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The European Union, EU has confirmed that the Nigerian Federal Government has cleared an outstanding debt amounting to $850 million owed European airlines.
The confirmation was given on Tuesday.
Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, disclosed this at the 9th edition of the Nigeria-EU Business Forum in Abuja.
Isopi noted that a key condition for any foreign investor is the ability to repatriate profits.
“A year ago, these funds amounted to $850m, with a big chunk being owned to European airlines. Today more than 98 percent of arrears have been cleared. This is a major achievement,” Isopi said.
The ambassador also commended the decision of the Federal Government to remove foreign exchange restrictions for the import of 43 items.
According to him, “Investor confidence takes time to build up, but resolving these issues was a top priority.”
The ambassador described the business forum as a platform for dialogue and engagement between the public and the private sectors and highlighted the importance of the role of the government in supporting business, the private sector and private investments, as a driver for a truly inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Recall that the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria had, in January 2024, said the bank had concluded the payment of the foreign exchange backlog to foreign airlines.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned against the continued rejection of old series and lower denominations of the United States of American dollars by its regulated entities in Nigeria.
The bank threatened to sanction lenders that rejected the currencies.
This was contained in a circular dated June 27, signed by the acting director of the currency operations department, Solaja Olayemi, which was recently released on the website of the apex bank.
The circular directed at Deposit Money Banks, Bureau De Change operators and the general public cautioned against the continued rejection of the old series and lower denomination of the American greenback.
CBN said the fresh circular followed the outcome of its consumer market intelligence, which revealed the continued rejection of old/lower denominations of dollar bills by banks and other authorised forex dealers.
“Kindly be reminded that the Central Bank of Nigeria circular referenced COD/DIR/INT/CIR/001/002 and dated 9th April 2021, which explicitly frowned at this selective acceptance of deposit, is still in force and must be adhered to and complied with by all relevant parties.
“For the avoidance of doubt and further guidance on the circular, the content is hereby reissued as follows for strict compliance: All DMBs /authorized forex dealers should henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of United States Dollars that are legal tender for deposit from their customers. The CBN will not hesitate to sanction any DMB or authorised forex dealers who refuse to accept old series/lower denominations of US Dollar bills from their customers,” the circular partly read.
The circular also warned authorised forex dealers against defacing/stamping US Dollar banknotes as such notes always fail authentication tests during processing/sorting.
CBN first issued the warning in a circular signed by then director of the currency operations department, Ahmed Umar, on April 9, 2021.
I turned down N250 million bribe for Obasanjo’s third term agenda — Ex-Senate President, Wabara
AFOLABI
Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara has revealed that he rejected the sum of N250 million to support the third-term agenda during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
In an excerpt from the YouTube interview series “Untold Stories with Adesuwa,” released on Monday, when asked about the truthfulness of this assertion, he said, “That’s very correct.”
The third-term agenda marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s 25-year uninterrupted democratic history, involving a constitutional amendment bill aimed at allowing then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to run for a third term in office.
Speaking further, Wabara revealed that while he didn’t believe the stories that some senators received N50 million at the time, he received N250 million bribe, which was brought to him in a G-Wagon at 1:20 a.m.
Wabara also stated that his educational background played a huge role in rejecting the third-term agenda.
“I turned down a N250 million bribe to support the third term agenda. The money came to me by 1:30 a.m., before my third-term speech. It came in a sparkling black G-Wagon. I can still remember that it was in a black G-Wagon and a rickety 504 station wagon. The money was discharged, and my wife was there.”
Highlighting the significance of the decision, Wabara stated that if the third-term agenda had stood, other presidents wouldn’t have emerged.
“Without people like us, there wouldn’t be democracy now. Yes, if we had supported the third term, you know, I mean we would have had dictatorship, tyranny, and people like Buhari wouldn’t have emerged. Even the present Tinubu would not have emerged because Obasanjo would have still been there,” he said.
Speaking on the current state of affairs in the country, Wabara lamented that those in power had unfortunately weaponized poverty.
His words: “Hunger misdirects, and my people say that when you are having leaves or whatever the goat eats, you are the person they will continue to follow. That is what is happening in our democracy today because of hunger. The elders and the politicians—those in government—are not creating the enabling environments to eschew hunger.
