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  • Lokpobri vows to ensure Nigeria meets OPEC’s production quota

    Lokpobri vows to ensure Nigeria meets OPEC’s production quota

    The new Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobri, has said his mission to the ministry is to ensure Nigeria’s crude oil is ramped up on a sustainable basis. 

    Lokpobri, who said this when he met chief executives of the ministry on Monday in Abuja after his swearing-in at the Presidential Villa, added that he was not in the ministry to sit in the office but rather to ensure that Nigeria meets its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota. 

    According to him, everybody has to work together to increase production. 

    “This is not time for speeches. There is only one agenda that I have come to this ministry to achieve and that is to ramp up crude oil production on a sustainable basis for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Lokpobiri said.

    Lokpobri, who will be in charge of ensuring the country’s crude oil production meets OPEC’s quota, stressed that he is a creek boy and would ensure through constant visit to the creeks that he provides the leadership that would ramp up crude production. 

    According to him, with everybody working together, “we will write a new story for the oil industry,” he added. 

    Earlier, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpo Ekpo, said that the full utilization of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by Nigerians would help cushion the adverse effect of petrol subsidy removal by the government. 

    Ekpo insisted that with its abundance of gas deposits, it was time the country maximises its use in order to provide a better life for the citizenry. 

    He said he would with collaboration with stakeholders work strategically to translate Nigeria’s enormous gas resources into reality to address the challenge of power. 

    In his introductory remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Gabriel Aduda said the breakdown of the minister is part of the requirement of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. 

    “This shift has ushered in a new era of transparency and independence,” he said.

    He noted that with the present challenge of ramping up production, the new leadership the two ministers will bring to the sector will help the country navigate the challenge.

  • Agbakoba calls for EFCC unbundling, investigative focus under new AGF

    Agbakoba calls for EFCC unbundling, investigative focus under new AGF

    Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has urged the newly appointed Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to initiate a process of unbundling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while confining its role to investigations.

    Agbakoba’s advice was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday, where he reiterated the urgent need for substantial reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    Alongside the proposal to unbundle EFCC, he also put forward the suggestion that the responsibility of prosecution should be handed over to a freshly established National Prosecution Agency.

    Displaying confidence in the capabilities of the new AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Agbakoba highlighted several other pivotal reforms.

    These include the implementation of a decentralized Police Force at local, state, and federal levels, a comprehensive overhaul of outdated legal statutes, and the imperative of a streamlined justice system reform.

    As Nigeria aims to strengthen its legal framework and justice mechanisms, Agbakoba’s recommendations point toward a more focused and efficient approach in dealing with financial crimes and other legal matters.

    See the full statement below:

    URGENT TASKS FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION

    There are pressing tasks to be carried out urgently by the new Attorney General of the Federation. Major reforms of the criminal justice system with particular reference to the utter confusion in the duplicated work of our law enforcement agencies in particular EFCC and ICPC is urgently needed. Also there is need to unbundle EFCC and restrict them to investigation only while a new National Prosecution Agency ought to be established.

    Another key reform would be a complete decentralized Police Force at local state and Federal levels. Major revamp of our outdated laws is urgently needed to follow the Rwanda example that modified 1000 laws. Last but not least the AGF must work on Speed of Justice. It’s a crying shame it takes upwards of 15 years to conclude cases from the High court to the Supreme Court.

    Finally but not exhausted is to create sector specific dispute resolution Agencies to free up the utterly cluttered dockets of the regular courts.

    The other very important task before the Attorney General will be the unnecessary and wholly inefficient matter of over centralization of our superior courts. There is no better time than now to hack down the highly centralized Court systems in Nigeria. The AGF is invited to consider major constitutional amendments to create a system of Federal and State Courts. State Courts ought to have exclusive Jurisdiction over matters related to them. This is also the case for Federal Courts whose Jurisdiction must be limited to Federal causes. This will free up the Clutter at the Supreme Court and make it the Policy Court it ought to be in the first place

    We have a Brilliant AGF in Lateef Fagbemi SAN. Am convinced this will be a simple task for him. He is a very good colleague and I have the highest confidence in his abilities

    Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN

  • You must meet Nigerians’ expectations, Tinubu tasks new ministers

    You must meet Nigerians’ expectations, Tinubu tasks new ministers

    President Bola Tinubu has tasked the new 45 ministers to meet the expectations of Nigerians for a renewed socio-economic development.

