THURSDAY 12TH DECEMBER 2024

National Power Grid Collapses Again, 12th Time This Year Alone

Nigeria's

grid collapse occurred at 2.09 pm, marking the 12th of such system breakdown in 2024. The grid collapse occurred on

same day the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians that the country’s power grid would achieve significant stability

with energy transition plans with German support

with the completion of phase one of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens project. Also yesterday, the Forum of Com-

missioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria expressed deep concern over

Continued on page 32

www.thisdaylive.com

Tinubu to Steinmeier: Our Business Doors Are Open, Our Reforms Working Very Well

For Denigrating Nigeria,You Can Drop Kemi From Your Name, Shettima Tells Badenoch

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has urged Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative Party leader, who is of Yoruba to remove Kemi from her name if she was not proud to be a Nigerian, instead of denigrating her heritage and her country of ancestry.

Badenoch who spent part of her childhood in Lagos, had previously said that it was a city where “fear was everywhere”, The Telegraph of UK reported yesterday.

She has spoken frequently about the insecurity and corruption in the country and the experience of growing up under a military dictatorship.

But Shettima, Nigeria’s vice president, said that Badenoch “has every right to remove the Kemi from her name” if she was

not “proud” to be from Nigeria.

He compared her to Rishi Sunak, her predecessor, adding: “Rishi Sunak, the former British prime minister, is originally from India. A very brilliant young man, he never denigrated his nation of ancestry nor poured venom on India.”

Sunak was born in Southampton to east African-born parents of Indian Punjabi descent.

Asked about the comments, Badenoch’s spokesman said on Wednesday that the Tory leader “stands by what she says” and that she is “not the PR for Nigeria”.

He added: “She tells the truth.

She tells it like it is. She is not going to couch her words.”

Speaking during a trip to the US last week, Badenoch said: “I’m

GERMAN PRESIDENT VISITS...

Visiting German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) and President Bola

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, assured his German counterpart, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, that Nigeria’s business doors were open and reforms of his administration were working well. He also stressed his administra-

L-R: Mrs. Chinwe Obaigbena; wife of the Consul General of Germany, Dr. Imke Börner; Chairman, THISDAY Newspapers /Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier; Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Chief Nike Okundaye; Consul General of Germany, Weert Börner; and Arise TV Anchor, Ojy Okpe, during a cultural and art dinner in honour of Steinmeier's visit to Lagos at the Nike Art Gallery...yesterday

PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI

Chuks Okocha, Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos

national electricity grid suffered another collapse yesterday, throwing the country into darkness. THISDAY learnt that the latest

AFRICA FINANCIAL SUMMIT...

Oyedele: Tax Reform Bills Will End States, LGs’ Frivolous Spendings

Faults objection to proposed legalisations by RMAFC Akpabio: Oppositions to tax bills not setback

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, yesterday allayed fears by Nigerians that funds generated from the Valued Added Tax (VAT) would be mismanaged by governments at the sub-national levels.

Rather he said the proposed tax reforms bills currently before the National Assembly had made specific provisions for what the VAT proceeds should be spent on.

He also clarified that the roles of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) did not have anything to do with VAT because it was not part of revenues captured in the nation’s constitution.

Oyedele spoke yesterday at oneday roundtable on the tax reform bills organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies in Abuja.

He said since the bills contain a framework on how to generate taxes and how to spend it, no governor or local council authority in the country would spend VAT on white elephant projects.

Oyedele said, “We have a document we call the National Fiscal Policy that speaks to our principles and framework as a country around taxation; who should pay tax, how much should they pay, how should they pay, among other issues.

“We have another framework for spending. How should we spend our money? What should be the priority, and the quality of spending?

“For example, there are more than 15 airports in Nigeria today built by different states that should not have been built because they were not necessary.

“We have States with flyovers where they have no traffic. They've never had a traffic jam in those places since the States were created.

“We have States with malls where people don't go there, but they have built those malls, even though they have no primary schools with roof and books.

“They have no health centers. They have no road from the farm to the market. This is a misplaced priority.

“We know the priorities of our people. They are in multi-dimensional poverty. The four dimensions of poverty are education, health, living standard, insecurity, and unemployment.”

Speaking further, he said: “That's what should be our priority as well. So we've stated that clearly in our national fiscal policy. We also have the framework and policy around borrowing.

“What should you borrow for? If you're borrowing dollars, how should you spend it in Naira? Should you even borrow dollars to do Naira investments?

“Should you borrow and spend it on overhead? Or should it be only infrastructure? What qualifies as infrastructure? What should you subsidise?

“Why is it that it's the train that we are subsidising? To the extent that today the money we make from running train services is not enough

to pay the interest on the loan.”

Oyedele said those who are saying that the committee did not carry RMAFC along did not study the constitution very well.

He said, “The role of RMAFC is to determine formulas for distributing revenue. Our view is that VAT is not in the constitution.

“Section 162 of the constitution, that speaks to the role of the RMFAC as advisory, is focusing on federation revenues. So this VAT is actually state revenue. And that's why when the military decreed it in 1993, it replaced the sales tax that states were collecting.

“That is the reason why VAT does not go to the regular federation accounts. It goes to a special pool accounts, then we share it to states

and their local governments.

“The federal government keeps a small portion for administering needs and also recognising that if we were to collect VAT by state level, the federal government will be entitled to Import VAT, International VAT, and interstate VAT.”

Oyedele also described as false, claims in some quarters that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) planned to use Alpha Beta Company from Lagos to serve as tax consultants to the FIRS.

He specifically said the proposed bills banned the FIRS from engaging tax consultants unlike if the States are allowed to be collecting VAT.

He said, “If the states are collecting VAT, the next winner will be tax consultants. Some companies

will file 36 returns every day with complications. As consultants, we make more money.

“Some people said, you guys are planning to use consultant, maybe you want to bring Alphabeta to the centre.

“I just laughed and said, how do people come up with these ideas? Because you would never have thought about them until somebody makes up the story.

“The FIRS has no need whatsoever for consultants to be able to collect VAT.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly represent a critical step forward in modernising the country's tax system and ensuring a more equitable

distribution of the tax burden among all Nigerians.

He said the bills aim to enhance efficiency, improve revenue generation, and ultimately, build a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria for all. He explained, “Regrettably, the introduction of these bills has been met with some misunderstanding and even politicisation by certain segments of our society.

“Don't see this as a setback, but rather as a testament to the growing democratic maturity of our nation.

“As people’s representatives, we want to assure our compatriots that the members of the National Assembly have heard your voices. “We stand here, not as adversaries, but as partners in the quest to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

In Borno, NNPC Sensitises Stakeholders on Efficient, Safe Use of Petroleum Products

Ejiofor Alike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has concluded a sensitisation programme aimed at increasing awareness and understanding on the efficient and safe use of petroleum products across major cities in Borno State.

During the interactive session, drivers, school authorities and commuters while commending the NNPC Ltd for organising the programme, requested for the establishment of

more retail outlets in the state to ease access to cheaper and unadulterated petroleum products supplied by the NNPC Retail.

The stakeholders equally contended that the provision of more NNPC retail outlets would halt the prevailing scenario where motorists and commuters travel long distance from the parks to the nearest fuel station in search of products.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye said the

exercise was an integral part of a nationwide campaign designed to strengthen stakeholders’ participation and engagement to ensure the promotion of transparency, community engagement, as well as addressing public concerns.

In his own reaction, the park leader of Borno Express, Saminu Yakubu, who spoke on behalf of the drivers in the unit, said the scarcity of retail stations had led to an increase in the price of petroleum products in the state.

House Probes Customs’ Alleged Complicity in Smuggling

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the operations and activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) across the country’s borders, specifically focusing on smuggling activities, allegations of complicity, and incidents of brutality. The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday by Hon. Sesi Whingan.

Moving the motion, he said by virtue of Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the NCS Act, 2023, Customs was mandated to collect revenue, prevent smuggling and customs

fraud, and ensure the security of Nigeria's borders.

Whingan noted that recent reports by Sahara Reporters on November 18, 2024, exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers.

He added that videos published by investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, also provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal activities.

The lawmaker emphasised that reports of brutality also emerged, including an incident along the Badagry-Seme expressway on December 1, 2024, where officers

from the Customs allegedly in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted two transporters - Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik.

Whingan stressed that the victims were suspected of documenting smuggling activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required intervention from residents and police.

He explained that smuggling has severe economic consequences, including undermining local industries, reducing government revenue, promoting unfair trade practices, and flooding markets with substandard and potentially harmful products.

Whingan further said the actions

of some officers within the Customs contravene its core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.

He added that despite the presence of multiple checkpoints during the day, particularly in Badagry and other border communities in the nation, economic activities and legitimate trade are paralysed by excessive scrutiny and extortion by Customs officers and other law enforcement personnel.

Whingan noted: “At night, these same Officers reportedly enable or turn a blind eye to rampant smuggling activities, undermining public

trust and perpetuating economic hardship.”

He lamented that small businesses, such as rice farmers and poultry producers are unable to compete with the influx of contraband goods, leading to job losses and impoverishment, Furthermore, the erosion of law and order in border regions like Badagry threatens community stability, leaving citizens vulnerable and disillusioned.

“The complicity of Customs officers in smuggling operations and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law,” Whingan stressed.

"We appreciate the efforts of NNPC Ltd in organising this sensitisation exercise, but we want to use this opportunity to appeal to the company to establish more retail stations in the state,” he stated.

Another Park leader, Muhammadu Dan Inna, who chairs Kano Line in the State, said: "We often have to travel long distances to buy fuel, which is not only stressful but also expensive.” Having listened to the complaints of stakeholders at the programme, the NNPC team reiterated the company's commitment to expanding its retail presence in Borno State in line with its global mandate of ensuring national energy security.

According to the team, NNPC Ltd had already identified some locations in the state where new retail stations would be established to increase access to petroleum products, adding that the company is committed to ensuring that Nigerians had access to safe and efficient petroleum products. The exercise, which was attended by drivers, commuters, and other stakeholders in the community, featured presentations on the safe and efficient use of petroleum products, as well as the importance of adhering to safety protocols at retail stations. Some lucky stakeholders went home with gift items and freebies following raffle draws at various motor parks.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

R-L: Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede CFR, Chairman Access Holdings & Coronation Group; Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO, Jeune Afrique Media Group; with the Central Bank Governors of Madagascar, West African States (BCEAO), Ethopia; and Sergio Pimenta, Vice President for Africa, International Finance Corporation (IFC), at the closing ceremony of AFIS in Casablanca, Morocco…recently

CHINESE ENVOY’S COURTESY VISIT TO SANWO-OLU...

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai in a discuss, with

(SSG), Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin (second right) and Commissioner for Economic

Report: How ICPC Blocked Diversion of N189bn Unspent Personnel Costs by MDAs

Sabotage, non-compliance by officials, others mar FG's open treasury portal

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) blocked the diversion of N189 billion unspent surplus in personnel costs across federal government establishments between 2019 and 2020, a report by Agora Policy has revealed. The blocked amount was equivalent of 8.25 percent of the N2.29 trillion aggregate budget for personnel costs in 2019.

According to the Agora Policy report titled, "Imperative of Strengthening Nigeria’s Transparency and Accountability Measures," through the monitoring of the Open Treasury Portal, the ICPC succeeded in blocking the diversion of N189 billion

unspent surplus in personnel costs across the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAS) between 2019 and 2020.

The Open Treasury Portal was inaugurated in December 2019, to ensure transparency in government

Sanwo-Olu Empowers 1,500 Entrepreneurs, Reiterates Govt Commitment to Poverty Reduction

Says state will collaborate with FG on 2,000 housing units renewed hope city Governor set to host 18th town hall meeting

The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to initiatives that would create opportunities, reduce poverty, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and promote inclusivity and economic empowerment for residents in the State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the commitment yesterday, at the second phase of the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative programme for 1,500 Lagos State residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).

This was as Sanwo-Olu yesterday, said his administration would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in ensuring the success of the 2,000 Housing Units Lagos Renewed Hope City in the Ibeju Lekki area of the State.

Also, all is set for the 18th yearly Lagos State Town Hall meeting on security - a major summit for stakeholders in the sector.

According to a statement signed by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, during the micro-enterprise support initiative, tools and equipment were distributed to support beneficiaries in their businesses. The items distributed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs were stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hair dryers, barbing kits (including clippers, sterilisers and generators), standing facial steamers, aluminum cutting machines, two-phase burners (including 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds) and cash grants.

Sanwo-Olu, who according to the statement, spoke briefly before departing to Abuja and later represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the event, noted that through skill acquisition, capacity building, and

financial empowerment, poverty would become a thing of the past in Lagos, thereby making prosperity a reality.

He said the initiative was another testament to his administration’s unwavering commitment to creating a ‘Greater Lagos’ where every citizen could thrive and contribute meaningfully to collective progress.

The Governor disclosed that the overwhelming success of the first edition of this programme held in July, based on testimonies from some of the beneficiaries, made it an easy decision to approve this second phase within the same year.

He said: “The Micro Enterprise Support Initiative programme goes beyond financial support; it is about building a foundation for self-reliance, boosting economic growth, and unleashing the potential of our women.

“It ensures that every woman, regardless of her background or circumstances, has access to the tools and resources needed to transform her life, her community, and Lagos State at large.

“Through skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment, we are creating a future where poverty becomes history, and prosperity becomes a reality.

“Today’s beneficiaries are an integral part of this vision. To you, I say: seize this opportunity with both hands. Use these resources wisely to grow your businesses, improve your livelihood, and inspire others in your communities. Remember, this program is a stepping stone to even greater achievements, and your success contributes to the larger success of Lagos State.

“As an administration, we remain steadfast in our commitment to initiatives that promote inclusivity, economic empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Together, we are building a Lagos where everyone has a fair chance to succeed and thrive.”

Sanwo-Olu commended the

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Dada, and her team for their dedication to making the programme a reality and for the empowerment of thousands of residents.

He urged beneficiaries of the government gestures to use the resources wisely to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods as well as inspire others in their communities.

Speaking earlier, the Commis- sioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, noted that the initiative represents not just a programme but a beacon of hope for many aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos State, especially women to lift them out of poverty through entrepreneurship.

She urged beneficiaries to embrace the opportunities given to them and work tirelessly towards achieving their entrepreneurial dreams.

“These valuable assets symbolise not just tools of trade but instruments of transformation, designed to enable you to grow your businesses and uplift your communities.

“I would like to admonish each of

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) yesterday said its target of 70 percent local content in Nigeria by 2027 was achievable.

The NCDMB’s General Manager, Midstream Monitoring, Tassalla Tersugh, stated this during the 2024 Nigerian content capacity building workshop for media stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers State, held in Port Harcourt.

Tersugh, who stated that the agency was working according to the directives of the presidency, said the board has put in place all needed

you who are about to receive these resources: this is more than just an opportunity; it is a stepping stone to greater success,” she advised.

Some of the beneficiaries thanked the State government for the gesture and promised to utilise the working tools effectively and also use their skills to empower other people in their neighbourhood.

However, all is set for the 18th yearly Lagos State Town Hall meeting on security - a major summit for stakeholders in the sector.

Sanwo-Olu is the Chief host of the meeting, which would hold at Lagos House Ikeja on 18th of December, 2024.

A statement from the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, disclosed that the theme of the meeting would be: “Data & Technology Driven Security: The Way Forward.”

“On the agenda is the presentation of patrol vehicles and other equipment to security operatives. Besides, LSSTF Executive Secretary Rasaq Balogun will render an account of his stewardship. Other security chiefs will also speak at the meeting.

to achieve the target.

Responding to questions from journalists at the workshop, she said: “Like we rightly said in the hall, we are going to ride on the presidential directives and we also mentioned that there are new projects coming out in 2025.

“By the time we put these two together and other initiatives of the board, all of that will boost Nigerian Content growth. These are all the things that we're holding on to, to boost achieving that 70 percent."

During her presentation, Tersugh described the media as critical stakeholders and called for collaboration to promote its board's activities.

spending by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who directed all MDAs to compulsorily publish on the portal, daily summary statements of financial records above N5 million.

The portal also requires monthly updates from the Accountant General of the Federation and MDAs on their respective monthly budget performance reports, and all economic activities of the agencies within seven days of the end of each month.

The blocked money, the report said, came about through budget manipulation by government officials that normally resulted in MDAs receiving allocations and releases beyond their actual needs.

A THISDAY analysis showed that this sharp practice might explain the steady increase in budgetary allocations on personnel costs year-on-year.

For instance, personnel costs stood at N1.6 trillion in 2016, rising to N2.90 trillion in 2017 (an increase of N1.21 trillion) or 71.60 percent.

The trend has continued till date even when there are no official upward review of federal government workers' emoluments or minimum wage adjustments.

However, the Agora Policy report stated that despite the modest gains, the Open Treasury Portal was beset with implementation challenges, adding that not all required information are constantly uploaded and updated.

"The policy is however beset with implementation challenges. While it is a policy declared by the federal government and the key units of government as responsible for providing the needed information, a visit to the portal reveals that not all required information are constantly uploaded and updated.

"For instance, not all MDAs have their daily financial records summary on the portal " the report said, adding

Noting the essence of the workshop, Tersugh said, "NCDMB considers the media as very critical stakeholders and that is why we do this year in, year out, because we have identified the media as a stakeholder that will help us to amplify the work that we are doing, to get it out there and most importantly, let Nigerian know the opportunities that are out there for Nigerians.

“We are also here to talk about capacity-building opportunities that are out there for Nigerians in the industry. There are opportunities in the oil and gas for Nigerians.

“Build your capacity, make yourself available for these opportunities, go

that from the existing data gaps, although the policy had been declared and the MDAs are aware of the guidelines for keeping the portal active, updated and accessible, it still contends with a combination of factors.

"These factors include noncompliance by the officials whose duty it is to compile the information, technical challenges arising from limitations of equipment and facilities, and outright sabotage. There are some commendations in spite of these aills," the report stated.

On the Whistleblowing policy, the report noted that it appears that Nigerians are caught between the caught between the contradiction of participating in corruption for survival and lamenting its adverse effects on their society, stressing that like all other transparency and accountability policies, there also institutional barriers to effective Whistleblowing.

The report observed that the heavy cost that corruption inflicts on Nigeria had been well documented in various studies, three of which were worth highlighting.

"The first, which is a 2029 study conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which revealed that "on average, bribe-payers pay an amount equivalent of up to six percent of the average annual income of Nigerians."

"The second is a 2009 African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) report that identified corruption as the greatest and most troubling challenge to Nigeria’s ability to realise its huge development potential.

"The third is a 2016 report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers which estimated that Nigeria risks losing up to 37 percent of its GDP to corruption by 2030 if the scourge is not dealt with immediately," the Agory Policy report stated.

into collaborations, take advantage of these opportunities, make yourself ready for these opportunities."

Tersugh, further urged Nigerians to remain persistent and take advantage of opportunities, explore, register their business on the joint qualification system, build capacity, look for the areas where there are capacity gaps and key into those areas, as they look to navigate and overcome the challenges that come with creating local content.

On his part, the Deputy Manager, Media and Publicity, NCDMB, Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, explained that the workshop served as an avenue to train and equip media practitioners.

them are Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing (left); Secretary to the State Government

Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George (right) during the Chinese envoy’s courtesy visit at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja... on Monday

Segun James

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

2024 PRACTICAL NIGERIAN CONTENT FORUM...

L-R: Director Project Certification & Authorisation, NCDMB, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele; Chairman & Managing Director Chevron Nigeria, Jim Swartz; Moderator, Eyono Fatai-Williams; Executive Director, JV Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Obi Imemba, and MD/CEO Aradel Holdings PLC, Adegbite Falade, after a panel session on the theme “Next Frontier for Nigerian Content: Divestment & Offshore Opportunities,” at the 2024 Practical Nigerian Content Forum in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.....recently

Dangote Refinery Exports First Petrol Cargo to Cameroon

Aliko Dangote-led flood c’ttee delivers

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Dangote Refinery has exported its first consignment of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, to Cameroon, in what the company described as a landmark move for regional energy integration.

The petroleum product will be received by Neptune Oil in the Central African country, a joint statement by both organisations said yesterday.

The milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, the statement said, underscores the parties’ commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region's growing energy demands.

Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Dangote Refinery is the largest single-train refinery in the world, with a processing capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. It is a flagship project of the Dangote Group, which says it’s dedicated to transforming Africa’s energy landscape.

On the other hand, Neptune Oil is a leading energy company in Cameroon, committed to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Through collaborations with international partners, Neptune Oil plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth in the region, the statement added.

President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in his remarks on the deal, said it was part of plans to lay the foundation for Africa’s self-sufficiency in the energy sector.

“This first export of PMS to

Cameroon is a tangible demonstra- tion of our vision for a united and energy-independent Africa. With this development, we are laying the foundation for a future where African resources are refined and exchanged within the continent for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Director and Owner of Neptune Oil, Antoine Ndzengue, on his part, described the deal as a turning point for Cameroon.

He said: “This partnership with Dangote Refinery marks a turning point for Cameroon. By becoming the first importer of petroleum products from this world-class refinery, we are bolstering our country’s energy

Peter Uzoho

UTM FLNG Ltd, owner of Nigeria’s first indigenous Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) facility has signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) on Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anti-corruption ahead of its projected 2.8 million tons per annum (MTPA) gas production facility.

At the signing ceremony held yesterday at UTM Towers in Abuja, Group Managing Director of UTM, Dr, Julius Rone, signed the UNGC document on behalf of his company while the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of UNGC Nigeria,

security and supporting local economic development.

“This initial supply, executed without international intermediaries, reflects our commitment to serving our markets independently and efficiently.”

The collaboration between Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil, the company said. does not end with this first export. Both companies added that they are exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain that will help stabilise fuel prices and create new economic opportunities across the region.

“For Nigeria, this export showcases Dangote Refinery’s ability to meet domestic needs and position itself as

Ms. Naomi Nwokolo signed on behalf of UNGC.

The signing marked UTM’s commitment to implement the UN Global Compact and its Ten Principles as part of its business strategy, culture and daily operation, according to a statement issued by UTM, and seen by THISDAY.

In September 2024, the federal government had granted UTM the License to Construct (LTC) Nigeria’s FLNG facility with production capacity of 2.8MTPA of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and condensate from re-injected gas at the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 104 Yoho Field.

N1bn relief materials to Borno

a key player in the regional energy market. It represents a significant step forward in accessing high-quality and locally sourced petroleum products for Cameroon,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Aliko Dangote-led Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation (PCFRR) has delivered emergency relief materials valued at N1 billion to the Government of Borno State for onward distribution to persons affected by the 2024 flood in the state.

During the handover ceremony held yesterday in Maiduguri, the Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Hajara Modu, said the committee was com-

With the signing of the UNGC document, UTM FLNG has also committed to public accountability, transparency and engaging in collaborative projects that advance the broader development goals of the United Nations, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signing of the UNGC by UTM on the heels of the issuance of License to Construct its FLNG facility underscores the company’s commitment to leapfrog the Nigerian economy by ensuring availability of gas at lower cost, generate massive employment and multi-million Naira business opportunities for Nigerians and other nationals.

Speaking at the event, Rone stated that UTM was imbibing global best practices, upholding transparency and

mitted to supporting flood-affected communities.

Representing the co-chairmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Secretary said that the distribution of food and non-food items fulfilled the pledge made by the committee at the height of the 2024 flood disaster.

In early September 2024, Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, experienced catastrophic flooding that submerged approximately 70 per cent of the city. This made Borno State the most severely affected region in Nigeria during this year's flood season. Modu said the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, had

earlier announced the donation of N2 billion. According to her, of the N2 billion donation announced by Dangote, N1 billion was on behalf of the committee for the procurement and supply of relief materials to the flood victims in Borno, and the other N1 billion was donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF). She described Aliko Dangote as very passionate about philanthropy, adding that the committee set up in 2012 by former President Goodluck Jonathan had only a year to work, but it continued to address the flood disasters in the country through his help.

accountability in its operations and was committed to the Ten Principles of UNGC as part of its business strategy, culture and daily operation.

