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Alex Otti, governor of Abia, says members of the public should be wary of an individual allegedly impersonating the state’s chairman of the disability commission.
David Anyaele, the special assistant on persons with disabilities (PWDs) to the governor, who spoke on Friday in Umuahia, the state capital, said steps are being taken to investigate the activities of the alleged impersonator.
In May 2023, Okezie Ikpeazu, the former governor of Abia, appointed Eldad Monu, a PWD, as chairman of the commission and also constituted the governing board, representing various disability clusters.
But Anyaele said Otti dissolved all boards of ministries, parastatals, and agencies when he took over as governor to reconstitute them.
The governor’s aide described the alleged impersonation as “an affront and an act of deceit”.
He noted that many national and international organisations might have “ignorantly funded the impersonator’s activities” under the guise of representing the disability commission.
“The public is advised to report any entreaties, requests, or demands by this impersonator or any other person acting on his behalf, using the disability commission as a cover, to the state government for appropriate action,” he said.
[TheCable]
Nigeria’s elevated global profile is a testament to the purposeful and experienced leadership of President Bola Tinubu, according to Fredrick Nwabufo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement.
Nwabufo emphasised that this achievement is not due to luck but a result of effective governance and strategic foreign policy.
Nigeria has historically been significant in global discussions due to its status as Africa’s largest democracy, most populous nation, and one of the continent’s biggest economies.
However, under President Tinubu’s leadership, the world’s focus on Nigeria has intensified for positive reasons.
Nwabufo attributed this to a broad-minded, enlightened leadership approach that enhances global perception.
Over the past year, despite facing numerous challenges, Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated driven and efficient leadership, providing clear direction and fostering stability.
Nwabufo in a post on his official X handle on Saturday stated, “Nigeria has always mattered in the chat rooms and chopping tables of global discourse — as pertaining Africa. It has always been significant as the largest democracy in Africa, and as the most populous nation and one of the biggest economies on the continent.
“But the world is paying more attention to Nigeria. It is taking more interest in the nation for good reasons. Effective domestic leadership, reinforced with a deliberate and well-designed foreign policy, reflects critically on global perception. A broad-minded and enlightened leadership at home will, by a good shot, colour the grey canvas of global disinterestedness.
“The past one year has not been without some challenges, but there has been a driven and efficient leadership with clear direction to help the nation navigate through any vortex. Reports from credible rating agencies and global financial platforms betoken stability and the return of vibrancy to critical sectors of the economy.
“Early this month, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) commended the government of Nigeria for clearing 98 percent of airlines’ trapped funds, which the carriers had previously been unable to repatriate.”
According to him, the Director-General of IATA, Mr. Willie Walsh said ‘’as of April 2024, 98 percent of these funds have been cleared. The remaining 19 million dollars is due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks.’’
Tinubu’d aide continued, “And months before, in March precisely, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it had settled valid outstanding foreign exchange obligations. On October 23, 2023, at the 29th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, the President pledged that his administration would honour legitimate foreign exchange obligations and restore market confidence. This pledge he is following through ever so dutifully.
“There is a strong, focused, disciplined, and patriotic leadership at home, and this is influencing the global perception of Nigeria on governance.
“President Tinubu, Nigeria’s chief promoter, has brought a fine hue of respect, command, and dignity to the brand Nigeria by his audacious, candid, cerebral, and deep declarations on seminal matters as regards Nigeria, Africa, and the world around them, on important global platforms.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has asked the affected workers to undergo one-year mandatory training before their conversion from Executive to Officers cadre.
Yemi-Esan said this at a virtual interactive session with civil servants in commemoration of the 2024 Civil Service Week with the theme: “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Life-long, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa.”
The one-year mandatory training programme to bridge the gap between polytechnic awarded Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree has been a subject of controversy between the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
Stakeholders have over the years called for an end to the age-long disparity between HND offered by polytechnics and bachelor degrees offered by universities.
A bill was passed at the ninth national assembly in 2021 to end the dichotomy but it was not signed into law by the last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Thus, NBTE, which regulates technical and vocational education, had to introduce what it describes as a one-year top-up programme which offers a platform for HND holders to level up towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
The move was rejected by NUC on the basis that it was not within NBTE jurisdiction to determine what is required to bridge the two certificates, the Commission argued were diametrically different by curriculum content and faculties which produce the students in each case.
While fielding question from one of the civil servants during the virtual meeting, Yemi-Esan, corroborated that the curriculum for HND and B.Sc holders were not the same, hence, HND graduates would have to undergo mandatory one year training before conversion from Executive to Officers’ cardre.