    The president stated this after the inauguration of the ministers at the State House Banquet Hall on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the administration came at a time that the country needed a renewal and reforms in all ramifications.

    “Nigerians expect you to hit the ground running just as we had promised them during our campaigns. With your inauguration today, you have become ministers of the Federal Republic not ministers of a particular state or region.

    “Nigerians expects a lot and they deservedly want to see changes in their lives. You are now in the same boat with me and they expect that their lives would take a new and better turn,” he said.

    Tinubu said that the new ministers reflected the different diversities of the country and were chosen for their tract record of success and achievements in their various fields of endeavours.

    “The challenges we face today are daunting but we have the opportunity to implement long due reforms that would bring about peace, safety and prosperity of our people as contained in our renewed hope agenda.

    “We are about to accelerate our governing efforts, move forward and realise our aspirations for Nigerians. Tremendous responsibilities follow this appointment and all of you are expected to contribute your quota to deliver accountable, efficiently and effective service to Nigerians.

    “Your assignment begins immediately and you must work to make yourself worthy of God and the people to make Nigerians believe that the right hands are chosen. I believe in you and government can be a progressive way to gain public confidence and trust,” he said.

    Those sworn in are former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike as Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wale Edun (Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), David Umahi (Works), Festus Keyamo (Aviation and Aerospace Development), and Betta Edu (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation).

    Also among those sworn in are Bosun Tijani (Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), Ishak Salaco (State, Environment and Ecological Management), Wale Edun (Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy), Adegboyega Oyetola (Marine and Blue Economy), Adedayo Adelabu (Minister of Power), Tunisia Alausa (State, Health and Social Welfare), Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development), Lola Ade-John (Minister of Tourism), Sa’idu Alkali (Transportation), and Bunmi Tunji-Ojo (Interior).Aug. 8, 2023

    Some others are Doris Anite (Industry, Trade and Investment), Uche Nnaji (Innovation Science and Technology), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (State, Labour and Employment), Uju Kennedy (Women Affairs), David Umahi (Works), Abubakar Momoh (Niger Delta Development), Betta Edu (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation), Ekperikpe Ekpo (State, Petroleum Resources — Gas), and Heineken Lokpobiri (State, Petroleum Resources — Oil).

    The new ministers also include John Enoh (Sports Development), Hannatu Musawa (Art, Culture and the Creative Economy), Mohammed Badaru (Defence), Bello Matawalle (State Defence), Yusuf T. Sunumu (State Education), Ahmed M. Dangiwa (Housing and Urban Development), Abdullah T. Gwarzo (State, Housing and Urban Development), and Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning).

    Also sworn in are Mairiga Mahmud (State, Federal Capital Territory), Bello M. Goronyo (State, Water Resources and Sanitation), Abubakar Kyar (Agriculture and Food Security), Tahir Maman (Education), Yusuf M. Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Ali Pate (Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Ibrahim Geidam (Police Affairs), U. Maigari Ahmadu (State, Steel Development), and Shuaibu A. Audu (Steel Development).

    Others are Muhammed Idris (Information and National Orientation), Lateef Fagbemi (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), Simon B. Lalong (Labour and Employment), Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (State, Police Affairs), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs), Joseph Utsev (Water Resources and Sanitation), and Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (State, Agriculture and Food Security).

  • Swearing-in ceremony for ministers holds at Presidential Villa

    Swearing-in ceremony for ministers holds at Presidential Villa

    The formal induction of the 45 confirmed ministers-designate took place at the Conference Centre of the State House, Abuja.

    This event comes less than a week after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the assigned roles for these appointees.

    Notable among the designations are former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, who takes charge of the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Festus Keyamo, who assumes the role of overseeing the Ministry of Aviation.

