin Unique Estate Stands Out in Nigeria’s Real Estate Industry

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Bukasin Unique Estate is emerging as a leader in Nigeria’s competitive real estate sector, thanks to a distinctive operational approach that emphasizes customer relationships, transparency, and community engagement.

In a recent interview, CEO/ MD of Bukasin Unique Services and Investment Limited, the parent company for Bukasin Unique Estate, Ebuka Ewuzie

shared how these principles have shaped the company’s success and vision for the future.

According to Ewuzie, Bukasin Unique Estate differentiates itself through several key operational policies aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience.

“The company prioritizes client relationships, ensuring personalized service and regular communication throughout the buying and selling process,” he explained. This focus on relationship-

building not only fosters trust but also makes clients feel valued and informed every step of the way.

Ewuzie emphasized the importance of transparency in transactions. “By maintaining clear communication about properties and fostering honesty, Bukasin builds trust with clients,” he said.

This commitment to transparency is a crucial factor in establishing long-term relationships in a market often fraught

with skepticism.

Incorporating modern technology into its operations has been another significant factor in Bukasin’s success. “The use of advanced technology for property listings and virtual tours has enhanced the customer experience and streamlined our operations,” he noted, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Ewuzie also highlighted the company’s flexible payment

LASCOHET Provost Urges New Students to Prioritize

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The Provost of Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba, Professor Raheem Akewushola, has advised newly admitted students to prioritise their studies, avoid distractions, and steer clear of misconduct during their time at the institution.

Speaking at the orientation programme for the 2024/2025 academic session, held on Thursday at the College premises,

the Provost congratulated the students on successfully navigating the rigorous admission process.

According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs LASCOHET, Oluyemi Adesoye, he noted that the offer of admission on probation to about 1,000 students from over 3,000 applicants by the College, underscored the competitiveness of the process, and urged the students to take their admission seriously.

Prof. Akewushola explained that the orientation program was designed to familiarize the students with the operations of the College and provide them with essential information to ensure a smooth and productive academic journey.

In his address, the Provost highlighted the crucial role the students would play in shaping the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, urging the students to seize the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to

plans, which are tailored to meet individual client needs.

“This aligns with our mission to make homeownership accessible for all,” he said. By offering personalized financing options, Bukasin Unique Estate is breaking down barriers to homeownership, making it easier for a broader demographic to invest in real estate.

Looking to the future, Ewuzie is optimistic about the growth potential within Nigeria’s real estate sector. He attributes this

anticipated growth to factors such as urbanization and increased foreign investment. To harness these opportunities, he stressed the need for a thriving business environment.

“We must simplify processes and establish a stable legal framework that encourages investment and boosts investor confidence,” he said, outlining a strategic vision that could position Bukasin Unique Estate at the forefront of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

Studies, Warns against Misconduct

the nation’s health sector.

He stressed that LASCOHET is committed to producing wellrounded and morally upright healthcare professionals, adding, “The future of the country’s healthcare system depends on you.”

The Provost, however, cautioned that the admissions were provisional, subject to verification of the information provided during the application process, warning that any discrepancies or false claims, could lead to

the withdrawal of admission.

Prof. Akewushola reassured the students that LASCOHET is well-equipped with the necessary facilities and resources, including a skilled, practicaloriented faculty.

He also emphasized the College’s partnerships with various allied health bodies and its integration of telemedicine into its teaching methods, as part of its commitment to providing cutting-edge health education. Expressing optimism for

the future, the Provost looked forward to seeing the students return in two to three years for their graduation ceremony, celebrating their achievements with excellent grades.

Throughout the orientation, faculty members and principal officers of the College provided guidance on various administrative processes, including library usage, student union activities, religious practices, and how to calculate Cumulative Grade Point Averages (GPAs).

L-R: Group Executive Director, Corporate Communications/Events, Dr. Vera Oberabor; Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Jayne Onwumere; Group Executive Director Finance, Dr. Anthonia Abayomi; General Overseer Word Assembly Church, Pastor Philip Igbinijesu; Group Executive Director Recruitments, Dr. Michael Akhuetie and Executive Director Operations, Dr Frederick Okpaje; praying for the new Group Chairman, Dr Michael Okonkwo (kneeling)

and Non-Executive Director/Vice Chairman,

Comments by Tinubu Highly Insensitive, Reckless

President Bola Tinubu's recent statement advising Nigerians to buy petrol at N1,000 per litre or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) at N200 per meter has been described as reckless and highly insensitive Tinubu’s comments came after fuel prices skyrocketed to

N1,300 per litre at some locations in Abuja and parts of the country, a staggering increase from the N195 per litre when he took office less than 18 months ago.

General Secretary, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Chief Peter Ameh, said, in a statement, "The fuel subsidy removal, implemented by Tinubu's administration has

led to a surge in transportation costs, with prices increasing by over 300 per cent.

"This has had a ripple effect on the economy, with inflation rising to alarming levels. I will continue to argue that due to the failure of the government to provide a proper policy framework before implementing the subsidy removal, leaving citizens to bear

the brunt of the decision."

Ameh said the removal of fuel subsidy had worsened poverty levels, with the number of malnourished Nigerians increasing.

The surge in fuel prices had led to increased transportation costs, affecting the livelihoods of many Nigerians, he added.

He said the government's

Presidential Pardon: College of Profs Call for Spilt of Supreme Court, Establishment of More Acts

Advocate increase of geopolitical zones from 6 to 12

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The College of Professors in Nigeria (CoPIN) has said in finding a new direction for the country, particularly in the area of Presidential Pardon and other fields of interest, there is the need to spilt the Apex Court into two, namely Supreme Court and Constitutional Court. It said other conditions for the declaration of Presidential Pardon should also include expansion of court processes, the introduction of Unexplained Wealth Act, establishment of Anti-corruption Court of Justice and an Act to support a maximum of 30 days legal proceedings and judgements in any court.

President of CoPIN and Vice Chancellor (Academics) of the Akwa Ibom State University, Prof. Otoabasi Akpan, stated this in Abuja yesterday at the unveiling of its first publication and manual on new directions for

Nigeria titled "The Abuja Papers: Manual for Short-and-Medium Term Development of Nigeria, 2024- 2032".

He said: "The conditions for the declaration of the presidential pardon should include the following: expansion of court processes such that every political ward has Customary Court or its equivalent, every local government area has a High Court and every federal constituency has a High Court of Appeal and every region a Regional Supreme Court.

"The supreme Court of Nigeria be spilt into two as Supreme Court and Constitutional Court, the introduction of Unexplained Wealth Act, the establishment of Anti- Corruption Court of Justice and an Act that all legal proceedings and judgements in any court in a Nigeria, including administrative panels must take a maximum of 30 days."

Prof. Akpan explained that the first edition of "The Abuja Papers" is in the immediate needs of Nigeria to retool

and make way for political stability, social harmony and enthronement of justice and development of ensuring economic development.

"On the other hand, we have recommended that in these 12 geopolitical zones, the federal government should initiate the introduction of 12 smart cities.

Six in the north (Area, Central Hills, Guinea, Kanem, Rima and Sudan) and six in the south (Badagry, Biafra, Bendel, Enying, Oduduwa, and Oil Rivers). All of the cities should be designated international.

"In the Biafra international city, the federal government should gift it with a 37-storey building to be called Unity Dome with each floor named after Abuja and the 36 states in Nigeria. The building which should be massive enough should be use scope international commercial engagements lines to malls and international markets

with spaces for commerce shared on a pro-rata basis" he said.

Looking at the leadership precedents in Nigeria from independence to the present administration of President Bola Tinubu, Prof. Akpan said the Nigerian jinx with stop with the present government for a progressive rhyme to henceforth make replacement and not a continuation of the previous norms and misfortunes in which a preceding administration was better than the other.

While calling for the capital cities of each state to be constituted as mayoralties through the Charter of Mayoralties by the National Assembly, the President of CoPIN reiterated that on education, strict adherence to international best practices where budgets of government in the corridor of between 15- 20 percent be devoted exclusively to education.

IG Approves Revised Training Curriculum for Police Recruits to Enhance Modern Policing Techniques

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday approved the implementation of a Revised Training Curriculum for all police recruits, to enhance modern policing techniques, professionalism and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement by Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that this new training curricular when fully implemented would prepare recruits for the challenges to be faced in the course of policing a complex society like Nigeria and how to

best execute their duties in line with international best practices.

Adejobi averred that the revised curriculum introduces a comprehensive array of training topics, which includes the Police Act 2020, to familiarize trainees with the latest legal framework guiding police operations.

Others, he said, include, "The Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, to help trainees understand social media conduct and the role of social media in policing and communication, Computer Studies, Gender Mainstreaming and Education, Sex Education, Anti-Corruption Laws,Training on Harassment and Gender-

Based Crimes, Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, Election Security (Electoral Act 2022), Core principles of Public Relations and Public Speaking, Cartography, Map Reading, Human Relations, Report Writing, Cybercrime Act 2015, Combat Crafts, Artificial Intelligence, Attitudinal and Behavioral Changes and Public Conduct".