Mr. Adebayo Bamidele Hassan on Grade Level 14 had earlier asked on the dichotomy between B.Sc and HND holders in the Service and what the Federal Government was doing to bridge the gap.
Speaking on the theme of the 2024 Civil Service Week, Yemi-Esan emphasized on the need for education to be accessible, inclusive and of high quality, while highlighting the need for it to constantly remain relevant to the rapidly evolving demands of the modern world.
According to her, ”The theme also speaks to how the Nigerian Civil Service is leveraging learning and development to enhance the capacity and capability of its workforce with a view to delivering on national priorities.”
She further stated that the first priority area/pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP 25), is Capacity Building and Talent Management, which is in line with the theme selected by the African Union for this year’s celebration.
Yemi-Esan affirmed that the lessons learned in the recent years further underscored the need for civil servants to commit to continuous self-development, particularly in view of emerging global challenges and emerging technologies and the new world of work.
The Head of the Civil Service disclosed that the rapidly changing work environment as well as demands for greater efficiency have necessitated the adoption of Performance Management System (PMS) by the Nigerian Civil Service, adding that PMS Policy and Guidelines have been developed and circulated to all Ministries, extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She pointed out that core teams for its implementation have been duly constituted.
According to her, “PMS implementation has been cascaded to the Ministries, with the Permanent Secretaries serving as the primary drivers.
“In this regard, performance contracts are to be further cascaded down to the last officer in each MDA.
“This new system will assess each officer’s performance solely based on their respective Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and it will enable tracking of job objectives across all MDAs.
“By implication, each officer across the Service can clearly link his goals and objectives with those of his department, those of the respective Ministry and the national KPIs.
She described the digitalisation of work processes in the Service as another reference point in the on-going transformation of the Federal Civil Service.
She further stressed that the Office has fully digitalised all personal and policy files and is implementing digital transaction of workflow processes, as all official correspondences, in the form of memos, internal and external circulars, are now being processed electronically through the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) solution.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO), in the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Adeleye Adeoye, while welcoming participants, noted that education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world.
He further noted that Africa stands a chance to be the best Continent in the world, if only Africans have the best of education.
Adeoye urged civil servants to improve and equip themselves on daily basis with necessary skills and expertise in order to enhance productivity as well as ensure service delivery in the overall interest of the citizenry and the nation at large.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State, Sanusi Bature, has declared that Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano.
Bature said former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje appointed Bayero as Emir of the eight Metropolitan local governments of Kano city.
Featuring on Arise Television, Bature said Ganduje made Bayero emir of the metropolitan Kano city due to the bastardization of the emirate.
According to Bature, Ganduje introduced politics into the Kano Emirate that predates Nigeria.
He said: “The action of the governor was to protect the integrity of the emirate as an institution. The Emirate of Nigeria pre-dates Nigeria and the country’s constitution, it’s over a thousand years history of people living together under one Emir.
“The previous administration of Ganduje decided to bastardize that history and bring politics into it.
“The politicisation of the Emirate is what the Yusuf promised to restore the lost glory during the campaign.
“This is not the first time an Emir was deposed, Ganduje did it and Sanusi left Kano for peace to rain. Sanusi is now back to Kano after the repealing of the law.
“I want to put it clear that Aminu Ado Bayero was never an Emir of Kano, he was appointed an Emir of eight metropolitan local government of Kano city.
“So, with the revision of the law under one United Kano, the Emirate Aminu served no longer exist. He was an Emir of Kano city Emirate, he was at that status because the main Emirate was bastardized by Ganduje by the 2019 Emirate law.
“He was the 14 Emir of Kano but his jurisdiction was not for the 44 local government of Kano, he’s just only for the eight metropolitan areas which is now abolished.”
Governor Yusuf had deposed Ado Bayero while reinstating Muhammed Sanusi as Emir of Kano.
Despite the action of the governor, Ado Bayero has refused to vacate his Nassarawa palace.
Bayero had since contested the action of the state government in court.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has attributed the success of his administration in the first year in office to President Bola Tinubu.
The clergyman-turn politician disclosed this on Friday during his thank-you tour to Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency.
Alia said every achievement recorded in the state was the handiwork of Tinubu, including the construction of roads, underpass, payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, remodelling of the Assembly Complex, and State Secretariat.
According to him, Tinubu had given him unimaginable support and urged the people of the state to be patient with him as the President had “very good intentions for the citizenry.”
He also promised to renovate and upgrade the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi to international standard.
Gov. Alia further disclosed that from now on, payment of salaries and pensions would start from the 22nd of every month.
The founder of Stanbic-IBTC Bank, Atedo Peterside has announced his exit from the banking business.
Peterside made this announcement in a post via his verified social media page.