“It is a deliberate act to continue to make the electorate hungry so that they will continue to follow sheepishly. So, there will be stomach infrastructure before they start thinking whether we are being led aright.”
He also clarified that he was not removed from office by Obasanjo but resigned while reiterating that there was no pressure.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has challenged the federal government.
He called on the government to release a detailed breakdown on the utilisation of borrowed funds.
Obi made the demand in a post on X on Monday while decrying significant increase in government borrowing at the end of first Quarter (Q1) which he said reached a staggering N121.86 trillion.
He warned that if the current trend persists, the total amount borrowed could exceed N150 trillion by the end of the year.
“I have consistently maintained that borrowing is not inherently problematic, as long as it is utilized for productive purposes that drive economic growth and development,” Obi said.
“The recent report at the end of the first quarter indicates a significant increase in our government’s borrowing, reaching a staggering N121.86 trillion.
“This rapid accumulation of debt is alarming, and if this borrowing trend continues at the current rate, we can expect the total to surpass N150 trillion by the end of the year.
“The fact that several trillions was borrowed in just three months highlights the urgent need for prudent management of our finances. It is crucial to recognize that the purpose of borrowing is paramount.
“If the borrowed funds are used for consumption or misallocated, we risk worsening our economic situation, perpetuating a cycle of debt and hindering our ability to achieve sustainable economic growth and development.
“On the other hand, if the funds are channelled into productive endeavours such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, we can expect positive outcomes that benefit our economy and citizens in the long run.
“As I recall, the law governing borrowing is explicit, requiring detailed explanations of the intended use, timing, and other relevant parameters.
“It is essential to ensure that borrowed funds are allocated efficiently and effectively to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the standard of living of the majority of our citizens.
“I respectfully request same for accountability for the massive borrowings, which have burdened our nation’s future.
“For the sake of our children and unborn generations, transparency and good governance, a detailed breakdown of how these funds have been utilized and demonstrate their tangible impact on our country’s growth and development should be provided.”
The former Anambra State governor urged policy makers and stakeholders to exercise caution and prudence in managing national debt, ensuring that borrowed funds are utilised for productive purposes.
He said that by doing so “we can promote sustainable economic growth, development, and prosperity for all Nigerians for generations to come.
Petrol is selling at about ₦937 per litre in Jigawa State.
This is according to the latest report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The report ‘Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch (May 2024)’, said on a state profile analysis, that consumers in Jigawa State paid the highest price of ₦937.50 for petrol, signaling a continuous rise in the price of the commodity since the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
The report further said the average price paid for petrol was ₦769.62, indicating a 223.21 per cent increase compared to the value recorded in May 2023 (N238.11).
Likewise, comparing the average price value with the previous month (i.e. April 2024), the average retail price increased by 9.75 per cent from ₦701.24.
On State profile analysis, Jigawa State had the highest average retail price for the commodity at ₦937.50, Ondo and Benue States were next, with ₦882.67 and N882.22, respectively.
On the other side, Lagos, Niger and Kwara States had the lowest average retail prices, at ₦636.80, ₦642.16 and ₦645.15 respectively.
Lastly, on the Zonal profile, the North-West Zone had the highest average retail price of ₦845.26, while the North Central Zone had the lowest price of ₦695.04.
Following the removal of petrol subsidies, the inflation rate rose to as high as 33.95 per cent as of May, according to NBS, with food inflation as high as 40 per cent.
The NBS’s latest release on pump prices heading towards ₦1,000 per litre in the North, comes on the heels of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), saying that it would not increase petrol prices in its retail outlets across the country.
The company currently sells at around ₦568 per litre at its retail outlets, from around ₦238 as of May 2023, according to NBS.
An activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has issued a warning to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
He warned him that he cannot decide who becomes senator in 2027 because only the people of Abuja can do that.
Adeyanju said Wike can’t decide for the people because FCT is not Rivers State, where election results are written with guns.
The lawyer’s comment comes amid Wike’s face-off with the senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe.
Kingibe had said Wike only focused on infrastructural projects that had less impact on the residents of FCT.
She accused the minister of not taking into cognizance the needs of FCT residents.
Responding, Wike warned that Kingibe would not return to the Senate in 2027.