The Police Spokesperson noted that the implementation of this revised curriculum is in line with the IGP's dedication to intellectual and capacity building within the Nigeria Police Force.

He said that by addressing

critical areas of training, the IGP aims to improve the optimal performance level, professionalism, and community-oriented approach of new recruits, preparing them to effectively discharge their duties within the ambit of the Law.

The Nigeria Police Force, Adejobi said, is committed to continuous improvement and sensitization of its officers, ensuring that they are not only well-trained but also equipped with the prerequisite knowledge and skills required to effectively meet the high demands of policing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to achieve a crime free society the nation deserves.

handling of the fuel subsidy removal had been criticised for lacking transparency and accountability.

Ameh stated, "Instead of providing tangible solutions to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, this administration has resorted to insensitive statements. The recent launch of CNG at N230 per litre, while I see it a welcome move, does little to address the underlying issues caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

"The consequences of the fuel subsidy removal are dire, with increased poverty, economic hardship, and lack of transparency.

To move forward, Tinubu's government must learn how

to prioritise the welfare of our citizens and develop policies that promote economic stability and growth in place of inconsistent and insensitive government statements.

"This includes providing a proper policy framework that will ensure a robust implementation, investing in alternative energy sources, and addressing corruption surrounding the fuel subsidy.

"Fundamentally, Nigerians deserve better than insensitive statements and impulsive policy decisions.

“Tinubu's government must demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through effective governance and policy decisions."

Edo Govt Releases over N300m Relief Materials to Support Flood Victims

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has released over N300 million relief materials to victims of recent flood in the state.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Kingsley Uwagbale, who disclosed this at a press briefing on the current flood situation in the state, also said that Edo State Government has asked residents not to wait for a crisis but appealed to them to move to safer areas prepared to ensure their safety.

According to Uwagbale, “Obaseki has given us the mandate to ensure the safety of Edo State citizens prone to flooding in the State as we should inform him if other things are needed.

“We are in control of the situation as we have the capacity of escalating. There is funding, relief materials, and people will move into these camps until the rain subsides.

"He urged residents in floodprone areas to move to higher ground and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps set up by the state government across the state to avert casualties from flooding in the State.

“The governor has asked us to warn the people about the flooding as the flood is here now and he urged the people in the exposed regions in the state, including Etsako East, Etsako Central, Esan South East, Ubiaja, and Illushi areas.

“There will be flooding in these areas and the people living in these areas are warned to relocate to IDP camps already prepared for them.

“The governor also charged the

various local government councils to ensure that people vacate the affected areas. They have been mobilized to start the process as we have a local emergency committee already on ground.

“Other emergency response teams have been mobilized like the NEMA, SEMA, Red Cross, Police and other stakeholders.

“We ask our people not to wait until the flood hit them as they need to be alive, well, and safe. We urge the people to move to safer areas that are prepared for them. The people should call the Edo State emergency line, 739 which is effective as it can be reached from anywhere in the State,”

The governor said the state already has statutory camps that can accommodate those affected by flooding while the state can also set up emergency camps in at least two to three weeks that can accommodate the people until the flood subsides,

He added: “We have statutory camps which has already been built initially to absorb those ready to move. We have the capacity to set up our camps as we are building a new camp in Ubiaja. We have two in Agenebode and the massive one that is a camp and a warehouse at Ogumere.

“We have been sensitizing the people in the last three, four, five months since we heard flood is coming and people have made the move already but however there are some people who can’t move and they are exposed but we are appealing to them to move to safer ground which is the camps we are providing.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Johnson,

Haresh Aswani, during the 74th Annual General Meeting of Guinness Nigeria Plc, held in Lagos...yesterday

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS AT WAIFC'S AGM IN TOKYO...

L-R: Director of Policy and Public Affairs EnterpriseNGR, Mr. Lami Adekola; Senior Strategy Analyst, NGX Group and the 1st runner-up of the prestigious World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC) Young Academic Award 2024,Mr. Adebodun Adebayo; and Chief Executive Officer, EnterpriseNGR, Obi Ibekwe, during the presentation of awards at the WAIFC Annual General Meeting in Tokyo, Japan recently.

FG Okays N740bn for Abuja-Kano Road Project

Reviews over 2,600 inherited contracts Ready to convert filling stations to CNG dispensing stations

The federal government has approved a number of high-profile road projects, including N740 billion for the Berger stretch of the Abuja-Kano highway. Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this to reporters at State House, Abuja, on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided by President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi said the Abuja-Kano road, previously slated for a tax credit arrangement, will now be procured without such a provision, with the

162-kilometre Berger section already approved for N740 billion.

He clarified the government’s approach to managing the extensive backlog of infrastructure projects.

Among the key decisions, FEC announced that the Shagamu-Benin road was undergoing a critical rehabilitation, while procurement processes were being finalised for its full reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement, he stated.

Umahi highlighted several other projects, including the commencement of construction on the Sokoto-Badagry road, with

the Sokoto section to be flagged off imminently.

He said work on the OyoOgbomosho road, a project stalled for 18 years, will resume, and the Makurdi-Katsina-Ala road will undergo significant repairs.

The minister said FEC also tackled the inherited debt profile of N1.6 trillion tied to 2,604 projects, with a total contract value of N13 trillion.

To manage the backlog, he said the Ministry of Works had initiated a phased approach to project completion based on available funding.

He said key examples included the phasing of the Biu-KangiwaKamba-Kaya Niger Republic road in Kebbi State, the Yola-Hong-Mubi road in Adamawa State, and the Kachako-Dambazua road in Kano State.

FEC further approved advanced payment mechanisms to combat inflation and rising costs driven by fluctuating exchange rates and petroleum prices, he said.

Umahi said, "We presented a memo to FEC that where there is proof of funds, there is available funds, the Procurement Act allows

FCCPC Boss Blames Hoarders for Food Inflation, Urges Stakeholders’ Support

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumers Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello, has blamed the current food inflation plaguing the country on some commodity dealers who divert the food for personal gains.

Addressing stakeholders on Wednesday during a townhall meeting with industry captains, MSMEs, market leaders, farmers, transporters and service providers in Kano, Bello said that hoarders are the major contributor to food inflation in the country.

Addressing a packed hall at the Afficent Centre, the FCCPC boss stated that the commission’s investigators discovered that some unscrupulous

produce merchants were mopping up newly harvested grains and stashing them in warehouses to create artificial scarcity, thereby, worsening the food inflation being experienced in the country.

“Without caring for the consequences of their action on fellow countrymen and women, some of these unscrupulous actors go as far as taking some of the food items they had mopped up from the farmers or the markets and smuggling them across the borders to sell at premium, thereby endangering our national food security,” he said.

The Wednesday event was sequel to the interactive sessions earlier hosted in Abuja and Lagos by FCCPC for stakeholders in the production and

distribution chain in its renewed advocacy to curb anti-consumer practices across the country.

Bello solicited the cooperation of the Kano stakeholders to curb the unwholesome practice in the national interest.

“Don’t get us wrong; we are by no means saying everyone is guilty here. We only have few bad eggs involved in such unethical practices. It is therefore our collective responsibility to work together to achieve reasonable pricing of goods and services, especially at a time the country is undergoing bold economic reforms which may bring temporary discomfort today but will definitely usher a better economy for us tomorrow,” he added.

The FCCPC boss also listed price

fixing and creation of artificial barriers in form of entrance levy by market associations among other unethical practices.

Though the FCCP Act prescribes stiff penalties ranging from heavy fine to jail terms for offenders, Bello told the Kano stakeholders that the Commission chose to first explore the option of dialogue in the “spirit of democracy”.

Listing the gains of earlier engagements hosted by FCCPC in Abuja and Lagos, Bello noted that President Tinubu had already responded to some of the popular yearnings in form of new policies, pledging he would similarly convey the views of the Kano stakeholders to the appropriate quarters.

Security Personnel Shielded Me from Lynching, NUPENG President Tells Court

Says secretary general, PTD chairman not so fortunate

The President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr. Williams Akporeha, Wednesday, narrated how security personnel at the Abuja office of the association shielded him from violent attacks that nearly claimed

the lives of the union's Secretary General, Wale Afolabi and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of NUPENG, Augustine Egbon.

Akporeha, gave the details while testifying as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in the attempted

murder charge brought against 20 former leaders of the PTD branch of NUPENG.

The defendants which included a former PTD National Chairman, Mr. Lucky Osesua, are standing trial on a five-count criminal charge bordering on attempted murder, breach of peace and assault.

They were in the suit, marked: CR/042/2023, alleged to have acted “in a manner likely to cause the death of one Comrade Wiliams Akporeha and Comrade Augustine Egbon”, when they laid siege at PTD’s office at No. 50 Moses Majekodenmi Crescent, Utako District in Abuja on November 1, 2023.

MDAs to pay a maximum of 30 per cent advance payments. And let me emphasise that this advanced payment, when you read the law, it says may pay.

“And so when people are giving contracts and they don't mobilise, and they said, I've not paid mobilisation, it is not legally binding, because the word says may pay. And so some people turn it to shall pay. So no, it's may pay.”

