CBN Boosts Poultry Industry with Disbursement of N12.55bn Credit James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has so far released N12.55 billion to support the small, medium and large scale poultry farmers. The CBN explained that the gesture is part of its strategy to
boost egg and meat production as well as to create more jobs for Nigerians. Last month, some stakeholders under the umbrella of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) had called on the federal government to intervene in the sector to
mitigate the losses occasioned by the restriction of movement of goods and services amidst the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the attendant lockdown. President of the association, Mr. Ezekiel Ibrahim, while addressing journalists
had raised concerns that unless there was an urgent government intervention, the industry might be forced to shut down by January. The association also said the current situation had threatened about 10 million jobs, especially at the urban
and rural areas and led to divestment in the poultry sector due to lack of investor confidence. However, CBN Director, Development Finance Department, Mr. Yila Yusuf, in a statement yesterday, said the disbursement of funds
to farmers was an ongoing process as more farmers are being shortlisted for the loan. According to him, between the last quarter of 2019 and November 2020, farmers in the poultry value chain Continued on page 8
House Urges Extension of SIM Card Registration, NIN Linkage Deadline... Page 6 Thursday 17 December, 2020 Vol 25. No 9383. Price: N250
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We’ll Use All Means Possible to Rescue Katsina Pupils, Says Military Refutes death claim of abducted schoolboys Insists despite insecurity, Buhari safe in Daura Parents fear time running out Masari: Children are alive, well Chuks Okocha, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja, Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos The military yesterday expressed its determination not to spare any effort, including deploying maximum force, in recovering over 300 schoolboys kidnapped last Friday from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara in Katsina
State. It also allayed fears over the safety of President Muhammadu Buhari, who arrived in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, on a week-long private visit, when gunmen attacked the school. Boko Haram had on Tuesday claimed responsibility Continued on page 8
Excitement as FG Reopens Four Land Borders Defers others till Dec. 31
Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Many business players expressed relief and excitement yesterday as the federal government announced the immediate reopening of four of the land borders, shut about 15 months ago, with a promise to reopen others before December 31. There has been pressure
on the federal government to reopen the land borders, with many analysts holding the policy as one of the dominant factors affecting the persistent rise in inflation. But briefing reporters after the 28th weekly virtual FEC meeting, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Continued on page 8
OBSERVING FROM DAURA... President Muhammadu Buhari participates virtually in the Federal Executive Council meeting from his Daura, Katsina State residence…yesterday
Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Spike Up to 930 All-time High... Page 5