British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery; visiting UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt
Tuggar, during the UK Secretary of State's visit to the Presidential Villa Abuja…yesterday
See story on page 6
Elumoye, Sunday
and John
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, vowed to bring to book any public official found liable in the prosecution of the minors and other suspects involved in the August #Endbadgovernance protests.
Tinubu directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to ensure the immediate release of all minors being prosecuted over the #Endbadgovernance protests in different parts of the country.
The president also asked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to reunite the detained minors with their families.
Images of the detained minors circulated online last week,
Phillip
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) yesterday maintained that its members can sell petrol cheaper than the price that the Dangote refinery is currently offering oil marketers in Nigeria.
Dangote had on Sunday, among other associations, accused PETROAN of planning to make Nigeria a dumping ground for
substandard products, stressing that any organisation that imports fuels lower than it is currently selling was selling low quality products.
But in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the organisation, Dr. Joseph Obele, the petrol retailers said that they have already successfully incorporated a strategic business unit for that purpose.
Citing patriotism following the pricing instability and turbulences in the downstream sector, it said the
agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the oil sector remains inimical to advocates and beneficiaries of a monopolistic market.
The oil retailers stressed that Tinubu’s interventions were meant to liberalise the downstream sector by building an all inclusive market.
“Intensive or aggressive competition in any market brings the best value for money exchange for a commodity. Consumers get the best value for pricing when competition is at its
peak, hence competition should be encouraged.
“Contrary to competition, such a market will be exploitative and strictly for profiteering. The publication by Dangote refinery that PETROAN will import substandard petroleum products is not coming as a surprise to stakeholders, because such is his usual gimmick for maintaining monopoly,” it added.
PETROAN argued that it has never compared the price of Dangote petrol
causing public outrage and anger against the Tinubu government.
The children were among the suspects arraigned at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for allegedly participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
The suspects were being tried for treason, among other charges.
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) condemned the trial of minors on allegations of treason, and other offences, arising from their participation in the protests.
But Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, commended Tinubu for ordering the release of the underage suspects.
Northern Senators Forum (NSF), led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar'adua, also praised Tinubu for ordering the release of the young boys accused of treason.
Last week, a total of 114 suspects, including several minors, were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. Egwatu admitted the suspects to N10 million bail each over their alleged involvement in
the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
The judge admitted the defendants to bail shortly after they pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them by the Inspector General (IG) of Police.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in company with the presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and adviser on public communications and orientation, Sunday Dare, briefed newsmen on the development.
Idris explained that in the last couple of days, "There have been some very deep inquiries and commentaries about the fate or the situation regarding the minors that you saw towards the end of last week, the ones that had been arrested by the Nigeria Police and that were undergoing some legal processes."
He stated that as a result of the president's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, he had directed the Minister of Justice to work on the immediate
release from custody of all the minors being prosecuted over #EndBadGovernance protests.
Idris stated, "Mr President, because of his very deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and without prejudice also to whatever legal processes there are. On the other hand, on the human part of it, he has directed that some announcements be made.
"I recall that I had short briefing with Mr President early this evening, and he has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigeria Police, without prejudice to whatever legal processes there are ongoing.
"Of course, if you look at this issue, there is the legal side of it, but there is also the human angle, the humanitarian side of it. Mr. President has directed that whatever the circumstances are, let the minors be released.
“They can, of course, continue whatever process there are, if indeed there are, as stipulated by our laws, but the minors, the president has directed that all of
them be released."
The minister said the president mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to see to the welfare of the minors and reunite them with their respective families.
According to him, "The president has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also take part to ensure that there is smooth reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country.
"The president has directed that a committee will be set up immediately to be headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. It’s actually an administrative committee to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, the treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors."
The information minister further stated that the president vowed to bring to book any public official found culpable in the arrest of the minors and other suspects of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Abubakar has again lashed out at President Bola Tinubu, saying the failures of his administration’s economic policies are the result of his hasty ascent to power, which is devoid of any coherent plan.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also described the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party of “political vampires” who thrive and relish in “sucking the blood” of citizens and foisting excruciating pain and hardship on Nigerians.
But APC described Atiku’s relentless condemnation of the policies of the Tinubu administration as hypocrisy taken too far.
In a statement, Atiku said, ''I have taken note of the initial responses highlighting the striking disparity between President Tinubu’s faltering economic policies and the alternatives I have proposed.
“It is exciting to witness such a vigorous debate on these critical matters, and I sincerely hope that this discourse will ultimately benefit Nigeria and its citizens.
''Like many fellow Nigerians, I firmly believe that we find ourselves in this current economic turmoil due to the Tinubu administration’s hasty ascent to power, devoid of a coherent plan.
''In stark contrast, my team not only devised a comprehensive recovery plan, but also welcomed significant input from Nigerians, ensuring that our approach was inclusive and well-considered.”
Atiku stressed, ''Isn’t it fascinating how the so-called ‘tested’ Tinubu administration’s only policy response seems to be a national prayer led by the First Lady and the NSA? Just a mere 24 hours after I proposed my alternative solutions? What a bold strategy!
''In my humble interpretation of the scriptures, prayer indeed serves as a noble path to follow. However, the sacred texts also
counsel us to engage in diligent labour and hard work.
''It is, therefore, uncharitable for Tinubu’s team to claim that my proposals remain untested. What remains unproven is the erratic, trial-and-error nature of the policies so far implemented by this administration, which elucidates our present predicament.
''Let us not forget that under our economic stewardship between 1999 and 2003, Nigeria soared to the pinnacle of Africa’s economies, while their administration has relegated us to a disheartening fourth position.''
He contended, ''The average GDP rate under the Obasanjo administration that I served in was 6.59% and peaked at 15% in 2002; 7.98% under the late Yar’Adua administration and 4.8% under Jonathan compared to the dismal 2.8% of the so-called ‘tested’ Tinubu era. Enough of the pains of the shambolic ‘bolekaja’ economic policy prescriptions!
''We cannot hope to tax our way out of the economic quagmire wrought by these misguided experimental policies of a novice administration.
“Numerous nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Monaco (an EU territory with a zero-income tax policy), among many others, have emerged as economic powerhouses by fostering growth through lower taxation. Why then are we fixated on inflicting further hardship upon an already struggling populace?
''One can only speculate that Tinubu’s government is anchored to a mere Tea-plan, which can only lead to a T-pain.''
The PDP 2023 presidential candidate, concluded, “Let me emphasise that the citizens, who cast their votes in the 2023 presidential election are well aware that I did not lose. Rather, we find ourselves in this predicament because the election
was criminally stolen from the Nigerian people.”
PDP: APC a Party of Vampires
PDP described APC as a party of “political vampires” who thrive and relish in “sucking the blood” of citizens and foisting excruciating pain and hardship on Nigerians.
PDP further described APC as a haven of power-grabbers, treasury looters and manipulators, who were only out to “grab, snatch and run” with the national patrimony at the expense of millions of citizens.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP condemned the APC attack on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for speaking out for the Nigerian masses, who had been subjected to untold hardship by the APC administration.
PDP described the attack on Makinde as reckless, insensitive, and a reprehensible display of arrogance in failure.
PDP said the attack also confirmed that the ruling party was jittery that its days were numbered, as Nigerians had seen through its lies, subterfuge, falsehood, suppressive policies and crass incompetence in governance.
Ologunagba said Makinde remained a credible and effective leader with astonishing record of performance, not only in prioritising the needs of the people of Oyo State as evident in the numerous development projects in the state.
He said the governor was also working with other governors elected on the platform of PDP in the quest for development, sustenance of democracy and resistance to APC’s scheme to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
The statement said, ''It is, indeed, an assault on the
with any other, based on the fact that Dangote's price wasn't known until its press release on Sunday.
“PETROAN has concluded plans with her foreign refinery counterparts and financial partners to import the best quality of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and then sell far lesser than the present selling rate of PMS in Nigeria.
“We planned to enter the market before December 2024, pending the approval of our import permit licence by the regulatory agency and
He said, "The president has also directed that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if there are any infractions found to have been committed by any official of government, be he a law enforcement agency, or whoever that person may be, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her."
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) condemned the trial of minors on the allegations of treason, and other offences, arising from their participation in the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
ACF, in a statement in Kaduna, described the trial as “a show of shame”, adding, “ACF views these citizens as victims of the Nigerian criminal justice administration system and mindless bureaucracy.
sensibility of Nigerians that in the midst of worsening insecurity, biting economic hardship, widespread hunger and starvation, comatose infrastructure, crippled productive sector, weakened currency, closure of millions of businesses with over 36 per cent unemployment rate, hopelessness and general despondency all occasioned by the irresponsible anti-people policies of the APC administration, the APC is living in alternate reality, arrogantly claiming that Nigeria is “on the cusp of prosperity.
''Our party finds it preposterous that the APC thinks that it can continue to hoodwink citizens with lies and harvest of false performance claims when it has failed on all fronts, reversed all the gains made in the 16 years of the PDP in governance and turned our once economically thriving nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 100 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life.
''Today, under the APC voodoo economy, the Naira which exchanged for N168 to the Dollar under the PDP now exchanges for almost N2,000 per Dollar, petrol which sold for N87 per litre now sells for over N1,500 in various parts of the country; a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for over N100,000, a measure of beans which sold for N250 now sells for N3,800 while a measure of garri which sold for N100 now sells for N1,500.”
At the same time, the Oyo State chapter of PDP, said, “We read with amusement a statement issued on Sunday by the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) attacking Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for saying what is an obvious truth that the 2027 general election would be
“The very unhelping and insensitive words, to the press, of the prosecuting attorney and those of the Inspector-General of Police were just as distressing, amounting to an attempt to rationalise the mis-action, adding to the absurdity of the sham trial.
“A telling symptom of a justice system gone wild is that the suspects were offered bail for the sum of N10 million each plus some other stringent conditions. From their looks, most of the detainees cannot raise as little as N10,000 to post bail.”
The forum, in a statement by its spokesperson, Tukur MuhammadBaba, said statements by senior government officials promising to ensure the welfare of the detainees did not inspire confidence.
The statement said the hapless citizens should not be detained
or tried at all, especially as the instigators of the protests had been roaming the streets freely. It said, “ACF is disappointed in the apparent resort to abandoning court by the trial judge as well as the unreasonable bail conditions he granted the detainees.
“It was not just the impossible monetary condition, but to ask the detainees to provide sureties, who must be senior government officials, is beyond belief, these being citizens from the lower rungs of society who may never have been to Abuja!
“Shorn of all niceties or political correctness, the trial simply assaults common sense and it is, in this regard, as scandalous and reckless as can be.”
Musa Hails Tinubu for Releasing Minors
Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, commended Tinubu for ordering the release of the underage, who were being detained over their participation in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests Musa had on Friday condemned the arrest, detention and arraignment of the “malnourished and haggard-looking” minors at an Abuja Federal High Court. However, the senator, in a statement, commended Tinubu for listening to the cries of Nigerians by setting the children free. Musa stated, “I commend the president for his decisive and compassionate directive to release all detained minors and ensure they are safely reunited with their families across the country.
“This action demonstrates a profound commitment to justice and humanity and reflects a true
PINNACLE OIL & GAS: WE WILL NEVER SELL SUBSTANDARD FUEL TO NIGERIANS
Oil & Gas stated that as the only depot close to Dangote Refinery in the area, it was responding to clear the air on the matter raised by the refinery.
The Dangote organisation had on November 3 issued a press release alleging, "An international trading company has recently hired a depot facility next to the Dangote Refinery, with the objective of using it to blend substandard products that will be dumped into the market to compete with Dangote Refinery's higher quality products."
But Pinnacle Oil & Gas stated that as a company with a history of integrity and strict compliance with existing regulations, it could not distribute low quality products to Nigerians.
The company maintained, “Pinnacle Oil & Gas has the only depot facility next to the Dangote Refinery. Without equivocation, we state that Pinnacle Oil & Gas would never engage or attempt to import or distribute any off-spec or substandard product into the Nigerian market.
“Our company has a reputation for integrity and regulatory compliance, which is extremely important to us.”
The oil and gas firm added that in a deregulated environment, the system worked a lot better when allowed to have multiple buyers and multiple sellers. It said it was the right thing for Nigerians to have supply options, whether for imported fuels or locally refined ones. According to Pinnacle Oil & Gas, when this is allowed to happen, the lowest sustainable price will then be established.
Pinnacle Oil & Gas stated, “Deregulated commodity markets work best with an open system of multiple sellers and multiple buyers bidding to establish the market price. For Nigeria to have supply options that include local refineries or imports is the mechanism that will establish the lowest sustainable prices.
“A free market is also regulated to ensure that all products meet the country's specifications and that all players behave responsibly.”
Pinnacle is an indigenous oil and gas company active across the entire downstream value chain, with emphasis on the petroleum trading, marketing, distribution and retail segments of the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
Seeks British support to solve security challenges in African nations like Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has stressed Nigeria's full commitment towards actualising upgraded partnership agreements with the United Kingdom in areas that directly impact citizens' livelihoods, like arts, culture, trade, and security.
The President, who spoke Monday when he received the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon. David Lammy, at the State House, Abuja, stressed that his government would support the partnership for growth.
He said: “I am happy that Nigeria is your first port of call. We have come a long way with our shared history. The challenge we face now is a call to promote
unity and inclusivity. Britain and Nigeria have a long history, and we have always cherished the relationship”.
President Tinubu urged the United Kingdom to strengthen relations with Africa by showing more interest in some of the conflicts affecting countries such as the Republic of Sudan, particularly over humanitarian issues.
“We are faced with security challenges in West Africa, and we have been receiving displaced persons into the country, some from Mali and Burkina Faso. We are doing our best to bring peace.
“We are urging Britain to pay more attention to some African countries, like Sudan, apart from Ukraine. I think humanity dictates that you pay attention to some of these issues. We are ready to
collaborate with you.
“Britain should do more to bring peace and stability to that part of Africa,’’ he added.
The President told the Foreign Secretary that the economic reforms in Nigeria were progressive and geared towards long-term stimulation of the economy.
President Tinubu thanked King Charles III for his warm reception at Buckingham Palace during a visit to London.
Earlier in his speech, Foreign Secretary Lammy said he was in Nigeria to begin consultations on improving relations between both countries and Africa.
Lammy explained that the Prime Minister, Keir Stammer, had expressed deep interest in the continent's growth and development, and new partnerships,
particularly in tackling new challenges, were needed.
The Foreign Secretary said former Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, were close friends of the continent.
“It is wonderful, truly wonderful to be here in Nigeria, especially with you in person.
“Our countries have the strongest relationships built over many years. Shared values in our history by the Commonwealth, which has been incredibly strong, dynamic and vibrant across our countries
“The Prime Minister Keir Stammer’s government hopes to see and ensure changes in our relations. He is committed to economic growth, and I have come in that spirit. Of course, economic growth is the bedrock
Tells new cabinet members to expect criticisms, abuses but to remain focused Says he’s stopped plundering of nation's resources Vows to push profiteers, smugglers out of business
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, reassured the Nigerian people that the nation’s current ship would not sink in spite of the current challenges.
He however told the seven new ministers just joining his cabinet that Nigerians would criticise and possibly abuse them but that they should remain focused and not be distracted.
The president spoke yesterday at the swearing-in of the seven new ministers at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
He said, "We are not going to run away from our responsibility, we are going to face it and we have been facing it head-on.
“With you as a member of this team, I am proud and honoured that I am leading you and we will lead you to success and prosperity. All I can say is welcome onboard, this ship will not sink."
Facing the new ministers, he said, "You will be part of criticisms and abuses, don’t worry. Stay focused, stay
resilient. Your time will come with the history of growth and prosperity for this country."
Tinubu also said his government had stopped scavengers of the nation's resources and would completely do the same thing to profiteers and smugglers across the country.
"It is my joy and honour to be part of you to be responsible for over 200 million people in this county. We have taken the bull by the horn. We have stopped the scavengers. We are going to stop completely the profiteers and smugglers of our resources across the country,” he said.
The president said he was not oblivious of the fact that the cost of living had gone up, and that the present situation called for very serious commitment.
According to him, his administration would not run away from the challenges and responsibilities, and assured the people that he would face them head-on.
He commended the National
Assembly for diligently and expeditiously living up to expectations by performing its constitutional duty of screening and confirming the ministers on record time.
While congratulating the new ministers, the president said, "The moment is challenging, the present situation calls for a very serious commitment. Yours is a duty to serve and that is what you’ve got to do.
“I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the oath of office and ready to serve your nation at the time we are facing the challenges of economic growth and other items like security challenges and others.
"It is not easy to find just the unique people that will surrender their life, freedoms and other responsibility to serve their nation anytime in this time of challenges.
“I am sincerely happy that you have done that and that you are here today to be part of a very committed team of Nigerians who have been working tirelessly since 17 months ago
that we assumed the responsibility of governing this country, you are called upon to join the team to rescue this country.
"Service is the hallmark of this human endeavour, you are being called upon to serve. Economic recovery is on the horizon. We have a good path to realise our dreams and it is not just only for us, it is for our children and grandchildren."
He said despite the challenges the country was facing, the administration was on the right track on the job of re-engineering and retooling the economic path of the nation.
"Yes, cost of living has gone up, I recognise that and we have satisfied the obligation of paying a new minimum wage across the board," he said.
President Tinubu said it was a challenge when the country was servicing its debt with 97 per cent of its revenue, pointing out that debt servicing has been brought down to 65 per cent and it has not defaulted in paying or meeting all its obligations both foreign and domestic.
of peace and security,’’ the Foreign Secretary added.
On Nigeria’s economic reforms, Lammy said: “Your macro-economic performance is important to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity and security and at any time clearly will make a difference in investor confidence in the economy.’’
Also speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said agreements signed with the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary included growth and jobs, enhanced security, migration and home affairs, strengthening collaboration on modernised partnerships, and enhanced people-to-people links. According to him, Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on trade and investment earlier in the year.
Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Mohammad Sheidu, yesterday expressed commitment to improving the infrastructure and standards of police training facilities across the country, bringing them closer to world standards.
Sheidu, who made this pledge during an assessment tour of the Nigerian Police Force College in Lagos with members of the National Assembly addressed key areas needing attention, such as power and water supply, as well as repairing leaking dormitory roofs.
Speaking on the need for transparency, Sheidu assured that the NPTF would implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for all projects to guarantee accountability.
He said: “One of the things we stand for is integrity and accountability. And as I mentioned, I didn’t come here alone to assess this place. I am here with National Assembly members of the country.”
While explaining the role of the monitoring team and the importance for project oversight, he said: “We would as a team have a monitoring and evaluation team. I am here to see what it is that is needed.
" We will get an assessment and by time work starts, there are teams that are going to enable and ensure that, as the project progresses, we embark on what is needed, like lighting, solar installations, or rehabilitation. These teams will monitor the projects from inception to completion.”
The executive secretary’s Lagos tour included inspections of training
facilities, dormitories, hostels, and kitchens at the Police College, Police Cottage Clinic; and Police Hospital Area F in Ikeja; Shogunle Police Station; and Alakuko Police Station. Sheidu noted various issues impacting the college, highlighting that projects would be prioritised to improve the welfare of officers in training.
“I can guarantee you, as I said earlier, it is more about accountability and transparency, and that is why I didn’t come here alone. I came with people who will be able to stand for and vouch for this process.” Sheidu also shared his impressions after visiting facilities in other states, including Rivers, which he found in worse condition compared to Lagos.
While expressing satisfaction with the state of Lagos facilities, he however said there was need for further improvement.
“ Luckily, I also went to states like Rivers, so the disappointment in a state like Rivers and coming to Lagos—I’m actually happier coming here,” he added.
Pointing out areas that require immediate attention, while acknowledging the longstanding issues with certain structures, he said: "I know what we need to do here is to actually do more. We saw some leaking roofs and things like that—debilitated places—so we will be able to come and rehabilitate them"
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Yalleman, who joined Sheidu on the tour, praised the Lagos facilities, particularly the efforts of the college’s commandant and his team.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja, on Monday quashed the conviction of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen on false assets declaration by the Code
of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). In a judgement based on the terms of settlement reached between the federal government and Onnoghen, the appellate court also ordered the return of four bank accounts earlier forfeited, to the former CJN.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Managing Director of Macobarb International Limited, Shedrack Ogboru, yesterday tendered 37 documents seeking to prove how the Nigeria LNG owes the firm N5.074 billion.
Some of the submissions and documents include the letter written by NLNG General Counsel (Company Secretary), Akachukwu Nwokedi to Festus Keyamo's Chamber which had stated that the contract between the NLNG and Macobarb Int’l Ltd had no provisions for standby Payment.
Macobarb claimed that such a position by the NLNG legal department was the reason the NLNG refused to pay the claimant.
It tendered many documents and quotes from the contract to show that the contract had ‘stand-down payment’ provisions. A forensic auditor also appeared to prove to the court that those contract classes existed.
Macobarb position in adopted statements and claims insisted that stand-down provision is plentifully provided for in the contract, one of which he said is on page 28, section 7, sub section 5(11).
The firm told court that there is abundant evidence that it fulfilled this clause by notifying the NLNG about this development (contract payment failures), saying in the statements that they relied on the position of the NLNG general counsel arising from this failure to amend its claim to N5.074 billion .
The claimant insisted that by defendant's (NLNG’s) failures to honour the terms of contract closeout as signed by both parties on the said date, Macobarb has not been able to demobilise its equipment.
The forensic accountant thus relied on defendant's failures to further calculate the liability they (NLNG) incurred by their own alleged negligence or other actions by detaining Macobarb’s equipment on their site indefinitely.
The claimant further stated in its claims that whereas the defendant insists it owed no money to Macobarb, yet, in the contract closeout of February 10, 2016, NLNG agreed to pay Macobarb for its 20 feet caravan, to also pay balance payment for turnstiles and vehicle barriers amounting to N38 million, but only paid N33 million.
However, the NLNG team of lawyers led by Prof Bayo Adaralegbe, began cross examination on November 1, 2024, and first dwelt on the eligibility of the CEO of Macobarb, Ogboru, to be a joiner in the suit, asking to be shown where the contract provided for him to sue as an individual, to which Ogboru cited two sections.
Adaralegbe also pursued the angle of submission of ‘performance bond’ stated in the contract that should be done within 14 days of the take-off of the contract, and tasked the claimant to show where he submitted the said bond.
The matter was adjourned till November 29 and December 2 and 3, 2024, for continuation of cross-examination.
Onnoghen was found guilty and accordingly convicted on false asset declaration charge on April 18, 2019, by the Umar Yakubu Danladi tribunal.
Displeased with the verdict, Onnoghen then approached the appellate court to quash the conviction and set him free.
But when the matter came up for hearing, parties informed the court of moves to settle the case outside the court.
Onnoghen's lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, at the resumed hearing announced the terms of settlement dated October 24 but filed on November 1, and was confirmed by FG's lawyer, Mr Tijani Gazali, SAN.
Besides Awomolo, other members of the former CJN's legal team include; Chief Chris Uche, SAN, Mr. Okon N. Efut, SAN, Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, Mr. Moses A. Ebute, SAN, George Ibrahim, SAN, with five other legal practitioners. Parties in the terms of settlement
unanimously agreed that the CCT was wrong in convicting Onnoghen without resort to the National Judicial Council (NJC) as a body constitutionally empowered to discipline judicial officers in Nigeria.
Meanwhile the terms of settlement were endorsed by Onnoghen, two of his lawyers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, while the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (AGF) Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN signed for the federal government.
However, following the adoption of report on terms of settlement submitted before the appellate court by all parties, a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Abba Bello Mohammed on Monday dismissed the case.
In a brief remark, Onnoghen's lawyers Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN and Ogwu James Onoja, SAN, thanked President Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince
Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for ensuring the resolutions of the issue.
Recall that the CCT had in 2019 convicted Onnoghen in all the 6-count charge bordering on breach of Code of Conduct for public officers brought against him by the federal government while in office as head of the country’s judiciary.
