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Category: Metro News

  • Shettima inspects remodeled Kebbi central motor park, secretariat

    Shettima inspects remodeled Kebbi central motor park, secretariat

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday inspected a renovated and remodeled Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park and Bola Tinubu Ultra-Modern State Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi.

    Media reports indicate that the vice-president was in the state for some engagements and attended the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Rep. Bello Kaoje, representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency.

    Earlier on arrival at Sir Ahamadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, the vice-president was received by Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and other dignitaries.

    On the vice-president’s entourage were; Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and the All Progressives Congress Deputy National Chairman-North, Bukar Dalori. 

  • Information ministry partners with BPP

    Information ministry partners with BPP

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has accepted the partnership request from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

    Idris gave the approval when the Director-General of BPP, Dr Adebowale Adedokun, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

    The minister commended Adedokun for reducing the time for procurement process at the bureau to 20 working days, adding that this was innovative.

    “I think BPP is showing us the way that things can be done in a transparent, accountable and efficient manner.

    “We sincerely feel happy and great that someone like you has been appointed to this position.

    “We are going to work with you to deliver on the mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    “I am pleased and note in particular your strategy to use procurement to reduce poverty in the country.

    ” I think this is key.

    READ ALSO: Minister warns Afrcian women against skin bleaching

    “Before now, people see procurement process or what they do at BPP as a stumbling block to getting contracts, supplies or whatever.

    ” I think that the procurement process that the BPP has put in place now will bring efficiency.

    “On the issue of asking us not to vet, actually, we don’t really vet here.

    ” We only rearrange. It is not the responsibility of the Information Ministry or anybody producing any journal to vet anything.

    “The agents, user, ministries, and agencies themselves know what they want.

    ” If they know what they want, someone should not tell them how they want it,” Idris said.

    The minister stressed that what was important was to ensure that needs were in line with guidelines set up by government to ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency.

    “The Ministry of Information and National Orientation will help to propagate your new strategies and innovations at the BPP.

    ” We can also do it via the regular ministerial press briefings.

    “Before now, issues of procurement have been shrouded in some form of mystery.

    ” I am glad that you are unravelling this now, making it public. There is really nothing to hide.

    “So our job is actually intertwined.

    READ ALSO: Alleged N400m fraud: Court cautions I-G in charge against Andy Uba

    ” While you are working to ensure efficiency in the procurement process, we are also working here to see that we give timely information and also help people to understand what you are actually doing.

    “We have platforms like the News Agency of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority, Voice of Nigeria, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the National Orientation Agency.

    ” You can leverage on them to propagate your good works,” Idris said.

    Speaking earlier, Adedokun, who was accompanied by his management staff, said the visit was to inform the minister of the change at BPP.

    “We are here to tell you that we are a tool for good governance.

    ” BPP is an instrument that can deliver timely and completed projects in any sector.

    “BPP is an institution that plays a critical role in ensuring that every single vision under the Renewed Hope Agenda comes to reality.

    “We see our responsibility not only to award contracts; in fact, our responsibilities
    are about 19 or more that the law allows us to perform.

    “So, we are determined under our leadership to promote good governance and ensure value for money, fairness, accountability and give
    opportunities to all levels of bidders in this country.

    “We intend to work closely with the media and this wonderful ministry to propagate all what government wants us to do by ensuring that procurement itself, which is the heartbeat of good governance, is allowed to thrive.

    “We want to deliver to Nigerians a  procurement process that will reduce poverty and improve work practice.

    ” This is a good procurement process that will improve employment generation and attract Direct Foreign Investment,” Adedokun said.

    He also said that BPP would migrate to electronic procurement to make the process easier.

    “From 2025 budget, we intend to ensure that all procurement processes are completed within the first half of the year.

    ” Together with the Information Ministry, we can go to the field to check what is being implemented.

    “So, it is no longer going to be people coming to us by the month of November to look for Certificates of No Objection; that will not happen again.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu gets a Federal polytechnic in Abuja

    “Everybody must complete their procurement processes within the first half of the year to enable us account to Nigerians.

    “We also intend to deploy categorisation and classification of consultants, contractors and service providers.

    ” What that means is we intend to grow the local contractors; we want them grow by moving from one grade level to another,” he said.

  • NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, haziness

    NiMet forecasts 3-day sunshine, haziness

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency of Nigeria (NiMet) has predicted sunny and hazy weather activities from Wednesday to Friday.

    NiMet`s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged sunny skies in hazy atmosphere on Wednesday over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.

    According to NiMet, hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the North Central and inland cities of the South with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Osun, Ondo, Edo and Ogun States.

    It forecast cloudy skies with spells of sunshine and morning thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States in the coastal region of the South.

    READ ALSO: If Kemi Badenooch were Igbo

    NiMet predicted thunderstorms over parts of Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States later in the day.