He added, “Yes, the law allows us to pay in terms of materials on site. But we are asking beyond that, what is the essence of this? It is to mitigate a lot of fluctuation and inflation, because we have a lot of indices that affect the ministry of works, like the petroleum, it affects it.

“You know the dollar exchange rate also affects, so we are doing everything to manage the resources within the available funds so that we mitigate inflation."

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed that Tinubu spoke about

seeing to conversion of most filling stations across the country to CNG dispensing stations, where you could also get conversion kits.

Ekpo said Nigeria had turned to the use of the alternative fuel, adding that it is cheaper, safer and aimed at reaching all parts of the country.

He stated, "Today at the Federal Executive Council, the president has given a charge, through the Minister of Information, on CNG. We are well aware that the president set up a Presidential Committee on the CNG to drive the CNG project, as a minister who has been supervising what has been going on there, and it is left for us to inform the general public that CNG has come to stay, and we have to follow that route because CNG is safe, cheaper, and protects the environment.

"So today, the president has talked about ensuring that most of the filling stations across the country are converted into CNG stations, where you have the conversion kits, so that people can convert their vehicle to CNG.

Oil Producing States: Bill Seeking Upward Review from 13% to 50% Derivation Passes Second Reading

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed a Bill that seeks upward review from 13 per cent to 50 per cent derivation for oil producing states have passed through the second reading.

The Bill which seeks to rephrase Paragraph 2 of Section 162 (2) of the Constitution by deleting the words ‘not less than 13 per cent’ in line three and insert ‘not less than 50 per cent’ was sponsored by Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and eight others.

Leading the debate on the Bill, Abiante said the Independence Constitution of 1960 and the Republican Constitution of 1963 in Sections 134(1) ( &b) and 140 (1) (a & b) respectively recognised payment of 50 per cent proceeds of any royalty received by the federation in respect of any minerals extracted in any region in the country.

He said it was therefore in view of the above that the 1999 Constitution as amended in Section 162 (2) emphasises that any approved principle or formular should not be less than 13 per cent of the revenue and not that it should be pegged at thirteen percent.

Abiante stated: “It is in the light of the foregoing that I stand before you to state that the current “not less than 13 per cent” derivation entrenched in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is grossly inadequate and a mis-representation of the spirit of pre-independence negotiations and agreements.

“Even in the intent and desire to ensure the rehabilitation and development of the damaged environment where mineral resources (liquid, gaseous and solid) are derived for the sustenance and development of the whole country does not also seem achievable with the current practice of 13 per cent.”

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

Alex Enumah in Abuja

CYBERSECURE AFRICA SUMMIT UNVEILING...

L-R: CEO, Suwebatu AB, Paul John; Representative of SGF of the Federation, Arnold Agure-Dam; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Lagos State, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe; Cofounder and CEO Just Unsecure and AfriHackbox, Babatunde Anifowoshe; and Co-founder and CTO Just Unsecure, Olayemi Oyeniyi, at the CyberSecure Africa Summit 2024: Unveiling the Future of Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Education and Virtual Cash Award presentation of the AfriHackbox9ja Hackathon to the winner in Lagos…yesterday

Senate Plans National Summit to Tackle Nation’s Out-of-School Children Syndrome

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate, yesterday, passed a resolution to organise a national summit to address the menace of out-of-school children in the country.

The upper chamber of the National Assembly took the decision after considering a report of its committee on Education

(Basic and Secondary) on the need to tackle the challenges of out-of-school children in the country, presented by its chairman, Usman Adamu.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the decision after a majority of the senators supported it through voice votes during the plenary.

He said the summit would

involve the presidency, senators, governors, local government chairmen, councillors and civil society organisations.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, said, "I feel compelled to comment on this report because the issue is very important.

"It is a serious problem that, if we leave it unattended, it is

a kind of time bomb, and once it explodes, it will consume us, particularly the Northern part of this country.

"Because the number of children roaming our streets without going to school needs our attention, it is a serious problem.

"It is a problem that the solution is beyond the federal government alone or any tier

Rivers Judicial Commission Begins Inquiry into Killings, Arson at Council Secretariats

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent killings, destruction and burning of some local government headquarters in the state, began its work yesterday by visiting some of the affected councils.

of government. It should have an all-inclusive attention. Local, state, and federal governments, traditional and religious leaders, and even parents all have a role to play.

"I feel happy that the committee concluded by saying addressing out-of-school children in Nigeria demands concerted efforts across all: National, state, local governments, parents, traditional rulers, development partners and so on.

"Since the federal government can't do it alone, state governments can't. So, everybody has to come together; we all must come together.”

western education.

Senator Solomon Adeola said successive governments had done several programmes to improve the nation's education system but blamed state governments for not complementing the efforts.

After the debate, the Senate President put the suggestion to hold a national summit on the menace of out-of-school to vote and the majority of the senators supported it.

Akpabio subsequently approved it and commended his colleagues for the extensive debate.

The commission after its inauguration by the state government was given a one-month deadline to deliver findings.

THISDAY observed that the commission visited Eleme, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas

The 7-member Commission, set up by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to investigate the killings, arson, looting, and destruction of secretariats, began its work yesterday, with a tour to 5 affected LGAs for on the spot assessment.

which were burnt with explosives on October 7, 2024, two days after the local government elections in the state.

The panel also visited Obio/ Akpor and Khana local government Councils where several properties were destroyed and looted.

Speaking during the visit, Chairman of the Commission, Justice Ibiwengi Minakiri said they were at the affected LGAs to assess the level of damages

done, and also engage with security agencies and leadership of the councils to get comprehensive information to the incidents.

While noting that several memoranda had been submitted to the panel, Justice Minakiri pledged the commission's commitment to approaching it's task with thoroughness, transparency, fairness and diligence.

TINUBU DISCHARGES ADE-JOHN, OHANENYE, MAMMAN, GWARZO, IBRAHIM IN CABINET SHAKEUP

Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth and invest the best of their abilities into the actualisation of the government’s priorities.

Briefing newsmen earlier, after the FEC meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the Ministry of Regional Development would take over the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, North East Development Commission, South East Development Commission and other regional development commissions in the country.

He further said the president also directed that the sports commission would henceforth handle all sports activities and programmes initially handled by the Ministry of Sports Development.

According to him, with the scrapping of the Ministry of Tourism, all of its activities have been brought to the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

Providing further clarity, the Minister of the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, who was in charge of the scrapped Ministry of Niger Delta Development, said the NDDC was still in place.

The minister also explained that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was renamed and given a greater responsibility under the Ministry of Regional Development.

He explained that the new ministry was created to supervise all the agencies under the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and other regional commissions in the country.

"For our people over there in the Niger Delta region, I would like them to know that, that has not removed anything from them. The NDDC is still very much in place, which is still under the Ministry of Regional Development and all other such agencies are there. It's just a question of change of nomenclature."

He advised that nobody from the Niger Delta region should feel that the Ministry of Niger Delta has been scrapped, and it's no more in existence.

"All the structures and everything about the Niger Delta remains. It's just a change of nomenclature and, of course, expansion of activities of the ministry. So, I think it's something worth to be commended," he said. Meanwhile, the federal government has ordered the five ministers that were discharged and the 10 that were reassigned to new portfolios

to finalise the handing over and taking over processes on or before October 30, 2024.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, issued the clarification yesterday, adding that in the case of ministries without ministers to take-over, the out-going ministers should hand over to the substantive permanent secretaries.

The statement also said the processes for the seamless merger of the Ministry of Tourism with Ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy as well as the winding down of the defunct Ministry of Sports Development were being coordinated jointly by the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

Akume added that the renaming and the expansion of mandate of the defunct Ministry of Niger Delta Development would take immediate effect.

The SGF stated that the releasing supervising authorities as well as commissions under the new Ministry had been duly notified on this development. Also, respective Permanent

Secretaries were directed to ensure seamless implementation and also forward one copy each of the handover notes to the SGF for the record.

Kano’s Nominee for Housing, Abdullahi Yusuf Ata, Pledges to Serve with Integrity

The newly nominated minister from Kano State, Abdullahi Yusuf Ata, has pledged to serve the country with diligence and Integrity.

Speaking with party supporters, who thronged his home at Fagge Local Government Area, in the metropolis, Ata vowed not to betray the trust bestowed on him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the discharge of his official duties.

He also promised to work round the clock to ensure the successes of Tinubu's administration and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver on the mandate of his ministry.

“As an Honourable Minister of Nigeria, I will not betray the trust bestowed on me by Mr. President, and I will work round the clock with my management team to deliver on the mandate of the ministry," he said.

Immediate past Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, urged the upper chamber to compel the ministry of National Planning to come up with reliable data.

Lawan advised the Senate to organise a national educational council meeting to address challenges of the nation's education system.

Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) lamented the ineffectiveness of the government to promote

The Senate President expressed the hope hopes that the summit would successfully address challenges facing the nation's educational system.

Adamu, representing Kaduna Central, said the report was sequel to a resolution of the Senate on 20, March with a view to finding a lasting solution to the increasing rate of out-of-school children. He said members of his committee had interaction with ministers of education on 18 July over the issue.