The banking icon wrote, “This has been an incredible 35-year journey that ends today, June 10, 2024.
“Every single day since Feb 2, 1989, I have been either the CEO, Chairman or Bank Director. All good things must come to an end. I give God the glory at age 68,” he added.
His exit comes after over three decades and a half of dedicating his wealth of experience to the Nigerian banking sector.
According to Sources, Peterside is investing his time more in advocacy, charity, philanthropy and human capital development through his foundation.
Recall that Peteside founded Investment Bank and Trust Company (IBTC), which later metamorphosed into Stanbic-IBTC Bank after a series of mergers over the years.
The Rivers State-born founded the bank in 1989, at 33, when most of his peers were busy lavishing their parent’s wealth.
After running the affairs of the bank for years leading it to the path of profitability and also ensuring the bank lived up to his expectations, he resigned in 2017.
He later channelled his strength to Anap Jets Ltd he founded in 2015. He also sits on the boards of The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Bank Group Limited.
Those close to the former member of the National Economic Management Team and member of the National Council on Privatisation disclosed that when it comes to finance, economics and business success, he is a walking encyclopaedia.
His family background as the son of Pa. Clement Atowari Peterside, an ophthalmologist and a retired controller of Medical Services in the Old Rivers State ensured he had a sound education.
He graduated from The City University, London with a B.Sc. in Economics and an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Peter Obi, an ex-Anambra State Governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, has described Nigeria as poverty capital of the world, with the hungriest and most insecure people on earth.
Obi has, in recent time, been consistently speaking out against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, faulting its policies and focus especially amid economic crisis hitting the country.
In a post on his X handle (formerly known as Twitter), Peter Obi described it as disheartening how those in authority dismiss the country’s challenges by saying “we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger.”
He said, “It is disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like ‘we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger’.
“We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality, corruption, unemployment, the highest income gap between the poor and the rich, high corruption perception index, infrastructure and healthcare challenges, and more.”
Obi, however, urged leaders to come up with concrete solutions and clear vision to address the country’s challenges, maintaining that mere comparisons of challenges with other countries would not solve the problems.
“Instead of merely acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges, we need to hear a thorough plan of action to tackle our unique struggles. We require concrete solutions and a clear vision to address these issues, not comparisons that downplay our circumstances.
“I urge those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges. We need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not marginalizations that dismiss our experiences.”
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the approval of N21 billion for 11 Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide meters for customers. This move is part of the Presidential Metering Initiative under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF).
According to NERC’s ORDER NO: NERC/2024/072, the initiative aims to operationalize “Tranche A” of the MAF scheme. The order, signed by NERC Chairman Mr. Sanusi Garba and Commissioner of Legal Affairs Dafe Akpeneye, will take effect from June 2024 and may be amended or revoked by future orders from the commission.
NERC stated, “The commission hereby approves the sum of N21bn apportioned pro rata to contribution by the DisCos as Tranche A of the MAF scheme. Attached to this order as Schedule 1 is a breakdown of the funds available for each DisCo to purchase end-use customer meters. All the meters to be procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be at no cost to the customers of the DisCos.”
The commission introduced the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Regulations in 2018 and the National Mass Metering Regulations (MAP&NMMR) in 2021 to tackle metering challenges within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). Despite significant progress, a national metering gap still exceeds seven million customers.
NERC identified DisCos’ inability to secure financing as a major obstacle in acquiring and deploying end-use meters. The MAF scheme was developed to address this challenge by creating a credible revenue stream to support long-term financing for utilities.
NERC further noted that the NESI is expected to leverage the revenue stream under the MAF framework to raise substantial capital funding for metering, aiming to accelerate the closure of the metering gap for all customers.
considering purchasing an Airbus aircraft
The federal government plans to sell three aircraft from the presidential fleet to fund the purchase of a new jet for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This decision comes as the Presidency progresses towards acquiring a new presidential aircraft.
The National Assembly recently supported this move after the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended purchasing new aircraft for the president’s safety. In May, the House of Representatives directed the committee to investigate the state of the presidential air fleet following reports of the president using chartered flights due to a fault in the popular 001 jet.
In its report, the committee stated, “Considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognizing the dire consequences of any potential mishap from the technical or operational inadequacy of the presidential air fleet, it is in the country’s best interest to procure two additional aircraft as recommended. This will also prove cost-efficient in the long run, apart from providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier for the president and vice-president.”
Multiple sources within the Presidency revealed that the government decided to sell three aircraft to help fund the new purchase. Jet HQ, a global aircraft sales company, has been appointed as the agent to sell these jets.