    “ For Thursday, slight dust haze is anticipated over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.

    `Hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the North Central and inland cities of the South with prospects of afternoon or evening thunderstorms over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Edo and Osun States.

    “In the coastal region of the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Cross River States, “ it said.

    The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States later in the day.

    NiMet predicted moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the northern region of the country throughout the forecast period.

    READ ALSO: Why Nigerians should not pay tax

    It forecast slight dust haze over the North Central region of the country throughout the forecast period.

    “ Hazy skies with patches of cloud are expected over the inland States of the South throughout the forecast period.

    “In the coastal region of the South, cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are anticipated over the region in the morning hours.

    “ Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States, “ it said.

    According to NiMet dust particles are in suspension, public should take necessary precaution and people with asthmatic health condition and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather condition.

    The agency urged the public to take adequate precaution as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu meets Rivers Gov, Ogoni leaders at the Villa

    `Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

    “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng, “ it said. 

  • Oxfam challenges governments to bridge the extreme wealth gap

    Oxfam challenges governments to bridge the extreme wealth gap

    Oxfam, an international non-governmental organisation, has urged all tiers of government to tackle inequality and wealth gap among Nigerians.

    John Makina, Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, made the call at the unveiling of the State of Climate Finance in Nigeria Report and 2025 Davos report on Inequality in Abuja.

    Makina, represented by Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development (CODE), identified Nigeria’s wealth gap as a moral and social crisis.

    SEE ALSO: NCC approves 50% tariff hike for Telcos

    He said that a few individuals amassed immense wealth while more than 133 million of the populace faced hunger daily.

    “This extreme inequality is largely unearned, built on inheritance, monopolies and unfair advantages.

    “We must act now to create a fairer system by taxing the richest, addressing injustices and investing in services that lift millions out of poverty.

    “Tax the richest to end extreme wealth.’’

    Makina recommended that global tax policy should fall under a new UN tax convention, ensuring the richest people and corporations paid their fair share.

    He said analysis conducted by Oxfam showed that half of the world’s billionaires lived in countries with no inheritance tax for direct descendants.

    The country director said inheritance needed to be taxed to dismantle the new aristocracy.

    SEE ALSO: Trump pledges a new America, to end inflation, curtail immigration

    According to him, report by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) shows that only 40 wealthy individuals pay taxes in Nigeria.

    “The other question is whether the taxes they pay are fair to the income/profit they make.

    “The ongoing tax and fiscal reforms must put a search light on taxing the rich, not just the billionaires but the millionaires in hundreds”.

    Makina said the purpose of the  study was to develop climate financing information towards ensuring meaningful and informed participation of citizens in social and financial accountability of climate finance with focus at both national and local levels.

    “By providing strategic development of resources and information on climate finance in Nigeria, this study will help inform partners about Oxfam’s current and future climate finance programming and advocacy in Nigeria.

  • Police enforcement of 3rd Party Motor Insurance a game-changer — NIA

    Police enforcement of 3rd Party Motor Insurance a game-changer — NIA

    At a time of severe economic hardship when motorists lament the high cost of fueling their vehicles, the Nigerian Police has vowed to enforce procurement of third party vehicle insurance and the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) says the move is a game changer.

    The Nigerian Insurers Association on Monday lauded the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on the recent announcement on enforcement of Third-Party Motor insurance policy nationwide.

    It described it as a game-changer which would encourage greater public trust in insurance, reduce uninsured risks and stimulate economic activity.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on January 10, said the Nigerian Police would commence total enforcement of the compulsory third party motor insurance, effective Feb.1.

    Egbetokun said the enforcement would also affect other relevant laws on compulsory insurance in the country.

    Reacting, the Chairman of NIA, Mr Kunle Ahmed, in a statement, in Lagos, welcomed the development, describing it as ‘a timely and commendable action’.

    READ: Why Nigerians should not pay tax

    Ahmed said the decision aligned with the provisions of Section 68 of the Insurance Act 2003.

    The I-G stated that it was a significant step towards strengthening compliance, ensuring road safety and protecting motorists and other parties on Nigerian roads.

    He further noted that it was important to enforce the policy to improve risk management, industry innovation and foster economic growth.

    According to him, the enforcement of third-party motor insurance is not only a compliance issue, but also a vital strategy for ensuring financial protection for victims of road accidents and car owners.

    Ahmed explained that the third-party insurance policy also provides compensation for property damage and medical care for injured third parties, which further contributes to building confidence in the insurance sector.

    “The NIA recognises the immense potential of this enforcement to drive positive change in the insurance industry and the broader economy.

    READ ALSO: Peter Obi and Tinubu’s APC’s morbid line

    ” With millions of vehicles on Nigerian roads, this move is expected to increase the number of genuinely insured vehicles, reduce the prevalence of fake insurance policies, and create a more robust safety net for motorists and road users alike,” he said.

