The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni, on Thursday received in audience, the Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria, Andrii Vasyliev, at Ship House, Abuja.
Category: News
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Fuel Scarcity: Avoid Panic Buying, NNPCL Tells Nigerians
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited has moved to quell concerns of an impending fuel scarcity in Nigeria by assuring the public that it currently holds a 30-day supply of fuel.
The company also urged Nigerians to refrain from engaging in panic buying, emphasizing that the recent sporadic queues observed in some parts of Lagos and Abuja are due to specific logistical challenges that have already been addressed.
In a statement posted on its official social media handle, NNPC Retail Limited acknowledged the appearance of fuel queues in certain regions, which were primarily attributed to a temporary reduction in depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos, over a short period.
However, the company is keen to stress that there is no need for alarm as the situation is under control.
The statement from NNPC Retail Management stated, “We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days. Motorists are advised to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalize over the next couple of days.”
The statement became necessary to prevent unwarranted panic buying and ease the concerns of the public regarding fuel availability.
With the assurance of a 30-day fuel supply and ongoing efforts to address the supply chain challenges, the company said it is committed to maintaining a stable and reliable fuel distribution system across the nation.
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2nd Abuja Runway: FG Acquires 12,000 Hectares Of Land
The Federal Government on Thursday acquired 12,000 hectares of land from Jiwa Community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) for the construction of a second runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
This follows the payment of N825.8 million as compensation to people of the community to enable contractors move to site for the construction of the 4.2km runway.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed this at the official handing over of the site to the federal government as well as the contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) commended the people of the community
He noted that the country has been looking forward to the construction of a second runway for the past two decades since the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo and successive administrations have not been able to put it into reality.
Keyamo stated that a second runway will further open more opportunities for both the community and Nigeria as well as bigger aircraft will be able to land, more commercial activities around the area.
He said “For those that have lost farms, houses, and other means of livelihoods, I can assure you that you will gain more by the time the project comes to fruition.”
‘For the contractors I want to tell you that youths in this communities are able bodies I would like to hear that workers, artisans, labourers are been brought from other place to work with them, youths in the community must be considered first’
“If you don’t take them I will join them to protest, I will lead the protest against you, our eyes are on you, consider the sons and daughters of this community in your work,” he stated.
While reacting, the Emir of Jiwa, HRM Alh Idris Yinusa said the compensation paid to them is nothing compared to what they have lost but there is nothing they can do as public interest overrides personal interest.
He said, “My farm also affected, despite how big the farm was, meagre compensation was paid to me. I want to use this medium to say sorry to you and urge you to exercise patience; if there is anything to do about it we could have done it.
He however appealed to the National Assembly to increase the amount of money paid as compensation to indigenes,
“If they don’t charge what is being paid many people will die, the money given to us is not okay for feeding, not to talk of training our children,” he stated.
For instance, one person with about 30 children could get about N1million as compensation, he may end up sharing it at N200 to N10,000 and there is nothing we can do but the house of assembly needs to revise the current module of payment.
The Emir called on CCECC to ensure that they prioritize their people when giving people work, because I would not like when our people start protesting we have many unemployed youths, so the contractor don’t need to look elsewhere
“We know the Aviation University is still coming up and a lot of work will be there. So wish the people with cooperate and work with the government so that we can achieve much,” he stated
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NUJ Commends NNPCL On Appointment Of New Spokesman
The NUJ National Secretariat has hailed the appointment of the publisher of Per Second News, Femi Soneye, as the Chief Communications Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
NUJ’s National Secretary Shuaibu Usman Leman, said in a statement that the appointment was well deserved as Mr. Soneye is a thoroughbred professional.
He said, “The Union is excited by this appointment which is well-deserved, and is coming at a time of transition for the oil and gas company and requires an individual such as Soneye with global expertise and experience in journalism, information and communications.
“We are confident that Soneye will discharge his duties diligently, professionally and transparently owing to the importance of the NNPCL in the nation’s growth and development. As a professional with full-time and freelance experience at some of the world’s most respected publications in Nigeria, Australia, and the United States of America, the Union expects him to deliver optimally in this role.”
Soneye, who was announced as the new spokesperson of the NNPCL on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, is expected to drive NNPCL’s Corporate Communications team and drive its brand penetration, strategic communications initiatives, and stakeholder management. He is a former President of the Nigerian Media Practitioners, Washington, D.C.
