Urges FG to cancel power sector privatisation Govt says Zungeru 700 megawatt power plant ready
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The PwC has advised state governments to carry out proper planning and thorough feasibility studies before embarking on the implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act in order to avert efforts that would end up in futility.
The PwC stated this in a report it released yesterday, which stated that the Electricity Act 2023, was not cheap but involved substantial financial investments.
The PwC noted: “Adopting the Act involves substantial financial investments as engaging legal and commercial expertise, developing and establishing state-level regulatory bodies come at a significant cost, competing for limited state resources.
“Therefore, thorough due diligence and feasibility studies are crucial to ensure efficient resource allocation and project viability.”
According to the report, “the Act is not intended to become a political dividend for the populace. Therefore, simply ‘setting-up’ laws without a deep understanding of the local electricity market and adequate preparation can be futile.
“States must perform proper assessments and due diligence to ensure genuine commitment and successful implementation.”
It added: “Having vastly different electricity laws across states would
be detrimental, creating market distortions and unfair competition.
“There is a need to ensure that regulation of electricity across the federation is fairly consistent and avoid regulatory capture.”
The report recalled that the Act empowered state governments to participate in areas previously reserved for the federal government, particularly transmission and distribution.
The Act also defined how states can participate, with different state Houses of Assembly playing a vital role. However, it envisaged that successful state implementation would require significant support and close collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The PwC, therefore, noted that, “the Act emphasises close collaboration between the NERC and state-level SERCs to ensure coordinated oversight, smooth transitions, and consistent regulatory standards.
“Partnerships between state governments and utilities are encouraged, fostering a united front for sector development and improved service delivery.”
The PwC noted that the involvement of state governments is expected to improve access to electricity for Nigerians in remote communities, especially with the
involvement of the Rural Electrification Agency in collaboration with the local government.
“The Act is vital to planning the country’s infrastructure needs in a coordinated manner. It also acknowledges the importance of collaborating with neighbouring countries within the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
“The Act embraces a diverse range of renewable energy sources, including hydrogen, coal-based renewables, wind, and others, thereby helping to foster a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. It also encourages adoption and the development of a framework
for widespread acceptance,” the report said.
It added: “The Act prioritises renewable energy through several initiatives. Feed-in tariffs offer financial incentives for renewable power generation, while local content development requirements and tax breaks encourage domestic participation in the sector.”
The PwC clarified that the NERC still retained its position as the apex regulator of the power sector.
It said: “NERC retains its role as the apex regulator until individual states adopt the Electricity Act 2023. They continue to oversee interstate transactions and generation-to-
distribution connections, working in coordination with states to ensure a smooth transition.”
The Act also defined offences and associated penalties, promoting accountability within the sector. In addition, the states have increased autonomy, working with their legislature, to enact laws that strengthen their enforcement capabilities.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Ondo State Government, Mr. Razaq Obe, said the Act has given state governments the power to shape their electricity landscape, demand accountability and responsiveness from DisCos, adding that solving the electricity
issue is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and overall development. Obe said: “The failures of past governments are attributable to their inability to address this fundamental problem.
“The Electricity Act 2023 is a turning point, a watershed moment, and a chance to break free from past struggles. Without the previous bottlenecks, and with sub-nationals empowered, we welcome the decentralised state-level approach towards finding potential solutions.” According to him, the Act has empowered Ondo State to take the initiative and engage with the distribution companies (DisCos).
The Chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu, yesterday, stressed that Africa as a continent was behind with limited budgets and poor healthcare infrastructure, stressing that poor
health outcomes affect everyone.
Elumelu, who was invited by his friend, Badr Jafar, participated in the agenda-setting opener for the Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week in United Arab Emirates (UAE). He stated that healthcare issues were becoming more severe due to
The Chief of Mission the Taiwan Government in Nigeria, Andy Liu, yesterday, stated that the trade volume between Nigeria and Taiwan stood at $500 million in 2023.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2024 Taiwan Business Forum in Nigeria, he stated that the trade volume declined from $1 billion in 2021, to $500 million after imports from Nigeria matched Taiwan's demand for imported agricultural products from Nigeria.
According to him, Taiwan was a net importer of Nigeria's agricultural products especially sesame seeds, maintaining that despite the decline in trade volume, Nigeria still remained a destination for Taiwanese businesses.
In his words, "The highest peak of trade reached about $1 billion in 2021. It was the peak of the COVID
19 with Nigerian enjoying a trade surplus trading with Taiwan. We imported more of Nigeria's agricultural products such as sesame beside from oil related products.
“In 2021, we had a huge demand for agriculture products for our food processing industries."
"In 2022, the trade declined because the provider of the Nigerian food products had already matched our demand, so from 2022 to 2023, we experienced a declined to about $500 million which is still a great value because the both countries are still trading so we might see some level of increase in the nearest future," he assured.
He bemoaned the high level of adulteration of Taiwanese products, saying Taiwan has been suffering all kinds of counterfeit and piracy all over the world.
He stated that to address the challenge, the Taiwanese govern-
ment had been sending delegates to different parts of the world to showcase the quality of Taiwanese products.
"We have been having our delegates visiting the world to prove that we are victims of piracy, but we are going to use the platform to show that we have good and quality products so as to let the world know who are true providers of these quality goods. “We are very glad to come to Nigeria to demonstrate who is the true owner of quality brands, the most unfortunate thing is that counterfeiters always come to different countries and run away when they have made their profits, but our suppliers would stay to provide good quality products, but also provide after sale services," he said.
"We are here to provide our services and also guarantee the quality of our products," he assured.
Also speaking, President, Globe Industries Corporation, David Hwang, blamed the influx of counterfeited products from China for the decline of profit margins.
"Our businesses are going down because of counterfeited products. We found out that these adulterated products are cheaper than the original products and this is hitting deep into our profit margins.
“We are here to find partners so that we can do business in a different way that will benefit both international and local businesses," he said.
On his part, the Director General, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Sola Obadimu, said one key attribute about Taiwan was that they were focused on African businesses, assuring that that the quality of their products was guaranteed.
climate change, adding that 40 per cent health care facilities in Africa do not have reliable power supply.
Elumelu, during the panel session pointed out that the quality of healthcare in the world’s poorest countries could have an impact on the richest countries as the world is interconnected, and climate change is making transmission happen faster.
Specifically, he mentioned the Covid-19 case that started in China and quickly spread to all parts of the world, calling on stakeholders to be interested in global health equity and not just national health because poor health outcomes affect everyone everywhere.
Offering solutions, he called on private and public sectors and the development world to prioritise appropriate capital allocation and investments in innovation (health research and health technology / IT) to drive global improvements in health outcomes.
He disclosed that his foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) had funded 700 healthcare entrepreneurs, with a gender distribution ratio of 49per cent male to 51per cent female, which he said was just a tip of the iceberg.
“These entrepreneurs have gone on to help communities and even their countries in advancing health care delivery in Africa,” he said.
He stated further that, “It is not just early-stage entrepreneurs and companies that make a difference. Big pharma also has a role to play here.
“To ensure a sustainable health future for all, there is need to review the current patent system and effect reforms while still incentivising innovation.
“There also needs to be incentives for big pharma to partner on R&D for diseases from lower income countries.
“Incentives for investing in R&D and manufacturing facilities for big pharma in developing countries are also important — so leveraging the global trade system is also an important element of global health equality.
“Even beyond pharma, the same steps should be taken to open up access to medical devices research and manufacturing, health care business model innovation, and so on.”
On energy deficit and healthcare delivery, he challenged stakeholders in the private and public sector to work innovatively across social sectors to achieve results.
“The global renewable energy sector, both thermal and hydro energy sectors should step in to address this massive energy deficiency in Africa to realise health outcomes in Africa,” he said.
L-R:
Company
Osagie
Edo State
Dr.
Melinda French Gates announced yesterday she would resign as cochair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that she has helped lead since 2000.
As part of her separation agreement from former husband Bill
Gates, French Gates said she will receive an additional $12.5 billion for her charitable work. French Gates said she plans to focus her giving on groups that focus on women and families.
“This is not a decision I came to lightly,” she said in a statement posted on X. “I am immensely proud
of the foundation that Bill and I built together and of the extraordinary work it is doing to address inequities around the world,” CNN reported.
French Gates said she plans to leave the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on June 7, and she will share more about her future charitable plans in the near future.
“Under the terms of my agreement with Bill, in leaving the foundation, I will have an additional $12.5 billion to commit to my work on behalf of women and families,” she said in a post Monday on LinkedIn. “I’ll be sharing more about what that will look like in the near future,” she stated.
Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
A civil society organisation, the Global Rights, has ranked Rivers and Lagos as the worst states in Nigeria when it comes to electoral violence.
Executive Director of the group, Abiodun Baiyewu, disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, during a national dialogue to demand accountability for documented 2023 election atrocities in Nigeria and the launch of a report titled: “In Pursuit of Justice: Forensic Insights into Nigeria’s 2023 election atrocities".
She said since the nation’s independence, Nigeria’s election cycles have been very volatile, noting that apart from brief moments of solidarity among citizens on their desire for credible elections, the no-holds, barred contestations have made divisive rhetoric a recurring decimal.
Baiyewu, lamented that the weaponisation of words and imagery to sway emotions and drive violence had increased with each electoral cycle and the failure to make their purveyors accountable has engendered a culture of impunity, violence causing an ever-widening erosion in the nation’s social cohesion.
She pointed out that the run-up to the 2023 general election was not different in any way.
The Executive Director said besides the stakes were higher, stressing that the crises precipitated by bad governance had resulted in further polarising the polity. She noted that every section of the country felt marginalised and excluded from enjoying the elusive “dividends of democracy.”
Baiyewu, said in this milieu, they
held on desperately to their identities, while the backdrop of insecurity across the various regions of the country worsened the narratives.
Her words: “The South-east in addition to the perception of the bias of power at the center, struggled with the intergenerational trauma of the atrocities of the civil war, and the sense of exclusion was exacerbated by high-handed security responses.
“The North-east and North-west have struggled for protection from terror pillages and the political nuances around it over more than a decade.
For the South-South, natural resource governance and the infusion of cult into formal political structures stoked their intractable violence.
“The South-west particularly Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial and cultural melting pot and former political capital, decapitated to the violence, against the backdrop of political parties’ thinly veiled grab for numbers, and struggled with retracting ethnic gauntlets thrown in previous elections.
“River State is the worst state when it comes to election violence in Nigeria, and the numbers speak for themselves, as is Lagos State. More recently, the entire South-east of the country. But then let us not forget what happened in the north in 2011.
“Our politicians continue to use words not to build us, not to unite us, but to divide us and we continue to allow them.”
Giving an overview of the report, the Executive Director of We The People, Kare Hemshaw, decried the increase in access to new civic spaces, in particular, social media, foddered on existing fault lines across the country
and aided a spike in erosive discourse and the propagation of fake news.
He emphasised that their effect was predictable - the recurring tide of violence, hate speech, intolerance, and election-related atrocities derailed any semblance of decorum in the electioneering process.
Hemshaw, said if Nigeria intends to break the endless cycle of violence and impunity, it would need to start with curating data and analysing them for accountability.
He added that the nation’s documentation of its electoral atrocities, beyond rigging and ballot snatching, has been poor.
Promoters of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS), namely the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, have successfully organised the first consultative forum of chief executive officers (CEOs) of African banks.
The event brought together executives of African commercial banks, bankers’ associations, payment switches, the association of African stock exchanges and other financial service providers.
According to a statement yesterday, participants reaffirmed their support to the decisions of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of States and Governments of 2019 and 2020.
The 2019 decision adopted
According to him, the documentation of election- related crimes, including arson, vandalism, physical and verbal violence, hate speech, fake news, and killings, has hitherto been very poor and uncoordinated.
Hemshaw, called for specific measures essential to enhance the independence and capabilities of electoral bodies, stressing that this includes appointing non-partisan members to electoral commissions, improving logistical and technological infrastructures, and ensuring that electoral staff receive ongoing professional training to uphold integrity and efficiency in the electoral process.
PAPSS as the African Financial Market Infrastructure for crossborder payments and settlements while the 2020 decision mandated Afreximbank, AUC and AfCFTA Secretariat to urgently introduce and scale up the implementation of PAPSS.
The Forum therefore provided an avenue for participants to deliberate on the successes and challenges of the PAPSS payment system and explore potential path forward on how it can be optimised to facilitate seamless and efficient cross-border payments to support the implementation of the AfCFTA.
“Following productive discussions, participants at the Forum agreed to take collective ownership of the success and the future of PAPSS given its significant and hugely positive impact on the facilitation
“This is a critical moment for women and girls in the US and around the world — and those fighting to protect and advance equality are in urgent need of support,” she said.
The organisation will change its name to the Gates Foundation, and Bill Gates will become the sole chair, the foundation’s Chief Executive, Mark Suzman, announced yesterday.
“I am sorry to see Melinda leave, but I am sure she will have a huge impact in her future philanthropic work,” wrote Bill Gates in a separate statement Monday, also posted on X.
“Looking ahead, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s work across all our strategies, and to realising the opportunities we have to continue improving the lives of millions around the world,” he stressed.
In a post on LinkedIn, Bill Gates said that “Melinda has been instrumental in shaping our strategies and initiatives, significantly impacting global health and gender equality.”
French Gates’ exit had been telegraphed for several years. Bill Gates and French Gates announced their divorce in May 2021. They said at the time they would allow themselves a kind of trial period through 2023 to determine if they could continue working with one another to oversee their massive charitable foundation.
Suzman announced in July 2021 a contingency plan “to ensure the
of cross-border payments and the development of intra-African trade.
“In addition, participants advocated to leverage PAPSS as a pathway to increasing the share of African currencies in intra-African trade and other cross-border payments, as well as increasing the volume of intra-regional payments for mutual benefits to drive rapid adoption of PAPSS by businesses. Participants agreed to embed PAPSS into their digital channels to enable ease of access and seamless integration for existing customers,” it added.
Chief Executive Officer of PAPSS, Mr. Mike Ogbalu III stated: "PAPSS is fully operational and making rapid progress. We have signed on thirteen African Central Banks, and connected over 115 commercial banks, and ten payment switches across Africa.
Another 115 commercial banks
continuity of the foundation’s work.”
“If after two years either decides they cannot continue to work together as co-chairs, French Gates will resign her position as co-chair and trustee,” Suzman said. Bill Gates will remain in control and, essentially, buy French Gates out of the foundation, Suzman said at the time. French Gates would receive “personal resources” from Gates for her own philanthropic work — resources that would be “completely separate from the foundation’s endowment.”
Three years after her divorce from Microsoft founder Bill Gates, she plans to embark on her own philanthropic venture.
She was serving as co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has spent nearly $54 billion since 2000 fighting “poverty, disease, and inequity” around the world, according to its website.
A former product manager at Microsoft, French Gates spearheaded work at the Gates Foundation that focused on women’s issues, including empowerment.
But she has said she felt her husband’s shadow looming over the foundation’s work: In a 2006 interview with the Wall Street Journal, as French Gates began to take a more public role at the foundation, she acknowledged that the public erroneously “thought the foundation was really Bill,” The New York Times noted.
are in the pipeline for connection.
“Our foundation is solid, and the time has come for action and acceleration. It is time to use the system to drive trade in Africa, for Africans, by Africans. We urge all banks to join us in our collective effort to promote intra-African trade and development through PAPSS." Further commenting, Ogbalu said:
"We are pleased to see overwhelming support of this forum by the leadership of the African financial institutions. PAPSS is a revolutionary initiative that has the potential to significantly transform the financial and payments landscape of our continent.
“As managers of PAPSS, we are committed to ensuring it succeeds. We urge all African financial institutions to join us in transforming the way payments are done in Africa."
L-R: Head, Sponsorship and Social Investment, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Mrs. Elohor Maduka-Abu; CEO, Optiva Capital Partners, Dr. Jane Kimemia; Founder, SheCan Nigeria, Ezinne Ezeani, and Board Member, SheCan Nigeria, Olajumoke Ajayi, during a press conference to unveil Optiva as the headline sponsor of SheCan Conference coming up on May 24, 2024, held in Lagos…yesterday
Elumoye in Abuja and Segun
James in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu yesterday, vowed to work towards ending gender-based violence and increasing learning opportunities for Nigerian girls in safe and conducive environments.
Speaking at the launch of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, the President stressed the importance of education in empowering girls and promoting gender equality.
Tinubu, who lauded the initiative of the OAFLAD for the campaign launch, noted that it had been successfully launched in 15 other African countries, adding that its launch focus on Nigeria titled “Education as a Powerful Tool for Change,” was critical for Africa’s development.
He said: "We must continue to create opportunities for all our children to access quality education without leaving anyone behind, particularly the girl child.
"We must engender a society where everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of who they are, because doing that leads to a stronger and more peaceful society for all."
The President hailed the African First Ladies for their commitment to advancing gender equality and narrowing the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across Africa.
His words: "I salute the com-
mitment and dedication of the African First Ladies, as members of OAFLAD, to advance gender equality and narrow the gender gap in opportunities and appointments across the African continent."
Tinubu also praised his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her efforts in championing education as a primary tool to advance gender equality.
"I particularly congratulate my dear wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, who has chosen education as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide," he added.
He noted that the launch of the #WeAreEqual Campaign in Nigeria, with a focus on, "Education as a Powerful Tool for Change," was critical for Africa's development.
"The focus of the launch of this campaign in Nigeria, 'Education as a Powerful Tool for Change' is critical for Africa's development, if we are to attain gender equity and ensure equal opportunities for all," the President said.
He also highlighted the importance of laws and policies that protect and promote women's rights, invest in girls' education and skills development, and create economic opportunities accessible to all.
"We must work together to promote laws and policies that protect and promote women's rights, invest in girls' education and skills development, and create economic opportunities that are accessible to all," he said.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child was excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to their communities.
His words: "I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child is excluded from quality education that prepares women and girls to lead and bring positive changes to our communities."
He urged all stakeholders to carry forward the campaign to empower girls and promote gender equality, saying, "let us carry forward this campaign, which promises to gift an educated girl-child the potential to bring the necessary change and transform African communities for the better."
Meanwhile, Oluremi Tinubu, joined the Organisation of African
First Ladies for Development to re-emphasise the need for collective action towards gender equity and inclusion by closing the gap through the #WeAreEqual campaign.
Oluremi Tinubu in her address at the Launch of #WeAreEqual campaign by OAFLAD, said: “To rally stakeholders and call for action around each of these key issues, to promote the “#WeAreEqual” campaign in Nigeria, I have decided to use education as a tool, whilst also not neglecting other pillars of the Campaign.
"Many of this pillar are also being championed under the scope of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) which is led by my Office to complement the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."
The First Lady informed the gathering of over eight African First
Ladies that, as part of activities leading to the launch of the campaign, she was at Osogbo, Osun State on April 23, for the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of a new Alternative High School for Girls.
Mrs. Tinubu added that the Alternative High School for Girls would soon be established in other parts of the country to enable girls who dropped out of school the opportunity to acquire complete secondary school education.
"My motivation for the establishment of this school as an educationist is the desire to see young girls and women who dropped out of school due to several challenges have another opportunity to complete high school, acquire higher education to enable them reach their full potential in life.
"I must also say that Mr President values education and has introduced the National Student Loan Scheme which is now in effect for our youth to have unhindered access to education, knowing that education is the bedrock of national development and the cornerstone upon which dreams are built, skills acquired and aspirations generally realised. "I believe that every State in Nigeria, and indeed Africa should have schools where socio-economically disadvantaged girls and women can access education without fear or discrimination.’’
She said that government was striving to get to the peak of the situation "gradually, I believe we can achieve this goal with the support of critical stakeholders in the education sector particularly, the Federal and State Ministries of Education.
Dike Onwuamaeze
The President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been ranked the sixth wealthiest manufacturing billionaire in the world.
The ranking was done by Insidermonkey.com, an American firm that uses a hybrid evaluation system to track insider transactions and other market anomalies, and educate investors about the intricacies of investing.
in sub-Saharan Africa, in which he holds an 85 per cent stake.
The Insidermonkey.com estimated that with a net worth of $14.3 billion, Dangote, was the founder of Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer
Peter Uzoho
Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies Limited, Mr. Osayande Igiehon and the President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, Owen Omogiafo, will on Friday join global business leaders at the 17th German-African Energy Forum in Hamburg, Germany. As leaders of one of Africa’s largest integrated energy businesses, the Heirs and Transcorp team would bring a unique perspective on Africa and the opportunities in the continent's energy space. Heirs Energies announced this in
a statement issued yesterday, which was sent to THISDAY. According to the statement, Heirs Holdings, founded by Tony Elumelu, has rapidly implemented the founder's commitment to bring robust power supply to Africa and ensure African natural resources drive value creation in the continent. The statement informed that the executives will echo Elumelu’s message to the Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai – that equitable transition must work for Africa. At the forum which has the themed: “Africa's Energy Roadmap: Breaking New Grounds for Greener
Economies”, Omogiafo and Igiehon will speak on panel sessions addressing Africa's unique energy needs and the continent's potential for green industrialisation. Specifically, on a panel themed “Renewables for Industrial Growth", Omogiafo will present recommendations for aligning off-grid and on grid solutions to boost power capacity and drive industrial growth in Africa. Transcorp is one of the largest power producers in Nigeria and supplies West Africa with strategic investments in the energy sector through Transcorp Power Plc, TransAfam Power, and Transcorp Energy.
However, at the forum, Igiehon, will on his part emphasise the importance of achieving energy sufficiency in Africa, as a foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.
On his panel entitled: “Africa’s Climate Action is Gaining Momentum – Green Industrialization, Climate Finance, Carbon Markets, and Policy Changes”, he will advocate for an approach that leverages Africa’s diverse energy resources, including both conventional and renewable sources, to bridge the energy access gap and provide reliable, affordable power to households, businesses, and industries.
It added that Dangote also founded the Dangote Fertilizer and owns the Dangote Refinery, which is the world's largest single-train refinery.
In a similar report in 2023, Dangote was ranked the ninth on the list of top 10 wealthiest manufacturing billionaires in the world by the CEOWorld magazine.
The CEOWorld magazine commented that with a net worth of $10.5 billion at that time, Dangote was the only African on the list, which was dominated by billionaires from Asia and Europe.
Currently, Dangote, who is Africa's richest man, still stands as the only African among the top 25 billionaires worldwide.
Dangote described manufacturing as one of the potent ways of lifting people out of poverty through the creation of gainful employment.
He added: “It is evident that manufacturing is pivotal to industrialisation. No country in the world has ever industrialised or attained ‘developed nation status’ without having a thriving manufacturing sector.”
Dangote stated that countries smaller than Nigeria, such as Singapore and South Korea, had
an average per capita GDP of 65,233 dollars and 31,846 dollars, respectively, due to their level of industrialisation.
However, the report ranked Reinhold Wuerth, as the richest billionaire in the manufacturing industry with a net worth of $35.3 billion.
The second richest person in the manufacturing sector was He Xiangjian, who is worth $26.1 billion while Michael Hartono holds the third position with a net worth of $23.1 billion.
Hartono and his family made a huge fortune from the tobacco business and are still one of the biggest clove cigarette makers in Indonesia. He also has investment in the Bank of Central Asia (BCA). The fourth place in the global manufacturing billionaires was occupied by Takemitsu Takizaki with a net worth of $20.7 billion. Takizaki founded Keyence Corporation, a company that manufactures sensors and electronic components for factory automation systems.
The fifth richest billionaire, according to the ranking, was James Ratcliffe, who is worth $16.2 billion Ratcliffe is the founder, chairman, and majority owner of the chemical powerhouse, Ineos Group.
silence in honour of two ex-ministers – Onu and Osuji President swears in two more federal commissioners for NPCDeji Elumoye in Abuja
The fifth Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting for 2024, held yesterday at State House, Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presiding, will continue today, Tuesday.
yesterday's council meeting, which came about seven weeks after the last one held on March 25, adjourned till today to conclude deliberations on the agenda of the meeting.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting held at Council Chambers, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said far-reaching decisions were taken. Idris added that deliberations will continue on Tuesday by noon.
“A lot of far reaching decisions have been taken and the conclusions will be made available to you tomorrow."
A top Presidency official, however, told THISDAY that Monday's FEC meeting directed that all new vehicles, generators or tricycles being procured by government and its agencies must be powered by CNG, solar or electric.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the order was one of the major decisions reached by the council before it adjourned proceedings till today after over four hours.
Affected by the order, according to sources, are new requests by Nigeria Customs Service, the Shipper’s Council, an agency of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which
According to him, "The meeting is not yet concluded. Council meeting will continue tomorrow. Therefore, there will be no press briefing today.
highlighted concerns over a $2.2 billion foreign exchange backlog, which Cardoso had stated could not be verified and therefore would not be honored.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said investors have become more comfortable with the apex bank’s strategic management of the foreign exchange (FX) market.
Speaking during an interview with the Financial Times (FT), Cardoso stated that whereas in the past businessmen had a, “tendency to head for the window” in response to currency fluctuations, they now understand that there’s a fundamental shift in the FX market.
Cardoso’s statement came just as Fitch Ratings expressed reservations over the regulatory direction of the CBN, suggesting that recent measures may impede the banking sector's ability to bolster the country's revised economic trajectory. Specifically, the global agency
strongest card in the worsening faceoff with his predecessor and estranged benefactor, Nyesom Wike: state power.
Fubara went straight for the jugular, declaring plans to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the affairs of government, and how it was conducted before he assumed office. He, apparently, referred to the administration of the immediate past governor, Wike, under whom he was Accountant-General of Rivers State.
As if to reinforce Governor Fubara's argument that the 25 defected lawmakers are no longer eligible lawmakers in the Rivers House of Assembly, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), on Sunday threw his weight behind the decision of a Rivers High Court to suspend them from the Rivers State House of Assembly since they have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The court had earlier restrained them from parading themselves as lawmakers until hearing on the matter on May 29.
The governor made the disclosure yesterday during the swearing-in of Dagogo Iboroma, a Senior Advocate Nigeria (SAN), as the new AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice. Speaking at the ceremony, held at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said he was bringing the attorney-general on board at a critical time when there were lots of legal matters that needed to be tackled with bravery.
He stated, "So, my brother, Dagogo Iboroma, you are going to be the brand new Attorney-General of our dear state. SSG, give him his letter, he is the Attorney-General.
"Why are we bringing you at this very critical time? We have a lot of issues around us. We believe that you are not going to be the one that when they send service to you, you go and file ‘nolle prosequi’ or you go and file one thing that would kill us here.
Equally, yesterday, the naira declined on both the official FX window and the parallel FX market as THISDAY gathered that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has continued to arrest Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in Lagos. At the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEM) window, the naira depreciated to N1,478.11/$1, which was a N11.8 loss compared to N1,466.31/$1 which it closed on Friday.
Also, at the end of trading yesterday, the parallel market FX rate closed at N1,485/$1, which was a loss of N45 compared to N1,440/$1, which it exchanged over the weekend.
The daily FX turnover recorded
"Let me also say this, you have a big task. We will be setting up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the affairs of governance. So, brace up, I am not going back on it.
"Please, defend us. We know that you are going to defend us because your record is clean. You are a gentleman and peaceful. You are not a noisemaker. People like you are endowed, and they have the fear of God."
Fubara reiterated that he had thought the political crisis he considered a family affair had been resolved, but, regrettably, there had been no headway out of it.
He emphasised that though it was unfortunate, his administration had moved forward because there was now a well-constituted House of Assembly to discharge legislative duties, and a seasoned lawyer appointed as Attorney-General of the State.
He said, "I am happy that this is happening today to mark the beginning of a new era in our administration. When I said that I had a reason for being patient, it is because I know that we are all from one family. And if we have a disagreement, no matter how bad it is, it should be resolved amicably.