House: FCT Minister, DSS DG Not Summoned over Security

Juliet Akoje in Abuja.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, has clarified that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, have not been summoned by the House over the rise in crime in the capital city.

The House had Tuesday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Dabo Haruna (APC Bauchi) on the activities of criminals popularly known as "One chance'" in the FCT mandated its joint committees on FCT, Police and National Intelligence to investigate.

But some media organisations reported that the House summoned the FCT minister, DG DSS and the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly, yesterday,

Satomi said the House never summoned the affected officials.

"I want to correct the mistake made by most of you in the report on the motion moved yesterday on the floor of the House by Hon. Dabo Haruna concerning the killing of his legislative aide, Miss Na'imi Sulaiman and the need to check the activities of 'One chance' operators in the FCT.

"The the motion was moved by Hon. Haruna and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Isa Anja. The motion was passed and the House referred it to the relevant committees for necessary legislative action.

“The House in passing the motion only mandated the Committees on National Intelligence, Police and FCT to conduct a comprehensive investigation and liaise with the necessary stakeholders such as the FCT minister, the FCT commissioner of Police, as well as the DG DSS to ensure the culprits are brought to Justice and the problems of one chance incidence brought to a halt," Satomi said.

UNVEILING OF 2ND EDITION OF 'POWER OF 100' IN LAGOS...

Managing

ACT Foundation, Osayi Alile; Group

2nd edition of 'Power of 100' in Lagos ... yesterday

W

and Emerging

and Corporate

CDS Condoles Nigerian Air Force Over Tragic Demise of Five Personnel

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa yesterday expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the five brave personnel who tragically lost their lives in a road accident along the Jos-Akwanga road near Hawan Kibo on 22 October 2024.

A statement by Acting Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said these gallant personnel were traveling

to Abuja as part of the Nigerian military contingent preparing for the upcoming 2nd Africa-Military Games 2024, scheduled to take place from 18 to 30 November 2024.

The CDS, in conveying his heartfelt sympathies, stated, "These individuals were not only exemplary members of the Nigerian Armed Forces but also esteemed representatives of our nation's spirit and valor.

“Their untimely departure has left a profound void in our hearts and the hearts of a grateful nation. We

honor their dedication and service, which stands as a testament to their commitment to our country's defence both at home and abroad".

Gen Musa said that as preparations for the Africa-Military Games continue, this sombre incident underscores the sacrifices made daily by military personnel.

The CDS however, assured that the resilience and courage exemplified by these gallant personnel will inspire their colleagues to forge ahead with their duties in the forthcoming games,

serving as a tribute to their fallen comrades.

The Armed Forces of Nigerian, he said stands united in mourning and commemorating the lives and contributions of these valiant individuals, offering prayers and support to their families during this difficult time.

Earlier, the hierarchy of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), while announcing the tragic incident expressed grief over the demise of the five personnel.

The NAF in a statement signed

by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, said the unfortunate incident occurred around Hawan Kibo along the Jos-Akwanga Express Road.

Akinboyewa revealed that the deceased personnel were heading for a sporting event in Abuja when their vehicle was involved in a collision with an oncoming truck.

The statement titled, "Tragic Loss of NAF Personnel in Road Traffic Accident," said: "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) deeply regrets to

announce the loss of five of our gallant personnel who were involved in a tragic road traffic accident on 22 October 2024.

"Consequently, statutory administrative protocols applicable in circumstances as this have been activated by the NAF to provide comfort and succor to the bereaved families".

The Service appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the victims' families during this difficult time and to refrain from sharing unverified details.

CARDOSO, EDUN WOO FOREIGN INVESTORS, SAY CONFIDENCE RESTORED IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMY

revenue, we are doing a lot better.

Budget performance was N13.1 trillion and actual performance was N12.6 trillion, which gave us a deficit of about N500 billion. So, the aggregate revenue target was missed by 3.6 per cent, so we are doing good.”

CBN: NIBSS Set to Launch BVN Platform for Nigerians in Diaspora by December

Cardoso disclosed that NIBSS will launch a BVN platform for Nigerians in the diaspora by December.

BVN is an 11-digit number that is unique to each individual, but the same across all banking institutions for the same individual.

Cardoso added that the platform would enable Nigerians in the diaspora to operate their local bank accounts, run their businesses and

sort out Know-Your-Customer (KYC) issues with financial institutions from anywhere in the world.

He explained that the initiative was part of efforts to ensure that Nigerians, irrespective of their location anywhere in the world, could participate in the Nigerian economy.

He said, “As far as we are concerned, it is totally unacceptable that you should be out here and be having hassles in operating your accounts or doing your business in your original country.

“I want to tell you that starting in December 2024, Nigerians in the diaspora will no longer face the hurdle of travelling long distances for physical biometric verifications to access financial services. The launch of the non-resident BVN platform by NIBBS will enable enhanced KYC processes, remotely making it more

convenient and cost-effective for the diaspora to engage with the Nigerian banking system.

“This initiative, in collaboration with our banks, marks a significant step toward greater financial inclusion and accessibility as we continue to roll out innovative solutions.”

IMF Urges Nigeria, Others to Make Taxation More Efficient to Boost Revenue

IMF, yesterday, advised Nigeria and other African countries to work towards making tax systems in their countries more efficient, equitable, and progressive.

The Washington-based institution also underscored the importance of timely fiscal reforms and leveraging technology to enhance governance in the region.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF ONDO, IMO AND ABIA

an idea created by law and servicing nine coastal southern states, which include the traditional six from the South-south (Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Edo) and the three in focus, had long ceased to be a property of the Niger Delta. At least, not any more.

But, also benefitting from special development initiative are Ondo, Imo and Abia States. These are geographical locations outside of the Niger Delta. While Ondo is in the South West, Imo and Abia are in the South East.

However, with the creation of the Regional Development Ministry, in which the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry has been scrapped, the Niger Delta has none to call its own again outside of the general regional idea.

But same cannot be said of Ondo, Imo and Abia States that are also

part of the South East Development Commission and the South West Development Commission.

Thus, while there’s no law creating any regional ministry or development commission for the Niger Delta, the trio of Ondo, Imo Abia enjoy dual benefits from the new regional ministry and their respective development commissions. It, therefore, seemed that a foremost Ijaw national leader and founder, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, understood the lacuna and was the first to raise the alarm.

He has since faulted the scrapping of the Niger Delta ministry, and particularly worried that Tinubu did not consult widely with the leaders of the region before taking the decision.

Clark, in a telephone interview with journalists in Abuja, said the

administrative structure created in form of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry was misunderstood because of its complex structure.

“What I've noted so far is that there’s no basis for scrapping it. The late president Umaru Musa-Yar'Adua had a clear purpose to address the security situation in the Niger Delta.

“This led to the creation of the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, which focused on developing the Niger Delta area. We have been working for some time now, managing our commission.

“The administrative structure created by the President was unfortunately, misunderstood by Nigerians due to its complexity. Why would you take over a ministry without any development plans, funding, or concrete actions?

“Even the East-West Road, which was meant to be under the Ministry

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and IMF’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering Africa's economic resilience amid a global landscape marked by geopolitical fragmentation, high borrowing costs, and persistent inflation.

IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department Director, Davide Furceri, gave the advice for African countries to improve their tax systems during a media briefing to launch the updated Fiscal Monitor at the ongoing IMF/ World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC.

Furceri emphasised the need for Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries to prioritise revenue mobilisation strategies to close their widening fiscal gaps.

of Niger Delta Affairs, is not being addressed; it’s being handed back to the Ministry of Works.

“What I’m saying is that the federal government lacks special arrangements for this. When I saw that every region was establishing its own development commissions, I anticipated these issues would arise. Are there going to be multiple ministries within one region?

“The government needs to consult with the leaders of the Niger Delta and the South-South regions. What we’re saying is that these unresolved issues cannot be overlooked by the government. The government must explain why they decided to halt critical legislation.

“This raises concerns about how the benefits of regional development are being managed. Many people feel disconnected from the process, and it seems resources are being

He pointed out that many countries, including Nigeria, suffered from extremely low revenue-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios, with Nigeria’s just at 10 per cent.

He stressed that this hampered the government’s ability to invest in development and manage debt sustainably.

Furceri explained, “Revenue mobilisation is essential, and it should focus on making the tax system more efficient, equitable, and progressive. Policies that broaden the tax base and reduce informalities can go a long way in addressing these challenges.”

Furceri also expressed concern over the increasing debt service obligations faced by many low-income countries in the region, stating that about 15 per cent of revenue in the region is being allocated to debt service.

He said this reduced fiscal space for

diverted from local needs.

“We need to ensure that regional development isn’t scrapped without a clear plan for its replacement. In a democratic system, the government should be created for the people, by the people, and for their benefit. It shouldn't operate as a one-man show.”

Although the minister in charge of the newly created Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, who also supervised the scrapped Ministry of Niger Delta Development Affairs, tried to explain away the unintended complication.

Insisting that the NDDC was still in place, the minister explained that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was renamed and given a greater responsibility under the Ministry of Regional Development.