“While we laud the efforts by NNPCL against illegal refineries and bunkering in the Niger Delta region, we urge it to strengthen its pipeline surveillance to ensure increased oil production,” the statement read.
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FEC Approves Concession Of ‘Colonial’ Central Workshop In Ijora
The Federal Executive Council has approved the concession of the Central Workshop Ijora to a private sector firm for rehabilitation and optimal operation under the regulatory guidance of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
According to a statement signed by Head, Media and Publicity, Manji Yarling, it is the First Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects to be approved under the new administration of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The concession which will adopt a Rehabilitate-Operate-Maintain-Transfer PPP model seeks to upgrade the Central Workshop to ensure its functions are realized.
With the Federal Ministry of Works as Grantor, the project which is an unsolicited project (Privately Initiated Infrastructure Proposals – PIIP) by, Beta Transport Nigeria Limited is expected to generate NGN 28.1 billion within a 20-year concession period.
The Central Workshop, Ijora, Lagos (“CWI”) was an appendage of the defunct Public Works Department (PWD).
The PWD was the agency of the Colonial Government responsible for building and maintaining government buildings and property, roads, rail tracks, bridges, harbours and aerodromes. During the colonial era, the Workshop was used for the maintenance of vehicles, sewage treatment plants, and water supply equipment.
It also provided technical advice to other departments in the Colony. Presently, the workshop is not operating optimally hence, the need to engage private sector participation.
With the approval by FEC, the concessionaire will ensure that productive and professional work will be carried out in the workshop in line with standard guidelines and operating procedures via the provision of modern equipment.
The concessionaire will also ensure that the workshop runs at the highest standard of operational excellence and in all restore past reputation of engineering productivity and excellence.
The activities of BETA will complement the mandate of the Engineering Services Department of the Federal Ministry of Works for the fabrication of mechanical tools, products, poles, foundry items amongst others. The rehabilitation of this workshop will also provide repair services to most of the run-down trucks and vehicles which would have otherwise been left parked on the roadsides, which will in turn decongest the roads in this area.
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Kaduna Police Launch Manhunt For Killers Of NYSC Member
The Kaduna State Police Command is on a mission to apprehend the assailants responsible for the brutal killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Grace Chalya Silas.
Silas was tragically stabbed to death during her morning jog in Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, shocked the community.
According to the spokesperson of the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, miscreants on motorcycles, identified as phone snatchers, are suspected to be the culprits behind this heinous act.
After the matter was reported to the police, Silas was rushed to a clinic, but she was later confirmed dead.
The Kaduna Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Yusuf Garba, ordered an immediate manhunt for the killers, and an emergency meeting was held to address this tragic incident.
CP Garba expressed his condolences and described the incident as “tragic.”
He said the police are working closely with NYSC authorities in the state to ensure that justice is served for Grace Chalya Silas.
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Third Mainland Bridge To Undergo Repairs As FG Announces Temporary Closure
The Federal Government has announced a temporary closure of the Third Mainland Bridge from Saturday, October 21, 2023, to Sunday, October 22, 2023, for essential repairs. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes during this period.
Engr. O. I. Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, disclosed this information, acknowledging the concerns raised by motorists about the deteriorating condition of the 11.8km-long bridge.
The Third Mainland Bridge, one of the busiest in Nigeria, connects Victoria Island to mainland Lagos and has undergone multiple repair projects in recent years.
In response to these concerns, the government said it is currently developing comprehensive repair plans for the Third Mainland Bridge.
As an interim measure to address critical sections in need of repair, palliative works will be conducted along the Adeniji-bound carriageway on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in preparation for the comprehensive repairs.
To minimize inconvenience during the repair process, motorists are urged to follow diversions as directed by traffic management officials.
Additionally, motorists are encouraged to explore alternative routes during the temporary closure of the Adeniji-bound section of the bridge from Saturday, October 21, 2023, until Sunday, October 22, 2023, at midnight.
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Plateau Revenue Service Generates N1.7bn In August, Targets 4bn
The Plateau Internal Revenue Service (PIRS) generated N1.699 billion in August and is working towards N4 billion monthly, its Chairman, Mr Jim Pam, said on Thursday in Jos.
Pam made the disclosure when the Plateau House of Assembly (PLHA) Committee on Public Accounts and Petitions visited PIRS on oversight function.
The chairman said that the service was working towards blocking leakages to shore up the state’s internal revenue profile.
He told the committee that leakages hurt both the service and the state.
“If we do not generate enough or adequate revenue, you cannot execute your constituency projects and the pressure would be on you in different areas.