He also stated that in line with its Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, UTM will strictly implement its Sustainable Development Goals such as SDGs 5, 8, 13 and 14 among others, through its organizational policies, governance structure and robust engineering design.

Part of the requirement for participation in the UNGC is the annual submission of a Communication on Progress (CoP) on the efforts of the company to implement the Ten Principles on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption which provide a robust plan for businesses pursuing collaborative efforts for expansion and growth. The UNGC is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General designed to spur collective action among companies to unite and align their operational strategies with the Ten Principles for global business models that enable them absorb escalating pressure from customers, employees and investors and play pivotal role towards a more sustainable and equitable world. Its ambition as contained in the UNGC brochure is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anticorruption to evolve and deliver the SDGs through ambitious, accountable companies and environments that enable change.

United States has provided $400,000 to preserve the ancient Nigerian earthworks at Sungbo’s Eredo. According to a statement on Wednesday by the US Embassy in Nigeria, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria proudly marks the culmination of a five-year effort to preserve and document Sungbo’s Eredo, a historic 100-mile system of earthworks in Southwest Nigeria.

Funded by a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in 2019, the project underscores the United States' commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and fostering international

collaboration.

Built between 800-1000 C.E. as part of the Yoruba Ijebu Kingdom, Sungbo’s Eredo is believed to be one of the largest ancient cities in the world.

The statement said the AFCP grant enabled the College of William and Mary to deploy advanced remote sensing and 3D scanning technology to document the structure comprehensively.

In addition to producing survey data, the project designed a conservation strategy for two five-mile sections of the enclosure and raised awareness to support Sungbo’s Eredo’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During a December 10 ceremonial handover of the project’s survey data

to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene spoke about cultural heritage preservation as a bridge between nations. “Preserving cultural heritage strengthens the bonds between nations and connects future generations to their history,” Greene remarked.

He added: “Over the last five years, the United States has allocated $1.2 million to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage through 15 AFCP projects across 21 states.

“Today, we celebrate the collaborative work at Sungbo’s Eredo, which not only honors Nigeria’s history but also paves the way for sustainable tourism and cultural resilience.”

The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN has said the much sort-after change in the country can be speedily achieved through the education of the girl child.

Chairman of the Association, Most Reverend Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, made this known in a presentation at the Conference of Traditional and Religious Leaders on the Significance of Girls Education in the North Central Geo political Zone of the country, held in Minna, Niger State, on Tuesday.

Education Catalyst for Change

Reverend Yohanna submitted that girls’ education is also "a beacon of hope that illuminates the path towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all".

He added: "It is through education that we break-down barriers, challenge stereotypes and build a world where every girl is valued, respected and given the chance to fulfill her potentials".

The clergyman therefore admonished Nigeria and Nigerians "to continue to champion girls’ education as a cornerstone of progress and a cornerstone of a brighter tomorrow".

He said as traditional and religious leaders their influences are also crucial in shaping attitudes towards girls’ education within their communities, adding that "they hold the power to challenge harmful stereotypes and advocate for policies that promote gender equality.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, in an address also stressed the need for the Girl Child to be given equal opportunity with her male counterpart to pursue her education to any level adding that marriage and religion should not debar the girl child's education.

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Laleye Dipo in Minna

When the going gets tough… the tough get rewarded!

Awards2025

the
men
and
the
women
and
the
institutions rebuilding
Democratic
Nigeria.

Nominations are now being invited for the consideration of the Board of Editors of the THISDAY ARISE Group in the following categories:

Titans
of
the
Year

The
men
and
women
who
through
their
vision,
Action,
Guts and
courage
have
made
a
lasting
impact
on
Nigeria.

Man
of
the
Year

That
man
who
has
significantly
influenced major
events
that
defined
the
year
2024.

Woman
of
the
Year

That
woman
who
has
significantly
influenced major
events
that
defined
the
year
2024.

Bank
of
the
Year

The
bank
which
has
used
innovation,
technology and
inclusion
for
growth
in
earnings
and
shareholder
value.

Banker
of
the
Year

The
banker
whose
leadership
and
impact changed
the
banking
landscape
for
good.

Global
bank
of
the
Year

The
bank
with
the
most
global
impact
on
Nigeria.

Brand
of
the
Year

That
brand
whose
impact
and
identity
have created
memorable
and
unforgettable
experiences.

Company
of
the
Year

A
well‑regarded
company
with
most
impact
in
the
lives
of
nigerians
in
2024.

Product
of
the
Year

A
strong,
life
‑
changing
product
whose
value proposition
is
better
than
any
other
in
the
marketplace.

Minister
of
the
Year

That
Minister
who
stands
out
in
the
cabinet
as
an
agent
of
reform.

Governor
of
the
Year

That
governor
who
combines
vision,
passion,
dedication and
courage
to
make
the
lives
of
the
people
of
his
state
better.

Senator
of
the
Year

That
senator
With
legislative
impact
for
the
greater
good.

Representative
of
the
Year

That
House
member
With
Legislative
impact
for
the
greater
good.

Government
Agency
of
the
Year

The
government
agency
whose
leadership
and action
promote
service
to
the
people
of
Nigeria.

Investor
of
the
Year

The
investor
with
most
impact
on
the
lives
of
the
people
of
Nigeria.

Young
global
leaders
of
the
Year

Driven,
young
and
daring
leaders
under
40
shaping
the future
of
the
world
according
to
Nigeria.

Nominations close on 25th of December 2024; winners will emerge on 31st December, 2024 for the Awards Ceremony in January 2025 in the usual THISDAY style where global leaders and legends will gather to celebrate the best of Nigeria.

Submit your nominations, stating the contributions of your nominees, to - awards2025@thisdaylive.com; awards2025@arise.tv

GOVERNOR, HIS

EXCELLENCY, GOVERNOR

HOPE UZODINMA

My family and I felicitate His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, Executive Governor of Imo State, on this momentous week of double celebrations of his Award of a Doctorate Degree in Management, Honoris Causa, by the Federal University of Technology Owerri, and his Natal day.

Your Excellency, your recognition by the University, is an appreciation of your many years of meritorious, selfless and outstanding services that have positively impacted the lives of the good people of Imo State, the nation and humanity in general.

We wish you more of God's grace in good health and longevity as you continue to render services to humanity.

Once again, congratulations!

Distinguished Senator,

His Excellency Executive Gover nor, Imo State

Signed:

Chief (Dr) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea, OON, CON, JP

As the sunrise paints the sky with hues of gold and the stars align in celebration, today marks another year of your remarkable journey. My husband, the love of my life and my guiding light, Onwa, you shine brighter with each passing day. On your special day, I celebrate the gift of you in every way.

As the First Lady of Imo State, I have had the privilege of witnessing your tireless dedication to transforming our State and improving the lives of our people. With every new day, you renew your commitment to serve, steadfast and true. Your perseverance, vision, and leadership are qualities I deeply admire and cherish.

Over the years, I have seen you work sel essly in uplifting others, always prioritizing the well-being of Imo State citizens. Your courage, resilience, and boldness in the face of challenges are a proof to your strength of character. You continue to inspire and motivate everyone around you, uniting people and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

As a leader, your emotional intelligence, creativity, and excellent communication skills stand out. You navigate complex situations with wisdom and take calculated risks with con dence. These qualities have not only guided you but have also transformed lives and communities.

As your wife, I am grateful for your love, support, encouragement, laughter, adventures, and cherished memories. Your kindness, wisdom, compassionate soul, and heart inspire me to be a better person. You are my rock, partner, and best friend. I am proud to stand by your side as we work together to sculpt a better future for our family, our State, and our people.

Today, as we celebrate you, I pray that God continues to bless and guide you. May your dreams and aspirations fuel even greater achievements. Here's to another year of adventures, laughter, and ful llment.

Happy Birthday, my love. You are the melody that lls my heart. Forever and always, I adore you.

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

Defection of Five House Members to APC Weakens Opposition Base

The recent defection of five lawmakers from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party to ruling a ll Progressives Congress has further depleted the camps of the opposition parties in the country. Adedayo Akinwale reports

Although real politicking ahead of 2027 general elections is yet to take off at full speed, but last Thursday’s defection of five lawmakers in the House of Representatives from the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has further depleted the opposition parties in the country.

The latest development, though not unusual, has created doubt about the seriousness of opposition parties about their ability to mount a serious challenge to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress .

While it is a known fact that Nigeria’s political ecosystem lacks ideology, however, the menace makes it easy for politicians to change political parties at will without any consequences.

Surprisingly but not unexpectedly, four federal lawmakers from the Labour Party and another member from the PDP last Thursday defected to the ruling APC.

House Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas announced their defection during the plenary.

The lawmakers from the Labour Party are Hon. Chinedu Okere (Owerri Municipal/Owerri North/Owerri West Federal Constituency), Hon. Mathew Donatus (Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna), Hon. Akiba Bassey (Calabar Municipal/ Odukpani Federal Constituency of Cross River), Hon. Esosa Iyawe (Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo) and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

Hon. Abbas congratulated the legislators, saying they had “taken the right decision.”

Among the defected members is Hon Erithiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of a former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori.

The defected members, while giving reasons for defecting explained that the ideologies of the APC aligned with their own. They also cited faction, division, and crises within their previous parties.

The minority whip, Hon. Ali Isa, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi, protested the defections. Ozodinobi, an LP chieftain, said his colleagues had no ideology.

“When people enter a political party

without ideology, you see such levels of defection,” he said.

In recent times, LP and PDP have lost some legislators to the APC. In July, 2024, Ezenwa Onyewuchi, senator representing Imo East, defected from LP to the APC. In October, 2024, Chris Nkwonta and Sulaiman Abubakar left the PDP for the APC.

Giving his reasons for defection, Hon Iyawe said: “I am writing to formally tender my resignation as a member of Labour Party (LP), effective immediately. This decision was reached after careful consideration of my personal convictions and the alignment of my values with the political landscape today.

“My decision to resign from LP is as a result of the party’s inability to declare who should emerge as the legitimate Caretaker Committee from the National to State levels. More so, due to the incessant tussle rocking the leadership of the party and the numerous perpetual Court cases against the leadership of the party; myself and my supporters are in a state of confusion as to the party’s stability in leadership.”

Iyawe said with regards to his right to freedom of association as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, he decided to defect to APC whose ideas aligns with his political aspirations and ideology.

This, he pointed out, was after due consultations with his family and supporters. While he re-emphasised his resolve to continue his service and representation of his people as this decision would certainly improve his past performance at all levels, he thanked the leadership and fellow members of the Labour Party for the support, collaboration, and opportunities provided to him while he was a member.

Irked by the development, the PDP has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin the procedure for conducting a new election to fill the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.

The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Friday, stated that according to constitutional provisions and the clear interpretation by the Supreme Court, Ibori-Suenu has permanently forfeited her seat, rights, privileges, and recognition.

Ologunagba noted that Ibori-Suenu should cease presenting herself as a member of

The latest development, though not unusual, has created doubt about the seriousness of opposition parties about their ability to mount a serious challenge to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress. While it is a known fact that Nigeria’s political ecosystem lacks ideology, however, the menace makes it easy for politicians to change political parties at will without any consequences. Surprisingly but not unexpectedly, four federal lawmakers from the Labour Party and another member from the PDP last Thursday defected to the ruling APC.

the House of Representatives, warning that continuing to do so would be considered impersonation with potential legal consequences.

Similarly, the Labour Party (LP) expressed strong opposition to the defection of four of its members in the House.

The Spokesperson of LP, Obiora Ifoh, described the move as “inconsistent with democratic norms,” vowing to pursue legal action. He said: “The defection, to us, is quite unfortunate and we condemn the action which is irrational, untenable, inconsistent and alien to all known norms for which democracy stands for.”

Citing Section 68(g) of the 1999 Constitution, which regulates defections, the LP noted that lawmakers can only justify leaving their party in cases of internal division or a merger.

The party also called on the Speaker to declare the defectors’ seats vacant, arguing their continued tenure violated constitutional provisions.

Ifoh added: “Though, the Labour Party leadership is undaunted by the defection, it has however, elected not to allow it slide and has therefore instructed its legal team to commence the legal actions against the defectors.

“And to also commence the process of regaining our mandates in line with the 1999 constitution and 2022 Electoral Act as amended. The party will also approach the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare vacant the seats occupied by these former Labour Party members in line with the House Rules. It is inappropriate and unacceptable for these lawmakers to continue to function as representatives of their constituencies illegally.

“The party has also decided to open a ‘Hall of Shame’ register for these lawmakers or any lawmaker or elected officer of the party who engages in fraudulent acts of defection without first dropping the mandate gotten under the ticket of the party. The defected lawmakers will feature prominently in the register.”

It is almost impossible to get the seats of the defected lawmakers declared vacant according to the law considering the fact that the lawmakers defected to the ruling party.

Donatus

Ibori-Suenu

Okere

FEaturEs

How Igbo Freight Forwarders are Playing a Pivotal Role in Sustaining Nigeria’s Commercial Landscape

Amid the economic turbulence and policy uncertainty, Igbo freight forwarders have remained resilient, playing a pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria's commercial landscape. Precious Ugwuzor writes that this was the thrust of the recent gathering of the Ndi-Igbo Freight Forwarders Association (Airport Chapter) at the inauguration ceremony of the new executives and end of the year party

Undoubtedly, the freight forwarding industry faces a myriad of challenges, predominantly tied to Nigeria’s volatile exchange rate. Thus, at a recent event marking the inauguration of the Ndigbo Freight Forwarders’ executive (Airport Chapter) at the NAHCO shed in Lagos, stakeholders reflected on the community’s economic contributions, challenges, and vision for the future.

The event was both a reflection of their struggles and a celebration of their indomitable spirit. For these freight forwarders, unity, resilience, and proactive leadership remain their guiding principles as they navigate challenges and continue to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Tackling Challenge of Unpredictability

Mazi Ifeanyi Lekwauwa, Treasurer of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), explained how currency fluctuations create unpredictability for importers and agents alike. “You collect a job with a mindset that the duty you’re going to pay is N10 million, but by the time you’re ready to pay, it’s N13 million,” he shared.

Recalling a personal experience, Lekwauwa described how exchange rate changes added N6 million to his clearing costs over a weekend. “What if I didn’t have the capacity to pay? That would have ended my business with that client,” he said. He proposed that the government adopt a six-month fixed exchange rate to enable businesses to plan.

“Stability in the naira-to-dollar rate would help importers, agents, and the entire economy,” he argued. The economic instability has reduced import volumes, forcing traders to adjust. “A company that used to bring in five to 10containers every month now brings in just one every three months,” said Lekwauwa.

This decline impacts not just the freight forwarding sector but also manufacturers, retailers, and even occasional importers.

Resilience of Igbo Traders

Former ANLCA Chairman Nze Aloy Igwe acknowledged the resilience of Igbo entrepreneurs. “Igbos are synonymous with commerce,” he stated. “As individual freight forwarders, they are pooling resources together to help the economy grow.” He praised the newly inaugurated executives, expressing optimism about their ability to unite Ndigbo at the airport and elevate their collective impact.

Mazi Udeagha Nwosu, a former chairman of the Ndigbo Freight Forwarders, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collective effort. “As a group, we can get issues sorted. Most of the time, we face challenges because we come from far away. But our association protects our interests and ensures disputes are resolved before they escalate,” he said. \ The freight forwarding sector’s woes extend to government policies, particularly those that lack timely implementation. “The government announced a duty exemption for rice in July, but it has not been implemented,” said Nwosu. “A bag of rice now costs nearly N100,000. How do you explain that?”

Despite these hurdles, the Igbo freight forwarders’ community remains hopeful. Nwosu underscored their resilience: “We are Igbos. We survive in tough situations. We are proactive and can always devise means of survival.”

Charge to New Executives

Ex-officio member Mr. Ejike Ngwu

highlighted the importance of leadership in driving progress. “Leadership is about capacity and integrity,” he noted. “I believe the newly inaugurated executives will move Ndigbo forward.

They have demonstrated their capacity, and I wish them well.” Ngwu also addressed the broader context of marginalisation. “We can’t talk about Ndigbo without mentioning marginalisation,” he remarked. “But we are an integral part of this nation. Ndigbo contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, and we will not be stopped.”

As the year draws to a close, the freight forwarders celebrated their achievements and looked forward to a brighter future. “We started this year in tough conditions but are ending it with praise,” said Nwosu.

Critical Role in Economy

Dr. Ngozi Anosike, Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service in charge of the NAHCO shed, lauded the freight forwarders, emphasising their critical role in Nigeria’s economy. “The Igbo freight forwarders are an integral part of the people bringing value to the economic chain of this country. When you talk of commerce, you think of the Igbos. They are hardworking people, and I am very proud of them.”

\Her advice to the group was succinct yet profound: “Bring unity amongst

yourselves and form a formidable team. Unity makes you unbreakable.”

Commitment to a Continued Legacy

Elder Dr. Obed Okike, the new Chairman of the Ndi-Igbo Freight Forwarders Association at the Airport, expressed deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility for his new role. He thanked the members for their support and acknowledged the leadership of the outgoing Chairman, Sir Stanley Ekwueme (KSJI), whose efforts, including modernising the association’s infrastructure and establishing a Welfare Committee, have laid a strong foundation.

Dr. Okike committed to continuing this legacy, focusing on member welfare, improving infrastructure, and fostering professional excellence.

He emphasised unity and collaboration within the association, drawing on the Igbo proverb, “When the right hand washes the left, and the left washes the right, both hands become clean,” as a guiding principle for the future.

Also speaking, Prince Sir Stanley Ekwueme (KSJI), the outgone Chairman, thanked everyone for their support during his tenure. He reflected on the challenges faced, including the lack of a functional

Board of Trustees, leadership conflicts, and the impact of COVID-19.

Despite these challenges, his leadership focused on member welfare, leading to the creation of a Welfare Committee and an account to support less privileged members. He also upgraded the association’s infrastructure.

Ekwueme expressed pride in the transparent election process that ushered in the new leadership and urged the incoming team to uphold the unity of Ndi-Igbo and address any gaps for continued progress.

Mandate Delivered

On the mandate given to the committee, Chairperson of the 2024 Committee, Mrs. Mizpah Anyanwu said: “Within the period the committee was set up, we were given a mandate to deliver an impressive event that brought stakeholders together.

“The committee was able to achieve this due to the support received from members, friends and well-wishers of the association. I want to thank the leadership of Ndigbo Freight Forwarders Association for the opportunity to have served and also thank all those who supported us to ensure we had a beautiful outing.”

From the commendations the committee received from members for hosting a momentous occasion, it’s safe to say that they delivered on the mandate given to them unite members and ensure meaningful deliberations.

Dr Obed Okike, Chairman of Ndigbo Freight Forwarders Association (Airport Chapter)

At the Ndi-Igbo Freight Forwarders Association (Airport Chapter) inauguration ceremony of the new executives and end of the year party

2024 Committee Chairperson, Mizpah Anyanwu

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WOMEN IN MINING, AGRICULTURE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Improving feminist leadership policy is essential for addressing gender contendsinequalities, UGOEZE NJEMANZE

NIGERIA AND A POET’S CRYSTAL BALL

O. JASON OSAI laments the iniquities in the system

TEMIDAYO AKENROYE writes on supply chain trade-offs for Nigeria’s premium crude

LOCAL REFINING VS FOREX EARNINGS

Nigeria's oil sector is at a turning point. The government’s drive to expand local refinery capacity, led by the Dangote Refinery, is an ambitious step toward strengthening energy security and reducing the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products. However, this shift also brings complex trade-offs, particularly in allocating crude oil, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. At the center of the challenge is Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude, a premium-quality oil that fetches high prices on international markets. Exporting this crude brings in vital foreign exchange, critical for stabilizing the naira and funding essential public services. On the other hand, diverting it to local refineries raises important questions. Can these refineries handle high-cost feedstock and still produce competitively priced products for domestic and international markets? These are the tough decisions policymakers must grapple with to achieve a balance that works for the country’s economy.

Nigeria faces a critical decision in managing its crude oil: should it prioritize exports to generate foreign exchange or focus on refining locally to strengthen domestic production? Each choice comes with trade-offs that ripple through the economy. Exporting crude oil brings in much-needed forex, vital for stabilizing the naira and funding public services. However, it reduces the supply available for local refining. On the other hand, prioritizing local refining creates jobs, reduces reliance on imported refined products, and could lower consumer costs, but it limits forex earnings and strains public finances.

The recent removal of petrol subsidies has made these trade-offs even more pressing. Higher fuel prices have pressured households while the government attempts to balance economic stability with energy security. Further complicating this dilemma are OPEC production quotas, which cap Nigeria’s crude output. Even at full capacity, the country cannot meet both its export and refining demands, forcing policymakers to make tough choices.

Currently, Nigeria’s crude supply relies heavily on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a single source. Diversifying this supply chain by blending Bonny Light crude with more affordable imported grades could lower production costs and make Nigerian products more competitive in export markets. The Dangote Refinery has already adopted this model, sourcing crude locally and internationally to ensure consistent operations. However, public opinion on such strategies is divided, with critics arguing that importing crude undermines the priority of using local resources for national benefit.

Importing crude to supplement local production raises a difficult trade-off. Exchange rate volatility affects the cost of imported inputs, posing a choice: Should Nigeria produce lower-octane or midgrade petroleum products using blended crude, which may align better with global market

standards but could remain costly due to currency fluctuations? Or should it focus on high-grade gasoline made solely from Bonny Light crude, which may be more affordable domestically because refineries purchase it in naira? While the latter option supports local consumption, its expected premium price might limit competitiveness in export markets. Both options come with challenges. Highgrade products made entirely from Bonny Light crude may be cost-effective for local use if refineries purchase the feedstock in naira. However, selling these products internationally at premium prices could deter buyers, as they would compete with cheaper alternatives in the global market. If Nigeria lowers the prices to attract international customers, it effectively subsidizes foreign markets, which undermines its economic goals. On the other hand, blended loweroctane products may find success globally due to their competitive pricing but could remain costly for Nigerians, especially if the naira weakens and import costs rise.

In addition to supply chain diversification, Nigeria’s refinery ambitions depend on strong infrastructure. Pipelines, storage facilities, and transport networks are essential for efficient operations. However, the current infrastructure is aging and vulnerable to vandalism and theft, forcing reliance on road and rail transport, which are often unsafe, inefficient, and expensive. Investing in modern infrastructure would reduce costs, improve safety, and support domestic and export goals. Yet, this investment introduces another tradeoff. Should Nigeria sell more crude to stabilize its economy through forex earnings, or should it redirect revenues toward infrastructure to boost long-term refining capacity? While selling crude provides immediate benefits, neglecting infrastructure risks undermines the refinery sector’s self-sufficiency. Conversely, investing in infrastructure strengthens domestic refining and reduces reliance on imports but strains forex reserves in the short term.

Navigating these trade-offs requires careful planning and bold decisions.

Charting the Path Forward: Nigeria’s refinery ambitions demand a systemsthinking approach that considers the country's

interconnected challenges. Supply chain trade-offs, currency stability, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability are deeply interwoven, and addressing one issue in isolation risks creating unforeseen problems. A holistic framework is essential; one that ensures each decision strengthens a balanced and sustainable oil sector. By adopting this perspective and leveraging its unique strengths, Nigeria can transform trade-offs into sustainable growth and global competitiveness opportunities. A strategy that integrates economic, social, and environmental priorities will address today’s challenges and build future resilience.

