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Category: Nigeria

  • Katsina expends N30 Billion to renovate, rehabilitate schools – Masari

    Katsina expends N30 Billion to renovate, rehabilitate schools – Masari

    The Katsina State Government has spent N30 billion in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to renovate and rehabilitate primary school structures in the state.

    Governor Aminu Bello Masari made the announcement during a meeting with former members of the State House of Assembly at Katsina’s Government House council chambers.

    He stated that the state government has renovated over 7,000 primary and secondary schools and hired 5,000 teachers across the state’s 34 local government areas.
    “My administration, in collaboration with UBEB, has spent over N30 billion on the renovation, rehabilitation, and furnishing of primary schools across the State.”

    “Over 7,000 primary and secondary schools have been renovated or rehabilitated by us.” “We hired over 5,000 teachers and promoted every teacher who had gone nine years without being promoted,” he said.

    Masari also claimed that his administration’s revolving strategy in the education sector has increased primary school enrollment from one million to over 2.2 million from 2015 to date.

    According to him, the government has spent N15 billion to build drainages in the Katsina metropolitan area to combat flooding, despite the fact that the government had previously spent N4 billion on the same project.
    The Governor also stated that the government, in collaboration with the World Bank, had spent N50 billion overnight to combat flooding and gully erosion in the state’s Katsina, Jibia, Malumfashi, and Funtua local government areas.

  • IPMAN Urges Federal Govt To Check Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Excesses

    IPMAN Urges Federal Govt To Check Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Excesses

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the Federal Government to rein in Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) to ensure downstream sector stability.

    Mr Anicho Oti, Zonal Secretary, IPMAN, South East Zone, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos.

    Tanker drivers, he claims, have grown so powerful that they are holding the industry hostage by threatening to strike at any time.

    “We are appealing to the government to call the tanker drivers to order because they are disrupting the industry’s relative peace,” he said.
    “For instance, they have been collecting IPMAN trip levies at all the petroleum depots but have refused to remit same to us.

    “In Port Harcourt alone, they have collected about N89 million between May and July this year, which they are withholding and when we insisted on being paid, they are threatening to down tools.
    “They are also collecting the N5,000 per truck stakeholders levy which is supposed to be shared among all stakeholders but they have refused to release the money.”

    On the spate of oil theft in the country, Oti said some tanker drivers were involved and frustrating efforts of the government and other stakeholders to tackle the issue.

    “We set up a monitoring unit and from our investigation so far, it was discovered that some of them were carrying adulterated products and products from illegal refineries.

    “When they are caught, they are protected by some of their members with threat of going on strike,”he said.

    Oti while commending efforts of the government and stakeholders in addressing the issue, said those involved in such nefarious activities should be brought to justice.

    He said IPMAN would continue to support the government and other critical stakeholders in ensuring the smooth distribution of petroleum products across the country.

  • PDP berates Buhari over ASUU strike, RECs, says APC govt enabling terrorism

    PDP berates Buhari over ASUU strike, RECs, says APC govt enabling terrorism

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again chastised the Buhari administration over the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ ongoing strike (ASUU).

    At its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, the main opposition party condemned the situation.

    Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary, lamented the failure of the APC government to end the strike.

    On February 14, lecturers across the country began a boycott of universities. Despite government offers, they refuse to pay salaries for the previous six months.

    The National Education Commission (NEC) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of relishing the agony, pain, and suffering of parents and students in public universities.
    The PDP condemned the “display of arrogance” by the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in handling the issue and called for a more constructive engagement by stakeholders.

    The party expressed concern about the insecurity “occasioned by the obvious complicity of the APC administration which continues to condone and enable acts of terrorism”.

    NEC also criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s reported appointment of card-carrying members of the APC as INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

    “This unpatriotic act is a brazen plot by the APC to manipulate and rig the 2023 general elections against the will of Nigerians”, the PDP warned.

    The opposition further demanded that the President should withdraw the APC members nominated as RECs.

    The statement said failure to do so could trigger a serious political crisis that might threaten the 2023 general elections and derail the process.

    The NEC also decried the state of the nation’s economy, “occasioned by the corruption, insensitivity, incompetence and harsh economic policies”.

    The opposition advised the people to vote out the APC next year and elect the PDP “to start the onerous task of rescuing and rebuilding our nation”.

  • Nigeria losses $2.7bn as oil production falls below 1mb/d

    Nigeria losses $2.7bn as oil production falls below 1mb/d

    According to the most recent data, Nigeria’s oil production fell below one million barrels per day in August, costing the country $2.658 billion.

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, reported yesterday that daily average production for August was 972,394 barrels, compared to 1.083 million barrels produced in July 2022.

