Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Presidency Confirms Restart of Port Harcourt Refinery, Says 200 Trucks Set To Load Petrol

    Presidency Confirms Restart of Port Harcourt Refinery, Says 200 Trucks Set To Load Petrol

    The Presidency has confirmed the official start of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, with plans for around 200 trucks to begin transporting petroleum products daily from the facility.

     This marks a key development in Nigeria’s energy sector, as the refinery’s restart is set to boost fuel distribution across the country.

    A statement from the Presidency, shared by spokesperson Sunday Dare, highlighted the refinery’s crucial role in meeting Nigeria’s growing energy demands. 

    The refinery, now operating at a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, will contribute significantly to the country’s energy security.

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had earlier reported the activation of crude oil processing at the refinery. 

    According to NNPCL’s communications officer, Olufemi Soneye, this marks a new chapter for Nigeria’s energy independence and economic growth.

     The refinery’s operation is seen as a positive step toward reducing reliance on imported fuel and strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure.

  • Finally, Port-Harcourt Refinery Resumes Production 

    Finally, Port-Harcourt Refinery Resumes Production 

    The Port Harcourt Refinery has resumed operations, with crude oil now being processed at 60% of its full capacity. 

    This long-anticipated breakthrough is a major development in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, addressing years of dependency on fuel imports.

    Managed by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the refinery faced multiple setbacks earlier in the year, with scheduled operational dates in March, August, and September failing to materialize.

     The successful start of operations marks a fresh chapter for the facility, which has long been seen as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy framework.

    Beyond its immediate impact on oil refining, the refinery’s reopening is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth by reducing fuel import costs, stabilizing supply chains, and fostering industrial development. 

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    The NNPCL’s leadership has been credited with ensuring this project reaches fruition, with a focus on delivering long-term benefits to the country.

    This development positions Nigeria closer to achieving greater energy autonomy and economic sustainability, leveraging its abundant crude oil reserves to meet domestic demands.

  • NBS Q3 GDP Growth Report Excites President Tinubu

    NBS Q3 GDP Growth Report Excites President Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has reacted positively to Nigeria’s economic growth report for the third quarter of 2024, released by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

    The report revealed a 3.46% GDP increase, marking a year-on-year improvement that surpassed earlier projections.

    The presidency attributed this growth to key sectors such as agriculture, ICT, trade, and manufacturing, which collectively played a significant role in driving the economy forward. 

    Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that these gains translate into better living standards for Nigerians.

    The government highlighted ongoing economic reforms, including proposed tax changes aimed at reducing burdens on small businesses and fostering a more equitable tax system. 

    These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to achieve Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

    As Nigeria prepares to rebase its economy in early 2025, officials anticipate that recent advancements across various industries will further position the nation for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

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  • Nigeria’s Economy Sees Robust Growth in Q3, 2024

    Nigeria’s Economy Sees Robust Growth in Q3, 2024

    The Nigerian economy has experienced an appreciable 0.27 percent expansion, hitting 3.46% in Q3 instead of 3.19% it averaged in Q2 of 2024.

    Latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on reveals a consistent upward trend in the economy, surpassing the growth rate of 2.54% seen in Q3 2023. 

    Additionally, the current quarter also outperformed Q2, 2024, which had seen a growth of 3.19%.

    In real terms, the GDP stood at N20.1 trillion, reflecting an increase from N18.2 trillion in Q2 2024 and N19.4 trillion in Q3 2023. 

    The services sector played a crucial role in this performance, driving growth with a 5.19% increase and contributing 53.58% of the total GDP.

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    The data further revealed that the nominal GDP for Q3 2024 reached N71.1 trillion, marking a 17.26% increase from N60.6 trillion in the same quarter of the previous year.

     This surge signifies a robust recovery and positive economic momentum.

    Among the key sectors driving the economy, crop production contributed 26.51%, trade accounted for 14.78%, and telecommunications made up 13.94%. 

    The oil sector also showed improvement, recording a 5.17% growth compared to a negative growth rate of -0.85% in Q3 2023, although it was slightly lower than the 10.15% increase seen in Q2 2024.