"But it has become very clear that this disagreement, there is no way to resolve it amicably. And for a lot of reasons, there are visible evidence that there is sabotage, deliberate attempt to sabotage this administration.
“For that reason, we have to move forward. And, moving forward, if it means taking decisions that are going to hurt anybody, we are not going back on the protection of the interest of Rivers people."
An advocate for resource control and good governance in the Niger Delta, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, congratulated Fubara on his one year as governor.
Dokubo said, "Governor Fubara's leadership has been characterised by patience, wisdom, and a commitment
had sought approval to buy several hundreds of operational vehicles to be powered by petrol.
The council approved the requests, but said the vehicles must be CNG vehicles, the sources said.
Similarly, a request by the Federal Capital Territory Administration to buy petrol generators was approved, but the council insisted they must be powered by CNG or solar.
Government also expected agencies to begin to convert petrol or diesel vehicles or generators to CNG.
The Tinubu administration, which launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) last October, planned to roll out about 800 CNG buses, 4,000 CNG tricycles, and 100 electric buses in the first phase of the initiative in the next few weeks.
an increase in transactions of 91.23 per cent, to $217.64 million yesterday, compared to the $113.78 million recorded on Friday. The highest spot rate observed yesterday stood at N1,515, with the lowest spot rate recorded at N1,301. Furthermore, in the FT interview, Cardoso, said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which he chairs, would adopt appropriate measures to tackle rising inflation currently at 33.2 per cent.
Besides, the CBN governor indicated that interest rates would stay high for as long as necessary to tame inflation, saying the institution had moved decisively to an “orthodox policy”.
Cardoso had previously criticised the past leadership of the bank for not focusing squarely on its core functions and literally spreading itself too thin.
“Let’s face it: for a long period of time, the CBN did not embrace
to peace, key components in resolving conflicts and promoting unity in Rivers State."
He stressed that with the governor leading the way, there was hope for a future of growth and development, free from division and discord.
Similarly, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly under former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, Hon. Leyii Kwane, commended Fubara for the appointment of Iboroma as justice commissioner.
Kwane also commended the governor for taking a crucial step towards restoring stability in the state's governance by the choice of Iboroma, who was screened by the Rt. Hon. Oko-Jumbo-led legislature.
yesterday, labour demanded a complete reversal of the power sector privatisation and recovery of all disposed public electricity assets.
NLC and TUC made the demands while picketing the headquarters of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as part of their rejection of recent hike in electricity tariff by government.
In the wake of the protest by the labour movement, NERC said the federal government had commissioned Zungeru 700 megawatt power plant as part of measures to improve electricity supply in the country.
NERC had recently approved a hike in electricity tariff from N65/ kwh to N225/Kwh for consumers on Band A classification
But the move attracted condemnation from labour, which rejected the increase in electricity tariff and demanded its reversal.
The protesting workers stormed the premises of the regulatory commission in Abuja as early as 8am to demand urgent measures to address their concerns.
They carried placards with
In taking the decision on Monday, government was signalling its readiness for energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy.
Government believed its policy would unlock new investments in renewable energy, solar panels, and lithium batteries. It also believed the policy would be climate friendly and reduce inflation, as it will slash costs by about 60 percent.
FEC had at the commencement of the meeting on Monday observed a minute’s silence in honour of two former ministers – one-time Minister of Education, Professor Fabian Osuji, and former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu – before going into a closed-door session.
Osuji, who died at the age of 82 in
orthodox monetary policies,” Cardoso said. “We want to go back to using an orthodox method, and it will take us to where we want to go,” he added.
Cardoso stressed that the apex bank had been “reoriented” to focus on “price and monetary stability”. The bank hiked rates by 400 and 200 basis points in February and March respectively, lifting the key lending rate to 24.75 per cent.
The moves were praised by investors for halting the slide in the naira against the US dollar.
The Nigerian currency hit a record low of N1,625 on March 11 before recovering to N1,284 last month, according to LSEG data.
While the naira has since lost some of those gains, Cardoso said the situation had now stabilised. Investors had previously had a “tendency to head for the window” in response to currency fluctuations, he said.
Falana: 25 lawmakers have lost their seats
In an interview with ChannelsTV on Sunday night, Falana insisted that the assembly members have lost their seats.
“The 25 lawmakers who defected have lost their seats. They have lost their rights to remain members of the assembly,” Falana said.
Falana cited a Supreme Court decision in similar case: “In the case of Adetunde and the Labour Party, the Supreme Court made it clear that you cannot decamp and then remain a member of a legislative house in Nigeria unless you can show that there is a division in your party.
Today, the PDP is one.”
inscriptions, such as, “We are not generator Republic,” “IMF, World Bank, leave Nigeria Power Sector alone,” "Let the poor breath,” "Give us affordable and constant light," among others.
Addressing the workers, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said from all indications, the privatisation of the power sector was a “colossal failure”.
Ajaero said Nigerian workers rejected the recent increase in electricity tariff and the associated upgrading and downgrading of customers from one band to another.
According to him, "As workers, we are hardest hit by the increase in electricity tariff. Unlike business people, wage earning workers cannot adjust their income when the cost of utilities are increased.
"The stagnancy in wage amidst increases in electricity and refined petroleum products push workers over and beyond the limits of sanity and survival.
"Small and medium scale businesses, which accommodates millions of workers in the informal
February, served as education minister during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He played a key role in initiating policies that impacted the sector positively. Onu, who died at 72, was Minister of Science and Technology during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The council meeting was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan; and most of the other members of the council.
Earlier, Tinubu sworn in two additional Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC).
But now, he said, there had been a “fundamental shift”. “They’re getting more comfortable with the market,” he stressed. Markets have generally welcomed the CBN’s stance under Cardoso.
Cardoso, a former Citigroup executive who became central bank chief in September, told the news medium that there was “every indication” that the monetary policy committee he chairs would “do whatever is necessary” to keep soaring inflation in check.
“They will continue to do what has to be done to ensure that inflation comes down,” Cardoso said, ahead of the central bank’s meeting on May 20-21, where some analysts expect a further chunky rate hike. Inflation in Nigeria remains stubbornly high at 33.2 per cent, the highest in three decades. Food inflation is higher still at 40 per cent, a sharp blow to the living standards of poorer citizens who devote a larger share of their income to staples, such as rice. Assaults on grain warehouses have been reported across the country.
“The return to orthodoxy has been very much endorsed by investors,” Chief Economist at Standard Chartered Bank, Razia Khan said.
“While Nigeria is not seeking an IMF programme it is implementing the kind of policies that would be endorsed by the IMF,” he said.
The IMF said in its latest Nigeria report last week that the central bank had, “unequivocally committed to price stability as its core mandate,” and urged the bank to keep monetary policy tight to fight inflation and build the country’s external reserves.
Yet Cardoso’s policies do not receive universal domestic support, with businesses complaining about
economy, is severely affected by the increases in energy cost. This has led to shutdown of businesses.''
Ajaero further called on government to respect the September 2021 agreement with labour that was reinforced in the 2023 agreement that government must halt further increase in the tariff of public utilities until certain conditions were met.
He said the agreement included a review of the privatisation exercise, de-dollarisation of gas supply to electricity generation, distribution of prepaid meters to all electricity consumers in Nigeria, among others.
The NLC president also noted that before the increase in electricity tariff, NERC would have called for a stakeholders meeting for proper consultation.
Ajaero said the current power generated by Nigeria was not even enough for Lagos State, adding that the move by NERC to hike tariff without engagement with stakeholders in the power sector is faulty.
He stated, "We are here on a peaceful protest, having written so many letters to NERC to remind
the high cost of credit even as foreign portfolio investors have gradually returned to the country.
Cardoso said he hoped that high rates would not “linger” for too long and act as a disincentive to investment and production. But he said raising rates had been essential.
“Hiking interest rates obviously has had a dampening effect on the foreign exchange market, so that has begun to moderate. It’s not a zero-sum game. You lose on one side, you get on the other.”
Revamping the central bank is a key plank of President Bola Tinubu’s attempts to re-engineer Nigeria’s faltering economy, which lost its place in 2022 as the biggest on the continent thanks to sluggish growth and the weaker naira.
Last year, Tinubu partially removed popular but costly fuel subsidies while the central bank ended the currency peg that allowed the naira to be overvalued against the dollar. Although the government said the reforms would bear fruit in the medium-term, Nigerians have been grappling with the worst cost of living crisis in a generation as a result.
Cardoso conceded that inflation was higher than he had hoped, blaming “distortions” mainly because of high food prices. “That obviously is something that is not directly within our control,” he said.
The central bank has not updated its inflation target of 6-9 per cent for more than a decade, but analysts expect this will be revised upwards. Dumebi Oluwole, a senior economist at Lagos-based data firm Stears, told the Financial Times that they expected inflation to fall
Continued on page 27
them that they cannot increase tariffs without meeting with Nigerians. We reminded them that the process of increasing tariffs requires that they meet with all stakeholders, including labour.
"We do not know where this current tariff is coming from. NERC is not oblivious to the fact that Nigeria is wallowing in lower poverty. Nigeria is down the line as one of the countries in the world that is poor in terms of power supply.
"What Nigeria is generating today is not enough for Lagos alone and it is bad enough for you now to tell us that some Nigerians are bigger than the others. It is bad enough for you to say some Nigerians will get 20 hours while other Nigerians will get two hours."
Chairman of NERC, Mr Sanusi Garba, who came to address the workers after they insisted on shutting down the place, commended labour for the peaceful demonstration in respect of issues affecting the power sector.
Continued on page 28
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (left), receiving a state plaque from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during his courtesy visit to the governor, at the Lagos House, Marina, Lagos... yesterday
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Chinedu Eze in Lagos
Petroleum workers under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (NUPENGASSAN), have asked the federal government to immediately withdraw the new landing fees imposed on helicopter operators, especially those servicing the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
A statement jointly signed by NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale and PENGASAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, expressed grave concern regarding the landing fees imposed on helicopter operators, describing it as a threat
to the oil and gas industry.
The unions referred to a recent memo directing helicopter operators to compulsorily pay for helicopter landing fees at all Nigerian aerodromes' helipads, airstrips, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) units, and other oil platforms to generate more revenue to the federal government.
While rejecting the new charges, NUPENGASSAN said that it would pose a grave threat to the sustainability and viability of the helicopter transport sector that is critical to Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
"We strongly condemn this decision by the Federal Ministry of Aviation to impose exorbitant fees on helicopter operators during
this period of economic hardship on businesses and the citizenry.
"We hereby demand the withdrawal of this policy immediately in the overall interest of the country. As unions working for the growth of the nation’s economy, we strongly urge the Ministry of Aviation to immediately withdraw the landing fees on helicopter operators servicing the oil and gas industry.
"These new charges, which include a 4 per cent charge on the gross revenue of helicopter operators, as well as additional levies and taxes, pose a grave threat to the sustainability and viability of the helicopter transport sector that is critical to Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
"This is very insensitive at a
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja daru, declared yesterday that the federal government was committed to leveraging cuttingedge technology to protect the country's defence infrastructure.
Badaru spoke at a seminar organised by the Defence Space Administration in Abuja, themed, “Protecting Nigeria’s Defence Infrastructure: The Roles of Emerging Technology.”
The minister said in an evolving world, where advancement in technology was reshaping the landscape of national security, it was imperative for the country to adapt and innovate effectively to protect its defence infrastructure.
That was as Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Shinkafi, said as part of its mandate, Defence Space Administration had conducted research into space vehicles and satellites, protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, as well as provision of satellite imageries and remote sensing data to the field units.
He said, “All of these are
aimed at helping in the fight against insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.”
The minister said as part of the renewed hope agenda, the President Bola Tinubu government was committed to containing threats to national security and protecting the defence infrastructure.
Badaru stated, “In today's rapidly evolving world, where advancements in technology are reshaping the landscape of national security, it is imperative that we adapt and innovate to effectively protect our defence infrastructure.
“As we have witnessed the emergence of new and sophisticated threats, ranging from cyber-attacks to space-based challenges, it is crucial that we stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of emerging technologies to fortify our defences and ensure the security of our nation.”
The minister said the theme underscored the pivotal role that emerging technologies played in enhancing the resilience and
effectiveness of the defence systems.
He said, “From artificial intelligence and machine learning to quantum computing and space-based technologies, the possibilities are endless for us to leverage upon so as to strengthen our defence infrastructure and safeguard our nation's sovereignty.”
Meanwhile, Shinkafi said, “The DSA is mandated to provide resilient and affordable space and cyberspace capabilities for the protection of the defence infrastructure of the nation through a robust support for the armed forces, other security and law enforcement agencies.
“Since its establishment, the administration has been making efforts towards actualising its mandate. These includes research into space vehicles and satellites, protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, as well as provision of satellite imageries and remote sensing data to our field units.
“All of these are aimed at helping in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.”
time the federal government is shopping for investors in the oil and gas industry and muting various incentives to make the industry attractive," the group stated.
According to the unions, the oil and gas industry is a critical component of Nigeria's economy, and the helicopter operators serving the sector play a vital role in its success. They said the helicopter operators provide essential transportation services, moving personnel and equipment to offshore platforms and remote locations, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the industry.
"This unpopular decision has a detrimental impact on the sector, as this incremental cost is going to be passed on to the chartering companies who will in turn transfer the burden to the employees in the sector.
"This would not only provide much-needed relief to the sector but also demonstrate your commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and supporting the growth and development of this crucial industry.
"We look forward to the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation prompt attention and decisive action to address this pressing issue as failure to act swiftly will certainly pose a grave danger to the industrial harmony that is currently enjoyed in this sector," they argued.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has insisted that helicopter operators must pay the newly introduced $300 landing charges, which a private company, NAEBI Dynamic Concept Limited is billed to collect on behalf of the federal government.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry and signed by the Head, Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi.
The statement said the Ministry of Aviation recognises the importance of helicopter operations in Nigeria's aviation industry and is committed to implementing international best practices in helicopter operations through its agency, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
Oluseyi explained that the introduction of helicopter landing levies, which is in line with international best practices, was to enhance the quality of helicopter operations as a cost recovery measure.
“Helicopter landing levies are commonplace in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and various regions worldwide. For instance, Tallahassee International Airport in Florida began implementing helicopter landing levies under Vector Airport Systems since October 1, 2022.
“Helicopter landing levies are common across airfields in the UK, ranging from major commercial ones to small general aviation fields. Typically, helicopter levies match or exceed those for fixed-wing aircraft, varying based on factors like location and services provided.
“The federal government has granted NAEBI Dynamic Concepts Limited exclusive rights to collect helicopter landing levies in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NAEBI Concept and NAMA, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“It is instructive to note that NAMA under the Act as amended in 2022 is empowered to collect aeronautical revenues in both the upper and lower airspace to support her self-sustainability.
“However, over the years, NAMA has predominantly relied on the upper airspace for her revenue generation. Government in her wisdom having discovered a lacuna on the lower airspace where helicopter operations is dominant directed NAMA to live up to her responsibilities to enable them generate enough resources to sustain their aeronautical architecture, enhance security and surveillance, and improve the overall quality of helicopter operations in Nigeria,” the statement said.
Tetra Pak has announced the appointment of Haithem Debbiche as its new Managing Director for West Africa.
According to a statement, yesterday, Debbiche succeeds Aruna Oshiokamele, who held this position since 2018.
A graduate of the Sorbonne University in Paris, Debbiche joined Tetra Pak in 2003, where he held various positions within the organisation.
"I feel honored by this appointment. West Africa is a dynamic region with great potential, and I am committed to leveraging my expertise to best support our custom-
ers in their growth and innovation strategies," Debbiche stated.
The statement stressed that West Africa remains strategic priority for Tetra Pak, demonstrated by over 35 years of local presence in the region. “Haithem will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, further reinforcing Tetra Pak's strong commitment to its customers in the region.
"As an end-to-end solutions provider, we deliver the latest innovations tailored to the evolving needs of this fast-moving market, while keeping the sustainability at the heart of our business.
“By delivering solutions that closely align with our customers’
needs, I am confident that we will strengthen our position as the partner of choice for our valued customers," the new Managing Director added. Tetra Pak is one of the world’s leading food processing and packaging solutions companies. Working with customers and suppliers, it provides access to safe, nutritious food for hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries every day.
“With over 24,000 employees worldwide, we commit to making food safe and available, everywhere, and we promise to protect what’s good: food, people and the planet,” it added.
‘The last thing I want to happen as Minister of Aviation, is to have the blood of innocent Nigerians on my hands as a result of negligence, deep complicity or corruption of those who are supposed to be the regulators of the aviation industry.' - Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria
‘There are provisions in the Constitution for impeachment. The fact that a person was democratically elected as Governor, does not preclude his impeachment. If the Assembly is convinced that there are facts that require the commencement of that proceeding, they can.' - Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State
PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.
This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.
The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.
Governor Fubara v Rivers State House of Assembly
What’s that saying about the ground suffering, when two elephants fight?
The ground in this context being Rivers State, her infrastructure, the people of the State, effective governance and development of the State. So much time and resources are being expended on the disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), that onlookers are wondering whether these arms of government are actually getting any work done. This is detrimental to the State. Their main concern should be the security and welfare of the people of Rivers State, which is the primary purpose of government - see Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution).
People are appalled, horrified really, by the arbitrary demolition of the Complex that housed the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), built with State funds and tax payers’ money. What procedure was adopted, before the building was demolished? Was the procedure made public? Where is the assessment from the agencies and bodies empowered so to do, to decide that a public building constructed barely 20 years ago is no longer structurally sound, and required total demolition, not even partial renovation of the areas that may have been damaged by a fire, which apparently conveniently broke out during the same period when Nigerians heard that there was a plot by the RSHA to impeach the Governor? Was the demolition a political decision, which has no place in civil and structural engineering matters? While I prefer to stick to facts and evidence, we cannot ignore the fact that in Nigeria, it is not an entirely unknown phenomenon for public buildings to be set ablaze for suspicious reasons.
If it is the latter, this kind of bizarre, wasteful, destructive and out-of-control behaviour by those in authority must not be allowed to thrive in Nigeria, because the last time I checked we were in an ostensibly democratic dispensation, and not a military dictatorship. It appears that many Governors have turned themselves into tin gods and military generals, and have placed .themselves above the Constitution because of the immunity from suit and legal process they enjoy under Section 308 of the Constitution.
Legislators’ Defection: Vacant Seats or Not?
Being the provision that has been incessantly cited as the basis for insisting that the seats of the 27 Rivers Legislators who defected from PDP to APC are now vacant, I’m sure that if Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution and its Proviso had ears, they would be buzzing, since they must now be permanently ingrained in the minds of many, particularly either of the two conditions that must be fulfilled for a State Legislator to be able to successfully defect from the Party on whose platform they were sponsored and elected into office, to another party, before their tenure is over, failing which such defecting Legislator shall vacate their seat: 1) that there’s a division in the previous political party; or 2) that there’s a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which the Legislator was previously sponsored. See the case of Abegunde v Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors (2015) LPELR-24588(SC).
Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution is not selfexecutory. It is obvious that the Constitution doesn’t contemplate a situation where Nigerians can sit at home, debate the defection of Legislators and decide whether their seats have automatically become vacant or not, or that the Executive would be the one to decide whether the reasons provided for a defection fall within the scope of the aforementioned constitutional exceptions that will not necessitate the vacation of a seat, if a Legislator defects. On the contrary, the Constitution envisages an issue for determination arising from such defection, because by virtue of its Section 272(3), it provides that the Federal High Court (FHC) has jurisdiction to hear and determine inter alia, the question as to whether the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant. For one, it appears that the courts must decide what amounts to ‘fractionalisation, fragmentation, splintering or division’ in the various cases of Legislators’ defection, as one size does not necessarily fit all - see Abegunde v Ondo State House of Assembly & Ors (Supra). Also see the case of INEC v DPP & Anor (2014) LPELR-22809(CA) per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JCA (as she then was); INEC v DPP & Anor (2015) LPELR-24900(CA) per Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu, JCA As Lawyers, it is obvious that because Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution is not self-executory, by virtue of Section 272(3) thereof, it is the FHC that decides on the question as to the whether either of the two conditions in the said Proviso of Section 109(1)(g) has been fulfilled or not; and,
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“Concluding that the House of Assembly members who defected from PDP to APC have automatically vacated their seats, is not the place of Governor Fubara or any other person or agency to decide, but a question for the FHC to determine - so says the Constitution. And, trying to run the State with a three member Legislature is not only ridiculous, but unconstitutional”
until then, the seats cannot be declared vacant on the say-so of PDP or Governor Fubara, the people of Rivers State, or you and I. It is a misconception that the defection of a Legislator to another Party during their tenure, automatically translates to their seat becoming vacant. There is a constitutionally laid down procedure, for the process to declaring a seat vacant, because everyone has a different story as to why they defected from their previous Party, and it's for the court to decide if the story is cogent or not. Consequently, the case must go through the proper channel, from the FHC to the Court of Appeal, and finally, the Supreme Court, if the parties go on appeal.
In INEC v DPP & Anor (2014) (Supra), the Court of Appeal held inter alia that, it is only the Federal High Court that can determine the question as to whether the seat of a House of Assembly has become vacant. Also see the case of Ofobruku v DPP & Anor (2015) LPELR-24899(CA) per Ugochukwu Anthony Ogakwu, JCA.
Abuse of Court Process
Governor Fubara’s ‘three-man House of Assembly’, going to the Rivers State High Court (RSHC) last week to obtain an ex-parte order that the House of Assembly members who defected to APC shouldn’t parade themselves as Legislators, is an abuse of the court process. There is an interim order dated 15/12/23 made by the FHC, which inter alia, restrains INEC and the RSHA from declaring the seats of the 27 Lawmakers vacant, pending the
process. The actions of the Counsel to the minority Rivers Legislators fits like a glove into these two types of abuses, because the Constitution clearly provides in this case that such matters concerning the vacation of House of Assembly seats must be brought before the FHC and not the State High Court as they have done; and, the matter was already before the FHC before they started running to the RSHC continuously to secure all sorts of orders to override that of the FHC.
Similarly, Judges that grant ex-parte motions recklessly, issuing interim orders in matters they shouldn’t, knowing fully well that their courts have no jurisdiction to hear and determine them, or that they are an abuse of court process in one way or the other, and they proceed to breach their oath of office to resolve disputes judicially and judiciously by instead, handing down decisions that are bound to cause more harm and confusion than resolution, should also face disciplinary sanctions from the National Judicial Council (NJC). It is time to start injecting some sanity into our legal system, where it is required. If Counsel and Judicial Officers who engage in abuse of court process are sanctioned immediately, it will serve as a deterrent to others who have no regard for the rule of law and prefer to make a mockery of it instead.
hearing and determination of the motion of notice. See the case of Ogboru v Uduaghan 2013 13 NWLR Part 1370 Page 33 at 53 per Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC on the definition of abuse of court process. It is the improper use of the judicial process by a party in litigation, aimed on targeting on interference with due administration of justice. The acts of the minority members going to the RSHC to obtain orders, is simply to interfere with the due administration of justice in this matter. The RSHC also cannot sit as an appellate court over the decisions of the FHC, granting orders to counter the judgement of a court of competent jurisdiction in this matter (see Suit No: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1613/2023 Rivers State House of Assembly & Anor v NASS & 16 Ors).
The proper process, is to file an appeal at the Court of Appeal. But, the now popular unwholesome practice of forum shopping (in this case, of the highest order, I might add), was chosen instead.
Lawyers who engage in such nefarious activities, should face disciplinary sanctions before the Nigerian Bar Association. Knowingly filing a multiplicity of actions when they can be consolidated with the action touching on the same subject-matter that was instituted first in time, if such matter was properly brought before a court of competent jurisdiction; knowingly filing matters before courts that obviously lack jurisdiction to hear and determine matters, but will flout the law to give favourable decisions - both constitute abuses of court
Governor Fubara: A Meddlesome Interloper It is crystal clear that, in this particular circumstance, Governor Fubara appears to be a meddlesome interloper, poke-nosing in how a separate arm of government, the Legislature, should be run, thereby arrogating unto himself powers which he doesn’t have, seeing as the Constitution doesn’t donate any such authority to a Governor concerning a State Legislature. Unfortunately, he’s certainly not alone in this type of autocratic behaviour, as many Governors have turned themselves into overlords, lording it over their State Legislatures and Judiciaries. Their words are law, in their States. Concluding that the House of Assembly members who defected from PDP to APC have automatically vacated their seats, is not the place of Governor Fubara or any other person or agency to decide, but a question for the FHC to determine - so says the Constitution. And, trying to run the State with a three member Legislature is not only ridiculous, but unconstitutional. Section 91 of the Constitution provides that a House of Assembly of a State shall have not less than 24 and not more than 40 members. RSHA has 32 members, one deceased, leaving 31. By virtue of Section 96(1) of the Constitution, a quorum of a House of Assembly must not be less than eight or more than 13.33 members (to the nearest whole number would be 13), that is, one-third of all the members. RSHA’s quorum is 11 members, not three.
Nowhere in the Constitution is there a provision donating power to a Governor to determine where the Legislature should sit to conduct its affairs. Governor Fubara or any other Governor cannot command their State Legislators to hold their sittings in Government House; he doesn’t have such powers. Moreover, according to the principle of separation of powers, the three arms of government are meant to act as checks and balances on each other, not that the other two should be appendages of the Executive - see Sections 4,5 & 6 of the Constitution.
Conclusion
Be that as it may, this is one of those cases that requires expeditious hearing up to the final arbiter, as it concerns the seats in an elective office that is tenured, and unnecessary delay may end up turning litigation in this matter into an academic exercise, if the final decision of the courts is not handed down timeously. It is also affecting effective governance, in Rivers State, because by virtue of the provisions of the Constitution, any law purported to be enacted by a three member House of Assembly, be it the budget appropriation law or any other law, or any action, for instance, screening of nominees for official positions which require a quorum, would be null and void and of no effect, if they emanate from an improperly constituted House that did not form a quorum to pass the Bill into law or conduct the screening.
Sometimes, I wonder why Nigerians are expected to be law abiding, when our public officials in the highest positions of authority can be quite lawless! As Pentecostal Christians like to say, anointing flows from the head; what appears to be flowing down from this Rivers State imbroglio that I described above, is a blatant disrespect and disregard for the rule of law on the part of the Governor and the minority House Members. Thank God for people like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu! Of, course, I say that scornfully, with tongue in cheek. At least, we can point to those two, when first world countries condescendingly allege that some African so-called leaders or senior public officials are lawless, since they appear to be no better!
Facts
The Respondent commenced the action leading to this appeal against the Appellant at the High Court of Plateau State, via a Writ of Summons and an Affidavit in Support of the Claims. The Respondent claimed the sum of N2 million being the balance due to him from the Appellant, for execution of a road contract for the Appellant. He also claimed pre-judgement interest at the rate of 25% from 20th July, 2001 until judgement, and post-judgement interest at 10% per annum until the entire sum is liquidated.
Being a liquidated money demand, the Respondent filed a Motion Ex-parte for the suit to be placed under the Undefended List. The Appellant responded by filing a Notice of Intention to Defend, and an Affidavit in support thereof. When the matter came up for hearing, Counsel for the Respondent consented that the matter be transferred to the General Cause List, and the suit was so transferred. At the hearing of the suit, the Respondent called four witnesses as PW1 - PW4, while the Appellant testified alone for himself as DW 1. At the close of trial and after the addresses of Counsel, the trial court delivered its judgement, wherein it granted the reliefs sought by the Respondent. The court ordered the Appellant to pay the Respondent the sum of N2 million and awarded pre-judgement interest at the rate of 22% per annum from July 2001 till the date of the judgement, and post-judgement interest at the rate of 10% per annum. The Appellant’s appeal to the Court of Appeal was allowed in part, as the court held that there was no basis for the award of 22% pre-judgement interest and set same aside.