    The output fell 857,606 barrels short of Nigeria’s OPEC daily production quota of 1.83 million barrels.
    At the average price of $100 per barrel, the country lost $85.76 million daily, amounting to $2.658 billion during the month.

    NUPRC data showed that condensate, which is not part of Nigeria’s OPEC quota was 207,052 barrels per day.

    Nigeria’s oil production has been hampered by rising oil theft, illegal refining and production shut-ins.

    Yesterday, oil and gas workers protested against the rising level of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta and demanded that the Federal Government take action against the criminals.

    Marching under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, in Abuja, the workers said companies in the industry were struggling to stay afloat due to loss of revenue.

  • Breaking: Tambuwal has not resigned – PDP Governors Forum

    Breaking: Tambuwal has not resigned – PDP Governors Forum

    The Governors Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has denied reports that its Chairman, Sokoto state Governor Aminu Tambuwal, has resigned.

    This was stated in a statement sent on Thursday night by the forum’s DG, Hon CID Maduabum.

    “This is to inform the general public and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party that the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF), Rt Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR has not resigned as Chairman of the Forum, contrary to some media reports,” the statement said.
    “Members of the PDP GOVERNORS FORUM are working behind the scenes to resolve all contending issues concerning the Party. To this end a meeting of the Forum will soon be convened.”
    More to come…

  • Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    Nigerian story not complete without Queen Elizabeth – Buhari

    On Thursday, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd. ), learned with great sadness of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll of the United Kingdom.

    He also expressed his condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom on the death of the world’s longest reigning monarch.

    Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement signed late Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, titled ‘President Buhari mourns the Queen of England’.

    On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II of England died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in the United Kingdom.

    According to an official release from the Royal Family, the queen died peacefully.
    In his condolence message, the President said “My family and I, and the more than 200 million Nigerians have learned with immense sadness of the passing of the Queen and the end of her unique and wonderful 70 year reign. Her late Majesty was the only British Sovereign known to 90 percent of our population.

    “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth as we join the entire world in mourning her loss.

    “The story of modern Nigeria will never be complete without a chapter on Queen Elizabeth ll, a towering global personality and an outstanding leader. She dedicated her life to making her nation, the Commonwealth and the entire world a better place.”

    Buhari also welcomed the heir to the throne, King Charles III saying, “Your Majesty’s ascension to the throne in line with tradition and prays King Charles the Third’s reign will witness the continuing robust and sisterly relations between our two nations.”

  • Breaking: DSS recovers Incriminating Materials, Military Equipment from Mamu’s home

    Breaking: DSS recovers Incriminating Materials, Military Equipment from Mamu’s home

    The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has provided an update on a raid on the home of Tukur Mamu, publisher of the Desert Herald and hostage negotiator for the Kaduna Train.

    Mamu was apprehended by the agency on Wednesday at the request of the Nigerian military.

    The DSS revealed that ‘incriminating materials’ were discovered in Mamu’s home in a statement released on Thursday evening, signed by its PRO, Peter Afunanya(Phd.).

    “So far, appropriate security agencies have executed valid search warrants on Mamu’s residence and office,” the statement said.

    “During the processes, incriminating materials including military accoutrements were recovered. Other items include large amounts in different currencies and denominations as well as financial transaction instruments.”

    “While further investigations continue, Mamu will, sure, have a day in court.”

  • Breaking: Despite ongoing ASUU strike UNILORIN appoints new vice-chancellor

    Breaking: Despite ongoing ASUU strike UNILORIN appoints new vice-chancellor

    Despite the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUUongoing )’s seven-month-long strike, the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Kwara State, announced the appointment of a new vice-chancellor on Thursday night.

    Wahab Egbewole, the new vice-chancellor, is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and he is set to take office on October 16.

    Abidu Yazidi, Chairman of the Institution’s Governing Council, made the announcement.

    Kunle Akogun, the university’s spokesman, confirmed the new development over the phone.

    Selection process

    In a short speech delivered by Mr Yazidi on Thursday while making the announcement, he said the selection of the vice-chancellorship processes had kicked off in March with an advertisement in line with the law establishing the university.

    He said; “In accordance with the laws of this University, the University of Ilorin Act, CAP U7 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, the tenure of the current Vice-Chancellor is due to lapse on the 15th of October 2022, the Council of the University began the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor as far back as March 2022.
    We advertised nationwide for applicants and also through our website. We eventually received some twenty-nine (29) applications from this effort. Even before the returns were in, however, we mounted a special search process by which we reached out to no less than fifty-six (56) people in Universities and other institutions, both at home and abroad.”

    Mr Yazidi said following the constitution of a selection committee, 13 of the applicants “who fulfilled our advertisement and other conditions” were shortlisted for interview by the committee on behalf of the governing council.