Delivering judgement, Chairman of the CCT, Danladi Yakubu Umar, had ordered the immediate removal of Onnoghen from office as the CJN.
The Tribunal had also stripped him of all offices earlier occupied among which were the Chairman of the National Judicial Council, (NJC), and also the Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.
The tribunal also ordered the forfeiture of his five bank accounts and the money in the accounts which Onnoghen did not declare in his asset declaration form submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), an agency of the federal government.
Although Onnoghen had been on
suspension since January 25, 2019 and had resigned on April 4, the tribunal nonetheless ordered his removal from office as the Chief Justice of Nigeria and also as the chairman of both the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission. But dissatisfied with the CCT decision, Onnoghen on April 29, 2019 approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja with 16 grounds on why his conviction by the Tribunal should be quashed.
The former head of the Nigerian judiciary prayed the Court of Appeal to void and set aside the CCT judgment delivered against him on April 18, 2019, on various grounds.
In his appeal marked CA/ ABJ/375 & 376 & 377/2019, Justice Onnoghen through his lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, asked the appellate court to quash his conviction primarily on ground of want of jurisdiction, bias and absence of fair hearing.
James Emejo in Abuja
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the states of the federation have commenced the establishment of processes and structures to maximise the benefits of a $669 million Global Fund support for the country's health insurance system.
The financing was announced by Fund in February in line with its 2023-2028 strategy which aims to support health financing systems to improve sustainability, and reduce financial barriers to access and strengthening purchasing efficiency.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day inception meeting attended by the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanisms (CCM), representatives of State Health Insurance Agencies (SHIAs) as
well as public and private sector experts, NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, highlighted the execution priorities to ensure that set targets are achieved.
He said the programme will boost efforts to combat HIV/ AIDS and tuberculosis, two diseases that remain significant challenges despite recent progress in combatting them.
Ohiri, particularly identified impact, efficiency and sustainability as the core justifications and benefits for the Global Fund direct support for the nation’s health system.
He said, “The first is the issue of impact - impact in the sense that when you intervene to support and treat someone, you’re treating the entire person. So, by expanding the health care benefits that people receive, it means that we
are recognising them as a whole and an individual. So, that means better health outcomes overall.
“Rather than have multiple vertical programmes for every single thing, we are looking at a systems approach to addressing some of these issues and the care that is provided to them. So, it is definitely a more efficient way to address the needs of these populations.
“Third is sustainability. By integrating them into the health system that way, we have a more efficient, and a more impactful and sustainable health system.”
According to a proposal which has been approved by the CCM and the Global Fund, the project will be implemented by NHIA through state health insurance agencies in Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi and Anambra.
In Lagos, however, the state’s health ministry will be responsible for implementation. With the timeline of the project slated for 2024 - 2026, the five pilot states are expected to produce their work plans within a week for review and subsequent implementation.
He explained that as of part of the process, pilot programmes have been set up in five states to provide selected populations of vulnerable people living with HIV/ AIDS and tuberculosis access to health insurance through premium payments. The programmes will monitor the selected populations in the selected states according to defined metrics and the learnings from evaluation will provide guidelines for scale-up across the country.
L-R; Chief Operating Officer, Computer Audit Control and Security (CACS) Associates Ltd, Dr. Martin Ikephai; Chief Audit Executive, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mr. Prince Akamadu; President, Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN), Dr. David Isiavwe; Head, Corporate Communications, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, Austen
Kayode Tokede
Oando Plc, yesterday, announced its unaudited results for the half year (H1) period ended June 30, 2024 with about N2.03 trillion in revenue, an increase of 51 per cent from N1.35 trillion reported in H1 2023.
Nigeria's leading indigenous energy group, listed on both Nigerian Exchange Limited
(NGX) and Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), announced N62.6 trillion profit after tax in H1 2024, from N112.4 billion reported in H1 2023. The release of H1 2024 result and accounts came as the company resumed trading on the NGX, along with the publication of its 2023 Financial Year End (FYE) audited reports. Following the performance set
in its audited 2023 results, Oando continued to show impressive results across its key financial metrics.
Speaking on the H1 2024 performance, Group Chief Executive, Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu, in a statement, said, "In the first half of 2024, we delivered a profit after tax of N62.6 billion, despite persistent challenges occasioned by sabotage
and theft across our assets in the Niger Delta, which led to frequent shut-ins and impacted production.
“Since assuming operatorship, we have implemented a series of production-enhancing initiatives, which are already yielding results, as demonstrated by a 36 per cent increase in output within the first 30 days following the acquisition.
“As we navigate a dynamic market environment, we are
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, on Monday said the aviation sector, through Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is ready to collaborate with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) which is the National Designated Authority and official Focal Point to address the impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
The minister who noted this in Abuja at the 2nd Consultative meeting on the Development and Deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and other cleaner fuels in Nigeria further explained that this collaboration is the only way to facilitate the development and deployment of aviation cleaner energies in Nigeria.
Keyamo, represented by the Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo stated that the collaboration will
also ensure that the country is not left behind in aviation environmental protection initiatives.
He said: "this meeting is borne out of the desire for Nigeria to develop a clear roadmap and set targets for the use of cleaner energy in aviation, in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Resolution on global framework on aviation cleaner energies."
He further explained that the meeting was broadly in line with Strategic Objective number 5 of ICAO to minimize the adverse environmental effects of civil aviation.
"This step is not only laudable, but necessary for our airlines to be able to have competitive operating advantage not just in our sub-region, but in the continent," he said.
The Acting Director General, Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, in an interview said they are collaborating for the first time together with the
NCCC using Implementation Status Report (ISR) as a stepping stone to help in this flight.
"We are meeting and once we identify what stocks we use, we will take it from there. The fuel might be a lot cheaper, but the most important thing is to be a cleaner fuel. That is one of the most important things, to be cleaner and, of course, sustainable," he said.
Similarly speaking, the Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of NCAA, Michael Achimugu said the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is committed to success and driving the ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the field of aviation where everything is guided by regulation and there is no better person to lead that drive than the minister.
He said the minister is committed to the growth of the industry and the agencies under the leadership of NCAA who regulates the industry.
He said Capt. Najomo came
into the industry and made the ease of doing business without compromising standards and safety the mantra for his action plan adding that so far, the fruits of that mantra is causing the change in the industry.
Also, the Director General/ CEO of the National Council on Climate Change NCCC, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, said the meeting is the second one, and of course there are more to come, because the government is indicating that, and is showing that Nigeria wants to decarbonise our aviation sector.
She said: "That is why there is a conversation on the Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and Low Carbon Aviation Fuel, and other cleaner fuels as well.
"The transport is one of the highest emitters of carbon emissions, should we get it right in our aviation sector, we are going to get it right in our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and that is the active step the government is taking. "
The House of Representatives has announced the commencement of recess, and would reconvene on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi in a statement issued yesterday said the recess was designed to allow members to undertake critical oversight of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government and to ensure proper accountability on behalf of the Nigerian people. He said: “This decision was first communicated to honourable members via an announcement titled “Pre-Budget Oversight”
during plenary on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
“The schedule was further adjusted today through formal internal correspondence to Honourable Members from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on the directive of the
House Leadership.” Rotimi noted that the recess would only affect House plenary sessions, while other legislative activities, including constituency outreach, committee meetings, and essential consultations in preparation for the forthcoming budget sessions, will continue as usual.
confident in our trajectory toward sustained production growth, positioning us to deliver long-term, sustainable value for all stakeholders.”
Oando’s N2 trillion revenue, in comparison with other industry contemporaries, such as Seplat, which recently declared a N575.1 billion revenue in H1 2024, reinforces the company’s resilience in spite of continued security challenges faced by all operators in the Niger Delta region.
The company experienced a decrease in its upstream production due to sabotage activities and a shut in of wells for necessary repairs. Undeterred by this, Oando averaged 5,790 barrels per day (bbls/day) of crude oil and 18,286 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/day) of natural gas. Along with its performance with natural gas liquids (NGLs), the company averaged a consolidated production capacity of 24,389 boe/ day in H1 2024.
The statement said Oando set its sights on the future with its recent status as an operator following its acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) in August for $783million.
Following the landmark purchase, the company had since
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) yesterday clarified that no directive has been issued to workers to change the financial institutions registered on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System(IPPIS) platform as their salary accounts.
In a statement in Abuja, the office said the IPPIS unit gives utmost priority to the welbeing of workers, adding that it will not issue any directive that will mislead, misguide or cause unnecessary panic to workers.
The OAGF explained that whenever there is an application for change of salary account, such is always a personal decision of the worker concerned, adding that the IPPIS office had not issued any general directive to
established a production-war room to expedite production ramp-up and address operational inefficiencies. This initiative was part of a broader integration and efficiency enhancement process aimed at seamlessly integrating NAOC's assets into Oando's existing business portfolio and aligning operational standards. Tinubu stated that the company had already begun to witness results of its efforts as evident in the 36 per cent increase in output within the first 30 days following the acquisition and control of the production assets. The future appears promising for the indigenous energy company, with global oil prices projected to average $89/b for the remainder of 2024 and $91/b in Q1 2025, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
EIA also predicted global consumption to reach around 102.91 million bpd in 2024, driven by increased global demand for oil and liquid fuels.
Oando said through its focus on operational efficiency and production optimisation, it was well-positioned to capitalise on the favourable market conditions and deliver long-term sustainable value to its stakeholders.
this effect as there was no reason to do so.
The statement issued by Director, Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa, tasked financial institutions to implement necessary strategies to boost customers' confidence and guarantee efficient fulfillment of their obligations to persons whose salaries are domiciled in such financial institutions and Nigerians in general.
The OAGF noted that there are agencies that are statutorily mandated to determine the health as well as viability of financial institutions and expressed optimism that those agencies are up to their tasks. The office further advised workers that may have genuine reasons to change their salary accounts on the IPPIS platform to follow the official procedures.
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
a Labour Party Governorship aspirant in anambra State, Mr John Nwosu, in this interview speaks about his ambition, plan for the people as well as the zoning formula in the state. David-Chyddy Eleke brings excerpts:
You’ve expressed commitment to serving only one term to complete the turn of the South Senatorial zone where you and Governor Charles Soludo come from. Would you be willing to take an oath in a shrine, if demanded by the people of Anambra, to reaffirm this commitment?
In keeping with my Catholic faith, no political office is worth my swearing to an oath at a shrine. It is impossible. I’m not that blindly ambitious. But as a person of honour, my word is my bond.
I believe that in Anambra we have respected zoning. People should have faith. Belief is based on faith and trust. If I become the governor and after four years, I come out for re-election, Anambra people should reject me, regardless of how well I’m doing.
How do you plan to secure your party’s ticket in the primary election, given speculations that one of your co-contestants is deemed to be very close to Mr Peter Obi, who is your party’s leader. Some people also say you are little known?
A - I’m inclined to discuss issues, not personalities. His Excellency Mr Peter Obi is our national leader; so every Labour Party aspirant claims to be close to him. We are one family. But we are not in a beauty, fashion or social media contest. We are fighting to salvage Anambra; so the question should be, what bona fides are you bringing to the governance table in terms of leadership, experience, consistency, diligence and loyalty and support to the party? That should be the basis for securing the party ticket.
I’m perhaps, unknown to some of you. Certainly, I’m not a noisemaker or an outsider. I’m also not a photo-op person.
But I first contested for the Anambra governorship in 2013, under APGA. You can do the research. I’ve remained politically engaged since then, even if quietly so. The incumbent, Governor Charles Soludo will run on his very dismal performance record and unfulfilled promises. I don’t believe Ndi Anambra want to continue the prevailing condescension, suffering and insecurity in the state.
What should we expect from you if you lose your party’s ticket? Will you be staying to work with the winner or will you be jumping to another party?
There will be only one Labour Party candidate in 2025. I hope and pray to God it is me. If not, I will support fully, whomever the party gives the ticket. I don’t engage in rascality of any form. I’m also not into political forum shopping. It’s not my style.
Every candidate or aspirant to the Governorship seat has always promised infrastructure, health, security, etc. Away from the same rhetoric, what is that unique thing you are bringing into governance if you eventually become a Governor?
I am bringing into governance a commitment to best practices and efficient service delivery with our Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets and Social Welfare (SHEEEMS) governance platform. We will replicate and improve on the ANIDS governance model used by Mr Peter Obi as governor in Anambra. Most of our leaders no longer have the fear of God. So, they make promises they don’t intend to keep and siphon public resources that are not theirs. I offer, with all humility, a different approach to governance. Look at Abia State and Enugu State. What is happening there is not rocket science; it is humble, diligent and transformative leadership. That is what I am offering to Anambra people.
Our governance performances will always be benchmarked and measurable.
How will you handle the problems bedeviling Anambra State especially insecurity differently from other governors?
There are problems that are peculiar to Anambra; and there are challenges that pertain to Nigeria and Africa. Prioritization and efficiency are the hallmark of good governance. Therefore, those governance needs peculiar to Anambra must be accorded the highest priority. There will be less window dressing and sloganeering. We will consult broadly; and listen to advice and superior logic. We shall also walk the talk!
As for security, let me tell you, if somebody is kidnapped, you can track the people who did it through their phones or that of the victim. Even if it is switched off,
but Anambra does not have the necessary devices. What I’m telling you is that the conventional security being provided by the state government has to be well funded, and that is one of the things I will do, but I can’t tell you things in details because this is security.
I own a Centre for Registration of National Identity Management, and when people were collecting money for registration, it was free in my centre. If you get people to register, it will help you to tackle insecurity, and once people register, it is easy to track them.
Go to Lagos where I have lived for over 30 years, they have left us behind. In Lagos where they have IBM, Microsoft, Google and the rest of them, they have what we call control centre, where the government and people in charge of security sit 24 by seven (round the clock) to monitor many places. They can even tell you where you can avoid traffic in the city, and that way their economic activities boom.
It is no longer rocket science to manage security. All you need is technology
We will consult broadly; and listen to advice and superior logic. We shall also walk the talk! As for security, let me tell you, if somebody is kidnapped, you can track the people who did it through their phones or that of the victim. Even if it is switched off, but Anambra does not have the necessary devices. What I’m telling you is that the conventional security being provided by the state government has to be well funded, and that is one of the things I will do, but I can’t tell you things in details because this is security.
and human beings. In Lagos, people go about their business 24 by seven, but in Anambra once it is 5pm, even your security people will start telling you it’s not safe to continue to remain outside. We cannot continue like this.
For about 10 years now, regional thinking among Southeast political leaders has been lacking, how would you collaborate with other governors to evolve strategic economic collaboration for the region?
To be viable and sustainable, states should embark on joint ventures. It could be bilateral, trilateral or entirely zonal. Nothing stops the Southeast from returning to the effective structure of Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC), introduced by Dr. Michael Okpara in the 1960s, for optimal governance and development. We must have the political will for collaborative governance efforts and choose the optimal models. The South-South set up the BRACE Commission some years ago, and it is still operational. On record, we have the South East Development Commission, in the South-East; but it is not fully operational. We will have to return to the drawing board.
A simple example will do. A light rail between Anambra and Abia, Imo and Rivers will improve commercial haulage, and save our roads from quick deterioration. The Orient Petroluem refinery in Aguleri Otu, would have long come on stream, if it was a joint venture between Anambra, Enugu and Kogi, the three states traversed by the subterranean oilfield. Instead, we spent years fighting for unilateral oil rights. That was very shortsighted.
Springfield Exploration and Production Limited, Ghana’s first indigenous independent oil company to begin deep offshore operations, is no doubt, a household name among the country’s industry players.
Led by its Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Okyere, a renowned Ghanaian entrepreneur and business leader, the company has despite the vicissitudes of doing business in the oil sector broken glass ceilings, emerging stronger after every challenge. Emmanuel Addeh writes that the arrival of its latest Deepsea Bollsta deep offshore rig, contracted by the company to begin the execution of its well appraisal mandate, after a long-drawn-out court case, may have finally removed any doubt about whether Springfield is truly Ghana’s first indigenous oil giant.
Founded in 2008, the Springfield Group has since commencing operations become one of the key pioneers and players in the oil and gas industry in the West African country.
From its humble beginning that year, the company is now at the forefront of the oil industry in Ghana, with activities that span the exploration and production of oil and gas, as well as the transportation, storage and trading of hydrocarbons.
Operating as a fully integrated entity across the entire value chain of the oil and gas industry, in 2010 Springfield obtained its bulk distribution company licence from Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (GNPA) for the procurement, sale and distribution of petroleum 2010 products to oil marketing companies and refineries.
Indeed, over a period of five years, the company supplied about 12.5 per cent of Ghana’s petroleum product requirements and became a leading exporter of refined products to neighbouring land-locked countries like Mali and Burkina Faso.
It was the first independent Ghanaian entity to lift the Government of Ghana’s crude oil entitlement from the TEN field in 2016 and 2017.
In the upstream, following its acquisition of a permit to provide services to the upstream petroleum industry in Ghana in 2011, Springfield before going full throttle, had become heavily involved in the provision of oilfield services, supplying vessels, logistics, subsea equipment, oil rigs, marine construction equipment and maintenance services.
As expected, every vision must have its chief ‘visioner’ and facilitator. That man is Kevin Okyere, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Springfield Group.
A dynamic, astute entrepreneur gifted with skills in business strategy, finance and negotiations for the development of high-end commercial and developmental projects, Okyere has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to sustainable development, driven by a passion to contribute to Ghana and indeed Africa’s economic growth.
Beginning his journey in the telecommunications industry and focusing on equipment evolution, network design, and information technology, over the past 18 years, he has established and managed multiple successful businesses, laying the foundation for the Springfield Group.
Under Okyere’s leadership, the company has become a leading player in the oil industry, extending at one point beyond Ghana to Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil market, with the establishment of Springfield Ashburton Limited in 2011. This move made Springfield the only Ghanaian company involved in energy-related trade in Nigeria till date.
In 2019, Kevin led Springfield’s drilling of the Afina-1X well, resulting in significant discoveries of gas, critical, and light oil at a depth of 1030 meters. This find more than doubled Springfield’s proven oil reserves to 1.5 billion barrels and added 0.7tcf of gas.
Described as a ‘glass ceiling breaker’, in line with his vision of aiding the sustainable development of Ghana through contributions to the economy, today, Springfield is the majority interest holder (84 per cent) of West Cape Three Points Block 2, with the GNPC and its exploration company, EXPLORCO, holding the remaining interest.
Born in Ghana, Okyere hails from a family of entrepreneurs. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Ghana and later pursued further studies in the United States.
His career spans over two decades, with extensive experience in the energy sector. No wonder he is reputed to have expanded operations, increasing revenue by up to 500 per cent.
Springfield Exploration and Production (E&P) Limited, has made significant strides in the industry since its inception. In exploration and production, it successfully explored and produced oil in Ghana’s West Cape Three Points Block.
The Okyere-led group made Ghana’s first privately-led oil discovery in 2019, with an estimated 1.5 billion barrels of oil reserves.
In terms of operational milestones, Springfield achieved first oil production in 2020 in Ghana, with a production capacity of about 10,000 barrels per day and gas successfully developed the Springfield Field.
These achievements have not gone unnoticed by industry players. For its hardwood, Springfield received the 2018 Ghana Energy Awards for “Indigenous E&P Company of the Year”; 2019 Petroleum Commission’s Excellence Awards and “Best Local Content E&P Company” Not done, the company in 2020 also got the Ghana Oil and Gas Awards for “E&P Company of the Year”.
In terms of community development, the company has supported education for over 500 students with scholarships, contributed to local infrastructure projects and carried out healthcare programmes in rural communities.
It has partnered GNPC for exploration and production, collaborated with International Oil Companies (IOCs) for technical expertise and worked with local businesses for services and supplies.
Still exploring new blocks and opportunities, Springfield aims to increase production to 50,000 barrels per day as well as developing gas resources for domestic and export markets.
In 2021, Springfield’s Afina well discovery was named amongst the top 10 most significant global hydrocarbon discoveries in 2019.
The list, compiled by IHS Markit, a world class intelligence gathering organisation with over 5,000
analysts, data scientists, financial experts and industry specialists, also positioned Springfield as one of five global oil companies that made discoveries in Deepwater and the only indigenous company on the continent to do so.
In 2021, a Ghana High Court ordered Italian oil and gas firm, Eni and Vitol, to set aside 30 per cent of oil proceeds from the Sankofa Field in an escrow account, pending the final determination of an application filed by Springfield E&P.
As a background, Springfield E&P had filed a suit, following Eni’s refusal to unitise the Afina oil block held by Springfield E&P and Sankofa Field operated by Eni and Vitol because the two oil blocks were said to straddle.
Earlier, the two oil companies were directed to unitise the two fields by the Ministry of Energy, but it did not happen, prompting Springfield to approach the courts for adjudication.
Among the reliefs sought by Springfield was an order directing at the Defendants to comply with the directive issued by the Minister of Energy in the letter of April, 9 2020 to enter into an agreement with the plaintiff to produce and develop the accumulation of the petroleum in the Sankofa and Afina fields as a single unit.
The oil firm also wanted the court to direct that “any income, profits and other finds due Plaintiff from Defendant’s exploration and production activities in the Sankofa Fields be paid to the Plaintiff upon account having been taken”.
Springfield said it was forced to take the legal route following Eni’s reluctance to follow the Minister of Energy’s directive and for all parties to reach an amicable resolution to this unfortunate impasse.
“Springfield is not interested in stalling ongoing crude oil production on the Sankofa Field, and believes in fairness and justice for all, irrespective of their size and position. The consequences of this case for the Ghanaian oil industry will be systemic and immediate”.
That case has now been decided. An international tribunal, which eventually adjudicated between the government of Ghana and Eni Ghana Exploration and Production and Vitol Energy, affirmed that the government’s directive for unitisation was well within its legal rights.
In July, the court specified a maximum timeline of six months for the unitisation to be completed once the necessary work was undertaken.
True to its promise to begin work within three months of the judgement, Springfield Exploration and Production Limited has already embarked on well appraisal activities.
This is just 12 weeks after the international tribunal directed the government to permit the Ghanaian firm to complete the Afina-Sankofa unitisation.
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Deepsea Bollsta deep offshore rig, contracted by Springfield from the Norwegian company Northern Ocean, arrived at the Afina-1x Well at the West Cape Three Points (WCTP) Block 2 offshore.
The rig’s arrival marked the commencement of operations to execute the appraisal mandate,
a critical step in the unitisation process outlined by the tribunal on July 8.
Springfield’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Okyere, expressed deep satisfaction with the milestone of the commencement of appraisal activities at the Afina-Sankofa assets. To him, the whole issue was not personal, but about ramping up oil production, in Ghana which is expected to significantly raise government’s revenues.
“I would like to basically announce to everyone here that the rig is finally in the country and we have commenced the appraisal programme. We are going ahead to build this appraisal well so that we can finally finish and stop the decline of Ghana’s production and hopefully help add more production to the oil and gas industry in Ghana.
“As the first Ghanaian company and the first African company to own and operate a deep offshore oil block, drill and find hydrocarbons, I think we need to give all ourselves an applause that we’ve really done very well.
“All I would like to say today is that if people can go deep in the ocean and find oil, it means that there’s nothing that a Ghanaian or the African can put their mind to that they cannot achieve,” he noted during a stakeholders’ event heralding the arrival of the deep offshore rig.
He stated that the company’s tenacity and resilience was a testament to its commitment to succeed and to motivate the average African that ‘nothing is impossible if they set their minds to it’.
He said: ‘‘We have a clear understanding of what being an upstream operator entails and so we have hired the best possible team with over 60 years of collective experience working for all the super-majors and majors of the world.
“We work with all the best blue-chip companies to execute all technical works, studies and drilling programmes. Being a smaller operator, but working with the same expertise and diligence as the big operators, we can make decisions swiftly to benefit all our stakeholders including the government and people of Ghana,” he added.