Decisions about how to allocate crude oil must consider their far-reaching economic ripple effects. Exporting crude generates the foreign exchange necessary to stabilize the naira and fund essential public services. At the same time, prioritizing local refining can enhance energy security and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products. Balancing these competing demands is critical, as crude oil allocation affects the oil sector, the broader economy, and public welfare. Policymakers must ensure these decisions align with Nigeria’s long-term national objectives.

Diversifying the feedstock supply chain for local refineries is another critical piece of the puzzle. When strategically managed, importing crude oil for blending can improve the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s refined petroleum products. This flexibility would enable the oil sector to adapt to market realities while maintaining fiscal discipline. However, it is vital to ensure this does not become a gateway for reintroducing harmful subsidies. Unlike subsidies that previously supported consumption, which drained public funds, this approach would aim to support efficient production and market competitiveness. Allowing refineries to manage input costs independently while avoiding government intervention will encourage a more marketdriven approach.

Nigeria can also draw valuable lessons from countries like Singapore and India, which have successfully leveraged their refining sectors to achieve global competitiveness. India, for example, imports a variety of crude oil grades, blending them to achieve cost-efficient outputs for both domestic and international markets. Nigeria could explore a similar approach, blending its high-quality Bonny Light crude with more affordable imported varieties to produce competitively priced refined products for export. However, blending must be seen as part of a broader strategy, not a one-size-fits-all solution. It should complement other efforts to enhance operational efficiency and align with market demands.

Akenroye is a professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Missouri-St Louis in the United States, a Visiting Professor at the University of South Africa, and a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Lagos Business School

Improving feminist leadership policy is

essential for addressing gender inequalities, contends UGOEZE NJEMANZE

WOMEN IN MINING, AGRICULTURE AND CLEAN ENERGY

Gender inequality remains a significant barrier to sustainable development in Nigeria. Despite numerous policies aimed at addressing these disparities, women continue to face substantial challenges in various sectors, including mining, agriculture, and clean energy. This article emphasizes the necessity of feminist policy-making to tackle these entrenched gender inequalities, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Making feminist policy-making centers on the principle of gender equality, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers and create opportunities for all genders. In Nigeria, feminist policies are crucial to addressing the historical and cultural factors that perpetuate gender discrimination. These policies not only seek to empower women but also to foster a more just and balanced socio-economic landscape. Feminist policies also ensure that women's voices and experiences are included in the decision-making process, leading to more comprehensive and effective solution.

The mining sector in Nigeria is predominantly male-dominated. Women account for a small percentage of the workforce, often confined to low-paying informal positions with limited job security. They face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources. Women in mining have less access to capital, land, and mining licenses compared to their male counterparts. This limits their ability to scale their operations or participate in larger mining ventures. There is also workplace discrimination: women often experience discrimination and harassment in the workplace, leading to an unsafe and hostile environment. This discourages many women from pursuing careers in mining. Added to this is lack of training and education where there’s a significant gap in training opportunities for women, limiting their ability to advance in the sector. Without proper education and training, women are often relegated to lower-skilled and lower-paying positions.

Consequently, there’s need for feminist policies in mining to focus on equal access to resources through financial programs, affirmative action, workplace safety and anti-harassment policies with clear procedures for reporting harassment. There should be training programs to equip women with necessary skills, including technical training, leadership development, and business management.

Agriculture is a vital sector in Nigeria, employing a significant portion of the population. However, women in agriculture face several challenges including inequitable land ownership. Women own a disproportionately small amount of agricultural land compared to men. This limits their ability to make decisions about land use and reduces their economic security. There’s limited access to credit and inputs. Women often struggle to obtain the financial resources and agricultural inputs needed to improve their productivity. Banks and financial institutions frequently view women as higher-risk borrowers. Traditional gender roles and cultural norms restrict women's participation in decision-making processes and limit their access to agricultural education and training. These barriers prevent women from fully engaging in and benefiting from agricultural activities.

To promote gender equality, policies should focus on land reforms, ensuring women have equal rights to own and inherit land, Finan-

cial programs providing easier access to credit and agricultural inputs, educational programs challenging traditional gender roles and equipping women with modern agricultural techniques. The clean energy sector also offers opportunities for sustainable development, but women participation is limited due to gender bias, lack of representation, and training gaps. There is need for feminist policies in clean energy. Therefore, to enhance women's participation, policies should focus on promoting gender equality in education through scholarships, mentorship, and awareness campaigns, implementing policies promoting women's leadership and representation and creating networks and mentorship programs supporting women in clean energy. In regions like Zamfara and Niger feminist policies have improved conditions through health and safety regulations, ensuring safe working conditions. In states like Kaduna and Kano, women-led cooperatives have succeeded through policies such as access to credit enabling investments in better technologies.

Market access programs increase income and stability. In Lagos and Abuja women have pioneered the solar energy sector through STEM education programs promoting girls' studies. In science and technology, entrepreneurship support facilitates the growth of women-led businesses, advocacy campaigns raising awareness and reducing gender biases.

To enhance feminist leadership and promote gender equality in Nigeria, authorities must enact and enforce comprehensive gender equality legislation, allocate resources through gender-sensitive budgeting, ensure women's representation in decision-making bodies, develop educational programs challenging gender roles, create and enforce anti-discrimination and harassment policies, invest in infrastructure supporting women's participation and establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate feminist policies. Improving feminist leadership policy in Nigeria is essential for addressing gender inequalities in mining, agriculture, and clean energy. By implementing comprehensive feminist policies, Nigeria can create a more inclusive society.

Njemanze

O. JASON OSAI laments the iniquities in the system

NIGERIA AND A POET’S CRYSTAL BALL

Poetry has been referred to as “language of the gods”. It is said that the source of the art is in the void, the complex cosmos of consciousness, which is in the mysterious hands of the multiOmni Divine. The rhymes and rhythms of the lines and stanzas of poetry, like the sounds of flowing river on the hillside, the soft strumming of nylon guitar strings in the quietude of remote villages, and songs of a thousand birds that blend in harmonious perfection with the pristine environment, take the reader on the wild whooshing wide wings of woven words to serene sceneries of climes that stir sublime ecstasy; climes beyond matter, only accessible by youthful fantasy. Undoubtedly, poetry is a heavenly art.

Poems tease the thirst for human adventure; they are music to the ear and lullaby to the restless. As balm on wounds left unattended for far too long, they calm nerves tensed by the daily hustle and bustle of human quest and bring succor to the soul. As a very important implement of the social critic, poems stealthily stab the ribcage of the villain and the conscience of a nation; yet, they valorize the virtuous. Poems, if not promptly taken as gotten from the mysterious source, are forgotten, forever; and there lies its mystery.

Poets and poems are veritable vanguards of human society: the one, animate, and the other, though inanimate, sufficiently animates the animate into heroic actions that further the developmental endeavors and exploits of humanity. Armed with the pen and poised for poetry, the poet momentarily morphs into a veritable instrument of the Divine and reaches beyond self, beyond now. He reaches remote reaches that the rich can’t reach because, in their greed, they are in breach of the balance of human need.

Poets, as acclaimed wordsmiths, say so much in so little words. They have been likened to prophets; seeing into the future through the colored fluid that drops from their nib onto the papyrus, leaving behind inscriptions that wet the appetite of historians, analysts and other intellectuals of the future. Nostradamus wrote quatrains that saw trains before Richard Trevithick (1771–1833) was born; he also saw “metal birds” before Orville and Wilbur Wright were born, long before the historic and heroic flight at Kitty Hawk.

In a 1995 poem titled Niger Delta Donkey, the poet characterized Hausa/Fulani, Ibo and Yoruba tribes as “Herdsman”, “Oliver next door” and “Cocoa farmer”, respectively. Drawing from the map, economics and power-politics of Nigeria, the poet painted a pen portrait of the rest of Nigeria sitting on and riding the Niger Delta as a docile donkey. In the second stanza, the poem says thus: “See the herdsman/His Holy Book in han’/He’s jihading to thy sea/ Always what and where he wants to be”. The third stanza goes thus: “The Oliver next door/ Always wanting more/True and true Mr. Twist/ He’s lord in the east”. The fourth stanza, which is the focus of this piece, says thus: “The cocoa farmer/Louder than the rest/He grips the system firmer/He reigns from the west”.

Fast forward to 2024, which is more than one quarter of a century after the poem, “The Cocoa Farmer is grip[ping] the [Nigerian] system firmer” by what has been adjudged “Yorubanization of Nigeria”. Akalicious.net informs that the following key ministries are headed by Yorubas: Finance, Education, Trade & Industry, Petroleum, Marine & Blue Economy, Power, Justice, Communications, Interior and

Solid Minerals. Other than the ministries, the commanding heights of the Nigerian system are squarely in the hands of the Yoruba such that an author sarcastically referred to the country as the Federal Yoruba Republic of Nigeria. In “Dark Side of Ministerial Positions “, Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi offers that “when ministerial positions are used for political control rather than public welfare, it undermines the democratic system and perpetuates a culture of self interest, which has…damaging consequences for society “. The above scenario justifies Pieter Botha’s villainous assertion thus: “give [Blacks] independence and democracy, they will use it to promote tribalism, ethnicity, bigotry, hatred”. Almost three decades after “Niger Delta Donkey”, the cocoa farmer has really gripped the Nigerian system firmer. The Holy Quran has been dipped into the Atlantic in fulfillment of Alhaji Ahmadu Bello’s charge to Nigerian Moslems thereby fulfilling the poetic prophecy of “jihading to thy sea”. The Oliver next door is still “wanting more” while the Niger Delta Donkey is still gullible, docile and gleefully bearing the socioeconomic burden of a country that persistently and insistently remains adamant to progressive thoughts and global economic realities. In a related poem titled “Prodigiously Endowed yet Impecunious”, the author laments thus:

His wells are bleeding/Flames scorch his soil/Yet for a meal he’s pleading/Begging, cap-in-hand/From the custodians of his oil/ Scavengers from distant land/With thorntorn toes/And profusely running nose/He strives daily with a shovel/And crashes daily in a hovel/Stomach growling in emptiness/ He resigns to his hopelessness

It is tragic that while other nations are consistently coalescing and collectively pushing boundaries of developmental endeavors to improve on the human condition, Nigeria is still propelled by centrifugal forces under myopic, inept and patently unpatriotic leaders who recklessly lavish public funds on themselves and their cronies like drunken sailors. The tragedy is that the captains’ inebriated judgment from intoxicated minds clouded by substance abuse, produce blurry vision bordering on blindness as the ship of the Nigerian state violently lurches towards imminent danger. And finally, a third poem says: “Like a bunch of Iguanas, deaf to advice/The captains of this sinking ship are lost in their vice”.

Prof Osaí

writes from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE PUSH FOR UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE

The authorities at all levels should buy into the health insurance scheme

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark the 2024 Universal Health Coverage (UCH) Day, there could not have been a more apt theme: "Health: It's on the government". In Nigeria today, hundreds of thousands of citizens die on account of lack of access to quality healthcare which a functional health insurance scheme could have guaranteed at all levels. While there can never be a one-size-fitsall model for guaranteeing health insurance for the people, we believe that the defining problem with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in our country is the system-wide inequalities in its implementation which has resulted in the lack of financial protection for the health care needs of most Nigerians.

On a day such as this therefore, questions must be asked as to why, despite a comprehensive reform of the sector and the law already put in place, most Nigerians are not covered by any health insurance schemes. That is perhaps because the scheme is driven by the executive at the federal level rather than by the three tiers of government and the private sector. Many of the states and local governments are yet to come on board.

life-threatening illnesses.”

A scheme that is voluntary in practice cannot guarantee proactive protection for the country’s sick population

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UCH Day 2024 focuses on the role of financial protection in accelerating progress. This is to ensure that people don’t fall into poverty because of having to pay out-of-pocket for health costs. “Over the last 20 years, financial protection has progressively deteriorated, with two billion people experiencing financial hardship and 1.3 billion others pushed into poverty due to health spending,” WHO said in a statement. “This means that mothers may miss out on the life-saving intervention they need for themselves or their children, people are not diagnosed and treated for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) on time, with delays in early treatment leading to severe, untreatable or

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Letters to the Editor

photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

Ordinarily, the main goal of the NHIS is to facilitate fair-financing of healthcare costs “through pooling and judicious utilisation of financial resources to provide financial risk protection and cost-burden sharing for people.” This is in order to contain high cost of healthcare, through various pre-payment programmes prior to people falling ill. But a scheme that is voluntary in practice cannot guarantee proactive protection for the country’s sick population. How to get the states and local governments, as well as private sector organisations enlisted in the scheme should therefore be the overriding objective of critical stakeholders. Indeed, as it stands with the NHIS, only a small proportion of Nigerians have prepaid health care, and this is not right if we must lead or keep a healthy population. To therefore achieve the UHC which the country has signed on to, there is urgent need to adopt and strengthen a comprehensive social health insurance scheme. We believe that reforming the country’s healthcare financing through a review of the NHIS Act is critical to achieving the objective. The effectiveness of a social health insurance in Nigeria would also be strengthened with the inclusion of 36 states into the scheme and getting them to setup and manage their own insurance schemes in line with the provisions of a reviewed NHIS.

The benefits of a health insurance scheme that works in a country like ours are many. The idea of cashless treatment for those insured makes it imperative for them to get immediate treatment during sudden ill-health while the premium paid on health insurance is usually tax deductible. It is therefore important for the National Assembly to take into consideration all the factors that militate the implementation of the NHIS Act and amend the law appropriately. Until we can extend health insurance to all citizens, the country’s push for UHC will be a mirage.

TAX REFORM BILLS OF CONTROVERSY

The tax reform bills transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since September following recommendations of the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms is still generating controversy.

The proposed Revenue Reform Bills 2024 seek to amend/enact the Nigerian Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The stated objectives of these bills include to expand Nigeria’s tax base, improve compliance, and establish sustainable revenue streams for the nation’s development.

Highlights of the piece of legislation include the new proposal of 60% VAT to states shared based on derivation, while 20% is based on population, and the other 20% equally among the states. The most contentious part of the bills seems to be the new provisions on VAT which some parts of the North have described as capable of impoverishing them. Since their introduction, controversies have trailed the proposals from those in opposition of the bills. The National Executive Council (NEC) comprising the 36 state governors and chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had while noting the need for sufficient alignment on the proposed reforms last October appealed to Mr. President to withdraw the bills from the

NASS to allow for wider consultations.

Just as Senator Ali Ndume representing Borno South declared the bills as ‘dead on arrival,’ significant opposition from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, northern governors and their 73 lawmakers have voiced concerns over the socio-economic impact of the bills to their region. Conversely, proponents have thrown their weight behind the bills. Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, former House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Hassan Matthew Kukah are among those emphasizing the transformative potentialities of the tax reform proposals. The Presidency has asked those opposed to the legislation to wait till the public hearing stage at the NASS to make their presentations.

Similarly, findings in a report by PUNCH online newspaper of 7th December 2024, indicate that 36 states of the federation with FCT are expected to receive additional N976bn in funding from FAAC - if the tax reform bills are fully implemented over the next three years.

In a dramatic twist of events - amidst growing pressure, the House of Representatives in a memo titled ‘Rescheduling of Special Session on Tax Reform Bills’ has suspended debate on the proposal. Following suit, the Senate at it 4th December 2024 plenary presided

over by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, announced halting further action on the said bills as a result of divisions regarding them. This was to make room for more consultations.

However, some 24 hours later, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, declared that the bills have not been suspended. Even as the red chamber constituted a committee to liaise with a federal government delegation to resolve concerns raised on the bills, Akpabio insisted legislative work was still continuing on the proposal which has passed its second reading.

Meanwhile, as the legislative battle rages on, Nigerians watch with bated breath the unfolding debates of the complexities of the tax reform bills. While commending the Tinubu administration for its commitment to fiscal reforms, an examination of the proposed amendments will reveal other critical implications. According to the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NISS), the nation’s electronic payment transactions rose by 55% in 2023 to N600 trillion. This compares to N387 trillion in 2022. Yet, the VAT generation has been less than N10 trillion in the past few years. Tax payment should be incentivized.

Patrick Wemambu, Abuja

The fourth generation of mobile network technology, also known as 4G network, which was deployed after 1G, 2G and 3G networks, still maintains deeper penetration level with highest market share across all mobile networks in Nigeria, despite the huge benefits of 5G network that was launched few years ago.

Recent statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), showed that 4G network leads with a market share of 46.27 per cent, ahead of 2G, 3G and 5G networks.

The statistics, which displayed the percentage of subscribers utilising telecommunications services per the various mobile

Emma Okonji

Lagos State government has said the launch of Huawei’s local cloud in Nigeria, will go a long way in protecting Nigeria’s data sovereignty and support local hosting of various data generated in Nigeria in order to strengthen local traffic in the country’s cyberspace.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who said this in Lagos during the Huawei Cloud Summit Nigeria 2024, where the local cloud infrastructure was formally launched, commended Huawei Technologies for establishing such infrastructure in Lagos, Nigeria.

According to him, “To have a good cloud from Huawei is a big deal. It’s about sovereignty, and

phone generations currently deployed in Nigeria, show that 5G market share is abysmally low at 2.33 per cent, despite the huge benefits of 5G, as announced by telecoms operators, when it was being deployed across Nigeria in 2022.

At the launch of 5G network in 2022, Nigerian telecoms subscribers were full of excitement and renewed hopes about the new online experiences they will get from 5G network, which according to telecoms operators, is charaterised with high speed data connectivity for video downloads and uploads, clear voice and image qualities, and low latency in terms of the time it will take the 5G network to complete a given

it’s about us actually being able to control our destiny better.

Local cloud situated in Nigeria, reflects the aspiration of Nigerians, and of course the people of Lagos. It’s based on shared determination to overcome infrastructure challenges and bring digital transformation and position it as a key player in the global digital economy. The launch of Huawei cloud is also a call for action for businesses, organisations, and individuals to adopt cloud solutions as a pathway to innovations, efficiency, and growth.”

“Technology or data transformation is no longer optional, but it’s essential for sustaining development. Technologies, like Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, among

task. Telecoms subscribers were optimistic that the deployment of 5G would impact positively on their social media engagement, especially with technology solution developers, technology influencers, and content creators for mobile devices, who strongly believed that 5G would be the game changer for them.

Two years down the line, such high expectations have not been met, as 5G penetration drags, while 4G still maintains highest market share, according to NCC’s latest statistics.

From the NCC statistics, 4G leads with a market share of 46.27 per cent, followed by 2G with a market share of 42 per cent, while 3G has a market share of 9.40 per cent,

others, offer growth opportunities for sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, banking, and of course e-commerce. In Lagos, we have already begun to witness this transformative impact of technology, from small startups to established enterprises,” Hamzat further said.

In his goodwill message, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Acting Director, Regulation and Compliance at NITDA, Emmanuel Edet, said:

“The launch of Huawei cloud in Nigeria is a landmark and pivotal moment for Nigeria, as we collectively embrace the transformative potential of cloud

and 5G has a market share of 2.33 per cent.

According to the statistics, 4G penetration has maintained the market lead since the inception of 5G rollout in 2022 in Nigeria.

In January this year, the market share of 4G was 31.75 per cent, and in February, the market share increased to 32.11 per cent, with a further increase in March, April and May this year, to 32.74 per cent, 33.56 per cent and 42.63 per cent respectively. In June, July and August of this same year 2024, the market share of 4G further increased to 43.35 per cent, 44.90 per cent and 46.28 per cent respectively. The 4G market share however dropped slightly in September to 44.96 per cent,

computing to drive innovation, foster economic growth and enhance digital transformation across every sector of our economy.”

In his welcome address, CEO, Huawei Nigeria, Chris Lu, spoke about the significance of the launch of Huawei local cloud in Nigeria.

According to him, the cloud infrastructure will bring a much better performance in terms of latency in hosting data locally in Nigeria, giving customers a timely experience that is less than 15 milliseconds, when compared to using cloud service from other markets, which takes more than 120 milliseconds for data transmission.

“So this ultra performance is one thing that we are bringing to the Nigerian market. The second aspect is about trust. Having your own data

but increased again in October this year to 46.27 per cent.

Although 5G is also increasing in market share since its commercial rollout in 2022, but the increase is slow and gradual, which cannot be compared with the rapid growth of 4G market share that has maintained a leading position since 2022.

According to NCC’s statistics, as at January this year, 5G market share was 1.11 per cent, but it grew to 1.18 per cent in February, with a further growth in March, April and May this year to 1.24 per cent, 1.31 per cent and 1.73 per cent respectively. The market growth of 5G also increased in June to 1.81 per cent, with a further increase in July and August to 1.95 per cent and 2.12

in Nigeria, and in Lagos, provides a lot of confidence and trust for our customers, including the trust of government, and the regulators, who believe it’s important for the entrepreneurs to have their own company’s data, have their own consumers’ data in Nigeria, and this is all about data sovereignty.

“The third aspect is about commitment. Building a local cloud means we are operating locally in the long term. Because Huawei has been here for 25 years, we are going to be staying here for another 25 years, and operating our own local cloud is a commitment that shows Huawei’s willingness to develop an ecosystem with all our local partners together for the better future of Nigeria,” Lu said.

Speaking about skills gap in

per cent respectively. The market share of 5G also recorded increase in September and October, to 2.19 per cent and 2.33 per cent respectively.

Giving reasons for the slow uptake of 5G network in Nigeria, the spokesperson for telecoms subscribers, who is also the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that the cost of deploying 5G network infrastructure has remained on the high side, coupled with high exchange rate, since 5G equipment is imported at dollar rate. He also said 5G mobile devices were also in limited quantities as a result of the limited 5G infrastructure deployment in the country.

cloud technology, during a media interactive session, the Deputy Managing Director, Huawei Nigeria, Osita Nweze, said Huawei has started addressing such skills gap through its ‘ICT for Change’ initiative, where many Nigerians, including females have been trained.

“We are training people in cloud technology, in 5G, in AI, and we will continue to partner with the different tiers of government in Nigeria and the private sector to continue to provide training and capacity building,” Nweze said.

Managing Director, Huawei Cloud Nigeria, Hugo Hu, said Huawei would be training more than 5,000 developers on Huawei cloud.

Emma Okonji

ANNUAL CONFERENCE…

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Opeyemi Ogungbo; Chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH)/Chief Partnership Officer, Wema Bank Plc, Ajibade Laolu-Adewale and Vice Chairman, CeBIH/Group Head, e-Business & Transaction, Premium Trust Bank, Abidemi Asunmo, at the CeBIH 2024 annual conference, which held in Lagos… recently

NiRA: Collaboration Will Drive Nigeria’s Digital Future

Stories by Emma Okonji

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), has called for a synergy between technology and creativity, insisting that such collaboration will shape Nigeria’s digital future.

The call was made at the Tech Convergence 1.0 conference and exhibition, themed, “Innovating Nigeria’s Digital Future Through Tech & Creativity,” held in Lagos. President of NiRA, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, made the call while emphasising the importance of names and numbers in the digital economy, highlighting the role of domain names and IP addresses.

He underscored the potential of technology and creativity to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

“Nigeria is a nation brimming with untapped creative potential and technological talent. Together, we can unlock new possibilities and position Nigeria as a global leader in digital innovation,” he noted.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Ambassador Ifeanyi Frank Ogochukwu, described the Tech Convergence 1.0 conference as

a landmark moment in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

“The importance of fostering collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to drive the nation’s digital future must be highlighted,” he stressed at the conference, which attracted participants from both the public and the private sector,” he added.

PMI Celebrates Project Leaders for Addressing Food Insecurity

Project Management Institute

(PMI) has celebrated 50 exceptional rising leaders transforming the world by leveraging their project management skills to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.

As shown on the 2024 Future 50 list, the young leaders – all 35 and

under, represent a diverse cohort of project professionals reshaping the future across industries like healthcare, environmental science, technology, and social justice.