He explained that the new ministry was created to supervise

essential investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Furceri added, “The challenge is that a large part of the revenue goes to finance debt, which constrains the ability of these countries to invest in growth-enhancing initiatives. Addressing this through better revenue collection and debt management strategies is critical.”

In response to the challenges, Furceri highlighted IMF’s ongoing commitment to supporting African economies through policy advice, capacity development, and financial assistance.

He stated that over the past four years, the multilateral institution had provided $60 billion in funding to African countries, while also offering technical support to improve public finance management and climate change-related policies.

all the agencies under the Ministry of Niger Delta Development and other regional commissions in the country.

"For our people over there in the Niger Delta region, I would like them to know that, that has not removed anything from them.

“The NDDC is still very much in place, which is still under the Ministry of Regional Development and all other such agencies are there. It's just a question of change of nomenclature," he said.

He advised that nobody from the Niger Delta region should feel that the Ministry of Niger Delta has been scrapped, and no more in existence.

"All the structures and everything about the Niger Delta remains. It's just a change of nomenclature and, of course, expansion of activities of the ministry. So, I think it's something worth to be commended," he said.

L-R:

Director/CEO,

Head,

Initiative

Business, Abiodun Olubitan; Non-Executive Director, Access Bank, Omosalewa Fajobi; Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank, Chizoma Okoli; Representative of Andersen LLP, Utobong Hughes;

Communications, Access Holdings, Amaechi Okobi during the unveiling of the

PHOTO : SUNDAY ADIGUN

TOWN HaLL MEETiNG ON CONsUMER PROTECTiON…

L-R: The Officer in Charge of Community Police, Kano, SP Abubakar Ringim; Assistant Controller of Customs, Kano/Jigawa Command, Abdullahi Hussaini; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello; Executive Commissioner, Operations, FCCPC, Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, and Assistant General Manager, Consumer Protection Unit, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Kano State, Mr. Saliu Mas’ud, at a town hall meeting hosted by FCCPC in Kano…yesterday

NMDPRA Seals Two Filling Stations over Diversion of Products in A’Ibom

Okon Bassey in uyo

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Resources Authority (NMDPRA) has sealed two petrol stations in Akwa Ibom State over alleged diversion of petroleum products.

The Coordinator of NMDPRA, Mr. Ikechukwu Eseka, disclosed this during a courtesy call by the state Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee (PPMC) yesterday in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

order to short-change the federal government.

Eseka said the state was very diverse, saying most of the diversion takes place in the

He complained that most marketers divert petroleum products after getting the products from the depot in

Gunmen Kill Man, Kidnap Three Others in Benue

George Okoh in Makurdi

Again, armed bandits attacked and killed a man, and abducted his daughter and two teenagers in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to local sources, the gunmen attacked and killed the man identified as John Ajaka in his farm and took away his daughter, Owakoyi John and two other teenagers.

The victim, who hailed from Ogwule Ankpa Village in Ogwule Ogbaulu Ward, was brutally killed while working on his farm.

The Executive Chairman

of Agatu Local Government Council, James Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the incident which occurred on Tuesday.

He described the incident as callous, despicable and wicked, vowing that perpetrators, whom the security agencies are currently in hot pursuit of, would be tracked down and brought to justice.

Ejeh reassured the people of Ogwule in particular and Agatu in general of their security.

He said the authority of the council is closing in on the criminal elements, vowing that the abducted girls would be released soon.

Israeli Envoy Hails Nigeria Master Artist, Tola Wewe

Olawale ajimotokan in abuja

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Micheal Freeman, has applauded the renowned Nigerian artist, Tola Wewe for his vivacious visual creations.

He delivered the plaudit at the exhibition of Hieroglyphics of Womanhood by Tola Wewe, touted as Nigeria’s Picasso, at Orisun Art Gallery, Abuja.

Freeman said he had fallen in love with Nigerian visuals because of the likes of Wewe, that he could no longer find space to accommodate their works.

“We have done a number of

exhibitions at Orisun Gallery, doing active works with Nigerian artists and in the process have fallen in love with Wewe and the Nigerian artists. Their concepts are so good that you want to buy a lot of them.

“However, the problem is that in Israel our houses are very small, so you have got nowhere to put them. So, when we get a bigger house, we will find enough space to put them,” Freeman said.

The Executive Director, Orisun Gallery, Mrs Adebola Adetunbi, described Wewe as an icon and one of the best artists in Nigeria.

Sterling One Foundation, PwC, Others Host ESG Series 4.0

As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles continue to gain traction globally, Nigerian businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of integrating sustainable practices into their operations. ESG has evolved from a trend to a strategic necessity for companies aiming to manage risks, meet regulatory requirements, and align with the expectations of investors and stakeholders.

In response to this growing significance, Sterling One Foundation, in partnership with PwC, Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX), UNIDO Investment and

Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Nigeria, LBS Sustainability Centre, Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and Sterling Bank, is to host ESG Series 4.0 on October 25, 2024. The event will provide a platform for thought leaders to share insights on advancing sustainable development and driving meaningful change.

According to a statement, this marks the fourth installment of the ESG Series in 2024, underscoring the ongoing commitment to deepening the ESG conversation in Nigeria and across Africa.

periphery, regretting that some filling stations are not registered nor licenced in the state.

The coordinator urged depot owners not to sell products to

filling stations without licencing their filling stations in the state.

According to him, “Every marketer divert petroleum products, and to operate under

the downstream sector, you must have current licence.

“Without current licences, you cannot go to any depot and load any product.

Canadian Woman Jailed 11 years for Importing Illicit Drug into Nigeria

Michael Olugbodeinabuja

A 41-year-old Canadian woman, Adrienne Munju, has been convicted and sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos for importing 74 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of synthetic cannabis

Again,

weighing 35.2 kilogrammes into Nigeria.

According to a statement by the spokesman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi, Munju’s conviction on yesterday followed her arraignment on two counts charge before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of

a Federal High Court, Lagos by the agency, which arrested her at the terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on 3rd October 2024 during the inward clearance of in-bound passengers on KLM flight at the ‘D’ Arrival Hall of the airport.

According to Babafemi, Munju in her statement after her arrest, claimed she was recruited to traffic the illicit consignment through an online platform for 10,000 Canadian dollars upon successful delivery in Lagos, stating that she took the offer because she needed the money to pay for her ongoing master’s degree programme in Canada.

Absence of APC Members Stalls Meeting of Edo State Joint Transition

APC: We are still waiting for vital documents from Edo Govt

adibe Emenyonuinbenincity

The Edo State Joint Transition Committee’s meeting yesterday deadlocked again following the absence of members the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the committee. To this end, the joint committee

has accused the APC members of raising false alarm that the Obaseki-led PDP government has not provided it with the necessary documents needed for them to function. The government said the APC Transition Committee led by Dr. Pius Odubu has not shown readiness to ensure a smooth and

peaceful transition following their refusal to attend committee meetings.

In July, Governor Obaseki set up a transition committee, headed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Joseph Eboigbe with a view to preparing a handover document for the incoming administration, with a mandate to finish its assignment on October 30, 2024. Following the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as winner of the September 21 governorship election, the APC was asked to nominate members into the committee to interface with their PDP counterpart for a smooth transition.

Rivers Ijaw Congress Blasts INC President for Taking Sides in Crisis

Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt

The Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO) has tackled the President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba, for allegedly taking sides in the political crisis rocking Rivers State.

The group was reacting to a recent statement credited to Okaba, where he purportedly described the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as a peacemaker and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the aggressor in the crisis.

Okaba allegedly claimed that though the presidential peace accord was skewed to favour Wike, Fubara met all the conditions for peace contained in the agreement. He said within three weeks after the agreement, the 27 lawmakers defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing federal institutions of supporting the actions of Wike against Fubara. But in an open letter yesterday, RIPCO faulted the claims of Okaba, saying the INC press release was laced with numerous falsehood and half-truths.

PDP Crisis: ‘Damagum’s Replacement ‘ll Come from North-central’

Chuks Okocha in abuja

Former spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has said that the North-central geopolitical zone will produce the national chair of the party.

On Tuesday, PDP governors

Ogun Advises

James sowoleinabeokuta

met at the Bauchi state governor’s lodge in Abuja, while the national reconciliation committee convened separately at the party’s headquarters.

After the meeting, Chair of PDP’s National Reconciliation Committee, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the NWC has

been reconciled.

The PDP Governors Forum then announced the postponement of its NEC meeting to November 28, to allow the party focus on the Ondo state governorship election.

Speaking on the ‘Morning Brief’ a Channels Television programme, yesterday, Ologbondiyan described the decision as a “welcome development”.

“The reason for the postponement is to enable the leadership of the party to lead the party to win the election in Ondo State,” he said.

Residents of Flood-Prone Areas to Relocate

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, stated this in response to the flooding situation in the areas, which was a result of the release of excess water by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (ORBDA) from the Oyan Dam.

Ogun State Government has advised residents of flooded areas affected by the recent release of water from Oyan Dam to relocate to higher ground in line with its earlier warning. Affected areas include Isheri, Riverview Estate, Oshorun Estate, OPIC Estate, Arepo, Mawere, Akute, Alagbole, Orimerunmu, and Magboro.

