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Category: News

FG To Encourage Barge Movement Of Containers To Hinterlands

The Federal Government has disclosed plans to encourage barge movement of containers from the Onne port and other Eastern ports to the hinterlands.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation/ Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, disclosed this recently during an assessment visit to the Onne port in Rivers State, which is currently being managed by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT).

Speaking during the visit, Ajani pointed out the need for the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Nigerian Ports Authority to collaborate with Boat and Barge Operators Association to synchronize and develop a methodology that will result to the movement of containers in barges from its current location to the hinterlands.

The Permanent Secretary, who commended the immense efforts of WACT to provide within the port a beautiful work environment that meets international best practice, said “they are doing a great job”.

According to her, these efforts is however, being hampered with a basic challenge of goods evacuation from the port as a result of some bad segments of the access road leading from Eleme Junction to Onne Port. She however, assured that government will proffer solutions to the situation in no distance time.

On his part, the Managing Director of WACT, Naved Zafar, said: ” We believe in Nigeria. And this believe has helped us set high ambition. It is equally the same believe that has made us to further expand and modernized the terminal”.

“The West Africa Container Terminal is equally committed to supporting the Federal Government’s drive to promote non oil export out of the country,” the MD added.

09/23/2023
Troops rescue kidnapped victim in Enugu

The troops of 103 Battalion (Rear) of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, presently on Operation UDOKA II had rescued Dr Maxwell Ayim from suspected kidnappers between Four Corner and Amokwe Junction in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

This is contained in a statement issued in Enugu on Saturday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

Unuakhalu said that Ayim was rescued unhurt on Thursday.

According to him, the rescue operation was conducted when troops deployed at Udi checkpoint received a distress call from the police on the incident.

Unuakhalu said that on arrival, the troops came in contact with the kidnappers, adding that due to the troops’ superior fire, members of the criminal gang fled in disarray with gunshot wounds into the nearby bushes.

The army spokesman said that the gallant troops during further exploitation of the gang withdrawal route found the victim abandoned by the gang.

“Troops proceeded to rescue the victim. He had since been reunited with his family after preliminary medical checks.

“Joint Task Force Operation UDOKA II therefore, calls on the law abiding and good citizens of Enugu and the South-East region in general not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable Information.

“This will help in putting an end to the spiral of kidnapping activities and sundry criminality within the region.

“Operation UDOKA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,” he said.

09/23/2023
FG Decries CCECC’s Slow Pace Of Work On Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work on the reconstruction of the Eastern Railway Corridor by the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Ltd.

The minister made his feelings known at the weekend when he inspected the progress of work done on the reconstruction of Eastern railway corridor to Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Alkali expressed sadness that between Port-Harcourt and Aba Section, only 47 per cent completion stage had been achieved, instead of achieving 47 per cent completion of the entire stretch from Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri.

“If you cannot complete Port-Harcourt to Aba which is 63km in 12 months, how would you be able to complete over 2000km in 36 months?”

Alkali expressed dismay on the use of manual alignment processes by the CCECC in laying the track in the 21st Century.

According to him, in a project that is 85 per cent funded by the Chinese and 15 per cent by the Federal Government, it is only the 15 per cent fund provision by the Federal Government that financed the project so far.

The minister said that he would go back to the ministry to look at what was doable within the ambit of the law and that whatever the law provided on the issues observed, he would enforce it.

Alkali however, identified one of the striking benefits to be the linking up of the two Sea Ports in Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri as well as promotion of regional trading at a highly reduced cost.

The minister assured the people of the zone that by the time the passenger train services commenced, it would go a long way in cushioning the effect of the petroleum subsidy removal on Nigerians that would make use of the train services.

Briefing the Minister and his delegation, representative of the CCECC, Mr C. Ching, promised that the first section of the project which was from Port-Harcourt to Aba, would be delivered by December, 2023.

