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  • Buhari to commission Customs’ N19.6bn smart corporate HQ in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari is set to commission the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) N19.6 billion smart Corporate Headquarters.

    The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, made this known at a news conference in Abuja.

    Adeniyi, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the building has a 12-floor tower with five floors on both wings of the tower and “bridges” linking the two wings.

    The chairman said construction of the building commenced in 2007 following the need to build a befitting edifice for the service.

    He further said that the need for more space in view of the capacity of the service also informed the construction of the building,

    Adeniyi said the building, having undergone redesigning and remodeling, was set for commissioning.

    According to him, the Commissioning would be carried out by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday.

    He said “His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his approval to commission the just completed Corporate Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “We will also be expecting ministers, heads of agencies as well as the diplomatic corps.

    “The new headquarters of the service is a technologically friendly building, with all the facilities to monitor the different borders and commands across the country from a centralised system.

    “The Comptroller-General of Customs made it a priority that the building will be delivered during his tenure and that is what we are witnessing today.”

    The chairman said the building, sitting on approximately 25,000 square metres, was designed and constructed by indigenous firms.

    He said the height of the building above the ground was approximately 40 metres and one of the tallest buildings within the Business District of Maitama, Abuja.

    Adeniyi said the building would be serviced with modern and up-to-date mechanical and electrical services installations.

    The deputy comptroller-general of customs said the service was proud to state that “such an architectural masterpiece is cost efficient.”

    On the challenges encountered during the construction of the building, Adeniyi said there were challenges ranging from variations and adjustments in the model of the building.

    The Corporate Headquarters building referred to as “Customs House”, is located in Maitama, one of the high-brow areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The project was conceived in 2002 to provide a comfortable and conducive working environment for staff and authorised visitors to the building.

  • Africa needs $2.7trn to tackle climate change – Adesina

    African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said that Africa will need $2.7 trillion by 2030 to finance its climate change needs.

    Adesina, who spoke at the 2023 AfDB Annual Meetings in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on Monday, also called out developed nations for not honouring their $100 billion-a-year climate finance pledge they made to developing countries.

    “If Africa had that money, the Sahel would have electricity. If Africa had that money, we would recharge the Chad basin, which has provided livelihoods for millions of people in Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon. Everything will change in all those countries; we will green the Sahel. We will ensure every single African country against catastrophic weather events.

    “Africa’s measured natural capital alone is estimated to be worth $6.2 trillion, which, if well harnessed, can spur rapid economic growth and wealth generation,” Adesina said.

    Adesina said that a lack of adequate financing for tackling climate change in Africa has become dire and is “choking” the continent.

    “Africa is being short-changed in climate finance. Africa is choking.

    “Your role as the media is very important to help carry the news – the news of efforts being made, challenges being faced, and the fierce urgency of now in getting much-needed climate finance to Africa,” Adesina said.

    Adesina was addressing scores of journalists from Africa and around the world at a media lunch organised to kick off the Bank Group’s 2023 Annual Meetings in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh.

    The Bank Group’s Annual Meetings will allow the Bank’s Board of Governors, African leaders and development partners to explore practical ways of “mobilising private sector financing for climate and green growth in Africa,” in line with the theme of this year’s meetings.

    Adesina said the theme was chosen to draw attention to the urgent need for climate finance.

    “Anywhere you look in Africa today, climate change is causing havoc. In the Sahel, hotter temperatures are drying up limited water, causing water stress for crops and livestock and worsening food insecurity,” he said.

    He said that in vast areas of East and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa, a combination of droughts and floods is causing massive losses of people and infrastructure, leading to rising numbers of refugees.

    “There is still much to do, as Africa’s private sector climate financing will need to increase by 36 per cent annually,” he said.

    The AfDB is spearheading climate adaptation efforts across the continent and has devoted 63 per cent of its climate finance, the highest among all multilateral development banks.

    The Bank’s new Climate Action Window will support millions of farmers, enabling them to access climate-resistant seeds.

    The institution has also launched the Desert to Power initiative to develop 10,000 megawatts of solar power to benefit nearly 250 million people across the Sahel.  