The presidential fleet includes six aircraft and six helicopters. The aircraft comprises one Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), one Gulfstream G550, one Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7Xs, and Challenger CL605. The three aircraft being put up for sale are the BBJ, one Gulfstream, and one Falcon 7X.
A used Boeing Business Jet is estimated to cost between $25 million to $41 million, depending on its flight hours and landings. A used Gulfstream is priced between $12 million to $15 million. An aviation expert suggested the government could raise at least $50 million from selling these three aircraft.
The Presidency is considering purchasing an Airbus aircraft. Discussions on this acquisition have reached an advanced stage. “The Presidency is planning to buy an Airbus aircraft, likely due to our renewed relationship with Airbus and its growing presence in Nigeria, competing with Boeing. Detailed plans for the new purchase will be available soon,” said a source who requested anonymity.
Amid persistent high prices, the Governor of Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso assured yesterday that inflation will subside in the months ahead.
At a meeting with leaders of organised private sector (OPS), the CBN governor said there were positive developments in the fight against the economic menace.
He told the OPS leaders at the meeting held at the bank’s Lagos office on Wednesday, June 19 that there is a deceleration in month-on-month inflation rates.
The meeting was designed to discuss the state of the economy, monetary policy direction and fostering of collaboration.
It also focused on exploring how broad-based monetary policy communication and guidance can positively influence the global investment community’s perception of Nigeria and on determining the right bundle of monetary policies and interventions to increase the productive sector’s growth.
The apex bank governor expressed expectations for continued moderation in the coming quarters.
A key focus of the meeting was the CBN’s commitment to improved communication and transparency.
Cardoso emphasised the bank’s intention to utilise forward guidance, a strategy that has to do with communicating future monetary policy actions to enhance investor confidence – both domestic and international.
According to the CBN Governor, building trust through transparency is critical to attracting investment and fostering a healthy business environment.
Addressing the recent interest rate hikes implemented by the CBN, he provided a detailed explanation on the rationale behind the decisions and the expected timeline for their impact on the economy.
The CBN Governor assured the OPS that the measures were designed to achieve price stability, a core function of the central bank, while also supporting economic growth.
Cardoso acknowledged the challenges faced by the private sector in accessing foreign exchange (FX) and emphasised the bank’s ongoing efforts to improve FX supply while ensuring a fair and balanced approach that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
The meeting reiterated CBN’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector as discussions focused on establishing a framework for ongoing communication and engagement with OPS leadership.
This collaboration is designed to harmonise economic policy and ensure the CBN’s effective support for private sector growth, potentially in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Mr. Cardoso noted the importance of private sector input in shaping economic policy, saying: “The private sector is a critical engine of our economy.”
The inclusion of private sector perspectives is seen as crucial for creating a more robust and investor-friendly financial environment.
President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, raised concerns regarding the operation of the CBN’s price verification system.
He, however, proposed a collaborative approach which was agreed upon, with the OPS providing specific details and suggestions for improvement.
Other private sector leaders also addressed the need for development finance support.
While acknowledging that such measures may not directly increase cash flow, the private sector leaders emphasised their value in enhancing the productive sector’s capacity to manage risks like exchange rate volatility.
The CBN’s role in facilitating trade finance and development finance through traditional institutions was also highlighted.
The apex bank presented a detailed explanation of the economy’s trajectory, the reasons behind the recent aggressive monetary policy rate hikes, and the expected transmission timeline into the economy.
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The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has permanently forfeited to the Federal Government properties valued at N11,140,000,000.00 (billion) and N1.04 billion linked to the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke made the order of final forfeiture after hearing a motion filed and argued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel Chineye Okezie.
The judge had on June 5, 2024, upheld the anti-graft agency’s motion filed an argued by its counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), for an interim forfeiture of the property.
Oyedepo informed the court that Emefiele was suspected to have bought the choice properties by proxy, with the proceeds of fraud.
The EFCC named two current and one former CBN staff as Emefiele’s accomplices in the alleged fraud.
The trio, according to the affidavit filed in support of the application, are Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben and Akomolafe Adebayo working with Olubunmi Makinde a former CBN staff and others.
The properties are mostly located in highbrow parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Justice Aneke ordered the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper for any interested party to show cause why the final order of forfeiture should not be made.
Read Also: Why Corruption can be defeated in Nigeria – EFCC boss
The judge adjourned for hearing of the motion for final forfeiture.
Upon resumption on Friday, June 21, no party appeared in court to contest the judge’s interim order and Okezie moved her motion for permanent forfeiture.
Justice Aneke, after reading a 41-paragraph affidavit deposed to by an EFCC Investigating Officer, Michael John Idoko, the 19 exhibits attached, a Written Address signed by Okezie, and after hearing Okezie’s motion, granted the application.