The CCECC assured the minister that enough materials were on ground to meet the target date, adding that the project with a special kind of bolts and nuts that were ‘anti-theft’ had been introduced to make vandalism difficult.

Onovo said the Consultant handling the project, Khairi and Jamub Global Services Limited as well as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr Magdalene Ajani, Directors from the Ministry, the Managing Director, NRC, Fidet Okhiria and others attended the inspection.

On March 10, 2021, the Federal Government began the $3 billion repair and reconstruction of the 1,443 kilometres Eastern Railway Line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri.

The railway, when completed, will link Rivers, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno States.

09/23/2023
We’re Taking Legal Action Against Owners Of Impounded Vehicles, Tricycles, Others- FCTA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says owners of 149 impounded vehicles, 100 tricycles and motorcycles in the FCT will appear before a mobile court for various traffic offences.

Dr Abdulateef Bello, the Director, FCTA Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicles Inspection Officers (VIO), stated this in Abuja at the weekend, after inspecting the impounded vehicles.

Bello, who visited some of the VIO Commands where the impounded vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles were kept, said that the owners would pay dearly for their sins.

He explained that the offences included parking in unauthorised areas, driving against traffic, and operating unregistered and unpainted taxis as well as illegal motor parks.

“I always advise that it is cheaper to be on the side of the law to obey simple rules and regulations.

“We have asked commercial motorists to register and operate within the defined routes and motor parks and not to pick indiscriminately from the road corridors.

“We have also told the tricycle operators to operate within the confines of the road plan, already agreed upon.

“They are not supposed to come into the city. They are supposed to transport people that are going into estates and towards suburbs of the city,” he said.

He said that traffic regulations have been reviewed, adding that fines will equally be reviewed upward.

He said that traffic offenders would pay hugely when they face mobile court, “but I am sure it will serve as a deterrence”.

The director said that the directorate was working with the Transport Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to review existing road traffic policies on traffic management.

This, according to him, will ensure effective regulation of road traffic management.

He noted that until the Abuja Mass Transit become fully operational to meet the needs of commuters, the directorate would continue to battle with unregistered vehicles operating illegally in the city.

“This is because it is a function of demand and supply, but I am sure in no distant time, all these will be a thing of the past,” he said.

09/23/2023
Increased Investment In Women Will Improve Nigeria’s GDP -UN

UN Women Regional Director for East Africa, West, and Central Africa, Maxime Houinato, has said that in order to bridge the multi-sectoral gender gaps in Nigeria and improve the standard of living for women and girls, there is need for the federal government to commit specific percent of national budgets and development funds to interventions that address gender disparity in Nigeria.

Maxime Houinato is in Nigeria for an executive visit.

In a press briefing on Friday at the UN House in Abuja, Houinato said that increased allocation of specific budget lines to address gender disparity in Nigeria would empower more women.

“Women are at the heart of human capital for economic development in any nation – health, education, agriculture, and business. Gender disparity and the suffering of women are having a detrimental impact on the building of that human capital which is at the centre of productivity and development,” Houinato said.

The UN Women regional director met with various stakeholders in Lagos and Abuja including the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

In Lagos, a $25million GBV fund was launched as part of a contribution from Nigeria’s private sector. The fund will serve to fund gender responsive interventions that will curb violence against women and girls and enhance women’s empowerment.

He said, “I was rushed to Lagos by my team the moment I landed in Abuja to look at a couple of initiatives. One of them is the establishment by the private sector with the technical support of the UN Women of a $25 million GBV Fund. This is the first time in Africa that the private sector is coming together to take up such issues as GBV and to put hard currency on the table.

“When I met the minister of Budget, he really appreciated that contribution and that the government might consider a tax break for private companies that decide to put money on the table to address gender equality issues that have always been the contribution of the government to the private sector initiative.

“I was also thrilled to meet with the Nigeria Exchange group that has decided to start working with UN Women to launch in 2025 the first gender bond in Nigeria with contribution from various investors into gathering resources to address the lack of opportunity that women suffer from.