Reacting, the activist lawyer reminded Wike that incumbent presidents are defeated in the FCT.
Posting on X, Adeyanju wrote: “Only the people of FCT can decide who becomes Senator in 2027, not Wike. The arrogance of power is what will make Wike think he can decide for the people.
“FCT is not Rivers, where people write results and shoot guns. Even incumbent presidents get defeated in the FCT.
“I know these folks have 100% control of INEC and other rigging mechanisms, but the arrogance is truly uncalled for.
“Nigerian politicians are like power drunk Nigerian celebrities and pastors who can boast openly about getting the police to lock you up, and they will eventually do it.”
The Federal High Court in Lagos has fined the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) N3m for violating the fundamental human rights of Margaret Emefiele, wife of a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.
The court also directed the EFCC to remove Mrs. Emefiele’s name and photograph from its wanted list and to issue a public apology to her.
The EFCC had declared her wanted in February 2024 over alleged money laundering charges.
The presiding judge, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, held that the EFCC’s actions were unlawful and constituted a breach of Mrs. Emefiele’s rights.
The judge ruled, “That the Applicant is entitled to the protection of her fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, right to dignity of her person, freedom of movement and right to security as guaranteed under Sections 33, 34, 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“That the publication of the Applicant’s name and photograph on the website of the Respondent as having been declared ‘Wanted’ without complying with the provisions of Sections 41 and 42 of the ACJA, and without any valid Charge and/or Court Order to that effect, amounts to a violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights to the dignity of her person, right to personal liberty, freedom of movement and right to security.
“As guaranteed under Sections 34, 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Articles 5, 6 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP A9) VOL.1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2011.
“The respondent is directed to immediately withdraw the publication of the applicant’s name and photographs from the list of persons wanted by the respondents on its website.”
The court directed the respondents to issue a public apology to the applicant on its website where the name and photographs of the applicant were published among the list of persons wanted.
“The sum of N3m is awarded against the respondents jointly and severally in favour of the applicant for the violation of her fundamental rights,” it added.
Counsel to Mrs. Emefiele hailed the judgment as a victory for the rule of law, while the EFCC has yet to comment on the ruling.
A UK-based socio-political group, Osun Progressives Youths in the United Kingdom (O-SPYUK), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute Senator Olalere Oyewumi following his public admission of engaging in vote-buying during the 2023 general election.
Oyewumi, who is the Senator representing Osun West and Deputy Minority Leader, sparked outrage after a viral video surfaced in which he allegedly alluded to using personal funds for vote-buying.
The senator claimed his efforts were rejected by All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in 2023.
Tunmise Ajiboye, O-SPYUK coordinator and Deputy Youth Leader of the APC UK chapter condemned Oyewumi’s confession in a statement, asserting that the senator is unfit to serve in the hallowed chamber.
“It is clear that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is a party that has been rejected by the Osun people but engaged in illicit activities like vote-buying, and intimidation of voters amongst others, during the last electioneering period to get votes.
“We demand for resignation of Oyewumi and his immediate prosecution by either the Nigerian Police or the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to serve as a deterrent to other politicians ahead of the 2026 Osun state gubernatorial election as well as the 2027 general election.
“The commencement of his prosecution will also discourage vote-buying in Ondo and Edo elections later this year. We deserve better leaders in Nigeria, not those who brag about impoverishing Nigerians and later buy their conscience,” He submitted.
Ajiboye stressed that prosecuting Oyewumi could also discourage vote-buying in the upcoming Ondo and Edo elections later this year. “We deserve better leaders in Nigeria, not those who brag about impoverishing Nigerians and later buy their conscience,” he concluded.
LP Guber Candidate Akpata Campaign In Disarray As Edo Obidient Movement Switches Support For APC
AFOLABI
Fear, anger, disappointment and frustration are the words to describe what has gripped the camp of the Labour Party governorship candidate for Edo, Mr Olumide Akpata, following the refusal of the Edo chapter of the Obidient Movement to support the Labour Party man.
Instead, the movement has thrown its weight behind the candidate of the central ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Monday Okpebholo.
The large splinter group of the movement has said Akpata is unelectable and decided to pitch their tent with Okpebholo, who was elected into the Senate in 2023.