    According to him, the initiative also aligns with his administration’s agenda to proritise increasing awareness on the benefits of insurance, fostering innovation within the industry, as well as enhancing partnerships with key stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s insurance ecosystem.

    He said: “As the enforcement takes effect, I want to assure the insuring public and other stakeholders that our members are fully prepared to provide seamless access to third party motor insurance policies.

    “This will be done through authorised channels, ensuring that every Nigerian motorist can protect their risk and comply with the law.

    “We will work closely with our members to ensure efficient service delivery, innovative products, and improved customer experiences.”

    READ ALSO: Yobe government opens tenders for solid mineral development

    “The NIA believes this enforcement is a game-changer for the industry, as it will encourage greater public trust in insurance, reduce uninsured risks, and stimulate economic activity.”

    The chairman said NIA had also set up initiatives to collaborate with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) in increasing public awareness and sensitisaton efforts.

    Ahmed explained that this is to educate Nigerians about the benefits of genuine motor insurance policies.

    He charged vehicle owners nationwide to take full advantage of the opportunity to obtain their third-party motor insurance policies through licensed and authorised insurers.

    “We can build a safer, more accountable, and better-protected road network for all Nigerians,” he said.

  • Untitled post 30933

    As the state and the rest of Nigeria mourn the tragic death of 50 people this Saturday, Niger State Gov. Umaru Bago has banned heavy-duty trucks from plying one way through Dikko bridge.

    This directive follows a tanker explosion Saturday, killing more than 50 people and wounding numerous others.

    The governor gave the directive during a visit to the scene of the explosion at Dikko junction in Suleja local government area of the state.

    He described the incident as pathetic while expressing sadness over the loss of lives.

    He, however, expressed relief that it did not extend to adjoining communities in the area.

    Bago decried the recklessness of some drivers just as he directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should not pass through Dikko Bridge.

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    He said that the vehicles should, instead, follow the route under the bridge and take a U-turn.

    The governor called on the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive.

    He also urged transport unions to cooperate with the FRSC.

    Bago attributed the frequent accidents in the area to the delay in completing the Minna-Suleja road project and called on the federal government to expedite action on the project.

    He commended the state Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC and the National Union of Road Transport Workers for their roles in evacuating victims of the explosion.

    He noted that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving treatment at Suleja General Hospital.

    The News Agency reports that more than 50 people lost their lives in the Saturday morning incident caused by scooping of fuel from the articulated vehicle.

  • AfCFTA is determined to minimise intra-African trade barriers – Sec-Gen

    AfCFTA is determined to minimise intra-African trade barriers – Sec-Gen

    The Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr Wamkele Mene, has reaffirmed his commitment to reducing and eliminating intra-African and investment barriers.

    Speaking at a Round-Table on Nigeria’s Implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol in Abuja on Thursday, Mene stated that these constraints hinder the continent from reaching its full potential.

    He noted that the secretariat had developed a legal framework to help eliminate and reduce such barriers.

    Mene emphasised that the protocol on women and youth in trade aimed to eliminate the barriers faced by young people and women-owned businesses.

    READ ALSO: Alleged $9.6bn P&ID Scam: I’ve no Witness to Call, Briton Tells Court

    “Our heads of states have told us in the shortest period of time, to eliminate these intra-Africa barriers, including free movement of persons.

    “We are ready to eliminate these constraints,” he said.

    The secretary-general also highlighted the importance of the Women and Youth on Trade and Digital Trade Protocol, which were adopted by heads of states in February 2024 to promote inclusive trade and development in Africa.

    “These are two important protocols that complement each other,” he said.

    Mene explained that they address the significant barriers faced by women-owned businesses and youth entrepreneurs in accessing new markets across the continent.

    READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery is Nigerian Economy’s Game-Changer – Buhari

    He added that the first certificate of origin issued by Nigeria was to a women-owned business, which enabled the business to access new markets outside Nigeria and ECOWAS.

    “So these are the practical steps of working together with our development partners, that enable us to move beyond aspirations about women-owned businesses and businesses owned by young people,” he said.

    Similarly, the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Olatunbosun Tijani, urged stakeholders to effectively implement the protocol on digital trade.

    READALSO: House Proposes Bill to Settle Election Cases Before Swearing- In

    He stressed on the importance of strong collaboration to enhance investment in the African digital economy.

    Meanwhile, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, expressed her gratitude to all

    AfCFTA stakeholders for making the programme a reality.

    L-R: Ms. Oduwole, Mr. Mene

    “I believe in Nigeria, I believe in Africa, thank you for all your efforts in making our dreams a reality,” she said.

    She noted that collaboration was key to supporting the growth of the economy. 