    Nigeria’s oil output for Q3 2024 stood at an average of 1.47 million barrels per day (mbpd), marking a slight increase from 1.45 mbpd in the same quarter of the previous year and surpassing the 1.41 mbpd recorded in Q2 2024.

    Despite a strong performance in the oil sector, the non-oil economy remains the dominant driver of Nigeria’s GDP, contributing 94.43% in Q3 2024. 

    The non-oil sector’s contribution has slightly decreased compared to 94.52% in Q3 2023, though it remains higher than the 94.30% seen in Q2 2024. Key areas like agriculture, trade, and services have fueled this growth.

  • Private Jets Must Get Clearance Before Leaving Nigeria, Says Keyamo

    Private Jets Must Get Clearance Before Leaving Nigeria, Says Keyamo

    Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, says no private jet, including those belonging to high-profile individuals can depart the country without official approval.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Keyamo addressed concerns over the movement of private planes and airstrips, stressing that all departures, whether for private or military aircraft, must undergo proper clearance.

    Keyamo explained that private jets must land at international airports for customs, immigration, and other checks before flying out of Nigeria.

     He also confirmed that Oyedepo’s airstrip follows the same procedures, dispelling misconceptions that private airstrips could bypass these regulations. 

    He said: “They were only concerned about the fact that they thought that somebody can take off from a private airstrip and fly out of Nigeria or fly into Nigeria. It is not possible.

    “You must land in an international airport first. Then the Customs, immigration and NDLEA will process you before you take off from there to your private airstrip. If you are also flying out, you must land at an international airport. You will go through Customs, immigration and all the normal process before flying out.

    “So nobody uses an airstrip for any such purpose without seeking clearance. At every point in time, the authorities must approve.”

    The Minister also shared that the country operates around 40 airstrips, with 23 federal and about 8 or 9 state-owned airports.

  • Nigeria, Brazil sign pact to Further Collaboration in Agricultural Transformation

    Nigeria, Brazil sign pact to Further Collaboration in Agricultural Transformation

    Nigeria deepens its economic ties with Brazil as she signs an MoU with the South American nation’s Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV).

    The new pact is aimed at stimulating private sector growth within Nigeria’s agricultural industry.

     The agreement, covers several key areas including fertilizer production, hybrid seed development, and agricultural finance.

    The agreement was signed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

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    The MOU was signed by Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), and Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, President of FGV.

     This partnership marks a new phase in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and Brazil, which has already been in motion through the Green Imperative Project (GIP).

     This project, valued at $1.2 billion, is aimed at modernizing Nigerian agriculture with the help of Brazilian expertise in tropical farming.

    The Green Imperative Project, which was first initiated in 2018, represents a significant international cooperation effort.

     Over the course of the project’s ten-year duration, it will focus on transferring advanced agricultural technologies and best practices from Brazil to Nigeria. 

    The aim is to make Nigerian agriculture more efficient, sustainable, and capable of supporting the country’s growing population.

    The project is designed to support agribusinesses across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, providing them with both the financial and technical resources needed to thrive. 

    With an eye on sustainable economic growth, the initiative will focus on fostering businesses that can contribute to Nigeria’s food security and economic development.

    Moreover, the MOU aims to attract private-sector investments totaling $4.3 billion, directed toward vital sectors like fertilizer manufacturing, seed innovation, and agricultural finance. 

    By attracting such investment, the project hopes to create lasting improvements in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

    The signing ceremony, attended by Nigerian government officials and FGV leaders, signals the beginning of a strong partnership that is expected to bring meaningful change to Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

  • Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    Edo State Names Suleiman Aledeh as New Broadcasting Chief

    The Edo State Government has appointed Suleiman Aledeh as the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service. 

    This announcement, made through the governor’s office, confirms that Aledeh will assume the role immediately.

    Aledeh, a seasoned journalist and media consultant with over 20 years of experience, has worked with notable international media platforms such as Al Jazeera, SABC, and GB News, UK. 

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    Known for his contributions to broadcast journalism, he has also served as a news anchor for Arise News and Classic FM.

    A graduate of Philosophy from the University of Benin, Aledeh began his broadcasting career at Edo Broadcasting Service during his undergraduate years.