Speaking about the recognition, Managing Director of sub-Saharan Africa at PMI, George Asamani,

said: “Having honourees from subSaharan Africa recognised among the Future 50, is a testament to the exceptional talent, resilience, and innovative spirit that define the continent’s rising project leaders. The individuals are shaping the region’s future and showcasing to

the world the profound impact of African ingenuity and leadership. At PMI, we are immensely proud to celebrate their achievements and remain committed to empowering project professionals across the region to continue driving meaningful change.”

Agbeyewa Farms Unveils Blueprint to Transform Cassava Farming

Raheem Akingbolu

Agbeyewa Farms Limited, one of the largest commercial cassava farms in Nigeria, has unveiled an ambitious 12-point agenda designed to transform cassava farming and address food insecurity.

The agenda was made public during a presentation to a delegation from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) recent working visit to the farm.

The immediate past Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, has paid glowing tributes to a former Minister of Defence, Prof. Iya Abubakar, as he clocks 90 years on December 13.

In a statement he titled ‘Celebrating a Visionary at 90’, Aziz said it was with immense pride and gratitude that he joined the celebration of an extraordinary

Hermplify, a groundbreaking AI-powered platform, has officially launched to help women entrepreneurs and young girls in Africa grow their businesses and learn valuable tech skills.

“Creativity, fueled by cultural uniqueness and entrepreneurial spirit, can drive tech solutions that address our country’s most pressing needs. We believe that through platforms like The Tech Convergence 1.0 we can inspire groundbreaking solutions and empower the next generation of tech leaders and creative thinkers,” Odusote said.

During a fireside chat, Lagos State Commissioner for Science

and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, acknowledged that the state has been transformed through technology that underpins everything – Transportation, Healthcare, Education, and Commerce.

He said the state government, for instance, has put the Automated Number Plate Recognition Camera (ANPRC) in use now in Lagos, and in the next few weeks, will include Red Light cameras, among others.

Stories by Agnes Ekebuike

The CEO of Africa’s foremost online shopping platform, Konga Group, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, has expressed optimism in the e-commerce sector despite the current challenges facing the e-commerce business in Nigeria and most parts of the African continent.

logistical inefficiencies, corruption, and rising insecurity as significant obstacles.

Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about the future of e-commerce in Nigeria and Africa. He noted that the country’s youthful population—averaging 17 years of age, remained techsavvy and eager to embrace digital solutions, a factor he believes will drive growth and innovation in the sector.

The Director of Strategy for Cavista Holdings, parent company of Agbeyewa Farms, Kabir Shagaya, while unveiling the blueprint document, explained that the 12-step plan builds on the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the company’s chairman, Niyi John Olajide and the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji in May 2024, to establish a state-of-the-art cassava farm covering 100,000 hectares within the state.

milestone in the life of an exceptional leader and trailblazer – Senator Prof. Iya Abubakar.

According to Aziz, himself an ID4Africa Emeritus Ambassador, at 90, Prof. Abubakar’s legacy stands tall “as a symbol of intellectual brilliance, visionary leadership, and boundless dedication to the advancement of education, technology, and nationbuilding.”

He stated that the initiative would be delivered through an in-grower/out-grower cooperative programme where eligible farmers will be organised into cooperatives

Recalling his encounter with Prof. Abubakar, Aziz stated: “I am particularly privileged to be one of the greatest beneficiaries of the Iya Abubakar Computer Center – an incredible institution that was far ahead of its time. It is astonishing to recall how he procured and established what was then the largest computer in Africa, a CDC Cyber 72 series with a remarkable 64 kilobytes of memory.

of 100-150 members, each managing a 500-hectare plot.

According to Shagaya: “This programme is expected to impact 1,500 farmers across 10 cooperatives, benefiting approximately 7,500 individuals, including families, thereby supporting local communities and fostering economic growth and scalability.”

“This technological marvel was accompanied by a line printer capable of printing 1,200 lines per minute, a digital plotter, and a suite of high-level programming languages such as FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, BASIC, and APL, among others. His foresight and determination revolutionized computational capacity in the region and inspired countless minds, including mine.”

AI Platform for Female Entrepreneurs in Africa

Speaking about the initiative, CEO of Hermplify, Anthony Olanrewaju, said: “Our mission at Hermplify is simple: to give women and girls the tools they need to succeed in business and life. With the platform, our scope is to ‘amplify’ every ‘her’ in underserved communities across Africa. This will enable women and girls across Africa easily manage their businesses, access loans, and gain valuable tech skills—all in one place.”

According Olanrewaju, Hermplify provides easy-to-use tools like automated invoicing, payment processing, and online storefronts, helping women manage and grow their businesses. Its educational resource platform offers courses on digital marketing, web design, and data analysis, giving young girls and women the skills they need to be competitive in

today’s job market.

“Hermplify offers soft loans and financial services to help women entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses. With Africa’s digital economy expected to reach $300 billion by 2025, Hermplify is well-positioned to support women entrepreneurs in accessing new opportunities,” Olarenwaju said.

Speaking at the 6th edition of Nigeria Sales Conference, organised by the CEO of the Selling Champion Ltd, George Emetuche, held at the Welcome Centre Hotel Lagos, Ekeh addressed the topic: ‘The Nigeria e-Commerce and Retail Business: Challenges and Prospects’.

In his address, Ekeh outlined key challenges hampering the growth of the e-commerce sector in Nigeria. He pointed to the overdependence on imported goods, unstable exchange rates,

Ekeh also called on the government to create a level playing ground for stakeholders, emphasising the need for policies that support local businesses and strengthen the e-commerce ecosystem.

The conference concluded with Ekeh receiving an award of honour in recognition of his significant contributions to the e-commerce industry in Nigeria.

TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in sub-Saharan Africa, has joined forces with Check Point Software Technologies Limited, a global cybersecurity leader, to enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity resilience.

The strategic partnership, announced at a partner roundtable event in Lagos recently, which was and attended by industry executives, stakeholders, and IT professionals, facilitated discussions on emerging cybersecurity trends and fostered strategic partnerships.

Assistant General Manager for TD Africa, Abiodun Idowu, highlighted the company’s dedication to delivering cuttingedge technology solutions, saying: “This partnership with Check

Point reflects our commitment to providing advanced tools that safeguard businesses against today’s complex cyber threats.”

Check Point’s Security Manager, Victor Ugwu, who underscored the partnership’s significance in strengthening cybersecurity frameworks in Nigeria, said:

“With this collaboration with TD Africa, we aim to deploy innovative solutions like Harmony and CloudGuard to protect organisations across the country.”

The partnership reinforces TD Africa’s position as a driving force in Nigeria’s technological advancement. By delivering robust cybersecurity solutions, TD Africa empowers businesses to navigate the digital age with confidence and resilience, Idowu said.

Rewarding Trade Partners

In response to competition in the market and government policies, Nigeria’s wine and spirit market has continued to witness a varied degree of innovations and customer reward schemes to sustain brand loyalty, writes Raheem akingbolu

Consumers and trade partners are always the greatest beneficiaries in any competitive market. As brand owners and service providers are pressured by competition to remain on their toes, consumers and trade partners are getting the best in goods and services. This is so because competition makes brand owners strive to develop cutting-edge products and services that are suited to their customers and gives them a marketplace advantage. After all is said and done, businesses with competitors know they need to work hard to maintain their customer base.

Apart from striving to give consumers the best, one of the ways to sustain relationships with consumers is by giving consistent support to trade partners, as recently demonstrated by Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL). Deployment of basic customer relations strategies by organisations is with the understanding that consumer loyalty is prerequisite for success in a highly competitive environment like the Nigerian market. But more important to customer reward and promotions is the drive of value and trust.

TRade PaRTneRs’ RewaRd

Though an annual tradition for the management of the Intercontinental Distillers Limited (IDL) to set a day aside to celebrate and reward its trade partners, the event of Friday, November 8, 2024, was conceived to achieve two things. One, it was an opportunity for the management to appreciate trade partners who stood by them while the debate over ban of sachet drinks lasted. The other reason is to fulfil the annual tradition of rewarding the distributors for the company’s success in the year under review.

The event also featured the relaunch of one of its prominent brands, Commodore Original Aromatic Schnapps – “The Spirit of Answered Prayers.”

The ceremony was attended by His Royal Majesty, Oba Alayeluwa Abdul-Kabir Adewale Shotobi, The Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, who led a prayer session in Yoruba, praying for the business with the rebranded Commodore Schnapps. In his opening remarks, IDL Managing Director Patrick Anegbe expressed his gratitude to the distributors, acknowledging their significant role in IDL’s accomplishments despite challenging business conditions.

Anegbe stated, “Today, we gather to celebrate and honor our distributors, who have played a pivotal role in our success over the years. Your unwavering loyalty and commitment have been instrumental in driving our business forward. We are truly grateful for the trust you have placed in us, and we remain dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service.”

Outstanding distributors were awarded cash prizes and gifts. Anegbe also noted the increasingly difficult business climate, sharing the challenges faced by IDL and the manufacturing industry throughout the year 2023. He cited rising material costs, increased electricity tariffs, and high diesel prices, along with the burden of multiple taxes, levies, and inadequate infrastructure that complicate logistics across Nigeria.

IDL’s Head of Sales, Aare Hope Gbagi, encouraged distributors to actively support the company’s success across all product lines, emphasizing IDL’s ambition to lead in every wine and spirits category it serves. Head of Marketing, Mr. Mobolaji Alalade, announced an aggressive marketing strategy

to ensure Commodore Aromatic Schnapps is widely available nationwide. He described the schnapps as “a spirit crafted for consumers with refined palates who appreciate true craftsmanship – it is ‘The Spirit of Answered Prayers.’

Two Lagos-based distributors YTTT Distributions Ltd and Biola AY Stores, were winners of the Diamond category.

Feedback

The event, themed: “The Spirit of Answered Prayers,” was a subtle way of getting feedback from the public and this was achieved as trade partners spoke glowingly of how their relationship with IDL has grown their businesses.

The high point of the ceremony was when Oba Shotobi rendered the traditional blessing for the reintroduced drink in Yoruba to market success.

Managing Director, IDL, Patrick Anegbe, thanked the distributors for their exceptional role in helping the company achieve greater heights.

Anegbe said the event was a testament to the amazing partnership the company had with the distributors leading to outstanding achievement despite unfavorable business environments.

Anegbe said: “Today, we gather to celebrate our honour to the exceptional institution of our distributors, who had played a pivotal role in the success of our company in the past years. Your unwavering loyalty and commitment has been instrumental to the driving of our business forward. We are truly grateful for the trust that you have placed in us, and we remain dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service.”

He added: “To show our appreciation, we are pleased to present you with various prizes and gift items today as a token of appreciation of your exceptional efforts in 2023 business year.”

Two veteran Nollywood thespians, Richard Mofe Damijo and Yomi FashLanso, attended the event.

“It is important to acknowledge the significant hurdles we all encountered during the 2023 business year. The business landscape was increasingly becoming uncivil with rising cost of materials, frequent hikes in energy prices due to high cost diesel and increased electricity tariffs. Additionally the burden of multiple taxes, levies and fees from various government agencies amidst most uncharitable infrastructure, have made the movement of goods from one part of the country to another more challenging,”

Anegbe further said.

Head of Marketing, IDL, Mr. Mobolaji Alalade, stated that aggressive marketing drive would be used to ensure the relaunched Commodore Aromatic Schnapps is made available in all the picking points across the country.

Alalade said the drink, “is made for our elders. It is a spirit that they can use to pour libations.” He also promised intensive marketing of the product, while urging Nigerians to be prepared for the beautiful experience, which according to him, is ‘The Spirit of Answered Prayers’. In spite of the challenges facing the industry, IDL, according to its MD, has worked hard to ensure that the company’s products are always available and customers’ complaints promptly resolved at all times.

ProPerty & environment

Nedcomoaks Group Marks 20th Anniversary, Portfolio of Over 6,000 Homes

Bennett Oghifo

The Group Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Group, Dr Kennedy Okonkwo recalled that he began his real estate business with the construction of a bungalow at Oniru, in Lagos and now has a portfolio of over 6,000 homes of different styles.

Okonkwo stated this on the sideline of the Group’s 20th anniversary in Lagos, saying, “From the very first time we built the first home, a bungalow in Oniru, the second bungalow, to many more bungalows that followed on a build, pay and transfer basis.

“The moment when we went to Lekki phase one and completed that house that was owned by that doctor who

couldn’t finish his property and we took it on a 10 year lease. To the very moment when we needed just to make sure that we can build one more home, to the very moment when we felt that we needed to expand and employ more people and give young people the opportunity to own homes. Once again, it’s been God all the way. It’s not by my own power. I give God the glory.”

On the cost of construction that has gradually escalated over the years, Okonkwo said, “Inflation is rising, the cost of construction will keep rising. But the thing is, strategically, we are positioning ourselves as a market leader. So, we must do things that enable us to produce those homes at

a reduced cost. We must run more efficiently. We have been able to integrate outwardly, and that has helped us to be able to do more homes for people at significantly reduced rates.

“We do a whole lot, from producing our own paving stones, to producing our own furniture. Those are the things we do to significantly reduce the cost of construction.”

His wife, Mrs Ichechi Okonkwo, who helped build the Group, recalled her experience, saying, “I remember when my husband first shared his vision for building a real estate company from scratch, leaving his 8 to 5 job, I was both excited and terrified at the same time.

“My fears were numerous. I worried about the financial risks, the uncertainty of the

market, and the potential failure of the business. I also feared that my husband would be working long hours, leaving me to manage the household and

our family alone. But despite these fears, I had hope. I believed in my husband’s vision, his passion, and his work ethic. I knew that he had a unique

ability to connect with people and build strong relationships, which would be essential in building a successful real estate company in Nigeria.

Oak Homes Inaugurates 3 Landmark Projects in Lagos

Fadekemi Ajajaiye

Oak Homes, Nigeria’s leading luxury real estate development company, proudly announces the simultaneous commissioning of three exceptional projects: The Oak Residence in Victoria Island, The Oak Mews and Hamilton Court in Lekki, Lagos. This landmark achievement underscores Oak Homes’

unwavering commitment to redefining luxury living in Nigeria, even amidst economic challenges.

The commissioning event, graced by media houses, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, highlighted Oak Homes’ dedication to delivering exceptional real estate developments that seamlessly blend innovation, elegance, and

functionality.

The Oak Residence: Redefining Urban living in Victoria Island

Located in the heart of Victoria Island, The Oak Residence is a world-class development luxury apartments and penthouse villas. Each unit is designed with high ceilings that create an airy, expansive feel, while

offering breathtaking views of the city from every floor. Each unit features living spaces with high ceilings, creating an airy and expansive feel, while offering breathtaking views of the city from every floor complemented by premium amenities. Penthouse residents enjoy the added exclusivity of a private rooftop lounge and Jacuzzi, offering them a lifestyle

of unparalleled luxury. Beyond its architectural brilliance, The Oak Residence stands as not only a symbol of excellence in urban living but also a testament to smart investment consistently delivering remarkable returns on investment to its buyers.

The Oak Mews: A Statement of Prestige in Lekki

In Lekki, The Oak Mews stands out as a prime development offering a perfect blend of sophisticated urban living and architectural excellence. This project boasts of luxurious duplexes complemented by world-class amenities, designed to meet the needs of modern families and individuals seeking refined living in a vibrant neighborhood.

Izedon Carbonates Launches Calcium Carbonates Production Plant in Nigeria

Bennett Oghifo

To boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue and reduce the importation of calcium carbonates

Izedon Carbonates, a privately owned manufacturing company trading as IzeCarb, has launched its calcium carbonates production plant at Lampese in Edo State,

Nigeria.

The manufacturing plant is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and its processes are highly automated to enhance

efficiency.

IzeCarb is the only integrated calcium carbonates production plant in Nigeria with a federal government-licensed and approved quarry to mine high-quality dolomite and process it into calcium carbonates which serves as the essential raw material for various products, including oil and gas drilling fluids, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), paints and coatings, and Plaster of Paris (POP).

As a result, IzeCarb operates a “Quarry to Customer” model and boasts a fleet of 50-ton delivery trucks that take products directly to customers, setting it apart from other industry players.

Speaking at the commissioning of the plant at Lampese, Chairman and Founder,

Izedon Carbonates, Mr Osayi Izedonmwen, said that dolomite is one of Nigeria’s mineral resources with huge deposits in Edo State that can boost Nigeria’s non-oil revenue, create jobs and diversify the economy.

“Import substitution is our end goal. We foresee a future in which Nigeria will no longer need to import calcium carbonates because of the high-quality calcium carbonates produced at IzeCarb.

“In our first phase of operation, which should span about six months, we intend to help bridge the gap in local demand, and within one year, scale our production to 200,000 metric tons annually.

“Furthermore, we have bold ambitions to grow our production capacity to 1 million metric

tons within three years to serve Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region,” Izedonmwen said. The Managing Director/ CEO, Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, who was represented by the bank’s south-south regional manager, Mr. Babatunde Ajala commended IzeCarb for the remarkable self-funded project. The Bank of Industry committed to supporting the company’s future expansion to enable it to actualise its dream of import substitution.

“In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, at the Bank of Industry, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that foster economic diversification, import substitution, industrial growth and innovation,” he said.

Role of Quantity Surveyors Crucial in Nigeria’s Infrastructural Development, Says NIQS President

Bennett Oghifo

President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), QS Kene C Nzekwe, FNIQS, has said that they play a pivotal role in the development and growth of Nigeria.

Nzekwe stated this during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, at the governor’s office in Port Harcourt, recently.

The NIQS president and his team were in in Rivers State to hold their Annual General Meeting tagged “Garden City 2024”, and this event holds alongside a National Conference of the Institute. The theme was, “Strengthening the Quantity Surveying

Practices and Processes for Growth and Sustainability in a Turbulent Economy”. According to him, “The development and growth of any country or state is highly dependent on her level of infrastructure development and the commitment of the leadership to continue to ensure infrastructure delivery. To this end, I would like to use this occasion of our visit to commend His Excellency the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his laudable developmental strides such as the ongoing construction project of the Port Harcourt Ring Road. The magnitude of this project traversing six

local government areas of the state is a statement that the Governor desires that development quickly reaches every nook and cranny of the state. It is also difficult to miss the numerous road projects completed within this young administration, the funds channelled to health and education infrastructure, and the increase in internally generated revenue for the state. These instances are all evidence of the commendable efforts of your government thus far. Your dexterity for economic diversity and inclusion through agriculture and foreign direct investment is worthy of note.”

He said a country like

Nigeria, where infrastructure development is crucial for economic prosperity and

societal well-being, and with the apparent interest of your government to develop infra-

structure in various sectors, the role of quantity surveyors cannot be overstated.

L-R : Deputy Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Group, Mrs Ichechi Okonkwo; Group Managing Director, Nedcomoaks Group, Dr Kennedy Okonkwo; Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; and other guests at the 20th Anniversary of Nedcomoaks Group Awards and Dinner ceremony in Lagos… recently

L-R: Edo State Manager, Bank of Industry, Mr Chris Omondiagbe; Director, Izedon Carbonates, Mrs Taiye Osayi-Izedonmwen; Chairman and Founder, Izedon Carbonates, Mr Osayi Izedonmwen; Chairman, Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Honourable Tajudeen Suleman; and Regional Manager, South-South, Bank of Industry, Mr Babatunde Ajala at the launch of Izedon Carbonates Calcium Carbonates Production Plant in Lampese, Edo State… recently

L-R; NIQS Deputy President, QS Dr. Aminu Bashir; Assistant Secretary General, QS Olajide Olamilokun; NIQS President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe; Secretary Professional Development & Library, QS Abdulkadir S. Rasheed; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Rivers State Chapter Chairman, QS Jamaibi Numbere; Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria President, QS Obafemi Onashile; Rivers State Chapter General Secretary, QS Timothy Green; QS Murtala Aliyu; and QS Chief Emmanuel Asawo, during a courtesy visit to the governor…recently

LCCI Projects 3% GDP Growth, Task FG on Medium-term Growth Plan

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has projected that Nigeria would record a positive GDP growth in 2024 that would be above 3.0 per cent.

This was declared by the President of LCCI, Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, during the chamber’s 136 Annual General Meeting (AGM), where he tasked the federal government on medium-term growth plan that would promote economic growth.

Idahosa said: “We believe the economy will end the current year 2024 in a positive growth territory in the region of 3.0 per cent and 4.0 percent. Achieving faster recovery requires the fiscal and monetary sides of the economy to promote growth-enhancing and confidence-building policies

that would encourage private capital flows to the economy.”

He added: “Fiscal and monetary authorities need to develop a medium-term growth plan anchored on boosting local production, supporting ease of doing business, attracting private investment, developing infrastructure, business-friendly regulatory policies, economic diversification, and employment generation.”

He stated that Nigeria is currently running a business environment that is very difficult for businesses to thrive with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy rate at 27.25 percent, inflation over 34 percent, an exchange rate above N1660 per Dollar, and an unemployment rate at 5.3 percent.

He said that this has resulted in the decline of the productivity of the private sector, which

dropped 46.9 in November 2024 from 49.8 it recorded in October 2024, “representing the most pronounced deterioration in business conditions since March 2023 as reported in the Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigeria PMI. The latest reading pointed to the fourth consecutive month of contraction in the index, marking the most significant decline since March 2023.”

Idahosa also observed that the largest amount of capital importation that has been so far recorded in 2024 was received through portfolio investment, which accounted for 53.93 per cent ($1,404.70 million).

“The concern here is that FDIs (at a low of 1.15 per cent) are more valuable than the other types of investment inflows. We need more FDIs to create jobs and increase output in the economy,” Idahosa said.

ASSIBIFI President Underscores Impact of Banking Sector Recapitalisation

The President of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSIBIFI), Mr Olusoji Oluwole, has said that the body will actively engage stakeholders to safeguard workers’ welfare as the banking sector recapitalisation exercise progresses.

Oluwole, who spoke on the sideline of a capacity building for Business Editors in Lagos, also advocated fair compensation package for the sector’s workforce.

He emphasised the significance of the recapitalisation on the members due to the wave of mergers and

acquisitions sweeping the industry.

Oluwole described as inevitable, consolidation of the banking landscape which would make some players as dominant actors.

“While this may lead to increased demand for specialised skills in certain areas, it also raises concerns about potential job displacement for employees in overlapping roles. The focus for ASSIBIFI is to ensure a smooth and equitable transition for all employees affected by these mergers and acquisitions,” he added.

He stressed the importance of communication and pro-

active engagement with all stakeholders, especially in matters involving workers union.

Recognising the potentials of role duplication in merged entities, Oluwole stressed the need to prioritise the placement of affected employees within the new organisational structure.

This, according to him, includes advocate for appropriate compensation packages that reflect the increased capital base of the merged entity and the relevant regulatory frameworks governing such transitions.

APM Terminals Apapa Hits New Milestone for Truck Visits

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal has said that it recorded a new milestone as regards servicing of trucks that visit the terminal.

In a statement signed by the Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, the terminal announced that it had handled an impressive 32,945 gate volumes through 20,856 truck visits, for the month of November. The truck visits include import deliveries, empties and export gate-in of containers.

Steen Knudsen said, “This is a new record achieved for gate volumes and truck visits since the inception of our operations in 2006. This achievement is a testament to the success of our recent transformation and optimization initiatives.

“Since 2020, the terminal has been undergoing a total transformation of its infrastruc-

NGX

ture, operations, equipment, services and manpower development. These changes has enabled the terminal grow its volumes and expand its capacity. It is a testament of our commitment to continually innovate and optimise our services and processes to meet the demand of the market and our customers.”

In the last few months, the terminal has announced several major changes to their operations and services. This includes expanded barge slots, a new booking app, and enhanced rail services for smoother logistics. This is in addition to an expanded yard capacity to accommodate a further 2,400 TEUs of export cargo and the creation of extended gate access and dedicated export lanes to reduce turnaround times for

export containers.