The remnants of the movement have thrown their support for the state ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whose candidate is Asue Ighodalo, a consummate lawyer and business mogul.
The movement pledged their support for the APC and its candidate on Monday.
The first group in the movement had also pledged their support for the PDP candidate a few weeks ago.
The group, comprising members from the Edo South Senatorial District, on Monday, said they were supporting Okpebholo because of his close ties with the people.
The development is crippling the Labour Party campaign as its campaign is not gaining traction.
The Obidient Movement is a formidable group, which emerged a few months after its National head, Mr Peter Obi, defected to the Labour Party and became its presidential candidate in 2022.
The movement which takes its name from Obi, successfully pushed the Labour Party to national consciousness leading to the victories of Alex Otti of Abia as governor, and Ireti Kingibe as FCT Senator among others in the Senate, House of Representatives, State Assemblies among others.
The movement was mostly made up of young Nigerians, some Gen-Z (those born between 1997 and 2012 also called Zoomers) gave Obi their unalloyed support and saw him emerge third during the presidential election.
Members of the movement, which is organic and leaderless, have often said their support is not to any party but to personality, which they say must be based on integrity, a word they often ascribe to Peter Obi.
But any hope for Akpata to upend the political status quo which oscillates in favour of PDP and APC in the state appears to be dashed months away from the election.
This has sent shock waves across the Akpata campaign forcing the Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Sam Uruopa, to slam the movement describing it as absurd.
Uruopa said, “It is absurd to hear that Obidient movement is supporting Okpebholo just the way some also said they were Obidient movement for Asue Ighodalo.
“The Obidient movement is synonymous with the Labour Party and is integral members of the party,” he stated.
He added, “They have forgotten so soon how the party was denied the use of the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium before the presidential election.
“So, how can these people now say they are Obidient members and they are supporting Okpebholo or Ighodalo?
“For me, they have run out of ideas and do not know what they are doing at this point. They cannot be Obidient movement and work against the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata.”
Akpata did not react to the development when contacted at the time of filing this report.
The Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, has said that the federal government alone cannot finance education in Nigeria.
He said this at an event in Abuja organised in honour of Dr Emeka Offor and his wife, Dr Adaora Offor who were awarded honourary degrees in business administration and social advocacy respectively by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.
The minister said though the government had spent so much in funding education, private individuals and philanthropists needed to emulate what Mr Offor and his wife had done through their foundation to support education.
He said, “The ministry is encouraged with this kind of recognition because the government cannot finance education alone; just as it has contributed a lot.
“That is why people like Emeka Offor and wife have stepped in, and what they are doing should be encouraged by others. I believe this is an excellent example of well-used resources, and I urge others to take a cue from what they have done.”
While UNN received N100m for research activities and scholarly enterprise that will impact the Faculty of Business Administration, NAU received N50m for the welfare of widows, children with special needs and other vulnerable members of the society.
The celebrant and donor, Chief Offor, said the endowment fund would be a restricted one, where the principal sum would be held in perpetuity except otherwise decided by the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) and the universities.
He said, “This gesture is our desire towards supporting higher education in Nigeria and strengthening the bond of friendship between SEOF and UNN/NAU.”
[DailyTrust]
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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says two states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) contributed to the country’s capital importation in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.
In a report on Monday titled ‘Nigeria Capital Importation Q1 2024,’ NBS said the country recorded $3.38 billion in foreign investments, up from $1.09 billion reported in Q4 2023.
This represents a 210 percent quarter-on-quarter increase.
On a year-on-year basis, the bureau said capital importation rose by 198.06 percent from $1.13 billion recorded in Q1 2023.
Also, according to the report, with over $2.78 billion recorded, Lagos accounted for 82 percent of the total foreign capital inflow into Nigeria.
FCT followed with $593.58 million and Ekiti recorded $12,750.
TheCable Index analysis showed that 34 states did not generate any foreign investment between January and March 2024.