Dissatisfied with the decision of the court below, the Appellant initiated this appeal to the Supreme Court. At the Supreme Court, the Appellant challenged the competence of the originating processes and by implication, the jurisdiction of the court to determine the suit.
Given it jurisdictional implications, the Supreme Court adopted the first issue for determination posed by the Appellant in determining the appeal, thus:
“Having regard to the fact that the process commencing this action was not signed by a legal practitioner known to law, whether the whole proceeding, including the judgement of the lower court is not a nullity.”
On this issue, counsel for the Appellant relied on the case of MADUKOLU v NKEMDILIM (1962) 1 ALL NLR (PT.4) 587, to submit that the competence of an originating process is one of the determinants of a court’s jurisdiction. He argued that the action at the trial court was commenced by a Motion Ex-parte to place the suit under the undefended list, but the process was not signed by a legal practitioner known to law, same having been signed by an unnamed person for (written as “f”) another person. He relied on the case of S.L.B CONSORTIUM v N.N.P.C (2011) 9 NWLR (PT. 1252) 317 to submit that the motion paper having been signed by an unknown person for a Legal Practitioner, was in the eyes of the law not signed at all, and thus, incapable of invoking the jurisdiction of the trial court. He submitted further that the consequence of the manner in which the originating process was signed is that same is fundamentally defective, and deprived the court of jurisdiction to entertain the matter. Responding to the submissions above, Counsel for the Respondent submitted that the Motion Ex-parte was only filed to apply for the suit to be placed under the Undefended List. He
Honourable
Adamu
Jauro, JSC
In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja On Friday, the 8th day of March, 2024
Before their lordships
Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-ekun Mohammed Lawal Garba Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju adamu Jauro Tijjani abubakar Justices, Supreme Court SC.296/2013
Between aLHaJI SHeHu aSHaKa aPPeLLaNT And SaMSON CHIdI NWaCHuKWu ReSPONdeNT
(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Adamu Jauro, JSC)
argued that a Motion Ex-parte cannot be said to be the originating process, thus, any defect thereon cannot affect the jurisdiction of the trial court to entertain the suit. He urged the court to resolve the issue against the Appellant.
The Appellant, in his reply brief, submitted that Counsel for the Respondent ignored the argument on the validity or otherwise of the originating process, but only argued that the Motion Ex-parte was not the originating process. He stated that Counsel for the Respondent deliberately ignored the fact that the Writ of Summons at pages 3 - 4 of the record of appeal, was equally signed in the same way as the Motion Ex-parte. Counsel relied on the case of NWANKWO v YAR’ADUA (2010) 12 NWLR (PT. 1209) 518 to submit that the failure to respond to the Appellant’s argument amounts to concession that indeed, the originating
“….. court processes are either to be signed by parties or their legal practitioner; the Legal Practitioners’ Act does not envisage the signing of court processes through an unknown proxy. Once it cannot be said who signed a court process, it is automatically rendered incompetent”
process is incompetent, thereby robbing the trial court and the court below of the jurisdiction to entertain the suit.
Court’s Judgement and Rationale
Resolving the sole issue, the Supreme Court held that the issue at hand is one which affects the jurisdiction of the court, and the court is entitled to raise and decide same, if it is noticed from a consideration of the record of appeal. Their Lordships held that jurisdiction is the power or competence of a court to entertain a matter or adjudicate over a dispute submitted to it. Jurisdiction is to legal proceedings what oxygen is to human beings, for without jurisdiction, no proceedings can be conducted. Jurisdiction is of fundamental importance in our jurisprudence, and a court must treat it with all sense of importance. It must not be treated lightly, as its absence will render null, void and of no effect, every step taken in the proceedings. Any proceedings conducted in the absence of jurisdiction will amount to a nullity, an exercise in futility and a wasteful dissipation of energy. Hence, in order to avoid wasting precious judicial time, a court must determine whether or not it has jurisdiction immediately the issue arises.
An originating process, is the process that births legal proceedings. Being the process by which actions are commenced, its importance cannot be overemphasised. In order for an action to be competent, the initiating process itself must not suffer from any fundamental defect, otherwise the action will be on quicksand. It is therefore, not in doubt that
“By Proxy”
the competence of an originating process goes to the root of the jurisdiction of court. Given the relationship between an originating process and jurisdiction, a competent originating process is crucial in activating the jurisdiction of court. On the other hand, the incompetence of an originating process such as the Writ of Summons contaminates the entire proceedings, including processes filed and the judgement or decision rendered. Such an incompetent originating process is inchoate, lifeless and in the eyes of the law, non-existent. It can therefore, not give life to the proceedings before the court, thereby rendering every step taken null and void ab initio - ANI & ORS v EFFIOK & ORS (2023) LPELR - 59783 (SC)
The Supreme Court went on to consider whether the Respondent’s Writ of Summons filed before the trial court was signed by a legal practitioner whose name is on the roll. The Writ of summons in this case was signed thus; “F” “signature/mark” Oba Maduabuchi, Esq, 4 New Zaria Terrace, Jos”. The Supreme Court held that when “F” or “PP’ is written before appending the signature on a document, the letter “F” represents “For” and the letter “PP” represents “By proxy”, showing that the signatory signed for someone else who is unable to sign the document. The court noted that there is nothing on the face of the Writ of Summons to show that it was signed by a legal practitioner. Their Lordships held that court processes are either to be signed by parties or their legal practitioner; the Legal Practitioners’ Act does not envisage the signing of court processes through an unknown proxy. Once it cannot be said who signed a court process, it is automatically rendered incompetent - OKAFOR v NWEKE (2007) 10 NWLR (PT. 1043) 521. The court held further that the effect of an originating process not duly signed by a legal practitioner recognised to practice law in Nigeria by virtue of the provisions of Sections 2(1) and 24 of the Legal Practitioners’ Act, is a fundamental defect that robs the court of jurisdiction to entertain the suit. To buttress its holding, the Apex Court relied on its earlier decision in VF WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LTD. v DANA SERV. LTD. (2023) 15 NWLR (PT. 1908) 573 wherein it held that “From the above it is without a doubt that the name and identity of the signatory to the Appellant's originating process is an unknown person. This is an anomaly which the law treats as fundamental, since the requirement of the law is that a court process must be signed either by a party or his legal practitioner. None of the aforesaid persons signed the originating process of the Appellant in this case, rather, the process was signed for Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN by an unnamed proxy. This court is not in a position to speculate on the identity of this unknown proxy, and evidence cannot be taken to resolve his identity. The decision of this court on the incompetence of court process, not properly signed and filed, remain consistent and unequivocal”
Given the above, Their Lordships adjudged the Respondent’s Writ of Summons as irredeemably and fatally incompetent. It never activated the jurisdiction of the trial court in the first place, and in the eyes of the law, no proceedings were ever conducted before the trial court. Every step taken before the trial court and the lower court were predicated on the incompetent Writ of Summons. It is synonymous to placing something on nothing, it is bound to fall apart like a deck of cards. It is of utmost importance that such improperly signed processes be rejected and struck out, in order to weed out quacks disguising as legal practitioners.
Appeal Allowed; Proceedings before the lower courts set aside.
Dr. M.Y. Danung with F.Z. Kaatpo for the Appellants.
O.A. Alao with S.B. Olarinde for the 1st Respondent.
Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)
Sports is an effective tool for relaxation, unity
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, has tasked Judges and Lawyers to work in harmony in the delivery of an effective justice system. The CJN gave the charge recently, while declaring open the 2024 Bar and Bench Golf Tournament in Abuja.
The Tournament, organised by the Court of Appeal, was the 5th, and also included the 1st edition of Table Tennis.
Represented at the occasion by the President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Justice Benedict Kanyip, the CJN who commended the organisers of the Tournament, remarked that Sports is a perfect avenue for members of the Bar and Bench to relax and exercise at the same time, considering the long hours they sit in the course of their jobs.
He said, "That we come together to do Sports, does not mean we do not know our respective roles. The whole idea is to show that, we shouldn’t take things too seriously.
“I feel happy, we sit a lot in our work; so, anything that puts us
on our feet, particularly allows us to do some exercise, is a welcome development. So, I am happy I could do this today".
Earlier, President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, observed that Sports is a good way to promote oneness, as well as breach the gap between members of the Bar and Bench. She stated that the legal profession can be tedious with so much of time spent sitting inside the courtroom, hence, the need for the Tournament which provides an avenue for relaxation and friendship.
“Nigeria, for instance, is a great example of how Sports unites us. When we are playing football, you know how Nigeria becomes one, we sit together glued to our TV set. We are one, so I think Sports is a great avenue for us to build our oneness and to strengthen our unity”, the PCA stated.
She observed that the Tournament also helps to discover other talents of members besides adjudication, adding that with time, other Sports will be included in the yearly tournament.
“So, we set up a Golf Tournament, because we know
An Oil and Gas Lawyer, Tolu Aderemi, has emphasised the importance of competence, capacity and patriotism, in guiding Nigeria’s 2024 oil and gas bid round, which opened on April 29, 2024.
Aderemi, a Visiting Professor at Afe Babalola University, Partner at Perchstone & Graeys, LP and the Chairman, International Law Association (ILA) Arbitration Committee, highlighted the significance of meeting Nigeria’s OPEC quota of 1.38 million barrels per day.
Statistics from the fourth quarter of 2023 show Nigeria’s struggle to meet its OPEC quota, with production levels falling below the target.
The OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) for March 2024 revealed a decline in Nigeria’s output from 1.427 million barrels per day in January to 1.322 million barrels per day in February, attributed to challenges such as crude oil theft, insecurity,
asset vandalism, and sabotage.
Despite these obstacles, Aderemi expressed cautious optimism about the success of the 2024 bid round, citing the Government’s implementation of a robust Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) and a transparent bidding timetable.
As the bid round progresses, Aderemi stressed the importance of bidders’ commitment to Nigeria’s net-zero emission target. He also raised concerns about market exits, following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act in 2021, urging the Government to attract competent investors, while ensuring transparency and sustainability in the sector.
Aderemi warned against potential pitfalls in the bid round, including forced mergers of bidders, allegations of favouritism, unrealistic signature bonuses, and inflated asset values, which could result in failure, if not addressed.
that some of us are also good players in Table Tennis, so, we decided to extend the Golf Tournament to Table Tennis.
“Hopefully we will extend it to Lawn Tennis and other games, because we are a mixed breed of talent in the Judiciary and the legal profession, and the essence of this
is to take us out of the enclosed environment in which we work, to relax our mind, take us away from the books to enable us enjoy nature, to enable us to meet on a less informal platform", she said.
Similarly, the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Mr Umar Bangari, who observed that all
year round, members of the Bar and Bench are in serious business, stated that the Tournament provides a form of relaxation, as well as reducing tension.
“The essence of today’s event is to create a forum such as this, for interaction between members of the Bar and Bench.
"You know, in this our profession, we are in a very serious business, all the time 365 days a year; members of the Bar and Bench are in very serious business; so, we create opportunities like this, for them to come and interact like we just had", he said.
The Law Firm of Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe held the third interaction of its Annual Technology, Media and Telecommunication (TMT) Business Law Breakfast Series, themed “The Nigerian Tech Ecosystem: Policies, Investments and Global Trade”, last week, at the Victoria Hall, Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event pooled together Lawyers, Tech entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, policymakers, financial institutions and Tech enthusiasts in Nigeria’s technology scene. It was headlined
by Mr Kyari Abba Bukar, the Chairman, Arca Payments Limited and the Keynote Speaker of the event. Mr Bukar spoke on “Fostering Innovation and Investments through Enabling Policies, Viable Business & Economic Environment”, and also fielded questions in a fireside chat anchored by Aroture “Rotus” Odiri, the Business Anchor and Host of Global Business Report, Arise News.
Attendees were split into two Panel sessions featuring key industry players. The first Panel session on “Unlocking Investments: Policies, Reforms and Regulations” was moderated
by Adeniyi Duale, Partner, Duale Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, and featured Panelists including Olatubosun Alake, Hon. Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Lagos State; Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes, Founder, Aruwa Capital Management; Femi Ogunjimi, MD, CardinalStone Capital Advisers; Kola Aina, Founding Partner, Ventures Platform; and Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder, Moniepoint.
Similarly, the second Panel session on “Show Me the Money” was moderated by Nicole Yembra, Founder, the Chrysalis Company, while the Panelists included Yanmo Omorogbe, COO and Co-Founder,
Bamboo; Olu Oyinsan, Managing Partner, Oui Capital; Dr Femi Kuti, CEO, Reliance Health; Olumide Soyombo, Co-Founder, Voltron Capital, BlueChip Technologies Limited and Tosin Faniro-Dada, Partner, Breega.
The TMT firm, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe organises the Business Law Breakfast Series annually to spearhead conversations that drive reforms, spark innovation, and stimulate investments. The event, drew hundreds of attendees and provided a platform for discuºssions, that potentially catalyse transformation in Nigeria’s technology sector.
Avocats Sans Frontières France also known as Lawyers Without Borders France, has expressed deep concern over the recent approval by the Nigerian Senate of the death penalty for drug trafficking crimes in the country.
In a statement signed by the Country Director, of ASF France, Nigeria, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Agency said this decision represents a severe setback for human rights and justice in Nigeria, and contradicts the position presented by the Nigerian Government during the just concluded Universal Periodic Review, UPR.
“The Nigerian Government represented by the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, informed the United Nations, (UN), and the world on the 23rd of January, 2024 in Geneva that Nigeria has a voluntary moratorium on the death penalty. The recent decision by the Senate, is without regard to the
Government’s international policy on the death penalty.
“This approval of the death penalty for drug-related offences, contradicts the UN resolution on the death penalty which was adopted in 2023. The resolution states that countries that retain the death penalty should actively work on strictly limiting its application to the “most serious crimes under international law”, a threshold that drug offences do not meet. Retentionist countries like Nigeria that apply the mandatory death penalty, were also urged to abolish this practice.”
“It should be noted that in 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria condemned the Indonesian Government for the execution of two Nigerians by firing squad, due to drugrelated offences. It is therefore, surprising and inconsistent, that the same Government will turn around to approve the death penalty for drug-related offences in Nigeria, a policy they had
once condemned publicly.”
“Progressive justice systems, must be effective and resultdriven. Studies have consistently shown that countries that retain the death penalty in their laws continue to experience high crime rates relating to drug trafficking and other serious offences, thus, the death penalty is ineffective as a deterrent.
Also, the execution of the death penalty is irreversible and leaves no room for reconsideration, even in the face of new evidence. This lack of flexibility can lead to a plethora of wrongful executions and miscarriages of justice, which can never be reversed.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu also said “No State should have the power to take a life because it is against the very principle of reformative and restorative justice, and also a violation of the Right to Life. We therefore, urge the Nigerian Government to reverse its position on the death penalty for drug trafficking. Instead
of resorting to extreme and ineffective measures, we also urge the Government to focus on evidence-based policies and measures, that address the root causes of drug trafficking and promote justice and human rights in Nigeria”.
“ASF France’s position against the death penalty, should not be misconstrued as support for criminal activities. We firmly believe in upholding justice, human rights, and the rule of law. Our opposition to the death penalty for all crimes, stems from our commitment to promoting effective, evidencebased solutions that address the root causes of crime and uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in the process.”
“ASF France has been working in Nigeria, to advance the promotion and protection of human rights. We have been supporting reforms in the use of the death penalty, while providing access to justice for persons facing the death penalty”, she noted.
Though the quest and agitation for increased minimum wage by Nigerian workers is as old as Nigeria, every time it’s ripe for an upward review, the atmosphere appears to become tense and rancorous. The recent demand by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for N615,000.00 as the new minimum wage, will begin a new round of negotiations between Government and Workers, represented by the NLC. How realistic and feasible is the NLC’s demand for this sizeable upward review of workers salaries, especially with the present economic downturn? Is the NLC demand justified? does the Government have the capacity and/or the willingness to pay such bumper wages? Should there be a decentralisation of the Minimum Wage, considering the fact that size of the work force, the cost of living, IGR and Federal allocation differs from State to State? Norrison Quakers, SAN; Chief Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN; Jide Ojo and Jude Igbanoi give their perspectives on this weighty issue of national concern. But, one thing they all appear to agree on, is that the current N30,000 minimum wage is grossly inadequate, as it is a take home pay that does not take anyone home
Ongoing Agitation for Minimum Wage Increase
Norrison Quakers, SAN
Wages have become the top issue for Nigeria’s organised labour movements, in the past year. Reacting to recent increases in the cost of living, the labour movement has been calling for an upward review of the national minimum wage, currently N30,000 (US$24) a month.
Definition
A minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers can legally pay their employees - the price floor below which employees may not sell their labour. The Committee of Experts of the Governing Body of
the International Labour Organisation (ILO) at the 168th Session had concluded that the minimum wage, ‘represents the lowest level of remuneration permitted, in law’ paid hourly, daily or monthly. Given the fact that minimum wages pose an increase to the cost of labour, companies often try to circumvent minimum wage laws. They achieve this by using gig workers, by moving labour to locations with lower or nonexistent minimum wages, automating job
functions, etc. However, most countries have minimum wage legislation in place.
“…..even the N30,000 minimum wage was ignored by some States. Reports have it, for instance, that some teachers in Zamfara State, the most educationallyunderdeveloped State in the Federation, receive N8,000 monthly salaries”
Background
In 1972, the Udoji Public Service Review Commission was set up by the Military Government to examine the organisation, structure, and management of public service in Nigeria; and in 1974, the Commission returned with far-reaching reform proposals, including the increase of workers’ wages. The Government followed the recommendations. However, public sector workers were the main beneficiaries.
It was on September 3, 1981 that the first minimum wage law was introduced in Nigeria, covering all full-time workers except seasonal workers, and those who worked in enterprises employing fewer than 50 workers.
Of paramount importance to this article, is that the legislation came on the wings of agitation by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), under the leadership of Hassan Sunmonu, and the key basis was for improvement to the welfare of workers. Since then, the minimum wage in Nigeria has been revised a number of times, but it has not kept pace with the cost of living in Nigeria.
It became N250 in 1991, N5,500 in 2000 and N18,900 in 2011. The current N30,000 took effect in 2019, under the subsisting National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which defines the minimum amount of money an employer of labour is required to pay the lowest paid worker monthly as N30,000.
Key Issues
This Article is geared at lending a voice to the discourse on three levels, to wit:
I. The realism of NLC’s demand for N650,000 minimum wage
II. The attitude of the State Governors who maintain their inability to pay more than N30,000
III. What Nigeria should do about minimum wage, in the face of spiralling inflation, harsh economic conditions across the nation and availability of resources to actualise the minimum wage increase.
Before responding to these three issues, we look at the broader conversation on whether the minimum wage protects workers from extreme poverty. Analysts have said that, it depends on how poverty is measured. Where a nation establishes a poverty line (or a minimum income level), which is usually set very low, below which someone would be considered poor, this minimum amount is deemed adequate to maintain an acceptable living standard, based on the cost of living in that country. However, if a multidimensional measure of poverty is used, that is, one that considers income, access to health, education, and living standard indicators (including sanitation, drinking water, electricity, and housing), the minimum wage is inadequate.
In reality, Nigeria’s minimum wage traps workers in a cycle of poverty, and as of 2021, when the latest data was compiled, 47.3% of Nigerians were multidimensionally poor. That number may have gone up significantly, following the removal of fuel subsidies and a galloping inflation rate of 33%. The subsequent steep increase in the cost of living, without wage adjustments, can only push more Nigerians into poverty.
It is therefore, possible for someone earning the minimum wage to be regarded as non-poor under the
income measure, but poor when the multidimensional measure is used. The current minimum wage of N30,000 (US$24) in Nigeria cannot extricate workers from multidimensional poverty, and the number of poor people in Nigeria has been rising for the past eight years. It will continue to do so until the minimum wage reflects the cost of living and recognises the salience of social services like health, education and housing.
Another reason the minimum wage does not protect Nigerian workers from poverty, is that it is not indexed to inflation. Inflation has been rising faster than wage growth in Nigeria, thereby decreasing the real purchasing power of workers. Their income buys less and less. Inflation rose from about 11% in 2008 to 25% in 2023. The minimum wage has not increased significantly, within the same period.
The current minimum wage has had a negative impact on the Nigerian economy, as to make ends meet, many workers are now doing “side hustles”. Many public-sector workers are hardly available in their places of work, and when they are, they are very susceptible to corruption. The low wage has equally undermined the morale and productivity of the workers, creating a sense of deprivation among them.
Sequel to his election into office, the two primary labour organisations in Nigeria - the NLC and the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), presented a proposal for the welfare of the Nigerian workforce, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, constituted a tripartite Committee comprising government, labour, and private sector representatives in January of 2024 to assess the N30,000 minimum wage implemented during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
It was to that Committee that the NLC and TUC presented their proposal for the new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria, to be N615,000. The Government has refrained from announcing a new minimum wage, citing its reluctance to accept labour’s proposal because it was ‘assessing each State Government’s fiscal capacity and the potential effects of different proposals, to determine an enhanced minimum wage that could be sustained by the States’.
We will now look at the three issues seriatim.
Is NLC’s Demand for N615,000 Minimum Wage Realistic?
Wellington (1991) found data from 1986 to confirm the fact that the real (inflation- adjusted) value of minimum wage had declined, because it had not been increased since 1981. On this issue, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1933 had this to say:
“It seems to me to be equally plain, that no business which depends for existence on paying less than living wages to its workers, has any right to continue in this country.”
This begs the question of whether the non-realistic bent for minimum wage is only in the fact that it has been left off for too long, and we are now dealing with an accumulation of benefits.
The National President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, gave his analysis of how the proposal of the organised labour for the current minimum wage was arrived by.
According to him:“Living wage is such that will, at least, keep you alive. It is not a wage that will make you poorer and poorer. It is not a wage that will make you borrow to go to work. It is not a wage that will lead you to be in the hospital every day because of malnutrition”.
He said further,
“Let me give you a breakdown of how we arrived at that figure. We have housing and accommodation of N40,000. We asked for electricity of N20,000 – of course, that was before the current tariff increase. Nobody can spend this amount currently. We have a utility that is about N10,000. We looked at kerosene and gas, that is about N25,000 to N35,000. We looked at food for a family of six, that is about N9,000 in a day. For 30 days, that is about N270,000. Look at medical, N50,000 provided, there will be no surgery or whatever.
“For clothing, we looked at N20,000. For education, N50,000. I don’t know about those who tried to put their children in private schools; they will not be able to cope with this amount. We also have sanitation of N10,000. Where we have another bulk of the money is transportation. This is because the workers stay on the fringes, and because of the cost of petrol, this amounted to N110,000.”
The amount put forward by Ajaero may appear outrageous and unreasonable, but is it really? The breakdown is very convincing since the current prices of products in the country have skyrocketed
in the last one year, without any measures by government to curb it. If an increase is required, surely, it must meet the desired result.
The NLC President and his comrades have understandably spoken from the point of view of entitlement to socio-economic security. However, in a nation not known for any worthwhile safety nets for the generality of its citizens, it is necessary that it should, at least, make provision for a robust compensation for those working .
The trajectory of minimum wages in Nigeria shows a significant pattern, the first minimum wage in 1981 was N125 per month. At the exchange rate of US$1 = 0.61 naira in 1981, this amounted to about US$204. In 2024, that minimum wage would be equivalent to about 265,000 naira (US$204) per month, going by the current exchange rate of about US$1 = 1,300 naira. As of this writing, the current exchange rate is US$ = N1,424.90. This puts the minimum wage in 1981, at least eight times more than the current minimum wage.
Since May 2023 when the immediate implementation of petrol subsidy removal was announced and the Naira floated, the initial response of the economy was almost 300% devaluation. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the food inflation rate in December 2023 was 33.93% on a year-on-year basis.
Granted that minimum wage varies greatly across different jurisdictions, for example, under certain US State laws, the minimum wage is $7.25 per hour ($14,500 per year), it is $16.28 per hour in the US State of Washington.
The narrative presented by the NLC and TUC does appear to have put a human face to the Nigerian Worker, who has remained faceless over generations, whilst the very cadre of citizens to determine his fate have continued to feed fat on the fortunes of the nation, when in fact these are the products of the Nigerian Worker.
The clog posed by the attitude of the State Governors who say they can’t pay more than N30,000 minimum wage
The States have responded in various ways, and even the N30,000 minimum wage was ignored by some States. Reports have it, for instance, that some teachers in Zamfara State, the most educationally-underdeveloped State in the Federation, receive N8,000 monthly salaries. In many States, workers are owed months, even years, in arrears, while the Governors and other political office holders continue to live like the
“….it does appear that the organised labour unionism in Nigeria has yet to learn a lesson or two on how continuous wage increase over the years, on account of labour agitations, has only but paled into a will-o’the-wisp, and has not really improved the welfare of workers in real terms”
proverbial mandarins. On what basis would those Governors agree to the payment of a higher minimum wage and when they give a nod, is that not a mere rhetoric?
The cost of governance in Nigeria is high at all levels, coupled with the unchecked corruption and squandering of public resources. These are the areas in which the Government has to intervene, or else it will indeed, have very little to pay government workers from, and continue to postpone the building of essential public amenities. We believe that these politicians must be held into account as they have no idea what value their workforce holds, and the boost that a significant increase in the minimum wage will have on their State’s economy.
Research carried out by David Card and Alan Krueger in 1992 when the minimum wage increased in New Jersey from $4.25 to $5.05 per hour (an 18.8% increase), while it remained at $4.25 in the adjacent State of Pennsylvania showed from the information gathered from the fast-food restaurants in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania that, the increase in the minimum wage increased employment in the New Jersey restaurants.
The Governors ought to be made to recognise the value of a thriving workforce to the prosperity of their States, and it is this re-orientation that will give them the impetus to join the move to revamp the Nigerian workforce and to propel the Nigerian economy forward.
According to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, ‘Wealth is not created by governments but by the vitality, initiative and enterprise of individuals who want to build something, a business, an industry, a place of learning, a theatre, an orchestra. As they prosper themselves, we believe that they will use their wealth to help others prosper’.
‘Enterprise is the best way to create the wealth you need, to bring a higher standard of living and all the other benefits which we in the West now enjoy.’
When Britain cut taxes and gave the necessary support to boost the morale of the people, the result that was borne out by the statistics was the changing attitudes of the people and Britain’s greater influence in the wider world at the time. Britain’s economic vitality was illustrated by the number of people setting up in business on their own - 1,600 every week that year, and the sense of enterprise had a powerful effect on the economy which grew very fast.
The Governors must be made aware of the fact that economic reform requires the acceptance of initiative and responsibility by people themselves, and this is very difficult in countries which have never known these qualities. Nigeria stands in a position to begin to imbibe those qualities, but in a situation where the Government is unwilling to first play its part and take responsibility for setting up policies that will inform the change, the economic reform we all long for, is not in view.
The NLC’s proposal is said to be a product of a painstaking effort, to capture the cost of living of Nigerian workers and masses in all parts of the country. It was essentially an outcome of an independent research conducted by the NLC and TUC on the cost of meeting the primary needs of an average family around the country. The
research was based on a family with both parents alive and four children, without the burden of having other dependents with them.
The Union arrived at the figure before the increase in electricity tariff and the scarcity of petrol across the nation occurred, which would undoubtedly spike the transportation costs contemplated by the proposal. In view of the provisions of the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, this increment, taking into cognisance the economic realities have legal backing, since it will inure for the next five years regardless of any turns in the economy. Ajaero confirmed this as the basis of their agitations in saying that any figure below this amount becomes a starvation wage and condemns Nigerian workers and their families to perpetual poverty, “We have to remember that the old one having expired on the 18th day of April, 2024, a new one is expected to have come into effect on the 19th day of April, 2024. However, because of Government’s inability to comply with the Law that demanded for negotiations for a new national minimum wage to have begun six months before the expiration of the existing one, concluding the new one has become unfortunately delayed,” he added.