    Other key ministers include Wale Edun as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola as the Minister of Transportation, David Umahi as the Minister of Works, and Betta Edu as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

    Here is the comprehensive list of the appointed ministers:

    Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy – Bosun Tijani

    Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management – Ishak Salaco

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy – Wale Edun

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy – Bunmi Tunji

    Minister of Power – Adedayo Adelabu

    Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare – Tunisia Alausa

    Minister of Solid Minerals Development – Dele Alake

    Minister of Tourism – Lola Ade-John

    Minister of Transportation – Adegboyega Oyetola

    Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment – Doris Anite

    Minister of Innovation Science and Technology – Uche Nnaji

    Minister of State, Labour and Employment – Nkiruka Onyejeocha

    Minister of Women Affairs – Uju Kennedy

    Minister of Works – David Umahi

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development – Festus Keyamo

    Minister of Youth – Abubakar Momoh

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation – Betta Edu

    Minister of State, Gas Resources – Ekperikpe Ekpo

    Minister of State, Petroleum Resources – Heineken Lokpobiri

    Minister of Sports Development – John Enoh

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory – Nyesom Wike

    Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy – Hannatu Musawa

    Minister of Defence – Mohammed Badaru

    Minister of State Defence – Bello Matawalle

    Minister of State Education – Yusuf T. Sunumu

    Minister of Housing and Urban Development – Ahmed M. Dangiwa

    Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development – Abdullah T. Gwarzo

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning – Atiku Bagudu

    Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory – Mairiga Mahmud

    Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation – Bello M. Goronyo

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security – Abubakar Kyar

    Minister of Education – Tahir Maman

    Minister of Interior – Sa’Idu A. Alkali

    Minister of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf M. Tuggar

    Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare – Ali Pate

    Minister of Police Affairs – Ibrahim Geidam

    Minister of State, Steel Development – U. Maigari Ahmadu

    Minister of Steel Development – Shuaibu A. Audu

    Minister of Information and National Orientation – Muhammed Idris

    Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice – Lateef Fagbemi

    Minister of Labour and Employment – Simon B. Lalong

    Minister of State, Police Affairs – Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim

    Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs – Zephaniah Jisalo

    Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation – Joseph Utsev

    Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security – Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi

    Minister of Environment and Ecological Management – (Kaduna)

  • ECOWAS rejects Niger Junta’s 3-year transition plan

    ECOWAS rejects Niger Junta’s 3-year transition plan

    The transition plan presented by the Niger junta for a three-year period to presumably establish a democratic government has been unequivocally dismissed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    General Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of the Niger junta, had said in a televised broadcast on Saturday night that the army will hand over power to the civilian government within the next three years.

    According to him, his ambition is not to confiscate power but help the country out of its current conundrum.

    “Our ambition is not to confiscate power,” General Abdourahamane Tiani emphasized in a televised address. He further stated, “Any transition of power would not go beyond three years.”

    However, in a contrary view, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Amb. Abdel-Fatau Musah, who made an appearance on Channels Television on Monday, voiced the West African bloc’s strong objection to the proposal.

    “This offer is completely unacceptable, and ECOWAS insists on the restoration of constitutional order as quickly as possible,” Amb. Musah stated firmly, emphasizing that the commission had prior experience dealing with similar maneuvers by military regimes.

    He referred to the situation in Niger, highlighting the creation of the “new” constitution in 2010, which was subsequently revised in 2017.

    Musah posed a pointed question, “What dramatic change do you need in the governance architecture of the country to require three years to experiment with something else?

    Expressing skepticism about the junta’s intentions, Musah remarked, “This is like subterfuge to throw ECOWAS off-course and then do whatever they want.”

    Drawing comparisons, he pointed out that some other West African countries under military rule had been given about three years, yet they were now “negotiating” with their populations for an additional 18 months.

    Putting the timeframe into perspective, he highlighted the fact that even a democratically elected president in Nigeria only has four years in office. Musah concluded by questioning the legitimacy of the junta’s decision to start with a three-year period and implying that it could extend beyond that.

    ECOWAS’ response underscores its unwavering commitment to democratic governance and stability in the region, raising concerns about the motives behind the proposed three-year transition plan.

  • NDLEA intercepts fake $20m on Lokoja-Abuja Highway

    NDLEA intercepts fake $20m on Lokoja-Abuja Highway

    A ‘Stop-and-Search’ operation by operatives of the NDLEA on the Lokoja-Abaji (FCT) Highway has yielded 20 million counterfeit dollars.

    Spokesman of the NDLEA stated on Sunday in Abuja that the fake currencies were recovered from a bus travelling from Lagos and heading to Abuja.