“Those initiatives are interesting because so far, the government has been putting resources for critical elements of gender inequality. Now we believe more and more the private sector is getting interested, the reason being that gender based violence, gender inequality that was placed in the social sector has now moved to the economic sector where we recognize that inequality is crippling the economy.”

In her remarks, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, stated that the financial implication of GBV is enormous and reiterated that if the prevalence of violence against women and girls reduces, family income and earnings will improve and so will the economy of the society at large.

09/22/2023
National Traders Association Breaks Ground For Milk Production Factory In Abuja

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) on Friday commenced the construction of a milk production factory in Giri, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Alan Sy-Traore, Director of Agriculture in the ECOWAS Commission, which partnered the initiative, commended NANTS for its partnership projects with the commission, emphasizing that the factory aligns with ECOWAS agricultural policies on the livestock value chain.

Mr. Ibilade Akeem, Deputy Director of Commercial Ruminant and Dairy Production at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed the ministry’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with NANTS in meat and milk production, citing that the milk production factory aligns with the Federal Government’s food security program.

Dr. Ken Ukaoha, the National President of NANTS, revealed that the factory would be completed within 14 months, enhancing food security and national economic development by producing hygienic milk. Ukaoha stressed the need to address challenges in the dairy sector, including inefficiency, lack of technical expertise, outdated practices, and climate-induced desertification, which has led to conflicts between herders and farmers.

NANTS, with support from ECOWAS and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, aims to modernize and revitalize the milk sector, showcasing its value chains as opportunities for job creation and sustainable livelihoods. The project will improve production, processing, handling, transportation, and marketing of milk while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Once completed, the project will also serve as a training ground for students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Abuja, and other relevant institutions in the region, contributing to job creation and youth empowerment. The initiative is expected to become a model for milk sector productivity in Nigeria and will encompass food production and training for young people.

Local authorities and community leaders welcomed the project, recognizing its potential to provide job opportunities and economic benefits to the area.

09/22/2023
Bwari Council To Commence Rehabilitation Of Township Roads -Chairman

The Chairman, Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, has said the council is set to commence rehabilitation of township roads and other construction projects.

Gabaya said this in his remarks at the Bid Opening for Critical Projects event on Friday in Bwari, Abuja.

The chairman, represented by the council’s Vice Chairman, Mr Aminu Musa, said that companies that would be awarded the contract would be expected to commence work immediately.

“There are nine projects in the contract, which are: purchase of a brand-new Toyota Corolla salon car for the office of the Council’s Legislative Speaker.

“Reconstruction of Bwari township road from the T-junction to the National Defense College, Ushafa and the purchase of a new Toyota Hiace bus for the council staff.

“The construction of public toilets within the council secretariat and fencing, landscaping of the old abattoir building in Bwari town.

“Reconstruction of asphalt overlay from Dutse-Alhaji-Koro Road to Dutse- power line road, and construction of asphalt overlay at old Bwari-Zuma Road from Sarkin Bwari’s palace roundabout to Water Board/ Zuma roundabout,’’ Gabaya said.

Others, he mentioned are the construction of asphalt overlay of the road from the council secretariat gate to Briton Woods Hotel and Resort in Bwari town and the construction of asphalt overlay of Gaba-Shere-Kawu road, Phase 2.

Gabaya said that all the roads would include the construction of concrete drainage.

Speaking, the Council Secretary, Mr Eli Kadanya, said that the bids were already advertised in two daily newspapers on Aug. 3, in accordance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Kadanya said that interested companies must tender evidence of certificate of incorporation issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

He added that the companies must also have evidence of their income tax clearance certificate for the last three years, valid till Dec. 31, among other basic requirements.

The secretary also noted that bidders were not expected to bid for more than two slots as violators would be disqualified from all the lots.

He noted that the council is not bound to pre-qualify or shortlist any bidder and reserved the right to annul the procurement process at any time.

