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Category: News

  • FG inaugurates 216 housing units for civil servants

    FG inaugurates 216 housing units for civil servants

    The Federal Government has flagged off the construction of 216 housing units, for civil servants in Abuja.
    The outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) Estate located at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Kubwa, Abuja.
    Yemi-Esan, who was accompanied by the Head of Service designate, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, and some Permanent Secretaries, also inaugurated a new indoor Sports Complex built by the PSIN management.
    She reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide quality and affordable housing for Nigerians, saying civil servants would not be left out in the program.
    She noted that the flagging off the FISH Housing Estate in PSIN was a great milestone and urged the contractor to ensure the project was completed on time while adhering strictly to the design specifications.
    Yemi-Esan urged civil servants to regularly engage in physical exercises and sports games to boost their well-being and mental health.
    Administrator of Public Service Institute of Nigeria Dr. Abdul-Ganiyu Obatoyinbo,
    said the Sports complex stands as a lasting legacy of the outgoing Head of Service administration’s commitment to the well-being and development of civil servants.
    He said the Sports Centre is named after her in recognition of her tremendous support.
    Obatoyinbo said the two projects unveiled were part of efforts being made to actualize Pillar 6 of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021-2025, which underscores the importance of staff welfare to improve productivity and quality service delivery.
    “Today is unique to us at PSIN because it marks another significant milestone in our commitment to providing holistic capacity development that extends beyond the training room but also prepare civil servants for success in all aspects of life.
    “Sports, as we all know, offer a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety and support mental well-being. This is part of our efforts to drive the Sports, Entertainment and Culture aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
  • Invasion: NLC holds emergency NEC meeting today

    Invasion: NLC holds emergency NEC meeting today

    Even as agents of the Federal Government deny the act, leaders of the Nigeria Labour (NLC) are holding an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today to deliberate and take a stand on the needless invasion of the Labour House on Wednesday night in Abuja by security forces.
    This came as Labour Writers Association of Nigeria, LAWAN, joined the growing list of concerned organisations and individuals condemning the invasion.
    Recall that heavily armed Policemen and others in mufti late Wednesday night invaded the NLC Headquarters, Abuja, commonly known as Labour House.
    The stern looking policemen stormed the Labour House some few minutes to 9 pm and ransacked both the Second and 10th floors.
    According to information, “They broke into second floor and ransacked offices including a bookshop and carted away several materials including books claiming that the materials were used to incite and organise the recent protest.”
    The NEC meeting is scheduled for 4 pm “to enable Labour leaders determine appropriate response to the invasion and related matters.”
    It gathered that the meeting would be virtual.
  • Petroleum industry probe: House Speaker appoints more members

    Petroleum industry probe: House Speaker appoints more members

     

    Apparently determined to get it right this time, House of Representatives Speaker, Tajuddeen Abbas, PhD, has appointed more hands to beef up the Joint Senate/House Committee  investigating economic sabotage within the petroleum industry.
    Akin Rotimi Jr., House of Representatives Spokesman made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
    Leading the pack of new additions is Hon. Prof. Julius Inhovbere (Co-Chairman/House Leader).
    The other members include;  Hon. Iduma Ighariwey, Hon. Gboyega N. Isiaka Hon. Sada Soli, Hon. Fatima Talba, Hon. Tunji Raheem, Hon. Patrick Umoh, PhD.
    In the statement it was added:
    “The urgency and importance of this matter have necessitated close collaboration between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
    “This new structure aims to ensure synergy, a holistic approach to addressing the issues, and ease of administrative coordination, resulting in a harmonized and efficient investigation.
    “The Committee is expected to commence its duties immediately, with a clear mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the sector,”.
  • N570billion was World Bank COVID-19 palliative not FG largess