While noting that the release of excess water from the dam is unavoidable to avert damage that might lead to unpalatable consequences, Oresanya assured residents of the areas that the floodwater would start receding significantly from October 25 through waterways, watercourses, and canals dredged provided for

that purpose earlier by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration aimed at ameliorating the problem. He added that the Ogun State Government is working assiduously with its Lagos State counterpart and the federal government towards finding lasting solutions to the perennial flooding problems in the areas

AGGSA Enugu Alumni Call for Integration of Integrity in Girls

The Anglican Girls Grammar School Awkunanaw (AGGSA), Enugu Alumni has called for the integration of integrity in girl child training.

The alumni stated this at their 2024 AGGSA three-day global convention held recently in Enugu,

which brought together old girls of the school from all over the world from the set of 1962 with the theme, ‘Integrity as a fundamental principle in girl child education’.

Speaking at the event which also featured a fund raising ceremony aimed at providing ICT lab for

the students, Global President of AGGSA old Girls’ Enugu, Azogini Achebe-Iwuamadi, stressed the need for girls to have strong moral values which, according to her, would enable them live decent life . Iwuamadi regretted that ‘some women in the governance lacked

integrity, adding that most of them are now more corrupt than men. According to her, “When girls are properly trained, they will grow up to become women of integrity that will bring about positive changes in their families and the nation at large.”

Group

Shehu Dikko Steps in as NSC Chairman, FG Scraps Sports Ministry, Again

FIFA

Council Member, Pinnick, describes Dikko as the right man for the job

Duro Ikhazuagbe

The Federal Government yesterday reintroduced the National Sports Commission (NSC) to replace the now rested Federal Ministry of Sports Development with Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman.

Dikko, a former second Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the Amaju Pinnick administration was also the Chairman of the League Management Company that managed the affairs of the Nigerian Professional Football League.

A graduate of Quantity

Surveying from the Ahmadu Bello University with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from same university is a professional football administrator. With wide range experience in sports marketing, Dikko was involved in the drafting of the National Sports Commission bill as a consultant to the Federal House of Representatives few years ago. He will be taking over from immediate past Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, who has been redeployed as Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.

The last Nigerian to lead the Commission was the late Shola Rhodes (SAN) before late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha returned the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development

with a substantive minister.

Before Rhodes, Shehu Babayo, Alex Akinyele and Sylvanus Akinwunmi at various times managed Nigeria’s sporting affairs as NSC chairmen.

Meanwhile, former President of the NFF and Nigeria’s Member of the FIFA Council, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has felicitated with Mallam Dikko on his appointment.

“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immensely for this big task handed over to one man that I am convinced can do a good job. Dikko was very close to me

personally during our years at the NFF because I saw in him a man with profound vision, dynamism, capacity for a lot of good and great things, positivity and sincerity.

“Shehu Dikko personified productivity and creativity, and every good thing we accomplished in those years had his hand in it. He is tireless and selfless, and has acquired immense knowledge and experience in the sports industry over the past 30 years. I have no doubt that he’s the man to turn around our sports for the better and guarantee our athletes podium performance at the next

Osimhen Fires Blanks in Europa League Action against Elfsborg

Gives Galatasaray permit to discuss permanent switch from Napoli

Victor Osimhen fired blanks as Galatasaray survived a valiant Elfsborg of Sweden fightback to clinch a 4-3 victory in their third game of the UEFA Europa League League Phase, extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions. Osimhen who was in action for 86 minutes before he was substituted by Michy Batshuayi, was kept silence while his teammates did the job of securing all three points for the Turkish giants. After conceding

seven goals in their previous two matches, a shaky Elfsborg defence was put under pressure from the outset at Rams Park.

Goalkeeper Isak Pettersson did his utmost to keep the home side at bay, making two impressive stops to

deny Mauro Icardi in the opening ten minutes, before producing another strong save to keep out Osimhen’s downward header.

Galatasaray’s Argentine forward, Mauro Icardi gave the Turkish side the advantage in the 28th minute

FIFA Reconfirms Minimum Nine Slots for Africa at 2026 World Cup

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has confirmed that at least nine African teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup that would take place in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.

Infantino made the remarks when the 46th Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary General Assembly opened on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

This brought together leaders and delegates of member associations from across Africa.

“In World Cup 2026, there will be nine or 10 African countries (and regions) participating in the

World Cup,’’ said Infantino.

He noted that the increase is to be made in line with FIFA’s expanded World Cup format.

Infantino urged African countries to further invest in and unleash the potential of the continent’s young football players.

“I encourage all of you to continue investing in youth football because those kids, those girls and boys, will be the stars of tomorrow,’’ he said.

The president said FIFA is also considering increasing the number of African teams participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup to six.

He also noted that Morocco is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2030, which would make the country the second African nation to host the World Cup after South Africa.

Addressing the opening session of the Assembly, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie appealed to CAF to endorse Ethiopia’s bid to host the 2029 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2029) tournament.

Atske Selassie noted the need to bring the World Cup trophy to African soil, although many players with African roots becoming

instrumental for the victory of non-African nations to claim the prestigious football trophy.

Expressing best wishes for Ethiopia’s bid to host AFCON 2029, CAF President Patrice Motsepe encouraged the government of Ethiopia and the football federation to work closely to make timely decisions regarding Ethiopia’s proposal submission.

Former African football stars, including Samuel Eto’o, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, El-Hadji Diouf, among others, attended the 46th CAF Ordinary General Assembly. (Xinhua/NAN)

ITTF Africa, Ethiopian Airlines Sign Ground-breaking Agreement

Barely three days after resuming office, the newly elected African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) Executive Council, led by its president, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has achieved a significant milestone in engaging the corporate sector.

In a vibrant ceremony held at the Ethiopian Airlines Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Friday, October 18, the ATTF and Ethiopian Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), appointing Ethiopian Airlines as the official Airline

Partner of the continental body. The ATTF delegation, led by Oshodi, included Mr. Tesfaye Bizane, Executive Vice President of Media and Public Relations, and Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Chief Operating Officer (COO). They were warmly received by Ethiopian Airlines representatives Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Head of ET-Holidays, and Mary Legesse, Senior Sales Manager of ETHolidays.

In his remarks, Oshodi expressed his gratitude to the airline’s management for their

support of the 2024 ITTF Africa Senior Championships, which was held at the Ethiopian Sports Academy in Addis Ababa.

“We want to express our sincere appreciation to the management of Ethiopian Airlines for their support of the 2024 Africa Senior Championships. We don’t take this for granted, and that is why we want to extend our partnership with the Pride of Africa. As a continental federation, we aim to become one of the leading sports in Africa and have decided to collaborate with the

world’s leading airline by entering into this important partnership. We recognize the strength of the airline as a member of the Global Star Alliance, and for us at ATTF, we want to be identified with you. We hope and believe this will be a beneficial relationship for both parties,” Oshodi said.

Firiehiwot Mekonnen, representing Ethiopian Airlines, expressed pride in the partnership and affirmed their support by offering attractive packages during major events for the continental body.

Olympics in Los Angeles.”

The FIFA Council member describes Dikko as a team player with integrity, energy and resilience. Pinnick expressed confidence that Dikko will justify the confidence reposed in him by Mr. President.

“Dikko is highly under-rated but I see him picking the best brains in the land to work with him and set a template for the kind of sports industry that we have always wanted – one that will ultimately benefit all stakeholders and start to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product,” concludes Pinnick.

Bilbao v Sl’

with Elfsborg’s Isak Pettersson gifting the host through an own goal in the 39th minute. Baris Alper Yilmaz made it three for Galatasaray before the break.

But on return from the first half break, The Swedish side scored two quick goals in the 52nd and 65th to create panic amongst the home fans. But with the clock winding down, Yunus Akgun took the game beyond the reach of the visitors, scoring Galatasaray’s fourth goal in the 83rd minute. Johan Larson’s third goal for Elfsborg came too late in the added time while Batshuayi’s fifth for the host was disallowed for offside rule violation.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has reportedly given Galatasaray the green light to begin negotiations with Napoli over his permanent transfer.

And as a result, the Turkish champions will in January begin talks with the Italian club of the striker, according to various reports out of Turkey.

Osimhen is quoted as saying: “I want to stay (at Galatasaray). Solve my transfer fee problem.” He is on a season-long loan to Galatasaray from Napoli. Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said the Super Eagles striker is very happy at the Istanbul giants.

D’Banj’s Koko FC Joins Lagos Liga, to Battle Don Jazzy’s Supremos FC

Sunday Okobi

Nigerian music icon, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanji, popularly known as D’Banj, has ventured into the world of football by establishing Koko FC. The club has been registered to compete in the Nigeria’s premier private football league, Lagos Liga, which is scheduled to kick off in December 2024.

Koko FC will compete with 11 other teams, including Supremos FC, founded by D’Banj’s longtime friend and fellow music mogul Don Jazzy.