Kadanya said this is without incurring any liabilities in accordance with section 28 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

Mr Peter Kadanya, a representative of the Area Council Secretariat, FCT, who observed the process, commended the council for a well-planned procedure.

He advised that in the future, the bids should be sorted out according to their lots for easy and seamless process.

Representative of various companies, Heads of Departments of the council, Supervisory councilors and staff of the council attended the event.

09/22/2023
2024 Hajj: Intending Pilgrims Must Deposit N4.5m, Says FCTA

The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB), has advised 2024 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to deposit N4.5 million with the board, pending the determination of the actual fee.

The Assistant Chief Information Officer of the board, Mr Ahmad Saleh, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

He said that selling of forms and registration for the exercise would commence on September 25.

Saleh asked the prospective pilgrims to make the payment to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja, through a bank draft.

He urged them to submit their valid international passports, and National Identification Number at the point of registration in any of the six Area Councils in FCT.

“The board does not accept cash deposits and does not entertain registration by proxy.

“It will also adhere strictly to the principles of first come, first served basis,” he said.

09/22/2023
Breaking News: Tribunal Upholds Caleb Mutfwang’s Election as Plateau Governor

The Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal, which convened in Jos, North Central Nigeria on Friday, has affirmed the victory of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the Plateau State gubernatorial election.

The tribunal, consisting of three members, issued a unanimous judgment on Friday, ruling against the petitioner on the grounds that the petition lacked merit. The petitioner, who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, saw all three of their arguments dismissed by the tribunal.

The election results from March 20, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof Idris Amali, declared Mutfwang as the winner with 525,299 votes, were upheld. Yilwatda, the APC candidate, secured 481,370 votes.

The PDP emerged victorious in 10 local government areas, including Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Lantang North, Langtang South, Riyom, Mikang, Mangu, Jos East, Qua’an Pan, and Pokkos. Meanwhile, the APC garnered the highest number of votes in seven local government areas: Jos East, Kanke, Kanam, Pankshin, Shendam, Wase, and Jos North.

This decision by the tribunal solidifies Caleb Mutfwang’s position as the governor of Plateau State, bringing an end to the election dispute.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

09/22/2023
Hoodlums Responsible For Recent Grid Collapse, Says Power Consumers Forum

The Nigerian Power Consumers Forum (NPCF) has attributed the recent grid collapse in the country to sabotage by criminal elements who may not have the nation’s best interests at heart, according to a statement by Mr. Michael Okoh, the Convener of the NPCF.

He stated that the grid collapse was not a result of a lack of capacity on the part of the power company but rather a case of deliberate sabotage by criminals. “The fire incident at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation switchyard appears to be more of an act of sabotage on the national grid systems,” he declared.

Okoh, citing power engineers with decades of experience, explained that it was highly unlikely for two power transformers situated a reasonable distance apart to catch fire simultaneously, as transformers are equipped with built-in protection systems. He suggested that saboteurs might have tampered with transformer components to disrupt the electricity flow.

He pointed out that this was not the first time critical national infrastructure had been sabotaged, mentioning incidents such as oil theft damaging pipelines and hacking of power transmission towers. He expressed concerns that such incidents could tarnish the reputation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The grid collapse resulted from a fire at the Birnin Kebbi transmission substation and a line snap along the 330 kV Jebba – Kainji transmission line. These events caused nationwide power outages, which Okoh believed were intended to discredit TCN’s management.

Okoh noted that Niger Republic received bulk power from a 150MVA lower transformer in the Birnin Kebbi substation, underscoring the substation’s importance nationally and internationally. He called for a thorough investigation to identify and bring the saboteurs to justice.

The NPCF acknowledged TCN’s efforts in maintaining grid stability for over 400 days, including the deployment of new power transformers and projects aimed at improving electricity access. The forum urged TCN to continue investing in transmission networks and safeguarding substations against further sabotage.

09/22/2023