According to him, one of the most critical challenges in the industry at this time is how to secure the services of an efficient rig, expressing delight that Deepsea Bollsta was already at work.
“Our research has shown that during this busy time in the drilling industry, rigs would not be available for another year and yet Springfield managed to find one and drilling commenced.
“ This has all happened within a space of three months. It is worthy of note that consistent with its track record and show of resilience, despite what challenges Springfield has faced, it always bounces back stronger and find solutions for every situation it finds itself in.”
With an investment of circa $200 million for the ongoing well-test and appraisal, an incredible feat for an indigenous company, Okyere was upbeat about the outcome of the appraisal, saying the data before the firm remains very positive.
Elated community stakeholders, including hundreds of fishermen also lauded the company, with Nana Kweku Amosa, a Fisherman from the Jomoro District praised Okyere, praising Okyere for his visionary leadership and courage in venturing into an area considered to be the exclusive preserve of foreigners. Amosa said that the company, a wholly Ghanaian–owned firm must be supported to succeed just like Aliko Dangote was assisted by the state and its institutions to succeed in Nigeria.
‘It’s not just political witch-hunting. I think the EFCC has lost its way, in many respects…the EFCC continues to be used to harass private individuals, where there is no evidence of corruption or economic or financial crimes.’
- Professor Fidelis Oditah, KC, SAN
Ayoola’s Burial Set for Nov 11
‘Only the rich and powerful get any vestige of justice, within the judicial system. It has become a tool of oppression of the weak.’Dele Farotimi, Lawyer
PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD
Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.
This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.
The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.
Page V
V Former Delta Deputy Governor, Prof Utuama, SAN Passes on at 77
Page V
onikepo braithwaite: editor, jude
Shocking Treatment of Alleged Minors by Law Enforcement and the Nigerian State
What exactly is going on in this country? Politicians like former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, Senators Orji Kalu & Elisha Abbo etc, are allowed to get away or seem to be getting away with committing serious economic and other criminal offences, while alleged underaged, poor children are detained, illegally detained in adult facilities like the Intelligence Response Team, Abuja (IRT), nicknamed “Abattoir” which is a place where animals are slaughtered (obviously IRT isn’t known for its humane treatment of suspects), instead of a Borstal which is a Youth Detention Centre, possibly starved in detention, and charged to the Federal High Court as adults for terrorism and trying to overthrow the Government! This is so shameful! Many of us watched the shocking video clip, of their appearance in court on Friday. Sections 151 & 204 of the Child’s Rights Act 2003 (CRA) stipulates a child must be charged to a Family Court and be subjected to the child justice system.
Though one of the Prosecutors claimed in a press briefing after their court appearance, that none of the children were underage, you could see that several of the detainees were Minors, including the one who collapsed in court, maybe early teens at best! One of the NGO Lawyers, in a Channels TV Politics Today interview on Friday evening, claimed that out of 75 suspects, at least 38 are Minors, possibly between the ages of 12 & 15, which for purposes of the CRA means someone below the age of 18 (see Sections 21 of the CRA, 494 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, 12(1)(b) of the Electoral Act 2022, 7 of the Sexual Offences Act & 23(5) of Cybercrimes Act 2015). Also see Section 29(4)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), which defines “full age” as 18 years and above. Part II of the CRA confers the same fundamental rights in the Constitution, on children.
These children were arrested following the #EndBadGovernance Protest in August, and allegedly detained by virtue of a 60 day ex-parte court order. No charge was brought after the 60 days (they were brought to court after about 80/90 days or so). Their fundamental rights, appear to have been breached by the authorities. See Sections 34(1)(a), 35 & 36 of the Constitution & Sections 6, 9, 10 of the CRA. Also see the case of Ransome-Kuti & Ors v AGF & Ors (1985) LPELR- 2940(SC) per Kayode Eso, JSC on fundamental rights being rights that stand above the ordinary laws of the land, and are a guarantee against inhuman treatment.
Should the trial Judge not have ascertained if the court had jurisdiction to try all the suspects, based on the fact that some of them may have been Minors, and hence, taken to Family Court? Instead, the court granted these poor children bail, on conditions that they can never meet, while the matter was adjourned till January, 2025! Children who were said to have been on the street protesting against hunger (see Sections 40 & 41(2) of the Constitution & Sections 6 & 9 of the CRA on freedom of association, peaceful assembly and movement), were given bail conditions of N10 million, 2 sureties in the like sum who are Level 15 Civil Servants and family members! If they had such family members, and those who have access to such funds, it is doubtful that they would be on the streets protesting about hunger! It means that the court doesn’t want them released! Section 165(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) provides that bail conditions must not be excessive. See Ransome-Kuti & Ors v AGF & Ors (Supra), on excessive bail not being required. The issue of jurisdiction aside, I submit that the bail conditions given to these children were harsh and excessive. The charges filed against these Minors, is a story for another day.
In allegedly bringing underaged children to an adult court, several provisions of the CRA were violated. By virtue of Sections 149, 151(b), 152(4)(a), (b) & 204 of the CRA, the Family Court at the Magistrate or High Court level, is the proper venue for matters concerning criminal proceedings against children, depending on the weight of the charges, not the Federal High Court. How can Nigeria honestly be looking for FDI from countries that uphold the rule of law, if no one, not even children, but guilty politicians, are spared from the wrath of the authorities? They will be scared to invest in Nigeria, in case they become victims in the event of a dispute.
While this gross abuse of the rights of less privileged children is going on, people like (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh are given preferential treatment to escape justice.
Déjà Vu! (Dis)honourable Mascot Ikwechegh vs ‘Senathug’ Elisha Abbo & Danladi Umar
I wonder if any of you my readers recalls my 2019 piece “The Trials of Senathug Abbo”, at the time when the Undistinguished Senator Abbo then representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, assaulted two ladies, Biba and Kemi, at a sex shop, Pleasure Chest Store, located at Banex Plaza, Abuja. (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh’s assault of Bolt Driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, seems like déjà vu. Abbo and Ikwechegh both have certain characteristics in common - starting with them being bombastic
onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com onikepob@yahoo.com onIkepo BraIThwaITe
“A community reading of the Constitution, the Fifth Schedule thereto (Code of Conduct) and the PCA, show that (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh’s actions could land him in jail for up to seven years, and keep him from public office for up to 10 years, if he is found guilty by the CCT or a court of law”
elements, with their inflated opinions of themselves and feelings of self-importance (the “Do you know who I am?” Syndrome); they are violent and have anger issues; they lack respect for their fellow human beings; even though they are/were purported lawmakers, they have absolutely no regard for the rule of law; they bully those who they perceive to be weaker or less privileged; and they are also loud mouth braggarts. I don’t know who is worse - Abbo, who assaulted women, or Ikwechegh, who threatened to make Mr Abuwatseya disappear; we don’t know whether the disappearance would have been through magical means à la Professor Peller, the famous Nigerian Magician, or it was a threat to kill the driver! A threat to kill is a felony offence in Nigeria, attracting up to seven year’s imprisonment upon conviction (see Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act 2004 (CCA)).
At the time, I had stated that if Abbo was allowed to get away with his crimes “it would not only send the worst message to the world about our law enforcement agencies, but also about Nigeria’s stand on the equality of all in the eyes of the law, protection of fundamental human rights, gender-based violence and the rule of law”. See the Preamble, Chapter IV particularly Section 42 & Section 1 of the Constitution. Abbo was arrested, granted bail, and that was the last we heard of the matter! Nothing came out of it, beyond the media hype. Barely two years later, the former Chairman of the Conduct Tribunal, Mr Danladi Umar, kicked and slapped a security guard, Mr Clement Sargwak at the same Banex Plaza, over a misunderstanding about parking spots. He also got off scot free, after breaching Mr Sargwak’s right to dignity and enobling treatment - see Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution, and assaulting him amongst other crimes, such as aiding and abetting the Police to intimidate Mr Sargwak (just as Senathug Abbo did) which attracts a punishment of up to 2 years imprisonment or a N200,000 fine or both upon conviction - Please, note, for those who are in the habit of using the Police and other law enforcement agencies unlawfully against others - see the case of Skye Bank Plc v Emerson Njoku & Ors (2016) LPELR40447(CA) per Ita George Mbaba, JCA, where
the Court of Appeal held inter alia that parties who wrongly use agencies such as the Police or any other law enforcement agency to violate the fundamental rights of citizens, should be ready to face the consequences, either alone or with the misguided Agency.
Options
1) Recall & Suspension
And, just like Senathug Abbo who rendered a lack lustre apology, (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh rendered his own AI generated apology! But, the matter goes beyond rendering insincere public apologies, as crimes appear to have been committed. Like Abbo, Ikwechegh was elected to his position; by virtue of Section 69 of the Constitution he can be recalled by his constituents (which will probably not happen). The issue of suspension from the House of Representatives (which (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh deserves), even though the Standing Orders of the House Ninth Edition (SOH) allows 14 days suspension (see Order 10(4) & (6)(d) of the SOH & Sections 21, 22 & 24(1) (a) of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act 2018)(LHPPA) appears to be unconstitutional, as it would deny Ikwechegh’s constituency representation in the House during the period of his suspension, contrary to Sections 42(1)(a) & 49 of the Constitution. Also see the case of Dino Melaye & 4 Ors v The Speaker of the House of Representatives & Ors FHC/ABJ/CS/460/2010, where the Court held the suspension of the Plaintiffs for a legislative session of one year was illegal and unconstitutional, on the ground that a Legislator cannot be suspended for more than 14 days according to the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, which is still 14 days too long, since Section 14(2)(a) & (c) of the Constitution also provides that sovereignty belongs to the people, and they have a right to participate in their government. This is done through elected representatives. However, as far as suspension is concerned, (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh’s salary, allowances and perquisites can be suspended (see Section 21(3) of the LHPPA); this will affect him personally.
Editor onikepo braithwaite
2) Code of Conduct for Public Officers (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh is a Public Officer (see Paragraph 3 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution Part II Public Officers for the Purposes of the Code of Conduct). By virtue of Paragraph 9 Fifth Schedule to the Constitution Part I Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Ikwechegh abused his office, and he can be reported to the Code of Conduct Bureau (see Paragraph 12). If he’s taken before the Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and found guilty of abuse of power, the CCT can impose punishment on him, including ordering the vacation of his seat or disqualification from membership of the House of Representatives, and from holding any public office for a period not exceeding 10 years, without prejudice to him being prosecuted in a court of law, if he has committed a criminal offence (see Paragraph 18(2)(a), (b) & (3) of Code of Conduct for Public Officers).
It is unlikely that the Public Officers Protection Act (POPA) can offer Ikwechegh any protection either. In Aroyame v Governor of Edo State & Anor (2022) LPELR-57819(SC) per Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC (now CJN), the Supreme Court held that “Abuse of office is use of power to achieve ends other than those for which power was granted, for example, for personal gain, to show undue favour to another or to wreak vengeance on an opponent, to mention but a few” Ikwechegh’s actions point to being borne out of malice and possibly vengeance, for Mr Abuwatseya not paying homage to him, as opposed to being for any gain.
3) Criminal Prosecution
Criminal prosecution is also another line of action that can be taken in the Ikwechegh situation; he should face criminal prosecution, not just because that is the procedure which follows such actions in civilised countries, but also because his punishment should serve as a deterrent to other violent politician bullies like him. Section 66(1)(c) of the Constitution can then be invoked against Ikwechegh, so that in the event that he is convicted, he will be disqualified from seeking elective office for a period of 10 years.
The negative trend of surreptitiously trying to confer immunity from suit and legal process on Legislators while in office, that the Constitution doesn’t confer on them, must stop. See Section 308 of the Constitution. Offences that Appear to have been Committed by Ikwechegh From the video of the Ikwechegh incident, which was available on social media, several offences appear to have been committed against Mr Abuwatseya - voluntarily causing hurt; use of criminal force against another; threat of assault; assault; contrary to the Sections 240, 242, 262, 263, 264, 265 of the Penal Code Act 1960 (PCA), punishable with imprisonment of one year with an option of fine or both (see Sections 246, 265(a), of the PCA); also threat to life.
Additionally, Sections 4(1), 14(1), 18(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP) appear to have been breached, as (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh also seemed to place Mr Abuwatseya in fear of physical injury and his life; emotionally, verbally and psychologically abused him, and also intimidated him. Section 104 of the CCA also provides for the offence of abuse of office, and prescribes a punishment of two years imprisonment if the act is prejudicial to the rights of another, but not for purposes of gain.
Conclusion
A community reading of the Constitution, the Fifth Schedule thereto (Code of Conduct) and the PCA, show that (Dis)honourable Ikwechegh’s actions could land him in jail for up to seven years, and keep him from public office for up to 10 years, if he is found guilty by the CCT or a court of law. The CCT option is also good, in that, if convicted by the CCT, Ikwechegh will have to serve his full sentence by virtue of Paragraph 18 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, and cannot enjoy any prerogative of mercy provided in the Constitution. But, in reality, I’m not sure that anyone expects that anything will come out of Ikwechegh’s criminal behaviour. If it does, it will certainly be a surprise!
Dear Editor
Re: When State Governors Play Politics With EFCC
Dear Editor,
The first EFCC Act was passed in December 2002, and the Commission commenced operations in April 2003. Because of certain deficiencies in the 2002 legislation, it was repealed, and a new EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 (and not 2007) was enacted on 4 June, 2004. The 2004 Act is the current legislation establishing the EFCC. Nigeria, on the other hand, signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in December 2003, and ratified the Convention in December 2004. Consequently, it is erroneous for anyone to contend that the enactment of the EFCC Act rests on UNCAC.
G.L., Lawyer, Lagos
Dear G.L.,
Thank you for the clarification.
Facts
The 1st Respondent was a customer of Oceanic Bank International Plc (now Ecobank Limited). With the existing banker-customer relations, the 1st Respondent was granted several credit facilities by the bank, which the 1st Respondent did not repay at the due date, or any time at all. Subsequently, the credit facilities were purchased by the Appellant in accordance with its statutory duties. The instrument evincing the loan purchase was the Loan Purchase and Limited Servicing Agreement, entered into between the Appellant and the bank. Further to the loan purchase, the Appellant took out an Originating Motion at the Federal High Court, Lagos where the Appellant sued 2nd – 4th Respondent, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State (this party was later struck out by the trial Judge on application by the Appellant) seeking mainly, executory orders of court directing the Defendants or officers under their command/control to (i) assist the Appellant in the exercise of its rights as legal mortgagee under the Deeds of Legal Mortgage registered as 32/32/2023, 88/88/2032; (ii) maintain peace and for the protection of the Appellant’s exclusive possessory rights over properties situate at 12, Reverend Ogunbiyi Steet, Ikeja, Lagos and 12, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos (the “securities for the loan”). The Appellant was successful, at the trial court. However, when the 1st Respondent became aware of the decision of the trial court, the 1st Respondent (whose mortgaged properties/securities for the loan was in issue) appealed to the Court of Appeal, Lagos, on the basis that it is a necessary party and should have been made a party to the suit. The lower court delivered its judgement on 2nd July, 2019, holding inter alia that the trial court should not have conducted proceedings without the 1st Respondent as a party. The court reasoned that the 1st Respondent could have assisted the court in determining some issues, including whether the Appellant’s right of foreclosure/possession had arisen. The lower court therefore, remitted the case to the trial court for hearing de novo with the 1st Respondent as a party.
Aggrieved by the decision of the lower court, the Appellant appealed to the Supreme Court. At the Apex Court, the 1st Respondent filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection and Motion on Notice seeking to strike out grounds 3, 4 and 5 of the Appellant’s ground of appeal.
Issues for Determination
The Preliminary Objection and Motion on Notice were argued on the following:
Issues in the Preliminary Objection and Motion on Notice
1. Whether the Appellant possesses the requisite locus standi to institute the suit, and to file the present appeal.
2. Whether Grounds 3, 4, and 5 of the Grounds of Appeal are competent.
Issue in the Substantive Appeal:
The Appellant formulated five issues for determination of the appeal, while the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Respondent formulated an issue each; the 4th Respondent did not file a brief. The Supreme Court, however, considered the following sole issue in determining the appeal: Whether the 1st Respondent ought to have been joined as a party to the Appellant’s suit, before the trial court?
Arguments
Arguing the preliminary objection, the 1st Respondent submitted that the Appellant lacked the locus standi to institute the suit at the trial court as well as the extant appeal, because it failed to exhibit a loan purchase agreement before the trial court, evincing the purchase of the debt from the bank to warrant the standing to sue in respect of the credit facilities - UNITY BANK PLC v AHMED (2019) 4 S.C. (Pt. IV) 21. Reacting thereto, the Appellant argued that the preliminary objection must be struck out having been argued as part of the 1st Respondent’s brief of argument, rather than being filed separately and served with at least three clear days to the hearing of the appeal as required under Order 2 Rule 9 of the Supreme Court Rules 1985. On the merit of the objection, it was submitted that the 1st Respondent was always aware of the loan purchase agreement (between Appellant and the bank) which goes to vest locus standi on the Appellant, especially as the 1st Respondent produced the said loan purchase agreement before the lower court. Regarding the Motion on Notice, the 1st Respondent posited that Grounds 3, 4 and 5 of the Grounds of Appeal were mixed law and fact which therefore, necessitated the leave of court to be sought and obtained before the said grounds could validly form part of the Notice of Appeal. In response, Counsel for the Appellant argued that the identified grounds of appeal complained against the lower court’s failure to comply with the doctrine of stare decisis and are thus,
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja
On Friday, the 16th day of February, 2024
Before their lordships
Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-ekun uwani Musa abba aji
Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa adamu Jauro
emmanuel akomaye agim
Justices, Supreme Court SC. 1098/2019 Between asset Management Corporation of Nigeria appellant And
1. Suru Worldwide Ventures Nigeria Limited
2. Inspector General of Police
3. Commandant General of the Corps, Respondents Nigeria Security and Civil defence Corps
4. Lagos State Commandant of the Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil defence Corps
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Adamu Jauro, JSC)
grounds of law- EZENWAJI v UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA & ORS. (2017) 5-6 S.C. (Pt. II) 73.
On the substantive issue of non-joinder, it was submitted on behalf of the Appellant that the lower court was wrong to have held that the 1st Respondent should have been joined as a party to the suit. Counsel argued that there was no relief sought against the 1st Respondent to warrant a joinder, and so the lower court should not have expanded the scope of reliefs sought in the Originating Motion without affording him the opportunity to make representations/ clarifications on whether the mortgage debt was still “unliquidated, relative to the other causes in litigation between the parties”. Reliance was placed on YUSUF v ADEYEMI (2009) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1165) in submitting that for purpose of joinder, interest of parties in the suit must relate to the reliefs sought in the suit. It was submitted that the legal mortgagee becomes the owner of the mortgaged property after a mortgage is consummated (which legal interest is retained
“….. there are instances where failure to add a party to an action will be fatal. Where a necessary party whose presence is necessary for the determination of all the questions in a suit is not added as a party, the failure will have fatal consequences and the judgement will be unsustainable”
clearly demonstrated a presence of interest to protect i.e. the debt owed to the bank by the 1st Respondent (which the Appellant had acquired). Other than the fact that there was correspondence exchanged between the Appellant and the 1st Respondent on the issue of indebtedness, the 1st Respondent actually exhibited the Loan Purchase Agreement and therefore, cannot act unaware of the said agreement. The preliminary objection was thereby, dismissed for lacking in merit.
Deciding the issue of competence of some of the grounds of appeal as identified, the Supreme Court held that from a reflection of the grounds and their particulars, the tenor of the complaints embedded in the said grounds are that the lower court failed to conform with the doctrinal principle of stare decisis having refused to follow decisions of the Apex Court in arriving at its decision. Their Lordships therefore, took the position that the grounds were grounds of law alone – thus, falling within the purview of Section 233(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. The motion was consequently, dismissed.
Deciding the issue in the substantive appeal relating to joinder of the 1st Respondent, the court held that where the Plaintiff claims relief(s) which when granted will have a binding effect on a person who is not a party to the action, the action becomes incompetent as the necessary party has not been joined. The Apex Court defined a necessary party, as one whose presence and participation is necessary or essential for the effective and complete determination of the claim before the court. The general rule is that, no action shall be defeated by reason of non-joinder of a party, and a court shall determine the suit before it between the parties before it. However, there are instances where failure to add a party to an action will be fatal. Where a necessary party whose presence is necessary for the determination of all the questions in a suit is not added as a party, the failure will have fatal consequences and the judgement will be unsustainable - RMAFC v A-G RIVERS STATE & ANOR. (2023) LPELR – 60355(SC).
In this case, the Supreme Court examined the affidavit in support of the Originating Motion filed by the Appellant at the trial court, and came to the conclusion that it was practically impossible to arrive at a resolution on the Appellant’s assertions in the absence of the 1st Respondent, and it was indeed not open to the Appellant or any party in litigation to assume that another party or person has no defence to an action or a question arising in litigation. Also, the Appellant had no place to assume that a person whose interest is affected in an action has no reply or answer to questions affecting his interest. The Apex Court held that, no matter how certain a party or Judge is about a question to be determined, the principles of natural justice must not be ignored. While it may appear that no relief was claimed against the 1st Respondent, it is not in doubt that it was the 1st Respondent who stood to be affected as the reliefs targeted its properties.
until the mortgage debt is repaid). In this wise, having acquired the credit facilities from the bank, it was contended that the mortgagee’s right over the mortgaged property is a legal interest which supersedes the mortgagor’s equitable interest - OKUNEYE v F.B.N. PLC. (1996) 6 NWLR (Pt. 457) 749. In reaction, Counsel for the 1st Respondent submitted that the Appellant failed to establish any prejudice or miscarriage of justice suffered, on account of the lower court’s decision allowing the 1st Respondent be joined to the suit in the interest of fair hearing and justice. It was argued that, given the Appellant’s allegation of indebtedness of the 1st Respondent, it cannot shut the 1st Respondent out of the suit.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale
In resolving the preliminary objection, the Supreme Court held that the 1st Respondent complied with the provisions of the Supreme Court Rules, having actually filed a separate Notice of Preliminary Objection on 13th January, 2023, which was well beyond the three clear days before the hearing of the appeal. Thus, while the preliminary objection was contained in the 1st Respondent’s Brief of Argument, there was a distinct Notice of Preliminary Objection in accordance with the Rules. The contention was thereby, discountenanced.
On the 1st Respondent’s challenge against the Appellant’s standing to sue, the Apex Court considered paragraphs 10-13 of the supporting affidavit of the Appellant’s Originating Motion and found that the Appellant had
Regarding the Appellant’s analysis equating the situation of the mortgaged properties to that of an outright sale, Their Lordships explained that in a legal mortgage, the mortgagee retains the right of redemption, and he is entitled to recover ownership of the mortgaged property once he has repaid the loan or liquidated the indebtedness. In effect, the Appellant’s power to foreclose or gain possession over the mortgaged property were not at large, but subject to certain conditions such as when the debt is due but remains unliquidated by the mortgagor. The Apex Court noted that it was for this reason that the need to hear the 1st Respondent’s side of the story on whether the Appellant’s power to foreclose and gain access to the property, was in fact exercisable.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court held that the non-joinder was a violation of the rule of natural justice, and the 1st Respondent’s right to fair hearing. Their Lordships, therefore, unanimously dismissed the appeal of the Appellant. The other issues raised by the Appellant were not considered so as not to prejudge the issues, since the matter was to return to a trial Judge for determination, with the 1st Respondent as a party.
Appeal Dismissed.
Representation
Collins Ogbonna with Samuel Onah and U.U. Fingesi for the Appellant.
Layi Babatunde, SAN with Oladele Ojogbede and David Owoeye for the 1st Respondent.
Godwin Attai Haruna with Anma Chris Uche and Jessica Amarachi Opara for the 2nd Respondent.
I.S. Dokubo for the 3rd Respondent.