Other notable teams include Mavbrooks SC, founded by career accountant and entrepreneur Ayodeji E. Olowe; Applebee FC, founded by the co-founder/ED of Travelbeta, Nnazilim Egbuonu; and Firecrackers FC, founded by tech entrepreneur Stephanie Etiaka; Jarus FC established by the Group CEO

of Jarus Group, Suraj Oyewale, aka Sir Jarus; and Superstar FC founded by tech entrepreneur Seye Bandele; and Knights FC set up by Egbe Omorodion, Dr Dipo Awojide, Adebayo Jacobs-Amoo, and Adewale Adetona.

The league promises to be an exciting platform for nonprofessional players and football veterans to compete in high-stakes 7-a-side matches.

The organisers said N50 million prize is at stake—the largest pergame prize money in Nigerian football.

According to D’Banj, “I’m thrilled to take my passion for football to the next level with Koko FC.

“Lagos Liga is an innovative platform that will showcase Nigerian talent and entertainment. I’m looking forward to an epic matchup against the other teams. it’s going to be a clash of titans!”

MISSILE

William Kumuyi to Christian Clerics

Aliko Dangote to Federal Government

“Instead of the prophet that has millions already to look for widows whose children are not in school and sponsor them just for God’s glory, we don’t have that.We only have those that take from widows and render them poorer.The preachers of today are getting richer at the expense of the members of their church. Let somebody speak out that this ought not to be" –GeneralSuperintendentofDeeperChristian LifeMinistryonthestateoftheChurchinNigeria

“To ensure sufficient feedstock availability we will need to stop mortgaging crude. It is unfortunate that while countries like Norway are putting oil proceeds into a future fund through their national wealth funds, in Africa, we are spending oil proceeds from the future today” - The President of Dangote Group, on why the federal government should ensure the availability of crude feedstock for local refineries.

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Gambling Their Future Away

MIs there Justice for Workers in Nigeria?

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) held its 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony yesterday in Abuja. With a retired Justice of Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko as Chairman, I was the guest speaker. Below is a slightly abridged version of my presentation that speaks not only to labour justice and public interest but also the rule of law and the role of Judges in Nigeria. ===============================

Iembers of my generation who lived or spent holidays in Lagos during the late seventies to the nineties remember men whose lives were ruined by gambling. These were people adept at “perming” numbers, even in their sleep, with the assurance they would hit the jackpot the next day. "Koraa dagun lose yi" (the promoter of the gambling house is in trouble this week) was the usual refrain which came with at least "a sure banker.” Yet, for most of these gamblers, it was the story of the fool and his money because their ‘tomorrow’ never came. While that habit was restricted to a few in the past, gambling has now become a serious social problem in Nigeria. And relevant stakeholders are not paying attention. Worse still, school children are increasingly getting hooked on one form of gambling or another.

consider it an honour and a privilege to stand before this august gathering as you celebrate the 2024/2025 Legal Year. I expect many of you may be wondering what qualifies me to be here and why a journalist is presenting a paper on labour justice and public interest. Perhaps I should let you in on a secret. I got the invitation for this assignment when I met an energetic man playing ping pong (table tennis) sometime last year. Had I not been introduced to the gentleman before I watched him toss the ball upward with his left hand and strike it fiercely with his right, it would have been difficult for me to believe that he was the Honourable Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN). Even though we exchanged contacts that day, I decided not to dwell too much on the promise because I thought it was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions people make while in a jolly mood. But early this year, the honourable justice followed up with a call to remind me that I would indeed be the speaker at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony. I cannot thank Justice Kanyip enough for the honour.

Let me be upfront here. I have no problem with adults who gamble. And I am aware of a place in Abuja they call ‘The Great Gambler’ where the movers and shakers of our country gather each weekend to play ‘Kalokalo’ with their loot. But I am concerned when children are introduced to this destructive habit so early in their lives, without any restriction. Section 34 of the National Lottery Act 2005 makes betting illegal for children in Nigeria, as it is in all countries. “Any person who knowingly sells to any person under the age of 18 years any ticket in a lottery operated by a licensee commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N20,000 or imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or both such fine and imprisonment,” the Act states. But in a milieu where laws are rarely enforced, it is little wonder that across the country today, even primary school children (in uniform) are found in gambling joints during the day.

Let me also appreciate other Judges of this court. My understanding of the contributions of the NICN to labour jurisprudence in our country has been enriched in recent days. To prepare my paper, I spent considerable time at the Court’s library. And, as it is with most libraries in Nigeria, the environment could be better. But I was fortunate to encounter two dedicated library staff who painstakingly provided me access to relevant materials, including ‘Digest of Labour Cases in Nigeria (1960 to 2012)’ and ‘Digest of Judgements of National Industrial Court (1978 – 2006)’ edited by Oluwole Kehinde with foreword (to both books) written by a former President of this Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo. These materials, and a few others I browsed through, catalogue hundreds of cases decided by this court to advance the course of justice for workers in Nigeria.

I have been asked to speak on labour justice and public interest. There could not have been a better time to interrogate this topic in Nigeria as both labour and government were recently locked in negotiating an appropriate national minimum wage—the lowest amount of salary that employers of labour, whether in the private or public sector, should earn in the country. After much drama, it is gratifying that the two parties were able to reach a consensus on the issue, despite the fact that the agreed amount cannot even buy a bag of rice in the market.

I am aware that gambling is a huge industry in Nigeria today with several billions of Naira changing hands (including under the table) between and among stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. And it has generated huge employment opportunities. But we must also think about the future of our country and the social dislocation that gambling is causing within our society. With the economic challenge that has made life very difficult for the average Nigerian it is no surprise that many of our people are looking for all manner of ‘miracles’ to survive. It is this desperation that has made gambling all pervasive and the pressure it brings is already accentuating other vices. A joint paper, ‘An Overview of Gambling in Nigeria’ published on the website of the United States National Library of Medicine, and authored by Chinyere Mirian Oguocha, a Nigerian Professor at the Imo State University and Sanju George, an Indian Professor at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, is quite revealing on this malaise. “In spite of the laws regulating gambling in Nigeria, about 57.2% of school-age children have gambled at least once in their lifetime and 77.6% of these have gambled in the past year, with 58.3% reporting unfettered access to gambling dens,” the duo wrote.

The situation of workers in Nigeria is further complicated by the fact that those in the informal sector are practically excluded from any form of labour justice. Today, the only avenue for redress for most is to appear on radio programmes. That is how Ahmed Isah, an activist and on-air personality who anchors ‘Brekete Family’ on Human Rights Radio Abuja, has become not only the ‘Ordinary President’ for the vulnerable of our society but also their ‘Chief Justice.’ Such is the flagrant violation of workers’ rights by all

Meanwhile, even when gambling may be advertised as entertainment to deceive the unwary, especially in societies like ours, science has since confirmed it to be a behavioural problem. “Playing a game of chance activates the brain’s reward system, releasing a strong

dopamine hit and a feeling of pleasure. The same mechanism is at play whether the person is standing at the roulette table or playing on their phone,” Charlotte Aynsley, an e-safety consultant wrote to affirm what psychiatrists have since discovered. “Psychologists call this effect ‘variable rate reinforcement’. The player, in this case, is rewarded in an unpredictable manner – and the more uncertainty there is, the more dopamine gets released.”

Gambling is considered harmful in numerous ways, including causing financial stress, family dislocations, mental health challenges and domestic violence. In her piece, ‘Game over: the risks of children gambling’, a child psychiatrist,

This includes access to courts and other formal dispute resolution mechanisms in pursuit of effective remedy.

Referencing statistics from the National Audit Office, she wrote that there are around 55,000 ‘problem’ gamblers aged 11 to 16 in the United Kingdom, with a further 85,000 estimated to be at risk. “A 2019 Gambling Commission survey found 11 percent of 11- to 16-year-olds said they spent their own money on gambling in the past week,” she wrote.

The parameters in any given jurisdiction to measure labour justice include fair wages, which indicates that workers are to be compensated by their employers in a manner commensurate with their output; safe working conditions that guarantee protection from foreseeable danger and defence of their inalienable right to organize protests and negotiate collectively. There are of course several others, including not being discriminated against on the basis of religion, race, gender, age etc. If these parameters encompass the principles and practices that ensure fair treatment and protection of workers in their employment context, it goes without saying that the aim of labour justice is to address power imbalances between employers and workers, and to promote the dignity of labour.

This, of course, is a global problem with young people taking to gambling through internet games without even realising it. “They are not going into bookies,” says Alexa Roseblade, senior programmes manager at GamCare, a charity. “A lot of young people are gambling with friends such as making a bet about who will win a race.” That’s usually how it starts and before they know it, they are hooked. For young people, gambling and gaming are often closely linked, according to Goddard. “Games themselves can encourage behaviour linked to gambling. A game might cost £40 but children are encouraged to spend more money to progress further. There are also issues around ‘loot boxes’, where players are encouraged to buy mystery prizes within a game, without knowing what they will get.”

Unfortunately, despite a plethora of legislation and the fact that Nigeria is a signatory to numerous conventions that should guarantee access to justice for workers, the reality is quite different. This can be glimpsed from the way key aspects of labour justice are resolved in our country. Not necessarily to the satisfaction of workers. These include freedom from discrimination, the ability to engage in collective bargaining, modalities for addressing unfair dismissal, among others. This then brings me to the issue of specialized labour court which the NICN represents in Nigeria.