Thanking the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Customs Service for their unwavering support, Steen said, “This historic accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support and collaboration of our esteemed partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these authorities for standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us and playing an integral role in this success.

“Our latest milestone highlights the tangible results of embedding a Lean culture across our operations. By continuously optimizing processes, we are creating seamless opportunities for our valued customers while fostering a robust ecosystem for truck and cargo flow.”

Inducts 86 Dealing Clerks, Urges Commitment to Professional Growth

Kayode Tokede

Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yesterday inducted 86 newly qualified Authorized Dealing Clerks.

The inductees, representing several trading firms, were commended for their achievement after successfully completing the Nigerian Exchange’s rigorous Automated Trading System (ATS) Brokers’ Certification program, a 15-day training that equips them with

comprehensive knowledge of capital market operations.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of NGX, Mr. Jude Chiemeka congratulated the new clerks and highlighted the significance of their achievement. “On behalf of the Board and Executive Management of NGX, I would like to extend my congratulations to all today’s inductees. This induction marks the culmination of your hard work, dedication, and the

MARKET INDICATORS

knowledge you have gained through the ATS training,” said Mr. Chiemeka. “This milestone not only confirms your qualifications to practice as Authorized Dealing Clerks but also signifies your commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in the Nigerian capital market.”

Chiemeka also stressed the importance of professionalism and the adherence to the regulatory frameworks that underpin NGX’s operations.

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

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

Aradel Holdings Acquires 5.14% Stake in Chappal Energies Mauritius

Kayode Tokede

Aradel Holdings Plc, yesterday announced on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 5.14per cent equity interest in Chappal Energies Mauritius Limited.

Chappal is an energy company focusing on investments in deep value and brownfield upstream opportunities within Africa.

Commenting on the deal, the MD/CEO, Aradel Holdings, Mr. Adegbite Falade, stated that: “this acquisition is in line with diversifying our asset base, deepening our gas competences and gaining access to offshore basins using low risk approaches.

“We recognise the strategic role of gas in Nigeria’s energy future and are happy to expand our equity holding in this critical resource.

“We are committed to

the cause of developing the significant value inherent in the assets, which will be extremely beneficial to the country. Aradel hopes to bring its proven execution competencies to bear in supporting Chappal’s development of these opportunities.”

Company Secretary & Group General Counsel, Aradel Holdings, Titilola Omisore in a statement stated that Chappal early in the month announced the acquisition of Equinor

Nigeria Energy Company Limited (ENEC), which holds a 53.85 per cent ownership in oil and gas lease OML 128, including the unitised 20.21per cent stake in the Agbami oil field, operated by Chevron. According to Omisore statement, since production started in 2008, the Agbami field has produced more than one billion barrels of oil, creating value for the Nigerian society and the various stakeholders. As

part of the deal, Chappal will assume the operatorship of OML 129, which includes several significant prospects and undeveloped discoveries (Nnwa, Bilah and Sehki).

“The Nnwa discovery is part of the giant Nnwa-Doro field, a major gas resource with significant potential to deliver value for Nigeria.

“In a separate transaction, on the 17th of July 2024, Chappal and Total Energies announced that they had

signed an SPA for the acquisition by Chappal of 10per cent of the SPDC JV. The relevant parties to this transaction are working towards closing out this transaction and Ministerial Approval and NNPC consent to accede to the Joint Operating Agreement have been obtained,” the statement added. Aradel Holdings gained 7.53 per cent yesterday to close on the Exchange at N500 per share from N465 per share the stock price opened for trading.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF DECEMBER 11/24

HealtH & lifestyle

An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic Story through the Lens of the Ihekweazu’s

The book, ‘An Imperfect Storm: A Pandemic and the Coming of Age of a Nigerian Institution’ is a gripping memoir that recounts the pandemic’s impact on Nigeria through the eyes of the former Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Director-General, and Assistant Director General of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, and his wife Vivianne. Sunday Ehigiator writes that the book launch was graced by several notable dignitaries

‘An Imperfect Storm’ is a riveting memoir that delves into the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic through the personal lenses of Dr Ihekweazu and his wife Vivianne.

This gripping narrative masterfully weaves together personal anecdotes, public health insights, and leadership lessons, creating a thrilling ride that captivates readers from start to finish.

The book which was recently launched at the Alliance Francaise, in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State, chronicles their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique blend of personal story and public health thriller.

With 27 chapters divided into four parts, the book takes readers on a journey from the author’s childhood to his leadership role at NCDC, highlighting his devotion, passion, and strategic planning.

Through the pages of ‘An Imperfect Storm’, readers witness the transformation of the NCDC from a fledgling institution to a robust public health agency, capable of responding to the pandemic’s challenges. Dr. Ihekweazu’s leadership philosophy, strategic planning, and collaborative approach are on full display, providing valuable lessons for leaders and professionals in various fields.

The memoir also dispels pandemic-related conspiracies, addresses the interface of politics and policy, and highlights the consonance between clinicians and academics. Dr. Ihekweazu’s personal story, intertwined with the pandemic’s narrative, creates a compelling tale of love, fear, faith, service, and patriotism.

Supports

The book enjoyed a great level of support and recommendations from a diverse array of esteemed individuals from various fields, including Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; the Director-General, of World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Others include the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr Akin Abayomi; and President and Founder of Anap Foundation & Chairman of the Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, Atedo Peterside; Director of UNAIDS, China Office, Dr Erasmus Morah; US Global AIDS Coordinator, Dr John Nkengasong; among other distinguished guests.

This gathering of luminaries was a testament to the significance of the occasion, as they all came together to share insights on the critical issues highlighted by the couple in the book, and therefore recommended the book to everyone.

Osinbajo: An Important Piece of History

In his recommendation, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof Osinbajo described the book as an important piece of Nigeria’s history.

According to him, “The word epidemic is a common one in our lexicon, but most people have never experienced one. All that changed in December 2019 when rumours of a ‘pneumonia-like illness’ began to circulate from Wuhan, China.

“While many around the world may not have ignored it, an infectious disease epidemiologist on a Christmas break in Amaigbo, South-eastern Nigeria recognised a potential warning sign.

“Before that day, a journey of detours, discovery and destiny began for Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, a path that led him to become the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“The work to build the NCDC into an institution of repute was complex and challenging. Each step, initiative, staff hire, and resource allocation contributed to Nigeria’s ability to respond to an unprecedented global event, a pandemic not witnessed at this scale in over a hundred years.

“COVID-19 was not just any outbreak, but a seismic shift in world affairs and history, leaving a lasting effect on lives, the economy, health, information dissemination, politics, and ideological systems.

“This book explores a phenomenon never before witnessed on a grand scale and in small details. It

is a book about the love of humanity, the power of family, of hope, resilience, and collaboration. It is Chikwe and Vivianne Ihekweazu’s account, but also an important piece of history.

“This book serves as a reminder of the highs, lows, and unwavering spirit that enabled our country’s response to an unprecedented global crisis.”

Ghebreyesus: A True Testament of Collaborative Efforts, Leadership

In his address, WHO’s Director-General, Ghebreyesus, described the book as a true testament to collaborative efforts, leadership, and the unwavering spirit that influenced an entire nation facing a global crisis

“This book provides a compelling narrative of Nigeria’s COVID-19 response, as told through Chikwe’s unique lens as DG of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

“I commend this book for its exploration of Nigeria’s resilient response—a true testament to collaborative efforts, leadership, and the unwavering spirit that influenced an entire nation facing a global crisis.

“I recommend this book to leaders across the world aspiring to strengthen their country’s health security, as it provides valuable insights to navigate health challenges.”

Okonjo-Iweala: A Fascinating Journey

In her recommendations, WTO’s DirectorGeneral, Okonjo-Iweala described the book as a fascinating journey through multiple facets of Nigeria’s national and global public health landscape. According to her, “An Imperfect Storm is a riveting account of the battle against COVID-19 by one of Nigeria’s frontline heroes in that battle, Chikwe Ihekweazu and his wife and partner Vivianne.

“But the book is much more than that. It is also a fascinating journey through multiple facets of the national and global public health landscape. Told through a personal and biographical lens that weaves in the couple’s love story, it is a read that once started is difficult to put down.

“I strongly recommend it to all those seeking to learn more about infectious disease control and management whilst enjoying a compelling narrative.”

Prof Abayomi: Synergy, Vigilance, Key to Mitigating Biological Shocks

In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Abayomi, emphasised the importance of synergy among all stakeholders, vigilance, and documenting lessons from experiences with biological shocks, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is important that we document these kinds of activities and learn from our experiences. Of all the shocks, the biological shock is one you can preemptively create a strategy to mitigate its impact and luckily for us in Lagos, we had experienced the outbreak of Ebola at that time.

“It is important that as a sub-region and country, we can know what biological shock is and how we mitigate the effect as government and civil societies.

“We documented a bit of what happened in Lagos but I haven’t dared to go back to look at it because I don’t want to trigger my PTSD.

“At the end of the day, I want to congratulate you, I am sure you put a lot of work into it. When you quit your position in Germany, I knew you were going to recover and put your thoughts in pen and paper.

“This is an important document that we must all read, lest we go into a stage of laxity.”

Peterside: Apt Title for a Heroic Effort

On his side, the President and Founder of Anap Foundation & Chairman of the Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, Atedo Peterside, who also delivered the keynote address at the event, said the book title was apt for the heroic efforts of a few patriotic people during the Covid-19 pandemic era in Nigeria.

According to him, “An Imperfect Storm is such an apt title for the heroic efforts of a few patriots like Chikwe Ihekweazu who had to guide Nigeria through what many feared would be a monumental COVID-19 crisis.

My husband, Chikwe, would often come home late at night, sharing stories and experiences from his work. I started writing them down, documenting his journey in a small notebook. It wasn’t a formal approach, but rather a cathartic exercise, journaling what was happening as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic. We knew we had to tell our story, or someone else would. We thought, ‘We need to put this into some kind of narrative.’ And so, we began to document our experiences, hoping to share them with others one day

“The book is also about public health. In terms of public health, you cannot do it alone. If you are carrying out surgery as a Medical Doctor you can do it alone because you are in charge. But when it comes to dealing with over 200 million people, who live in different directions and locations, you cannot do it alone.

“Why am I saying this, there are many people in this country, especially among the elites, who have the status to pick up the phone to call the Chief of Staff, President, NCDC boss, or Lagos State Health Commissioner, but will never use that status for a national advantage or national benefit, but rather use it to get a contract for themselves.

“Public health is not something that citizens can remove themselves from and expect very good results.”

The Author’s Experiences, Inspiration

During a panel session hosted by Arise TV Presenter Ayo Mairo-Ese at the book launch event, Dr. Ihekweazu shared his inspiration for writing the book, saying:

“This book isn’t about me or my team; it’s about the dedicated Nigerians I worked with. The professor who diagnosed Nigeria’s first COVID-19 case is here today, and his story is in the book. It’s about the unsung heroes working tirelessly for our country every day. Their stories need to be told.”

Dr. Ihekweazu reflected on his career journey, from working at international organizations outside Nigeria to returning to Nigeria and joining NCDC. He described the challenges he faced, including finding that staff members lacked job descriptions.

“I didn’t criticize, but we had to start from scratch. I asked the staff what they did, and many didn’t know. It was like we recruited our best talent into public service and then abandoned them. I felt we had failed them, not the other way around. My goal was to help them find their purpose.”

Dr Ihekweazu emphasised that public sector colleagues are like everyone else, wanting to thrive and make a difference. He highlighted the unique energy and potential of Nigerians, saying, “Once we activated and believed in our team, they started achieving. It’s not about being special; it’s about unlocking the potential that’s already there.”

Also sharing her experience, his wife and Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu noted, “My husband, Chikwe, would often come home late at night, sharing stories and experiences from his work.

“I started writing them down, documenting his journey in a small notebook. It wasn’t a formal approach, but rather a cathartic exercise, journaling what was happening as we navigated the challenges of the pandemic.

“We knew we had to tell our story, or someone else would. We thought, ‘We need to put this into some kind of narrative.’ And so, we began to document our experiences, hoping to share them with others one day.

“When Chikwe was appointed DirectorGeneral of NCDC, it was a surprise. We were living in South Africa at the time, and I was working. He received the news over a series of phone calls, and we had to move to Abuja quickly. It was a whirlwind experience, but we were determined to make it work.

“As we settled into our new life in Abuja, I continued working on health communications, while also building our lives and supporting Chikwe in his new role.

“Nigeria Health Watch, an organization Chikwe co-founded, was another passion project that I became involved in. Using my background in communications and health, I helped shape the organisation’s message and advocacy efforts.

“When Chikwe moved to NCDC, it accelerated my role in Nigeria Health Watch. Today, we have a staff of over 40 and continue to work with partners, advocating for policies to improve the health sector.

“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. But I know that there’s still much work to be done, and I’m committed to continuing our advocacy efforts to create a better health system for all Nigerians.”

The Book Cover

L-R: Product Manager, Fiducia Data Services Limited, Temitope Okunmuyide; Technology Lead, Fiducia Data Services Limited, Ndubisi Ekeh; Chief Operating Officer, Fiducia Data Services Limited, Chukwuka Amadife; Promoter/Director, M1 Group, Sundeep Mohindru; Director of Marketing, M1 Group, Neeru Mohindru; and Director, Partnerships (Domestic + Global), M1 Group, Akshay Babbar, at the signing of their landmark partnership to expand access to digital financing solutions for SMEs across Africa and the Caribbean, held in India… recently

L-R: Stockbroker, Bunmi Ajayi; Financial Journalist,  Normah Awoh; Chairman, NGX Group Plc, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; first Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Fiona Ahimie; Stockbroker, Sam Ndata; acting Managing Director, NGX Real Estate, Gabriel Igbeka; and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Jude Chiemeka, during a Special Session for late Mrs. Josephine Ahmed, the mother of Fiona Ahimie, held in Lagos… recently

Chief Operations Officer, PressPayNg, Mr. Gamaliel Tanimomo; Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Timothy Afolabi; and the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Abiola Metilelu, during the celebration of the third year anniversary of PressPayNg, held in Abuja... recently

L-R: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services/Director, Environmental Education Unit, Lagos State, Mrs. Monsurat Banire; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Mohamood Adegbite; state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; Reckitt Category Manager, Hygiene, Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Asim Naz; and the guest lecturer, Prof. Basirat Oladipupo-Folarin, during the Lagos State 2024 World Toilet Day celebration in partnership with Reckitt in Lagos… recently

Bleach , Loveth Obeten; and Assistant Brand Manager, Hypo Homecare, Olamide Olopade, during the World Toilet Day celebration in Lagos… recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Open Access Data Centres, Ayotunde Coker; Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Airtel Africa, Harmanpreet Dhillon; Country Lead, Dell Technologies Nigeria, Abimbola Owoeye; and Chief Executive Officer/Lead Consultant, Edniesal Consulting Limited and Convener, The CIO & C-SUITE Awards Africa, Abiola Laseinde, receiving an award during the CIO & C-Suite Awards Africa ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Lagos… recently

L-R:

L-R: Area Marketing Manager, Hypo Bleach, Mr. Obinna Nwokoye; Area Marketing Manager, Hypo Toilet Cleaner, Ekechi Janet;  Social Media Influence, Bukunmi AdeagaIlori (Kiekie); Marketing Supervisor, Hypo

NUPRC: Nigeria Achieved over 99% OPEC Oil Quota, Hit 1.485m bpd in November

Again, oil producers’ group cuts demand for 2025

Emmanuel

Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s crude oil production recorded an improvement in November, with the country just less than 1 per cent away from meeting its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output of 1.5 million barrels per day.

Latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which aligned with information gleaned from OPEC’s Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) yesterday, indicated that last month Nigeria produced 1.485 million bpd.

It was, on the average, Nigeria’s highest volume of crude oil, excluding condensates drilled so far this year.

In January this year, which hitherto had the highest crude oil production, Nigeria’s oil output was 1.42 million bpd.

In February, Nigeria recorded 1.32 million bpd; 1.23 million bpd

in March; 1.28 million bpd in April; 1.25 million bpd in May and 1.27 million bpd in June.

Besides, in July, the country’s OPEC oil production was 1.3 million bpd; in August, it was 1.35 million bpd; 1.32 million bpd in September; 1.33 million bpd in October and then 1.48 million bpd in November.

Since about Q2 of 2020, Nigeria has not met its OPEC oil quota, a challenge it blamed on massive oil theft in the Niger Delta, waning investment in the sector, outright sabotage as well as deteriorating infrastructure.

The country’s persistent failure to meet its OPEC oil production allocation forced the global oil producers’ group to gradually slash Nigeria’s quota from about 1.8 million bpd previously. But for the month of November, when condensates which are outside OPEC computation are added, Nigeria’s oil production, rose by

almost 10 per cent to 1.69 million bpd, up from 1.538 million bpd recorded in October.

Although a huge improvement, it was still a shortfall compared to the 1.78 million bpd crude oil production budget benchmark for the outgoing year.

Also, condensates production declined slightly from 204,828 bpd in November from 204,806 bpd in October.

Also, yesterday OPEC cut oil demand growth forecasts for this year and next for a fifth straight month, making its deepest reduction to the 2024 outlook so far after agreeing to extend its supply curbs.

It chopped projections for consumption growth in 2024 by 210,000 barrels a day to 1.6 million barrels a day, according to the monthly report. It has slashed projections by 27 per cent since July as it belatedly recognised

the deteriorating market picture.

Last week, the OPEC+ alliance led by Saudi Arabia and Russia agreed for a third time to delay plans to restart halted crude production, while also slowing the pace of increases once they do begin next year. The first in a scheduled series of hikes was postponed to April from January.

Oil prices have declined 17 per cent since early July as China falters and supply from OPEC’s rivals in the Americas booms. Brent futures are trading near $73 a barrel, too low for many countries in the coalition to cover government spending.

OPEC’s Vienna-based secretariat said the revision takes “into account recently received bearish data” for the third quarter,” including “downward revisions to OECD Americas and OECD Asia Pacific.”

Despite the slew of downgrades, OPEC’s forecasts remain significantly

NATIONAL POWER GRID COLLAPSES AGAIN, 12TH TIME THIS YEAR ALONE

the frequent grid collapses plaguing the national electricity supply chain.

This was as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, blamed substandard electrical materials for partly responsible for the incessant national grid collapses in the country.

A tweet via the official handle of Nigeria’s National Grid confirmed that the grid collapsed at about 2:09 pm yesterday.

“The major grid setback has occurred and the restoration is to commence,” the handler wrote.

Some of the distribution companies (Discos) confirmed the development in separate notices to their customers via their X handles.

For instance, Jos Disco in its statement, noted that the grid collapsed around 1:33 pm, leading to the loss of power supply to its feeders.

“We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored back to normalcy,” Head of Corporate Communications at Jos Disco, Dr. Friday Elijah, stated in the notice to customers.

Eko Disco also confirmed the grid collapse in its power update to its customers, posted on its X handle.

The company stated, "Dear valued customer, kindly be informed there was a reported case of system dis-

turbance on 11th December, 2024 at 13.32hrs which has resulted to a loss of power supply across our networks.

"We are currently working with our partners as we hope for speedy restoration of the grid. We will keep you updated as soon as power supply is restored. Kindly bear with us."

Ikeja Electric also informed its customers of the grid collapse in a statement posted on X.

"Dear esteemed customers, please be informed that we experienced a system outage today 11 December, 2024 at 13.32hrs affecting supply within our network.

"Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our critical stakeholders. Kindly bear with us."

Also informing its customers, Abuja Disco wrote, "Dear esteemed customers, we wish you inform you that a system occurred on the national grid at 13.32pm today causing power outage across our franchise areas.

"While the gradual restoration of power supply has commenced, be assured that we are coordinating closely with relevant stakeholders to restore power fully as soon as the grid is stabilised."

The cause of the grid collapse was yet to be made known as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was yet to provide such information as of the time of filing

this report.

Meanwhile, Adelabu assured Nigerians that the country’s power grid would achieve significant stability with the completion of phase one of the Siemens project.

Speaking yesterday, after a closeddoor meeting with German officials during the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the State House, Abuja, the Minister stressed the reasonable progress being made under the bilateral energy partnership between Nigeria and Germany.

Adelabu disclosed that the pilot phase of the project, which started after the signing of an agreement at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, was nearing completion.

According to him, 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations have been imported, installed, and mostly inaugurated, adding 750 megawatts to the transmission grid’s capacity.

The remaining units are expected to be inaugurated before the end of year 2024, further increasing the grid’s capacity by an additional 150 megawatts.

The Minister emphasised that the pilot phase's success has laid the groundwork for the commencement of phase one, which includes the rehabilitation of 14 existing substations and the establishment of 23

new substations across the country.

He explained that the commercial aspects of the initial batch of phase one have been finalised, pending a no-objection approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and subsequent presentation to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Adelabu stressed the importance of the Siemens project in addressing the fragility of Nigeria’s outdated and dilapidated grid.

He was optimistic that the planned interventions would transform the grid, ensuring long-term stability and reliability in power supply.

"The name of the game now is about cooperation, collaboration and partnership and the flagship of this bilateral relationship has to do with what we call the Siemens project, which is our PPI, where Siemens is actually implementing the brownfield and greenfield transmission substations of the PPI.

"Since the signing of the agreement in Dubai at COP 28 in December 2023, we have made significant progress. We have completed the pilot phase of this project, up to 80 percent.

"This involves the importation, the installation and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 power mobile substations; they've been imported, they've been installed, and lots of them have been com-

TINUBU TO STEINMEIER: OUR BUSINESS DOORS ARE OPEN, OUR REFORMS WORKING VERY WELL

tion's commitment to fostering a stronger and more rewarding partnership between Nigeria and Germany.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the German President, at the State House, Abuja, the president emphasised the importance of building robust relationship beneficial to both countries.

"It was a very good bilateral discussion. I could see from the previous meeting, earlier today that our businessmen and policy makers are very anxious to do business with Germany.

"Mine is to continue to give you assurances that our business doors are open and reforms are working very well. These business ranking, that's what we have discussed.

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s openness to international business partnerships and assured him that ongoing economic reforms were designed to create a favorable environment for foreign investments.

He noted the readiness of both Nigerian and German policymakers as well as business leaders to deepen collaboration, evidenced by prior engagements earlier in the day.

Tinubu also underscored his government’s efforts to enhance business rankings and create frameworks for mutual prosperity.

He expressed optimism about strengthening both people-to-people connections and government-level facilitation of economic opportunities.

Speaking further at a joint press conference at the end of the bilateral meetings, Tinubu said, "We plan to strengthen the relationship and

build partnership that is fulfilling and rewarding to the two countries, people-to-people relationship, and government-to-government facilitation of opportunities and prosperity."

President Steinmeier, on his part, lauded the ongoing economic reforms in Nigeria, commended Tinubu's leadership and the citizens' for their perseverance.

The German president, who spoke both in the English and German languages, pledged support for the Nigerian government to further boost the nation's economy and cushion the effects of the economic challenges confronting the country.

Steinmeier recalled the German experience on previous economic crisis and identified courage and perseverance as boosters for realising economic transformation in any nation of the world.

"It is not easy. It was the experience in Germany many years ago, when Germany was in a deep economic crisis. You need a lot of courage and perseverance that would be to the benefit of your country

"I and everybody in German politics are following your courageous steps and we will support you. Germany will support you on the ongoing reforms in Nigeria," he said.

Earlier, Tinubu had said the interest and welfare of the citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger remained priority for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring his visitors that wisdom and diplomacy would make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission.

Tinubu noted that the leadership

of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates.

“Our relationship of mutual respect will continue as we reappraise the situation in the three countries. What I can assure you is that we will not give tolerance to unconstitutional government.

“We will continue to lead by example. We have innocent citizens, who are victims of the military. We will continue to explore diplomatic channels to navigate without punishing the innocent people.