Patrick Okonjo for the 4th Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.
The late Hon. Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, will be buried at his home town, Ilesha on November 11, 2024.
The late Jurist passed away on August 20, 2024 at the age of 90, at his home in Ibadan, Oyo State. He was born in Ilesha, Osun State on October 27, 1933. In a statement released by his family, the ceremonies will commence with a Valedictory Court session at the Supreme Court, Abuja on November 11 at 2pm.
He attended Temidire Model School from 1939 to 1943 for his
primary school, and Ilesha Grammar School from 1944 to 1950. He obtained his Law Degree from University of London and a BA in Jurisprudence from Oxford University.
Late Justice Ayoola was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn on November 25, 1958. On his return to Nigeria, he was admitted as Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on September 4, 1959, and thereafter, went into private legal practice. He was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Western Nigeria in 1976, served as a Justice of
Deji Adeyanju, Counsel to Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has disclosed that the social media critic and influencer has been granted ‘very stringent bail’, after his arraignment over alleged impersonation.
Police detained VeryDarkMan after honouring their invitation, over the use of a uniform resembling that of the Police without authorisation.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force in its post on Friday, disclosed that VeryDarkMan will be arraigned in court through the Federal Capital Territory Command, following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorised use of Police uniform in a viral social media video.
Providing an update on the arraignment, Deji Adeyanju, in a terse Facebook post, stated that his client has been arraigned in court, but granted a stringent bail which he did not disclose in details.
“VDM arraigned, granted very stringent bail”, he said.
Recall that before VeryDarkMan’s recent video where he disclosed that he had visited a Police station for questioning over the allegations and apologised to the NPF, the Police Headquarters had issued a statement where it condemned the unauthorised use of its uniforms or insignia, describing it as a punishable offence and vowed to take it up with VeryDarkMan.
the Court of Appeal in Gambia, and later became the Chief Justice of Gambia, President of the Seychelles Court of Appeals, and Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria. He was elevated to the Supreme Court of
Nigeria in 1998, where he served till 2003, when he attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.
In 1966, Justice Ayoola received the UN Human Rights Fellowship Award. He was also a Judge of the Residual
Special Court’s Appeals Chamber from its beginning to end, serving as its President from May 2004-2005. On his retirement from the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Ayoola was appointed
as the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and at a different time, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (Nigeria).
The former Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN has died at the age of 77.
Prof Utuama, SAN taught Land Law at the University of Lagos for many years, before he was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Delta State in 1999.
He died in Warri in the early hours of Saturday, after a protracted illness.
After his stint as Delta State Attorney-
General, Prof Utuama was elected Deputy Governor under the Emmanuel Uduaghan administration.
In a statement on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Aho, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, confirmed Prof Utuama’s death, and sent condolences to the family of the late Utuama. Oborevwori prayed to God to accept the deceased’s soul, and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left, to bear the loss.
The statement read, “The deceased was a world-class academic scholar, whose teachings and research undertakings have contributed immensely to the Nigerian legal profession and jurisprudence”.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman, a scholar, and an astute politician, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, who passed away in Warri on Saturday.
“I received the devastating news of his death, with great shock. He was a gentleman politician and scholar who distinguished himself in the service of his people, first as Commissioner for Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the State, and later as Deputy Governor of the State.
“Throughout his service to the State and country, Prof Utuama demonstrated commitment to the unity and development of the State.”
The Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Profess Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, OON, SAN, has condemned in very strong terms, the detention and arraignment of Minors at the FCT High Court in Abuja last week.
The former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Children's Rights and Human Rights, stated in a media statement that “The rights of children
must be respected and upheld. Children who are in conflict with the law, should be redirected away from the formal judicial process. Recent events have significantly undermined our justice system, representing a clear violation of State, national, regional, and international legal frameworks concerning children's rights and the justice system”.
“Children who are alleged to have committed crimes, must
be kept separate from adults in detention facilities. Their privacy and identities should be protected.
Detention and trial should only be used as a last resort, and if necessary, a Juvenile Court or Juvenile Judge should handle such proceedings.
“The administration of criminal or the juvenile justice system, must ensure a treatment that promotes their sense of dignity and worth, considers
their age, and aims at their reintegration into society to assume a constructive role.
“This ugly phenomenon of starving children facing charges of mutiny and treasonable felonies, must stop. It shames us as a nation. We demand accountability now, for those who failed to respect extant laws. A Prosecutor should know better and always do the right thing, in the temple of justice.”
The new set of Tax Bills pending at the National assembly (NaSS), have continued to be embroiled in controversy, with the Northern Governors’ Forum appearing to be vehemently opposed to some provisions in the Bills, particularly the Value added Tax (VaT), its derivation and equitable distribution. In this discourse, Tax Experts, Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN and Chukwuemeka Eze holistically scrutinise the Nigerian tax regime, how the grey areas can be addressed so that there’s a general consensus on the Bills and NaSS can pass them timeously, as opposed to letting the Bills which may give Nigeria a better tax regime, end up being consigned to the legislative dustbin, because of a few unresolved controversies
The Rejection of Proposed Tax Bills:
A Need to Separate the Baby from the Bathwater
Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN
Introduction
The breaking news on virtually all the social media platforms on Tuesday, 29 October, 2024 titled “Northern Govs, Emirs, Reject Tax Reform Bill” came with a bang. This was followed in quick succession by another report two days later, with a banner headline “LND endorses Northern
Govs’ Rejection of Tinubu’s Tax Bills”. Perhaps, the greatest blow was the report on 1 November, 2024 that read thus: “NEC asked President Tinubu to Withdraw Tax Bills.”. For the Presidential Fiscal Policy Tax
“The current tax reform initiative seeks to make VAT a Federal-only administered tax, by amending the Constitution to expressly insert VAT and Consumption Tax in the Exclusive Legislative List. Furthermore, the Tax Bill proposed adjusting the formula for VAT revenue distribution”
Reform Committee (PFPTRC), indeed, when it rains it pours. I, however, heaved a sigh of relief when the latest news broke late in the evening of 1 November, 2024 as I concluded this write-up that “Tinubu Rejects Shettima-led NEC Recommendation, Insists on Tax Reform Bill”. The President in that last report, “urged NEC to let the Tax Bills continue through the legislative pathways, emphasising that ample opportunity exists for modifications”.
This piece is an attempt to shed light on the issue of the VAT distribution formula, which I believe, is the root cause of the opposition, in order to promote better understanding and build consensus on the way forward. Thus, my focus is on the proposed VAT derivation formula, while acknowledging that there may be a few other provisions with equal potential to generate fiscal/political tension in the future.
A Snapshot of the PFPTRC Fiscal Reform
The ongoing initiatives of the PFPTRC attempts to reform the fiscal architecture of Nigeria, beginning with the National Tax Policy which will be replaced by
a more robust ‘National Fiscal Policy on Fair Taxation, Responsible Borrowing and Sustainable Spending”.
The Tax Bills consists of four Bills vis: The Nigerian Tax Administration Bill 2024 HB No.1756, The Nigerian Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024 No.1757, The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024 Bill No HB. 1758 and The Nigerian Tax Bill HB No.1759. Broadly, the Bills set to reform the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) provide a uniform procedure for a consistent and efficient administration of tax laws to facilitate tax compliance, curb evasion, optimise tax revenue, establish a framework for the Federal and State revenue authorities to collaborate, especially in the area of exchange of information. The objectives include, providing a unified fiscal legislation governing the consolidation of all Federal and State taxes in Nigeria. Thus, rather than having each tax under a separate taxing statute, there will be a single tax legislation comprising all the taxes. By paragraph 197 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the following 11 tax statutes are repealed: The Capital Gains Tax Act, Casino Act, Companies
Profit Tax Act, Stamp Duties Act, Value Added Tax Act (VAT Act) and Venture Capital (Incentives) Act.
By Section 198 of the Nigeria Tax Bill, the following 13 Acts of the National Assembly are amended to align with the proposed new fiscal order: The Petroleum Industry Act; The Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act; The Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Act; The National Information Technology Development Agency Act; The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment, Etc.) Act; The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (Establishment) Act; The Customs, Excise Tariffs, Etc. (Consolidation) Act; The National Lottery Act; The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act; The Nigerian Start-up Act; The Export (Incentives and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act; The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Establishment, Etc.) Act and The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act.
On VAT alone, the Nigerian Tax Bill proposes the following fundamental changes: inclusion of VAT on the Exclusive Legislative List, a review of the sharing formula, fiscalisation and electronic invoicing, full deduction of input VAT on all supplies, including services and assets, Zero-rating of more goods including agriculture, medical and educational and other basic consumptions, quick and efficient refund. The Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, inter alia, seeks to reestablish the Joint Tax Board and Tax Appeal Tribunal to make them vibrant and address some of the constitutional and fundamental administrative issues arising from the existing legal order, and undertake a more focused and effective tax amnesty.
In sum, the reform appears to be the most audacious and comprehensive in the annals of fiscal reform in Nigeria, so far.
Opposition to the Tax Bills: Focus on the Derivation Formula
What exactly is the grouse of those opposed to the Tax Bills? Is it about the entire 4 tax bills or an aspect of it? In this regard, the most relevant part of the Communiqué of the Northern Elders Forum stated that:
“Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Bill are against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivative-based model. This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office, and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed tax amendments, and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any Bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people”.
While this is not a case of statutory interpretation, I will adopt the Rule in Heydon's Case ((1584) 3 Co Rep 7a) which states that a statute should be interpreted by first identifying the problem that the statute was designed to remedy. Then, a construction should be adopted that will suppress the problem, and advance the remedy. Thus, what is the problem that the current law was designed to solve, and what remedies are proposed to address the problems?
Historical Context of the Current and Proposed VAT Distribution Formula
Prior to VAT’s replacement of Sales Tax (a State tax), the VAT revenue was meant mainly for the States, while the Federal Government was supposed to keep 10% as the cost of collection. Overtime, the Federal Government gradually
increased its share to the detriment of the States, and eventually brought in the local governments in the sharing formula, a development which favoured States with more local governments. The unrelenting pushback by disadvantaged States, led to the adoption of derivation formula in the VAT revenue distribution in 1999.
The current position on the distribution of VAT revenue is contained in Section 40 of the VAT Act which provides as follows:
“Notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the revenue accruing by virtue of the operation of this Act shall be distributed as follows-
(a) 15% to the Federal Government;
(b) 50% to the State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; and
(c) 35% to the Local Governments:
Provided that the principle of derivation of not less than 20% shall be reflected in the distribution of the allocation amongst States and Local Governments as specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section”.
The concession of the derivation formula came a bit late, as the Lagos State Government (followed by a few States) had established a State-administered Hotel Occupancy and Restaurant Consumption Tax (Consumption tax) which was being administered simultaneously with VAT, thus, resulting in double taxation. Despite judicial pronouncements including that of the Supreme Court upholding the State Consumption Tax; this unsavoury situation has persisted up till now.
The current tax reform initiative
“Assuming the position of those who are opposed to the amendment of the derivative element of VAT revenue sharing statement is wholly correct, one option is to retain the extant Section 40 VAT Act… Another option is to work towards a compromise, by moderating the percentage of derivation on terms acceptable to both the protagonists and antagonists….”
seeks to make VAT a Federal-only administered tax, by amending the Constitution to expressly insert VAT and Consumption Tax in the Exclusive Legislative List. Furthermore, the Tax Bill proposed adjusting the formula for VAT revenue distribution. The Proposal is contained in Paragraph 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024 (HBI756, p.C4706) which provides as follows:
“77. Notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the net revenue accruing by virtue of the operation of chapter six of the Nigeria Tax Act shall be distributed as follows:
(a) 10% to the Federal Government;
(b) 55% to the State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory; and
(c) 35% to the Local Governments.
Provided that 60% of the amount standing to the credit of States and local governments shall be distributed among them on the basis of derivation”
While the wordings of Section 40 of the VAT Act and Paragraph 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill look almost the same, a calm review will reveal the following three differences:
(i) A reduction of Federal Government share by 5% from 15% to 10%
(ii) An increase of the States’ and FCT’s share by 5% from 50% to 55%
(iii) An increase of the percentage of derivation by 40% from 20% to 60%.
It is not fair to seek that the increase of the States’ portion of the revenue is predicated on the basis that Consumption Tax is a State tax ab initio, and 10% being the cost of collection to the Federal Government is fair enough. More fundamentally, the States should have compensated revenue to forego some of their nuisance taxes including Consumption tax. It is doubtful if those who are opposed to the Tax Bills, have any bone to pick with these two proposals. Time will tell if the Federal Government will not push back overtime on the retention of its take, or even make a case for an increase.
The tipping point, of course, is the ‘geometric increment’ of the percentage of derivation by 40% from 20% to 60%. It would appear that this is to achieve equity, by ensuring that the State where the consumption takes place gets more VAT revenue. While this may seem fair on the surface, it inexorably means that the States where less VAT revenue is generated would collect less revenue.
The table below (June 2024) shows the 5 biggest and lowest revenue earners in the ladder of distribution .
Top 5 States:
₦8,765,664,485.04
Katsina ₦6,357,034,600.56
Bottom 5 States: 1. Nasarawa ₦4,418,543,115.00 2. Yobe ₦4,619,445,518.88 3.
Table 1 above: Summary of Gross Revenue Allocation by Federation Account Allocation Committee for the Month of May, 2024 Shared in June, 2024. Source: National Bureau of Statistics. Available at https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/pdfuploads/VAT_Q1_2024.pdf
While it is certain that no State would get exactly what it is getting now in the post- reform era, the reality however, is that as the cake gets bigger the gulf between the top 5 and the lowest 5 will get wider. All the States at the bottom of the ladder are in the North, while 4 in the top 5 are in the South, except Kano State. This must have been the premise of the position of the Northern Governors’ Forum that “the contents of the Bill are against the interests of the North and its citizens can jeopardise the well-being of our people”.
Balancing the Reform with Equity and Regional Interests
I now turn to the argument on the headquarters effect on VAT revenue distribution. The Communiqué of the Northern Governors and Emirs Forum, stated that companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office, and not where the services and goods are consumed, which is correct. The question is how did we get here? The administration of VAT in 1993 started with the establishment of a VAT Directorate as one of the then six Directorates of FBIR (as it then was), while Local VAT Offices (LVOs) were established in all the State capitals and some major towns in each State, with the ultimate plan to have an LVO in each of the 774 Local Government Councils. In terms of physical location, the LVOs were
separated from the Income Tax Area Offices. Thus, VAT monthly remittances were done manually, on the basis of where the sale of goods or supply of services took place in different LVOs. A company which operated throughout the country, had to file monthly VAT return in each of the LVOs scattered around the palpably cumbersome country.
Following the reform of the FBIR under the establishment of the Federal Inland Revenue Service as a statutory body, LVOs collapsed into Integrated Tax Offices (ITOs) as one-stop shops for all tax payments including VAT. This development therefore, drew a curtain on the existence and functionality of LVOs. As tax administration improved through the deployment of technology, FIRS adopted the filing of a single return by the headquarter for all the country-wide operations. While this practice has continued since 2014, the Northern Governors appear to be making a case that it should be revisited on the basis of equity, as the VAT revenue gets bigger. This, in my view, is a valid point especially against the background of the proposal to geometrically increase the derivation component of the VAT revenue distribution formula from 20% to 60%. With the rate of technological development, achieving fairness is attainable through attribution of supplies of goods and services not to the headquarters of a company remitting VAT, but to the States where supplies actually took place. It should be possible to demonstrate different scenarios, of how the reform is likely to impact the revenue of each State.
Options on the Way Forward
Assuming the position of those who are opposed to the amendment of the derivative element of VAT revenue sharing statement is wholly correct, one option is to retain the extant Section 40 VAT Act, and forget the ideals behind the proposed changes. Another option is to work towards a compromise, by moderating the percentage of derivation on terms acceptable to both the protagonists and antagonists as stakeholders consider acceptable. Perhaps, the most radical option is for each State to exercise taxing power on intra-State supplies of goods and services under its laws concurrently and collaboratively with its local governments under a bottom up approach. Certainly, what is not an option, is for the entire Tax Bills to be left in the cooler for a considerable time and lose traction. That will be a great loss to the entire system. The tax reform initiative had kicked off with a number of Executive Orders and regulations, some of which have been gazetted. The aspects of the reform that require legislative backing may be delayed for good reasons to engage, debate, educate and reach a consensus. The train of progress should not be derailed on account of any disagreement, including the present one.
Making the Report of the PFPTRC public
The outright withdrawal of the Tax Bills is a step backwards; rather, going forward, I believe that time is ripe to make the report of the Committee public, for accurate information and scrutiny by broader stakeholders. This will enable the generality of the people to understand not just the highlights, but the arguments in favour and against each of the fundamental changes and the basis of the prevailing position. This will promote taxpayers’ education even ahead of the passage of the Bills and smoothen their implementation. Therefore, a withdrawal should not be an option. The Northern Governor’s Forum unequivocally stated in its Communiqué, that it “is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country. However, the Forum calls for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes, so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is shortchanged or marginalised”. The legislative process enshrined in Sections 58 & 59 of the Constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended) and House rules, practices and procedures accommodate critical review, especially at the Committee stage. Despite the fact that the PFPTRC had worked collaboratively, with the National Assembly, it is almost certain that the rigorous legislative procedure will prune or moderate a number of the proposals contained in the Bills.
Recommendations
To bridge the divide and foster greater national consensus on the proposed Tax Bills, the Government should establish a comprehensive Stakeholder Dialogue and Impact Analysis Programme. This programme will bring together representatives from all States, key stakeholders, and policy experts, to openly discuss each Bill’s implications. The programme would allow each region to present its unique economic concerns and needs, with a focus on quantifying the projected revenue changes under the new VAT distribution model. This proactive approach would ensure that reforms not only proceed with broad support, but also provide a basis for any necessary adjustments that could better align the reform's objectives with equitable economic development across all regions.
As well as tax education seminars, as it shows this conflict stems solely from a misunderstanding of what the reformed Bill is meant to achieve. It is also my recommendation that quarterly reports are provided to the public through online and paper mediums, so the young and old are well versed on how each new reform affects them in the positive.
Conclusion
The proposed Tax Reform Bills represent a monumental step toward restructuring Nigeria's tax system for enhanced efficiency, fairness, and revenue optimisation. So far, perhaps, the only possible ‘malignant’ portion of
“A combined reading of Sections 162 and 163 of the 1999 Constitution, expressly provides for the principle of derivation. The President is, therefore, standing on a firm ground in this matter”
the Tax Bills identified, is the proposed derivation formula for distribution of VAT. On other proposed reform, the jury is out. As we know, the devil is always in the details. We should reasonably expect some other issues to erupt in future, like a volcano. When such happens, as it is bound to, the approach should be to separate baby from the bathwater and engage in meaningful dialogue to fashion a way out, in the interest of Nigeria. The opposition on the proposed new derivation formula for VAT revenue distribution, highlights a key challenge that warrants careful reconsideration. The reforms’ success lies in addressing these regional disparities without compromising national unity or progress. The call for transparency, equitable distribution, and an inclusive approach underscores the importance of accommodating diverse perspectives. By refining contentious provisions like the VAT derivation formula and fostering constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, Nigeria can pave the way for a more resilient and equitable fiscal system.
Therefore, a withdrawal of the Tax Bills should not be an option. The legislative process enshrined in Section 58 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and legislative rules, practices and procedures accommodate critical review, especially at the Committee stage. Despite the fact that the PFPTRC had worked collaboratively with the National Assembly, it is almost certain that the rigorous legislative procedure will prune or moderate a number of the proposals contained in the Bills. Without an open debate, understanding and the spirit of a compromise, even a constitutional amendment of putting VAT on the exclusive legislative list may never see the light of the day. It will be painful if the Tax Bills are consigned to the legislative historical dustbin like the constitutional reforms by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration which failed to see the light of the day at the altar of a tenure elongation clause; hence, the need to separate the baby from the bathwater.
Professor Abiola Sanni, SAN, Dean, Law Faculty, University of Lagos
X-raying the Northern Governors’ Stance on the Four Tax Bills at NASS VAT and its Equitable Distribution to all the States
Chukwuemeka Eze
Introduction One of the pillars upon which the
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Government intends to drive the Nigerian economy, is rooted in taxation. His attention to tax matters since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023 is visible, even to the blind.
Less than two months after he was sworn in, precisely on 6th July, 2023, the President signed four executive orders, including the suspension of the 5% excise tax on telecommunication services, as well as the excise duties escalation on locally manufactured products; suspension of the import adjustment tax imposed on certain vehicles, and the green tax on single-use plastics.
In the same July 2023, the President appointed Mr Taiwo Oyedele, as the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. The President inaugurated the committee on 8th August 2023. The Committee was responsible for various aspects of tax law reforms, fiscal policy design and coordination, harmonisation of taxes, and revenue administration. The Committee’s primary objective was to enhance revenue collection efficiency, ensure transparent reporting, and promote the effective utilisation of tax and other revenues to boost citizens’ tax morale, foster a healthy tax culture, and drive voluntary compliance.
After one year of rigorous work, the work of the Committee was approved by the Federal Executive Council in September 2024. On 3rd October 2024, the media widely reported the transmission of four executive tax Bills to both Houses of the National Assembly, by President Tinubu. These fiscal Bills are as indicated below.
cont'd from page VIII
The Four Tax Bills
The first is the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which has 204 sections and 11 schedules. It has the largest contents of the four Bills. This Bill seeks to provide a consolidated fiscal framework, for taxation in Nigeria.
The second is the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, which has 60 sections and 3 schedules. The Bill aims to establish the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman for the Harmonisation, Coordination, and Settlement of Disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria.
The third is the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, which has 43 sections and 3 schedules. The Bill seeks to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007, and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service to assess, collect, and account for revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation.
The fourth is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, that has 144 sections and 3 schedules. The Bill seeks to provide a clear and concise legal framework for the fair, consistent, and efficient administration of all the tax laws to facilitate the ease of tax compliance, reduce tax disputes, and optimise revenue.
Section 77 of the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (hereinafter called NTAB) contains. "Distribution of value added tax revenue" in its marginal note. The section provides:
"Notwithstanding any formula that may be prescribed by any other law, the net revenue accruing by the operation of Chapter Six of the Nigeria Tax Act shall be distributed as follows -
(a) 10% to the Federal Government;
(b) 55% to the State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory; and (c) 35% to the Local Governments, Provided that 60% of the amount standing to the credit of States and local governments shall be distributed among them on the basis of DERIVATION".
This Proviso, which provides for derivation in the distribution of VAT, has pitched the Northern Nigeria Governors Forum (NNGF) and the National Economic Council, against the President's desire to have these Bills passed by the National Assembly as proposed.
According to the NNGF, "Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Bills are against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model. This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office, and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed tax amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any Bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people”.
NEC, on 31st October, recommended the withdrawal of the Bills from the National Assembly, while the President rejected NEC's recommendation on 1st November.
Section 40 of the Value Added Tax Act, Cap. V1, LFN, 2004, as amended by the Finance Act 2019, adopted a distribution formula of 15% to the Federal Government, 50% to States, and 35% to local
“The zero tax on income of N800,000 of an individual as contained in the Fourth Schedule to the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, is a setback for minimum wage earners…workers on minimum wage should be exempted completely from the payment of Personal Income Tax”
governments. The Northern Governors understand that, beyond the bare provisions of the law, the devil lies in the details.
Although not explicitly outlined in the current VAT Act, other factors that have influenced the VAT distribution are equality of States and population. The approach has been criticised, for not sufficiently accounting for contributions from the location of remittances.
Constitutionality of Derivation
Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution provides for the distributable pool account, which states in part:
(1) The Federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the Federation Account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation, except ....