  • Tinubu Mourns Former Lagos Head of Service Sunny Ajose 

    Tinubu Mourns Former Lagos Head of Service Sunny Ajose 

     Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, a former Lagos State Head of Service, has passed away at the age of 78. He died early Thursday, January 16, 2025.  

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his condolences to the Lagos State Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the people of Badagry, where Ajose was a respected leader. 

    Tinubu recalled working with Ajose during his tenure as governor, acknowledging his contributions to reforming the civil service and supporting development efforts in the state.  

    Ajose’s influence extended beyond his civil service role.

     He was a key representative of Badagry in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council and a trusted figure within the APC.  

    Born on February 10, 1946, in Badagry, Ajose pursued higher education in the United States, earning degrees from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and Governors State University. 

    He joined the Lagos Civil Service in 1979 and rose to become Head of Service in 2004.  

    President Tinubu offered prayers for Ajose’s family and described him as a committed leader who made lasting contributions to Lagos State.

  • Emulate the virtues of Fawehinmi: Emir Sanusi tasks lawyers

    Emulate the virtues of Fawehinmi: Emir Sanusi tasks lawyers

    The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged lawyers to emulate the virtues of the late Gani Fawehinmi.

    He described Fawehinmi as an embodiment of good character and virtues.

    Sanusi spoke on Wednesday at the 21st Memorial Lecture of Fawehinmi, organised by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch in Lagos, as the chairman of the occasion.

    The lecture’s theme, `Bretton Woods and the African Economies: Can Nigerians Survive Another Structural Adjustment Programme’, sparked interesting discussions.

    According to Sanusi, the legal profession is currently lacking the good character and virtues that the late Fawehinmi embodied.

    Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN

      Sanusi also announced that he would no longer offer advice to President Bola Tinubu’s administration on how to tackle the country’s economic challenges.

      He stated that he had initially tried to help the government but had now resolved not to do so again.

      “I can give a few points here about what we are going through and how it was predictable and avoidable.

      “But I am not going to do that because I have chosen not to speak on the economy, reforms or to explain anything because if I explain it, it will help this government.

      “But I do not want to help this government.

      “They are my friends but if they do not behave like friends, I will not behave like a friend,” he said.

      Sanusi added that he will only speak about the state of the economy whenever he is ready to do so.

      Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), expressed regret over the situation in Rivers, which he said had two speakers.

      Falana emphasised that this situation must not be allowed to continue.

      The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), described Fawehinmi’s legacy as one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice for the common man.

      Keyamo was represented by Mr Henry Agbebire, a Director in the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

      He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote fairness, human rights, and socio-economic advancement.

      Keyamo also commended the NBA Ikeja branch for ensuring that the spirit of Fawehinmism lives on.

      Other prominent guests at the event included the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and the Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro

    • Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

      Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

      Ms Rose Lereece, Director Customer Finance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes has said that security structure is crucial  in obtaining aircraft lease.

      Lereece made the assertion at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday.

      The Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global event commenced on Jan. 12 to end on Jan. 15.

      The director described the security structure as a “Stand-by Letter of Credit (SBLC),’’  serving as a security provided by a commercial bank and covered by a confirming Banking and an Insurer.

      According to her, SBLC provides a short-term guarantee (immediate and irrevocable) which allows the lender or lessor to cash-in an amount to the value of six to 36 months of payments ( in USD).

      READ ALSO: Nigerians paid N2.3trn as ransom in one year – NBS Report

      Lereece said that the payments were envisioned to include both rentals and maintenance reserves.

      She listed SBLC Security features to include, immediate availability and irrevocable funds, US Dollar settlement and further security in the form of confirming and or third-party insurance.

      She said that others were more entities that implied more security and fees, giving lessor or lender the ability to cure and continue or severe and repossess.

      “`Collateteralisation by the airline of a fraction of the agreed SBLC value may be required by the commercial banks, “ she added.

      According to her, airline pays commercial banks a single rate that embeds all fees including insurance where applicable while commercial banks pay lessor in the event of an issue.

      The director explained that commercial banks obtained SBLC insurance support from the confirming bank while the confirming bank obtained SBLC insurance support from the insurance provider.

      She further explained that the insurer provided insurance for the confirming bank or the commercial bank.

      READ ALSO: NULGE expresses frustration over delay in LGA financial autonomy

      Contributing, Mr Moor Ibekwe, Boeing Sales Director Africa Region Commercial Airplanes, said that the value of the SBLC, measured in payments due, could be six to 36 months for both rental and maintenance reserves.

      He explained “playout term“ as one-off or monthly according to the severity of the underlying issue.

      “Continued utilisation or restoration would be at the behest of the lessor or the lender, confirming bank support needed for the lease or loan traction.

      “Insurance support needed for the lease/ loan transaction while tenor is the period for which the SBLC must be available to the lessor or lender in the first five years of a 12-year lease“ he added.