    The chairman added: “We interacted with them and processed their application over a period of four days. We checked and double-checked their credentials, we closely questioned and probed each of them to make sure that they would support and fulfill the vision and mission of the University.

    “We specifically looked for candidates who would support and be sympathetic to the needs of our students, who would interface and work smoothly with other faculty members, who would be mindful of the needs and aspirations of our host community, as well as the candidate who, in our opinion would be truly concerned about the progress of the university and our responsibility to our Nation.

    “I am glad to inform you that the Council has, after rigorous selection procedure, approved the appointment of Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, as the eleventh Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin.”

    About Egbewole
    Mr Egbewole, who is 61 years old, holds a PhD in Law and Jurisprudence and is said to have served the university within the last 25 years.

    The new vice-chancellor, who hails from Ifetedo, Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, was once the Director of the General Studies Division of the university.

    He was appointed a Professor of Jurisprudence and International Law in 2012 and has served both in the Senate and Governing Council of the university.

  • Regional govt system can’t help Nigeria anymore – Yakasai

    Regional govt system can’t help Nigeria anymore – Yakasai

    Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a First Republic politician and elder statesman, said on Thursday that reverting to a regional system of government, as has been advocated, will not help the Nigerian situation.

    A regional government is a type of government in which each region is allowed to control resources within its domain while only paying a royalty to the central government.

    He stated that the country’s precarious situation and the slew of challenges it faces cannot be remedied by returning to the regional system of government.

    He stated this at The Niche’s annual lecture, titled “2023 Elections and the Future of Nigeria’s Democracy,” which was held on Thursday at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos State.
    Those present at the event include the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, former Bayelsa State Governor, James Ibori, former NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, among others.
    “I believe the country’s precarious situation cannot be corrected by the regional system of government. Regional system of government can’t help Nigeria at this point,” Yakasai said.

    The first Republic politician, however, advocated for the adoption of the French presidential system of government over the American presidential system of government.

    According to him, the French presidential system of government is cost effective and suitable for Nigeria.

    “We should do away with the present system of government prone to waste, corruption, among others,” he said.

    Details later…

  • Why Nigeria should end fuel subsidy – Akabueze

    Why Nigeria should end fuel subsidy – Akabueze

    By Odinaka Anudu

    Ben Akabueze, Director General of the Nigerian Budget Office, believes that the trillions of naira spent on fuel subsidies could be better spent on other creative sectors, particularly education.

    Akabueze said on Arise TV’s Global Business Report that the funds could be used to end the Academic Staff Union of Universities strike and raise the pay of government employees.

    “The truth is that public employees should be paid far more than they are now.” It’s similar to the ongoing issue with ASUU and lecturer pay. I have not met anyone in government who believes that lecturers are adequately compensated or that they should not be compensated significantly more. The ability to pay is the crux of the ASUU issue. It is why this matter has dragged on because the government has refused to commit to a number that it does not have the ability to pay,” he said.
    The Federal Government will likely spend N6.7tn on petrol subsidies in 2023 if it plans to pay for the whole year. The cost may reduce to N3.36tn if the subsidies if it remains up to mid-2023, according to the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed.

    Akabueze noted that fuel subsidies often had a huge impact on the economy and the lives of the people, stressing that “when you eliminate fuel subsidies or cut back on it, there will be an immediate impact on people.”

    He blamed the absence of investments in the midstream sector of Nigeria’s oil & gas industry on the existence of petrol subsidies, noting that where price was not market-driven, investors would be reluctant to commit.
    On the matter of the suspension of the telecommunications tax, Akabueze said, “I don’t know about this suspension because this (tax) is now law. Beyond what I have read in the media, we haven’t been advised on the suspension.”

    On the issue of whether Nigeria had a revenue or debt problem, he noted that Nigeria’s debt was not really in a bad shape.

    “When you look at all the other indices of debt sustainability, our debt looks okay. This is till you get to the matter of debt-service-to-revenue. That’s where Nigeria looks really bad and where we are testing the limits of sustainability. What the Minister of Finance said is that we need to address this revenue problem quickly because if we do not, then we will be faced with a real debt crisis.”

    On whether Nigeria could be forced to approach the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, Akabueze said he did not see Nigeria going to the IMF voluntarily.

    “This is a hot potato issue here in Nigeria. But the honest truth is, if we don’t address our fiscal challenges, in a sensible and sustainable manner, we may end up unwillingly approaching the IMF,” he cautioned.

    On the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Ways & Means financing of the Federal Government, which rose to N19.9tn in June 2022 and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s N5 trillion toxic assets, the DG said both were crucial debt issues that the government must make priorities.