STATES THAT FAILED TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN Q1 2024
- Abia
- Adamawa
- Akwa Ibom
- Anambra
- Bauchi
- Bayelsa
- Benue
- Borno
- Cross River
- Delta
- Ebonyi
- Edo
- Enugu
- Gombe
- Imo
- Jigawa
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Katsina
- Kebbi
- Kogi
- Kwara
- Nasarawa
- Niger
- Ogun
- Ondo
- Osun
- Oyo
- Plateau
- Rivers
- Sokoto
- Taraba
- Yobe
- Zamfara
Also, the NBS report showed that foreign portfolio investment (FPI) was the top source of capital importation with $2.08 billion, accounting for 61.48 percent, followed by other investments with $1.18 billion, accounting for 34.99 percent.
FDI recorded the least with $119.18 million (3.53 percent) in Q1 2024.
90 percent of diesel in fuel stations are products of illegal refineries - N’Delta security firm alleges
AFOLABI
Oil companies buy refined Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, from illegal refineries in various host communities in the Niger Delta region, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited allegedly declared on Monday.
It declared this in the presence of international and domestic oil and gas companies at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference holding in Abuja. This was not contested by the oil firms present at the event.
Tantita is a security company headquartered in Warri, Delta State, focusing on the oil and gas sector, and offers security solutions specifically designed for oil and gas assets. The firm currently offers security services to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Speaking as a panellist at the session titled, “Exploring Nigerian Content Solutions to Meet Energy Demand,” the Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh said illegal refineries produce diesel in large volumes and their customers include many downstream operators.
He said the outfits get patronage from not just smugglers, but also from oil companies, stressing that the clampdown of these refineries by Tantita and other security agencies was the reason why diesel prices had been on the increase.
“Why is there no scarcity of diesel while there is scarcity of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol)? The story is simple, most of the diesel you buy is produced by the communities.
“About 90 per cent of the diesel in the fuel stations is produced by the communities. It will also interest you to know that even the oil companies patronise the local communities. Don’t let anybody deceive you, they (oil companies) also patronise the local communities,” he declared.
Enisuoh explained that to provide Nigerian content solutions to meet energy demand, concerning infrastructure, “we might need to focus more on the local communities.”
He insisted that if not for the interventions of security agencies such as his firm, the production of diesel illegally would continue to increase.
“The reason why the price of diesel is high today is because of the works of private security companies like my company Tantita Security Services.
“This is because we have been able to somehow cut down on a lot of the businesses of the illegal refineries. This is why you see the cost of diesel going up,” he stated.
On April 10, 2024, The PUNCH reported that NNPC declared that a tugboat conveying suspected illegally refined diesel was apprehended by operatives of Tantita Security Services Limited.
NNPCL had stated that the tugboat was being escorted by a marine police boat in Rivers State before it was arrested by the security outfit, adding that five persons on the boat were currently being interrogated by Tantita.
“On Monday, April 1, 2024, the Tantita Security Services team on patrol pursued and arrested a tugboat – Aya Oba Olori II, which was being escorted by a marine police boat in Rivers State.
“The tugboat was laden with an unspecified quantity of suspected illegally refined AGO which was loaded from a barge at Onne dock on March 31. Five persons onboard the tugboat were arrested by Tantita team and are undergoing interrogation,” NNPC had stated.
In another development on the sidelines of the NOG conference, the Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, led Nigeria’s delegation in a meeting with the African Petroleum Regulators Forum.
He said members of the forum, comprising regulators from various countries on the continent, would work together to harness and judiciously utilise the 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves in Africa.
He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards fostering a more collaborative, innovative, and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.
“The establishment of the AFRIPERF signifies our commitment to working together to overcome common challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead so that we can achieve our national aspirations in the development and utilisation of our hydrocarbon resources.
“Currently, Africa holds substantial oil and gas reserves. The continent’s proven oil reserves are estimated to be around 125 billion barrels, representing approximately seven to nine per cent of the world’s total oil reserves, while the proven natural gas reserves are estimated at around 620 trillion cubic feet, which is about seven to eight per cent of the global total (Mondaq),” Komolafe stated.
He noted that aside from hydrocarbon resources, Africa is blessed with potential for green and blue hydrogen, solar, wind, biomass and critical minerals for the development of clean energy technologies as well as a growing population predominated by young people representing a huge economic asset.
…Says FG’s Planning ‘National Social Housing Funds’ For All
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa on Monday, lamented that 80 per cent of Nigerians cannot access affordable housing because of financial constraints.