Finally, on the political will and otherwise of the various Governors to comply with the new minimum wage, Winston Churchill MP had this to say on the Trade Boards Bill, Hansard House of Commons (28 April 1909) Vol 4, col 388
‘It is a serious national evil that any class of his Majesty’s subjects should receive less than a living wage, in return for their utmost exertions. It was formerly supposed that the working of the laws of supply and demand would naturally regulate or eliminate that evil … [and]… ultimately produce a fair price. Where … you have a healthy bargaining … But where you have what we call sweated trades, you have no organisation, no parity of bargaining, the good employer is undercut by the bad, and the bad employer is undercut by the worst… where those conditions prevail you have not a condition for progress, but a condition for progressive degeneration’. What should Nigeria do about minimum wage, in the face of spiralling inflation, harsh economic conditions across the nation and availability of resources to actualise the minimum wage increase
The sentiment is that labour must be realistic, and this is represented by it having in mind the state of the economy, Government’s ability to pay and the need to ensure that the new minimum wage is to strengthen, and not to further undermine the Naira and the economy at large.
So far, there has been some sort of master-servant relationship in which workers have held the short end of the stick. Proper dialogue about macro-economic issues like hyper-inflation, shut down of more factories and millions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), joblessness and the further endangering of the Naira, have been dangled as reasons for not increasing the minimum wage. However, is there any meaningful move to progress further?
Recognising the urgent need, in May 2017 the House of Representatives moved to amend the National Minimum Wage Act for a compulsory review of workers remuneration every five years, but this has been mere rhetoric. The law as it stands today, requires
periodic review of minimum wage to align with the evolving economic realities faced by workers and the analysis by the NLC and TUC in arriving at the proposal is a fair one, going by the current economic realities.
Ex- US President, Theodore Roosevelt, also made a supporting proclamation, when he said:
“We stand for a living wage. Wages are subnormal if they fail to provide a living for those who devote their time and energy to industrial occupations. The monetary equivalent of a living wage varies according to local conditions, but must include enough to secure the elements of a normal standard of living - a standard high enough to make morality possible, to provide for education and recreation, to care for immature members of the family, to maintain the family during periods of sickness, and to permit of reasonable saving for old age.”
Many political leaders have tagged Ajaero and his comrades as insensitive; however, they have not demonstrated genuine sacrifice and leadership, as to gain any credence on this subject matter. The percentage of Nigerians who work in government and organised private sectors is small, compared to the populace, but, that would be a good place to start from. The pervasive hardship is evident, and there is a reason for this conversation to be had.
According to NECA Director-General, Adewale Smart Oyerinde, the Committee’s pace in deliberating upon these issues, has not been commendable, he had this to say: “This protracted delay has the potential to further promote agitation, and fester distrust among stakeholders. We urge the government to, without delay, recall the tripartite committee to continue its assignment as soon as practicable… Employers are in absolute support of a new national minimum wage, as an increase in wages could also promote economic activities, stimulate consumption, and enhance the capacity utilisation of businesses”.
Since the recent reforms in Nigeria, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have pushed the cost of living to newer levels, causing inflation figures to hit 33.2% in March 2024, and compounding an already troubled economy, the labour union believes their proposal can be achieved if the states get their priorities right.
One thing is clear. We must do something, and other alternatives in place in other climes include the following:
•basic income or negative income tax- a system of social security that periodically provides each citizen with a sum of money that is sufficient tp live frugally.
•Refundable tax credit- a mechanism whereby the tax system can reduce the tax owed by a household to below zero, and result in a net payment to the tax payer beyond their own payments into the tax system.
•Earned Income Tax Credit
•The Adam Smith Institute prefers cutting taxes on the poor and middle class instead of raising wages as an alternative to the minimum wage.
•Wage subsidy- a payment made by a government for work people do. It is based on an hourly basis or by income earned.
•Education and training- education or funding apprenticeships or technical training can provide a bridge for low skilled workers to move into wages above a minimum wage.
We can borrow a leaf from data from the United States where, in 2014, job creation was found to be faster in States that raised their minimum wages. In the same year, news organisations reported the State with the highest minimum wage garnered more job creation than the rest of the United States. It is therefore, not apt to assume that a State that raises its minimum wage is doomed to failure. Research has proven to the contrary. Economists in Denmark found that when wage rates were discontinued after a worker turned 18, employment rate dropped to 33 %.
Conclusion
It is self-evident that the purpose of minimum wage is to protect the most vulnerable workers, often in precarious work, as employers can (and are encouraged to) pay above legally permissible minimum. The National Minimum wage debate is essentially for the protection of workers in unorganised sectors against low pay, since businesses will seek to maximise profits by minimising costs even when an economic crisis is looming.
This calls for an overhaul of the current national minimum wage.
Norrison Quakers, SAN, Constitutional Lawyer, Lagos
Chief Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN
Since the start of organised labour unionism in Nigerian around the year 1912, when workers in the colonial civil service collectively constituted themselves into a trade union, taking a cue from their Sierra Leonean counterpart, there have [always] been two major recurring issues with profound impact on the activities and preoccupation of the organised labour in Nigeria.
Even at the risk of being misunderstood, the point needs to be made that the extant agitation by the NLC for wage increase by as a panacea to rising inflation and demands for good living, is at best, an exercise in self-delusion and a knee-jerk grab at a low hanging fruit that can hardly ever deliver true governance or democratic deliverables to the target workers and their Siamese incident of declining welfare.
These are factious infighting and the agitation for wage increase, usually expressed in the code name “Minimum Wage”.
Significantly, the focus of this intervention is not on the factious infighting both in the parent and every affiliate union bodies, but on a different constant in the activities of labour unionism in Nigeria, that is, the seeming unending agitation for a raise in minimum wage.
While it cannot be gainsaid that the life of organised labour unionism in Nigeria, just as in any other clime, is characterised by struggles for welfare of workers, it does appear that the organised labour unionism in Nigeria has yet to learn a lesson or two on how continuous wage increase over the years, on account of labour agitations, has only but paled into a will-o’-the-wisp, and has not really improved the welfare of workers in real terms, in the face of concomitant inflation that attends every wage increase. One therefore wonders, why the organised labour union in whose rank and file is resident every imaginable skill, expertise, professionalism and know-how, cannot calmly sit back to take another look at its trend of agitation from the outset of organised labour till now, with a view to fashioning out a different approach at addressing the nagging challenge of workers’ welfare, constantly sticking out like a sore thumb in virtually all agitations by the organised labour.
“…..the new national minimum wage should not be less than N70,000 and not more than N100,000, for purposes of affordability and sustainability. Ultimately, I advice that the Labour Act should be amended, to allow for a decentralised minimum wage negotiation…."
As the Tinubu-led government muses on how best to meet or address Labour’s fresh agitation for a new minimum wage of N615,000.00, there is the potential of an ensuing fireworks of political intrigues at the NASS for passage of a new Minimum Wage Act or, at the very least, an amendment of the extant one.
Be that as it may, our recent experience and or challenges of implementation of the Minimum Wage Law remain fresh in our collective memories, as to the helplessness of the Nigerian workers when the political class will eventually step into the mix to make nonsense of the Act by another repeat of self-seeking polemics around the principle of federalism, warranting the federating States to decide their individual minimum wage, and not to be bound by any National Minimum Wage Act, just to defeat nation-wide implementation.
Conclusion
Although I am a stern believer in the Marxian posit of the doctrine of “Surplus Value”, which meaningfully prescribes that the difference between the cost of production and the amount the end product is sold, is the worth of the labour dissipated or which went into producing the goods or the service, thus precipitating a commensurate workers’ compensation in that regard. It bears repeating, however, to emphasise the point that, in a developing but fractured governance system such as ours, wage increase achieved without a commensurate improvement in the overall governance deliverables in physical infrastructure, security of lives and property, sustainable education, positive outlook in social orientation of the citizenry etc, is only but a drop on a parched desert land.
Chief Aikhunegbe Anthony Malik, SAN, Abuja
Introduction
President Bola Tinubu is a year old in office. On several occasions he has promised Nigerian workers not only a minimum wage, but a living wage. What Tinubu has in mind as a living wage, is probably known to him alone.
On October 2, 2023 after a marathon meeting with the labour unions to forestall their threat of embarking on indefinite strike, he
agreed to paying Federal workers N35,000 wage award from September 2023 until a new minimum wage comes into effect and also said a new minimum wage committee will be inaugurated by November 2023. This did not happen until Tuesday, January 30, 2024. It must be stated that labour law expects a new national minimum wage every five years, and negotiation committee to be inaugurated at least six months to the expiration of the extant one. Under Tinubu, it was inaugurated barely three months to the end of the current one.
37-Member Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee
The new minimum wage should have kicked in by April 2024, but, the only assurance Tinubu’s Government has given, is that whenever it is eventually agreed to, the new minimum wage will take effect from May 1, 2024. As earlier said, the Federal Government on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 inaugurated the 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage. Vice President Kashim Shettima who inaugurated the Committee at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja, charged to them to ensure the timely submission of their recommendations. The Committee chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Bukar Aji, is made up of members of the organised labour, the private sector and the Federal and State Governments. Shettima said the decision to set up the Committee is a recognition of the need to ensure a decent living wage, and in compliance with the existing National Minimum Wage Act of 2019. Membership of the Committee cuts across the Federal Government, State government, private sector, and organised labour. Present at the inauguration are some State Governors, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State; Mohammed Bago of Niger State; Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and Bassey Otu of Cross River State. Members of the Committee from the Federal Government include Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment; Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary. From the States, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State - representative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State - representative from North East; Alhaji Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State - representative from North West; Prof Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Senator Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun Staterepresentative from the South West; Mr Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State - representative from South South are part of the Committee. From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) – Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr Chuma Nwankwo; Mr Thompson Akpabio, with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) include Asiwaju (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and
Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.
The members from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) are Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of the Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative; Dr Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries; Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited. From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony and Prof Theophilus Ndukuba. Also, membership from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) include Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, Ph.D, Deputy President I, TUC; Comrade Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II; Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President. III; Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General and Comrade Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Commission.
Labour Unions Demand N615,000 National Minimum Wage
The Labour Unions have placed their demand of N615,000 as the new minimum wage, and are expecting an offer from the Federal Government. The Unions have also demanded that the new Act should have a two-year life with an agreement for automatic adjustment in wages any time inflation exceeds 7.5%. Unions have also demanded that every employer with up to five workers in his employ shall pay the new minimum wage, and have asked for the strengthening of monitoring and compliance mechanisms to penalise non-complying State Governments and organisations.
On the other hand, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, emphasised the need for the Government and organised labour to come up with a sustainable minimum wage in the ongoing negotiations. The NGF, which made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its virtual meeting and signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, assured labour of Governors’ commitment to pay the workers an improved wage.
The Issues
Giving the rising cost of living, the inflation and devaluation of Naira, the Nigerian Labour Unions are right on their demands. However, the reality on ground is that no government; be it Federal, State or Local, or the organised private sector can afford to adjust minimum wage from N30,000 to a whooping N615,000. As at now, many State Governments are not paying the agreed N30,000 minimum wage of 2019. I recall that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as Governor of Osun State could not pay N15,000 minimum wage to the State workers between 2010 and 2018. Rather, he was paying in percentages. Many State Governors such as Senator Uba Sani of Kaduna State, have voiced their concern that their States are finding it difficult to pay the extant N30,000 minimum wage because of paucity of funds starting with debt burden they have to pay, reduction in their monthly subvention, low internally generated revenue, and increased cost of governance.
Many Governors are of the opinion that, workers constitute barely 10% of the population of their States, and they have to provide social amenities such as good roads, hospitals, schools, electricity, potable water, and recreational facilities for the entire population of the State. More so, Ministries, Departments and Agencies will need to have running cost. So, the country is in a Catch 22 situation. Workers demand for welfare is good, but realistically, affordability and sustainability are concerning.
If forced to pay the new minimum wage, Government at all levels including the organised private sector may resort to retrenchment of workers under the guise of right-sizing and downsizing. Thoughts must also be spared for senior citizens who are retirees. Their pensions and gratuities may not be paid.
The Way Forward I believe that the new national minimum wage should not be less than N70,000 and not more than N100,000, for purposes of affordability and sustainability. Ultimately, I advice that the Labour Act should be amended, to allow for a decentralised
minimum wage negotiation. Federal Government should negotiate with the leadership of labour unions at the centre, while State Governors should be allowed to discuss with labour unions in their respective States, and agree to an affordable and sustainable minimum wage. The truth is that States do not have the same population size, labour force, Federal allocations and IGRs. This reflects in their respective annual budgets. Insisting on national minimum wage will continue to lead to threat of sack of workers or situation where governments will owe workers backlog of salaries. In the organised private sector, many industries and companies are resorting to casualisation in order to reduce administrative cost. They know fully well that, casual staff will have no privileges of full staff who get transport allowance, health benefits, housing allowance, leave bonus, feeding allowance and on retirement, will be entitled to pension and gratuity.
Conclusion It is imperative for the National Minimum Wage Committee to conclude its work without further delay by arriving at a win-win situation for both the Government and Workers’ Unions. It is noteworthy that, whatever is agreed on will still have to be sponsored by the President as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly who will review it, pass it and send it back to the President for assent before it will become law and operational. Time is therefore, of essence, as the deadline has already been missed. I implore the labour unions to be reasonable and soft-pedal, for a realistic national minimum wage to be expeditiously agreed on. Best of luck!
Jide Ojo, Development Consultant, Author and Public Affairs Analyst
Minimum Wage: Who is Afraid of NLC’s N615k Demand?
JudeIgbanoi
The perennial agitation for wage increase by Nigerian workers, is nothing new to Nigerians. But, what is different in this recent demand for wage increase, is the humongous leap from N30,000 minimum wage per month to N615,000.
“The cost of living is hardly factored in minimum wage in Nigeria, in that the huge cost of living requirements in cities like Lagos is not the same as in Gombe, Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo States, and minimum wage is usually fixed at the same level for all States”
While a not a few think this is ill-conceived, others believe that Nigerian workers have always been held in low esteem by every successive government, where their emoluments and welfare are concerned.
Buhari’s Purported Largess
Before the Buhari administration, the minimum wage of Nigerian workers was an abysmal N18,000 monthly.
The perceptible quantum leap from N18,000 to N30,000 under Buhari, didn’t elicit the expected excitement and celebration from either the workers or the masses. This is for the simple reasons that even the N30,000 couldn’t take Nigerian workers home, given the spiralling inflation that had set in, and the fact that most State Governors bluntly refused to pay the stipulated set amount.
To this day, many State Governors still pay their workers less than the stipulated N30,000. The few State Governors who agreed to pay, more often than not, owe their workers many months in areas, giving rise and opening the floodgate for further agitations.
Average Minimum Wages in Other African Countries
Comparatively, Nigeria occupies the lowest position on the minimum wage scale of African countries.
Figures from Wikipedia
· Algeria - $156.19
· Angola - $61
· Botswana - $152
· Burkina Faso - $59
· Cameroun - $62
· Chad - $110
· Djibouti - $198
· Egypt - $123.6
· Equatorial Guinea - $224
· Gabon - $ 255
· Ghana - $433
· Nigeria - $24 (as at May 2024)
It is clear from this available data, that Nigeria embarrassingly romances the lowest rung on the minimum wage ladder of Africa. What could be responsible for this?
1. Lack of will power of the Government, to prioritise workers wages and welfare.
2. Failure or incapacitation of the Federal Government, to compel State Governments to implement the stipulated wages.
3. Inability of most States to mobilise adequate resources from Internally Generated Revenue to beef up their Federal allocations and meet up with their monthly wage bills.
4. Politicisation of the workers salaries and welfare.
5. The worrisome and unfathomable volume of ghost workers in the Federal and State Civil Service.
6. Unavailability of adequate or reliable data of workers in Government employ at all levels, giving rise to bloated figures of workers and their salaries. Instances abound at all levels of government, where retired Civil Servants continue to collect their full
salaries many years after retirement.
7. There are also countless instances where dead civil servants’ names continue to be paid their full salaries.
Recommendations
There must concerted efforts of Government at all levels to ramp up revenues (especially IGR), without necessarily imposing heavy taxes on the hapless citizenry. This is one sure way to ensure that Government has adequate resources at its disposal to upwardly review salaries, with the ability and capacity to pay.
Carry out an onsite and forensic audit of Government staff at all levels, to determine the exact number of employees on Government payroll.
Why Fix Minimum Wage?
The objective of minimum wage fixing, as set out in ILO Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No.131) and its accompanying Recommendation No. 135, is to give wage-earners the necessary social protection, in terms of minimum permissible levels of wages. This objective was already implicitly or explicitly contained in previous ILO Convention No.26 and Recommendation No. 30 (applicable to trades) and Convention No. 99 and Recommendation No. 89 (applicable to agriculture), which stipulated that the minimum wage should not be fixed at a lower rate than one which would ensure the subsistence of the worker and his/her family. Minimum wages along with other measures of economic and social policy, aim at reducing poverty and meeting basic needs. Minimum wage fixing alone cannot succeed, without the satisfaction of the minimum needs of all workers.
What Should Determine Minimum Wage
The main criteria for determining minimum wage, according to a study by ILO, are job evaluation, government order, ability to pay (on the part of the employers), cost of living, collective bargaining and the effort of labour unions, the going rate of wages and salaries paid for comparable work by other institutions in the labour market.
The ILO Report also pointed out that: ‘The cost of living is hardly factored in minimum wage in Nigeria, in that the huge cost of living requirements in cities like Lagos is not the same as in Gombe, Ebonyi, Edo and Ondo States, and minimum wage is usually fixed at the same level for all States.
Conclusion
While one agrees that it is the right of workers to reasonable wage increase, they lack the right to fix the percentage of increase as is presently the case where the NLC is demanding N615,000 as the minimum salary for a Nigerian worker. Should the deadline of two weeks not be met by the Government, a strike is imminent, and consequent negotiation could result in some upward review, which may not be up to the N615,000 being demanded by labour.
Jude Igbanoi
Introduction
We commenced this series recently with a definition of the focal terms – Meaning of Law, evolution of law and government, impunity, and then democratic setting. Today, we shall continue and conclude democratic setting and then x-ray rule of law. Read on.
However, Plato, in his second and third books, the Statesman and the Laws, respectively modified his definition when he defined democracy as the government of the people in which law is supreme, ruler and subjects alike being subject to it.
According to Charlie Nwekeaku, democracy is the government put in place by the people, which upholds the spirit of social contract between the State and the people, ensures equitable distribution of the State resources and equal opportunity for all its citizens, and whose operations are based on the rule of law. Black's Law Dictionary, Sixth Edition defines 'Democracy' as a form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation, as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy.
The term has been further defined as follows: "Democracy could also be described as a political method, that is to say, a certain type of institutional arrangement for arriving at political, legislative and administrative decisions. It is therefore, a method by which the individual acquires the power to participate in decision by means of a competitive struggle for the people's vote ... it is competition for votes - that is the distinguishing character of the democracy method..."In the words of a learned author, Democracy ensures meaningful and extensive competition among individuals and organised groups (especially polities, either directly or indirectly, for the major positions of governmental power, a highly inclusive" level of political participation in the selection of leaders and policies, least through regular and fair elections, such as that no major (adult) social group is excluded, and level of civil and political liberties-freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom to form and join organisation sufficient to ensure the integrity of political competition and participation ... “(ibid).
Thus, democracy is a system of government where the people, in exchange for equitable distribution of resources, protection of life and property, endow or bestow upon an individual their collective will, and that individual having the collective assent or will of the people proceed to protect the interest of the generality of the people in a representative manner or capacity. Flowing from the above, the term "Democratic Setting" simply means a society or country where democracy as a form of government is adopted and its tenets observed. .
It is a truism that impunity and abuse of power thrive where power is given but not curtailed or checked under the law. These were the drivers of the proponents of the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, and checks and balances. These principles are given attention herein below in view of their relevance to our topic of discussion
Rule of Law
Black's Law Dictionary, Sixth Edition defines
rule of law as:
"A legal principle of general application, sanctioned by the recognition of authorities, and usually expressed in the form of a maxim or logical proposition called a "rule'' because in doubtful or unforeseen cases it is guide or norm for their decision. The rule of law, sometimes called the supremacy of law provides that decision should be made by the application of known principles of laws without the intervention of discretion in their application.”
The principle of Rule of Law is to the effect that, there is absolute predominance or supremacy of the ordinary law of the land over all citizens, no matter how powerful. The principle was first propounded by Aristole, but was greatly expounded by the UK law Professor, A. V. Dicey. The theory of Rule of law is based on three principles that: (1) legal duties, and liability to punishment, of all citizens, is determined by the ordinary (regular) law and not by any arbitrary official fiat, government decree, or wide discretionary-powers, (2) disputes between citizens and government officials are to be determined by the ordinary courts applying ordinary law, and the (3) fundamental rights of the citizens (freedom of the person, freedom of association, freedom of speech) are rooted in the natural law, and are not dependent on any abstract constitutional concept, declaration, or guaranty.
“The principle of Rule of Law is to the effect that, there is absolute predominance or supremacy of the ordinary law of the land over all citizens, no matter how powerful”
The Secretary General of the United Nations [2013] defines the rule of law as a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights, norms and standards. It requires, as well, measures to ensure adherence to the principles of supremacy of law, equality before the law, accountability to the law, fairness in the application of the law, separation of powers, participation in the decision making, legal certainty, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency.
Similarly, the 1959 International Commission of Jurists Delhi Declaration states that the rule of law implies certain rights and freedom, independent judiciary, social, economic and cultural conditions conducive to human dignity (ibid). The rule of law presupposes the supremacy of law in the State. This means that law, and nothing else, counts in the society, as everything, everybody is subject to the same law. Both the ruler and the ruled, or the ruler and the subjects, are not only subject to the rule of law, but are also equal before the law. The rule of law promotes and protects the liberty, freedom and the gamut of the fundamental human rights of the citizens. Writing on individual freedom, Rousseau notes that, though the social contract gives the body politic absolute power over all its citizens, the sovereign cannot impose on its subjects any fetters that are useless to the community. He remarks further thus:
“We can see from this that the sovereign power is absolute, sacred, and inviolable as it does not and cannot exceed the limits of general conventions and that every man may dispose at will of such goods and liberty as these conventions leave him”.
Both Hobbes and Locke have argued that the power granted to the sovereign, that is the state, is limited and not absolute (Opcit).
The rule of law thrives in a state when
there is a separation of powers among the main organs of government, namely, the legislature, the executives and the judiciary, so that the powers of law making, execution and adjudication are not concentrated in one person or a group of persons. Absolute power, argued Lord Acton, corrupts absolutely. To avoid tyranny and oppression of the citizens, he argued, the rule of law should equally embody the separation of powers, so that each organ or arm of government shall be a check on the excesses of the other arms. Thus, democracy, devoid of impunity can only thrive in a state, where the powers of the arms of government are clearly separated, well checked, and the rule of law duly observed. A functional separation of powers will guarantee checks and balances among the executives, the legislature and the judiciary, making sure that none of these organs appropriates the powers (Ibid).
The rule of law as enunciated by the Supreme Court in the case of Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors v Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor (1986) 1 NWLR(Pt. 18) 621, per Oputa, JSC presupposes the following:
i. That the state is subject to the law;
ii. That judiciary is a necessary agency of the rule law;
iii. That governments, should respect the right of the individual citizens under the rule of law; and
iv. That to the judiciary is assigned both by the rule and by our Constitution, the determination of all actions and proceedings relating to matters in dispute between persons or between government and or authority and any person in Nigeria.
In the same vein, the apex court, per Obaseki JSC (as he then was) aptly captured the import and connotation of the term "Rule of law" in the case of Apostolic Church v Olowoleni (1990)6 NWLR (PT. 158) 514. As follows: "The Rule of law and the Rule offeree are mutually exclusive. Law Rules by reason and morality, force rules by violence and immorality."
The above view of the Supreme Court on the principle of "Rule of law" presupposes, therefore, that law and morality are integral and indeed inseparable parts of Rule of law. It is also inferable from the same passage that Rule of law has no place for violence and immorality.
In the Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors v Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor (Supra), the Supreme Court, per Obaseki, JSC. Pp.21-22, paras. C-A, held thus: "The Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law, the primary meaning of which is that everything must be done according to law. It means also that government should be conducted within the frame-work of recognised rules and principles which restrict discretionary power which Coke colourfully spoke of as 'golden and straight met-wand of law as opposed to the uncertain and crooked cord of discretion'. More relevant to the case in hand, the rule of law means that disputes as to the legality of acts of government are to be decided by judges who are wholly independent of the executive. See Wade on Administrative Law 5th Edition p. 22-27. That is the position in this country where the judiciary has been made independent of the executive by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1979 as amended by Decree No. 1 of 1984 and No. 17 of 1985. The judiciary cannot shirk its sacred responsibility to the nation to maintain the rule of law. It is both in the interest of the government and all persons in Nigeria. The law should be even handed between the government and citizens."
It is obvious from the above that "rule of law" plays a vital role in maintaining sanity and preventing impunity in a democratic setting. This is because its strict observance as demonstrated herein, curtails whimsical exercise of power and brings to a halt, abuse of power by those in authority.
Having said that, I shall now proceed to examine the other vital principles in this regard, which are “separation of powers and checks and balances”. (To be continued).
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
“The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom. ...” (John Locke)
Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com
David-Chyddy Eleke reports that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is not just physically big, he also habours big dreams, with brains bursting at its seams with great ideas which is evident in constituency projects he undertakes, and the ultimate office of anambra Governor he aspires to.
The senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah recently revealed that he will be contesting for the office of the governor of Anambra State, against the incumbent governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo in 2015. He exuded hope of ousting Soludo, even though he agreed that it would not be an easy project, considering that Soludo controls state resources.
But on the other hand he insisted that the governor has under-performed which would be the basis on which Anambra people will vote him out.
To underscore his preparation for the Anambra gubernatorial contest, Ubah recently took some newsmen on guided tour of his personal projects, businesses, constituency projects and other physical preparations he had made for the contest ahead.
From ongoing projects, both personal and those meant to be his constituency project to the people of his senatorial zone, it was easy to see through Ubah’s mind that he is a man with lofty ideas. Most of the projects inspected both in size and quality were enough to tell of the man Ifeanyi Ubah.
No less too were some preparations for the governorship contest, most of which involved party materials, souvenirs, which he had printed and packed in large numbers in buildings within his compound in Nnewi, Anambra State.
At Ifeanyi Ubah international stadium, journalists were surprised to note that save for the stadium which in itself is a multi million dollar project and the only standard stadium in Anambra today, a five star hotel which has four floors already was being constructed. What is however amazing is that the hotel forms a large surrounding around the entire stadium.
Besides the hotel which he plans to be a five star hotel within the stadium premises, Ubah has mapped out areas in the stadium premises, which is a vast expanse of land, where he intends to establish a university and a shopping mall.
He said: “We have a dream, and our dream is to bring the world to Nnewi through Ifeanyi Ubah West African tournament. The dream is that every six months, we will bring six African nations to Nnewi to participate in the Ifeanyi Ubah West African Tournament, a league we hope to establish soon.
“We know what we are doing. When completed, this hotel promises to be the only five star hotel in the entire Anambra State. The hotel has a floor for VIPs, from where you can walk into the VIP section of the stadium, without going downstairs to the reception or walking out of the hotel before moving into the stadium. We designed it this way because we know that a time will come when this place will be a hub of activities.