“The internal revenue stimulates economic activities; if we allow leakages, there will be no revenue and government activities will be grounded.
“As a service, we are charting a new course. Going forward, we shall work to the best of our ability to drive the process and increase the numbers.
“Thankfully, the numbers have started increasing from when I took over. In August, we got N1.699 billion. At the close of September, we got N1.5 billion.
“I believe the numbers will keep increasing but, of course, the economy generally is not doing so well at the moment.
“Again, these are not peak periods for revenue collections, however, we’re trying to see what we can do and I am sure by next year when everything will stabilise, we will start hitting N4 billion every month.
“We believe that with the technology we’re trying to deploy, and the renewed attitude we are trying bring into the service, things will move forward for the better,” he stated.
Pam told the committee that the revenue service was transparent and its books were always open for the lawmakers to always check.
Assemblyman Azi Madaki, Chairman, PLHA Public Accounts and Petitions Committee, had earlier said that the visit was to assess the activities of the service in line with the committee’s mandate.
Madaki said that the visit was also to ensure that activities of all formations in the state were transparent and in accordance with the laid down procedures.
The committee Secretary, Mr Nicholas Barry, as telling all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) visited that they were duty-bound to submit quarterly financial report to the committee.
Barry said that such would help the committee in making decisions concerning the MDAs for the good of the state.
Among MDAs the committee visited are the Ministries of Finance, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as the Office of the Auditor General of the State and that of the Local Government.
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Founder Of Nigeria’s First Rating Firm, Bode Agusto Dies
Bode Agusto, a prominent Nigerian economist and the visionary founder of Agusto & Co, Nigeria’s inaugural credit rating agency, has passed away at the age of 68.
Bode Agusto, up until his recent demise, had established himself as an independent consultant of significant repute within the domains of economics, finance, and business strategy.
Agusto & Co., founded by Bode Agusto in 1992, played a seminal role in bringing credit rating services to the Nigerian financial landscape.
It was officially granted a license by the Securities and Exchange Commission, thus attaining the distinction of becoming Nigeria’s very first credit rating agency.
Bode Agusto diligently steered the company as Managing Director for a span of 11 years, underlining his enduring commitment to the industry.
In a testament to its growth and success, as of 2023, Agusto & Co. has transcended national boundaries, extending its services not only in Nigeria but also to neighboring countries such as Kenya and Rwanda, thereby further solidifying its reputation in the African financial sector.
Bode Agusto’s enduring legacy as a pioneer in the fields of economics and finance will continue to be cherished and celebrated within the finance industry, where his innovative contributions have left an indelible mark.
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Wike Promises Improved Quality Healthcare Services In FCT
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans are underway to improve the quality of health services in the federal capital, Abuja.
Wike gave the assurance when the Executive members of the FCT Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, led by the President, Dr Rahman Olayinka visited him in Abuja.
He explained that the FCT Administration would ensure necessary provisions in the 2024 budget to improve quality of services in health facilities in the FCT.
“The services at the moment are not encouraging. It is unfortunate.
“I was thinking that since FCT is a capital city it will have the best health facilities, but from what I am told, there is nothing to write home about, but be assured it will be the best.
“We will bring the health system to a standard that everybody will be happy,” he said.
The minister also said that efforts were being made to complete the Utako Hospital, adding that the FCT Administration was doing the best it can to meet the health needs of the people.
On salary increment and allowances to medical personnel, Wike said that the FCT do not currently have the financial resources to support salary increment or allowances.
He said that the current wage bill of the FCTA is N8 billion monthly.
Wike advised the doctors to place emphasis on unpaid increment and allowances while also concentrating on improving facilities for quality services.
He asked the group to work with the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat to work out unpaid allowances and salary increments for the administration to strategise how to pay.
He also advised the medical doctors against strike action in the name of salary increment, adding that efforts would be made to settle outstanding allowances and training of medical officers.
Earlier, Dr Olayinka thanked the minister for attending to some of their challenges within a short time in office.
He pointed out that health facilities in the FCTA were challenged by shortage of manpower and called on the minister to consider the health sector when opportunity emerged for recruitment.
He also appealed for the supply of more drugs for hospitals in the FCT to provide the needed services to the residents and those accessing the facilities from the neighbouring states.
“We need doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab technicians among other critical manpower as FCT is at the receiving end of the “Japa” syndrome.
“We are being owed arrears of hazard allowance which the previous administration promised to pay in tranches,” he added.