This, the Minister noted, accounted for the major causes of the housing deficit in the country.
The Minister stated this in his keynote address at the opening of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Kaduna on Monday.
He noted that the major issue governments at all levels have to address in their desire to deliver sustainable to the the citizens, was the issue of affordability.
The Minister added that statistics had shown that almost half of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million were poor and had weak purchasing power.
He said, “in fact of the 43 million households, over 85% have less than N1.1 Million Purchasing Power. Of this 40% (about 17.2million households fall into the poverty income group and 47% (about 20.2million) fall into the low-income group.
“On the whole, statistics reveal that Nigeria is a low-income country as it has only 13% of its population as middle class. The recent macroeconomic challenges including inflation have made things worse.”
Against this backdrop, the Minister said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was planning to establish a National Social Housing Fund.
According to the Minister, under the NSHF, the Federal Government is aiming to pull funds from the government budget, philanthropic organisations and well-meaning Nigerians towards providing decent shelter for Nigerians with no income, low income and vulnerable brackets who cannot afford to own their homes.
“Some of these units will be delivered at no cost. We have developed the concept note that is undergoing review. Once concluded we will present it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and legislation.
“Social housing is not only a necessity, it is also a security insurance for the rich and the poor. Because housing is capital intensive and the government has limited funds, we must find alternative collective avenues to help our brothers and sisters who are underprivileged. It is for our collective good.
“In this way, the underprivileged will know that we are one; that we are our brother’s keeper and that will help social cohesion, understanding and peace. This is because home ownership gives individuals a sense of belonging and a stake in the community,” the Minister said.
The Minister also commended the Governor Uba Sani-led government of Kaduna State for its practical, inclusive and pragmatic vision for housing delivery which led to the organisation of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition.
Earlier in his remarks, the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said provision of affordable houses for citizens of Kaduna State, was a key priority of his administration and committed to addressing the housing deficit across the State in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said that the state government had adopted a holistic approach towards filling the identified gap through partnership with local and international investors to frontally address its housing deficit.
He said, “Qatar Charity in partnership with the Kaduna State Government is constructing Mass Housing for the Less Privileged and Kaduna Economic City, all in Millennium City, Kaduna. I recently performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the 3319 Hectares Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout.
“This project is being executed through a Public – Private Partnership. Nuru Suraj and Kaduna State Government are working together to develop 35,000 plots for our people.
“The Social Housing Scheme was introduced in order to provide affordable accommodation as a social service for the vulnerable populace (the low income earners). Efficient design and construction methods, which are key indicators that drive the affordability target of the scheme, were employed.”
The Governor also stated that his administration has attracted many investors (Real Estate Developers) and has partnered with them in the construction of mass housing estates across Kaduna metropolis under PPP arrangement.
On his part, the Managing Director Kaduna State Development and Property Company, Abubakar Rabiu-Abubakar announced the launch of two social initiatives: ‘the Arewa Construction Academy and the KSDPC Housing Cooperative Society,’ demonstrating the state’s commitment to social investment, skill development, and addressing the housing needs of low and middle-income families.
He also said KSDPC was set to embark on certain key housing and housing infrastructure projects including the Ultramodern Mechanics Village for the Eastern Sector of Kaduna metropolis, featuring an Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Plant, CNG Conversion Stations, EV Charger Manufacturing, and strategically located EV charging points, A 5-star Hospital with Doctor Quarters.
“A private university to be known as ABSAAR University, a Building Materials Village to service the Eastern Sector of Kaduna metropolis, A Trucks and Heavy-Duty Mechanics Village, which are expected to attract and facilitate the construction and delivery of at least 2000 mixed-type housing units across Kaduna metropolis within the next 5 years.
“This exhibition is a testament to our efforts to transform aspirations into tangible results, ensuring that Kaduna State remains a beacon of progress and opportunity for all its residents,” the KSDPC boss said.
[PRESS CONFERENCE] Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR Addresses Media at Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne
Admin![[PRESS CONFERENCE] Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR Addresses Media at Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne](/media/k2/items/cache/6284afa11af357960e1c3393e6bd3123_XS.jpg)
Gentlemen of the Press,
- Good day and welcome to this important press conference at the Nigeria Customs Service Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne. Today, we gather to inform you about the recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation's borders and ensure public safety.