    He stated that the 53-year-old driver of the vehicle, Onyebuchi Nlededin, was arrested.

    Babafemi stated also that one Jude Ndubuisi (52) was arrested in a raid on Aug. 17 while in possession of 2.2kg of methamphetamine at Kabusa village, FCT.

    He added that the suspect was earlier arrested on July 7, 2022 for being in possession of 20.75kg of Indian hemp and that he was on court bail when he was nabbed for yet another drug crime.

    “Another raid on two notorious drug joints in the FCT – “Dei-Dei’’ and Tora-Bora Hills, led to the recovery of 82.8kg skunk, 1.8kg Rohypnol and 1.2kg diazepam on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

    “In Osun, NDLEA operatives destroyed clusters of Indian hemp plantations measuring about 3.5 hectares (more than 7.5 tons) at Mopatedo in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Aug. 19

    “Two suspects – Sunday Otogbo (40), and Peter Makra (35), were arrested inside the Indian hemp farms.

    “An additional 30kg of Indian hemp and 16.9kg of Indian hemp seeds were also recovered from the farms,’’ he stated.

    Babafemi added that three other suspects – Ndubuisi Okorie (44), Ebilima Emmanuel (38), and Okechukwu Smart (40), were arrested on Aug. 19 in connection with 168kg of Indian hemp seized from them.

    The suspects were arrested when their vehicle was intercepted on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, he stated.

    “A shipment of 6,000 capsules of tramadol, 1,200 tablets of `swinol’, 155 bottles of codeine syrup and 20 tablets s of Molly was equally seized on the same road on Sunday Aug. 13.

    “A follow-up operation at Oyigbo area of Port Harcourt, led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Remigius Ogechukwu (33),’’ Babafemi added.

    He stated also that a teenager, Boniface Odinakachukwu (19), was arrested with 99.4kg skunk at Isikwe Road, Achi in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State on Friday, Aug. 18.

    The NDLEA spokesman added that a wanted 19-year-old bandit, Aliyu Mohammed Altine, was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Illela-Sokoto Road with some wraps of skunk on Thursday, Aug. 17.

    Altine was on the wanted list of the police and has since been handed over to the police in Sokoto State for further investigation, Babafemi stated.

  • Tinubu rejigs ministerial portfolios, renames Ecological Ministry

    Tinubu rejigs ministerial portfolios, renames Ecological Ministry

    President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has initiated a comprehensive restructuring of the forthcoming Federal Cabinet, aimed at optimizing ministerial portfolios and enhancing government efficiency.

    This significant move was announced by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, through a formal press release.

    One of the notable changes involves the redeployment of Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who was initially assigned to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. He will now assume responsibilities within the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    This strategic reallocation of personnel aims to leverage Momoh’s expertise in a way that aligns with the nation’s development priorities.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is set to undergo a transition as it awaits the assignment of a new Minister-Designate. This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every ministry is led by capable and qualified individuals.

    Furthermore, the Ministers-Designate earmarked for the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have experienced a noteworthy reshuffling of their designations:

    (A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, who was initially positioned for another role, will now bring his leadership and expertise to the forefront as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy. This adjustment reflects the President’s focus on sustainable maritime and economic development.

    (B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo has been reassigned to the role of Honourable Minister of Interior. This shift recognizes his potential to contribute significantly to the governance and security aspects of the ministry.

    (C) Hon. Sa’idu Alkali, who was previously designated for another ministry, will now take the reins as the Honourable Minister of Transportation. This reassignment aligns with his experience and capabilities in infrastructure and transportation management.

    Moreover, in a move to streamline coordination and expertise, both Ministers of State within the Oil & Gas sector have been incorporated into the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources. Their new roles are as follows:

    (i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri has assumed the mantle of Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources, leveraging his knowledge of the oil sector to contribute to its growth and stability.

    (ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo now holds the position of Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources, bringing his insights to the development of the gas sector.

    The President’s endorsement has also led to the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management.

    It will now be known as the Federal Ministry of Environment, reflecting the ministry’s central role in safeguarding Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.

    These transformative adjustments, implemented through the directives of the President, are set to take immediate effect.