    N570billion was World Bank COVID-19 palliative not FG largess

    Opacity continues to dug the Bola Tinubu Presidency as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state disclaims the assertion that the N570 billion released to governors was a handout or bailout from President Bola Tinubu’s government to the 36 states to expand the livelihood support to citizens across the country.
    On Thursday, Mr Makinde explained that the N570 billion was part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project, a programme for results intervention aimed at helping states to recover from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    On the contrary, President Tinubu had claimed, during the nationwide broadcast on Sunday following the #EndBadGovernance protests that grounded activities in major cities of the country, that his administration had released more than N570 billion to states.
    “Also, more than N570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefited from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nano-businesses are expected to benefit,” Mr. Tinubu claimed in the national broadcast.
    Debunking the claim, Gov Makinde asserts:
    “Let me state categorically that this is yet another case of misrepresentation of facts. The said funds were part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project—a programme for results intervention. The World Bank facilitated an intervention to help States in Nigeria with COVID-19 Recovery. CARES means COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus. It was called ‘Programme for Results’ because states had to use their money in advance to implement the programme. 
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    “After the World Bank verified the amount spent by the state, it reimbursed the states through the platform provided at the federal level. The federal government did not give any State money; they were simply the conduit through which the reimbursements were made to states for money already spent,” the Oyo governor pointed out.
    Acknowledging that the World Bank fund was a loan and not a grant to the states, Mr Makinde explained that each state of the federation is expected to repay the loan adding that the NG-CARES, which was christened Oyo-CARES predated the present federal administration.
    “So, in direct response to the message, the federal government did not give Oyo state any money. We were reimbursed funds (N5.98 billion in the first instance and N822 million in the second instance) we invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES, which includes inputs distribution to smallholder farmers within our State.
    “In fact, when the World Bank saw our model for the distribution of inputs preceded by biometric capturing of beneficiary farmers, they adopted it as the NG-CARES model,” the governor stated.
  • FG rejects Julius Berger’s cost of N279b for Second Niger Bridge bypass

    FG rejects Julius Berger’s cost of N279b for Second Niger Bridge bypass

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has rejected Julius Berger Plc’s proposed cost of N279 billion for the Second Niger Bridge Bypass, describing it as excessively high.
    In a statement on Thursday, Umahi expressed his disappointment with Julius Berger’s pricing, saying, “One of the bypasses, which is 17.27 kilometres by two on asphalt, was awarded to Julius Berger. We changed the pavement elements to concrete, and the cost we calculated was N133 billion. Berger presented a figure almost twice our estimate, at N279 billion.”
    He further stated, “We disagreed with this cost during the negotiation in September 2023. We’ve decided to refer the project back to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and invite more contractors to bid because this involves public funds.”
    The Federal Ministry of Works has reviewed Julius Berger Plc’s performance on all ongoing projects awarded to the company, with Umahi raising concerns over the unacceptable condition of some projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway phase 2.
    He explained that the Ministry would seek selective tendering to complete the project, stating, “We changed the pavement elements from asphalt to concrete, and the total cost we calculated based on prevailing rates is N153 billion.
    However, they are proposing N258 billion. Since we’ve been negotiating since September 2023, we have no choice but to terminate this contract.
    “We will then request a ‘No Objection’ from BPP for selective tendering, submitting our estimate of N153 billion and their proposal of N258 billion to BPP, while inviting other contractors to bid. This process will be concluded within the next month to ensure the project is completed promptly.”
  • NNPCL Speaks On Ikeja Filling Station Explosion

    NNPCL Speaks On Ikeja Filling Station Explosion

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has clarified issues surrounding the reported fire at the Mobil filling station at Ikeja, Lagos on Thursday.
    A statement by Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye after the incident, said the explosion had nothing to do with the recently commissioned NNPC Gas Marketing Ltd (NGML)/NIPCO Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Stations, which are currently functioning and running safely without any incident.
    Two people were reported to have sustained burns, and property worth millions of naira was damaged.
    Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion occurred around 11 a.m., destroying at least seven vehicles. No fatalities were reported.
    The statement added, “The NNPC Ltd also wishes to add that the NGML was not affected by the explosion; it is not involved in the activities of the affected station and all NGML facilities in Lagos, including pipelines, metering stations, above-ground installation and CNG facilities are in safe operating condition.”
  • Foreign Interference in Protests Will Be Resisted – FG Warns

    Foreign Interference in Protests Will Be Resisted – FG Warns

    Escalating its strong arm handling of the hunger related crisis that swept across the country since August 1, the federal government has warned foreign entities that it will not tolerate any interference in the ongoing End Bad Governance protests rocking the nation.
    The warning was issued by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar while briefing the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday.
    Tuggar said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a champion of democracy, believes in the fundamental rights of Nigerians, including freedom of assembly and expression. However, he stressed that the government will not condone thuggish behaviour or foreign interference in domestic affairs.
    “Nigeria is no exception. The government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country,” Tuggar said.
    The minister reiterated that Nigeria values its relationships with other countries and organizations but will take appropriate action against any foreign entity found supporting the protesters or interfering in internal affairs.
    “Indeed, more than at any time before, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad,” Tuggar stated.
    The government’s warning comes amidst reports of foreign flags being raised in support of the protesters, with Russian flags spotted in Kano and Abuja.
    The protests, which began on August 1, 2024 and are scheduled to end on August 10th, have seen a mix of peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes.
  • #EndBadGovernance: I’m not affraid of death or arrest – Sowore