- Gentlemen of the Press, you may recall that at a press briefing of this nature held recently at the Tin Can Island Port Lagos, I had disclosed attempts by criminal elements seeking to exploit our trade facilitation friendly posture to compromise our processes and procedures. With our robust Risk Management System, we have always remained a step ahead of their moves. When these attempts revolve around revenue generation, our automated audit systems at different level enable us to trace, track and recover the revenue. However, when efforts are geared towards creating actions that will produce irreversible consequences on national security, our alert level is elevated to match the threats posed to us.
- And so it was the case with this 1X40 foot container MAEU165396, which originated from Turkey, and based on a number of risk factors, became a subject of interest. We had followed its sail across the Continents, as we benefitted immensely from credible information produced through our collaboration with the intelligence communities, both at the local, national and international levels.
- Working within our local structures, we followed diligently as the Importer attempted to circumvent our procedure through the outlet of a Private Bonded Terminal. Consequently, on Friday, 21 June 2024, the suspicious container was subjected to thorough physical examination. The examination result revealed the following alarming contents:
- Eight Hundred and Forty-Four (844) units of rifles
- One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred (112,500) pieces of live ammunition
The breakdown is as follows:
- 764 units of Tomahawk Jojef Magnum Black Pump Action Rifles
- 10 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmakers Jojef Magnum Silver Pump Action Rifles
- 50 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Double Barrel Rifles
- 20 units of VC Verney Caron Gunmaker Single Barrel Rifles
- Exclusive Series, Sterling High-Quality Live Ammunition 34g - 25 Plastic Shotgun Shells (70MM)
- The rifles and ammunition were concealed using various items such as doors, furniture, plumbing fittings, and leather bags. The duty-paid value of the container is Four Billion, One Hundred and Seventy-One Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦4,171,710,000.00).
- In connection with this, we have three suspects in our custody after securing a detention warrant from a competent court of justice. Furthermore, a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure all those involved face the full wrath of the law.
- In another development, our officers, through synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, intercepted yet another 8x40-foot container transit to a bonded warehouse from Onne Port. The container numbers are TCKU6879285, CMAU5985012, CMAU7515384, CMAU4297020, SEKU5488437, BMOU4363156, MRKU4616024, and MRSU3068928. Upon examination, they were found to contain the following:
Six containers laden with:- 1,050,000 bottles of CSC Cough Syrup with Codeine (100ml)
- 3,500,000 tablets of Trodol Benzhexol Tablets (5mg)
- Duty-paid value: Nine Billion, Six Hundred Million Naira
(₦9,600,000,000.00)
Two containers laden with:
- 720 bales of used clothes
- With Duty-paid value: ₦144,000,000.00
The total duty-paid value of the nine displayed containers is Thirteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifteen Million, Seven Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦13,915,710,000.00).
- In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the following decisions have been taken with respect to these containers:
- The 40-footer container of evil, bearing 844 units of assorted Rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition is hereby seized, alongside the other contents previously highlighted.
- The items would be handed over to the Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the office of the National Security Adviser for diligent investigation, and ultimately rigorous prosecution.
- The suspects arrested would be handed over to the Centre for further processing. We will work diligently with other Agencies of Government to apprehend all other cohorts and Death Merchants involved in this monkey business.
- The Eight Containers whose contents were wrongly declared to evade duty payment and Prohibition Order are hereby declared seized.
- The Licences and Permits issued for the operation of all the Warehouses and Terminals as well as those of their Customs Agents involved in these cases are hereby suspended pending the determination of their involvement.
- Customs Officers who are found complicit in the perpetration of these nefarious act would be heavily sanctioned in a manner that would be approved by the Board of the Nigeria Customs Service.
- Officers who kept faith with the Oath of allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and refused to be bribed into releasing these containers will be adequately rewarded in a manner provided by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
- As I conclude, let me warmly commend the professional commitment of the Customs Area Comptroller Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede and through him his Officers and Men, for the meticulous approach deployed to this operation. I also acknowledge our various partners, local and international who provided us the much needed information to successfully prosecute this operation.
- Finally, this seizure serves as a strong warning to others who may be contemplating similar misadventures, my message to them is simple; we will run you out of business. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.