“Over there, we are planning a university and on the other side, we will have a shopping mall. We are not just asking to be governor. Governor or no governor, we already have a template we want to use to develop Nnewi. But if they want us to develop Anambra to the level that will be envious to other state, then I will offer myself to lead the state,” Ubah said.
In another of his project, christened Nnewi Height; a gigantic highrise building, which houses an amphitheatre, a conference hall, garment factory and most importantly The Au -
thority Television; a proposed international cable television, Ubah said no fewer than 400 Anambra people, especially youths, will be employed in the facility.
He said the project is expected to be completed in six months time. Speaking on why he decided to name the project Nnewi Heights, Ubah declined to answer the question, but took journalists to the top most floor of the skyscraper. He said: “When you stand here, you can see the entire Nnewi. From here, I can show you my house very far away from here, and the houses of other prominent Nnewi indigenes. All you need to see the entire
Nnewi and take an aerial view of the town is to stand on this floor. That is why we named this project Nnewi Heights.”
Ubah also showed journalists his road projects, and the security architecture he designed, which has made the entire Nnewi one of the safest towns in Anambra State. Ubah’s roads are more of interlocking. He told journalists that the roads around his entire vicinity were singlehandedly built by him, over 10 years back, which is before he came into government, yet they are all standing. “I did not only build these roads you see here, I’m also the one powering electricity in every home you see around here, at no cost to residents.”
Recently, through a security architecture pioneered by Ubah, some
To underscore his preparation for the Anambra gubernatorial contest, Ubah recently took some newsmen on guided tour of his personal projects, businesses, constituency projects and other physical preparations he had made for the contest ahead. From ongoing projects, both personal and those meant to be his constituency project to the people of his senatorial zone, it was easy to see through Ubah’s mind that he is a man with lofty ideas. Most of the projects inspected both in size and quality were enough to tell of the man Ifeanyi Ubah.
No less too were some preparations for the governorship contest, most of which involved party materials, souvenirs, which he had printed and packed in large numbers in buildings within his compound in Nnewi, Anambra State.
kidnappers who abducted a business man in a popular junction, inside a filling station were apprehended. It turned out that Ubah had secretly installed cameras all around the entire Nnewi town, with a control room from where movements in the entire town are monitored.
Ubah who conducted journalists around the control room, which is situated in a hidden location said: “This is the engine station of what we do in security. There is no part of Nnewi that something will happen that we cannot trace it. This is how we have been able to burst many kidnap cases.”
To demonstrate the effectiveness of the system, Ubah mentioned one part of Nnewi after another, where operators of the room called up instant happenings in those parts. He said: “This is technology, and it is something we can actually do in the entire Anambra State, and kidnapping, armed robbery and violent crime will be a thing of the past.”
One other thing that one can use to gauge the big ideas of Ubah is a twin event he recently held in Nnewi. The first was an APC colloquium to discuss the place of the Igbo in Nigerian politics, and the perceived marginalization. The second was the empowerment rally, which held at the Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium in Nnewi. Both event showed Ubah as a man who thinks big and stops at nothing to achieve them. While the colloquium was used to put a stamp to the fact that APC needs to open its gate for Ndigbo, the empowerment rally turned out to be one that has nothing close to it in the history of representation. There were cars, tricycles, sewing machines, food items and all manner of household items that were distributed. Ubah while addressing the mammoth crowd that attended said: “There is no one who came here today that will not go back with one item.” National chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdulahi Ganduje who was at the rally could not hold back his surprise. He stated at some point that men like Ubah have shown capacity to lead, and need to be supported for any position he vies for.
Speaking on his governorship aspiration during his meeting with reporters, Ubah expressed readiness for the task ahead, saying Soludo has failed in several ways as governor of Anambra State, which is the reason he is coming to offer quality leadership.
He said: “We have tried professor of Economics, and he has failed us. It is time to try professor of street wisdom. I’m a street general. We have marshalled out our plans about how to move the state to great heights. We plan to run Anambra as a nation within a nation.
“Soludo knows that he has failed, and that is why he does not want to hold local government election. That will be a test of how popular he is, but we will take most of the local government areas if he holds the election. That is what he is trying to avoid by not conducting the election.
“Also, my plan is to do a single term of four years and hand over. This is to ensure that I do not disrupt the zoning arrangement that we already have. There is nothing we set our minds to achieve in four years that we cannot achieve, so one term is enough for us to transform the state. We are prepared for the race and we know that Anambra people will choose something different this time”.
Tony Icheku writes that the collaborative quest by Mbaise USA and Medville to redefine the infrastructural and economic development of Mbaise and virtually transform her to a first world community in a third world, has given birth to Medical City, a gigantic, multi-million dollar project that is geared to be an attractive destination for medical tourism
In a gigantic, multi-million dollar project conceptualised to redefine the infrastructural and economic development of Mbaise and virtually transform her to a first world community in a third world, Nigerians of Mbaise descent resident in the United States of America, USA are set to position Nigeria as one of the attractive destinations for medical tourism.
The Imo State citizens under the aegis of Mbaise USA have concluded plans for the ground breaking ceremony on May 15, 2024 of their multi-million dollar project known as Medville Medical City which would be sited at Eziala Kaohu Community in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
In an exclusive interview with THISDAY the National President of Mbaise USA, High Chief Sonny O. S Echendu described Medville Medical City as a multi-million dollar investor's delight which would sit on over 100 acres of land.
"Mbaise USA and its partners, Medville conceptualised Medville Medical City first and foremost as one stop facility where Nigerians and people from neighbouring countries can come to for first class medical consultation and treatment of the same quality as obtainable elsewhere in the world.
"Besides the Specialist Hospital, the City would host a Medical School, a School of Nursing, a 5-star hotel, a helipad plus luxury homes and apartments
"There would also be schools of international standards: From Nursery, Primary, to Secondary school. There would also be a stadium, sporting and leisure facilities, events centre as well as shopping centre plus a section for mechanised farming. Each of the facilities which would be interlinked by quality roads would be operated as an on going business concern with it's own autonomous management.
"Of course we are inviting all Mbaise sons and daughters to come in as investors in this massive project.
“Mbaise USA conceptualised this gigantic project, having reviewed its annual Medical Outreach budget of over $5 million where it flies in specialists for surgeries, general medicine and other healthcare and realised it could enhance the value of the Medicare for the people if there is a first class permanent health care centre which they could access as the need arises. Beyond providing for specialist healthcare needs, the medical facilities would also be used as a research centre for other medical educational institutions”, Echendu said Echendu, a former Armoured Corp Commander in the Nigerian Army also addressed security concerns and explained that in the three LGAs of
Mbaise, the Mbaise USA are proposing to install CCTVs, control centres with rapid response squad to minimise insecurity in the area which in recent times have been scenes of violent killings. He said the association is closely studying models where the system have been effective and would clone such in the three LGAs.
Further proffering more insight on the project, Amb. Cliff Kachi Ayozie explained that during a session to approve the project, the joint Board of Delegates led by Dr Charles Iwejuo and National Executives of Mbaise USA recorded an impressive attendance of 82 Delegates and members of the National EXCO.
"There was only one absentee vote, two others not represented at the time of voting, 21 affiliate Chapters of Mbaise USA voted YES for Mbaise USA to partner with the Atlanta based organization, Medville and other interested investors towards the realization of the multimillion dollars City.
"The project generated robust debate and contributions among the 82 delegates and members of the National Executives present at the virtual zoom meeting following its introduction by the President of Mbaise USA, High Chief S.O.S Echendu and the Medville Medical City video presentation by the National Vice President, Ezeji Alozie Aguwa.
"The legislative arm of Mbaise USA constitutionally represented as the Board of Delegates also approved funds for the Geographic and
Topograhic surveys and May 15, 2024 was fixed for the ground breaking event.
"The vision of some Mbaise wise men and women under the umbrella of Mbaise Leadership Forum, MLF developing a plan to make Mbaise a first class community in a third world country is fast becoming a reality", he submitted
The ground breaking ceremony which would be chaired by the Chief Executive of ABC Transport Limited would feature Governor Hope Uzodimma as Distinguished Guest of Honour with former Ambassador to Guinea, Ambassador Innocent Iweju; Dr Nancy U Akunna and former governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha as Special Guests of Honour.
Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District would also feature Guest of Honour with Hon Emeka Chinedu and Hon Matthew Nwogu respectively representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte and Aboh-Mbaise/ Ngor Okpuala Federal Constituency.
The chief hosts would be played by Surv. Joe Anosike, the President-General of Ezurezu Mbaise; And HRH Eze Thaddeus Anochirionye, the Eze-elect of Eziala Kaohu.
The Medville Medical City project apart from providing employment and scholarships to deserving sons and daughters of the host community, promises a value chain that will positively impact the socio-economic development of Mbaise and beyond.
Precious Ugwuzor writes that it was a night of triumph for Divasity as it unveiled its CEO and launch of groundbreaking program, DIVASITY-WTO Funding and Market Readiness Programme
In a dazzling display of innovation, inspiration and entrepreneurship, Divasity marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated the unveiling of its new CEO and the launch of the DIVASITY-WTO Funding and Market Readiness Programme.
The event, held last Friday 26th April, 2024, garnered widespread acclaim, drawing an illustrious audience of industry leaders, stakeholders and esteemed guests.
The evening kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere as attendees were welcomed with open arms by Divasity Founder, Adeola Adebayo and Co-Founder, Chigozie Ubanagu. With excitement palpable in the air, the stage was set for a night that would be etched in the annals of entrepreneurial history.
As the event unfolded, attendees were treated to a lineup of prestigious speakers, each offering invaluable insights and perspectives on the future of entrepreneurship. From Ambassador Matthew Wilson's, Permanent Representative of United Nations & World Trade Organization, illuminating discourse on global trade dynamics to Madame Oluranti Sagoe Oviebo’s inspiring account of agricultural development initiatives,
and Market
and
to Mr. Kunle Aderemi’s pivotal global insights, the audience was captivated by the wealth of knowledge and expertise on display. However, the true highlight of the evening came with the unveiling of Divasity's new CEO, Thokozile Nkechi James. With an air of anticipation
hanging heavy in the room, Thokozile Nkechi took to the stage to rapturous applause. Her visionary leadership, transformative vision and unwavering commitment to success left an indelible impression on all in attendance, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for Divasity.
But the excitement didn't end there. The
launch of the DIVASITY-WTO FUNDING AND MARKET READINESS PROGRAMME heralded a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering small-scale farmers across Nigeria. With a focus on inclusivity, accessibility and sustainability, the program promises to revolutionize the agricultural sector, driving positive change and economic empowerment for all.
Speaking after the event, Adeola Adebayo expressed his gratitude and pride in the success of the evening. "Tonight was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the limitless potential of those who dare to dream," he remarked. "With Thokozile Nkechi James at the helm and our new program poised to make waves, the future has never looked brighter for Divasity."
As the curtains closed on an evening to to remember, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. With innovation as their compass and ambition as their guide, Divasity and its visionary leaders are poised to redefine the landscape of entrepreneurship, one groundbreaking initiative at a time.
To find out more details, visit www.divasity.com
The lion, the fox and the buffalo are well known beasts for their unique species-team-works, either as pride for the lion, skulk or leash for the fox, and herd for the buffalo. While a lion and a fox feeds on flesh, which makes them carnivorous, the buffalo with its awesome head power is a grazing or herbivorous animal, which makes it a prey for both the lion and the fox. The lion cannot ordinarily attack a fox for meal, nor can a fox prey over a lion, but both can get so close-going, with the lion remaining the fearsome king of the jungle.
A buffalo is always unease with the sight of these carnivorous beasts, that it wastes no time to flee or engage in a scare-scuffle.
As a metaphor, jungle often refers to situations that are unruly or lawless, or where the only law is perceived to be “survival of the fittest”.
In our fable narrative, this reflects a view of Nigeria where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), established by national Law to investigate all economic and financial crimes in the public space and tame the criminals, is the king of the jungle, and the fear of this Anti-Crime Commission is the beginning of easement after disengagement from an office with constitutional immunity, or while in the public service of Nigeria.
Yahaya Bello, our fox here, while basking and barking in the euphoric immunity of his office of Governor of Kogi State, became law onto himself and began to downplay the king of the jungle when he took on the garb of the ‘white lion’ of Kogi State. Fear for the real king of the jungle, the EFCC, was not in Bello’s flimsiest contemplation as he took for-granted the leeway that normally exists between the lion and the fox, and most astonishingly continued barking even after leaving office as Governor, and divested with the constitutional immunity from arrest and prosecution.
Hadi Sirika, the former Minister of Aviation, who unlike the EFCC had no power to cage looters of public funds, nor the Constitutional protection from prosecution as Yahaya Bello once had, was the Buffalo that ought to either be fleeing from or scare-scuffling with his predator, the EFCC in this instance.
As beasts in our fable jungle, the usual species-
Entr E pr E n E ur
team-works of the lion’s pride, the fox’s skulk or leash, and the buffalo’s herd also holds for the EFCC and its fierce Operatives, Yahaya Bello and his legion of paid media hands and protesters, and Hadi Sirika with his sectional and political defenders. This setting has been in the public space for weeks now. The EFCC exuding the natural trust that exists between the lion and the fox had severally sought quiet interface with Bello, to the point of granting him special privileges to turn up for clarifications over allegations of misappropriation of over N80 billion Kogi State funds under his care, but all to no avail. Bello sensing that he has provoked the king of the jungle into an apparent swooping mission, ran to the Court for a preemptive action of undue protection while setting loose his legion of media hands and hired protesters to attack the EFCC. This undesirable open confrontation and hide and seek antics against the EFCC, initially aided by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo
has made Yahaya Bello a fugitive of the law. The dismissal yesterday by the Abuja Federal High Court of Bello’s application to vacate the warrant of arrest issued against him is a reprimand of Bello’s resolve to permanently flee from the course of justice rather than having a close interaction with it as the fox will do with the lion. According to the Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, the former Governor, having been in contempt of Court by his refusal to make himself available for arraignment in a criminal charge, was not entitled to be granted any discretion or favour.
Two days back, precisely on Thursday, another Federal High Court presided over by Justice Sylvanus Orji granted the bail Application of the former Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Hadi Abubakar Sirika over a six count charge of N2.7 billion fraud arising from the botched Nigerian Air project. Hadi was invited, interrogated, arrested and charged to the Court by the EFCC as would a buffalo surrender to the lion for a scare-scuffle,
goes as meal to the lion or secures safety from the lion’s attack. Sirika’s submission to the law is the norm in every sane society which makes the law sacrosanct and builds strong Institutions. If he is found guilty, he will quietly atune for his crime, and if found innocent of the charge, he will regain his respect and better integrity than a man who foxes the system to remain a fugitive, and thereby weakening the law, the Institutions, and turning a sane society into a lawless jungle as Yahaya Bello and his band of paid media hands and protesters have been doing.
Given the desire of the EFCC for a humane, just and crime-free society, all players in the economy and political spaces of Nigeria and indeed all persons in our Country must submit to the rule of law for a stable, progressive and prosperous Nigeria. •Ozegbe Ogokuni wrote from Abbi, Ndokwa West LGA, Delta State
Introspection, a daily practice, is the key to your personal and business development journey. It’s not just about changing what happens on the outside; it’s about transforming what’s happening inside. Without this habit, what you perceive as change or evolution is merely rearranging existing ideas. True innovation and growth can only come from within.
Years ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey. I entered the rollercoaster world of entrepreneurship. My family and I left our simple life in the UK, searching for greener pastures in the United States. In the process of our move, I acquired a luxury furniture store. The business thrived, and I quickly learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship—that is, until the recession hit and claimed everything we owned. We returned to England empty-handed.
My first business lesson was not what I learned while running a thriving venture. It was what I discovered when I failed. Rock Bottom is a curious place to reside. You are constantly being offered options. One day, you are gifted hope; the next, despondency sits by your bed, awaiting your awakening. Still, failure’s unpredictability makes it a perfect time to launch a new idea, as you are free from the fear of further misfortune. Fear loses its grip on you once loss leaves the equation. This resilience and determination to bounce back and start anew is a testament to the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The situation presented the perfect time for me to embark on a new adventure. Having been introduced to the enchanting world of wood, craftsmanship, and luxury in my previous operation, I decided to continue my journey
along the same path. I launched an online store focusing on luxury furniture and interiors for children, pouring my heart and soul into every aspect as any entrepreneur would. Another benefit of starting at rock bottom is that you are forced to think creatively in situations you’d typically buy your way out of. For example, I couldn’t afford a web designer, so I taught myself how to build it. This was in the days when website building was akin to rocket science. The ability to create the website taught me that there were other currencies besides cash; they were invisible, but I was determined to find them all. So, I began the practice of introspection purely to retrieve my hidden gems. And gems did I find, but there was more. I discovered that my hidden resources were swaddled with layers of limiting beliefs, making access to them almost impossible. I christened these beliefs, lies. It was a lie that I needed a web designer to build my website, and it was a lie that I needed a large sum of money to start a business. Conversations with other entrepreneurs proved such lies were not unique to me. Lies are formed through the information you received as a child, from the words you heard to the behaviour you witnessed, books, movies, school, culture, and more. They act as protective mechanisms designed to shield us from failure. The trouble is they don’t prevent failure; they stop us from feeling like we failed. If we are to change our outcomes, we must change our beliefs. Now, let’s explore some common mindsets that hinder entrepreneurial success.
This lie says, ‘I’m not good enough.”. If you believe you need to be perfect before starting your project, you won’t start. If you were good
enough to develop the vision, then you are good enough to recognise the talent you need and know when you are going off-tangent. You don’t have to know it all. Perfectionism is a dream killer, as you repeatedly rearrange your ducks in a row.
This lie insists on following a predetermined template, perhaps that of a guru or a competitor. It robs your organisation of the opportunity to stand out as it follows its unique path. You need courage to follow your illogical ideas. It was outlandish concepts that led to innovative companies, like that website that sold secondhand books, which grew to become the world’s largest online retailer and marketplace, or the ridiculous notion of sleeping in strangers’ homes, which became the uber-successful Airbnb. The trouble with the template trap mindset is that it sends your brain a message that you lack some vital components, and you can’t progress until the missing elements are present.
Probably the most subtle of the lies. Impostor syndrome is the state of mind where you cannot simply accept responsibility for your success. So, you end up relying on the opinions of others to deem you worthy. This mindset will undermine your confidence and affect areas of your establishment, preventing you from seizing opportunities; it will ensure you do not hire the best talent for the job because you don’t think the company deserves it.
To overcome limiting beliefs, you must replace the lies with the truth. Adopt the daily practice of introspection. This powerful self-awareness tool
allows you to identify and challenge your limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are not finite. Once you have dealt with one, another one will show up, so self-reflection has to become a lifestyle. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. We embrace lies to avoid the discomfort of truth. But it’s in this discomfort, in this space of uncertainty, that actual growth and innovation can occur. Embracing discomfort is a sign of courage; it shows a willingness to push past your comfort zone. Tell your story. Authentic storytelling frees you from the need to embellish yourself; it allows you to travel on your journey without the weight of unrealistic expectations and the opinions of others. Your value lies in your uniqueness. By peeling away the layers of limiting beliefs and embracing your authentic self, you liberate yourself from the shackles of doubt and uncertainty, leading to business growth and innovation.
About Toks
Toks Aruoture is a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker and coach renowned for her transformative insights in entrepreneurial mindsets. With over two decades of experience in business, Toks has established herself as a visionary leader in the industry. As the founder of The Baby Cot Shop, Chelsea, she blends creativity with expertise, curating exquisite designs for discerning clients worldwide. Toks’s passion for personal development extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures; she dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Her captivating TEDx talk and engaging podcast inspire audiences to embrace resilience and unlock their inner greatness. With her warm demeanour and unwavering determination, Toks continues to make a profound impact, guiding others on their journey to success.
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
In spite of various assurances by the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) of meeting the country’s Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota, Nigeria recorded an estimated 30 million barrels underproduction in the first four months of 2024.
A THISDAY analysis of the latest data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that whereas Nigeria was meant to produce a revised 1.58 million barrels per day during the period, on the average, output was 1.32 million bpd.
But the figures published by the NUPRC came as a relief because secondary surveys carried out by S&P Global Commodity Insights,
Bloomberg and Reuters which track movement of crude oil-carrying ships before the official data showed that Nigeria may have under-produced by as much as 1.5 million barrels in April compared to the previous month.
For instance, an independent survey by S&P Global Commodity Insights showed that the country failed to produce at least 30,000 barrels per day during the month under consideration, to hit 1.5 million bpd deficit. OPEC’s official figures are expected later today (Tuesday).
In April, the NUPRC data showed that Nigeria recorded a volume of 1.28 million bpd, compared to 1.23 million bpd in March. It further showed production of 1.32 million bpd in February and 1.42 million bpd in January this year.
In all, excluding condensates,
which are outside OPEC’s computations, the country managed to drill 44.2 million barrels in January, 38.3 million bpd in February, 38.1 million barrels in March and 38.4 million barrels in April.
The data further showed that whereas Nigeria was supposed to record an estimated 190 million barrels in the four months spanning January to April, it could only drill 160 million barrels for the period, indicating a 17.1 per cent deficit.
In November 2023, OPEC+ handed Nigeria a revised 1.58 million bpd oil output target in 2024, lower than Africa’s largest oil producer had hoped for, because the country failed to consistently meet its 1.74 million bpd production target.
The slash in Nigeria’s quota followed a meeting in June last year, where OPEC+ agreed on a
complex deal that revised production targets for several members, after which it tasked three consultancy firms – IHS, Rystad Energy, and Wood Mackenzie – with the job of verifying production figures for Nigeria, Angola, and Congo.
Angola has since left the oil producers group because it rejected the new quota allocated to it by OPEC.
However, the Minister of State, Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, vowed that Nigeria will continue to remain in the organisation, telling journalists in Abuja at the time that the 1.58 million bpd was not sacrosanct and that negotiations would be restarted if the need for a raise in production arose.
After the first quarter of this year, when Nigeria failed to meet its quota, Lokpobiri assured that
government’s plan to hit 2 million barrels per day oil production by the end of 2024 was still on track.
He explained that the drop in oil production in the last few months was caused by issues encountered on the Trans Niger Pipeline, coupled with maintenance activities carried out by some oil companies operating in the country.
The minister assured that measures were being taken to address the situation to, not only restore production to previous levels, but to also increase it, announcing that the issues were being adequately addressed, and production was expected to return to its previous levels.
“We anticipate that Nigeria’s oil production, including condensate, which was approximately 1.7 million bpd prior to these developments, will soon be restored.
“...The quickest way to solve our economic challenges is through the oil and gas sector...If we ramp up production and we reduce the level of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, we will be able to raise the requisite money to be able to fund not only our budget, take care of our forex problems and then ensure that we stabilise our economy,” he stated. But the latest data showed a steady decline of oil production from the Bonny terminal, falling from 6.3 million barrels in January to 4.6 million barrels in February and 4.2 million barrels and 4.1 million barrels in March and April respectively. In Brass, production decline was also witnessed, with output falling from 735,360 barrels in January to 647,053 barrels in April.
The World Bank has stated that $260 billion annual investment would be required to reduce global agri-food emissions by half in the next six years.
According to a statement obtained from the World Bank’s website, the annual investment is also critical to achieve the net zero emissions by 2050.
The multilateral institution also revealed that payoffs for investing in cutting agrifood emissions are even much bigger than the costs.
The report added: “Twice as much money is spent yearly on agricultural subsidies, many of which harm the environment. While cutting wasteful subsidies can finance some of this investment, additional financing is essential to get to net zero.”
The World Bank stressed that
making these investments would lead to more than $4 trillion in benefits, from improvements in human health, food and nutrition security, better quality jobs and profits for farmers, to more carbon retained in forests and soils.
The statement added that the global agrifood system presented a huge opportunity to cut almost a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions through affordable
and readily available actions, while continuing to feed a growing population.
“While the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie. The good news is that the global food system can heal the planet –making soils, ecosystems, and people healthier, while keeping carbon in the ground. This is within reach in our lifetimes, but countries
must act now: simply changing how middle-income countries use land, such as forests and ecosystems, for food production can cut agrifood emissions by a third by 2030,” the World Bank Senior Managing Director, Axel van Trotsenburg, said.
The statement added that low-income countries could chart a different way forward by avoiding the mistakes made by richer countries and seizing climate-smart
opportunities for greener and more competitive economies.
“Preserving and restoring forests would promote sustainable economic development in lowincome countries given that more than half of their agrifood emissions come from clearing forests to produce food.
Gilbert Ekugbe
Gilbert Ekugbe
The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has lamented that about 40 per cent of food crops are lost due to plant and pest diseases every year.
According to a statement obtained from its website, the staggering loss affects global food security and agriculture, the main source of income for many vulnerable rural communities.
FAO also stated that climate change and weather extremes are also impacting plant health and altering ecosystems, while creating new niches for pests to thrive.
To commemorate this year’s International Day of Plant Health FAO is shining light on
the importance of leveraging innovation to protect plants, which are indispensable essential for sustaining life on earth.
“This year’s observance focuses on the many innovations that cut across areas where plant health is crucial such as plant pest monitoring to protect agricultural production and digital systems to ensure the safe international trade in plants. We have no option but to leverage innovation, technological advancements and tools to protect plants,” said FAO Deputy Director-General, Beth Bechdol.
“The unprecedented global challenges we face, such as the unrelenting climate crisis, demand innovative approaches and digital
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has reassured industry stakeholders that oil and gas service companies in the country will continue to enjoy patronage through the award of contracts from operating companies in the industry.
The Executive Secretary NCDMB, Felix Ogbe made this commitment in Port Harcourt, Rivers State when he led officials of the Board and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) to visit companies that deliver pipe coating and related services.
The team visited Brightwaters Energy Limited, formerly known as Willbros Nigeria Ltd, Solewant Nigeria Limited and Pipe Coaters Nigeria, managed by Tenaris Nigeria Ltd, a statement from the organisation said.
The executive secretary said the visits were to assess the companies’ facilities and determine how the Board can galvanise the industry to patronise them.
He underscored the importance of getting first-hand information on in-country capabilities before making key decisions on oil and gas projects. He insisted that operating companies must support and patronise local oil and gas service companies in compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.
Ogbe emphasised that activities in the Nigerian oil and gas industry must be used to create employment opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths and help to resuscitate the economy, in line with the aspirations of President Bola Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Brightwaters Energy Limited, Mr. Scott Gregory, thanked the Executive Secretary for leading the visit while highlighting that Brightwaters, formerly Willbros carried out Nigeria’s first pipe coating in 1962.
He recalled that the facility had 3,000 employees some years back, executing various spheres of oil and gas projects. He conveyed the management’s aspiration to return the firm to those high-performance levels and sought the Board’s support to win oil and gas projects that would resuscitate the sprawling facility.
“We feel that we can be a positive contributor to Nigeria through the capacities that we have. We want to bring real, true value to the table,” he added.
He admitted that the coating facility had suffered downtime, but assured that the plant would be up and running within 60 days of the award of a new contract.
The Chairman of Tenaris Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Nwapa welcomed the NCDMB’s team to PCNL’s facilities. He commended the efforts made by the agency to push local content in the industry, attributing it to the good culture that had been established at the Board over the years.
Nwapa, who was the pioneer Executive Secretary of NCDMB expressed delight that some of the oil and gas projects that had been pending for nearly 10 years were now being developed and expressed hope that existing local capacities would be maximised in the execution of those projects.
technologies to support countries with stronger pest surveillance and early warning systems,” she added.