"We will continue to allow free movement and trade. Though the transition programme is not sure or certain, we will not punish the innocent citizens; they are not in possession of power,” he said.

He told the German leader that the regional body would leave her door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

“This is what ECOWAS will stand for. Whatever is happening in the countries, we are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens. I don’t want to personalise issues

as ECOWAS Chairman. We will leave the door for collaboration,” the president added.

Responding, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries would have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast.

“We will talk bilateral and regional issues. We just had a meeting with the President of ECOWAS Commission. We know how important it is to have regional cooperation. We are part of the European Union.

“For Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, there are serious security and economic consequences for not carrying on together. We understand why ECOWAS security members are insisting on diplomacy.

“It is not easy but you will need to use your diplomacy to keep the commission and the region together.

“While you are using diplomatic means to bring Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to rethink their position, you should have emergency plans in place for future economic cooperation,” the German president advised.

higher than most others in the oil industry, and at odds with actual data for consumption this year, a Bloomberg report said.

The alliance’s growth projections for 2024 are roughly double those of Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., and considerably above the International Energy Agency in Paris.

They’re even significantly higher than estimates from Saudi Arabia’s state oil company, Aramco.

OPEC predicts that oil consumption will average 103.82 million barrels a day this year. It lowered growth estimates for 2025 by 90,000 barrels a day to 1.4 million barrels a day.

The failure to accurately estimate oil demand this year casts further doubt on OPEC’s long-term expectation that oil consumption will keep growing to the middle of the century — a minority view even within the petroleum industry.

missioned. We have just about two left to be commissioned before the end of the year.

"The positive impact of this is that it has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity, which is why the relative stability that we are seeing in the grid today is the direct positive impact of the pilot stage completion.

"We believe that before end of the year, additional 150 megawatts capacity is going to be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase.

"So we are officially entering into the phase one stage of this project, which involves rehabilitation of 14 brownfield existing substations and the establishment of 23 new greenfield stations across the length and breadth of this country.

"So the first stage or Batch 1 of this phase one stage has already been concluded in terms of the commercials. What we're expecting now is a no-objection approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement, after which I'm going to present it at FEC,” he explained.

Speaking further, he said: "Once presented at FEC, and we will finalise the financing arrangement, enter into the phase one. We are quite confident from the satisfaction that we got from the completion of the pilot stage.

"When we are done with the phase one project in the transmission, the entire grid will not remain the same, and that's why we are telling Nigerians that this is a very old grid. It's quite fragile and it's dilapidating.

"We need to revamp the entire grid for us to be sure of stability going forward. That is the Presidential Power Initiative."

Adelabu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, emphasising the role of renewable energy in the country’s energy transition plan.

He highlighted Nigeria’s renewable energy potential and ongoing collaboration with Germany.

He noted that Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, including over 10 hours of daily sunshine across 30 states, desert and coastal winds, and more than 300 underutilised dams, present vast opportunities for renewable energy development.

The Minister stressed that Germany’s advanced technology, combined with Nigeria’s natural advantages, provides a strong foundation for energy transformation.

Highlighting new infrastructure developments such as the LagosCalabar coastal highway and the Badagry-Sokoto road, Adelabu explained that these projects would

FOR DENIGRATING NIGERIA, YOU CAN DROP KEMI FROM

YOUR

and

enhance access to renewable energy resources, including offshore wind and hydroelectric power from previously inaccessible dams.

He also outlined plans to implement a distributed power model, which would enable each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to have localized power generation. This approach, the Minister said, would shield states from disruptions on the national grid while ensuring expanded energy access, particularly in rural areas and isolated institutions such as schools and hospitals.

While no new agreements were signed during the meeting, the Minister said discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of existing agreements under the bilateral energy partnership.

In the meantime, the Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria, yesterday expressed deep concern over the frequent grid collapses plaguing the national electricity supply chain.

The Chairman of the Forum, Eka Williams in statement stated, ''Today’s incident underscores the urgent need for sustainable and decentralised solutions to ensure uninterrupted power supply for all Nigerians.”

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Chairman further stated: “The recurrence of grid collapses disrupts lives and businesses, creating far-reaching economic and social consequences.

“As Commissioners of Power and Energy from across Nigeria, we are united in addressing this challenge with pragmatic and state-driven solutions.”

The Chairman highlighted some of the key outcomes and recommendations from the Forum’s recent meeting to include: “States are intensifying efforts to establish and operationalise state electricity markets as a critical step toward decentralising the power sector.” This approach, he said allows states to enhance generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure tailored to their unique needs.

On enhancing grid stability, the Commissioners advocated for the development of grid systems within their territories to complement the national grid.

According to the forum, ''This approach enhances localised reliability and reduces the cascading effects of a grid collapse. While pursuing decentralisation, states are advocating for collaborative measures with the federal government to stabilise the national grid. “This includes investments in modern grid technology,

Continued on page 35

NAME, SHETTIMA TELLS BADENOCH

a child of the 80s. I was born in London, but I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria – a place where almost everything seemed broken.”

She added: “I watched my family become poor as their wealth, income and savings were inflated away by destructive government policies. They didn’t call it socialism – but it definitely was.

“Capital controls, no freedom of movement, government owning the means of production. There was no freedom either, the government deciding which school your child would go to, deciding what businesses could or could not operate all the way to arrests with no trial, state-sanctioned murder.”

in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, The Telegraph said.

It is unclear to which comments of Badenoch’s Shettima was referring in his speech on migration

He added: “She is entitled to her own opinions; she has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria.” Badenoch was born Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke in Wimbledon, south London, after her Nigerian parents travelled to the UK to receive private healthcare. Her family then returned to Nigeria, before Badenoch returned in 1996 aged 16 to study A-Levels while working part time in a McDonald’s restaurant. She married her husband, an investment manager, Hamish Badenoch, in 2012.

AT THE ICONIC BRANDS AWARDS...

L-R: Group CEO, SO&U Saatchi & Saatchi, Mr. Udeme Ufot; Group CEO, Prima Garnet Africa, Mr. Akinlolu Akinwunmi; CEO, FITC, Dr. (Mrs) Chizor Malize; Dr. Didi Awosika, and Group Managing Director, Cosse TTL, Mr. Funmi Onabolu, at the maiden edition of the Iconic Brands and Legends of Marketing Communications Awards on Tuesday, where Akinwunmi bagged the Lifetime Achievement Award, having spent over 40 years in the marketing communications industry

FG to Access World Bank's $500m Credit Facility to Boost Human Capital Devt

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator. Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday said the federal government was set to benefit from a $500 million loan from the World Bank for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) project in the country.

The minister disclosed this when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief for Nigeria, Mr. Axel Schimmelpfennig, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

He said the facility would increase the availability and effective financing for basic education and primary health care in the various states of the federation.

The fund would also enhance transparency and accountability for basic education and primary health care in addition to improving

recruitments, deployments and better performance management of teachers.

While appreciating the support of the World Bank, Bagudu stressed that the constitution remained the legal framework that provides the rules and procedures that guides the budget process. This, he said, further empowers the federal and state governments to make expenditures in the preceding year for the purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the government.

The minister pointed out that this expenditure could continue for a period not exceeding six months or until the coming into operation of the law as stipulated in Chapter 5, Part 2 Section 122 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Bagudu further explained that the reforms embarked upon by the

President Bola Tinubu’s administration were aimed at developing and implementing economic and tax reforms that will guarantee more functional Public Financial Management (PFM) systems in the country.

He said, “The economic reforms are necessary decisions to put the Nigerian economy on the right track.”

He assured the IMF team that though Nigeria was experiencing a number of challenges including hardship as a result of removal of fuel subsidy, floating of foreign exchange, electricity reforms that distributed citizens into bands, the country, nonetheless, remained on course to economic recovery.

The minister also appreciated the willingness of the IMF to support Nigeria and called for more support in the area of resource mobilisation

Umahi Meets BPP Chief, Seeks End to Delay in Projects Execution

As part of efforts to end delays in the implementation of road projects nationwide, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has opened discussions with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

A statement in Abuja by the minister’s spokesman, Uchenna Orji, said the parties harped on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery.

During the meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works, the minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the BPP.

He noted the core mandates of the bureau, which among others are to foster accountability, consistency in pricing, effectiveness in contract execution, and value for money.

Umahi urged the BPP to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the bureau.

He said: "We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the ministry to fast-track delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration.

“When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we

introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes.”

Besides, he pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

On his part, the Director General of the BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, assured the minister of enhanced synergies with the ministry so that the objectives of the President Bola Tinubu administration in the works sector would be achieved.

He said: “The interesting thing about you is that you don't fail in your duty, which I have observed. You start, you end with something that is unique about you, and you're passionate about what you want to do.

“ We were glad when you extended the invitation for us to come here. We know you see BPP as a worthy partner towards ensuring that Mr. President's objectives in respect of road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and well-accounted.”

He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to hear the challenges encountered by both parties, for a proper understanding

on how to work together to achieve the set goals.

“We place serious premium on closely working with you to ensure we deliver on the mandates in a way that value for money is achieved, in a way that sustainability of what we have on ground is improved upon and even the quality of the roads that we deliver,” he added.

from multinational partners for the government to provide developments in all sectors of the economy. Earlier, Schimmelpfennig said he was in the country to interact with the minister on the workings of the Nigerian budgeting process, with particular emphasis on the simultaneous implementation of the 2023/2024 budgets and supplementary budgets in the

same year in preparation for the publication of the World Bank's 2025 annual report.

He welcomed the tax reforms of the federal government as increased revenue generation will ensure more developments for Nigerian citizens. Schimmelpfennig, therefore, promised the country of more IMF support for Nigeria's developmental needs.

The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Vitalis Emeka Obi, briefed the team on the ministry’s role in coordinating Nigeria’s development planning and budgeting processes. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that 2025 promises to be a year of more rapid investments, according to a statement issued by the ministry's Director, Information, Mrs. Osagie Jacobs.

Steinmeier: We Have a Very Vivid Exchange of Artists with Nigeria

Seeks deeper relations between Germany and Nigeria

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The visiting German President, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier has described relations between his country and Nigerian as cordial, noting that beyond politics and economy there is also a cultural tie between the two nations.

Steinmeier, who spoke on the sidelines with Arise News during a cultural reception in Lagos on Wednesday, expressed happiness over the level of cultural exchanges between Germany and Nigeria.

While stating that his current visit is the third to Nigeria, the German President expressed desire to frequent his visit so as to know

more about Nigeria.

"This is my third visit to Nigeria", he said, just as he observed that "the relations between Germany and Nigeria are civil because they are not only based on politics and economy but also on culture".

Steinmeier further explained that German and Nigeria, "have a very very vivid exchange of artists" and "what we are seeing here is really a document of the variety of Nigerian artists and I'm really fascinated".

Speaking on the goals of his visit and what Nigerians should expect, Steinmeier observed that although he and President Bola Tinubu had already shed light on this earlier, he however expressed the desire of a

deeper relations between Germany and Nigeria.

"I think that is what the two Presidents, myself and the Nigerian president were expressing and explaining this morning during press conference, we are trying to deepen our relations and you know that cannot be done without the presence on both sides, so I was very happy to receive your president last year in Germany and I'm happy to be here again", he said .

Adding that in the meanwhile he was simply interested in knowing a little bit of Nigeria but, "I have to come very often in the future to know everything".

FG, Lagos Set Up Tripartite C’ttee to Resolve Perennial Land Issues

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Lagos state government have agreed to work together towards an amicable resolution of all pending issues around land administration in the State.

This, according to a statement last night by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Salisu Haiba, was a key outcome of the meeting between the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos yesterday.

Dangiwa was on a working visit to Lagos state where he visited the ministry’s field offices, including the Glass House which houses over 40 federal government's agencies, landed federal government properties and the former Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi

which is currently under dispute with the state government.

The minister and the governor agreed to set up a tripartite committee comprising the ministry, Lagos State Government and the Resort International Limited, who took over the complex and started work on it before the dispute.

The committee will review and assess all positions in order to solve the lingering dispute in a mutually beneficial manner to all the parties involved.

The minister used the opportunity of the courtesy visit to intimate the governor of the ministry’s efforts to provide decent and affordable houses to Nigerians and ensure urban development and slums upgrade.

Dangiwa commended the remarkable progress made by the state under the administration of Sanwo-Olu in delivering good governance and transforming Lagos

state into a beacon of progress and innovation.

He also appreciated the governor for providing land in Ibeju- Lekki area to the Ministry for the Renewed Hope City Project for which construction for 2,000 housing units is already ongoing, with expectation of the official groundbreaking by President Bola Tinubu early next year.

To foster an investment-friendly, smart, and sustainable environment in Lagos state, the minister sought the consideration of the governor on the need for harmonisation of federal and state regulatory activities, saying that building the synergy was crucial to attracting private sector investment, as well as ensuring sustainable urban development.

Dangiwa appealed to the governor for common ways to resolve the lingering lands problems with the federal government in Lagos state, which he said has been a concern.

He emphasised the significance of coming together to consolidate on the existing relationship between the federal government and Lagos state being the former seat of the government.

“The federal government and the Lagos State are partners in development and land administration. It is important for us to work together in the spirit of cooperation and understanding,” he said.

Besides, he expressed confidence that addressing the problems collaboratively will further strengthen the relationship between the two tiers of government, enhance urban development, and improve the lives of the people of the state. The minister was further delighted to state that Lagos State is the first to domesticate the National Building Code, further looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership between the Ministry and the state.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

James Emejo in Abuja

NBCC PRESIDENTIAL DINNER & AWARDS...

NHIA Registers 19.2m Nigerians in Health Insurance Scheme

2.4 million vulnerable persons funded under BHCPF N640 million paid by defaulting HMOs

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) said that enrollment in scheme has risen to 19.2 million as at Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

He said that NHIA has surpassed the presidential target in 2024, and is planning to add additional 20% in 2025, working with relevant stakeholders.

"In terms of coverage as you asked, there are 19.2 million people as of date that are covered. We expect those numbers to increase before the end of the year because we still have numbers coming in.

The Director General of the agency, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, who spoke to journalists during the end of year get-together in Abuja on Wednesday said that out of the registered persons, 2.4 million are vulnerable Nigerians being sponsored with money from the Basic Healthcare Provisions Fund (BHCPF).

“For the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, there are 2.4 million vulnerable Nigerians that are covered to date. We expect those numbers to also increase because of the reforms we're making to the guidelines of the BHCPF, " he said.

Regarding some of achievements made by the agency, Ohiri said the enrollment into the insurance scheme has increased by 14 percent in the last one year.

He said that as part of the objectives of this year's World Universal Health Coverage Day, the president launched the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

deadline in 2027. We took this on board, and we ran with that vision. That's why we have surpassed the trajectory that was set for us".

Ohiri also explained that NHIA is striving hard to ensure steady improvement in the services rendered to patients by the various health facilities under the insurance scheme.

According to him, NHIA has expanded the disease treatment coverage to also include critical health challenges such as cancer care, diabetes and hypertension.

far imposed penalties amounting to over N640 million on various HMOs found to be culpable.

While explaining the process, Ohiri said that some of patient's complaints require our investigation.

His words: "We have had situations where patients had to pay out-ofpocket for drugs, and they've had to be reimbursed because this was covered. And we're getting more and more aggressive and on top of that.

getting good quality care.

“Now, in terms of sharp practices, whether it's by health facilities or by HMOs or by the enrollees themselves, we've had instances where enrollees bring family members who are not covered to come and get care. We've had instances, yes, where providers act in ways that may not be optimal.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) yesterday said it had not given any directive to gas companies to halt the supply of the commodity to electricity Generation Companies (GENCOS).

Describing the report as spurious, the midstream and downstream oil sector regulator said that at no time was the false statement made at one of its recent events in Lagos.

The report had insinuated that the Authority had directed that gas supply to power generating companies (GENCOs) be halted and instructed wholesale gas suppliers to stop further supply of gas to companies due to failure in payment obligations.

“The attention of the NMDPRA has been drawn to a news publication with a spurious claim that the Authority has directed that gas supply to GENCOs

be halted and instructed wholesale gas suppliers to stop further supply of gas to companies due to failure in payment obligations.

“The NMDPRA wishes to state categorically that this report is false and completely unfounded. It has absolutely no bearing on the informa- tion shared at a recent stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos between the Authority, the OPTS, IPPG and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.

“The purpose of the engagement was to sensitise stakeholders on the requirements, opportunities and benefits associated with the implementation of the wholesale supply license as provided by sections 142 and 197 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“It was a follow-up to an earlier stakeholder engagement held at the NMDPRA corporate headquarters in Abuja on November 27, 2024,” it added.

"In doing this, one of the compacts he signed was that we should make sure that we increase coverage of health insurance by 20% by a certain

The DG further spoke on the efforts being made to enforce standard operational guidelines by Health Management Organisations.

He said that NHIA has a set of sanctions for defaulting HMOs and facilities, adding the agency has so

"Now, on the issue of codes, we've also developed a guideline that will be released, where within a certain time limit, if a code does not come, you'll be able to get one from an HIA that will give you the permission to be seen for those under our plan, so that the delay in getting a code is not going to be a hindrance from

"We have also had stories where HMOs also do those things. It's now a standing item on our management meeting monthly to review complaints, and I get an update on - how many complaints did we get? What were they about? And were they resolved?

“And so that is a big thing that we are doing. And the more we are on top of it and making sure that complaints get resolved, the less they're likely to come up"

FAAN Remits over N218b Revenue

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that it remitted a total of N218.3 billion from the agency’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N352.3 million in stamp duty payments into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) Account of the Federation between 2020 and 2024.

This was revealed during a presentation by FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, before the Senate Committee on Finance in Abuja.

Account in 5 Years

In her address, Mrs. Kuku detailed the Authority’s efforts in managing most of Nigeria’s commercial airports while fulfilling its statutory financial obligations.

She said the agency has recorded some achievements, despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the early years under review.

Mrs. Kuku provided a yearby-year breakdown of FAAN’s contributions, starting from 2020. She explained that the Authority faced challenges in stamp duty

remittances due to the pandemic but later offset outstanding payments in 2021.

She disclosed that in the year 2020 the Authority remitted a total of N3,509,961,850.66 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and noted that within the year 2020 and the early part of the year 2021, the Authority had major challenges with making remittances on stamp duty owing to the effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Nonetheless, the Authority took steps to off-set the outstanding remittances on stamp duty for 2020 in the year 2021.

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, has said that one of his visions for the university is not just to train and graduate students, but to turn the institution into a training hub for both students, staff and outsiders who could use the school to improve their skills.

Professor Omoregie assumed office as the December 2, 2024 as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. Omoregie stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after a tour of the two campuses of the university to assess the state of

facilities particularly hostels facilities, saying one of his major objectives is to create a conducive learning environment. He said most of the hostel facilities were in poor state owing to age and maintenance, adding that he would engage alumni and friends of the university to complement statutory allocations to the school to reposition it. According to him, “On the day of my inauguration, I made a pledge that I will visit the hostel facilities on campus because I believe that the students are my first responsibility as a former student myself. I have firsthand experience of the very poor nature of the facilities of the hostels

such as toilets, common rooms, beddings and so forth.

“What I could see from the assessment which is a preliminary overview is that the hostels in the campuses are very poor in terms of facilities. Many of them are aged and therefore the facilities are also aged so they need replacements, many of them will need refurbishment so that the students can feel truly that the university cares about them.

“We are already designing appropriate responses but I will need to interact with the stakeholders properly before we can begin to reveal what we intend to do.

“This is just one out of the mission and vision we have, this

is number three which is to ensure that there is adequate welfare for students and the hostel facilities is just one of them.

“We also have the welfare of staff to ensure that the students are able to benefit from their skills and this is not only in terms of ensuring that their entitlements are paid but also to encourage them through massive training for them in terms of skills acquisition, capacity building because the university has a crop of seasoned scholars in virtually every field of endeavour.

“We believe that our mandate is not just awarding degrees but also to turn the university into a hub of training.”

According to her, “In the year 2021 the Authority remitted a total of N17,175,615,171.63 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a cumulative sum of N17,819,183.59 as remittance on 1% stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF).

“In the year 2022 the Authority remitted a total of N30,530,347,715.73 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a cumulative sum of N27,135,935.34 as remittance on 1% stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF)

“In the year 2023 the Authority remitted a total of N54,297,487,089.01 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a cumulative sum of N25,426,776.07 as remittance on 1% stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF).

“In the year 2024 the Authority remitted a total of N112,821,836,050.84 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a cumulative sum of N281,881,317.34 as remittance on 1% stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF).

“Cumulatively, for the period of 2020 – 2024, the Authority Remitted a total of N218,335,247,877.87 as contribution from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and a total sum of N352,263,212.34 as remittance on 1% stamp duty to the Consolidated Revenue Funds Account (CRF).”

Mrs. Kuku gave the breakdown of the various remittances and remarked: “It pertinent to state that FAAN is committed to complying with all extant rules as relates with remittances to the Federation Account while striving to develop and profitably manage the airports facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality, in line with our mandate.”

She assured the Senate Committee of FAAN’s strict adherence to extant financial regulations and its unwavering dedication to providing world-class aviation infrastructure. She reiterated the global and technical nature of the airport business, emphasising the urgent need for additional funding to modernise Nigeria’s airport facilities and position the country as a hub in the West and Central African sub-region.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Chairman 2024 Presidential Dinner & Awards Committee, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Tajudeen Ahmed; Deputy President, Akin Osuntoki; Chairman, Construction & Real Estate Group, Hakeem Ogunniran; and Vice President, Segun Akintemi, at 2024 NBCC Presidential Dinner & Awards ceremony held in Lagos...recently

2024 TAX CONFERENCE...

L-R: Co-ordinating Director, Compliance and Enforcement, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Mathew Gbonjubola; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Head of Transparency International-Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms (PCFPTR), Taiwo Oyedele; Head, International Budget Partnership (IBP), Yinka Babalola; and Country Representative of Oxfam, Tobi Adesina, during the Tax Conference 2024, held in Abuja ... yesterday

Aviation Safety: Festus Keyamo

Inaugurates NCAA's Flight Data Centre

As regulatory agencies visit Ogun, certify Gateway Airport for commercial operations

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the Nigeria Civil Aviation (NCAA) Flight Data Centre (FDC) to enhance safety regulations in the nation's aviation sector.

According to Keyamo, the centre is part of the NCAA’s concerted efforts to improve aviation safety in Nigeria. In another related development, a cross-section of regulatory agencies in the aviation industry visited the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, located along the Ilisan-Iperu axis of Ogun State, on Tuesday, commending the quality of facilities put in place as well as its level of completion and thereby certifying it for commercial operations.

The agencies, which comprised the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Manage-

predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring systems.''

The forum's chairman stated that: "State governments have stepped in with immediate interventions such as deploying alternative power solutions for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities. Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no community remains entirely in the dark during such crises.

“It is time to embrace a decentralized electricity framework where states have the autonomy and resources to manage their power needs effectively. Together, we can overcome the current challenges and build a more reliable and equitable power sector for Nigeria,” the Chairman concluded.

However, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has blamed substandard electrical materials as being partly responsible for incessant national grid collapses in the country.

Abaribe spoke in Abuja at the 4th edition of the: “Stakeholders Roundtable for the Legislature and Judiciary on the Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations, and the Mandate of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services AgencyAbaribe(NEMSA).” stressed the need to focus on optimising executive, legislative, and judicial roles in enforcing technical standards and regulations in Nigeria's electricity sector.

“It is imperative to note that this roundtable is being organised by

ment Agency (NAMA), and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), unanimously adjudged the airport as world-standard and a source of pride for Ogun State. Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation, during the inauguration of the NCAA Flight Data Centre (FDC), stressed the facility speaks to one of his five-point agenda which borders on safety improvement in the aviation sector.