(10) For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, “revenue” means any income or return accruing to or derived by the Government of the Federation from any source and includes
(a) any receipt, however described, arising from the operation of any law;
(b) any return, however described, arising from or in respect of any property held by the Government of the Federation;
(c) any return by way of interest on loans and dividends in respect of shares or interest held by the Government of the Federation in any company or statutory body.
Section 163 provides for allocation of other revenues:
Where under an Act of the National Assembly, tax or duty is imposed in respect of any of the matters specified in item D of Part II of the Second Schedule to this Constitution, the net proceeds of such tax or duty shall be distributed among the States on the basis of derivation and accordingly:-
Where such tax or duty is collected by the Government of the Federation or other authority of the Federation, there shall be paid to each State at such times as the National Assembly may prescribe a sum equal to the proportion of the net proceeds of such tax or duty that are derived from that State.
A combined reading of Sections 162 and 163 of the 1999 Constitution, expressly provides for the principle of derivation. The President is, therefore, standing on a firm ground in this matter.
The parties may end up adjusting the percentage of the VAT revenue that would be subjected to derivation.
by Minimum Wage Earners
The zero tax on income of N800,000 of an individual as contained in the Fourth Schedule to the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, is a setback for minimum wage earners.
For States with minimum wage of N70,000 per month per worker, it means that N40,000 will be taxed out of the annual income of N840,000.
For a State like Lagos with minimum wage of N85,000 per month per worker, it means that N220,000 will be taxed out of N1,020,000 per annum.
Section 37 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA), as amended by Section 30 of Finance Act, 2020, provides that minimum wage earners are free from the payment of Personal Income Tax. It specifically provides that minimum tax under this section or as provided for under the Sixth Schedule to this Act, shall not apply to a person in any year of assessment where such person earns the National Minimum Wage or less from an employment.
A combined reading of Section 30 and 58 of, and the Fifth Schedule to, the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, provides for zero tax on an income of N800,000, 15% tax on income of next N2.2 million, 18% tax on income of next N9 million, 21% on the next income of N13 million, 23% on the next income of N25 million, and 25% on income above N50 million.
In the absence of eligible deductions, a worker that earns N840,000 per annum will pay 15% of N40,000 as tax, which is N600. For the worker that earns N1,020,000 per annum, the income tax payable will be 15% of N220,000, which will yield N33,000.
This writer suggests that, workers on minimum wage should be exempted completely from the payment of Personal Income Tax.
The current rates are as contained in the Sixth Schedule to the PITA:
* First N300,000 @ 7%,
* Next N300,000 @ 11%,
* Next N500,000 @ 15%,
* Next N500,000 @ 19%,
* Next N1,600,000 @ 21%, and *Above N3,200,000 @ 24%.
Chukwuemeka Eze, Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Prime University, Abuja; Immediate Past Chairman, Tax Appeal Tribunal, South East Zone
Introduction
In the last instalment of this treatise, we discussed key aspects of Nigerian Legal practice, the impact of AI on it and public concern over its misuse. Today’s discussion will continue with same, and start by posing the question: Is AI a threat to legal practitioners? It will then examine the limitations of AI, and conclude with the in-roads made by AI in the Legal profession. Read on.
Is Artificial Intelligence a Threat to the Role of Legal Professionals?
As stated above, are certain concerns regarding the use of AI. The myth that AI technology operates the same way as the human brain is yet to be rebutted is the root of these concerns. A major concern with AI, is the fear that it would take over jobs or roles currently filled by humans. This concern is largely because, people are not completely enlightened about technology. The role of a legal professional is one that involves strategy, creativity and persuasion. It cannot be reduced to any AI platform. Hence, even when using the most advanced AI systems, the function of a legal practitioner remains akin to humans.
History has shown that when technology displaces jobs in one area, it creates jobs in other areas. An example is the development of ATMs which increased bank teller jobs because banks could open more branches. In 2022, the World Economic Forum predicted 58 million jobs to be created by automation. This principle is at work in the legal profession today, AI has created new legal positions like AI legal knowledge engineers, teachers, etc. Hence, despite the rising dependence of AI, humans remain indispensable to the practice of law.
In addition, there has been inadequacies in the application of AI in legal practice. AI aims to build a system that can perform legal reasoning and due diligence, mirroring the thought process of a human Lawyer. However, AI models when put to the test can only create legal documents that appear correct on the surface but lack the underlying legal understanding. Also, in the legal field, there is an absence of a formalised system of knowledge. This is because of the presence of various jurisdictions and legal systems globally. Therefore, the absence of a standardised framework means that the creation of algorithms capable of accurately interpreting and applying legal concepts becomes rather challenging. Relying solely on AI’s interpretations will result in error, so there is a need for a human approach.
Limitations of Artificial Intelligence
1. Information Accuracy: AI tools have the capacity to generate false responses. Therefore, any content generated must be carefully scrutinised and verified. The US case of Roberto Mata v Avianca (S.D.N.Y. 2023) exemplifies verifying AI outputs. In this case, a Lawyer from a prominent firm relied on ChatGPT for research purposes and filed a document referring to several non-existent cases. The lawyer said he was unaware of the possibility that its content could be false. The court held the lawyer accountable, and he was fined for submitting misleading and erroneous information.
2. Lack of Regulatory Framework: Globally, the lack of a suitable legal framework leaves us grappling to complete the picture of AI’s integration into society. Fortunately, in April 2021, the European Commission proposed the first EU regulatory framework for AI. Once approved, The EU AI Act will be the world’s first rules on AI. This legislative framework will
not only safeguard against potential threats but also foster responsible AI innovation.
3. Confidentiality: AI tools can encourage breach of confidentiality. It is possible that data supplied by a user may potentially make its way into the public domain through subsequent queries by other users or system vulnerabilities inherent in software. With this, firms using generative AI tools may risk violating client agreements in such situations.
4. Data Privacy and Security: Lawyers must be mindful of their obligations concerning the handling of personal data. AI tools can collect information about the user like IP addresses and browser information. AI in the legal field relies on vast amounts of data, much of which are sensitive and confidential. Protecting this data from breaches and ensuring the privacy of clients and legal professionals is paramount. Law firms and legal tech companies must invest in robust cyber-security measures to safeguard this information. Legal Practitioners must be aware because the use and disclosure of personal information is subject to varying laws in different jurisdictions.
5. Copyright and Intellectual Property: The training data used by AI tools draws upon a large amount of data that might include copyrighted material. For instance, ChatGPT does not provide source references or explanations for output generation. This can pose a great risk for practitioners relying on the data.
6. Ethical Concerns: AI systems, like any technology, can be used unethically. There are concerns about the potential for AI to be manipulated to produce biased or discriminatory results. Legal professionals must remain vigilant in ensuring that AI is used ethically and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
7. Costs and Implementation: Integrating AI tools into legal practice can be costly, and
“A major concern with AI, is the fear that it would take over jobs or roles currently filled by humans. This concern is largely because, people are not completely enlightened about technology. The role of a legal professional is one that involves strategy, creativity and persuasion. It cannot be reduced to any AI platform”
not all law firms may have the resources to do so. Moreover, the implementation process can be challenging and require staff training.
Substantial Advancement of AI in the Legal Landscape Efforts are being made, to reform and modernise the Nigerian legal system. These reforms seek to improve legal education, streamline court procedures, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the legal practice in Nigeria. In Lagos State for example, Court processes are filed online. Most of these websites have chatbots, to assist users.
A. Legal Research and Document Review
One of the most prominent applications of AI in the legal field, is in legal research and document review. Historically, legal research was a time-consuming and labourintensive task, requiring Lawyers to sift through volumes of case laws, statutes, and regulations. With the advent of AI, legal research has been revolutionised. AI-powered platforms, like Law pavilion (Primsol), Law pavilion Prime, Bailii (Case Law Search), LexisNexis, Gideon and Ross and Casetext, use natural language processing and machine learning to quickly search and analyse vast databases of legal information. These platforms can provide Lawyers with relevant case law, statutes, and legal commentary, significantly reducing the time and effort required for research. Similarly, AI-driven document review tools have become essential in e-discovery, where large volumes of electronic documents must be reviewed for litigation or compliance purposes. Grammarly and QuillBot can be used to correct mistakes, paraphrase texts and improve one’s ability to write. Basically, you do not need someone to vet your grammar because computers can do that effortlessly.
B. Contract Analysis and Management
AI has also found its way into contract analysis and management. Contract analysis tools can review and extract key terms and clauses from legal contracts, making it easier for Lawyers to assess contract risks, obligations, and opportunities. Moreover, AI can help automate the contract management process, ensuring compliance with contract terms and deadlines. By using AI to handle routine contract-related tasks, legal professionals can allocate more of their time to strategic and complex legal
matters. Some common contract review AI tools for Lawyers are Lawgeex, Ironclad, Spellbook, Harvey, Kira, Linksquares, Onit. In 2020, JP Morgan Chase successfully implemented an AI-powered contract analysis tool called Contract Intelligence (COIN) to review commercial loan agreements. The tool significantly reduced contract review time, enabling the bank to process a high volume of agreements accurately and efficiently. The Bloomberg.com headline read: “JP Morgan SOFTware Does in Seconds what Took Lawyers 360,000 Hours”. Also, Diligen, LawGeex, Kira systems and legalSifter automate contract review processes and due diligence assistance. These tools are set to identify key clauses, anomalies and potential risks, ultimately increasing efficiency and accuracy.
C. Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics, a branch of AI, is increasingly being used in the legal field. It involves the use of historical data and machine learning algorithms to make predictions about legal outcomes. For example, AI can be used to assess the likely outcome of a legal case based on historical case law, helping Lawyers and clients make informed decisions about litigation strategies and settlement negotiations. Tools like Lex Machina and Ravel Law use machine learning to analyse legal data, and predict case outcomes and legal strategies. Based on the data from these tools, Lawyers are able to make informed decisions for litigation. Other tools like CARA by Casetext help Judges evaluate briefs and aid in drafting rulings. The AI can pinpoint relevant information that makes the decision-making process more efficient. Predictive analytics can also be applied to determine the likelihood of a legal dispute arising, enabling businesses to take preventive measures. In the law of defamation, for example, Google analytics can track the extent of a publication made on Google. The analytics shows you how many users have found and read the publication. It also contains several metrics that indicate how these users are engaging with the content. Recall that in the year 2015, Lagos State amended its Defamation Law. Section 8 of the extant law provides that a Statement is not defamatory unless its publication has caused serious harm or is likely to cause serious harm to the reputation of the claimant.
D. Document Generation and Management
In the landmark case of Zubulake v UBS Warburg, LLC, 220 F.R.D. 212 (S.D.N.Y. 2003), the US court emphasised the importance of electronic document preservation and production. The case highlighted the need for effective and efficient eDiscovery processes, which AI-powered tools can facilitate. Automation tools like Legal AI, Chat GPT, HotDocs by leveraging AI and machine learning, provide templates, suggest language based on inputs, and even generate entire documents. These AI-driven management tools are redefining how legal professionals handle their caseloads. It facilitates document organisation and improves productivity and communication among team members.
D. Virtual Legal Assistants
Virtual legal assistants, powered by AI, are becoming more common in the legal profession. These virtual assistants can schedule appointments, answer basic legal questions, and even draft simple legal documents. For example, OpenAI’s ChatGPT and chatbots can do that. While Virtual Legal Assistants do not replace the expertise of human lawyers, they can enhance the efficiency of legal practice by handling routine administrative tasks.
E. Due Diligence and Regulatory Compliance
AI tools are invaluable for due diligence and regulatory compliance tasks. For example, in mergers and acquisitions, AI can assist in identifying potential legal risks, and uncovering undisclosed information. Regulatory compliance can be automated to some extent, by using AI to monitor changes in laws and regulations, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with legal requirements. (To be continued)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool. The choice about how it gets deployed is ours”. (Oren Etzioni)
Oluchi Chibuzor
Stakeholders in the distribution value-chain sector in the country have reteirated their commitment to bridge distribution gaps in the sector as 50 to 60 per cent of goods do not reach their intended customers due to distribution challenges.
Speaking at the firm’s 5th anniversary and awards ceremony in Lagos recently, the Managing Director of Betty Distribution Company, Dr Elizabeth Ajibola, stated that the distribution value chain was essential for delivering commodities from manufacturers directly to the intended consumers.
She emphasised that, “the
firm’s priority was to ensure that consumers receive the food items they require from manufacturers, effectively connecting the entire value chain to meet demand efficiently. We are Reiterating the firm’s commitment to bridging distribution gaps across the nation and expanding into additional states.”
In his keynote address, the Managing Director of GB Foods, Mr Vincent Egbe, said, said the landscape of supply chain and distribution has evolved.
According to Egbe, “When I met with the leadership of this company, I was impressed by their willingness to take risks and their
relentless efforts that led to their success. Many partner companies today recognise the tenacity and vision that have driven this business forward.”
In his remarks, the Commercial Director of Olam Foods, Bolaji Anifowose, emphasised the significant challenges in distributing agricultural products to the manufacturing sector, noting that, “50 to 60 percent of goods fail to reach their intended customers due to distribution issues. I commend the company and its team for their efforts in bridging this gap and encourage them to continue their work, as there are still vast opportunities in the distribution sector.”
Emma Okonji
Verve International, Africa’s largest domestic payments scheme, has again attained another remarkable new growth milestone, further consolidating its growing market share in Nigeria, in terms of payment card issuance and transactions.
Verve Payment Cards in Nigeria have now surpassed 70 million issued payment cards to date. This development comes 15 months after the scheme announced it had issued 50 million payment cards in Nigeria in July last year, translating to over 40
per cent growth in issuance volumes YoY.
Speaking on the latest business milestone Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, asserted that Verve would continue to provide innovative ways to make transactions and payment more secure and convenient for customers, not only in Nigeria across Africa and beyond, whilst providing unparalleled business value for business partners from both issuing and acquiring perspectives.
“At Verve International, we continue to consolidate our
delivery of global-standard payment solutions howbeit essentially tailored to economic and operational realities of the markets where we play across Africa, whilst leveraging value-adding partnerships that ensure we scale our impact and turbo-charge financial inclusion on the African continent. We are greatly delighted again at this point to celebrate another phenomenal milestone, having added 20 million new payment cards to our base in Nigeria, for which we are extremely appreciative of our issuing partners as well as our loyal cardholders,” Ogbunude said.
Polaris Bank has been adjudged as the “Best Bank for MSMEs” for the third consecutive year, firmly securing its competitive edge as the leading bank for micro, small and medium businesses.
The bank in a statement said the latest award at the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards (BAFI) Awards highlights it’s wellknown considerate lending and general supports for small businesses and the real sector.
Experts and analysts at BAFI Awards 2024, a well-regarded and prestigious financial industry awards, have for three consecutive years voted Polaris Bank as the best bank
in totality of the ecosystem for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Polaris Bank is the only bank to have won such consecutive honours for MSMEs ecosystem.
Commenting on the award, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said the continuous recognition of Polaris Bank as the best in MSMEs ecosystem, underlines a deep commitment to the nation’s economy and entrepreneurship.
He noted that MSMEs are critical in the value chain of economic growth and development as they, traditionally, are the largest employers, backbones for
industrialisation and major drivers for innovations.
According to him, with more than N60 billion disbursed to MSMEs in the first eight months of the year, Polaris Bank has continued to prioritise small businesses and the real sector under its impact lending.
“This award is a further motivation for us, as it is also another confirmation of our leadership in the MSMEs space.
We continue a strong focus on small and medium businesses with our impact-focused banking that prioritises loans and other supports for MSMEs, fostering innovations, equal opportunity, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Funmi Ogundare
Zarttech, a Dutch-based software development company, has unveiled a new incubation hub, Z- Habitat , designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. Located in Ago Palace, Lagos, the hub aims to provide a supportive ecosystem where startups, corporations, creatives, and entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and create solutions to address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
Speaking at the launch, recently , Zarttech’s Chief Executive Officer, Nelson Ajulo, highlighted the organisation’s core objectives including; equipping young people with employable skills, fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs,
and bringing together Zarttech’s global communities to promote sustainable growth.
“Through our research, we identified gaps in Nigeria’s human capital compared to the Netherlands,” Ajulo stated. “We realised that key stakeholders such as policymakers, educational institutions, and the ministry of education. are not fully aligned with global standards. This creates a localised rather than a globalised economy, which we aim to address by empowering Nigerian youth with relevant skills.”
He further stressed the importance of entrepreneurship in boosting Nigeria’s economy.
“Z-Habitat equips young talents with the knowledge and skills to innovate and thrive in
a competitive global market. We believe there’s enormous potential for Nigeria’s youth to transform the economy,” he added.
The Netherlands Consul General in Lagos, His Excellency, Mr. Michel Deelen commended Ajulo’s vision and determination. “Many in the West fail to recognise the vibrant entrepreneurial activity in Nigeria, particularly within the private sector and among young and educated people,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future and emphasised the need to showcase the country’s potential. “It’s about demonstrating to the world that Nigeria holds immense opportunities waiting to be unlocked,” he stated.
Kayode Tokede
The stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) depreciated by N317.7 billion yesterday as investors profit-taking rock Aradel Holdings Plc, and 29 others quoted companies on the Exchange.
MTN Nigeria Communication Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Oando Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and FBN Holdings Plc joined Aradel Holdings to witness decline in stock prices
on the NGX as investors traded with caution.
With decline in these blue-chip stocks, the market capitalisation that opened for trading at N59.039 trillion, dropped by N317.7 billion or 0.54per cent to close at N58.721 trillion yesterday. Consequently, the NGX AllShare Index closed yesterday at 96,907.73basis points, representing a decline of 524.29basis points or 0.54per cent from 97,432.02 basis points the market closed for trading last week.
Thus, the NGX ASI Monthto-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at -0.8per cent and +29.6per cent, respectively.
As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative, as 30 stocks lost relative to 17 gainers. John Holt and United Bank for Africa (UBA) recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent each to close at N3.63 and N2.90 respectively, while Eunisell Interlinked followed with a gain of 9.96 per cent to close at N6.18, per share.
Sterling Financial Holdings Company appreciated by 5.96 per cent to close at N4.98, while PZ Cussons Nigeria rose by 4.55 per cent to close at N23.00, per share.
On the other hand, Caverton Offshore Support Group led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N1.80, per share. Aradel Holdings followed with a decline of 9.99 per cent to close at N401.10, while Oando lost 9.98 per cent to close at N80.70, per share. FTN Cocoa Processors lost
9.90 per cent to close at N1.73, while Veritas Kapital Assurance depreciated by 9.86 per cent to close at N1.28, per share.
The total volume traded declined by 37.68 per cent to 1.224 billion units, valued at N14.234 billion, and exchanged in 10,386 deals. Transactions in the shares of Consolidated Hallmark Holdings topped the activity chart with 567.248 million shares valued at N822.514 million. UBA followed with 240.757 million shares worth
N33.878 million, while Access Holdings transacted 26.141 million shares worth N579.458 million.
Looking forward, United Capital Plc said “the equities market is expected to retain its buy interest as investors cherry-pick undervalued stocks.
chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 07010510430
To empower entrepreneurs, social innovators and researchers with ideas to transform and scale their ideas and businesses, the Sahara Group Foundation recently launched an ambitious initiative tagged 'Making A Difference Around Africa', MADAA. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with access to robust resources, including financial and investment support worth 100 million dollars and mentorship from seasoned industry experts, selected beneficiaries are expected to thrive and drive economic progress in the continent
The Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact arm of the energy conglomerate Sahara Group, has launched an ambitious initiative titled “Making A Difference Around Africa” (MADAA).
This transformative program seeks to identify and support home-grown innovations and entrepreneurs poised to drive Africa’s economic progress. With an overarching goal of sustainable development, MADAA is a testament to Sahara Group Foundation’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems across the continent.
By combining financial support, mentorship, and a focus on sustainability, the initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the continent’s economic development as the program’s emphasis on local resources and integrated ecosystems ensures that its benefits are felt at all levels of society.
MADAA's Vision of Transformative Extrapreneurship
In line with its overarching transformative Extrapreneurship model, the foundation flagged off MADAA to give wings to the aspirations of African entrepreneurs as the concept was designed to merge entrepreneurship with social impact.
Essentially, this model is targeted at going beyond profit generation by embedding social good into business practices. Thus, the initiative was officially launched in a high-profile event that drew participation from corporate leaders, budding entrepreneurs, and media representatives in Lagos.
Speaking at the unveiling, Chidilim Menakaya, Head of Programs at Sahara Group Foundation, articulated the vision behind MADAA. “MADAA is a strategic platform developed by Sahara Group Foundation to identify entrepreneurs and social innovators who are on the cusp of greatness,” she said, adding that the initiative is positioned to provide the necessary impetus for these individuals to scale their ideas and businesses to unprecedented heights.
The emphasis on sustainability and local resources marks a distinct approach in MADAA’s implementation. The initiative is not merely about financial support; it aims to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where innovation can thrive.
Entrepreneurs selected for the program will have the opportunity to refine their business models, receive mentorship, and gain access to investment capital that could transform their ventures
MADAA’s launch comes amid Sahara Group Foundation’s drive for inclusiveness and progressive partnerships that promote expansion, business advisory, and capacity development in the Medium Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) sector across the continent.
“MADAA seeks to support African home-grown innovations and businesses to succeed, scale and thrive sustainably, thereby establishing an integrated ecosystem of collaborators actively contributing toward transforming economic development in Africa,” Menakaya added.
She further stated that MADAA's initiative underscores Sahara Group Foundation’s unwavering commitment to “building sustainable communities through Extrapreneurship,” and represents the first project amongst an array of curated social interventions designed to promote sustainable development in Africa “by growing and scaling the base of entrepreneurs who have exceptional ideas that can transform the continent’s economic fortunes".
Empowering the Next Generation of
One of the most compelling aspects of MADAA is its focus on empowering young African entrepreneurs given that the continent is home to a burgeoning population of youth, many of whom are brimming with innovative ideas but lack the resources and mentorship to bring those ideas to life.
This lacuna is what MADAA aims to bridge by offering robust resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by African startups.
The initiative’s application process, which runs until the end of November 2024, is open to entrepreneurs across the continent. This inclusiveness ensures that no promising idea is left unexplored due to geographical or socio-economic barriers. The goal is to create a pipeline of talent and innovation that can be harnessed to drive economic growth in various sectors.
Selected candidates will benefit from a comprehensive program that includes financial investment, mentorship, and business advisory services. The financial support, worth $100 million, is a significant commitment aimed at nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have the potential to make a lasting impact.
This funding will help entrepreneurs navigate the often challenging early stages of business development, allowing them to focus on innovation
and growth.
For MADAA, the emphasis on sustainability and the use of locally available resources is a key differentiator as the initiative seeks to promote businesses that can operate sustainably within their environments, leveraging local assets to create value.
The goal is to ensure the long-term viability of the businesses but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainable development in Africa.
According to Menakaya, “We are actively on the lookout for the extraordinary, the unusual, those whose business ideas can be nursed to fruition sustainably.” This focus on sustainability is in line with global trends emphasising the need for businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices and contribute to the communities in which they operate.
By encouraging entrepreneurs to utilise local resources, MADAA also aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. This localised approach ensures that the benefits of economic growth are felt at the grassroots level, contributing to the overall development of the communities involved.
MADAA is more than just an initiative; it is a movement aimed at creating an integrated ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. The program’s design facilitates partnerships between entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, creating a network that can support business growth and sustainability. This ecosystem approach is crucial in
MADAA seeks to support African home-grown innovations and businesses to succeed, scale and thrive sustainably, thereby establishing an integrated ecosystem of collaborators actively contributing toward transforming economic development in Africa
addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for collaboration, MADAA helps to break down silos and encourages the sharing of knowledge and resources. This collaborative spirit is essential in building resilient businesses that can withstand the challenges of operating in dynamic markets.
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on capacity development. Through mentorship and training, MADAA aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. This includes not only technical skills related to their specific industries but also broader business management skills such as financial planning, marketing, and leadership.