The UN-designated International Day of Plant Health (IDPH) is a key legacy of the International Year of Plant Health 2020. Ever since then it
has been raising global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect biodiversity and the environment, and boost economic development.
This year’s celebrations at FAO include a high-level event. International travel and trade,
which has tripled in volume in the last decade, has led to increased interconnectedness among countries and regions.
This underlines the importance of ensuring that people, goods and commodities crossing borders do not carry pests and diseases affecting plants, animals and humans. Through the IPPC, FAO is implementing the Africa Phytosanitary Programme to build capacities and supporting countries in using the latest scientific evidence and digital technology in detecting plant pests.
The West African nation of Benin has blocked China’s first shipment of crude oil from Niger amid an ongoing border dispute with Niger following a coup that has put a military junta in power and shaken
relations with other African nations.
China’s first imports of crude oil from Niger’s military junta arrived in Benin in three vessels but were prevented by the authorities from docking at the port, oilprice.com reported.
“If you want to load your oil in our waters, you can’t
view Benin as an enemy and at the same time expect your oil to cross our territory,” Benin’s President, Patrice Talon said in a statement, with the medium quoting Business Insider Africa.
“We’re open to working with Niger. They’re the ones that refused to allow trucks to cross,” he added. The oil bound for China was part of a $400-million commodity-backed loan from China National Petroleum Corp, which Niger’s military junta agreed to at a 7 per cent interest rate and repayment in oil for a period of 12 months, as reported by Bloomberg.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said it is working to restore power in the North-east after the company’s lines were attacked by suspected terrorists recently.
A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the company, Ndidi Mbah, stated that one of the towers attacked was nearing 80 per cent completion; another at 60 per cent and a third was at 30 per cent completion.
“The transmission company of Nigeria hereby states that its contractors are working assiduously to erect four new transmission towers along the Jos-Gombe axis, to enable the restoration of power
supply to states in the North-eastern part of the country, following an earlier destructive attack on four transmission towers by vandals.
“The tower collapse affected Gombe, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Yola, Bauchi and Jalingo.
Immediately after the incident however, TCN engineers worked first to redistribute available bulk supply on the Jos – Bauchi –Gombe 132kV line between Jos and Yola Distribution Companies (Discos), while work commenced immediately at reconstructing the four vandalised towers.
“Presently, we are rebuilding the four towers simultaneously.
Progress is evident, with one tower
nearing 80 per cent completion, another at 60 per cent, a third at 30 per cent, and dismantling work finished on the fourth tower,” Mbah said.
Additionally, the TCN stressed that tower members were being fabricated and assembled on-site to expedite construction, expressing its commitment to a quick restoration of bulk power on the line route.
It stated that construction work on the Jos – Gombe transmission line, taking supply up to Damaturu and environs will be completed and energised by the May 20, 2024, while the Damaturu – Maiduguri axis will be completed on the May 27, 2024.
“Expectedly, bulk power transmission would be fully restored on the affected 330kV transmission line by May 27, Yola and Jos Discos would also be able to offtake and distribute optimally from TCN substations,” the government-owned company stated.
For now, it noted that only 38MW is wheeled to both Jos and Yola Distribution companies, with each receiving 19MW each. According to the company, efforts to take some of the available power to Jalingo was hampered by very high voltage on the line, which could cause a system disturbance.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and First Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) joint venture (JV) has donated the sum of N53.4 million to Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria.
Under the JV’s Impact First Initiative, the donation, targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas such as good healthcare and wellbeing, quality education as well as economic growth within the nation.
Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony,
NNPC’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, expressed gratitude to First E&P for initiating the programme.
Represented by the Deputy Manager, External Relations, NUIMS, Mrs. Edith Lawson, Wunti highlighted NNPC’s belief in the power of CSR, stressing that the company remains committed to working with its partners to impact the lives of the less-privileged.
Wunti said under the initiative, projects and programmes executed include the provision of classrooms,
ICT centres, laboratories and other infrastructural intervention projects.
He said they also include scholarships; quiz competitions, skill acquisitions, and economic empowerment, describing it as a testimony to NNPC’s dedication to fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.
Wunti described First E & P’s foresight and leadership as commendable, adding that the partner has spearheaded the initiative towards meaningful change that will ensure a better future for all Nigerians.
Among the beneficiaries of the donation were the Irede Foundation, which provides
custom-made artificial limbs to child amputees aged 0-18 and Human Development Initiative (HDI), which focuses on tackling fundamental issues of poverty, injustice, neglect, deprivation, and equality among vulnerable people. Others were the OISA Foundation, which transforms lives through interventions in the education and healthcare sectors; Cerebral Palsy Centre, which renders support to families with children with cerebral palsy as well as the Niola Cancer Care Foundation, which organises awareness talks and screens communities for colon cancer.
The country currently has a multi-billion naira contract with local security groups in the region aside the huge spending on the official security agencies deployed to curb the menace in the area. Nigeria’s projected oil production in its budget this year is about 1.78 million bpd, with a benchmark price of $77.96 per barrel. It’s unclear where the federal intends to get funding to close the huge gap between projected and actual production. DeSPITe Fg’S ASSUrAnCeS, nIgerIA reCorDS 30m bArreLS ProDUCTIon DeFICIT In 4 monTHS
The story wasn’t different in Forcados terminal where total volume of oil drilled reduced from 7.7 million barrels in January to 6.2 million barrels in April. Also, at the Excravos terminal, output declined from 4.1 million barrels in January to 3.8 million barrels last month. There was no production at all at Aje, Okono, Asaramatoru, Ukpokiti, and Ima terminals/streams, while
drilling at the Sea Eagle terminal resumed, hitting 374,352 barrels during the period, after it produced zero barrels the previous month. Still in April, the data showed that when condensate is added to daily oil production, output jumped from 1.28 million bpd to 1.44 million bpd in April, compared to a total of 1.43 million bpd recorded in March, 1.53 million bpd in February as well as 1.6 million bpd in January.
Despite massive spending to curb insecurity in the Niger Delta by the NNPC and the federal government, oil theft, assets vandalism and outright sabotage are rampant in the area where Nigeria extracts its oil from.
Development partners have announced plans to pledge towards the annual $4 billion needed to provide clean cooking access for 250 million African women by 2030.
According to a statement sourced from African Development Bank (AfDB), the pledge which would be made at the Clean Cooking Summit to be held on today, May 14th, in Paris, aims to drive significant change in clean cooking access for the nearly one billion Africans using polluting fuels, which cause the premature deaths of approximately half a million women and children every year.
The African Development Bank Group President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is expected co-chair the
Clean Cooking Summit, alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre of Norway, and International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol.
According to the statement, women and girls spend up to five hours a day collecting fuel and cooking which leaves little time for education, social or economic activities, lamenting that worldwide, the annual economic cost of women and girls’time searching for fuel wood is estimated at $800 billion while the health costs are as high as $1.4 trillion
The report added that the capital investment needed to ensure universal clean cooking access in Africa by 2030 is accessible, pointing out that the $4 billion needed annually
is a small fraction of the $2.8 trillion invested globally in energy each year.
The statement added that the summit aims to mobilize this much-needed finance, saying that it brings together governments, development partners, private companies and NGOs to make concrete commitments and develop action-oriented strategies to accelerate progress on clean cooking.
“They are expected to pledge increased funding for clean cooking, with development partners committing to allocate a higher share of their energy portfolios and to work through private capital arms to bring more financing,” the report stated.
It stated that governments will prioritise clean cooking in national planning, create funded
Gilbert Ekugbe
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has stated that its Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in Nairobi would help to enhance the health and productivity of African soils.
The President of AfDB Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who was represented by the AfDB Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Dr. Beth Dunford, said that the event also explored solutions to widespread declines in farmland soil quality and built consensus on an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan.
According to the AfDB boss, the summit leveraged its deep expertise and convening power to highlight the crucial role of agricultural technologies, fertilizer and healthy soils in driving sustainable agricultural growth on the continent.
More than 1,500 participants from across Africa, including Heads of State and Ministers, attended the summit. Dunford spoke during a side event titled “Dakar 2 - the State of African Fertilizer and Soil Health: Policy, Governance, and Institutional Framework to Accelerate Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts.”
Organized by the Leadership for Agriculture network, a partnership of the AfDB, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation’s session brought together representatives of agricultural ministries, the private sector, and other stakeholders to showcase successful efforts by Ethiopia and Mali to scale soil health interventions, raise crop productivity and bolster rural livelihoods.
According to them, the summit
would advance the implementation of Food and Agriculture Delivery Compacts to achieve food selfsufficiency born out of the Dakar 2 Feed Africa Summit held in January 2023.
Dunford provided an opening remarks at a May side event jointly organised by the AfDB Group, the African Union and the United States Department of State. The side event, which is titled “Advancing the Soil Initiative for Africa through the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils,” showcased the strategic and developing relationship between the AfDB and the U.S.-led Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), a movement to build resilient food systems grounded in diverse,
nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy, fertile soils.
VACS is aligned with the Bank’s Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative.
TAAT delivers heat-tolerant, drought-resistant and other climate-smart certified seeds to millions of Africa’s smallholder farmers to produce 120 million additional tons of food in Africa and lift 130 million people out of poverty. Other side event speakers included African Union Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, and U.S. Special Envoy for Food Security, Dr. Cary Fowler.
Ugo Aliogo
RealtorMax Limited is set to revolutionise the real estate sector by offering convenient home ownership options and developing new ecofriendly towns around Lagos and other key cities across the country. The company noted that it aimed to boost the Nigerian economy through robust development of modern, eco-friendly towns, with a full array of amenities including healthcare, electricity, security, connectivity, banks, sports and recreation, in serene environments that are easily accessible to the metropolis.
Speaking about the driving force of the firm since it began operations, the Chief Executive Officer, Mike Adeyemi, said with a strong commitment to integrity, making life more comfortable and delivering on promises, the company is has
gained a reputation for exceptional services and prompt allocation of property and is poised to helping individuals and families achieve their dream homes, whether affordable or luxurious.
He also stated that one of the notable projects currently being undertaken is the almost 500-acre Urbanmax Estate, located in the Owode Obafemi area of Ogun State, near the Shagamu Express Interchange, which sells for N1.3million per plot (500 SQM).
Adeyemi explained that the eco-friendly estate offers a range of residential and commercial options with modern amenities, providing residents with a comfortable and convenient lifestyle.
He noted that their perimeter fencing construction is coming up according to schedule and we will provide all amenities pledged to customers.
Chinedu Eze
Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc has announced that due the delays in completing the audit process, its Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 has not been filed.
The Company Secretary, Amaka Obiora said in view of the above, the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 and the Unaudited Financial Statements for the period ended 31 March, 2024 would be filed on or before Monday May 20, 2024.
“The Company regrets any inconveniences this
delay may have caused its stakeholders,” the company said in a statement.
The Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc is the first fully integrated offshore support company in Sub–Saharan Africa, able to provide quality marine and aviation logistics services to support companies within the oil and gas industry.
The group aims to harness the abundant opportunities currently available in the global market and Africa. This is achieved by providing a formidable asset base along with the right infrastructural support and technology to improve efficiency in the industry.
implementation programs, and introduce proven policies to support scaling clean cooking solutions.
On his part, the AfDB boss has committed the Bank’s strong support and outlined a threepronged approach to achieve universal clean cooking access in Africa.
“It entails governments directing at least 5 per cent of their annual energy investments towards clean cooking solutions and having multilateral and development finance institutions set aside a significant share of their annual energy financing for clean cooking solutions, including concessional blended financing and guarantees,” he said.
At COP28, Adesina said that the Bank Group would channel $2 billion for clean cooking over the next decade and also joined global leaders in rallying around the Africa Women Clean Cooking Support Program launched by Tanzania’s President Suluhu Hassan.
The federal government has declared its eagerness to enhance agricultural trade ties with Saudi Arabia.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari stated this when he received the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen A. AlFadley in Abuja.
He said that plans are also ongoing to create conducive environment for mutual investment.
The minister stressed that he is looking forward to the engagement between both countries, which he said would undoubtedly strengthen its collaboration and promote mutual benefits.
“This visit comes at a pivotal time, as we
prioritise agriculture and food security under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The longstanding and robust bilateral relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared cultural and historical ties, have been further strengthened by the visionary reforms led by His Royal Highness, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. I wish to underscore the significance of this visit, which includes a business roundtable aimed at advancing agricultural collaboration between our nations,” he said.
He commended the career and leadership roles within Saudi Arabia’s agro-allied sector, reflecting a shared commitment to agricultural development.
The Chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc and Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr Tony Elumelu, has expressed worries over the limited budget and poor health care infrastructure on the continent.
Speaking yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Health Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Ara Emirates (UAE), he stressed the need for African governments to work innovatively across social sectors to achieve results, lamenting that a high percent of health care facilities in Africa do not have reliable power supply.
According to him, during the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of adequate power supply was a major problem as isolation wards had no power, saying that it was also a challenge to store vaccines sent to the continent.
“The global renewable energy sector, both thermal and hydro energy sectors should step in to address this massive energy deficiency in Africa to realize health outcomes in Africa,” he advised.
Speaking on climate change
and healthcare delivery, he called for investment in renewable energy and the need to unlock climate funding for healthcare delivery, “particularly on the margins where climate change is leading to new diseases, or diseases appearing in places they were not seen before.
“As healthcare issues are becoming more severe due to climate change, how can climate funds be accessed to address health care as well?
With private sector innovation, startup funding from foundations and financial institutions, health care policies from national and global health systems, investments from all as well as cross sector collaboration, we can definitely move humanity forward,” he urged.
He pointed out that big pharmaceutical companies also have a role to play to ensure a sustainable health future for all.
“It is not just early-stage entrepreneurs and companies that make a difference. Big pharmaceutical firms also have a role to play here. There also needs to be incentives for big pharma to partner
on R&D for diseases from lower income countries. Incentives for investing in R&D and manufacturing facilities for big pharma in developing countries is also important, so leveraging the global trade system is also an important element of global health equality,” he averred.
On global health equity and implications for health outcomes, he said developed economies have significant imbalances in quality of health outcomes, excessive investments in R&D in pharma, medical devices and practices for health conditions in rich countries, while poor countries miss out.
“But the quality of healthcare in the world’s poorest countries, can have an impact on the richest countries —the world is interconnected, and climate change is making transmission happen faster. Covid-19 started in China and quickly spread to all parts of the world. The lesson here is that we should be interested in global health equity and not just national heath because poor health outcomes affect all everywhere,” he noted.
The Alternative Bank has reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for change in advancing culture and the arts, as evidenced at the recent Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST).
In a goodwill message from the bank’s Executive Director Garba Mohammed, the institution underscored its commitment to supporting the creative sector and empowering artistic talent nationwide.
“The Alternative Bank is proud to support the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival as part of our broader commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in Nigeria. By empowering the creative community, we aim to inspire future generations and contribute to the cultural and economic development of our nation,” he said.
An advocate for innovation and creativity, The Alternative Bank intends to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s literary landscape by supporting platforms for local creatives
to showcase their creative talent.
Mohammed explained that the collaboration with the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival (KABAFEST) reflects an acknowledgment of the crucial role of offering a stage for creative minds to showcase their talents and engage with a larger audience in the Nigerian literary scene. Cultivating creativity and backing the creative industry is one of the core areas of interest for The Alternative Bank.
Lola Shoneyin, the curator of the Kaduna Book and Arts Festival, said the support from The Alternative Bank, has been instrumental in promoting cultural development in Kaduna State and transforming it into a hub of creativity.
Commenting on the importance of literary festivals, Shoneyin asked, “How will we grow, how will we understand one another better, if not by pushing ourselves to dialogue about
issues that impact our lives? How will we learn to listen to one another, to cultivate tolerance and understanding? How will we fix our blind spots if not by creating safe spaces where we can be open about the concerns we live with on our journeys?”
The Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, commended the organizers of KABAFEST for its 5-year growth that has since positively transformed the creative ecosystem of Kaduna State.
Attendees enjoyed a diverse array of literary discussions, documents, book chats, exhibitions, and performances. The vibrant atmosphere and engaging programming showcased immense talent and cultural diversity in Kaduna state and northern Nigeria.
The Alternative Bank remains dedicated to initiatives that promote education, culture, and the Arts to create a lasting positive impact on communities across Nigeria.
Flexify Solutions, a leading tech-based firm has introduced CyberAgric, an innovative solution designed to drive food production in Nigeria.
CyberAgric is a cuttingedge mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support Nigerian farmers, particularly those involved in cash crop cultivation such as cassava and maize. The app’s groundbreaking features include early disease detection, with the capability to identify diseases like Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in cassava leaves within the first two weeks of infection.
By utilizing smartphone cameras, farmers can capture images of their crops and receive real-time analysis and recommendations, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect their crops and ensure optimal yields. Moreover, CyberAgric is designed to function offline, ensuring accessibility for farmers in remote areas with limited internet connectivity.
In a statement, Chief Executive Officer, Flexify Solutions, CyberAgric, Johnson Oyeniyi, emphasised the app’s accessibility and educational value.
“Our goal with CyberAgric is to ensure that every Nigerian farmer, regardless of their location or internet access, can benefit from advanced
agricultural technology. “Beyond disease detection, the app serves as an educational platform, providing farmers with the latest agricultural best practices and expert resources.”
Flexify Solutions collaborated closely with Cybermate Technologies to tailor CyberAgric to the specific needs of Nigerian farmers. The app initially focuses on cassava and maize cultivation, addressing the critical challenges faced by farmers in these sectors. Through advanced AI-driven disease detection capabilities, CyberAgric aims to mitigate the impact of crop diseases and enhance food security in Nigeria.
Ejiofor Alike
Shareholders of 11Plc were elated at the weekend as the company increased dividends per share to 900 kobo, up from the 850 kobo, despite the challenging operating environment in 2023.
At the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Abuja Continental Hotel, the shareholders who gave a standing ovation to the management of 11Plc, described it as the
most profitable downstream oil company.
Most of the shareholders who spoke on the performance of the company, said the results from the Annual Report and Account for 2023 were not only fantastic and consistent, but also enough reason to give investors hope for a bright future.
One of the shareholders, Rasheedat Oluwatoyin, who spoke in a reaction to the financial statement said despite
the harsh economic headwinds in 2023, the company increased the dividends paid to investors from 850 kobo per share to 900 kobo ahead of its peers.
“With such high performance, we are looking forward to better performance in 2024 financial year,” she said
On his part, another shareholder from Kano State, Alhaji Sani Yau said the performance of the company during the year under review was fantastic, add-
ing that as far as the downstream sector of the country’s petroleum industry was concerned, 11Plc was the best
“There is no doubt that 11Plc is the most profitable oil company in Nigeria, as far as the downstream petroleum sector is concerned. That is why the shareholders, during the AGM, gave the management a standing ovation for a wonderful performance.
“We are confident that the
future for the company is bright, judging by the fact that there were other companies that recorded huge losses during the same. So, it is an achievement we all have to be proud of,” he explained.
Another investor, Esan Ogunleye , noted that the unique thing about the performance of 11Plc was that the company has been very consistent as it maintained an upward trend in its track record from the last
few years. Though he described 2023 as particularly eventful and challenging, he said the overall turnover showed shrewd management of the company’s expenses, the result of which was the stability the investors enjoyed.
“This is an indication that the future is very bright for the company. The only challenge is sustainability of the current level of profitability.
Kasim Sumaina in Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has received in audience a team from France-KLM Airlines who paid him a courtesy visit.
At the meeting, he emphasised the importance of equitable pricing for Nigerian travelers, urging the airline to consider offering lowerpriced ticket fares to ensure parity
with fares in neighbouring regions. Keyamo, welcomed the Air France-KLM team and expressed gratitude for their visit.
Keyamo in a statement yesterday, by his SA Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, reiterated Nigeria's commitment to fostering partnerships within the travel industry. He further emphasised the government's open-door policy
and willingness to collaborate with airlines to enhance travel accessibility and affordability for all Nigerians.
The courtesy visit by Air France-KLM, he said exemplified the mutual commitment to advancing the aviation sector in Nigeria and laid the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at delivering unparalleled travel experiences to passengers across
FG to Conclude Outward Airlift
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The outbound airlifting of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia due to begin tomorrow will last till June 10 or much earlier, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said yesterday in a statement.
The spokesman of NAHCON, Fatima Usara, said 428 passengers from Kebbi State were expected to be on the maiden outbound flight on FlyNas airline from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi.
The statement said Vice President, Kashim Shettima would be the Special Guest Honour at the
flag-off that would be witnessed by diplomats and members of the Hajj industry.
Usara added that two other flights with pilgrims from Nasarawa and FCT were scheduled to take-off on same day of the inaugural flight from Abuja.
According to NAHCON, 15 airports had been designated for the 2024 Hajj exercise while about 65,047 pilgrims from both public and private sectors are expected to participate in the 2024 Hajj.
It added that an advance team of officials comprising medical personnel from the national medical team, media staff, accommodation
officials, few feeding committee members, select members of the central security committee members as well as the national reception team departed Nigeria on Sunday to receive the pilgrims.
Usara stated that pilgrims will travel in groups of 45 according to Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, adding missing out from the group could come with consequences as stated by the host country.
She said that 140 shortlisted medical personnel out of 4,861 successful candidates that scaled the second round of screening would fill the official medical quota allocated to the country by Saudi Arabia.
the nation.
Led by Country Manager, Christine Quantin, Key Account Manager, Commercial Division, Antonia Kenosa Umunna and Deputy Station Manager, Damilola Ogunseye, the delegation expressed gratitude for the Minister's support and discussed several key initiatives aimed at elevating aviation services in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Air FranceKLM expressed appreciation for the improved facilities at the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport, particularly acknowledging the enhanced experience at wing E.
They also extended gratitude for the Minister's leadership in fostering a smoother relationship between their team and various aviation regulatory agencies.
Highlighting their commitment to innovation and service excellence, Air France-KLM announced the launch of their new Airbus A330/A350 aircraft, emphasising their dedication to deploying
modern and improved aircraft services on routes within Nigeria. This initiative aligns with their overarching goal of providing Nigerian travelers with a superior journey experience. Moreover, Air France-KLM commended the Minister for his intervention and successful facilitation of fund repatriation, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges within the aviation sector.
A former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abubakar Mahmud (SAN) has advocated the use of technology in justice delivery, especially in the area of e-filing, digital case management and virtual courts on mobile applications.
In a keynote address at the 2024 Law Week Conference in Kano yesterday with the theme: "Turning Point" Mahmud advocated the use of modern technology in adjudication of justice in the country. He said that technology is a
necessary tool in the administration of justice but unfortunately the system still needs guidance and direction to be more efficient.
"The challenge in Nigeria in my view is that we are still lacking in coherent policy guidance on the application of technology in our courts.
"And also, there is a lack of provision of sufficient resources. Much of the investment is procurement driven, not based on needs assessment or well-informed decision on appropriate or suitable technologies,” he said.
Mahmoud explained further the technologies are often not harmonised amongst the various courts to facilitate exchange of information or data.
and appropriate skills. Our courts lack the requisite manpower to drive the use of technology in the court rooms.
"Whilst we have Directors of Litigation, or Director or Process, how many courts have Department or Director of Information Technology or Digital Transformation to oversee the implementation of digital justice delivery?" he asked.
However, he said that in the area of criminal justice, technology mediation has raised a lot of concerns amongst scholars and human rights lawyers.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, said the country’s current system had expired, reiterating the need to redesign the system to address Nigeria's numerous challenges and place the nation on the path of growth and prosperity.
According to a statement, Obaseki, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the federal system and over-centralisation of power was limiting the nation’s capacity to realise its full potential. According to him, “Unless we redesign the system, we will not get the full potential of the country. If you are relying on crude oil, the
system should allow you to produce more. Today, we are producing 1.2 million barrels per day, and it cannot keep us.
“The only way you can improve it is to say in Edo State, you have 107 wells, and only 53 are producing, Mr. Governor, take, get people to explore, whatever you produce; keep this, give us that; will I not jump to it?
“Zamfara State, you have these mining sites, go, own your licences, and we will help you supervise this. Will they not jump at it? Pay 60 or 40 percent into the federation account.
“Unless we grow to that, we will not increase our revenue. Even security will not grow, and you cannot secure this country from the center anymore. So, our country needs a redesign urgently. This design has expired, redesign.”
He further noted, “Some people pushed this in our recent history. The late Bola Ige was one and he said all politics was local, and that he was first a Yoruba man before being a Nigerian. Late Vice President Alex Ekwueme talked about six regions. So, specifically, what do you think?
“We are where we are now, we are 36 States, and we cannot do
much about it. I am not sure Delta wants to join us again to be Bendel. No, we are 36 States. How do we now organise ourselves among the 36 States? “The first thing is to devolve power to everybody. Let us now have a strong centre in a different way. Let those who are strong enough be on their own, but we all must now contribute to the centre and not the centre taking it, and then saying, you, take this or that.”
Obaseki added, “It should be the reverse; otherwise, we will not get the full potential of the country because this country is too rich.”
"Vendors in many cases dump devices on the courts, some of which are hardly used but simply decorate the offices" he lamented.
He further explained the inefficiency of the practitioners who need to be trained and retrained to meet with the modern challenges.
He said all the changes brought about by new technology in the workplace require intense preparation and reorientation.
"Success often requires culture transformation. Often this is lacking. The courts also lack sufficient structures to consistently drive this transformation.
"Migrating from manual operations to automated operations or digital platforms requires expertise
"Scholars point to the fact that technological developments far outpace the study on the effects of technology and therefore caution against rapid implementation of the technological innovations," he stated.
Declaring the Law Week open, the Kano state governor Abba Yusuf, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam, expressed gratitude with the way the NBA has been supporting the judicial system in the state.
In a brief address, the NBA National President, Yakubu Maikyau said that there were over 150,000 lawyers called to Bar in Nigeria, 128 branches of the NBA across Nigeria with Kano having two. He also stated that they have three sections and are going to be having their first ever conference in the North in Kano in June.
L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbolahan Yisau; Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Yacoob Ekundayo Alebiosu and the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, during the ministerial press briefing by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development to commemorate the first year of the second term in office of the governor of Lagos State, at Press Center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos…… at the weekend
segun James in Lagos and segun awofadeji in Bauchi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, called on the armed forces to make it increasing difficult for the country’s enemies and saboteurs to conduct their nefarious activities. Sanwo-Olu stated this while receiving the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, at State House, Marina.
In a similar vein, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed declared his administration’s commitment to strengthening relationship and community-based partnership with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to enhance air operation in the identified security areas in the state. Mohammed made the commitment while receiving the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, at Government House, Bauchi.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that the economic recovery efforts of the President Bola Tinubu government rested on the premise of law and order. He stated that the seed of the president’s economic vision would germinate quicker if the military tightened the noose on those attempting to undermine the country's security.
The service chief was accompanied by top defence officers, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC)
81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Mohammed Usman; Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan; and Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, AVM A.Y. Abdullahi, among others.
Sanwo-Olu said the country, in the last 12 months, witnessed a sharp decline in criminal attacks in areas burdened by instability, including the South-east and North-central. He
adibe emenyonu in Benin City
The Edo State Government, yesterday, reacted to the defection of a former chieftain and member of Board of Trustees of the PDP in the state, Charles Idahosa, to the APC, describing him as "a bread and butter politician".
hailed the servicemen for upholding their duty to protect law-abiding citizens living in the regions.
The governor urged the military to reinforce its strength to restore stability in areas still burdened by banditry, stating that there are still pockets of violence being recorded in the North-east.
He stated, “The vision of the president to advance economic development and prosperity can only be achieved in an atmosphere of stability and peace.
“We have observed how you have provided level-headed leadership to the defence personnel, while working collaboratively with your fellow service chiefs.