He said: "The fact that we are concentrating on improving safety within the sector of course would mean that we will keep moving up in the rating of ICAO.

“The Flight Data Center we just commissioned today is vital. I’m sure you have heard technical experts explain how it works. It doesn’t work only for incidences and serious incidents alone.

"It also works in a routine manner whereby they track flight patterns, they track various human efforts, and mechanical data. They conclude how

NEMSA at a time when the use of substandard electrical equipment is considered one of the major culprits of frequent grid collapse in Nigeria,” the lawmaker said.

He added that it has been widely reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had discovered through its investigation that the use of substandard electrical equipment and materials have become a major unwholesome practice by contractors in the power sector.

With the decentralisation of electricity regulatory responsibilities ushered in by the new Electricity Act, he argued that the challenge of enforcing electrical standards and safety at the sub-national levels of government may even become more daunting for NEMSA.

“Given the enormity of NEMSA's mandate in enforcing electrical standards and ensuring our safety, the regulator, contractors, operators/ licensees, customers and other critical stakeholders need to support NEMSA to deliver on this mandate,” Abaribe said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of NEMSA Aliyu Tukur, said the event organised by NEMSA was a critical step in the collective journey towards ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Nigeria's electricity supply industry.

He explained that NEMSA will continue to execute its mandate of ensuring that all electrical installations, networks, and systems are safe, efficient, and compliant with prescribed

to improve the sector, offer advice, and regulate better which is the core mandate of the NCAA."

He further noted that the NCAA facility speaks to the fact that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned about improving different sectors, moving from an analog to a digital way of executing functions.

In his earlier remarks, the acting Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo hinted that Annex 19 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation mandates all states to establish safety data collection and processing systems (SDCPS) to capture, store, aggregate, and enable the analysis of safety data and safety information.

This is a hallmark of an effective State Safety Programme (SSP).

According to Najomo, "Beyond the cost savings and efficiency benefits, the Authority would benefit, the facility would help reduce the likelihood of costly accidents and incidents; supports

standards, with the support of the legislature and judiciary.

Tukur stated that the roundtable aimed to foster deeper collaboration, enhance mutual understanding, and identify actionable strategies for addressing the legal and regulatory challenges that impede the enforcement of technical standards.

Specifically, to achieve this, he stated that there was the need for strengthening legal frameworks to support NEMSA's mandate and address judicial processes that affect compliance enforcement.

Besides, Tukur said it called for enhancing stakeholder awareness of technical standards and regulations, and exploring legislative solutions to emerging issues in the electricity sector.

Adelabu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mamuda Mamman, who also had Ochanya Ofoma stand in for him, said the event was a crucial step towards deepening awareness as well as fostering compliance with approved standards and regulations in the country.

Adelabu said this would not only advance the reliability and sustainability of Nigeria’s energy systems but also safeguard the lives and investments of all stakeholders in the power sector.

He added that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports innovation, investment, and growth within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

the implementation of risk-based oversight through efficient allocation of resources to areas of higher risk and global credibility aligns NCAA with global best practices, boosting international confidence in Nigerian aviation safety standards.”

The NCAA boss also said: "In ensuring Nigeria, as an ICAO Contracting State, discharges this obligation, the NCAA went into collaboration with APS Aerospace Corporation. APS possesses more than 100 years of combined experience in Flight Data and Cockpit/ATC Audio Analysis.

"Some other key benefits he listed include: enhanced safety oversight, proactively detecting potential safety risks, enable data-driven decisionmaking to prevent serious incidents and accidents and offers critical insights

into flight events leading to incidents, Improves the quality and speed of incident investigations."

According to the regulatory agencies during their visit to the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, Ogun State, the critical infrastructure at the airport, which includes the Control Tower, Weather Monitoring Areas, Runway, Fire Service Stations, and the Apron, can rival any of its type around the world and remain one of the best in the West African corridor.

Speaking during the visit, the Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards of NCAA, represented by Ango Mohammed, noted a significant improvement in the state of the facilities at the airport since his last visit, which is now at the level of any other towers in every standard

airport around the globe. Mohammed said the quality of work carried out at the airport by the Ogun State Government should elicit accolades from all, and he expressed the delight of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority over the project. Also speaking, the representative of the Managing Director of NAMA, Tayo John, noted the purpose of their visit to the airport was to inspect the facilities on-site to ascertain whether they are in strict compliance with the requirements for the provision of air traffic services and safety. Meanwhile, the Senior Project Manager of Craneburg, the construction company handling the project, Nicolas Mfarrej, said the airport is about 98% ready to take off fully and begin to serve the interests of the state.

ACFLC Launches Faith-based Family Coaching Services in Nigeria

As part of efforts to strengthen family structures and address challenges facing families, the Association of Christian Family Life Coaches (ACFLC) has launched operations in Nigeria.

The organization, which was registered for two years, aims to provide support and solutions to families facing crises by leveraging Christian principles to increase resilience in marriages, stem domestic violence, and curb child

abuse and neglect while equipping singles with sound premarital and martial counselling.

Speaking at the Association’s launch at the weekend, the Founder of ACFLC, Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo, stated that the Association has a global vision to reach and support families wherever they are around the world.

He added that having launched in North America in January and with reach across several African countries, the Association aims to utilize universal scriptural principles

to bring wholeness to families around the world.

His words: “ACFLC has a global vision. Having already established branches in North America and other parts of the world, its mission is to connect Christian family life coaches worldwide.

“This global network allows coaches to share expertise, strengthen each other, and provide localized support wherever needed and the scripture is relevant no matter the culture you are in, the principles still operate.”

FG Targets Eradication of Bullying in 115 Unity Colleges Through National Policy

The federal government has announced plans to consolidate on foundations already laid by previous administrations towards ending bullying in the 115 Unity Colleges, as well as other schools cutting across the country.

It says it will achieve this with the development of a national policy that will address the worrying trend in schools as part of broader efforts to improve the nation’s educational system.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who stated this yesterday during a press briefing in Abuja, said to curb the menace, the government

has held its first meeting with the principals of Federal Unity Colleges.

According to him, the meeting focused on several key areas, including discipline, governance, and improving the quality of education.

He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on bullying, saying, “We as a government have zero tolerance for bullying. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s office, is working on developing a comprehensive national policy on bullying, which will be presented to the National Council of Education for adoption.”

The minister also pointed out that several existing laws, including the Safe Schools Act, are already in place to

address bullying, and the new policy will build upon the legal frameworks. He said: “We talked about the importance of discipline, not only among students but also among principals, teachers, and parents who need to abide by the rules and regulations of our schools.”

“We wanted to meet with the principals in person to talk about the importance of education and how they are responsible for educating children for the future. Education is what provides value, freedom, and a future for the children.

“We are working with sub-national governments to ensure a unified, national approach to tackling bullying and maintaining discipline in schools.”

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta

PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Sunday Ehigiator

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IPI Confab: FG Urges Media to be Tolerant of Divergent Opinions, Enable Virile Debate

Yusuf charges journalists to advance justice, liberty Iredia seeks collective action on press freedom, accountability Tuggar seeks peace, stability in W’Africa

The federal government has tasked the media in Nigeria to create room for healthy debate and not demonise those with contrary opinions or views.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this appeal yesterday in Abuja at the 2024 Annual Conference of the International Press Institute with the theme: “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space”.

He said, “At the same time, there is ample room for holding institutions to account, whether public or private. And yes, those elected and appointed to public office must always understand that they keep these offices in trust for the people, and owe it to these owners to be accountable at all times.

“These truths can and must all coexist, if we want to forge a stronger democracy, as the foundation for the strong and prosperous Nigeria of our dreams,” he said, reaffirming that the press has remained largely free in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu.

The minister noted that despite occasional challenges the president has remained a staunch advocate for press freedom and the protection of Nigeria’s civic space.

He explained that, “Now I am not saying there have not been challenges and threats here and there, but on the whole, Nigeria has enjoyed an openness and freedom that has seen the welcome proliferation of press organisations across print, broadcast, and digital media."

In his welcome address, IPI President Musikilu Mojeed, said they owed the keynote speaker,

Tonnie Iredia, a great deal of gratitude for managing to attend the event in spite of his busy schedule.

Mojeed described the theme of discussion as timely and critical, assuring that in the next two days of the parley, they hoped to engage in robust discussions with experts, policymakers, and journalists to lend their insights to enrich the conversations, promote democracy, media freedom and safeguard civic space in Nigeria.

"Let us work together to build a society where journalists can operate freely without fear of intimidation or harassment. Let us advocate for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information," Mojeed said.

Chair of the Board of Trustees, IPI, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, said journalism as a profession has continued to face numerous challenges in Nigeria.

He acknowledged the role of institutions like the NUJ, which advocated better working conditions for journalists, the Guild of Editors that upheld professional standards and ethics, and the NPAN, which addressed the business and logistical aspects of journalism.

He said those groups constituted the Nigerian Press Organisation, ensuring collaboration and addressing intersecting concerns.

"The IPI, however, focused on a broader principle: press freedom. While abstract in nature, press freedom underpins the work of journalists and the health of society as a whole. Protecting this freedom ensures accountability and upholds the collective liberty of all citizens,” he said.

In his keynote address, Iredia called for a reevaluation of media practices.

The former DG Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) urged journalists to embrace the agenda-setting role of the media, uphold ethical values and move beyond superficial reporting.

Iredia also called for a collective action to protect press freedom, promote accountability, and ensure that the media continues to serve as a cornerstone of Nigeria's democracy.

Tuggar Seeks Peace, Stability in W’Africa

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Chairman of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) of the

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called on governments and citizens of West Africa to work for peace and stability of the sub-region, stating that political stability remained the foundation of development.

He spoke at the 53rd Session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ministerial level convened in Abuja on Thursday, which focused on the pressing challenges confronting the West African region.

Tuggar In his opening remarks, said, “Without stability, the aspirations

of our people for prosperity and progress will remain unfulfilled. We must strengthen governance frameworks and promote inclusive, peaceful political transitions."

He also celebrated the successful elections in Ghana and Senegal as exemplars of democratic consolidation in the region.

He emphasised the growing threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime, urging member states to redouble efforts in collective security.

On the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on the Fight Against Terrorism

concluding this year, Tuggar called for a forward-looking strategy to sustain regional security.

In his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, painted a picture of both progress and challenges. He said as the regional body prepared to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of regional integration efforts, it was faced with the impending withdrawal of some member states. He said the act called for a recommitment to shared values of democracy, constitutionalism, and good governance.

Segun James

A former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to delude itself into thinking there was no vacancy in Aso Rock by 2027, saying the people would jolt the party to reality, in view of the current situation in the country.

George, who spoke during an interview with newsmen at his Ikoyi office, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, by slashing it to N300. He said it was the only way to

address the economic hardship being faced by the citizens, stressing that unless this was done, the APC should be ready for a people's revolution. His remark came on the heels of a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume that northern politicians, including former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, should defer their presidential ambitions until 2031.

George said, "But look at the performances. Big joke. So, if the starting point were to make sure that the voice of the people would be heard, and they can make a mistake, they will learn.

"Four years after that, they have

Chiemelie

Between July 10, 2023 and December 9, 2024, a total of 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members surrendered to government security forces in Nigeria.

This was as the National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC), under the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), said it has secured the conviction of 505 terrorists in five phases of trials in one year with the sixth phase currently underway.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed the figure of the arrested terrorists during the ongoing 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar.

According to him, the figure, which comprised 30,426 fighters, 36,774

women, and 62,265 children, had further underscored the progress towards an increasingly peaceful society that promotes socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Themed: “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security,” the conference, organised by Mr Patrick Agbambu of Security Watch Africa Initiative, drew participants from Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Qatar.

Musa, in his presentation on “The Nexus Between Citizen’s Socio-Economic Development and National Defence,” attributed the surge in terrorists surrendering to the Armed Forces’ effective integration of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. He noted that this strategy has not only stabilised communities but also created an environment conducive

the opportunity to revisit. If you didn't perform, they throw you under the bus. You see people are saying now there is no vacancy in 2027.

"No. No. And the other point. Who is happy? Unless you put smiles on the faces of the people. That's why some of us are still shouting with our party. What the heck are you doing? Wake up. Wake up. The party we have, and I'm still ever so proud, is the real Iroko political party in this country.

"These jokers, this APC. I told you and I'm not afraid to say it. It's a congregation of strange bedfellows. Look, I would rather not turn the opposition party into nonsense, a private enterprise. No.

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on the Kano residents to remain peaceful and prayerful in the wake up the recent dispute over the appointment of the district head of Bichi Local Government Council.

The Emir made the call while receiving a delegation of traditional and religious leaders at his palace yesterday.

Sanusi's call came in the wake up the blockade of his palace by police operatives to stop him from accompanying the new district head Mannir Sanusi, the Wambai of Kano to the Bichi palace.

to socio-economic progress.

“The increasingly frequent surrenders signify the fruitful impact of our comprehensive approach,” said Musa.

“We have made significant progress in fostering a peaceful society that guarantees improved socio-economic conditions for our citizens. While challenges remain, we are not where we were as of June 2023,”he added.

Musa highlighted the Armed Forces’ contributions to socio-economic development, such as boosting daily oil production, reducing attacks on vulnerable communities, and enhancing stability through innovative operational strategies.

These achievements, he explained, stemmed from a recalibration of tactics, techniques, and procedures, ensuring that both kinetic operations and people-centred initiatives worked in tandem.

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, spoke on “Leadership as an Agent of Positive Change in Security,” emphasising the critical role of purposeful and compassionate leadership.

“A leader driven by a genuine sense of purpose fosters trust and inspires personnel to see the broader impact of their daily actions on peace and security,” he stated.

Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, provided an overview of Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts in his presentation. Titled: “The Trajectory of Counter-Terrorism Fight: The Nigerian Experience", he revealed that the prosecution of terrorists had advanced, with five phases of trials yielding 505 convictions, while the sixth phase is currently underway.

Tussles: Emir Sanusi Sues for Peace

However, in the early hours of yesterday, hundreds of people from Bichi town stormed the Kano Emir's Palace in solidarity with the appointment of the new district head, by Sanusi.

The delegation and the Chairman of Bichi council, Hamza Sule, expressed thier support and allegiance of the people of Bichi to the new appointment

In his response, Sanusi said, "Whenever you see a people trying to breach the peace we enjoy, you don't be part of them, you rather excise patient because that time would come and passed.

“More so, with the way the people of Bichi revere the Khalif

and Wambai Abubakar, there is no way a son of the Kalifa will be taken to them as the Wambai and they will turn their backs on him.

"This thing that happened is only a distraction. We still don't know why it happened and those involved have not said the reason why they did it. However, this will not stop anything.

"I assure you that another day will be fixed and your District Head will surely be brought to you and everything will take place peacefully. "Go and inform the public to continue to remain peaceful and prayerful. Whatever the situation, peace and prayer will surely take us to the end of the tunnel," he stated.

Michael Olugbode and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Prof

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

L-R: Visit Officer, British High Commission, Nigeria, Mrs Ivie Ameh; Digital Access Programme Manager, Damila Sowemimo; Regional Coordinator Southern Nigeria, Dr Olachi Chuks-Ronnie; Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah; British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Gill Lever; 2nd Under Secretary (Political), Ms Wendy Shepherd; Social Development Adviser, Ms Dooshima Orjime; and the Secretary to Enugu State Prof Chidiebere Onyia, during a working visit to the governor by the Deputy High Commissioner at the Government House, Enugu ... yesterday

Ezeobi in Doha, Qatar

2024 ANNUAL IPI CONFERENCE IN ABUJA...

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu; International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria Board Chairman, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf; Director General, National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu; International Press Institute (IPI) President, Musikilu Mojeed; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Muhammed; Keynote Speaker, Professor Tonnie Iredia; and member, IPI Executive Board, Raheem Adedoyin, during the IPI

Abbas Assures Women on Removal of Systemic Barriers to Participate in Governance

The National Assembly will work at removing all systemic barriers to women's participation in governance in the country, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, has assured.

Abass gave this assurance in Abuja at the National Citizens’ Summit on Constitutional Reform and Campaign on Ending Violence against Women and Girls.

The Speaker, represented by Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the constitutional reform would be tailored towards empowering

women, ensuring their safety, and promoting their full participation in governance.

He underscored the need for collaboration with women’s groups, faith leaders, and traditional institutions to amplify women’s voices and protect their rights.

Abass described the summit as a significant milestone, as they launched campaigns to increase women’s participation in elective and appointive positions and end violence against women and girls.

He pointed out that the campaign aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5,

which seeks to achieve gender equality.

He pledged that under his leadership, the House of Representatives would advance constitutional reforms that would address national needs and prioritise women and girls’ empowerment, safety and full participation.

The Speaker while highlighting the alarming statistics from the World Health Organization which states that one in three women globally has experienced violence, he described it as unacceptable.

He said: "We must break the cycle of history. This time, we are better

prepared with renewed strategies, broader coalitions, and stronger public support to end violence against women and girls."

He stressed the importance of constitutional reforms in advancing gender equality and addressing violence against women and girls.

Drawing from global examples, he cited the adaptability of constitutions, such as the 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, to address critical issues like civil rights and social reforms.

Abass also praised past constitutional amendments, including the 2018 “Not Too Young to Run” law,

Runway Excursion: NSIB Commences Investigation of B737-400 Cargo Aircraft at Abuja Airport

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving a Boeing 737-400 (Cargo) aircraft with registration and nationality marks 5N-JRT,

Foundation, UNFPA Conduct Repair of 45 VVF Patients in Sokoto

Innocent

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Fistula Foundation of Nigeria (FFN) supported by the Norwegian government, have offered free surgeries to 45 Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in Sokoto State. The Executive Director of FFN, Dr Musa Isa, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Thisday learnt that VVF is an abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina that results in continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence.

It is an uncomfortable and potentially distressing condition; however, it is a preventable and treatable condition through surgery.

Isa explained that a team of experts led by Dr. Sa'ad Idris conducted the surgeries at Fistula Repair Center located at Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital in Sokoto.

He said 50 patients were targeted for the exercise which had started on Dec. 2 and ended on Dec. 9, stressing that the patients are from different parts of the country.

He commended Federal and Sokoto State Governments as well as

UNFPA for their respective supports on the success of the programme which was aimed at bringing succour to fistula patients.

Speaking also, Mrs. Betty Amukpo, Officer from Family Health Department in the Federal Ministry of Health had decried on the poor condition of the Maryam Abacha's Hospital environment and the facilities.

Her words: ''The hospital is too dirty and lacked infrastructures along with equipment to make it habitable for specialised doctors to come to Sokoto for similar exercise she lamented.

''From the gate to the premises was not encouraging based on standards; there is need for state government to upgrade the infrastructures, equipment and facilities of the hospital.''

She explained that her responsibility was to supervise the exercise, stressing that federal government collaborates with FFN and others to train Fistula Surgeons and offer free treatment to Nigerians across the country.

The Lead Surgeon, Dr. Sa’ad Idris, has emphasised the need for holistic maternity care beyond free Cesarian Section (CS) to women in the country to tackle cases of VVF.

operated by Allied Air.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:06 AM local time on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The aircraft, operating as flight AJK206 from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, skidded off the right side of Runway 22 into the grass verge after landing. No fatalities or injuries to the crew or ground personnel have been reported. The aircraft sustained significant damage.

Emergency response teams were promptly deployed to the scene to

ensure the safety of all personnel and secure the site.

The NSIB has initiated an investigation to determine the causal and contributory factors that led to this incident.

Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, in a statement on Wednesday said: "Our Go Team has been dispatched to the site to conduct an on-site assessment, recover relevant data, and interview involved parties.

"Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available," she said.

which expanded political opportunities and space for young Nigerians.

Meanwhile, ahead of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Speaker invited stakeholders to provide recommendations for addressing the needs of women and girls.

He emphasised that inclusivity and transparency would guide the House’s efforts to craft a budget that supports all Nigerians, reflecting their voices and aspirations.

“The 10th House of Representatives is resolute in its mission to adapt our constitution, uphold the rule of law, and protect the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, irrespective of gender,” he said.

In his remarks, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said he was committed to championing gender inclusion and fight against gender-based violence.

On his part, Ogundoyin, who is Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, revealed that women only hold 57 seats out of 991 seats across the 36 State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

He said: "This under-representation underscores the need for urgent action. The Conference of Speakers is ready to support temporary special measures, including gender quotas, to increase women's participation in governance.

"We recognise that gender-based violence is a significant obstacle to women’s participation and empowerment.

"Let's work together to address

the systemic barriers that hinder women's participation in politics and end gender-based violence in Nigeria."

In her remarks, UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Nesreen El Molla, said the UN Women was irrevocably committed to advancing women’s inclusion and addressing violence against women and girls in Nigeria.

El Molla commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives for providing leadership and enabling environment during the planning of the summit.

While thanking the Canadian and United Kingdom governments for the funding support, she noted that violence against women and girls does not have a place in modern society.

She urged participants to come up with actionable proposal to improve women's participation in governance in the country.

The highpoint of the Summit was the unveiling of a national campaign for women’s inclusion and representation in elective and appointive positions through constitutional and electoral reforms.

The summit brought together the Speakers, Majority, and Minority Leaders of the State Houses of Assembly, religious leaders, traditional institutions, women’s groups, civil society organisations, the media, persons with disabilities, among others, to engage on constitutional reform and campaign to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.

Abiodun Charges Youths to Leverage Creative, Tech Sectors

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerian youths to harness the opportunities provided by creative industry and technology to excel in their chosen career.

Abiodun made the call during the Ogun Creative Industry & Technology Conference, held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

The conference had in attendance a foremost film maker Tunde Kelani, stand-up comedian, Ali Baba, Showbiz personality and Denrele Edun among others who pledged to change the narrative about youths in the state from negative to positive ones.

Abiodun, who spoke through his Special Assistant on Youth Development and Technology Innovation, Mr. Dennis Ogunnaike, expressed confidence that the youths would leverage technology to harness creative potentials for maximum economic growth and development.

The governor who identified crimes and criminalities among youths as a "a major crisis and ticking time bomb" said his administration, was particularly committed to youths’ development and empowerment through information technology.

He said: "If you look at the creative industry in Ogun State, this is the bedrock of creativity and innovation in Nigeria. We can see where it all started and how we can take it to the future we want.

"The World Bank says the creative industry in Nigeria can generate over four million jobs annually if properly harnessed. But how much of that harnessing are we doing?

"If you watch African Magic Yoruba, you'll realize that over 85% of the movies shown on Africa Magic Yoruba are shot here in Ogun State. But how much investment do we have to keep that as an economic multiplier here in Ogun State?

"We're always in the news for the

wrong reasons. Either it's the EFCC arresting 75 Yahoo boys in Sagamu or seven boys with human heads, and when you look at their ages, it's usually between 17 and 22.

“I feel like we have a major crisis on our land. If we don't address this situation on time, we'll be nurturing a bomb under our noses without even knowing".

He further said: "In Ogun State, we have a large number of youths, we have a large number of industries, and we need to develop our human capacity that can really support the growth of industries in the state.

"If you don't try early enough to illuminate the minds of these youths and refocus them to profitable ventures, they may divert those energies and misapply them.

"We don't want the youths to be using their energy for cyber-crimes or other criminal acts, but we want them to divert the energy in a creative way. Most of the icons that have

been brought today, have excelled in different areas of entertainment and creative industry, politics, among others.

“They are to encourage and motivate the youths on how to discover and apply their talents to their own advantage and contribute meaningfully to the state economy.”

Speaking on the theme of the event, “Creative Economy: Positioning Ogun as Nigeria's Premier Hub for Young Creative Entrepreneurs through Innovation, Skill Enhancement and Collaborative Efforts,” the keynote speaker, Tunde Kelani posited that with the advent of technology, their ideas could reach a global audience, urging them to take advantage. He noted that they are the architect of future-driven imagination and harness the advantage of technology. He concluded that the creative industry is no longer limited to traditional, but must have skills and things with passion.