As the application process for MADAA unfolds, anticipation is building around the potential impact of this initiative. The selection of candidates will begin in December, with the actual program set to commence in the first quarter of 2025. The program’s beneficiaries will have the opportunity to transform their ideas into thriving businesses, contributing to the economic development of their respective regions.
Essentially, the launch of MADAA comes at a critical time for Africa when the continent is undergoing rapid economic and social transformation. This is where the growing recognition of the role that entrepreneurship can play in driving this progress, should take centre stage.
Interestingly, initiatives like MADAA are essential in harnessing the potential of African entrepreneurs and ensuring that their innovations contribute to sustainable development. This is in line with the broader vision of Sahara Group Foundation to create a ripple effect that goes beyond the immediate beneficiaries of MADAA by building a strong base of successful entrepreneurs. While the journey for MADAA is just beginning, its potential to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa is immense because by giving wings to the aspirations of African entrepreneurs, MADAA is not just making a difference around Africa; it is shaping the future of the continent.
Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
Edo state has outperformed Ogun and Kogi, two states that have traditionally dominated the mining sector, with the Dangote Group extending its control of the solid minerals industry to 54.2 per cent.
This information was contained in the 2023 Solid Minerals Industry Audit report just released by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in Abuja.
The solid minerals audit sector report contains the outcome from the reconciliation of financial flows, tax and non-tax payments and other payments mandated by relevant Nigerian laws, together with the ‘physical’ and ‘process’ activities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector in the year under review.
During the period, a total of 2,833 licences were issued, the report said, a 114 per cent increase in licences given out to operators when compared to the previous year 2022, which was 1,325 licences.
Nigeria is believed to have as much as 44 mineral types, including 3.5 billion metric tons of iron ore reserves, 2.7 billion metric tons of coal reserves as well as 2.5 million ounces of gold reserves, but which remain largely underexploited.
Some of the identified challenges besetting the sector are: Lack of infrastructure, inadequate funding, weak regulatory framework, insecurity, environmental concerns, corruption and inadequate data.
Nigeria has also historically focused on oil, with little government support for the solid minerals sector, coupled with insufficient policy implementation
and support.
NEITI stated that a total of 1,537 companies paid both royalty and annual service fee during the review period, comprising 110 extractive companies and nine government entities, with a materiality threshold of N6 million.
Besides, the aggregate of total receipts by federal, states, and local government agencies experienced a 16 per cent increase in revenue collection compared to 2022 in the sector, the report added.
Total mineral production was just about 95 million tonnes, representing an increase of 24.34 million when compared to the previous production of 70.72 million tonnes, thus indicating a 34.4 per cent increase.
“Minerals with the largest production volume in the year under review were granite,
limestone, laterite, clay and sand. The major contributor to production are Dangote, BUA and Lafarge, with a combined production quantity and royalty payment of 51,615,051 tonnes and N3,227,611,424 respectively.
“Notably, Dangote accounted for significant share of total production of 54.2 per cent and royalty of 35.8 per cent. These figures underscore the significant role played by these major companies in the mining sector.
“As regards state production, Edo recorded the highest production in the year under review, with a total of 19.4 million tonnes, followed by Ogun with 15.3 million tonnes, and Kogi with 10.9. million tonnes.
The least production volume was recorded in Borno State with 9,352 tonnes,” the 2023 solid minerals report stated.
Checks by THISDAY showed that in 2022, Ogun recorded the highest production of solid minerals with 15.3 million tonnes, followed by Kogi with 14 million tonnes and Edo with 8.6 million tonnes. Like in 2023, Borno came last in terms of solid minerals exploitation with 105,000 tonnes.
Despite its many highly valued mineral resources, Nigeria continues to exploit only the basic ones. In the latest NEITI report, it listed limestone, granite aggregate, sand, laterite, clay and granite dust as its key solid minerals.
To reduce the opacity and inactivity in the sector, NEITI recommended that the Ministry of Mining Development and Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) should create a system of monitoring and tracking the operators that are active and non-active within the sector
“MCO should enforce the penalty of non-usage of licences as stipulated in the Minerals and Mining Regulations 2011 in Part II, Section 93. The Government should increase funding and introduce appropriate technology to support accounting, monitoring and enforcement activities.
“The federal government should encourage whistle blowing on illegal mining and environmental violations by putting in place compatible policies,” the report stressed. It advised that licence holders should start exploration within the stipulated time or face license withdrawal, urging the authorities simplify procedures, reduce delays, and tie new licences to local value addition.
The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has successfully secured a commitment from Jindal Group to offtake about 450 million metric standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of natural gas.
A statement by the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, said that the deal comprises a $4 billion investment in a 10 million tonnes per annum Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) steel plant to be located at
Ibom Solutions Hub Industrial Park (ISHIP), a free zone facility in Akwa Ibom State.
The project, it said is expected to create thousands of jobs and position Nigeria as a regional powerhouse for industrialisation and high-grade steel production.
According to the statement, the agreement was sealed after a meeting in New Delhi, India between Ekpo and Jindal Group
Chairman, Mr. Naveen Jindal, with discussions underway to finalise the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) for the supply of natural gas to the Indian firm.
As part of the agreement, ISHIP and Jindal have also agreed to lease 300 hectares in the ISHIP for the project.
During the meeting, Jindal expressed the company’s interest in investing in Nigeria due to the long history of cooperation
between the two nations and his desire to support Nigeria’s drive for industrialisation and economic growth.
He said Jindal Group’s interest in Nigeria stems from the country’s strategic position in Africa and its vast natural gas reserves, which are essential for producing high-quality steel using new technology.
Ekpo, on his part, informed Jindal Group of the federal
government’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors, including significant incentives to encourage and protect investments in the gas industry.
Ekpo assured Jindal Group of the safety and security of their investment, highlighting Nigeria’s conducive business environment and the government’s dedication to supporting the project’s successful take-off and
implementation.
An elated Ekpo said the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria’s gas industry, even as he emphasised the need for open and constructive dialogue to attract more investments and secure a thriving future for the sector.
Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) through NNPC Foundation, its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, has said it is set to launch a free cancer screening campaign to address Nigeria’s rising cancer cases.
The campaign tagged, “Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening,” will provide, not just free cancer screening to indigent Nigerians, but also health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals, it added.
According to the national oil company, this is aimed at empowering individuals to recognise early symptoms, adopt preventive health measures, and better understand the importance of regular screenings.
The campaign which will be organised in collaboration with local health authorities and expert healthcare providers is targeted at reaching about 3,000 individuals across the six geo-political zones with screening centres in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe.
The initiative will focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, offering critical early detection support for at-risk populations, a statement by the oil firm stated.
Shedding more light on the objectives of the campaign, the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, said: “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness,
Fiducia Data Services Limited has expressed that it is poised to provide the necessary Supply Chain Finance for Small and Midsize Enterprises (SMEs) in the country to boost businesses activities and, by extension, drive the economy.
This was stated at the Fiducia Factoring Forum held in Lagos at the weekend under the theme, “Unlock Your Growth & Boost Your Business.”
Giving her keynote address, the chairman of Fiducia Data Services, Bunmi Lawson, said, “Despite all the technology that we’ve had, you will find that SME financing is still not adequately financed. There’s a major gap in actually addressing financing for SMEs and Supply Chain Finance provides a unique method for us to be able to address that issue.
“You will find that a lot of large companies have in their books supplier liabilities that have not yet been paid. When you go to most multinationals, even after you supply them, they’re going to ask you to wait 90 days from the presentation of your invoice. They’re not likely to give you an upfront advance for the supply of those goods and services. However, SMEs need funding to execute this.
“Supply chain financing
helps to unlock the hidden potential in that sector.
So it provides increased profitability to SMEs. It allows large companies to finance their supply chain without having to look for funding themselves. So specifically, I’ll just dive into maybe five of those key benefits. Number one is improving cash flows.
“The most immediate advantage is that you don’t have to tie down your money in stock; you can be able to pay in advance or on time. So, the SME can go on to do other businesses. It enables the expansion of the number of suppliers that corporates have. You’re able to get your financing faster, and that helps to increase income for the company. It also enables low-cost financing.”
Lawson, who is also the Managing Director of Edfin Microfinance Bank, added, “One of the other advantages in Nigeria is to deal with the fluctuating exchange rates, interest rates, and economic condition, is that you already know that you’re getting your money fast.”
Reiterating the value of the platform that Fiducia brings to the market, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Imohimi Aig-Imoukhuede, posited that it can provide much-needed capital for SMEs.
and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most.
“In a country of over 200 million people, too many still lack access to the early detection tools that could make
a life-saving difference. NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities.
Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and
this campaign is a vital step towards that goal.” Cancer remains one of the most prevalent health challenges in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually, according to
the World Health Organisation (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerian men include prostate and liver cancer, while women are predominantly impacted by breast and cervical cancers.
Emmanuel Addeh in abuja
British energy major Shell has announced a sharp drop in net profit for the third quarter, with the oil and gas giant hit by lower oil prices and weaker refining margins.
Profit after taxation fell to $4.3 billion in the three months to September, after a net profit of $7 billion in the same period in 2023, Shell said in a statement.
Ahead of the earnings release, Shell warned that its refining margins would take a
hit, as oil prices have fallen on concerns over Chinese demand and the prospect of higher crude production in 2025.
Shell also announced a fresh buyback of shares worth $3.5 billion. Adjusted earnings in the third quarter stood at $6 billion, down slightly from the second quarter.
“Shell delivered another set of strong results,” Chief Executive Wael Sawan said in the statement.
“We continue to deliver more value with less emissions, whilst enhancing the resilience of our
balance sheet,” he added.
The results were partly weighed down by what the group called an “accounting mismatch”, as well as various costs related to redundancy and restructuring, Fortune.com said.
At the end of August, Shell announced it was cutting hundreds of jobs from its oil and gas exploration division as part of a cost-cutting programme.
Shell, like rival energy company BP, has backtracked on some climate targets in recent months to the dismay of environmental
campaigners, putting more emphasis on oil and gas to boost its profits. Britain’s BP also reported a drop in its third-quarter profits this week, after it too warned of lower refining margins and weak oil trading. Meanwhile, US oil producers Exxon Mobil and Chevron posted better-than-expected third-quarter profits at the weekend, outperforming their European rivals, as record US oil production cushioned the blow from a plunge in fuel margins.
Peter Uzoho
Bel Papyrus Limited, Nigeria’s biggest tissue manufacturing company, has said that stable electricity supply, in addition to the use of local raw materials were essential in boosting the country’s manufacturing sector.
The company also said manufacturers require government support to secure raw materials locally, following the high cost of importing them due to the devaluation of the local currency.
The General Manager of Bel Papyrus Limited, Charbel Kairouz, stated this during a
chat with THISDAY.
Bel Papyrus is reputed as the largest tissue reel manufacturer in West Africa. It employs more than a thousand personnel to produce high quality and costeffective products. It has three paper machines with an annual capacity of more than forty-five thousand metric tonnes (45,000 MT) of jumbo reels.
Like many other manufacturing firms in the country, Kairouz explained that the company grapples with challenges relating to sourcing foreign exchange for raw materials required for the manufacturing process, adding
that power also presents a major challenge as the supply from the grid remains unstable.
“Local raw materials, with a stable power, will allow companies to save costs, time, and key supply chain challenges. In addition, if the government can look into making purchasing raw materials possible locally, it will go a long way to solving a key problem for all manufacturers in Nigeria,” Kairouz stated.
The company, which has been in operation for over 25 years, is considering embarking on backward integration as soon as economic conditions improve
and the power supply becomes more stable.
Manufacturers in Nigeria, apart from struggling to secure foreign exchange for the importation of raw materials, are battling high energy costs, which represent almost 40 per cent of all their costs, according to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
“We need stable power because a majority of our equipment is designed to run 24/7, and if stopped at any time, we will experience technical difficulties resulting in a longer recovery time and loss of resources”, Kairouz said.
Mainland Oil and Gas Company Limited has revealed its plan to invest in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) development and embark on business expansion initiatives that will open collaboration opportunities for refiners and stakeholders in the West African midstream and downstream petroleum industry.
Managing Director of Mainland Oil, Dr Chris Igwe, who addressed the media at the Oil Trading & Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, said the company will be committing
billions of naira in fresh investments dedicated to expanding its midstream and downstream infrastructure for greater reach and efficiency.
Igwe said that the investment would enhance the company’s stockholding and distribution facilities, bolstering its capacity to meet rising demand across Nigeria and the wider West African market.
“We’re committed to creating a robust, accessible supply chain that serves the evolving energy needs of the region,” he said, noting that partnerships with refiners and marketers would be pivotal in advancing this mission.
As part of its showcase at the OTL Expo, Mainland Oil and Gas unveiled its expanded range of lubricant brands which is developed to meet the latest international standards and specifications for various industrial and automotive applications.
The managing director announced the company’s extensive repositioning strategy, outlined plans to diversify its fuel products and expand its facilities across Nigeria.
He disclosed that the company would inject tens of billions of naira into developing new facilities, including an expanded retail infrastructure, CNG storage and
retail handling facilities, increased Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retail capacity, and new energy distribution channels. The new investments, he explained, are designed to meet shifting consumer demands in the domestic fuel market and align with the Nigerian government’s reforms in the downstream petroleum industry. He emphasized that Mainland Oil has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for diversified fuel products and services across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, striving to become the leading channel of energy supply nationwide.
Oluchi Chibuzor
Experts in the renewable energy industry across Africa have called for the strengthening of local content to catalyse growth in the continent’s renewable energy sub-sector across the continent.
Speaking at the just concluded Nigeria Energy Conference in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer, Auxano Solar, Mr. Chucks
Umazulora, said a deliberate shift towards enforcing the local content laws to support players in the renewable energy sub-sector through funding support will increase the capacity of indigenous companies.
According to him, investment in the local manufacturing companies will strengthen the renewable energy sector, improve the local currencies, and expand
Influential leader and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Parallex Bank, Dr. Adeola Adejoke Phillips, has been honored with the distinguished title of Honorary Senior Member by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) at its 2024 Fellowship Investiture.
Held at Harbour Point Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, this prestigious event brought together esteemed leaders, dignitaries, and professionals across the banking and financial sectors to recognize and celebrate exemplary contributions to the industry.
The investiture ceremony, chaired by Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, OON, Founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, featured special guests including His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, and Professor Adeola Adenikiju, President of the Nigerian Economic Society, who delivered a powerful keynote address. The event highlighted the accomplishments of Dr. Phillips and other honorees who have
shown exceptional dedication to advancing Nigeria’s banking and financial sectors.
A graduate of the University of Lagos with an MBBS, Dr. Phillips brings a wealth of experience and strategic expertise, including C-level management in operational planning, branding, innovation, and crisis management. Known for her commitment to diversity and mentorship, she continues to be a guiding force in shaping the future of banking leadership.
Alongside Dr. Phillips, other notable awardees included Mr. Tokunbo Joseph Talabi, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, as well as industry leaders and pioneers recognized for their impactful work.
The 2024 Fellowship Investiture celebrates the excellence and leadership that define Nigeria’s banking industry, honoring individuals like Dr. Phillips who embody the institute’s values of integrity, progress, and unwavering commitment to the sector
power access to hard to reach communities in Nigeria and by extension Africa.
He said: “We have Local Content on paper but how is it being implemented? The government must put some protection around their local players. You cannot tell us to compete with the foreigners who get some support from their government. As we are developing
projects, the government must incentivise local manufacturing.
“If we have 1,000 mini grid, the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency can say this 50 mini grid, we want to build this with local manufacturing companies as a test run because if we don’t patronise local companies, who will?”
On his part, Country Director, Nigeria, PowerGen Renewable Energy, Mr. Seun Edun, stated
that a reorientation of the public on the need to patronise local manufacturers and its impact on improving the indigenous sector is integral to achieving success within the renewable energy sector.
He explained that such efforts must be deliberately encouraged. “Local manufacturers have a long way to go to compete with foreign manufacturers who have decades
of experience. He said, “If you look at the cost of components of manufacturing, a key driver is FX cost. As long as the appetite for imports keeps rising, our local currency won’t improve. That is clear. We must be deliberate in growing local content. If we are not deliberate, it cannot be done. Importation is convenient but convenience will never lead to real development.”
Agnes Ekebuike
Pan-African Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Forum 2024, will be discussing the transformative role of carbon markets in fostering sustainability and economic growth across Africa.
Themed: “The Carbon Market: Driving Investments for a Sustainable Africa,” the forum is scheduled to hold November 5th (virtual masterclass) and 6th at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Chairman of the ESG forum’s
Technical Committee and External Affairs Director at BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, highlighted the forum’s impact, saying: “The Pan African ESG forum is a pivotal platform for the African private sector at this critical juncture. It’s commendable to witness numerous African organisations prioritising ESG as a core component of their operations. For us at BAT, this mirrors our culture and values, we are immensely proud to contribute to this initiative.”
Head of Sustainability, Risk,
and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi shared a similar sentiment, noting that the forum aligns with Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to environmental resilience. “The carbon market is the next frontier for Nigeria and the continent. Many companies are recognizing the imperative of transforming their sustainability outlook to promote a sustainable Africa. We are committed to driving the necessary conversations to catalyze change for a sustainable continent,”she said.
Managing Consultant at ImpactCrest, Abbas Agbaje, highlighted the timeliness of the ESG forum’s theme, emphasising the need for operational integrity in carbon markets.
“As ESG gains prominence in Nigeria and Africa, the carbon market needs to be operationalised with a high-level of integrity and transparency. It is crucial to continuously explore strategies to reduce our carbon emissions and drive sustainability to achieve the intended environmental, social and economic outcomes,” he noted.
Oluchi Chibuzor
In order to promote mutual trade and investment between his Country and Nigeria, the Trade Commissioner and Managing Director, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), Mr. Takashi Oku, has said that they are willing to collaborate with Nigerian startups to create new values. This, for him, is necessary to strengthen trade between Nigeria and
Japan, as more Japanese companies are entering the Nigerian market.
Speaking at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, where 41 Japanese companies are participating, Oku said JETRO has a scheme that encourages collaboration between both countries.
He said that Nigeria is a big force in Africa as a startup destination, adding hence the need to collaborate with Nigerian startups to create new
values.
According to him, “So, JETRO also has a scheme to encourage collaboration between Japanese and Nigerian companies. Actually, we invited several Nigerian companies to Japan last February. And we found a very interesting company in Nigeria. So, our mission is to seek good startups in Nigeria and we just introduced Japanese companies and we made some
collaborations. So, we just bridge each other’s strengths. So, in terms of technology, knowledge of the Nigerian market and global quality standards. So, we just have some collaborations with each other.”
However, he stated that with more Japanese companies now establishing factories in Nigeria it shows their confidence in the market and commitment to the country by participating at the ongoing trade fair.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has said the investment in the state’s creative, arts and culture sectors over the last eight years, has transformed the state into a centre of excellence for the creative arts, repositioning the state as Africa’s arts, culture, and tourism hub.
The governor said this when he led the former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, and other dignitaries and stakeholders to the official unveiling and preview of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Institute and Campus, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The guests also joined in the commissioning of the Edo Film Project Residence (Edonimose) and the Victor
As PAMO Varsity graduates 25 new medical doctors
The Chief Consultant Family Physician with the National Hospital Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Lawrence Akinwale Moses, has expressed the need for strong leadership and stakeholders’ collaboration in tackling challenges in the healthcare sector.
This is as 25 medical doctors, new graduands of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Rivers State, have been fully inducted into the medical profession.
In his lecture during the induction of the medical doctors, held at the premises of PAMO University yesterday, Dr. Moses explained that Nigeria can overcome its healthcare challenges by adopting a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable approach in healthcare system.
Noting the positive impact the PAMO University is creating in the country's healthcare sector, the medical expert also expressed the need for national health policy, adding that it will "Review and update policies to address current challenges".
In improving healthcare infrastructure, Dr Moses urged the government to upgrade existing medical facilities, build new ones, and ensure adequate maintenance of the facilities.
He said if the noted challenges and others are addressed, it will tackle the issue of 'Japa' syndrome and encourage the young doctors to stay back in Nigeria and improve the country's healthcare system.
According to him, "Nigeria has 48 fully and partially MDCN accredited medical schools of which only 9 are
private.
"In 2021, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) lamented that less than half of the over 80,000 doctors registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) were practicing in the country, giving the country's doctor-to-population ratio of l to between 4,000 and 5,000, against the WHO recommended 1 doctor to 600 people. This ratio is now a grim 1:10,000.
"Nigeria produces just over 3,000 doctors annually. This number is considered grossly inadequate, given the country's population and healthcare needs, Nigeria's doctor-topatient ratio is quite alarming, with barely one doctor available for every 10,000 patients."
Commending the institution for their efforts in producing sound medical personnel in the country, Dr Moses urged the inducted doctors to uphold the sacred trust placed in them and adhere to the ethical standards that guide their practice.
"You come at a time when doctors are the most needed and yet one of the endangered species in our beloved country Nigeria. Our Hippocratic oath almost sounds illogical and counterintuitive in the current clime and most of you may be tempted to toe the line of japa".
But remember the last sentences of the oath (as modified) which sounds like a prayer", he advised.
Earlier, Pro-chancellor of PAMO University, Dr. Peter Odili, who congratulated the graduands for their discipline and successful graduation, assured that with their performance they will not find jobs difficult.
He informed the new doctors of automatic employment immediately after the two weeks of break.
Uwaifo Creative Hub Production Centre as well as the inspection of the Radisson Hotel Project, all within the Benin metropolis.
Others at the governor’s entourage include the Edo State Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his wife, Ifeyinwa, and chairman of the Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.
Obaseki, addressing the diplomatic community, representatives of international museums and other stakeholders at the unveiling and preview of the MOWAA Campus, said the project which is part of the state’s cultural district, holds immense employment and investment potential for the state and will be a key driver of tourism and economic growth.
According to him, “Eight years ago when I assumed office, we set out a plan which was very uncertain and difficult. As we laid down our plans on how to regenerate, restore and reform our state, we did what every other government would do.
“First, we built roads, rebuilt our institutions, focused on our economy, dealt with our environment, and built infrastructure; that is what every other government does. But we did one thing that fewer governments would do in defining their agenda for development.
“We brought culture and took art and culture as a priority for our renaissance as a state. If you look
through West Africa, I don't think there are many places that can boast of our kind of heritage. What is key and fundamental for us is how we, through the centuries, built institutions. That is the representation of who we are but that knowledge has been lost because it was not written down.”
He continued: “As a leader, our responsibility is to envision, visualize and create that vision of what is to be. We know that culture for us holds a significant place and helps us tell our stories better.
“This project started about six years ago after conversation and discussion with the Benin Dialogue Group on how to preserve what we have and also how to interpret to the rest of the world our culture.
“The reason why, as a government, we supported this project is because of the significant opportunities in job creation and the benefits of engaging our people in an asset like this, and what it represents. Eight years ago, I couldn't boast of assembling people like this but eight years after, the story has changed as people now want to come to Edo State to come and see.”
He added: “I am sure you heard of the criticism that we brought down a hospital and built a museum. But in two days, we are going to be commissioning one of the biggest hospitals in SouthSouth Nigeria in Benin City. We didn't pull down a hospital for a museum but rather, we built a museum and built a better hospital.”
Obaseki at the launching of the Edo Film Project Residence, said:
“Today, we are commissioning projects related to culture and creativity. We just finished unveiling MOWAA as one of our biggest advantages in the state is our culture and history. Our heritage is respected and celebrated around the world. When people come to Edo, they want to see the cultural representation of our culture and history in the city.
“This led us into putting together our plans when I became governor in Edo and we brought culture as one of our thematic pillars of this administration that will drive our development. We have designed and created a cultural district for Edo. We are praying and hoping that successive administrations will complete it.”
He added: “This facility is part of the cultural district. It's to provide support to artists to come into the cultural district for performances.”