The issue here is that most countries already recognise the problem. And they are finding both preventive and curative solutions to the challenge. In the UK, for instance, they have NHS’s National Centre for Behavioural Addictions houses, the National Problem Gambling Clinic and the National Centre for Gaming Disorders. There are also parent support groups which aim to help parents set boundaries and communicate more effectively with their children on the danger of gambling. In 2021, the RSHE statutory guidance for schools and education introduced the topic of gambling to the curriculum. But in Nigeria, there are no such interventions, even while many of our young people gamble their future away.

The evolution of industrial courts can be traced to 1806 in France, 1869 in Germany and 1919 in the United Kingdom. But it was not until 1976 that authorities in our country signed on to the idea with the NICN. Established to address labour justice in all its ramifications, the court became functional in 1978. In the early years, the NICN faced several challenges that affected its effectiveness and efficiency. But even when operational, the court provided no reprieve for aggrieved workers for decades as its judgments were unenforceable due to the lack of laws and procedures required of a Superior Court of record.

levels of government and the private sector that even foreign owned entities operating in Nigeria have been emboldened to treat our people with disrespect. In a clear breach of extant labour laws, many of these companies resort to unwholesome practices that deny their Nigerians workers job security and appropriate benefits. Even where there are statutory compensation provisions for work-related diseases, injuries, disabilities, or death, they are mostly observed in the breach. In several cases, affected workers or their next of kin receive little or no compensation for death or permanent injuries, including when they occurred while carrying out assigned duties. The concept of Labour justice and public interest are interwoven. Any initiative that engenders fair treatment in the workplace impacts positively on societal wellbeing. Indeed, the United Nations (UN) has on many occasions highlighted the importance of access to justice which essentially means the right to have one’s cause heard before an impartial arbiter. The international reference point for the concept of labour justice, as we are all aware, is the International Labour Organization (ILO) which, in several instruments, enshrines the right of workers to access justice without encumbrance. Thursday,

The constitutional amendment of 2011 assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan changed the narrative by altering sections 6 and 254 of the 1999 Constitution and including the NICN as a Superior Court of record with coordinate jurisdiction with High Courts. The amendment also expanded the jurisdiction of the court to handle human right cases emanating from the workplace. The court is also saddled with jurisdiction to resolve disputes between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and government. Before I continue with the issue of labour justice and public interest, let me make a general point about justice administration in Nigeria. It is important because the extent of justice available to workers in any given society is a function of the extent of rule of law available in that society. It is doubtful that citizens as workers can expect a higher degree of labour justice than what is available within the larger society. In her speech at the special session of the Supreme Court commemorating its new Legal Year and the induction of the latest set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on 30 September 2024, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun emphasised that obedience to court orders will, under her watch, be “non-negotiable”. And that “No individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, will be permitted to treat the judgments of our courts with levity or disregard”.

In a society where many people have been conditioned to believe that wealth has no correlation with work, we should not be surprised that young Nigerians are taking to gambling thinking that is the surest route for them to ‘hammer’. The situation is not helped by the economic situation in the country and the dearth of employment opportunities. That has encouraged the proliferation of online sports betting and Cybercafés dedicated to all forms of lottery. But the danger to children should compel action, even though this government is so obsessed with revenue generation. Besides the impact on their performance in school, other tell-tale signs that children might be hooked on gambling include becoming agitated or upset for no apparent reason, withdrawing from family and friends, being secretive about (or always being short of) money etc.

I am delighted that an NGO, ‘Gamble Alert’, has dedicated itself to preventing gambling harm and providing free therapy, emotional support and treatment services for those already addicted. The organisation’s mission is encapsulated in its commitment to creating “a safe haven for individuals harmed by their own gambling or their important others’ gambling to find solace and rediscover their strength.” That ‘Gamble Alert’ focuses on sensitizing young people to the dangers of underage gambling through discussions and educational materials, is commendable. And we need more of such efforts.

In their paper earlier referenced, the duo of Aguocha and George concluded that “There needs to be a wider debate about gambling as a public health issue in Nigeria, involving key stakeholders such as academics, healthcare professionals, policy makers and the gambling industry”. They added: “Positive action is required to minimise gambling-related harm to the people of Nigeria.”

I wholeheartedly concur!

Nigeria and the Challenge of Accountability

(With the theme, 'Enhancing Accountability: Limiting Vulnerabilities', the Nigeria Accountability Summit 2024 continues today in Abuja. Below is my keynote speech at the opening session yesterday morning)

I am aware that when you talk about accountability, people think you are referring to money. But accountability is much more than that. For me, nothing illustrates the real essence of accountability better than a story I once shared in my column. Concerned that her son was addicted to eating to much sugar, a mother sought appointment to see the legendary Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi. When she finally did, with her son in tow, she said: “The whole nation listens to you, please tell my son to stop eating sugar, as it is not good for his health”. Ghandi replied, “I cannot tell him that. But you may bring him back in a few weeks and then I will talk to him.”

Upset and disappointed, the mother took the boy home. Two weeks later, she came back. This time Gandhi looked directly at the boy and said “Son, you should stop eating sugar. It is not good for your health.” The boy nodded his head and made a solemn commitment to

heed the admonition. Puzzled, the boy’s mother asked Ghandi, “Why did you send us away two weeks ago when you could have simply told the boy what you just did?”

Gandhi smiled and said: “Two weeks ago, I was eating a lot of sugar myself.” That, for me, sums up what accountability is all about.

The problem started with the Supreme Court decision in the case between the National Union of Electricity Employers (N.U.E.E.) and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). The apex court held that, despite the provisions of Decree 47, the NICN had neither exclusive nor coordinate jurisdiction with state high courts. The fact that the court was powerless for about 28 years of its operation was acknowledged on 5th May 2003 by the then NICN President, Justice Adejumo in a scathing remark. This was the way he put it: “The NICN remained practically moribund. The court sat only in Lagos for those years. It was clearly unknown and its decisions and pronouncements hardly respected.”

I am delighted to be here this morning for the Nigeria Accountability Summit (NAS) 2024. I understand that the two-day programme is basically for assessing the progress made in achieving the 8-point agenda of the current administration and related priority areas for government at the subnational levels. I remember that in August 2023, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun presented the ‘Roadmap for the Economy’, which highlighted eight priority areas for the administration. They are food security, poverty eradication, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving security, rule of law and fighting corruption. It is more than one year since that public proclamation, and the jury is now out as to whether anything concrete has

The extent of justice available to workers in any given society is a function of the extent of rule of law available in that society...If there is anything to take from what transpired before last Saturday’s local government election in Rivers State, it is the willingness on the part of an alarmingly increasing number of judicial personnel to accept and play the role of hitmen for influential political actors as against serving the interest of the country and the public good.

been achieved regarding those lofty objectives. Since I am not familiar with what President Bola Tinubu has done with his 8-point agenda, I would prefer to restrict my brief intervention this morning to the general notion of 'accountability' which is of great importance in all aspects of human endeavour. However, I may also say a few words about the promised food security, job creation, rule of law and all that before I take my seat, although I am more interested in the outcome of your overview of the 8-point agenda.

This, indeed, is as it should be in a society governed by ‘rule of law’. But ‘rule of law’ is not the same as ‘rule of judges.’ According to worldjusticeproject.org, “The rule of law is a durable system of laws, institutions, norms and community commitment that delivers four universal principles: accountability, just law, open government, and accessible and impartial justice”. In contrast, ‘rule of judges’ denotes impunity towards the law by the very persons who ordinarily are invested with the functions and responsibilities of upholding ‘rule of law’. It is a situation in which a judge places himself/ herself above the law or makes himself/herself the law rather than a servant of the law or shepherd of the ‘rule of law’. Regrettably, the loud and overpowering noise of the latter is becoming definitive of Nigeria’s judiciary in the perception of most people. Nothing gives better expression to that than the statement, “Go to Court” by conscious wrong-doers, often followed by “Goonappeal” by their hand-in-glove judges! Aside the indiscipline of conflicting judgements, there is also the disgraceful issue of courts of coordinate jurisdiction nullifying one another since forum shopping has been institutionalised in Nigeria. In recent days, we have seen how the judiciary has been dragged into the power struggle between the godfather and his godson in Rivers State. If there is anything to take from what transpired before last Saturday’s local government election in the state, it is the willingness on the part of an alarmingly increasing number of judicial personnel to accept and play the role of hitmen for influential political actors as against serving the interest of the country and the public good. That should also be of serious concern to Justice Kekere-Ekun.

Accountability is a core pillar of good governance and its relevance in one's personal and public life cannot be overemphasised. Indeed, at the heart of any meaningful development is accountability and it is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 15(5) states that: “the state shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power; emphasising the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency.” This is further amplified in Section 16(1)...

I still cannot fathom how any self-respecting Judge would grant an injunction, using subterfuge to restrain the police from performing their primary responsibility of restoring law and order during an election process...

NOTE: Piece concluded online

Charlotte Goddard explores associated issues.

Lanre Gbajabiamila, DG, National Lottery Regulatory Commission

TRUTH & REASON

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