     His journey has spanned various roles, including stints at Ebonyi Radio during his National Youth Service and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, where he created and hosted influential programs

  • Livestock Sector Investment to Address Crises, Boost Nigeria’s Economy – Tinubu 

    Livestock Sector Investment to Address Crises, Boost Nigeria’s Economy – Tinubu 

    As policy analysts express the concern that beyond the buzzword, Nigerian Governments often lack the discipline of synchronising their plans to address policy pronouncements, President Bola Tinubu insists that his administration’s prioritizing investments in the livestock sector will address long-standing challenges like farmer-herder conflicts, hunger, and poverty, as well as fostering economic growth. 

    Speaking in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the signing of a collaboration agreement with JBS S.A., a leading global meat processing company, President Tinubu emphasized the potential of the $2.5 billion livestock investment opportunity in Nigeria.  

    The president noted that these investments will not only provide solutions to existing problems but also unlock vast economic potential. 

    By leveraging Nigeria’s large population and JBS S.A.’s expertise in food security, President Tinubu is confident that the country can transform its agricultural challenges into opportunities for growth and prosperity.  

    During his visit to Brazil, the president also dispatched a Nigerian delegation to explore livestock development and meat processing opportunities, which culminated in the partnership with JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processors. 

    JBS S.A. processes up to 33,000 cattle and over 8 million birds daily, using advanced zero-waste technology.  

    Wesley Batista, the company’s president, expressed eagerness to collaborate with Nigeria to turn it into a key supplier of protein to Africa, stating that JBS’s global reach and operational capacity align with Nigeria’s agricultural ambitions.  

    The collaboration aims to create jobs, enhance food security, and build a thriving livestock industry that can benefit both local and international markets.

  • Labour Party Denies Allegations of Partnership with Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

    Labour Party Denies Allegations of Partnership with Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The Labour Party has dismissed allegations of collusion with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, labeling the claims as baseless and defamatory.  

    In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party expressed concern over a circulating video in which lawyer Deji Adeyanju made claims of a supposed partnership between the Labour Party and the APC.

     The party described the accusations as unfounded and harmful to its reputation.  

    According to the Labour Party, the allegations contradict its role as the leading opposition in Nigeria, with its National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, consistently criticizing the current administration. 

    The party emphasized its ongoing efforts to challenge systemic failures and advocate for electoral reforms.  

    Recent initiatives spearheaded by the Labour Party include the establishment of an Electoral Reform Committee to promote credible elections and a Political Education Committee aimed at fostering political awareness among Nigerians.

     Additionally, the party has launched an e-membership registration drive to enhance participatory democracy, with thousands of Nigerians already joining.  

    The party challenged Adeyanju to substantiate his claims with evidence or withdraw his statements and issue a public apology. 

    It described the comments as a “criminal defamation” and a deliberate attempt to damage the party’s reputation.  

    The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to holding the government accountable and denied any collaboration with President Tinubu or the APC, urging its supporters to disregard the rumors.  

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  • Kano Governor Returns Minors Arrested For Protesting to Parents

    Kano Governor Returns Minors Arrested For Protesting to Parents

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has returned 76 minors detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests to their families. 

    The handover took place on Thursday at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital, where the children had been cared for after being arrested for their involvement in the protests, which called attention to governance issues in Kano and Nigeria at large. 

    Governor Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff Shehu Sagagi, acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in securing the minors’ release. In his address, he urged parents to collaborate with the state government in providing quality education for their children, which he believes is key to the state’s growth.

     He also cautioned parents against using any associations to solicit funds, as such behavior would not be tolerated.

    Kano’s Education Commissioner, Haruna Doguwa, shared that steps had been taken to support the minors’ educational journeys, including providing school uniforms for 50 of them. 

    Additionally, a final-year student protester would be assisted in completing their studies, and another with a National Certificate in Education would be given a job.

    Health Commissioner Dr. Abubakar Yusuf confirmed that the minors had all received medical treatment during their stay at the hospital before being reunited with their families.

     The event also saw former Sokoto State Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, donate N50,000 to each child for their education.