At the commissioning of the Edo State Film Post Production Center, Obaseki urged the people, especially youths to play an active role in safeguarding the progress made in the State in the last eight years, and not allow the state go back to the dark days of underdevelopment and retrogression.
According to him, “We have done several commissioning since last week and each of them have their roles in our society. Today is different as we are talking about the creativity of our people, building on the heritage that we have, which is across the spectrum of human activities.
“MOWAA for instance is a
repository where we store, preserve and conserve our past as it is an institute that helps us think about the future. Our cultural district is going to be a major attraction for the City.
“Edo is the home of culture and we are now creating the space to enable you to see the culture and heritage of the people when you come to Benin City.”
Obaseki further added: “This facility today is helping us complete the circle because we want Edo to be the hub of creativity in Nigeria. Whether we are talking about visual arts, creative arts, film, music, and design, they are all natural to us as the people are here. What the government is doing is creating the enabling environment and the infrastructure to support our people's creativity.
“This facility which we are commissioning today is a facility that would help artists produce and finish their production as this one is to help them edit their production.
“It's an end-to-end service that we are providing for our creatives in Benin City, Nigeria, as they don't need to go abroad to complete their production. Whatever they intend to produce, they produce here in Edo State using this facility.”
Appreciating the governor for his impactful projects across various sectors of the State’s economy over the last eight years, Ihedioha and Donald Duke, described the governor as a transformer who has prioritized the welfare and wellbeing of his people.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Special Adviser to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State on Media, Alhaji Basiru Adigun, has described the masterminds of the recent formation of Kwara Redemption Movement (KRM) as failed politicians that engage in ‘pull him down syndrome; (PDS) because of their frustration
The KRM was recently launched in Ilorin to challenge the political control of the ruling APC in the forthcoming election in the state.
The movement led by an APC chieftain, Hon. Iyiola Oyedepo, has said that, the group was formed
so as to move the state forward.
However, a statement issued in Ilorin on Monday which was personally signed by the governor's aide on Media, Alhaji Adigun stated that: "The contradictions of the group stemmed from its claim to be non-partisan and at the same time claiming that its members are drawn from different political parties; taking sole ownership of the 2019 Peoples Revolution known as O to Ge which swept away the Saraki Political Dynasty, replaced by the current Republican Kwara political space under the inspiring leadership of Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq" .
The statement said: "O to Ge is a revolution by the people of Kwara and not by any individual or group of people.
"The people showed their love, support and endorsement for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq through the 2019, 2023 General elections and the just concluded local government elections in all of which they overwhelmingly voted for the administration in 2019, 2023 general elections and recently the 2024 local government election.
"We wish to state that Akogun Oyedepo and his ilk have traveled this path before and the outcome of
this Gulliver politics is well known to the people of Kwara "The people of Kwara should be aware that the gang up is driven by their failure and frustration not to have pocketed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and prevent him from focusing on providing dividends of Democracy and positive impact on the people of Kwara State".
The statement further added: "The same group misled some of its members to join the Social Democratic Party SDP ahead of the 2023 general elections with incalculable negative consequences to those members.
The Plateau State Government on Monday threatened crackdown on persons engaged in child trafficking in the state.
The state government also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an international NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), Both Ends Believing (BEB), and Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), to create digital identity of children in orphanages in the state.
The state government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development signed the MoU
aimed at supporting the process of finding permanent, safe and loving families for children in orphanages. BEB is a global non-profit that leverages a one-of-a-kind technology, Children First Software (CFS), to help children living in institutions unite with loving families. Through Children First Software, BEB empowers government authorities to move vulnerable children to their best future, giving them a chance to grow and flourish in a loving family. The NGO also donated a laboratory which would track activities of orphanages in the state.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor
Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State said:
“With the signing of this MoU, we can track down and know the number of our children in the orphanages.”
Represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, the governor said that the state would also track down operatives of fake orphanages operating on the Plateau.
He said: “We would prosecute anyone who is discovered to be involved in child trafficking in any of the state’s 17 local government areas. Many of our children are being taken out of the state; there is a cartel in Plateau State that links up with parents to traffic children to other
parts of the country.
“This, we would not tolerate. As a government, we would continue to educate our people on the need for them to train their children.”
The governor also restated his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the rights, welfare, education, security, and safety of children in the state.
He said: “We are focused on protecting the rights of every child and making sure children of school age have access to quality basic education, which will inspire them to express their creativity in science, technology, art, and music, and make their voices heard in the society.
The Director General of the FrancoNigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Moses Umoru has said that France is playing a significant role in Nigeria’s development, having over 100 companies, and contributing to over 10,000 direct jobs.
He stated that Nigeria is France’s leading trading partner in subSaharan Africa, and the fourth-largest in Africa, behind Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Nigeria accounts for around 20 per cent of France’s trade with sub-Saharan Africa.
“France has continued to play a strategic role in Nigeria’s development with its business presence totalling over 100 companies, and contributing to over 10,000 direct jobs," he said.
According to him, French
Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has vowed to Repair about 18,850 square metres of potholes in the country, as part of the measure to ensure free flow of traffic during the festive period.
The Managing Director of the Agency, Engineer Agboade Oluwayimi, disclosed this during the flags-off ceremony of Operation Connect to Your Destination, in Kano, Monday.
He said at the completion of the program, about 18,850 square metres will be patched, while over 12,000
companies like TotalEnergies continue to expand its investment in the energy sector with its recent drive to invest $6 billion (around €5.5 billion) over several years in Nigeria's energy industry, particularly in gas and offshore projects.
He added that Fanmilk Nigeria, which was acquired by Danone, continues to partner with governments in various states and expand its investment in Nigeria with the recently commissioned production line in Ibadan.
Besides, Umoru stated that Schneider Electric reinforced its operations in Nigeria with the commissioning of its new office facility recently and empowering individuals, communities and industries with sustainable energy solutions.
He noted that Access Bank Plc
as part of plans to foster FranceNigeria trade has established commercial presence in Paris as well as SPIE Global Services Energy, which has commissioned a technical training centre in Port Harcourt to train Nigerians on the technical aspects of its operations and boost local content in the energy service sector.
The French Development Agencies (AFD) and Proparco, he said, continue to support Nigeria’s development by funding sustainable projects in Nigeria.
He said the French week 2024, holding in Lagos from the 8-15 November, is aimed at celebrating the impact of French presence in Nigeria, while highlighting the impact and collaborations made by French and Nigerian companies.
The 2024 French week is organised
“Children are an essential part of our society. Without them, there will not be transition to a greater tomorrow. We are therefore, committed to ensuring that their rights, which are fundamental to my administration, are protected.
“Our administration has made it a point of duty to commit to the education, welfare, safety and rights of our children. As a government we are working hard to tackle challenges confronting vulnerable children in our state.”
The governor lauded the NGO for partnering the state, stressing that children in orphanages deserve care and safe homes. “We would continue to partner with agencies that would bring development to our people,” he added.
President of Both Ends Believing (BEB), Mr. Bruce Graham lauded the state government for its desire
by the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of the French Embassy and French Consulate in Nigeria.
The 2024 event line-up has been carefully put together to project the Franco-Nigerian business relations with a high-level business forum themed around “Enhancing France-Nigeria Relations Through Sustainable Investments and Partnerships”.
It will also feature a tech start-up conference and pitch session in partnership with French Tech Lagos, a cultural evening, among others.
The sponsors of the French week are: Access Bank Plc as well as SPIE Global Services Energy, Schneider Electric, Stren & Blan Partners, Zenith Bank Plc, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, TotalEnergies, among others.
areas of face section to be recovered. According to him, 2,700 square meters of overlay will be done and 653 kilometres of the road will be made motorable, while, over 12,000 jobs will be created which would have a huge impact on unemployed economy.
The FERMA boss added: "Operation Connect to Your Destination is a programmer that has been designed to improve the journey time experience of commuters on our roads, and more importantly reduce traffic congestion during the festive period.
"We do know that during the
festive period that there is a lot of traffic from the north to the south or from the south to the north. So, the essence of this program is to identify the areas we have bottlenecks within the corridors before the movement of commuters commence."
He further explained that the agency has mapped out where there is traffic gridlock, "so those areas that we have traffic that's where the agency is focusing on the work to be done so that the impact will be made on road users.”
In his remarks, the Zonal Coordinator of the Agency, I Barror,
explained that operation connect your destination, road projects, was designed to undertake the potholes patching at the Eastern bye-pass (Ch0000 -Ch13+000) along Kano-Maiduguri (Borno State Border) Road in Kano State.
"The choice of Kano-Eastern By-pass for this year’s flag off of the 2nd year/cycle of the program is strategic, as the road which is 13km Dual
connects
to better the lives of vulnerable children in the state. Also commending the state government for the partnership, Graham said: “Our goal is for children to be integrated into safe and loving families. We work to create digital profiles of children living in institutions around the world.”
President of ASOHON, Dr. Gabriel Oyedeji, said the signing of the MoU by the Plateau State Government and Both Ends Believing (BEB) is the beginning of a new dawn, adding that “we can now comfortably track down our orphanages as well as unregistered, closed down and non-existing homes, and this will go a long way to escalate trust.”
He lauded the efforts of his deputy, Mrs. Sandra Chikan, for making the signing of the MoU a reality.
Alex Enumah in Abuja
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of a Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Managing Director of Dana Air, Mr. Hathiramani Ranesh, over alleged refusal to appear in court to stand trial.
The arrest order which was sequel to Ranesh's refusal to appear in court after been served with the charge and several proceedings of the court was in line with Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Justice Egwuatu held: “The 1st defendant is bound to appear before the court and if he does not, the court can issue a warrant for his arrest.
“Accordingly relying on the said provision, I hereby issue a warrant of arrest for the arrest of the 1st defendant
“The defendant shall appear before this court on January 13, 2025, before any objection can be taken.”
He subsequently adjourned the matter until January 13, 2025 for hearing.
Recall that the federal government, through its lawyer, Mojisola-Okeya Esho, had, on October 10, prayed the court to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Dana Air MD, arguing that Ranesh had refused to appear for his arraignment in the alleged N1.3 billion fraud preferred against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF). Ranesh and two others are standing trial on a six-count charge bordering on bordering on criminal breach of trust.
But the defence lawyer, B. AdemolaBello, disagreed with Esho, citing a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter, adding that the prosecution had already been served.
Esho, on her part, objected to taking the preliminary objection on the ground that the defendants ought to be arraigned first before the court could entertain any other application.
Responding, Justice Egwuatu then adjourned the matter until November 4, for arraignment and/or hearing of preliminary objection.
In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/ CR/101/2021 and filed by Moshood Adeyemi, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd were joined as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.
In count one, Ranesh and the two companies, alongside others at large, were alleged to have committed a felony between September and December 2018 within the premises of DANA Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina.
They were alleged to have conspired to remove, convert and sell four units of industrial generators “i.e. three (3) units Ht of 9,000 KVA and 1 unit of 1,000 KVA; all valued at over N450 million, which form part of the Deed of Asset Debenture that were charged as collateral security for a bond issued in your favour, which Deed is still subsisting at all material times.”
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday mourned the demise of former deputy governor of Delta State, Professor Amos Utuama, describing him as a defender of rule of law.
Similarly, the Senator representing Delta North District, Senator Ned Nwoko described the passage of Processor Utuama as monumental loss to Deltans.
The deceased, a Professor of Law in University of Lagos, was the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Chief James Ibori's administration.
Utuama, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who was Deputy Governor of Delta State between 2007 and 2015 when
Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan was governor, passed at 77 years.
While reacting to his death, Senator Omo-Agege, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Sunny Areh, described the deceased as a legal luminary that distinguished himself in fighting for the rule of law to prevail in all affairs of state and levels of government.
He said Prof. Utuama was one of the persons that headlined the emergence of a stable federation at the onset of the Fourth Republic.
"Having come into Chief Ibori's government as an accomplished law teacher, Prof. Utuama was very instrumental in using his stature to instill a level of stability and respect for states at a time the Fourth Republic was still wobbling as a federation where different
political parties held sway in different states", Omo-Agege said.
He recalled the days when Chief Ibori initiated the legal battles that preceded the commencement of the payment of 13 percent derivation fund as enshrined in the Constitution adding that Prof. Utuama's stature and expertise drove the legal process that gave victory to the Niger Delta states.
"Indeed, the Niger Delta, not just Delta State, has lost a great son. His legacy will never be forgotten and Nigeria was lucky to have had him in government at the time his calibre was desperately needed," Omo-Agege stated.
He commiserated with the Urhobo nation, Delta State and the Niger Delta region on the
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The federal government yesterday announced a final 14-day termination notice to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on the contract for section 1 of the Abuja-KadunaZaria-Kano dual carriageway valued at about N740 billion.
A statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmed, said the decision was based on non-compliance with reviewed cost, scope and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to site as directed.
According to the federal government, the decision was borne out of several months of back and forth without any meaningful progress reached at a management meeting of the ministry.
The ministry stated that it had in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail.
“Nigerians may wish to know that the contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja-KadunaZaria-Kano dual carriageway, which was divided into three sections was awarded to the company on 20th December, 2017 and flagged off by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at an initial sum of N155.7 billion on June 18, 2018.
“Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria - Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other.
“Finally, the present Minister of Works directed the redesigning and re-scoping of the section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), while the remaining is with asphaltic pavement.
“Approval for the Section
I, Phase 1 for a length of 38 kilometres on concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127 kilometres remained with the substantive contractor. The Phase 1 was flagged off on October 17, 2024 with a 14-month completion period.
“Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of President Bola Tinubu, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the ministry rescoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” the statement said.
The award for the re-scoping and downward review of contract for the rehabilitation of the contract in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc from the sum of N797.2 billion to N740.7, it said, was granted by FEC on September 23, 2024 and conveyed to the company on October 3, 2024.
death of the former deputy governor, in his tribute.
In his tribute, the Senator representing Delta North at the National Assembly, Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, described the exit of the former deputy governor of Delta State as a monumental loss to Deltans.
He described the deceased as selfless in the service of the state as deputy governor under the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, between 2007-2015.
Senator Nwoko stated that the late Professor Utuama as a legal luminary, outstanding academic and proficient administrator, helped in stabilizing Delta on the path of peace, social cohesion and sustainable development.
His words: “Delta lost an illustrious son. The former
deputy governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Professor Amos Utuama, would be remembered for his invaluable footprints in Nigeria’s law profession, education, democracy and governance. He was humble and respectful even in his towering status.
“I can attest that late Professor Utuama led exemplary life. He was elected Deputy Governor
under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, but he was fair and just beyond boundaries.
”On behalf of my political supporters and the entire people of Delta North, Anioma, I extend heartfelt condolence to his immediate family and the people of Otu-jeremi Community, in Ughelli South Local Government Area for the loss of this statesman, scholar and role model.”
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals has pledged to reform Nigeria's mining industry to boost economic growth and implement stricter regulations.
The Committee's Chairman, Senator Sampson Ekom, made this commitment during an oversight visit to the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office (NMCO) in Abuja.
It added that due to the socio-economic importance of the road as a vital artery connecting Abuja to the North, the ministry conveyed the approval for a final offer on the road on October 23, 2024.
It stated that the construction firm was requested to agree in writing to accept the reviewed contract sum of N740.7 within seven days or risk the termination of the said contract.
“It is a sad commentary on the company that rather than accepting the offer, they tinkered with the bills of quantities, as well as that of engineering measurements and evaluation via a letter to the ministry dated 29, October, 2024.
“The company was summoned for a meeting with the management of the ministry, today (yesterday) November 4, 2024 but refused to show up, hence the (planned) termination of the contract based on effluxion of time and non- performance,” the federal government stated.
He emphasised the committee's dedication to strengthening the sector's contribution to the nation's economy.
" Our goal is to ensure Nigeria maximizes the benefits of its mining industry. The Senate prioritises this oversight visit to assess the agency's operations before finalizing budget allocations," he said.
Ekom highlighted NMCO's crucial role in Nigeria's economic diversification efforts. He emphasised the need to diversify the economy beyond oil and recognised NMCO's pivotal role in achieving this goal.
"This agency is vital to our diversification strategy. How can we diversify without NMCO? This office is essential to the mining sector and, consequently, to our nation's economic resilience," he added.
He also called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to foster sustainable growth. "This visit will identify opportunities to deepen sector reforms, and it's crucial to strengthen collaboration among agencies and stakeholders," he said.
During the visit, Nkom presented a comprehensive report on the agency's
performance. He revealed a significant revenue achievement of N8.2 billion in October 2024 alone. This remarkable increase, he said, underscores Nigeria's commitment to enhancing the mining sector as part of its economic diversification agenda.
"The revenue generated in October 2024 is a milestone that reflects the sector's growth and the agency's dedication to regulatory improvement," Nkom stated. He attributed the revenue surge to improved transparency, digitalisation, and streamlined licensing and revenue collection processes.
Nkom shared a historical overview of NMCO's revenue growth, showcasing the upward trajectory since 2019: N2.38 billion in 2019, N2.56 billion in 2020, N4.3 billion in 2021, N3.79 billion in 2022, and N6.07 billion in 2023. With a cumulative revenue of N36.05 billion generated to date, NMCO, he stressed, has made significant contributions to Nigeria's Treasury Single Account (TSA), ensuring all earnings directly support the nation's financial infrastructure.
The Director General further explained that NMCO's revenues from 2019 to October 2024 amounted to N26.23 billion, representing 75 per cent of the agency's total revenue. From 2023 to October 2024, the agency generated N13.19 billion, a 63 per cent increase over the corresponding period from 2021 to September 2022, when it recorded N8.1 billion.
United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, Mr. David Lammy, in a courtesy call on the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, described Lagos as his country’s old time ally.
Lammy visited the State House
in Marina, hours after he arrived Nigeria in his first trip to Africa to discuss UK’s new approach to the continent.
Lammy, accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery,
and his deputy, Jonny Baxter, said Lagos became his first port of call in his Africa tour, given the centuries-old relationships between the two countries.
The Foreign Secretary said the socio-cultural and economic
relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria was second to none, pointing out that Lagos had a huge number of families with relatives in London and other parts of the UK.
The mutual dealings, the envoy
John Shiklam in Kaduna Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said climate change was not just an environmental crisis but a profound challenge that could destabilise nations, worsen inequalities, and provoke violence if not addressed.
The governor stated this yesterday in Kaduna, at a regional conference on climate changeinduced conflicts in Northern Nigeria.
The event was attended by the 19 Northern States Governments, religious functionaries and agencies.
Sani said climate-induced conflict was a reality that the north must confront with urgency and determination.
Sani said, "Facts about climate change are undeniable, as can
be seen in rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and extreme weather events which are no longer distant threats.
"The recent menace of floods in parts of Nigeria and especially in Kaduna State, the fast-encroaching desert sands rendering most of our arable lands infertile, the shrinking of rivers and gradual deforestation of our forests are stark reminders of the urgency of our situation.”
The governor noted that these phenomena disrupted livelihoods, displaced communities, and created fierce competition for increasingly scarce resources like water, arable land, and food.
“The reality before us is that natural resources will become more limited, tensions will mount.
Historically, we have witnessed how environmental stress can lead
to conflict. The farmer – herder conflict is still with us today,” Sani said.
He noted further that rural communities in the North were mostly agrarian farmers and pastoralists, stressing that, “climate change and unfavourable weather conditions and diseases have caused severe loss of people and animals.”
The governor said although conflicts had led to population displacement, food insecurity and worsened poverty, he however called for collective action to combat the challenges.
"Despite the dire situation, we must pull ourselves together and confront the challenges facing us. We must give hope to our people. We must work collectively to fashion strategies to cope with the current situation and prepare for
challenges in the future,” he urged.
He said his administration had taken some proactive steps to combat the impact of climate change.
“We have developed a policy on climate change to safeguard the future of our environment and people.
"The policy outlines our vision for a Climate-Resilient Kaduna State, detailing objectives, strategies, and targets for key areas such as sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Water Resource Management, and Biodiversity Preservation, amongst others.
"The overall goal of the policy is to promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient, gender-responsive and sustainable socioeconomic development in Kaduna State," the governor said.
Chiemelie Ezeobi
To safeguard the maritime domain of the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) Waters and sustain gains recorded so far, the Nigerian Navy in partnership with 25 other global and regional navies and coastguards, yesterday flagged-off Exercise Grand African NEMO.
The annual multinational maritime security exercise is aimed at enhancing safety and security across the GoG and demonstrates a united front to secure West Africa’s vital waters for peace and economic growth.
Flagged off from Nigerian Navy Ship KADA in Apapa, Lagos, the exercise, which would span till November 11, brought together navies and coastguards from 26 nations in a collaborative effort to combat maritime
threats in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. Under the auspices of the French Commander in Chief for the Atlantic, this year’s exercise will focus on strengthening coordination across five operational zones in the Gulf of Guinea while participating forces will conduct exercises in national and zonal phases, which will include live scenarios to enhance response capabilities.
For the exercise, the Nigerian Navy, deploying five ships, helicopters, and specialised units, will operate alongside ships from the United Kingdom and Spain, with the lead vessel being NNS KADA under the command of Captain Andrew Zidon.
At the flag off, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, said the import
of the exercise cannot be overstated as it would tackle maritime challenges such as piracy, sea robbery, and crude oil theft, which threaten regional stability and economic prosperity.
epresented by the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Ordinance Depot, Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu, the CNS said: “Ex Grand African Nemo is a critical initiative allowing African navies to develop collaborative strategies against transnational maritime threats.
"This exercise reaffirms our dedication to creating a secure maritime domain that supports a thriving blue economy. Exercise Grand African Nemo is a landmark opportunity for navies and coastguards of the Gulf of Guinea to address common challenges with an African-led approach.
"Our vision is to foster a safe and secure region that allows economic prosperity and development for all. This exercise highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring a maritime space where peace and commerce can flourish."
He added that the Nigerian Navy would remain “relentless and resolute” in its dedication to regional security and combating threats to Nigeria’s territorial waters. Ogalla, while commending the French authorities and other organisers of the exercise said: "The support we receive from our international partners in this exercise is invaluable. It represents a collective dedication to maritime security, and I assure you that these efforts will not be in vain.”
said, had been further strengthened in business, remittances and finance cooperation.
Lammy said his visit was to further enhance the bilateral ties between the two countries, creating mutual understanding that would unlock more opportunities for both sides in thriving trade relations.
“My first port of call in my visit to the continent of Africa is Lagos, which is naturally a bustling economic hub not just for Nigeria but also West Africa.
“What I have been experiencing since my arrival in Lagos is dynamism, vibrancy and huge opportunities that exist in this great city. These values befit our approach to the continent, which rests on mutual growth of our economies.
“We have seen how the Red Line is increasing transportation options in Lagos and it is pleasing to see UK manufacturers as being part of this transportation growth in Lagos. We want to see more of mutual cooperation in this sector.
“There is more we can do in several other areas. I am here to say the UK is very much open for more business with our old friends, and I dare say Lagos represents the old friendship. There is a win-win for our businesses and our societies.”
Sanwo-Olu told the envoy that the new UK’s trade approach aligned with the state’s growth plan, noting that Lagos possessed a huge population of creative and dynamic young people yearning for new opportunities across sectors. He said the state government had sustained an investment in knowledge-based training opportunities for young people to develop their talents and make their skills lucrative in modern economic order.
This agenda, the governor said, was to make Lagos a human development capital of the continent, where investors would find competent professionals with right skills in any sector of the economy.
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday said that its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions aircraft had begun interdiction operations to prevent terrorists and bandits from sabotaging electricity infrastructure in Northern Nigeria.
The NAF also revealed that on November 1, 2024, the ISR platforms executed series of air interdiction operations targeting terrorist positions located deep within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
It described it as a coordinated mission to support power restoration efforts in Kaduna and other north-western states.
A statement by Director Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, averred that the mission aligned with ongoing efforts to secure power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted progress in restoring electricity to affected areas.