The properties were listed by the EFCC in two schedules, A and B.
The judge said: “Having carefully considered the application and submission of counsel, it is hereby ordered as follows: – that a final forfeiture order of this honourable court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule A herein which were traced and reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”
They Include shops and apartments at Cadastral Zone Maitama and Wuse.
For Schedule B, Justice Aneke added: “That a final forfeiture order of this Honourable Court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria, properties contained in Schedule B herein which properties were traced to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.”
The properties include lands and apartments which were paid for on behalf of Oluwaseun at a total value of N1.04billion.
According to the affidavit, Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben and Akomolafe Adebayo working with Olubunmi Makinde “used their positions and Influence as CBN staff to secure retail and Special allocation of Foreign Exchange to different companies in exchange for kickbacks.
“That Olubunmi Makinde is the link between Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben and Akomolafe Adebayo and the various companies applying for the purchase of foreign exchange.
“That Obayemi Oluwaseun Teben
and Akomolafe Adebayo as staffs of the Central Bank of Nigeria has access to the bidding processes and bidding Data of companies who has applied for the approval of form Ms to the CBN through their various commercial banks.”
The Kano police command says it will not comply with the directive of the state government on the eviction of Aminu Bayero, the deposed 15th Emir of Kano.
Speaking in an interview with Punch on Friday, Usaini Gumel, Kano commissioner of police, said the state government is “jumping the gun” with the eviction directive.
“The police will not evict the deposed Emir because the same government has filed a case at the state high court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024,” Gumel was quoted as saying.
“The government is jumping the gun because the same government has filed a case on the eviction order, which is coming up on the 24th of June, 2024.
“So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court.”
On Thursday, the federal high court in Kano nullified all actions by the state government repealing the Kano Emirates Council Law of 2019 on May 23.
Muhammed Liman, the presiding judge, held that the defendants were aware of an interim order previously granted by the court but ignored it and implemented the Kano Emirates Council Law 2024.
The judge, however, ruled that his order did not affect the validity of the emirate law passed by the state house of assembly.
On May 23, Abba Yusuf, the Kano governor, announced the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir of Kano.
The governor also ordered the dethronement of Bayero as Emir of Kano.
Speaking after the court verdict, Haruna Dederi, Kano attorney-general and commissioner for justice, said the state has acknowledged the judgment, noting that the ruling affirmed the validity of the emirate law.
Dederi said the government has ordered the demolition of a section of the palace of Bayero.
He added that the police have been directed to take over the Emir’s palace in Nassarawa LGA.
The naira depreciated to N1,495 per dollar at the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market on Friday.
The current rate represents a drop of 0.33 percent from the N1,490/$ traded on June 19.
Speaking to TheCable in Lagos, currency traders, also known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, quoted the buying rate of the greenback at N1,460 and the selling price at N1,495 — leaving a profit margin of N35.
At the official window, the local currency depreciated marginally to N1,485.53/$ on Friday — from N1,485.36/$ on June 20.
According to FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees the official FX trading in Nigeria, the dollar exchanged for as high as N1,505 and as low as N1,401, during trading hours.
The daily FX market turnover stood at $193.50 million.
On June 14, 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the FX market.
Owing to the devaluation of the naira, there have been consistent fluctuations in the FX market.
The FX situation, according to Timi Bomodi, comptroller of Seme command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on June 9, has made Nigerian goods affordable for African countries.
However, Mojisola Adeyeye, director-general, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on May 29, said the devaluation of the naira accounted largely for the high cost of local medicine production.
Flynas, a Saudi Arabian airline, says arrangements have been concluded to airlift the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims back home on Saturday.
In April, the airline signed an agreement with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to airlift pilgrims in the 2024 hajj exercise.
Yasser Ajlan, Flynas director for business development, had said the airline airlifted pilgrims from Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Zamfara states to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement on Friday, Umar Kaila, general sales agent (GSA) of Flynas, said pilgrims from Kebbi state would be airlifted from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA) in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
“We are happy to announce that Flynas is fully set to begin Phase Two of the airlift operation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria from Saturday, June 22, 2024, with pilgrims from Kebbi State,” the statement reads.
“Like we had a seamless airlift operation from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia during Phase One without any delay, we have made adequate arrangements to transport our pilgrims back to Nigeria seamlessly and efficiently.”
Kaila said the airline has provided a smooth and seamless return airlift operation from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria.
He said the airline will conduct the return operation in 49 flights with five aircraft which will include pilgrims returning to Kebbi, Lagos, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe, Borno, Osun, Ogun, and Niger state.