    #EndBadGovernance: I’m not affraid of death or arrest – Sowore

    Politician, Journalist and Convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, said on Monday that he is not afraid of being arrested for the #EndBadGovernance protest.
    The publisher of online news medium, Sahara Reporters made this known in an interview Monday evening when asked if he was not afraid of being arrested for calling for protests across the country.
    The Human Rights Activist said, “I would be happy to rejoin them for those conversations. If there’s anything I love after being arrested — after all the noise, violence, and the beating we received, which is unfortunate, because we are not supposed to be treated like animals in our own country.
    “When I sit down with them, no matter what they call interrogation, it becomes an educational process. I lecture them. When I was arrested by the DSS, they brought in about four young guys to interrogate me.”
    He said, “During a long interrogation session, one of them left and never came back. I saw him another day and asked him why he ran away. He said he couldn’t take it anymore and that anything they were told to ask me was concocted by their boss.
    “He didn’t know that I had been arrested by the DSS in 1995; the guy told me he was born in 1996. So, when I was lecturing them inside the room, they were all getting nervous.”
    Sowore said he was not worried or afraid of death.
    “Nobody who went to university with me thought I would live beyond 30 years old because they ganged up against me so much. All the cults and the police were working with the military to kill me at the University of Lagos in 1994.”
    He said some people he met in Nigeria in 2018, who were also at the University of Lagos, swore that they thought he was no longer alive because of what he went through.
    “I expect them to drop all charges against me because they called me and said they regretted withdrawing the treason charges and want to add new ones. What I promise is that I will be back.”
    He said he would return to face the government with any charges that may come his way.
    He added that any sacrifices that could help make Nigeria better should be made, as some people had already done in the North.
  • Tinubu’s Broadcast: ECOWAS Breaks Silence on Hunger Protests

    Tinubu’s Broadcast: ECOWAS Breaks Silence on Hunger Protests

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has broken its silence on the ongoing protests in Nigeria.
    In a statement released on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commission urged protesters to heed the call for dialogue and peaceful resolution of their grievances.
    The body expressed deep concern over the violence, fatalities, and property destruction that have marred the demonstrations
    The commission extended condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the protests and expressed sympathy with the Nigerian government and its people over the losses incurred.
    The statement said, “The ECOWAS Commission has been closely monitoring the ongoing protests by citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and deeply regrets reports of violence in the course of the protests and the unfortunate death of some protesters as well as alleged looting and destruction of public and private properties.
    “The commission extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and sympathizes with the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria over the losses.
    “The ECOWAS Commission recognises the right of citizens to peaceful protests, as guaranteed by the 2001 ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.”
    ECOWAS also welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s recent State of the Nation address on Sunday, in which he called for inclusive dialogue to address the grievances of protesters.
    “The Commission welcomes the State of the Nation address of August 4, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and urges the protesters and all stakeholders to heed the President’s call for inclusive dialogue for the resolution of all grievances and the preservation of peace and security in Nigeria and the ECOWAS region at large,” it added.
    The hunger protests in Nigeria, which began as a peaceful demonstration against the rising cost of living and food insecurity, took a violent turn last week, resulting in numerous deaths and the burning of properties.
  • Adulterated petroleum products: House of Reps Dissolves Committee

    Adulterated petroleum products: House of Reps Dissolves Committee

    It has been explained that the move was to stave off likely conflict of interest and to preserve parliamentary culture.

    In a swift move to stave off likely conflict of interest and to entrench parliamentary procedure, the House of Representatives has dissolved the Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee it set up recently to investigate the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other energy security issues.
    A statement by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi said the decision was taken at the committee’s inauguration penultimate Monday, adding, a the committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.
    It would be recalled that the ad-hoc committee led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, recently called for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari, while another group of 50 lawmakers called for his retention.
    Hon Ikenga -Imo- Ugochinyere
    However, another group of legislators led by Billy Osawaru ( Edo State) said the call for the sacking of Kyari when an investigation was being carried out was an action that is against parliamentary culture.
    According to Akin, the ad-hoc committee had been dissolved and a new one would be constituted.
    He said, “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.
    “Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.”
    Akin added, “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.
    “The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”
    Earlier during the meeting, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, expressed concern over the resurgence of fuel queues at petrol stations, the increasing cost of Premium Motor Spirit, and the unavailability of crude oil feed stock for domestic refineries.
    Kalu noted that the investigation would also extend to other related issues impacting the sector, emphasizing the need for compliance with global standards in the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
    He stressed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria must ensure that all petrol imported into the country is rigorously tested in laboratories to meet standard sulfur and octane levels.
    “It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulfur levels, is lead, and has low octane levels. This has previously led to socio-economic losses, including damage to vehicle engines.
    “One critical aspect we must address is the infrastructure for quality assurance that enables robust testing of petroleum products with full adherence to the standard practice for manual sampling,” Kalu said.
    He tasked the joint committee with investigating the quality and the number of laboratories that both the NMDPRA and SON use for their tests and to provide actionable feedback.