    The Bank and the Global Center for Adaptation have launched the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) to mobilise $25 billion to support Africa’s adaptation to climate change.

    It has also established Alliance for Green Infrastructure (AGIA), in partnership with other institutions, to mobilise $10 billion in private investment for green infrastructure in Africa.

  • FG commissions Kajola Locomotive and Rolling Stock Assembly Plant in Ogun

    *As first set of wagons roll out for freight services

    The Honorable Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, unveils the plaque at the commissioning of the Wagon Assembly Plant, Kajola., Ogun State, while the Permanent Secretary, FMT, Dr. Magdalene Ajani (left) and other dignitaries, look on.
    The Federal Government, in demonstration of its commitment to revitalize and ensure the sustainability of the ongoing railway modernization project, has commissioned the Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant in Ogun State.
    President Muhammadu Buhari who performed the commissioning of the project which was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, expressed immense pleasure over the project which was conceived and flagged off on November 8, 2019, by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.
    Furthermore, the President said it will not only generate the needed employment but will boost economic opportunities for the citizenry as it will promote and develop local capacity in the assembling and manufacturing of Rolling Stock.
    The President who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said the project is in compliance with the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 that stipulates “companies’ involvement in infrastructure development within the country to ensure transfer of technology to Nigeria”.
    It is in line with this Order that the Federal Ministry of Transportation in March 2018 signed an agreement with Messrs. China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to facilitate the establishment of the plant with the Federal Government providing an enabling environment and necessary support in terms of Tax Waivers, Utilities (Power and Water Supply), Access Road and Rail Sidings, amongst others.
    According to the President, the Locomotive and Rolling Depot has the capacity to produce 500 Wagons per year of Open Wagons, Container Flat Wagons and Box Wagons, adding that the first set of Wagons assembled in Nigeria are being rolled out for freight services.
    “The advantage of setting up the plant is the potential to be provided by the ongoing rail projects in the country and Sub-African Region which will generate significant demand for Nigerians Rolling Stock” Buhari observed.
    “With the milestone achieved, we are seriously working to open the first University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State. The intension of this University is to ensure adequate turn out of graduates, technicians, artisans, and researchers on different areas of transportation especially railway transportation to guarantee the sustainability of the massive infrastructural provision of this administration on rail transportation” the President assured.
    Also speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said: “There is no gainsaying that this is one of the landmark legacies of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, designed to ensure the sustainability of railway development in the country”.
    While assuring that the Federal Ministry of Transportation will remain committed to full implementation of the Government’s Policy on Railway Modernization and expansion of the transportation network, she disclosed that it will be done in an environmentally friendly system that engenders socio-economic development of the country.
    Delivering a goodwill message, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Tolulope Odebiyi, said the former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosu, should be lauded for ensuring that the assembly plant was built in the State.

  • Police arrest 2 Kuje jail escapees in Adamawa

    The Adamawa Police Command has arrested two inmates who were among those who escaped from Kuje Correctional Centre in July 2022.

    SP Suleiman Nguroje, the Command’s spokesperson, said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Yola, that the escapees identified as Atiku Ibrahim, 37, and Adamu Ibrahim, 40, were arrested by Police Crack Squad on May 19.

    “The escaped suspects were arrested for cattle rustling and other nefarious activities.

    “During interrogation, they confessed to have been in Kuje Correctional custody since 2021, following allegations of arms dealing against them.

    “They also confessed to have escaped to Adamawa, until their arrest.

    “They further stated that they were awaiting trial in Kuje in a case of arms dealing and unlawful possession of firearms.”

    Nguroje said that the Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola directed that the escapees be handed over to the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Adamawa Command.

    Recall that the command had in July 2022 arrested another Kuje escapee and handed him over to the NCoS.

  • Dangote refinery will address supply shortages, price hikes – IPMAN

    *Calls for revival of all moribund refineries in Nigeria

    The new Dangote refinery will address issues of fuel shortages and price hikes in the country, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said.

    Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Community depot in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, said in an interview that the 18.5 billion dollar Dangote refinery, with 650, 000 barrel production capacity which was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, will go a long way in repositioning the country’s economy..