2024 annual conference in Abuja ... yesterday

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Onuminya

in Sokoto

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

aWaRd FOR COMMUNiTy dEVELOPMENT sERViCEs…

of the General Overseer,

Professor Daniel

Rotational Presidency Debate is about Individuals, Not Fairness’

Chuks Okocha in abuja

Strategic management and human capital development expert, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, has said that rotational presidency debate isn’t about fairness but about individuals seeking power, using platforms to serve their ambitions.

Ikechukwu, who is a back page columnist with

THISDAY Newspaper,also criticised recent comments by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), George Akume, on Nigeria’s leadership rotation.

Ikechukwu, in an interview with ARISE News, described the statement as a distraction and emphasised the need for political realism over debates on fairness or regional entitlement

Anambra Clears N20m Hospital Bill of Man Brutalised by ASWAMA Agents

david-Chyddy Eleke in awka

Anambra State Government has announced the settlement of the hospital bill of one Mr. Okechukwu Akeneme, who was brutalized by agents of the state while on revenue drive.

Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Federated Chapel of Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) and chairman of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, recently had his neck and spinal cord broken by some agents of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) during a disagreement over refusal to

pay waste bill.

Though the agents had initially dismissed Akaneme’s claim of being ill, describing it as pretence, the senior citizen was first moved to a hospital in Onitsha and later to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), which later referred him to Memphis Hospital in Enugu. THISDAY gathered that his health had deteriorated, just as he has incurred about N20million bill.

His situation had led to an uproar among members of the public, with many calling on the state Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to intervene.

Imansuangbon Donates to Edo IDP

adibe Emenyonu inbenin-city

Former Edo State Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant and philanthropist, Kenneth Imansuangbon, last Tuesday said the federal government should pay more attention to humanitarian workers providing relief and support to vulnerable Nigerians displaced by war, disaster and conflicts for national honour and recognition.

He lamented that some persons with tainted and questionable characters are often recognised, thereby diminishing the efforts of those whose selfless and humanitarian works have impacted positively on the lives

of the downtrodden. Imansuangbon, popularity called the ‘Riceman’ is the chairman/ proprietor of Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja, spoke at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Uhogua, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, and was accompanied on the visit by his wife, Kate Imansuangbon, who also called for support for the camp where he donated food items and other consumables.

He said the gesture was to show his compassion for the inmates and the founder of the Home for the Needy, Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, who manages the facility.

Bayelsa Assures Legionnaires of Continued Support

Olusegun samuelinyenagoa

The acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of families of fallen heroes in recognition of their selfless contributions towards security, peace and development of the state and nation.

Ewhrudjakpo stated this yesterday during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Celebration/Emblem Appeal Fund Launch at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House in Yenagoa.

The acting governor in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, described the emblem appeal launch as a solemn occasion to honour the memories and sacrifices made by the departed heroes who paid the supreme price for the unity and peaceful co-existence of the country.

to the presidency. He also addressed historical patterns of leadership in Nigeria and the practical challenges of altering the current political

structure.

Addressing the essence of the principle of rotation and whether it should be traced back to 1999 or 1960, he critiqued

recent remarks by Akume. “The statement by the SGF, George Akume, was totally unnecessary. It created a distraction, it’s directing fights

that are phantom fights, and to that extent, I’m not sure that he has even served his party well. But again, somebody is free to comment,” he added.

Afe Babalola Decries FG’s Delay of Free Trade Zone Certificate to ABUAD

Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti

Legal luminary and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, has described as discouraging and embarrassing, the continued refusal by the federal government to issue a free trade certificate to the Afe

Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), saying this could inhibit industrialisation in Nigeria.

Babalola raised the concern yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, while hosting delegates from the China-Nigeria consortium on industry and education at

the ABUAD-China partnership forum meeting.

He said the over 132 - Units of ABUAD industrial park, located in Ado-Ekiti, was enough to turn the story of Nigeria around, if well annexed, and utilised.

He wondered why China,

Fubara to JTB: We Won’t Over-burden

Blessing ibunge in Port harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not over burden the people, residents and businesses in the state with excess taxes and levies. This is as the governor

which was a very poor country some years ago, could suddenly overtake Nigeria in the scheme of economic matters

According to Babalola, the certificate would have enabled foreign companies to establish businesses in the park, thereby boosting Nigeria’s economy.

Our People with Taxes, Levies

resolved that his administration would cooperate with the Joint Tax Board to streamline its tax system, broaden the tax base and strengthen the state’s Internal Revenue Service in order to achieve greater efficiency in collecting legitimate taxes and levies without over-burdening the people.

Governor Fubara made the assertion yesterday when he declared open the 156th Joint Tax Board Meeting with the theme: ‘Opportunities and Strategies For Improved Taxation of High Net-Worth Individuals In Nigeria’, in Port Harcourt.

Infrastructure, Agriculture, Education, Health Sectors Lead as Alia

George Okohinmakurdi

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, yesterday presented his 2025 Budget christened ‘Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy’, to the state House of Assembly in Makurdi.

Addressing the legislators at the state Assembly complex, Governor Alia said the proposed budget, which

is designed to ensure continuous progress, prosperity, and well-being for all citizens of the state, has an aggregate expenditure of Five Hundred and Fifty Billion, One Hundred and Twelve Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Naira, Forty-Five Kobo only (N550,112,988,930.45).

He said the 2025 budget would

serve as a roadmap to a brighter, more sustainable future, with a bold and ambitious plan, grounded in the realities of the present times and in the aspirations of the people.

In the budget, infrastructure development is top priority with a budgeted sum of N110,022,597,786.09, representing 20%, followed by agriculture which has a proposed budget of N84,081,754,982.67

The governor also said that the most tenable solution that would strengthen the capacities of state governments to continue to deliver public services and development to their citizens will be to maximise tax revenue collection at all levels and across sectors.

Presents 2025 Budget

representing 15.28% while education and the health sectors each has a budget of N82,516,948,339.57, representing 15%.

While addressing the other areas captured in the budget, the governor added that 0.93% of the budget will address programmes aimed at improving social protection, such as unemployment benefits, housing, and poverty alleviation initiatives.

FG Suspends Relocation of Controversial Osun Airport to Ede

yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has suspended the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport. It would be recalled that Ido-Osun community recently

expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment with the Osun State Government’s decision to relocate the ongoing Ido-Osun Airport to Ede.

However, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development yesterday announced the suspension of the planned

foundation-laying ceremony for the Osun State International Airport.

The decision to suspend the foundation-laying ceremony follows several petitions challenging the relocation of the airport from its present location at Ido-Osun to Akoda, Ede.

In a letter dated December 6, 2024, addressed to the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and sighted by THISDAY, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation raised concerns about the duplication and wastage of resources associated with the project.

Court to Hear Applications in Alleged N1.35bn Fraud Case on January 30

Wale igbintade

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned to January 30, 2025, to hear two applications in the N1.35 billion fraud case against Mr. Olalekan Abdul, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The applications were submitted by a nominal complainant’s counsel, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN), and relate to the Nolle Prosequi entered by the Lagos State Attorney-General (AG), which led to the removal of 20 charges and the amendment of the prosecutor’s information.

Ume emphasised that the applications are crucial to the case, seeking to overturn the AG’s order and set aside the amended charges.

The court heard that the AG’s office intends to review the case, as they are considering whether to take over the prosecution.

The EFCC filed the original charges in December 2019, accusing Abdul and one Ishekwene, along with two others at large of conspiracy, forgery, and stealing of over N1.35 billion from Wema Bank. Abdul now stands as the sole defendant in the amended charges. The case will continue on January 30, 2025, for further hearings.

Guinness Nigeria Explains Partnership with Lagos on Shopping Festival

Raheem akingbolu

The Lagos Shopping Festival, a 72-hour non-stop shopping and entertainment event, is expected to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for residents of the state through

vendor participation. This was stated during the unveiling of a partnership between Guinness and the Lagos State Government. The collaboration was said to have been designed to boost commerce, tourism, and entertainment in

the state.

According to Guinness Nigeria Managing Director, Girish Sharma, the partnership is a testament to their commitment to supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, promote culture and tourism and foster community

engagement.

Recognising Lagos as the heartbeat of commerce and culture in Nigeria, Sharma noted that the company is pleased to be part of the historic event, contribute to its success and celebrate the resilience and creativity of Lagosians.

Wife

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr.( Mrs.) Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya (left), receiving the 26th Gathering of Africa’s Best (GAB) Platinum Award on behalf of his husband

Kolawole Olukoya, for community development services from His Excellency. the Ambassador of Algeria to the United Kingdom, Nourredine Yazid, represented by Mr Mouloud Ikhlef in London…recently

FIFA Bans CSKA Moscow over Ejuke’s Transfer Fee

World football governing body, FIFA, has imposed a transfer ban on top Russian club, CSKA Moscow, after the club failed to pay the balance of the transfer fee for Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke.

FIFA ruled that the transfer ban on CSKA Moscow is until mid-2026, unless Dutch club SC Heerenveen are paid 3million Euros (Three Million Euros) being balance payment for the transfer of Ejuke to Russia.

Ejuke made the switch from Heerenveen to CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2020 after both clubs agreed on a transfer fee of 11.3 Million Euros.

However, part of that amount has not yet been paid and this

forced Heerenveen to drag CSKA Moscow to FIFA.

Meanwhile, another Super Eagles player, Maduka Okoye, has revealed he has been playing with injury for the past two months before he finally

underwent surgery.

The Udinese goalkeeper through his Instagram page said he is happy the surgery has done and he is now looking forward to come back stronger.

“Surgery is done… played

the last two months with a broken ligament in my hand,” he posted. “For now I’ll be supporting the team from the stands, recover and work hard for a comeback in top form.”

Saka Double Sinks Monaco, Man City Hopes Dealt Blow at Juventus

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Bukayo Saka scored twice as Arsenal beat Monaco to strengthen their position as one of the sides likely to progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League. The Gunners were well on top

RESULTS

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Atletico

Fenerbahce 0-2

Hoffenheim v FCSB

Ludogorets v AZ Alkmaar

Malmo FF v Galatasaray

Olympiacos v Twente

PAOK v Ferencvaros

Roma v Braga

Union St G v Nice

Victoria v. Man Utd

Ajax v Lazio

Bodoe/Glimt v Besiktas

Elfsborg v Qarabag

FC Porto v Midtjylland

Lyon v Frankfurt

Maccabi Tel A v RFS

Rangers v Tottenham

Sociedad v Dy’Kyiv

Sl’Prague v Anderlecht

in the first half, but missed a number of chances to make the outcome even more comfortable.

Arsenal took the lead in the 34th minute after Myles Lewis–Skelly played in Gabriel Jesus and the Brazilian crossed for Saka to tap in.

Substitute Kai Havertz then forced a mistake from keeper Radoslaw Majecki in the 74th minute and Saka steered in from close range.

The England forward then set up the third with two minutes left as Havertz turned in his cross.

Elsewhere, Manchester City's current malaise continued on Wednesday as they were beaten 2-0 by Juventus to deal a big blow to their hopes of reaching the Champions League knockout stage.Dusan Vlahovic's header and Weston McKennie's volley in the second half secured all three points for the home side, boosting their own hopes of progressing automatically to the next stage as one of the top eight sides in the league phase of the competition.

But the defeat meant Manchester City have won just one of their last 10 games in all competitions, with this their seventh loss during that run.

It leaves them 22nd in the Champions League table with just two games remaining - away to Paris St-Germain on 22 January and at home to Club Brugge a week later.

In Madrid, a stunning strike from Julian Alvarez and an Antoine Griezmann double helped Atletico Madrid to a comfortable 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava.

ITTF Africa Signs Strategic Agreements with ITTF

ITTF Africa (African Table Tennis Federation) has entered into a Strategic Quadrennial Agreement (SQA) with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for the period 2025 to 2028. This partnership underscores a unified commitment to advancing table tennis in the continent of Africa.

The agreement, which promises enhanced funding, outlines collaborative efforts between ITTF Africa and ITTF to promote and develop table tennis in the continent.

The signing ceremony took place on December 7, in Chengdu, China, with ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi and ITTF President Petra Sörling in attendance.

After formalizing the agreements, Oshodi stated, "The objectives outlined in the SQA align with the new vision and direction of ITTF Africa under my leadership. We will work closely with the ITTF to ensure these objectives are fully achieved in Africa."

Sörling added, "The Strategic Quadrennial Agreement marks a pivotal moment for our global table tennis family. By aligning our efforts and resources with the unique needs and aspirations of Africa and its member associations, we can elevate the sport to new heights. These agreements reflect our shared vision for excellence, development, and inclusivity in every corner of the world."

The agreement aims to streamline cooperation between ITTF Africa and ITTF, focusing on key areas such as enhancing continental events to attract greater participation and visibility, promoting grassroots development to nurture the next generation of talents, advancing the commercialization and professionalization of table tennis activities, fostering sustainability through environmentally conscious practices, strengthening governance structures for greater efficiency and accountability, and expanding social responsibility initiatives using table tennis as a tool for positive change.

FIFA Confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup Hosts

The 2034 men's football World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be joint hosts for the 2030 tournament, world governing body FIFA confirmed on Wednesday.

Three matches in the 2030 tournament will also be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark 100 years of the competition.

The hosts for both World Cups were confirmed at Wednesday's Extraordinary FIFA Congress meeting following a vote.

All 211 of FIFA’s member nations were represented at the meeting over a video link.

The hosts for both tourna-

ments, and of the 2030 centenary celebrations, were confirmed via two separate votes.

The first selected Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina as the centenary hosts.

The second confirmed the three hosts for 2030, as well as Saudi Arabia being awarded the 2034 tournament.

Nations gave their votes by 'acclamation' - clapping in front of their cameras via their video links.

In all three decisions just one voting option was available, and prior to the acclamation

FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, said "all 211 (member associations) have effectively cast

their vote prior to the congress".

Norway opted to abstain because of "concerns regarding the current FIFA World Cup bidding process", not because Saudi Arabia were named hosts.

Switzerland's football association also asked for its observations to be included in the congress minutes.

On Tuesday, the Swiss FA had said it would approve the Saudi bid for the 2034 World Cup, but demanded human rights must be monitored by both FIFA and the international labour organisation.

The Danish Football Union (DBU) said it supported the overall package of the two

World Cup bids but wants FIFA to oversee human rights improvements.

Jesper Moller, DBU chairman, said: "We would have liked to see more bids for both the 2030 and 2034 World Cups, and we are critical of the overall process."

Saudi Arabia has been accused of 'sportswashing'in recent years - using its unprecedented spending on sport to improve the oil-producing kingdom's reputation over its human rights record and environmental impact.

Of the 15 stadiums identified to hold matches at the 2034 World Cup, only four have been built so far.

Bukayo Saka scored a brace as Arsenal defeated Monaco 3-0 to move closer to automatic qualification for the Last 16 of the UEFA Champions League last night

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Adele Jinadu to Nigerians

“Wemustseriouslyaddress,confrontandmitigatethecorrosiveeffectofourcountry’stoxic, evendiabolicmoralandpoliticalenvironment...Wemustbeginaprocessofreformingourlegal systeminfundamentalways,andawayfromtheirexcessiveformalismandelitistbias,inorder toengenderamoreprogressive,activistandpublicinterestculture,asananchorforsocialand distributivejustice”–EmeritusProfessorandSeniorFellow,CentreforDemocracyandDevelopment (CDD)atAgoraPolicyconversationonthestateofanti-corruptioninNigeria

OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

Ghana, Syria and the Lessons

The moment I stepped out of church last Sunday and checked my phone, I saw a missed call from my friend, Mustapha Sanah (HRH Dalun-Lana Tapha Mahamadu II). He had left a terse message: “Prepare for inauguration.” I surmised that former President John Dramani Mahama and candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Coalition (NDC) had won the Ghanaian presidential election held last Saturday. In my conversation with Mahama at his Accra residence on Friday, 20th September, he predicted he would win the election and promised that I would be his guest at the inauguration.

But before I could respond to Mustapha, breaking news flashed on my mobile phone that the 54-year-old father-and-son dictatorship in Syria had been upended by rebel forces. President Bashar al-Assad had reportedly fled Damascus, leaving his country in tatters. The fall of Assad is a testament to the fragility of power that is neither ennobling nor geared towards the common good. “As recently as 2010, Syria had a higher per capita income than many of its neighbours. Since 2011, well over half a million have died and several million displaced,” according to Nilanthan Niruthan, a defense analyst and researcher at Columbia University, United States. “The UNHCR estimated earlier this year that at least 90% of the Syrian population live under the poverty line, conditions which would have certainly worsened in the last week.”

While it remains to be seen how the disparate rebel groups in Syria will work together to govern the war-torn country, the consequences of toppling Assad are far-reaching. “The Arab Spring started in Tunisia (in 2011) but claimed scalps in Egypt, Libya, and Yemen,” argues Dr Michale Rubin, a director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and former Pentagon official. “Assad’s ouster and similar dynamics in some regional countries may soon claim scalps of other long-term dictators.” I hope that message will resonate on a continent where 91-year-old Paul Biya of Cameroon has been president for the last 42 years despite being marooned mostly in a Geneva, Switzerland hotel; 82-year-old Teodore Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea has been in power for the past 45 years; 80-year-old Yoweri Museveni has ruled Uganda for the past 38 years and Isaias Afwerki has been the first and only president of Eritrea since independence in 1993. The message will also serve many others, including Faure Gnassingbe of Togo who succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema two decades ago and appears to be plotting for his son to succeed him.

There is a way in which we can connect what happened in Ghana and Syria because both have to do with power and popular will. But for the benefit of Nigerian politicians who may have a superficial reading of Mahama’s victory, the first thing they must understand is the discipline of Ghana’s politicians and the strength of their political parties. The Independent National Electoral (INEC) Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu alluded to this earlier in the week. “Rarely in Ghana

do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election,” Yakubu said. “There are people who have supported political parties for many years. So, whether the party is in power or opposition, they stick to the political party.”

That, of course, is not the situation in Nigeria where expediency rather than principle dictates our politics. For instance, many of the politicians who were either in the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Labour Party (LP) before the last election have moved to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a milieu in which public service has been reduced to ‘eating’, a politician can be a PDP member in the morning, decamp to the LP in the afternoon and by evening, he could be attending the APC meeting as the board of trustees’ chairman! In the past few days, five LP members and one PDP member in the House of Representatives have decamped to the APC. Quite naturally, the one who attracted the most attention is Donatus Matthew, the commercial motorcycle (Okada) rider who defeated a fourth-term member in Kaura Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. When you move from riding Okada to cruising around in a N160 Million SUV within a matter of weeks, what is the big deal about dumping the party on which you came to power, even if the law is not on your side?

The situation is different in Ghana which perhaps explains why the election of Mahama came as no surprise. The foundation was laid four years ago at the 2020 presidential election. Although Mahama (president between 2012 and 2016) lost the last election, his party (NCC) took 31 parliamentary seats from the ruling NPP. With both parties winning the same number of seats (137 each) resulting in a hung parliament, the lone independent candidate, Andrew Asiamah Amoako supported the NDC candidate, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to emerge

as speaker. If that was Nigeria, not only would the lone independent candidate pitch tent with the ruling party but many members from the opposition party would also have followed him to decamp. Besides, can anyone imagine a Nigerian President in a similar scenario allowing the lawmakers to pick their presiding officer without interference, as then re-elected President Nana Akufo-Ado did? If it were here, even the court would be deployed in a diabolic manner to give comfort to the ruling party!

In its statement on the Ghana election, the PDP said it portends an ominous omen for the APC at the coming 2027 poll. “The verdict of the people of Ghana in this presidential election is a signal to the APC that its days in office are numbered as the power of the people in Nigeria, just like in Ghana, will surely prevail, end APC’s oppressive rule and return Nigeria to the path of good governance, security, political stability and economic prosperity on the platform of the PDP in 2027,” according to a statement by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. But what the PDP must understand is that defeating an incumbent (ruling party) requires the creation of a strategic coalition in which personal ambitions would be sacrificed for group goals. Unfortunately, I have not seen any such effort from the opposition parties in Nigeria whose leaders seem not to have learnt any lesson from the last election won by the incumbent with just 37 percent of the total vote cast.

I spent my one-year Fellow’s programme at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University (during the 2010/2011 academic session) researching why it is so difficult for candidates of ruling parties to lose elections in Africa. In the process, I discovered that competitive presidential elections held on the continent in the preceding two decades resulted only in four percent defeat and 96 percent victory for the ruling parties. When I applied the principle to the rest of the world, I found the same trend. Ruling parties (and incumbents) were defeated at the polls in only seven percent of cases, winning 93 percent of the time. At the end, I was able to identify fractionalized opposition as the main factor in competitive elections.

As I was working on the paper, which I eventually titled “Divided opposition as boon to African incumbents”, Nigeria was preparing for the 2011 general election that had then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan standing against Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Feeble attempts to form an opposition platform around Buhari and (current president) Bola Tinubu had collapsed. So when the election held and Buhari lost, I adapted my research paper to write an article which I titled “Divided They Run, United They Lose: How Fractionalized Opposition Strengthens African Incumbents”.

In the piece, I stated clearly that Buhari should not locate his defeat on rigging or the factor of incumbency but rather on his (Buhari’s) inability to build a credible opposition coalition. “While not advocating against the legal option already taken by a section of the Nigerian opposition, my

contention is that it is more productive for them to begin to plan and organize for future elections. The perennial narrative that they are rigged out by the ruling party is becoming hollow,” I wrote for THISDAY in May 2011 at a period I was still in the United States. “In a milieu where political parties are not only weak but also lack financial wherewithal with no ideology binding members together, forging an electoral alliance is a long and arduous task. Waiting till weeks or days to the election to begin the process for such an alliance is therefore no more than an open invitation to a sure defeat.”

Four years later, my thesis proved accurate when the same opposition parties galvanised to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) now called APC to win the 2015 presidential election. While the political system in Ghana is not perfect, they have erected certain moral guardrails for their politicians and public office holders that we have not succeeded in doing. I highlighted a few in my September column, ‘Ghana’s Future: Beyond Jollof Rice’, following my visit to the country. Like Nigeria, Ghana is a multiparty democracy. But their politicians have coalesced around two strong parties with distinct ideologies. Therefore, to achieve the kind of alternation that has strengthened democracy in Ghana, our politicians must muster the discipline to enthrone a two-party structure. In their own enlightened interest, Nigerian politicians must also works towards that if our democracy is to survive and thrive. Meanwhile, there is a way in which we can connect the election of Mahama in Ghana to the toppling of Assad in Syria. The former is about popular democracy anchored on the will of the people and the latter, a fall-out of a charade in which citizens were conscripted to legitimise a compromised process that had nothing to do with the public good. We must learn from both countries. Without any doubt, the political system in Ghana is miles ahead of Nigeria’s. Our politicians are a mixed bag of cheap crooks and a few good people. That explains why violence and fraud have become part of the DNA of our politics while the industrialization of electoral disputes has become a revenue source for a corrupt arm of the judiciary. In Syria, the fate that ultimately befell Assad should serve as a cautionary tale for Nigeria regarding the consequence of a leadership living above and removed from the deprivation of the populace.

Just three years ago in May 2021, Assad (whose father ruled Syria for 30 years until his death in 2000) won a fourth term in office with 95.1% of the votes in a sham election that extended his rule till 2028. From being a maximum ruler with power of life and death over citizens, Bashar Al-Assad is now no more than a fugitive in Russia where he has been granted political asylum. Perhaps the signature lesson of his fall, for those in leadership positions who exhibit insensitivity and callous indifference to the plight of their people, is the transient nature of power. And nobody can forever evade accountability.

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