  • N5bn Palliative: Physically challenged persons demand 5% approved for states, LGs

    N5bn Palliative: Physically challenged persons demand 5% approved for states, LGs

    The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities (NAPWPD) has demanded a five per cent share of the N5 billion palliative approved by the Federal Government for states and local government councils. 

    The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N5 billion to states, local government councils and the Federal Capital Territory as palliative.

    In a reaction, the National President of NAPWPD, Mr Rilwan Mohammed, in a statement in Kaduna at the weekend, appealed that five per cent of the fund should be allocated to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the states.

    Mohammed explained that the demand was in tandem with the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act.

    He added that Section 25 of the Disability Law also provided that in situations of risk or humanitarian emergencies, PWDs should be accorded preference and protection.

    He also expressed displeasure that the PWDs were not carried along in the decision to support the states and the local government councils with the funds.   

    “The disability law provides for a sharing formula to accommodate PWDs, who are usually excluded when they are lumped with other people during allocation of relief support.

    “It is to address this problem that we are asking for five per cent to be allocated to PWDs in line with the provision of the law,” he said.

    The president stressed the need for a clear template or clarity on how marginalised groups like the PWDs would be accommodated in the utilization of the N5 billion palliative.

    He noted that the association has been extremely disturbed and sorely worried over the suffering of its members due to the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

    “The impact of the removal has continued to have a debilitating impact on PWDs who are largely poor and vulnerable.

    “The inability of PWDs to afford decent food, healthcare and necessities of life have been compounded and made worse with the recent situation in the country.

    “Our members now find it difficult to access public transport as the transport system is largely inaccessible and unaffordable to members of the disability community,” he said.

    He lamented the rapid multiplier effect of the subsidy removal on the price of goods and services, adding that the development was making life unbearable for the poor, particularly PWDs.

    Mohammed implored the federal, state, and local governments to tackle the challenges of public transportation and consider the peculiarities of PWDs.

    He said that for the public transport system to be accessible to PWDs, buses and other means of transportation should be fitted with adjustable ramps and handrails for wheelchair users.

    “The vehicles should also be fitted with signage and electronic display for directions with audio announcements for the benefit of the deaf and the blind.

    “All these are provided for in the disability law.

    “Our demands, therefore, are not based on charity requests but consistent with legal provisions,” he said.

    Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno announced the approval of the funds at the end of the National Economic Council meeting on Aug. 17 in Abuja.

    Zulum had explained that the measure was to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol.

    He, however, explained that the fund was on the basis of 52 per cent grants and 48 per cent as loans to be repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) within 20 months by the states and local councils. 

  • Rising demand pressures spark global food concerns –FAO

    Rising demand pressures spark global food concerns –FAO

    The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that India’s 20 July prohibition of non-parboiled Indica exports has fostered expectations of greater sales in other origins, amplifying upward pressure already exerted on prices by seasonally tighter supplies and Asian purchases.

    The Un Agency in its July edition of its Food Price Index, added that this upward pressure of rice prices raises substantial food security concerns for a large swathe of the world population, especially those that are poorest and who dedicate a larger share of their incomes to purchase food.

    It also warned that export restrictions can bear adverse consequences on production, consumption and prices that last beyond the duration of their implementation and risk exacerbating high food domestic inflation in many countries.

    The report revealed that global food commodity prices rose in July, influenced by the termination of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and new trade restrictions on rice.

    The report which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, said food prices averaged 123.9 points in July, up 1.3% from the previous month while 11.8% below its July 2022 level.

    It states that the increase was driven by a sharp jump in the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index, which rose 12.1% from June after seven months of consecutive declines. International sunflower oil prices rebounded by more than 15% in the month, due mostly to renewed uncertainties surrounding the exportable supplies after the Russian Federation’s decision to end implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. World prices for palm, soy and rapeseed oils increased on concerns over output prospects in leading producing countries.

    The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 0.5% from June, driven by a 4.8% drop in international coarse grain quotations due to increased seasonal supplies of maize from ongoing harvests in Argentina and Brazil and potentially higher-than-anticipated production in the United States of America. However, international wheat prices rose by 1.6%, their first monthly increase in nine months, due to uncertainty over exports from Ukraine as well as continued dry conditions in North America.

    The FAO All Rice Price Index increased by 2.8% on the month and 19.7% on the year to reach its highest nominal level since September 2011.