    Anyaso however envisaged an initial increase in fuel pump price, but said it would decrease in the long run.

    “They will buy locally, refine and sell locally and we will no longer need forex to import products but rather, it will sell refined products and earn us forex.

    “It is a welcome development,” he said.

    The IPMAN chairman urged the Federal Government to revive its four refineries and optimise their production to support what Dangote would produce, to ensure full sufficiency of the products. 

    He thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for signing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which encouraged private sector investment in the oil and gas industry.

    Anyaso cautioned against monopoly, saying it would leave Nigerians worse off if left at the mercy of one supplier.

    “We need more players to come in because the market is there, so there should be competition; the Federal Government should ensure a monopoly is not created.

    “The PIA which this administration graciously signed encourages private sector involvement, people who have the capacity should be encouraged to follow the Dangote example,” he added.

    Anyaso called for revitalisation and operationalisation of all moribund depots, including that of Enugu for easy distribution of petroleum products.

    He said this would reduce the challenges of sourcing products and drive down prices.

  • ‘Over 800 pupils denied quality learning in two separate schools’

    More than 800 pupils are being denied quality learning in two separate schools, according to Tracka – a BudgIT project that enables citizens to collaborate, track and give feedback on public projects in their communities.

    In two separate tweets from its verified Twitter handle, @TrackaNG, on Monday, Tracka identified the schools as Yelwa Zuba Pry Sch, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT Abuja and Gwanamarde Pry Sch, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina State.

    Owing to the situation, “over 300 pupils are being denied quality education” in the FCT school, while “over 500 pupils learn in this harsh condition” in the Katsina school.

    “ATTENTION!!! @DrRamatuAliyu @IretiKingibe

    “This is Yelwa Zuba Pry Sch, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT Abuja. The roofs are falling off, so the teacher either cancels classes for the day or takes the pupils and the blackboard out of the class when it is sunny or raining.

    “Attendance has dwindled because children don’t bother coming to school anymore AND over 300 pupils are being denied quality education.

    “We ask that you renovate the school to enable the children to learn in a conducive environment,” the first tweet read.

    “ATTENTION!!! @GovernorMasari @dikko_radda

    “This is Gwanamarde Pry Sch, Malumfashi LGA, Katsina AS OF TODAY. Over 500 pupils learn in this harsh condition. There is only one classroom and it has no roof.

    “This is a complete failure and neglect of children in the community. There is only 1 teacher and 4 volunteers in the school.

    “We demand an URGENT renovation and staffing of the school,” the second tweet added.

  • Gender Inclusion: 32% women Judges in Nigeria, says NAWJN

    The President, National Association of Women Judges, Nigeria (NAWJN), Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey has described as impressive the statistical breakdown of women Judges in the country, urging women not to rest on their oars but strive to excel in their various jurisdictions.

    Sankey stated this on Monday while delivering a welcome address at the 2023 biennial national conference/general meeting of the association held at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

    The theme of the conference is: The Woman Judge in the 21st Century.

    Sankey, who harped on the urgent need to end violence against women and children in society, assured participants that the conference would better equip them to overcome challenges in the line of duty as judges, wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and leaders serving humanity.

    On the much-craved gender inclusion, Sankey noted that the number of female judges, head of courts judiciary officials both at the state and federal level has been commendable so far, urging appointments of more women judges to leadership positions in the judiciary to enhance gender inclusivity.

    She said: “Currently, the percentage of women judges in Nigeria is 32% just as the number of judicial officials, and heads of courts has also been encouraging.

    “Statistics discloses that in the judiciary, women are closer than other arms of government to the 35% affirmative action advocated,”

    “It is apparent that gender inclusivity in the composition and leadership of the bench at all levels has been embraced in the Nigerian judiciary,”

    She then thanked the administrator of the institute, Justice Salisu Garba Abdulahi for readily collaborating with NAWJN and for facilitating the conference.

    Giving a keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola noted that beyond building their capacity, the meeting would also be an avenue to cross-fertilize ideas on how to eradicate violence against women and girl-child in the country.

    In a brief speech, the current President, the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), Justice Binta Nyako tasked women judges to rally support and directions to attain success.