"The strike followed series of
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions which confirmed the presence of terrorist fighters who were converging to disrupt ongoing power restoration.
"The air component, acting swiftly on this intelligence, planned and carried out a successful airstrike to neutralize the threat. Overhead the target area, NAF crews observed and engaged the terrorists, neutralizing several fighters and their logistics with precise firepower," he said. Akinboyewa said the NAF has intensified armed reconnaissance along critical power lines from Shiroro Lake to Damba, maintaining airspace dominance to prevent any potential terrorist interference in the restoration efforts.
He noted that this sustained mission underscored its commitment to collaborate with other security agencies in protecting vital infrastructure and ensuring the swift and full restoration of essential services for Kaduna and neighbouring states.
L-R: ExecutiveSecretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Feyisayo Alayande; GMD/CEO, LafargeAfricaPlc, LoluAlade-Akinyemi; General Counsel/Company Secretary, LafargeAfricaPlc, Adewunmi Alode; Outstanding Graduate in Tiling, Aliyah Oladepo; Hon. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende; Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Lafarge Africa Plc, Viola Graham-Douglas; and Deputy Director, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), Oluyemi Akinyemi, at the graduation ceremony of 40 women from the Lafarge Africa Female Tilers and Block Making Training Program, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos ... recently
The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has been arrested by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Okowa was arrested on Monday, in Port Harcourt, shortly after he honoured an invitation from officials of the anti-graft agency, investigating him over alleged corrupton and fraud.
According to a reliable source, the former governor and former vice presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, is being investigated over alleged diversion of the sum of N1.3 trillion from the 13 per cent derivation fund belonging to the state.
He was said to have committed the act between 2015 and 2023, as governor of the state.
When contacted, spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but however, refused to comment on the issue.
"Yes, I can confirm he was arrested", he said, but refused to respond to further questions.
Meanwhile, another source hinted
that Okowa was arrested, "when he reported at the Port Harcourt Directorate of the EFCC on the invitation of investigators handling his matter". "He is being held at the EFCC holding facility in Port Harcourt", he added.
According to the source, the former governor was alleged to have failed to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG).
Okowa was accused of buying shares worth N40 billion in one of the major banks in the country representing 8 per cent equity to float the offshore LNG, although, the source added that the funds may have been used for other purposes.
Besides the offshore LNG acquisition, the source also revealed that the former governor is being investigated over his alleged acquisition of "estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta State".
If eventually, the commission file charges against him, Okowa would be the fifth of immediate past governors to be prosecuted by the EFCC and under the chairmanship
of Mr Ola Olukoyede.
Those currently under trial include former Anambra Governor, Mr Willie Obiano, former Kwara State Governor, Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed, and former Taraba Governor, Mr
Darius Ishaku.
Although, the anti-graft agency had filed two separate charges against Kogi State Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello, both at the Federal High Court in Abuja and the High
Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bello's arraignment is yet to take place due to different litigations up to the Supreme Court.
Only last week, the Commission had refused to disclose the number and names of former governors under investigation, but hinted that once enough evidence for prosecution is obtained the commission would not hesitate to made such names public.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, yesterday inaugurated a 50,000-capacity water reticulation system in her constituency as part of activities to mark her one year in office,
The Senator, according to a statement by her media aide, Arogbonlo Israel, yesterday said the project was part of her campaign promise to ensure access to clean water for her constituents and pledged to undertake further initiatives.
She said: "I am overwhelmed with joy and pleased that we have managed to fulfill several of our campaign promises.
“Water is essential for everything, and
I have witnessed our people walking long distances in search of it.
“This was a specific concern I presented to the federal government. Today, we have twelve water reticulation projects across Kogi Central, with six ready for commissioning.
“This 50,000-liter water project is designed for durability. Each water tank is capable of serving 50 homes. We will continue to advocate for more water projects in the future.
“Although I belong to the PDP, I am confident that Mr. President will approve our projects, as you are deserving people who deserve the best."
The statement added that AkpotiUduaghan had also facilitated skills acquisition programmes to train and
a contest between the APC and the people of Nigeria.
“Democracy is about politicians meeting the people at the polls. Why is the APC afraid of meeting the people at the polls in 2027? A party that has been doing the will of the people would thank Governor Makinde for pairing it with the people. But the sinner will run when nobody is pursuing them. The APC is that sinner. It shall not go unpunished.
empower the people of Kogi Central, alongside other legacy projects.
These initiatives, the statement added, were aimed at empowering the people of Kogi Central and address local infrastructure needs.
The skills acquisition programmes, it further stated, included training in fashion design, block molding and tiling, welding, fishery, and catering.
She said: “Beneficiaries from the five local government areas of the district will receive necessary equipment and startup funds for their businesses.” Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly condemned the detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, describing it as "inhumane and unjust".
The senator equally called on the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to investigate the detention order granted by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court.
She argued that detaining minors in a medium correctional facility is wrong and violates their fundamental human rights.
She emphasised that children should be tried in a juvenile court, and their identities protected, not displayed or published in Court. The senator also urged the Controller of Prisons, Haliru Nababa, to investigate the detention conditions of juveniles at the Kuje Correctional Center, citing malnourishment and improper facilities.
spirit of leadership. It is both a relief and a source of reassurance for families affected by these unfortunate incidents.
“At the same time, it is disappointing to witness the senseless conduct exhibited by the Inspector General of Police comments on the minors and the involved police prosecutors.
“Such actions not only undermine public trust in our law enforcement agencies but also
APC: Atiku's Criticism is Hypocrisy Taken Too Far
APC described condemnation of the policies of the Tinubu administration by Atiku as hypocrisy taken too far.
National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, said since Atiku’s electoral loss in 2023, the presidential candidate of PDP had been restless.
“We believe that the APC statement was very unnecessary, wrongly directed and wrongly themed. If the APC and its federal government are doing well and the people are happy with them why would they see Makinde's statement as an attack on their government?”
contradict the principles of justice and the welfare of our children.
“I urge that a thorough investigation, as directed, brings accountability to those responsible, and I call upon all stakeholders to ensure that such incidents do not recur. Let this stand as a reminder that the rights of minors are to be respected and protected at all times.”
Northern Senators
Morka stated, “His unabated wholesale condemnation of every policy initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was punctuated, last Sunday, by a statement of what he would have done differently to solve our country’s challenges and transform Nigeria, had he been elected President.
“Atiku’s policy prescription was a disappointing rehash of more of the same old disastrous policy approaches that brought our country to its knees, to begin with, under the PDP’s long rule.
“While conceding that he would have removed fuel subsidy and eliminated the multiple exchange rate regimes,
Chairman of Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdulaziz Yar'adua, also yesterday, commended Tinubu for ordering the release of the young boys accused of treason as a result of their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Yar'adua stated, "On behalf of the Northern Senators Forum, I wish to most respectfully commend
Atiku offered an implementation plan that regurgitates the same tired and ineffective ideas that turned widespread corruption, inefficiency, and economic stagnation as pillars of state policy under successive PDP administrations.”
Morka added that Atiku’s policy offering starkly failed to acknowledge complex contradictions, past mistakes and the extreme urgency of the moment.
He stressed that his gradualist approach to subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms had been tested before and failed to produce any significant outcomes.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his prompt action in ordering the release of minors arrested and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
"This decision demonstrates the president's commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigeria's youth.
"By his directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release process, this is a welcome
Morka said Atiku’s preferred managed-floating system unfairly favoured opportunists and cronies, who exploited and fleeced the system for personal gain to the extreme detriment of the Nigerian people.The APC spokesman stressed, “Atiku’s gradualist model did not address Nigeria’s problems of old, did not fundamentally alter the structure of our economy, and cannot address our current, more complex, challenges.
“In a rational manner, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),has continued to intervene in the foreign exchange market, to provide some liquidity and reduce
development, and we appreciate the president's leadership in addressing this critical issue.
"I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of leaders in the North who have worked tirelessly to secure the release of these minors.
"Their dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this matter to the forefront, and we are grateful for their commitment to the welfare of our young people.”
pressure on our local currency.
“Atiku's proposed Economic Stimulus Fund and Infrastructure Development Unit is opaque, lacking clarity and concrete implementation plans.
“He touts his five-point agenda that aims to restore unity, rebuild the economy, tackle insecurity, and provide qualitative education but bare on detail of how these may be achieved.
“It is now clear for all to see that Atiku's stale policy prescription has got nothing on the robust economic policy framework now under implementation by President Tinubu’s administration.”
Yar’adua added, "As we move forward, I urge leaders in the North to prioritize the safety and education of our children. It is essential that we create an environment where they can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation.
"Let us work together to ensure that our youth receive the support and resources they need to become active contributors to Nigeria's growth and development."
Chuks Okocha in abuja
Protests rocked some parts of Abuja yesterday with Nigerians gathering to demonstrate against escalating fuel costs and mounting economic hardship.
The protests led by Abdullahi Bilal of the Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal, Barrister Napoleon Otache, and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector. The main grievances of the
Yinka Olatunbosun
The legendary record producer, songwriter, composer and arranger, film and television producer, Quincy Jones Jr has died. The incident occurred on November 3, 2024 at his home in Bel-Air, Los Angeles at the age of 91. Jones’ decorated career spanned over 70 years with 28 Grammy Awards won out of 80 nominations including a Grammy Legend Award in 1992. He is famed for producing three of the most successful
albums by pop icon Michael Jackson namely Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). Thriller, which is Jackson’s sixth studio album, would later become the world’s best-selling album of all time having sold 70 million copies worldwide.
In 1985, Jones produced and conducted the charity song “We Are the World”, which helped to raise funds for victims of famine in Ethiopia. He worked with A-list musicians including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Celine Dion.
As Nigeria faces diverse challenges ranging from insecurity, hardship, disasters and others, a group, the English Grand Lodge for West Africa, known as AMORC, has noted love and mutual respect as penacea to ending the challenges.
AMORC said many of the issues facing the country including division and social unrest, sterns from lack of mutual concern and understanding.
President of the Board of Directors of the group, Eugenius Idiodi stated this while speaking with journalists at the 2024
AMORC Convention with the theme “Universal Love”, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Idiodi, noted the need for Nigerians to come together and build a nation bonded by love and spirit of unity, adding that the convention’s message of universal love is a direct response to the challenges.
“In Nigeria as in many parts of the world, there is problem across several aspects of society.
Many of these issues trace back to the fundamental lack of concern for one another. Our convention’s message of universal love is a direct response to this crisis.
Polaris Bank’s commitment to digital innovation and excellence has once again been recognised, as the bank was awarded the prestigious “Best Mobile App” award for its renowned digital banking platform, VULTe, at the Digital Jurist Awards held in Lagos.
This honour comes less than a week after Polaris Bank was named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, further solidifying its status as a leader in Nigeria’s digital banking landscape.
At the event, attended by
representatives from all nominated companies, Polaris Bank’s VULTe app stood out among its peers, winning the hearts of users and the recognition of industry experts.
The Digital Jurist Awards Committee had nominated Polaris Bank in three categories: Best Website, Best Web Portal, and Best Mobile App. The bank’s innovative approach and customer-centric digital solutions have made it a formidable contender in each category, with VULTe’s win affirming the Bank’s continued drive to redefine digital banking in Nigeria.
protesters include: skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.
The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high
prices. They called for full deregulation of the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.
Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.
Judiciary panel continues inquiry into arson attack on LG secretariats
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has insisted that his government will continue to deliver good governance to Rivers people despite attacks and distraction from detractors in the state.
This came as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by
Governor Fubara to investigate the arson, killings and wanton destruction of property at some Local Government Council Headquarters in the state, has continued hearings to unravel the cause of incident.
The Rivers State governor gave the assurance during his inspection of the extent of reconstruction work
achieved at the Zonal Hospital Site in Omoku Town in OgbaEgbema-Ndoni LGA of the state.
The governor noted the obvious political distractions that are intended to derail any progress in good governance, saying that detractors want to distract government’s focus on delivering quality projects and services to Rivers people. He assured that, notwithstanding the political attacks, he will continue to implement the strategic vision of governance that aligns with the goals of providing affordable healthcare services, quality education and boosting agriculture while in standard infrastructure for the state.
Olawale Ajimotokan in abuja
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has approved the payment of N300 million as compensation to communities whose land are to be affected by the expansion of Obafemi Awolowo Way in Abuja.
He approved the compensation yesterday during an inspection of the stage of ongoing work at the project site with Executive Secretary Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Hadi Ahmed.
The minister said the
compensation would be paid to the affected communities in the next two days.
“We went to Life Camp, trying to see the obstruction that may delay the finishing of that job but by the grace of God, that has been sorted out. We believe in the next
two days, the communities of those who own some crops would have been compensated. You know that job is handled by Julius Berger. You can see the quality, you can see the reactions of the people there and how happy they are,” Wike said.
Wale Igbintade
Global Chairman of the Forum Against Counterfeiting (FAC), Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), has advocated the use of technology to solve the problem of conflicting court judgments.
Idigbe spoke on the sidelines of a retreat on “Judicial independence and judge craft” organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in collaboration with FAC for appellate court justices.
He blamed the problem on the inability to instantly recall similar
verdicts on previous cases, saying not all of them are deliberate.
Idigbe believes the problems of delays and congestion can be addressed by leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
He expects the Supreme Court to resolve them, noting that some of
the contradictory verdicts happen over time as hundreds of judgments are delivered dealing with similar subjects.
Idigbe said: “You are talking about thousands of judgments over a period, which results in loss of history.”
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in umuahia, Bassey Inyang in Calabarand Igbawase Ukumba inLafia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, yesterday inaugurated the 17 local government Chairmen and their Deputies following their emergence at the November 2, 2024 council poll.
Similarly, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, inaugurated 18 Local Government Chairmen, and their vice chairmen who emerged victorious at the November 2 local government elections in the state.
Also, the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday swore in the newly elected 13 Local Government Areas chairmen of the state.
In Abia, the chairmen and their deputies, christened Mayors and Deputy Mayors by the governor, were elected on the platforms of Zenith Labour Party(ZLP) and Young Progressives Party(YPP) with ZLP producing 15 chairmen while YPP has two.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Umuahia, Governor Otti justified the overwhelming victory of a virtually unknown ZLP, saying that the 2024 Abia LG poll was not about political parties.
Gbenga Sodeinde in ado ekiti
Ekiti State Government yesterday emphasised its Commitment to ensure fostering of culture and entrepreneurship in its avowed agenda of promoting the values of the state.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji,
who stated this in Ado-Ekiti, at the opening of an innovation summit and festival, vowed to deploy all available resources, and assistance, humanly possible, towards making the dream become a reality.
The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Habibat
Adubiaro, said the government was targeting a situation whereby a brighter future for the younger generation would be guaranteed through creative and other alternative means that are decent.
“As we are gathered here today, we acknowledge the tremendous potential of our youths, who are
the driving force behind the Ekiti ‘S innovation ecosystem.
“This has reinforced the commitment of the present administration to providing the necessary support, resources, and infrastructure needed to enable them thrive in the digital era,” the governor said.
The Publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, has emerged as the President of the Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society(IMPCMS).
The former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers was among others who are members of
the pioneer Executive Committee. Other pioneer executive committee members of the IMPCMS are Nkanu Egbe, who is the General Secretary, and Dolapo Otegbayi as the Treasurer. Oladipo, Egbe and Otegbeyi were endorsed for the position at the inaugural meeting of the
IMPCMS on October 25, 2024, which birthed a new era of collaboration and empowerment among media professionals. The IMPCMS was inaugurated by the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The inauguration, directed by
Naseerat Oyindamola Dosunmu, who led a team from the Surulere, Lagos State branch of the ministry, was a culmination of events that followed the Second Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in May 2024, convened by Taiwo Obe, the Founder and Director of The Journalism Clinic.
UCL (TODAY)
PSV v Girona
Bratislava v Di’Zagreb
Bologna v Monaco
Dortmund v S’ Graz
Celtic v RB Leipzig
Lille v Juventus
Liverpool v Leverkusen
R’Madrid v AC Milan
Sporting v Man City
Victor Boniface...fear of this Nigerian forward grips Liverpool’s fans ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash in Anfield
Mourinho Asks Fenerbache to Give Osayi-Samuel New Improved Contract
Fenerbahçe Coach, Jose Mourinho, has asked the Turkish giants to give Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, a new and improved contract. According to Fanatik, Fenerbahçe now hope to re-sign Osayi-Samuel, whose contract will expire at the end of the season.
It was reported that upon the request of Mourinho, Bright Osayi-Samuel agent has been asked to quickly sit down at the table with the Turkish giants.
A contract extension offer for three years is believed to have been agreed upon by both parties.
Osayi-Samuel’s manager Steven Beck, represented the Nigerian international defender in the meeting with Fenerbahçe’s Sporting Director Mario Branco. Beck, who drew criticism for his annual salary demand of 2.5 million Euros, was alleged to have said in the last meeting with Sporting Director, Mario Branco, “We received an offer
from Galatasaray. They offered us 2.5 million Euros. Therefore, we cannot reduce our request,” Osayi-Samuel’s manager Steven Beck was quoted on the offer before his client from Istanbul rival club.
The Nigerian right-back signed for Fenerbahçe from English club QPR for a transfer fee of 508,000 Euros in 2021.
This season, he has played in seven matches and made an assist.
NNL Chairman, Aluo, to Get Imo SWAN ‘Sports Administrator of the Year’ Award
In recognition of his sterling performance as Chairman of Nigerian National League (NNL) as well as his immense contributions to the promotion and growth of sports in Imo State and Nigeria in general, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has nominated the Chairman of the country’s second tier League, Mr. George Aluo for it’s prestigious ‘Iconic Administrator of the Year Award’.
In a letter of nomination by
the association signed by its Chairman, Cosmas Chukwuemeka, and Secretary, Tunde Liadi respectively, the body noted that Aluo was chosen for the award as a token of appreciation for the transformation he has brought to the most important league in the country as well as his continuous support for the association and the general growth of sports not only in Imo State but the entire country.
“ Your choice for the award is
Imo SWAN’s token of appreciation for your immense contributions to the promotion and growth of sports in Imo State nay Nigeria at large as well as your friendly disposition towards our association”, noted the statement.
The body stated that the award will be bestowed on him during the grand finale of Imo SWAN week holding on Saturday, November, 16 at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, the Imo State Capital.
Despite their perfect score recorded so far in the ongoing UEFA Champions League Group Phase, Liverpool faithful are gripped with fear as Bundesliga Champions, Bayer Leverkusen storms Anfield home of the former European Champions tonight.
Liverpool have posted three wins out of three in the new version of the group stage of the tournament and are joint first on nine points with Aston Villa and aiming to be among the top eight teams that will qualify for the knockout stage after the eight-round Swiss pairing.
But Liverpool fans are wary of what Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface, can do especially his exploit on away soil.
The Nigerian has been inactive since late last month following a car accident after a league match in Germany but returned to action last Friday where he tasted 86 minutes of topflight football in the goalless outing against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen will be looking to continue their strong start in the new
version where they are presently in 6th position on seven points.
According to reports on Liverpool FC website site yesterday, the Reds fans know what the creative Nigerian forward can do with other strikers like Nathan Tella (another Nigerian), Jeremie Frimpong and Patrick Schick giving him support. There are other options for coach Xabi Alonso but Boniface remains key in this away tie at Anfield this night.
While Leverkusen’s recent domestic form has been relatively underwhelming as they have recorded two consecutive draws away to Werder Bremen and at home to VfB Stuttgart, their European results are solid.
They are unbeaten after three games and are hoping to improve on their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw away at Brest. For this clash, Alonso will be glad to be able to select a team from a near complete pool of available players, with Victor Boniface expected to lead the line once again after missing the Brest encounter. Amine Adli will miss out, Jeanuël Belocian and Nordi Mukiele are all set to miss out. Martin
Terrier should return after sitting out the Stuttgart game. Alongside Boniface, the likes of Florian Wirtz and Jonas Hofmann will be hoping to cause the Reds’ backline plenty of problems. Liverpool are however one of the in-form teams in Europe at the moment. Arne Slot’s side are one of only two teams in Europe’s premier club competition to have won every one of their games in the tournament so far (alongside Aston Villa), most recently a 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig. On the domestic front, Liverpool are as fine as fettle as they sit at the top of the Premier League with just one defeat this season across all competitions. They may be without Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott and ex-Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konaté for this fixture but are still stacked with talent all across the pitch with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Cody Gakpo all at Slot’s disposal. Bundesliga alumni Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could all also feature.
Napoli may well have decided where Victor Osimhen will play next summer.
Osimhen, 25, is currently on loan at Turkish champions Galatasaray until June 2025.
And now according to ultime Calcio Napoli, Napoli president Aurelio di Laurentiis has now said
he is open to transfer Osimhen to a rival Serie A club after he initially kicked against this.
According to various reports, AC Milan made a last-minute bid for Osimhen in the summer before the striker eventually ended up in Galatasaray.
The Napoli president has now
said he will consider a swap deal involving Portugal star Rafael Leao and the Super Eagles striker were Georgia star Kvaratskhelia to leave Napoli.
Napoli and Kvaratskhelia’s camp are set to discuss a new contract with the player now demanding a salary of 10 Million Euros a year.
Sabalenka into WTA Finals Last Four, Rybakina Out Omuo-Oke High School Wins Agbeyewa Collegiate Football Tourney
Aryna Sabalenka on Monday evening became the first player to secure a semi-final spot at the WTA Finals as she defeated a resilient Jasmine Paolini in straight sets.
Top seed Sabalenka won 6-3 7-5 in a victory that also confirmed Elena Rybakina’s elimination from the season-ending tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Earlier on Monday, Kazakhstan’s Rybakina was beaten 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-1 by Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen for her second defeat at the Finals, and required a Paolini victory to keep her hopes alive.
But a gritty win over the Italian - which saw her save two set points - put Sabalenka one step closer to sealing a maiden WTA Finals title, as well as the year-end world number one ranking.
Should she defeat Rybakina in her final Purple Group match on Wednesday, the Belarusian will remain top of the standings into
2025, out of the reach of Iga Swiatek. “The whole match was tough,” said Sabalenka, 26. “(Paolini) is such a great player, putting so much pressure (on me) and moving well.”
An early double break of serve saw Sabalenka - a two-time Grand Slam champion in 2024 - hit the ground running against Paolini, and while the 28-year-old fourth seed cancelled out one of those breaks, she could do little to challenge her big-hitting opponent. The second set, however, told a different tale. Though Sabalenka reeled off four consecutive games after an early break for Paolini, she grew frustrated as the Italian - enjoying a breakthrough season on the WTA Tour - mounted a comeback to go 5-4 ahead.
But after saving two set points, a switch flicked for Sabalenka, immediately breaking Paolini’s serve once more before wrapping up the match at the first time of asking.
The 2024 Agbeyewa Cup Tournament reached its climax last Tuesday as Government College, Ado Ekiti, traded tackles with Omuo-Oke High School from Omuo Ekiti in one of the most entertaining matches in the competition history.
A lone goal was all that separated the two teams as Omuo-Oke High School beat Government College, Ado-Ekiti, while Ifaki Grammar School claimed the best loser position, having won the third-place match.
Shortly after the blast of the final whistle, the winning team went into a frenzy. For their efforts, Omuo-Oke High School received a cheque for N1.1 million, gold medals, and a gold trophy from the organisers of the prestigious Agbeyewa Cup 2024.
Government College, Ado Ekiti, first runner-up received N500,000 plus silver medals, while Ifaki Grammar School received bronze medals and a cash prize of N250,000.
Speaking shortly after the championship, the Community Communication Manager, Cavista Holdings, Alhaji Dauda Lawal, stated that the just-concluded second edition of the Agbeyewa Secondary Schools Football Championship was organised to support Ekiti State in sports development and for the discovery of fresh talents from the grassroots. He explained that the competition remains a viable platform to unearth new football talents and create pathways for local and international recognition.