He said the level of support and cooperation from the state government had continued to strengthen the morale of soldiers, while raising the confidence of the defence formations in Lagos to respond quickly to threats. The CDS pledged the military’s loyalty to the constitution and to the president, while also promising to protect the human rights of the citizens.
Bala
"Idahosa has nothing to offer any political party he joins," adding that he has never been a BoT member of the PDP as his nomination was rejected.
Nehikhare further alleged that Idahosa never at any time left APC and urged him "to go and rest".
The commissioner also accused
Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, who addressed journalists at the Government House, Benin, said, "Idahosa is being dishournorable at this time.
adibe emenyonu in Benin City
A militant group identified as “Ijaw Freedom Fighters” hasattacked Imariogha Community, near Okomu Oil Palm plantation, setting eight vehicles and killing one person in the process.
The incident was said to have happened on Sunday night as investigation revealed that the bandit invaded the community which housing the former African Timber and Plywood (AT&P), located in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
An eye witness told journalists in Benin City that the invaders entered the community from the riverside at midnight shooting sporadically into the air and setting fire to about eight private vehicles and destroying many houses.
One of the community leaders,
Mr Rex Akpokiniovo, confirmed that while one person was killed, a Chief of the community, Pa Gabriel Okorugbe, who sustained injuries from the attack had been hospitalised.
"The corpse of the dead person has been taken away by the police.
My house was attacked and my car burnt down by the gunmen, who came into the community at midnight and started shooting sporadically into the air.
“One of the Okomu workers, who resides in the community, was killed while the invaders left a warning note on his chest," Akpokiniovo said.
In the note, addressed to Governor Godwin Obaseki, the attackers, made several demands from management of Okomu Oil Palm Plc.
Some of the demands included directorship position in Okomu oil palm company and 25 per cent of the company’s shares.
the APC of clear intention to drag the Oba of Benin into politics, claiming that the party lacked strategy to manage its bad governorship product.
"Since the party has no strategy, the PDP will trample on them in the governorship election," he said, insisting that the APC had nothing to show how they want to serve the Edo people better other than propaganda.
Idahosa, who recently resigned his membership of the party in Edo State, has defected to the APC.
Idahosa was Political Adviser to ex-Edo Governor, now Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Commissioner for Information in the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion
Speaking at his residence while receiving the APC card and logo, from the party chairman of the party in his local government area, Uhunmwode, Idahosa expressed
gratitude to the leadership of the party in the state, the South Senatorial District and supporters, recalling that four years ago there was grumble in the family and some of them had to go separate ways.
"I thank God, four years later we all are wiser now. Like the Secretary said, I was a founding member of ACD, ACN and APC. The damage we did four years ago, the APC never remained the same.
"But I am glad we are back to the family. I was nominated to the Board of the Railway when I was in the APC. When I moved to the PDP, I wrote to resign my membership but it was rejected and showed my wide acceptance.
"At 71, I am not here to contest position with anybody, I am here to work," Idahosa said, assuring members of the APC and urged them to keep their eyes on the ball, stressing: "It is not over. It is over."
“This is especially commendable, as the nation is now seeing the results of the collaboration among our defence forces.
“In the last 12 months, we have seen a consistent decline in what we used to see as regular criminal attacks in some parts of the country.
“In the South-east, we have seen the military successes, as violence has gone down significantly. We have witnessed similar successes in the North-central, but we still have pockets of violence in the North-east, which I believe is within control.
“The military needs to tighten up and keep focus on restoring order to quickly accelerate progress, in line with the president’s vision.”
Sanwo-Olu passed a vote of confidence on the service chiefs.
Musa said the courtesy visit was to convey the appreciation of members of the armed forces for the financial and hardware support the governor had provided to enable military formations carry out their statutory duties in Lagos.
Bauchi State Government expressed commitment to buttressing relationship with NAF to enhance air operations in identified security areas in the state. It also assured of sustained support to the force and other security agencies towards consolidating on the successes being recorded in the fight against crime and criminality.
Mohammed gave the commitment while receiving the Chief of Air Staff at Government House, Bauchi. The governor commended the relentless effort of the air force personnel towards protecting lives and property of citizens.
Mohammed identified some of the security areas to include Alkaleri, Ningi, Toro and Tafawa Balewa local government areas. He acknowledged that the activities of bandits and other perpetrators of crime in the state had been crippled through intelligence and constant surveillance by the security forces.
Earlier, Abubakar applauded the governor for establishing the Special Agro Processing Zone in a bid to complement the effort of the security forces to provide food and job security in the state.
Michael olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for the strengthening of bilateral and economic ties between Nigeria and Canada.
Tuggar recently paid a working visit to Canada, where he engaged with various critical stakeholders in furtherance of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the country.
He said during his meeting with the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Tuggar that
Nigeria was Canada's largest trade partner in Africa and called on both countries to strengthen trade ties, given the ongoing implementation of the AfCFTA.
Similarly, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, stated that Canada was committed to supporting socioeconomic development in Nigeria and the wider region for mutual benefit.
According to a statement by the spokesman of the Nigeria’s Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, both countries resolved to take steps to finalise the outstanding
MOUs, including the bilateral Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) ahead of the Canadian Trade Mission to Nigeria in June 2024.
He said, the ministers also discussed regional security in Africa, with Joly lauding Nigeria's leadership role in the region and offered Canada's support in strengthening stability and democracy in West Africa.
“They also agreed to work together on a range of regional and global issues, ranging from seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts to
multilateral reform and countering disinformation.
“The bilateral engagement represents a significant step forward in the already robust relations between the two countries,” he said.
AbdulKadir said Tuggar also met with the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (CAAF) to discuss Canada-Nigeria relations and regional African issues. He used the opportunity to explain the 4-D foreign policy thrust and ongoing developments in ECOWAS and the implementation of the AfCFTA.
L-R: Deputy Rector, Academic, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Dr. Mohammed Obomogie; the Librarian, Dr. Zainab Haruna; representative of the Polytechnic Oldies Association 1980-90s, Dr. Olubunmi Ola-Afolayan; the Rector, Dr. Salisu Shehu Umar; the Registrar, Dr. Felicia Esiotshe; the Deputy Rector (Admin), Dr. Edith Oyati; and the Bursar, Mr. Lawrence Nagodia, during presentation of computer sets by the oldies to the school… recently
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, yesterday, said the northwest governors had formed a forum in the geopolitical zone aimed at approaching and facing the security situation in the region.
The governor made the disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen in Dutse, the Jigawa capital, shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi,
at the Dutse Government House, during a visit to the state.
He said the northwest governors’ forum was under the chairmanship of Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda and aimed at approaching and handling security situation and challenges of the zone.
“This forum comprised all the geopolitical zones including Kano and Zamfara States that we are not in the same political party. But we are to speak and act with the same
voice on the vision, mission and objective of the forum,” he said.
Aliyu stated that the local security outfits established by the state government was making a lot of impact in curbing criminal activities in the state.
His words: “I’m here in this state to condole my eminent friend, Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the death of his father-in-law, who died recently.
“There are a lot of positive changes in the security situation
Obi in Private Meetings with Atiku, Saraki, Lamido in Abuja on Current State of Nation
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday, held a private meeting with former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido on the state of the nation.
In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, Obi had a private meeting with the trio, though the meetings were separate and private in the homes of the trio.
"His abiding devotion is to the emergence of a Nigeria that works for all its peoples and where the people are quickly pulled out of poverty," the statement stated.
The Obi's media office added that he was "Worried about the state of the
nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged."
The statement further noted that, "Obi in Abuja on Monday visited some top Nigerians, among whom are Former Vice President, and PDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, the former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki and the former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
"At the center of discussion during each of these visits was the state of the nation and how to reduce the suffering of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location. In particular, the desperate condition of the downtrodden in our midst was highlighted.
"Of particular interest and emphasis in these discussions was the
worrisome situation in the Northern parts of the country," the statement stated.
It was not known whether the three separate meetings discussed the issues and prospects of a mega political party that Atiku and Obi had discussed in the past
A promoter of the mega party, Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, had early this year said he held talks with Atiku, Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso on the possibility of forming a new political party that would give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a run for its money.
He said the new party, if formed, would be a clean start, with ideas and a clear agenda, adding that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, there has not been a real political party in the country.
of the state since the establishment of the local security outfits, who were working closely with the other security agents.
“The state government in collaboration with the federal government
works tirelessly to ensure peace and security through the provisions of all necessary security tools and logistics in addition to creating and maintaining synergy between the local security and the other security
personnel working in the state.
“In this regard, there is a lot of development in terms of the security situation. We also continue with so many strategies and attics until the goals have been achieved.”
Chuks Okocha
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated the Awujale of Ijebu and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona and the Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, on their 90th and 64th birthday anniversaries, respectively.
The congratulatory messages to Awujale and Adeleke was contained in a press statement by the Atiku Media Office in Abuja, yesterday.
Atiku said, “The celebration of Awujale on his 90th birthday gives me great joy.
“Oba Adetona has remained a beacon of modesty and glamour in the way he carries on as the paramount ruler of Ijebu people, and it is not surprising how he is revered by not just the Ijebu people, but the entire Black race.
“I know firsthand through my friends and associates from Ijebuland that Oba Adetona has earned the
In FT InTervIew, CArDoSo SAYS InveSTorS GeTTInG ComForTAble wITH nIGerIA’S FX mArkeT to between 23.9-25.8 per cent by the end of the year.
“The central bank is on the mark with what needs to be done,” Oluwole said. “But we have to remember that Nigeria’s inflation is a lot more structural. Issues like insecurity are affecting our ability to produce food and that is inducing food inflation,” Oluwole argued.
Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has underscored concerns over a $2.2 billion FX backlog, which Cardoso had stated could not be verified and therefore would not be honored.
Highlighting the CBN's intensified efforts to reform the monetary and exchange rate framework, Fitch cautioned about the risks associated with potential additional regulations that might undermine the banking sector's capacity to support macroeconomic stability.
Also, in its latest assessment, posted on its website, the inter-
national rating agency revised the Outlook on the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of five Nigerian banks and one bank holding company from ‘Stable to Positive’ while affirming their Long-Term IDRs at 'B-'.
The affected issuers were Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB), Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and the Bank of Industry Limited (BoI).
On monetary policy, it stated: “The CBN has stepped up efforts to reform the monetary and exchange rate framework, including by increasing the monetary policy rate by a total 600 basis point (bp) in February and March, and the large differential between the official and parallel market exchange rate has collapsed.
“Average daily FX turnover at the official FX window has risen sharply
from second half 2023 (2H23), albeit there has been renewed volatility, and the CBN has cleared $4.5 billion of the backlog of unpaid FX forwards, which is positive for the banking sector's FC liquidity.
“However, $2.2 billion of "unverified" FX forwards have yet to be cleared and there are risks of the CBN introducing more regulations that are detrimental to the banking sector to support macroeconomic stability.”
On the banks’ revision, Fitch noted that Nigeria's Long-Term IDRs were likely to exert less constraint on the issuers' standalone creditworthiness in the near term.
According to Fitch, the adjustment in the Outlooks on the Long-Term IDRs mirrors the recent sovereign Outlook revision, indicating a positive trajectory in Nigeria's overall creditworthiness. The agency attributed this positive
shift to government reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, enhancing policy coherence, and improving credibility.
While the issuers' National Ratings remained unaffected, Fitch highlighted that the Long-Term IDRs of Access Bank, Zenith Bank, UBA, GTB, and GTCO were primarily influenced by their standalone creditworthiness, as reflected by their Viability Ratings (VR) of 'b-'.
However, the VRs are constrained by Nigeria's Long-Term IDRs due to high sovereign exposure, market conditions, and operating environment constraints.
Despite the positive outlook, Fitch acknowledged ongoing challenges in the operating environment, including significant credit and market risks to the banking sector. These risks included currency devaluation, inflationary pressures and capitalisation concerns.
love of his people in a manner that should set a standard for harmonious relationship between the crown and the people.
“It is on this note that I, on behalf of my entire family, pray that the Almighty Allah shall continue to grant long and good life to the Awujale.”
Atiku also described Adeleke as setting an example for progressive governance in Osun State.
“On the celebration of your 64th birthday today, I must sincerely congratulate Your Excellency and rejoice with the people of Osun for the positive impacts that you have been able to make in being the torch bearer of progressive governance after many years of darkness.
“Your spirit of humility has been an asset which enables you to have free access to the feelings of the people,” Atiku said.
He also congratulated Adeleke for his conferment with the traditional title of Asiwaju of Ede by the Timi of Ede Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal
(Laminisa I).
Atiku noted that the choice of Adeleke for the revered title was a testimonial to his character as a foremost community leader.
The PDP, too, has celebrated the Adeleke, as he marks his birthday, yesterday, describing him as a torchbearer with exceptional capacity for leadership. The party also congratulated him on the conferment of the exalted and culturally symbolic title and office of Asiwaju of Edeland today. According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, "Over the years, as a private businessman, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now democratically elected Governor of Osun State, Governor Adeleke remains steadfast in applying his resources, intellect, skills and connection in serving the interest of the masses and propagating the unity, stability and development of Osun State and the Nation.”
Edo Govt Warns APC against Dragging Oba of Benin, Palace into Politics
The Edo State Government has warned the All Progressive Congress (APC) and other political actors in the state against dragging the Benin Royal Palace and the revered Monarch, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin into what it described as their dirty and retrogressive politics.
The State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare gave the warning while briefing journalists yesterday, at the Government House, Benin City.
Nehikhare said recent findings revealed that members of the APC in the State had been propagating distasteful and demeaning information against the Benin Royal Palace, urging Edo people to be wary of political parties who thrive on lies
andHepropaganda. said: “We all admit that we are going into election season and a lot of campaign of calumny and mudslinging is ongoing. It has become clear that it's the intention of the opposition APC to drag the reputation of our revered Royal Majesty into the murky waters of their dirty politics. “Members of the APC are openly propagating this distasteful and demeaning information against the Royal palace.
“Clearly, they have decided to weaponise negative campaigns against our respected traditional institutions as their only strategy for the coming election because they don’t have a sellable candidate and also lack the intelligence to market their bad product.
Mbah awards Master echezona scholarship to aviation school...
The Minister of Arts Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has announced the ministry’s success in pushing for the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) inscription of Sango festival Oyo and the multinational nominating of midwifery, knowledge skills and practices.
The minister spoke yesterday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, while briefing the council on the strategic activities of the ministry since its establishment in August 2023.
Musawa said that the achievement was made possible through the ministry's tireless efforts and strategic collaborations at the national and international levels, in line with the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
“The UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity worldwide.
“It helps in raising the awareness about the significance of Intangible Cultural Heritage, encourages dialogue between communities, fosters respect for cultural expressions and promotes sustainable development by preserving traditional knowledge and practices.
“The inclusion of these two Nigerian cultural elements on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has transformed them into shared global heritage (products) with enhanced visibility. The 181 States; Parties to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage are predisposed to visiting Nigeria to enjoy these cultural expressions.
“The anticipated increase in tourism inflow into the country, will result in global visibility, job creation and wealth generation , thereby contributing to sustainable national growth and development, economic well-being and pride in national cultural identity,” she stated.
The two key products from Nigeria, she said, were inscribed on the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity during the 18th Session of the Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane Botswana from 4 to 9 December 2023.
“The Sango Festival and Midwifery traditions have now been recognised as integral parts of human cultural heritage, joining five previous Nigerian inscriptions: Ifa Divination System (2008), Oral Heritage of Gelede (2008), Ijele Masquerade
(2009), Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (2016), and Kwagh-hir Theatrical Performance (2019).
“This milestone not only promotes
cultural diversity and community cohesion but also contributes to sustainable development, job creation, and wealth generation through increased tourism.
“It aligns with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration, which prioritises the appreciation and preservation of Nigeria's rich cultural heritage,” she added.
Del-York Development Company, a subsidiary of the Del-York Group has announced the appointment of Stella Fubara as its new Managing Director, effective May 2024.
With her background and pivotal role as the Regional Director of International Operations at the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, Fubara, a statement from the company said, is set
The House of Representatives Committee on Industry has advocated for policy reforms and increased budget allocations to facilitate financial support across critical sectors, with a particular focus on industrial and energy sectors.
Highlighting the significant role of the Bank of Industry (BoI), the Committee underscored its importance in driving economic expansion through the provision of single-digit interest loans.
In a statement, the BoI noted that the loans were particularly vital for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often struggle under the weight of high-interest rates imposed by commercial banks, which can reach as high as 20 to 30 percent.
Speaking during a visit to the BoI’s office in Lagos and a tour of some key projects funded by the bank, the Chairman of the Committee, Enitan Dolapo-Badru, emphasised the importance of supporting banking institutions like BoI, which offer single-digit interest rates, as crucial for the survival and competitiveness of domestic industries.
According to him, industries are suffocating under high interest rates, noting that without remedial action, sectors crucial for the economic
backbone like manufacturing will continue to decline.
Dolapo-Badru, highlighted the demise of once-thriving companies such as Dunlop and Michelin, underscoring the dire need for financial structures that can truly support the industry.
He noted that the advantageous rates offered by the BoI not only sustain businesses but also mitigate the cost pressures transferred to consumers, setting BoI apart from other financial institutions.
However, he articulated a need for legislative support for the enhancement of the legal framework governing BoI to amplify its performance and extend its reach.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Planning, Budget, and Economic Development, Ibrahim Isiaka, voiced his concerns about the energy sector, particularly the inefficiencies of Distribution Companies (Discos).
Isiaka advocated mandatory recapitalisation of Discos to address their funding shortages, which severely limit their capacity to distribute generated electricity effectively.
He said national development was stifled by an unstable energy supply, noting that without rectification, the economy stands on the fragile ground while suggesting
a strategic intervention by BOI to stabilise the sector.
A member of the House of Representatives for Chibok/Damboa/ Gwoza Federal Constituency, Borno State, Ahmed Jaha, appealed for more focused investment in peace-stable areas to prevent the escalation of unrest and promote regional development.
Jaha, said the northeast was a keystone for national peace, adding that securing and revitalising the region was imperative for the
Garba said, "We have taken input from your demands related to the affordability of the tariff issued by the commission. We have also listened to you and we have listened to the concerns of Nigerians.
"I want to assure you that we will make adequate representation on the policy side on the issue of affordability of tariffs.
"We also took note of your call for the diversification of energy sources and I will like to say that the Zungeru 700 megawatt power plant is already on.”
The protesting workers later marched to the Ministry of Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to present their position.
NLC and TUC picketed the offices of the electricity distribution
broader security and prosperity of Nigeria.
Another member of the Committee, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Dr. Paschal Abodike, highlighted the innate entrepreneurial spirit of his constituents, who are hindered by a lack of accessible financing.
He stressed the importance of supporting local manufacturers like Innoson Motors, which contributes significantly to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
companies (DISCOs), NERC, and TCN across the country.
They not only sealed off the premises to protest the recent increase in electricity tariff, but also grounded operations.
In Jos, as early as 7am, workers had converged at the entrance of the main office of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (Jos Disco), sealed the gate, and prevented staff and other visitors from gaining access into the building.
From there, they moved to the NERC and TCN offices at different locations within the metropolis to ensure that they were closed
In Ondo State, the protesting workers shutdown the headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), located at NEPA
to usher in a transformative era of economic and infrastructure development in Nigeria, drawing parallels to Dubai’s meteoric rise as a global city of the future.
Before her role at the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism, Fubara had an impactful tenure at Walt Disney, where she was instrumental in expanding the brand's international presence.
At Disney, she managed major projects across various continents, focusing on integrating local cultural elements with Disney's universally appealing storytelling.
“This experience honed her skills in managing large-scale projects and navigating complex global markets, which proved invaluable in her subsequent role in Dubai.
“Stella's ability to blend creative vision with strategic business objectives was initially shaped during her time at Disney, setting the stage for her later successes in transforming Dubai's economic and tourism landscapes,” the statement added.
Del-York Development Company said it is at the forefront of pioneering projects in Nigeria, including Kebulania, Lagos Film City and the 042 Arena and
area of Akure, the state capital.
They blocked the main gate and prevented the staff of the company from gaining access into the premises, as the protesting union members demanded reversal of the tariff hike
In Kano, hundreds of protesters besieged the head offices of NERC and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Most of the protesters were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as “Stop Suffocating Us,” “Cut Down the Reckless Cost of Governance,” and “The Poor Can No Longer Breath,” among others.
Labour members also picketed the Owerri offices of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and NERC, locking out the workers They claimed that the regulatory
Entertainment City in Enugu State. These projects, it said, are more than just infrastructural developments but are vibrant ecosystems designed to spur innovation, opportunity, and growth.
“ Stella Fubara’s comprehensive experience in dynamic markets positions her uniquely to advance these initiatives, ensuring they serve as catalysts for economic development not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
"We are delighted to welcome Stella Fubara to Del-York Group, where her vast experience and strategic insight align seamlessly with our vision of being innovators and architects of the future. Stella’s expertise will be instrumental in developing first-of-their-kind infrastructure projects that not only bridge the creative industry, sports, and entertainment—the ultimate forms of soft diplomacy—but also provide the essential supporting infrastructure to ensure these initiatives thrive.
“ Her joining us marks a pivotal step in our commitment to transforming Nigeria and Africa’s landscape," said Linus Idahosa, Chief Executive and Chairman of Del-York Group.
bodies and EEDC had over a month ago thrown Imo residents, especially workers, into untold hardship by imposing exorbitant bills on them for services not rendered
The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and NERC office in the Oyo State capital also had their share of the protest. All the offices of the two bodies in Ibadan and its environs were taken over by the labour unions while the staff were forced to vacate the premises. Customers, who were at some of these offices, especially the ones on Ring Road area, in Ibadan, were turned back as they could not be attended to.
Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was not left out, the labour unions picketed the offices of NERC.
L-R: Winner of Best Series (Unscripted)award, Ayebea ‘BZ’ Darko of GH Queens(Season 2); her family member; Chief Executive Officer, DStv Media Sales, Fahmeeda Cassini-Surtee, and General Manager, Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company Limited, Segun Ogunleye at the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in Lagos…recently
Michael Olugbode in abuja
ActionAid Nigeria has alleged that the government is only paying lip service to the avowed policy of free education to children in their first nine years of schooling, insisting that a massive number of children are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds.
A statement issued yesterday by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, demanded an immediate government action to end educational exclusion of poor children in the country.
The statement read: “ActionAid Nigeria vehemently disapproves the failure of the Nigerian government to provide quality education to children from poor backgrounds- one of its
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday reaffirmed his determination to bring unprecedented development to Osun, just as he vowed to transform the status of five major towns in the state to mega cities within a short period of time.
Adeleke, who spoke immediately after his installation as the Asiwaju of Edeland, at the Timi’s palace, affirmed that all the big towns in the state would soon become cities.
most vulnerable citizens. Despite the free education policy that was enacted to cater for children in their first nine years of schooling, a massive number of children
are still being denied their right due to inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in the use of public funds. This is a shocking dereliction
of duty. “This obvious inaction by the government is a clear betrayal of the trust placed in them by the citizens. The inconsistent working relationship between federal and state governments has resulted in a catastrophic failure of coordination, prioritisation, and curriculum development. This is unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.”
Fidelis David in akure
Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun yesterday paraded 45 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the state within two weeks.
The Ondo state Commander of the Corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects in Akure, said of particular note is a suspected kidnapper who within 48 hours of his release on bail, was rearrested for another kidnapping.
His words: “We are parading 44 suspected criminals that have been engaging in various acts of criminal activities within the state. Our men have been on constant 24/7 patrol across the 18 council areas of the state and a total of 45 suspected criminals have been arrested in the last two weeks.”
“On a lighter mood, I believe you are eager to receive me not just as the Asiwaju of Edeland but as the Asiwaju of Osun State.
He said: “ Kabiyesi, We note that this conferment is a commendation for the contributions of my family to the development of this town. It is equally a further call to service.
“Very soon all big towns in Osun State will become cities. Ife will become city, Ilesa will become city, Ile-Ife will become city , Iwo will become city, Ikirun will become city, Ila will become city.
Accepting the new title of Asiwaju of Edeland, Adeleke declared himself as Asiwaju of Osun State, he said: “To all Asiwaju title holders of various towns in Osun State, I welcome myself into your midst.
David-Chyddy Eleke inawka
The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Agbetokun, has approved the appointment of Nnaghe Obono Itam as the new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State. This followed the retirement of Aderemi Adeoye, who was pulled out of the force two weeks ago, after putting in 35 years in service. Itam is the 34th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State. A brief profile of him sent to THISDAY by the state Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was born on June 16, 1967 in Yakkur LGA of Cross River State. According to him, “He joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a cadet Assistant Superintendent at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex, Kaduna. “CP Itam holds a BSc in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Calabar and a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Port Harcourt.
The Nassrawa State Government has launched a transport outfit to alleviate the current economic hardship of residents by subsidising transport fares.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullah I Sule on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, disclosed this in a statement he issued to journalists in Lafia yesterday.
Ahemba, however, added that the new buses have formally been launched by state governor at a
ceremony held at the Yahaya Sabo Bus Terminal, Lafia, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Adamu Gosho. According to the SSA, “the introduction of the new buses is no doubt, a conscious effort and a milestone by the Engr. Sule’s administration towards alleviating the current economic hardship, including high cost of road transportation to improve the living condition of residents of the state.”
Laleye Dipo in minna
Niger State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed unhappiness over the non-performance of the Chairman of Bida Local Government Council Chairman Alhaji Bala Shaba since he was elected into office in 2022.
The governor showed his
‘Days
He explained that the corps arrested Sunday Adegbulu, 17 years ago and a JSS3 student of Commercial Secondary School, Akure, who was electrocuted while stealing transformer cables in Akure with the intention to sell it for N25,000.
“Of particular note is a set of criminals that engage in vandalism of electricity transformers. Fate caught up with one of them, Sunday Adegbulu, who is 17 years old.”
unhappiness with the chairman while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Bida town.
The meeting was to round off his tour of local governments in the Niger South senatorial zone.
Bago lamented that in the two years that the chairman had been in office he has no project to show for the money being given to the council monthly.
The governor added that the chairman had cultivated the habit of not staying in his local government headquarters opting to stay in the state capital or gallivant around the country at the expense of the people that voted him into office.
He threatened to take drastic action against the chairman if he did not improve on his performance.
The governor had earlier flagged off the construction of a 67 kilometer road in Kutigi LG where he praised the Chairman Alhaji Isah Mohammed for the rehabilitation of the local government Secretariat.
Fidelis David in akure
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police (CP) Abayomi Oladipo has said the days of Police officers running away when they hear gunshots are over in the coastal state.
The Police Commissioner stated
this yesterday while inaugurating a one-week training on combating the scourge of kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other raging crimes in state for 65 Police officers in the state.
He said the programme was part of the training and retraining for the year 2024 for conventional police drawn from various Formations/Divisions of the Command.
CP Abayomi said the participants would be retrained on challenges associated with their responsibility of taking up the lead positions in combating criminal activities and protecting lives and prosperities.
He said the training was also organised in response to one of the key agenda of the Inspector General of Police (IG) Kayode Egbetokun, who directed that training and retraining is important to any sphere of human endeavour, most especially, the police.
Michael Olugbode inabuja
The National Union of Pensioners (NUP), Borno State chapter, has said despite the massive fund expended on security in the state, the state Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has remained focused and
committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly in the prompt payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.
The commendation was given by the Chairman of the NUP in the state, Musa Alhaji Bukar, during a meeting in Maiduguri with executives from 30 branches, including those from
the 27 local government areas. Bukar noted that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from N100 million to N200 million has significantly improved the lives and families of many, contributing to economic development. The NUP chairman also mentioned that Governor Zulum had paid 50 percent pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for 2021 to 2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears of 534 retirees across the 27 local government areas.