  • 2022 National Personnel Audit for basic education almost ready –UBEC

    The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) would soon release the results of the 2022 National Personnel Audit (NPA) for basic education institutions in the country, as it is almost ready, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi has said.

    Bobboyi dropped the hint while fielding questions from newsmen during a one-day colloquium, organized by the Commission, with the theme, ‘The Nigerian Child: Dynamics of Educational Opportunities’ in honour of the former executive secretary of UBEC, late Professor Gidado Tahir, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that the Commission chose the topic, given the role Gidado played as one of the key promoters of basic education in Nigeria.

    “The whole idea is trying to see how we can address those issues within the context of the legacies that has been left behind by Gidado.

    “UBEC has always involved in this kind of project because we have always believe that you need to engage, discuss and strategise and get involved in research project that can help you understand better those challenges and how best to address to them.

    “So, it is a continuous process. We have always been engaging in this kind of colloquium, we have outstanding research team and as you know, we also processing the results for the 2022 National Personnel Audit for school census as well as assessment of learning in education, which is one of the largest in Africa that will give us an idea of whether our children are learning or not and areas which we are having difficulties,” he added.

    He, however, stressed the need for the National Population Commission to conduct census which will help the UBEC in carrying out their functions.

    “The only disappointment is on one issue that I needed to raise. You cannot get the number of out-of-school children from there for the simple fact that you need the population figures of the various age groups from the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Population Commission has not provided this.

    “The estimate they have been making is no longer relevant so that is the reason while are very desperate for a national census that can give us an idea of our accurate population,” he added.

  • NMDPRA reaffirms commitment to engaging relevant gas players

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reaffirmed its commitment towards engaging all relevant players in the gas sub-sector.

    Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the ‘Stakeholders Engagement on Gas Utilisation in Nigeria’, the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, explained that the event aimed to promote gas adoption in accordance with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas declaration.

    Nigerian Anchor reports that the event, which was for the North-Central region, saw participants from the sector express their gratitude for the efforts made by the regulator.

    Other reasons for the event include: to enlighten end-users on the need to obtain a storage license. And to engender the transition from white products to gas at the last mile.

    They also emphasised the need for ongoing support to facilitate the penetration of gas in the domestic market.

    It would be recalled that Authority had, recently in Kano State, urged stakeholders to embrace gas.

    Speaking at a similar event in Kano, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, who was represented by the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, said there was an urgent need for large consumers of diesel to embrace the use of gas as it is Nigeria’s transition fuel.

    “The PIA is poised to enable the growth of the industry. The twelve regulations recently gazetted unlock the golden opportunities and signpost the pathway to energy security,” he said.

    He noted that the federal government has implemented a number of initiatives and policy frameworks in this regard, including the natural gas expansion plan and the decade of gas expansion programme.    

  • Rivers Guber Tribunal: APC withdraws petition against Fubara

    The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has struck out the petition filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC), following the withdrawal by its counsel. 

    The APC’s withdrawal was brought pursuant to order 9 rule 15 of the federal high court civil procedure rules 2019.

    With this withdrawal, the governorship candidate of the APC, Tonye Cole remains the only petitioner against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) anditss candidate Fubara Siminalayi.

    Meanwhile, earlier in the proceeding, a little drama ensued at the tribunal as the APC filed an application for change of counsel in their petition against Fubara Siminalayi.

    At the resumed proceeding, counsel to APC, Solomon Umoh told the tribunal that he would be taking over as counsel for the party following a motion for change of counsel before the tribunal.

    Umoh also told the court that his clients would like their names to be struck out from the petition as applicants.

    Jibrin Okutepa who was the former counsel for Tonye Cole and the APC, told the tribunal that he was not briefed on the new development by the party.

    The three-man panel led by Justice Cletus Emifoniye, however granted the application for change of counsel and also granted the motion as prayed by striking out the name of APC as a petitioner.

    One of the grounds for the application amongst others is that “There is the need to seek the leave of this Honourable Tribunal to strike out the name of the 2nd Petitioner/Applicant, as the Applicant has no intention to participate in this petition.”

    No date has been fixed for the commencement of the pre-hearing of applications before the tribunal.