Okon Bassey in uyo
The Ibom Airport Development Company Limited (IADCL) has expressed readiness to partner the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Akwa Ibom State branch, in the area of valuation and facility management on
George Okoh
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has urged the Scout Movement of Nigeria to at all time inculcate in Nigerian youths virtues of national ethics and the need to be prepared for
professional advice.
This is as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the state also commemorated it’s 2024 Valuation Day Activities with a theme: ‘Importance of Assets Valuation in Financial stability’.
The Managing Director, Mr. Uwem Ekanem, stated this
any eventuality in life.
Senator Akpabio gave the charge when the Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association of Nigeria, Dave Padopads-Awunah, led other executive members of the association on a courtesy visit to the president of the Senate at the
when the executive members of the land profession led by its chairman paid him a courtesy visit.
He said though some of their staffers are members of the body, the company would open its doors to professional advice and would also like to work with the group on projects
National Assembly yesterday.
The Scout Association of Nigeria last Thursday paid a courtesy visit to one of their own, the President of the Senate, Akpabio, to brief him on the forthcoming Nigeria Scout Parade and President’s Award event coming up in Abuja from
management at the airport. He explained that the airport, which operates on three tripods: Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul; Cargo and Commercial flights operations both local and internationally is opened to investors in the area of infrastructure development.
May 17 to 21, 2024. In his opening remarks, the Chief Commissioner of Scout of Nigeria, Dave Padopads-Awunah, expressed joy over the elevation of Senator Godswill Akpabio to the position of the president of the Senate of Nigeria.
L-R: Awardees, Chartered Institute of Business Managers and Administrators (CIBMA), Dr. Abubakar Mohammed; Dr. Stephen Lazi; Deputy Country Director, CIBMA, Nigeria, Dr. izuka Elkanah; Fellow Member, CIBMA, Mrs. Nwosu Chidinma, and awardee, Dr. Amanze Gordon Ibeabuchi, during the professional graduation and award of members by CIBMA in Abuja… recently eNOCK
BlessingIbunge inPortHarcourt
Youths of Ogoni in Rivers State under the aegis of National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) have demanded the resumption of full oil exploitation and exploration in the area.
This call is coming 29 years after the murder of the renowned environmentalrights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other Ogoni sons by the General Sani Abacha-led military junta.
The Ogoni youths, who spoke during a rally in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state in support of the Ogoni Economic Rebirth Project, said resumption of oil exploration should go alongside the Ogoni clean-up exercise being handled by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).
Addressing the youths, President of NYCOP, Barinuazor Emmanuel, expressed the fear that if the world moves away from fossil fuels to renewable
Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia
The Nasarawa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday cautioned its members calling for the resignation of the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Aliyu Bella.
The state Secretary of the party, Mr. Yairus Dagusa, gave the caution when addressing journalists shortly after the State Executive Council meeting of the party in Lafia.
He said: “It is therefore sheer mischief for anyone to demand that Hon. Aliyu Bello should resign as the state chairman of the party, ignorantly claiming that he was not democratically elected.
“It is necessary to state that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has duly affirmed and approved the
position of Hon. Aliyu Bello as Nasarawa State Chairman of the APC.”
Dagusa, therefore, maintained that from the indisputable explanation he has given, it was clear that Bello’s occupation of the party’s chairmanship seat is legal.
“The approval of his nomination and election by SEC is but a fulfilment of the provision of our party’s constitution,” he insisted.
This was even as the Nasarawa APC’s scribe urged members of the party to exercise restraint, aa at the appointed time, all party members shall be allowed to exercise their democratic rights to contest elections into offices of their choice.
“The desire of the party is to always provide level playing field to members to actualize their ambitions,” Dagusa stated.
In his bid to make the abandoned Baro Port functional, the Niger State Government has completed plans to construct the access road to the port.
This is even as the state government approached the federal government for permission to construct the Gulu-Muye road in the same axis.
The state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who disclosed this after performing the ground breaking of the construction of township roads in Lapai Local Government Area at the weekend, said the construction of the road to Baro would make the port functional in a very short time.
He said the projects would, when completed, open the state to both local and foreign investors apart from encouraging water transportation through the Baro Port.
Bago reiterated his
determination to transform the state through massive road construction, adding that the government is also seeking the support of the FIRS/NNPC through tax credit scheme for the road projects in addition to the ones recently granted.
Speaking on his agricultural revolution programme, the governor enjoined the people to key into the mechanisation of agriculture, assuring them that the government would provide the needed support for their benefit.
He further emphasised that massive injection of funds into road construction is to make the farms easily accessible during cultivation and harvest which is why the people should key into the policy.
Bago disclosed that the state government would renovate the General Hospital in Lapai as well as revive the water works project in the town that the late state Governor, Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure, started.
energy, Ogoni oil would be a waste, hence the need to explore it now for the betterment of the younger generation.
He said: “Before 1993, we gave our best to Nigeria, we gave our oil for 35
years and the royalty that was to accrue to the Ogoni people was $150million, before late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogonis raised the alarm.
“The UNEP report which later came
out told us that it was going to take 25 to 30 years to remediate Ogoniland. Now the question is, how many of us would be alive in the next 25 to 30 years? Children born in 1990 are already 33 and 34 years old, they are graduates and some are even fathers and mothers, and they can’t negotiate for us because they knew nothing about what we passed through.
Chuks Okocha in abuja
After paying a condolence visit to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over the demise of his brother, the Group Chief Operating Officer of SP Offshore Group, Obafemi Adekunle, has announced the company’s
plan for a military grade drone manufacturing plant launch, with cutting-edge technologies, a first of its kind in Nigeria.
The launch, which is scheduled for the third quarter of this year, was announced in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Ms Mina Park-Okoloko, last weekend.
According to the statement, “SPO Group, incorporated and with subsidiaries in three continents, is an investment company powered by hedge/ private equity funds, and focused on investing in or acquiring privately owned companies in the field of defence, IT, financial services, technology, real estate, oil and gas, FMCG, port operations and other sectors, with significant business presence or operations in sub-Saharan Africa. The company also specialises in structured lending.
Adedayo Akinwale in abuja
Ahead of the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it would resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two states to enable eligible citizens
who are not registered voters to do so.
The CVR in Edo and Ondo States, it said, would take place simultaneously from May 27 to June 5, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including the weekend.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed
Ibrahim Oyewale inLokoja
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police , CP Bethrand Onuhua, has appealed to the residents of the state to continue to collaborate and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security of life and property in the State.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relation Officer PPRO, William Aya, copy of which was made available to journalists in Lokoja yesterday.
this yesterday in Abuja at the second regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties. He stated that: “As the elections in the two states approach, the commission has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two states to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.”
Yakubu noted that those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other states of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two states.
The CP also confirmed that a total of 14 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology CUSTECH , Osara who were abducted have been rescued.
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has officially launched CoopHub, a new digital solution for Cooperative Societies.
“It will be recalled that, on 9/5/2024, some armed hoodlums invaded the Kogi State University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) Osara and abducted some Students. The Divisional Police Officer of Osara Division received a distress call of sporadic gunshots at the University. He immediately mobilised his men to the scene and discovered that, some Students who were holding Tutorials in a Class Room were said to have been kidnapped.
The groundbreaking platform was unveiled at the launch ceremony held at the weekend to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the bank.
CoopHub, the first of its kind in the Nigerian banking industry, is a digital platform designed
strategically to transform the way cooperative societies operate by providing tailored solutions that bridge the gaps in the traditional framework of cooperative societies.
The unique platform insulates cooperative societies against
prevalent struggles like manual recordkeeping, limited access to loans, poor communication, insecurity, and other restrictions, supporting them with the solutions needed to not only mitigate these problems but also operate with the utmost efficiency.
Kuni Tyessi in abuja
In the gradual move from traditional analogue to digital practices, the Borno State Commissioner for Justice, Kashim Zannah, has said that for Nigeria to favourably be at par with global happenings, the government at all levels must
generate sufficient data.
He said even in tackling cases of insurgency and other security threats, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven to have the capacity to mitigate such occurrences, including the drawbacks that might accompany the technology.
Speaking during his keynote address yesterday in Abuja under
the theme: ‘AI for Social Justice: Leading citizen’s freedom of expression’, and organised by Citizen’s Gavel Foundation for Social Justice, Justice Zannah said for proper assimilation of digital technology into the system, the government must first do its homework as data is essentially a tool. He said: “The fears are justified, but that doesn’t mean we can’t use AI in the justice system. It’s about taking measures and ensuring that whatever drawback they come with are addressed and acknowledged based on the best approach and not on whimsical promises or mere talk.
Benjamin Nworie in abakaliki
The Ebonyi South senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 3, 2024, by-election in the state, Silas Onu, said he would appeal the ruling of
the tribunal that struck out his petition that the Judges should be sacked over alleged bias, injustice and lack of fair hearing in his election petition.
The ruling was sequel to a petition filed to the President of Court of Appeal and copied to
the Tribunal Panel seeking their recusal from the bye-election tribunal by the PDP candidate.
The three-man panel headed by Justice H.N Kunaza dismissed Onu’s petition for lacking in merit.
Delivering the ruling by the
tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Justice Kunaza, who was flanked by Justice Bassey Bassey Nkanang and Justice M.O Agboola, said that the PDP candidate failed to prove allegations of lack of fair hearing, bias and injustice in his petition.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
Super Eagles new head coach, Finidi George, has warned the country's Europe-based players not getting regular playing times that there will be no room for them in the national team.
He delivered the chilling warning yesterday in Abuja at his unveiling ceremony that was attended by several dignitaries, including Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau.
He said he would only invite for international assignments, players who feature regularly at their clubs either in Nigeria or in the diaspora, and promised that
the Super Eagles would remain even more competitive in the years ahead.
“My first target is to make sure that we are in line to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning the upcoming two matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will soon start and we must also be prepared for those as well. I know what the NFF wants as it is boldly written in the contract, and I will work very hard to add value to the team and put myself in the position to earn even more than I will be earning from the take-off.
“I have always had a cordial relationship with all the players as an assistant coach. I am still
the same person even as Head Coach now, only that the title has changed. There will be no controversy regarding relationships with the players. These are professional players and we have to give them what they’re used to in Europe; you don’t need to slap anyone to get him to do the right thing,” Finidi, who was a former assistant to Jose Peseiro said.
He promised to do his best to ensure the Eagles return to winning games again while also downplaying concern of being under pressure.
“There is no pressure on me; I have tough skin. I just want to call for your support. I know
this is not an easy job, but with the support of everyone, we can achieve our objectives,” he said.
In his remarks, Enoh rallied stakeholders to back up Finidi to succeed as the coach of the senior national team and bring back the liveliness and excitement of Nigerian football.
Also, Gusau, who declined to disclose the contractual package of Finidi, stressed his appointment was in line with the yearning of Nigerians and represented a new dawn in the history of Nigerian football.
“Now that the choice of the coach has been made, I call on all Nigerians to support him to succeed in his new role especially
In a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of its late captain, Ali Jeje, the Flying Eagles1983 set has embarked on bestowing full scholarship on his son, Abdul Rahman Jeje.
Disclosing this to reporters in a signed statement, Vice-captain of the class of 1983, Paul Okoku recalled the late Ali Jeje's leadership was the cornerstone of the Flying Eagles' journey to the first Nigerian National Football Team to the FIFA World Cup, in Mexico, in 1983, a remarkable milestone that etched Nigeria's name onto the global football stage.
According to Okoku, who resides with his family in USA, "1983 was the first time a Nigerian flag was raised and flown on the world football stage, in admiration of the world gathering for a pride of a nation, the players were the pride of the nation, Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
" The raising of the Nigerian flag was a proud moment, symbolizing the nation's admiration for its players who embodied the pride
of Nigeria", added Paul Okoku, who pointed out that "despite facing significant adversities, Ali Jeje's unwavering dedication to the team and the sport left an indelible mark on the annals of Nigerian football history".
Okoku noted that in recognition of the late Ali Jeje's unparalleled contributions and the enduring legacy he left behind, the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, has resolved to support Abdul Rahman's educational aspirations through a scholarship.
"Furthermore, on behalf of the Esteemed Solidarity Flying Eagles Team, 1983 set, and as the vice-captain of the history-making squad, I salute you, my fellow teammates, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our team members who generously supported this initiative financially and in kind who deserve our genuine appreciation for their integral role in the scholarship scheme:
"Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Otti Amaechi, Paul Okoku, Femi Olukanmi, Segun Olukanmi,
Dehinde Akinlotan, Taju Disu, Dahiru Sadi, Tarila Okorowanta, Manu Garba, Alphonsus Akhahon, Sunday Edema Benson, Yemi Adebanjo, Samson Siasia, Patrick Udoh, Muyiwa Manny Motajo, Humphrey Edobor, Bright Benson, Wahab Adesina, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Christopher Anigala, Yisa Sofoluwe, Raymond King, Mike Igbeka and Tarfa Kpako".
Reflecting on the profound impact of this initiative, Paul Okoku expressed deep gratitude to his former teammates for their unwavering support and commitment, stressing that "our collective action exemplified the essence of true teamwork and underscored the power of unity in honoring the cherished memory of our beloved Captain, Ali Jeje.”
Abdul Rahman Jeje's heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to further his education serves as a poignant testament to the transformative impact of this scholarship on his future. With profound humility, he extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Flying
Eagles, 1983 set, for illuminating the path to a brighter future and honoring his father's enduring legacy.
“Incidentally that was also the first FIFA tournament attended by a Nigerian national team, when the Flying Eagles qualified after beating Guinea over two legs and he was the centre referee in the Group B match between Poland and the United States in Pueblo as well as the game between Brazil and Holland at the Jalisco Stadium, Guadalajara.”
“At the tournament, two other African referees – Bernard Grah of Cote d’Ivoire and Mohammed Larache of Morocco – were sent home after the Group games while Festus Bolaji Okubule was among the 12 retained to proceed with the remaining matches.
"As the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, continue to honour our illustrious legacy and invest in the next generation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Abdul Rahman's educational journey".
with the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in sight.
“I assure that as a policy, the NFF will give Finidi George the freehand to choose his technical staff,” said Ibrahim Gusau as he stressed that the assistants will be paid on game-by-game basis to avoid crisis in the payment of their allowances that had bedevilled the process in the past,” Gusau said.
He said the federation ratified Finidi’s preferred back up staff: Daniel Amokachi, Benjamin James; assistant coaches; Olatunji Baruwa, goalkeepers’ trainer; Chima
Onyeike, Fitness Trainer; and Mehmet Ozturk, Analyst. Sources inside the Sunday Dankaro House Secretariat of the NFF hinted THISDAY that Finidi will earn N15million monthly as Super Eagles boss. Also, he was offered a one-year contract that is likely to expire before Nigeria's last match in the qualification series for AFCON 2025 to be hosted by Morocco. It is however not certain yet who will pay for. the foreign-based foreign assistants that Finidi has asked NFF to allow him include in his backroom staff.
After two days of exciting matches, the 2024 ITTF Africa Cup would climax today, May 14, with semifinal and final clashes in both the men and women singles categories.
28 men and 25 women set out to conquer the field at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. As the action rolled on, many fell by the wayside, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the eight players going into the final day matchups.
Three Egyptians and a Nigerian will slug it out for passage into the final match for the women’s singles title, while the semifinal battle in the men's singles will be between Nigeria and Egypt.
Women’s singles top seed Dina Meshref of Egypt, who eliminated Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou in the quarterfinal, will face a familiar foe in Nigeria’s Offiong Edem in the first semifinal match of the day.
The second semifinal tie will be a battle between defending
champion Hana Goda of Egypt and her compatriot, Mariam Alhodaby.
In the absence of defending champion Omar Assar of Egypt due to a recurring knee injury, a new king of African table tennis will be crowned in Kigali. In the first semifinal, the top seed in the men’s singles, Quadri Aruna of Nigeria, will take on Egyptian southpaw Youssef AbdelAziz, who staged a scintillating comeback in the quarterfinal to edge out the number two seed, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa. In the second semifinal match of the men’s singles, Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali will clash with 2019 African Games champion, Olajide Omotayo of Nigeria. The final matches of both categories will take place later in the day to bring to a fitting end this star-studded continental tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the 2025 ITTF World Cup.
Standard Chartered Bank (Nigeria) Limited hosted its esteemed clients, children of clients, employees, and the Official Liverpool FC Club (LFC) of Nigeria to an exclusive weekend of activities with Liverpool Football Club legend, Glen Johnson in Lagos.
The weekend started with a Liverpool FC Soccer Clinic for children of clients of the Bank between the ages 5 to 18 years at the Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi.
Over 100 children got to improve their soccer skills with the soccer Legend and official LFC Coaches. This was followed by an exclusive dinner for clients with Glen the coaches and LFC LegendTheChaperone. LFC soccer clinic teaches the fundamentals of soccer and teamwork through instruction in a fun environment. It is hinged on the Bank’s sponsorship of Liverpool FC and provides local markets with a platform to actively engage clients, staff and stakeholders.
Engaging the media on his visit, Liverpool Legend Glen Johnson said, Sports is a great unifier of people from all works
or life and backgrounds and provides a rare opportunity for people to improve their quality of life, improve people relation skills, forge lifelong friendships and empower young people in their respective communities. It was a pleasure to work with all the children and volunteers from the Bank. Thank you to Standard Chartered and the SC Nigeria Limited team for a wonderful opportunity.’’
Speaking on the LFC themed weekend, Dalu Ajene, CEO of the Bank said, the Chartered Bank was no Funk for platform
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world’s most dynamic markets and serving clients in a further 64. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
“Since 2010, the partnership between Standard Chartered and Liverpool FC has generated great excitement around our brand and provides outstanding opportunities for our clients to experience it.
“The EFCC is aware of the fact that compliance officers give information to their clients regarding ‘letters of investigation’ activities...What we notice and see around lately is that Nigerians can only withdraw a small amount of their money with the banks in Automated Teller Machine(ATM) but POS operators go around with huge amounts of money gotten from the banks. This is not fair to Nigerians and we must fight it head-on” --EFCCChairman,OlaOlukoyede,warnsbanksofficials.
The report that President Bola Tinubu has now ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend the implementation of the proposed Cybersecurity Levy must come to many Nigerians as some sort of relief, but before we deal with the sense or nonsense of the levy itself, where does this leave the autonomy of the CBN? The Presidency has tried to walk back the narrative by saying that the directive is to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and not the CBN, but come off it, it is the CBN that has given a directive to the banks, ONSA is to manage the fund, and receive 40% of whatever is collected by the CBN. It is therefore not surprising that many civil society groups and experts have raised questions about the law, the process, and the policy. These include the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), NACCIMA, KPMG, Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum, Coalition of Northern Groups, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CIPPE), BudgIT, SERAP and others. The CBN directive is based on Section 44 (2) of the Cybercrime Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2024, itself an amendment of the same law of 2015.
Femi Falana, SAN, in an informed opinion has raised the point that the CBN misinterpreted the law, and that the Act itself is contradictory. His specific reference is to the fact that the CBN wrongly directed all financial institutions to apply the levy at the point of electronic transfer origination, and to be so explicitly noted in customer accounts under the description Cybersecurity Levy and remitted to the CBN. Falana argues that the erroneous impression has been created that the levy is payable by individual customers using the services of commercial banks, payment system banks, non-interest banks, merchant banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers. The phrase “businesses” in the 2015 Act has been substituted for “business” in the 2024 amendment, and there is confusion as to whether the levy is 0.005% or 0.5%. He argues further that the CBN owes Nigerians an apology for the misleading interpretation of the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Act to wit: Section 42(a) which makes it clear that the levy shall be applicable to GSM providers, Internet service providers, banks and other financial institutions, insurance companies and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Falana’s position was subsequently on all fours with the decision of the House of Representatives that the implementation of the levy should be suspended because, as Hon. Kingsley Chinda puts it, it contradicts the Second Schedule of the Act. Last Thursday, Hon. Chinda, representing Obio/Akpor Constituency moved a motion for the immediate halt and modification of the levy announced by the CBN on May 6. The House concurred, and so resolved. However, the Senate speaking through Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chair of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, argued that the CBN circular is in line with the Act as amended and that there are exemptions duly stated in the law. These exemptions, 16 in all are listed in the appendix to the CBN circular, but what we see is apparent confusion even among the lawmakers, despite the fact that the best way to know the value of any law is through its implementation. This is one clear instance in which the implementation of a law has been subjected to a rigorous test and robust opinion by those it is meant to serve. The law has raised a number of interesting questions that should serve as necessary guide: Can public institutions be funded directly by bank deposits with the CBN as a collecting agent? Can the Office of the National Security Adviser receive unappropriated funding for its activities? Since banks already charge fees for electronic transfers, does the electronic transfer levy
CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso
for cybercrime protection not amount to double taxation? Should ONSA be a revenue collecting agency? And how do we reconcile the obvious confusion in the law?
Olisa Agbakoba, SAN has since added his voice to the controversy by noting that the cybersecurity levy is unconstitutional. It runs counter to the letter and spirit of Section 162(1) and 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution which make it clear that all federally collected revenue must go into the Federation Account and “shall be distributed among the Federal and State governments and the Local government Councils in each state on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly”. A combined reading of both sections is instructive. It has been argued that some agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Customs retain a percentage of their revenue, but the point is clear that ONSA cannot transform itself into a revenue collection agency. Agbakoba has served notice that he will challenge the law in court. SERAP has already gone to court on the same matter in suit number FHC/LCS/822/2024 filed at the weekend to seek an order of interim injunction against the CBN. In sum, the key arguments against the Cybersecurity Levy is that the timing is bad, it is not a good idea and that the 2024 Amendment is fuzzy, the proposed implementation is unconstitutional. Senator Buba who has been most vociferous in defending the law says “it is customary that a public hearing is held before every bill is passed, and the amendment of the Cybercrime Act 2024 was no exception, involving the participation of people from all spheres of human endeavour who witnessed the process.” Nigerians are asking where were we when this law was amended and passed? Perhaps there is a lesson here about the need for the Nigerian citizenry to be more vigilant and attentive where lawmaking is concerned. Buba adds that “Nigeria’s Cyber Threat profile extends far beyond cybercrime, with other major cyber threats classified under the National Cybersecurity strategy. To survive as a nation, the current weak approach to enforcing national cybersecurity directives must be re-examined and
prioritized, among other considerations. The country must fund its cybersecurity and counter-terrorism programme independently, not through foreign aid.”
I have not heard anyone disagreeing with the fact that Nigeria needs a strong cybersecurity framework.
Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) referred to the importance of a cybersecurity framework during the presentations of its Article IV Consultation Report. Despite the people’s skepticism about IMF and its bitter pills, nobody has raised any objection against this observation. What the people are saying is that a cybersecurity levy is likely to harm businesses which already pay more than 40 taxes. It will drive people away from the banking system, since it would be wiser to keep money at home than go through formal payment systems and be over-taxed. By introducing the cybersecurity levy, government has inadvertently hobbled its financial inclusion and cashless transaction policy. KPMG has made the point that government cannot achieve economic growth through over-taxation. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the Word Trade Organization (WTO) has said Nigeria needs to streamline its taxes.
Nobody likes the tax man. But what bothers Nigerians is the fact that the Tinubu administration keeps sending mixed signals about its revenue drive. Both the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun once famously said that the Tinubu administration is not out to tax people to raise revenue, even if it would broaden its revenue collection strategies. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, at the closing out session of the body over the weekend, said 95% of the informal sector should be exempted from all taxes, especially businesses earning N25 million a year or less. His words: “We think that the informal sector are people who are trying to earn legitimate living, we should allow them to be, and support them to be…” The Tinubu administration has a good supply of persons who say the right things but do the very opposite. President Tinubu himself promised “renewed hope” but Nigerians have never been this nervous. For no fault of theirs, the people have been the target of a heavy burden of multiple taxation: the very day that President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, he removed fuel subsidy, the same subsidy removal that the Buhari administration cleverly avoided. Life has become harder for Nigerians since then, and the price of everything has gone up, and keeps going up, against the natural law of gravitation. Headline inflation is over 32%, threatening to go higher (experts are projecting that it could go as high as 34% when the National Bureau of Statistics announces April inflation figures tomorrow), food inflation is at an unprecedented level in known history. Electricity tariff at N206.80 for Band A customers has thrown many homes into darkness and agony, the DISCOs do not provide 20 hours of electricity as promised, and the people cannot pay because they are overburdened. Businesses are naturally transferring their own burdens to the people. Telecommunication operators have asked for the leave of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to increase call rates. Cable TV service providers have also hiked their rates. Organized Labour is fighting for a minimum wage but the minimum of N615, 000 that they are asking for sounds airy. Nigeria has become dystopian and what the people cannot understand is the manner in which government officials carry on as if they live in paradise.
It is important to fund cybersecurity, yes, but that money can come from plugging wastages in government. Ministers go about in a convoy of exotic vehicles, lawmakers in Abuja ride SUVs which they pass on as project vehicles but we
all know that no lawmaker inspects any project. And by the way, what happened to the Nigerian government’s monetization policy? The salary of Ministers was adjusted upwards years back to address accommodation and transportation needs, but the government has refused to implement the policy. It is easier to impose hardship on the people, but the easiest option is not always the best. What also irks the people is the lack of accountability, and the opaqueness at the heart of government processes. The cybersecurity levy would raise over N4 trillion annually, and 40% of that would be managed by the ONSA. Defence and security already take the bulk of government budget and expenditure every year, and yet insecurity remains Nigeria’s major problem. Even if Nigerians understand the importance of cybersecurity, they do not trust their government enough to pay additional tax. And why is the CBN involved in the collection of tax – what is primarily a fiscal policy function? Is the CBN a pawn in a revenue collection game? It has now been driven into a corner. Much worse is the fact that some banks did not even wait till the specified date of May 20 in the CBN circular; they have started taking people’s money, duly stating same as cybersecurity levy. Nigerian banks must resist the temptation to act as criminal enterprises. They don’t serve their customers well – always complaining that there is no money or that their network is down. When they manage to pay across the counter, they give out dirty, torn notes. Most of the ATMs in banks across the nation no longer dispense cash. Mobile payment operators have more cash than the banks, and are far more reliable, and Naira retailers at social events have new notes that are not available in the banks! All the banks that have collected cybersecurity levies from their customers, ahead of May 20, must refund all the deductions, with an apology. Banks should serve their customers and not steal from them! Thievery is incompatible with the task of financial intermediation.
President Tinubu has directed that the implementation of the Cybersecurity levy should be suspended. This is a welcome development. It makes the people happy. It shows that the government has listened to the yearnings of the people. This is a habit that the Tinubu administration should cultivate: to restore hope, the government must avoid anti-people policies. The CBN is yet to withdraw its circular on cybersecurity levy. It must do so forthwith, otherwise the banks would insist that they have not received any counter-directive from the regulator. The withdrawal must be well-publicized, and there must be an apology attached to it. But that is not the end of the matter. The National Assembly must take another look at the amended Act and re-amend it further. Members of that Assembly are in Abuja to defend the people’s interest and promote the common good. It is downright offensive to see the Senate and the House of Representatives arguing over a piece of legislation that they both worked on and passed. Their confusion is unhelpful. On the Cybersecurity Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2024 (as amended), they need to go back to the drawing table, and be properly guided by public responses. Besides, as Agbakoba SAN has rightly argued, the National Assembly cannot make a subsidiary legislation that bypasses the Constitution and puts federally collected revenue in the hands of an agency. This was the decision in AG Rivers State vs. AG Federation and others in 2022, where the court upheld the provisions of Section 162(3) of the 1999 Constitution with regard to the controversy over the Nigeria Police Trust Fund. And let everyone pay attention to their schedule: it doesn’t look tidy having the President overruling the Central Bank.