2025 Muslim Hajj Threatened, As Commission Locks Horn With Private Operators Over N15 Billion

September 27, 2024

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has expressed fear that the 2025 Hajj operations to Saudi Arabia is being threatened by the decision of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN) to withdraw their services in the operations.

A statement by the spokesperson of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara said that the recent directive by AHOUN instructing their members to suspend participation in 2025 Hajj preparations is a matter for concern.
NAHCON said that it acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, and that it has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns.
“The delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of Hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the Commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds. On 24th September 2024, NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi Hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.
“Recently, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed that only 20 lead companies would organize Hajj from Nigeria for ease of coordination and proper regulation.
“However, in good faith, NAHCON has agreed to mergers and consolidation to give all interested parties an opportunity to remain in business but with the interest of serving pilgrims satisfactorily in mind.
“Thus, as regulators, NAHCON strongly believes that open dialogue and continued collaboration are the best ways to resolve these matters without causing unnecessary disruptions that could affect the pilgrims and operators alike. NAHCON remains open to further discussions with AHOUN to iron out any lingering concerns and work towards a swift resolution.
“In the meantime, NAHCON advises AHOUN leadership and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 Hajj operations. “This is in the best interest of all parties involved because with or without AHUON, Arafat will still hold on the stipulated date.
“NAHCON’s doors are open for discussions.”
This came as AHOUN called out on its members to boycott the preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.
The President of AHUON, AbdulLateef Yusuff Ekundayo, in a notice, asked members to suspend all actions relating to the Hajj 2025 preparations until they are paid the backlog of about N15 Billion.
He said that those who have made payment for hajj 2025 should not submit it until a counter directive is given.
“Members that have collected the form, submitted it, and made payment should send the name of their company to the zonal VP
“The NEC has met with our BOT members, and we all agreed that this action is necessitated in order to ensure that all our requests before NAHCON are duly met, especially our accumulated refunds over the years
“It is worthy of note that NAHCON responded to our several letters of request only on Tuesday, 24th Sept 2024, giving an excuse that Hajj processing should not be delayed to align with the Saudi Hajj calendar.
“This, to us, is their usual tactics over the years with regards to the issues of accumulated refunds with them and can no longer be tolerated.
“We implore our dear members to stay action and continue to support our determination to explore all legal means of recovering our members’ rights and set a good precedence for both parties.
“This period is no doubt challenging, but with your support and prayers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel Bi’izinilLahi Rahman.”

Nigerian, Prof Rotimi Sadiku, Emerges World’s Top Researcher

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2024

A renowned polymer scientist and a foremost member of the Ogidi Ela Forum, Professor Rotimi Sadiku has emerged Number one researcher across the world, beating 379 others who were assessed in Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. Professor Sadiku has been teaching in the same university and conducting researches for the past 20 years.
According to information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, the rating of the research works was contained in the AD Scientific Index 2025 and coordinated by Elsevier Publishers and Stanford University.
It was gathered that by the rating, Professor Sadiku stands at number 154 out of the 19,145 researchers rated in South Africa and 262 out of the 170,834 assessed in Africa.
“Of the 2,400,171 rated globally, Sadiku stands at number 46,951. By that, he stands tall among the top two percent of global researchers.”
According to Meta Artificial Intelligence (AI), AD Scientific Index is a database that evaluates and ranks scientists based on their scientific performance and publication metrics. It provides a comprehensive list of researchers worldwide, considering factors such as: H-Index (a measure of research productivity and citation impact), citations, publications, international collaboration and scientific output.
AD Scientific Index aims to promote transparency in scientific research, identify leading researchers and institutions, facilitate collaboration and networking and Support research evaluation and policy-making.

FCT Minister, Wike, Warns Area Council Chairmen To Pay Teachers And End Strike Or…

Greenbarge Reporters

September 27, 2024

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike has asked chairmen of the six Area Councils to immediately end the lingering strike by primary school teachers in the territory.
He warned that if the strike continue because the chairmen are adamant, he may be compelled to use the 10 per cent Internally Generated Revenue meant for the councils to pay the teachers.
Wike, who was answering reporters’ questions after inspecting some ongoing road projects, said: “I have invited the area council chairmen and the NUT to sit down.
“We try to do what we can do in order to see that the system is moving well. It is unfortunate that the teachers are on strike.
“That will mean that if the teachers are not paid, I will use the 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which we normally pay to them to pay the teachers.
“No serious government will fold its arms and watch the teachers stay at home while the children suffer. I will not tolerate that ”
Wike told newsmen after inspecting, among others, Apo-Karshi Road project and the newly awarded emergency rehabilitation of the Nyanya-Karshi road project that the Apo-Karshi Road project was very dear to the Administration.
He expressed doubt that the Contractor – Messr Kakatar, could deliver on the April 2025 deadline as promised.
“We thought that within seven months they ought to have completed but unfortunately the contractor could not move to site because of some procurement processes.
“But thank God we have passed that stage now and they have also been mobilised.
“I still have my doubts. I will not lie to you, but the contractors are insisting that by April they would have completed this project. It is a project that is very dear to us. “We know the importance of this road. So many people are eager to see that this road is completed on time so that it will ease off a lot of traffic. It will also boost the economic activities in this area.
“So let us give them (the contractor) the benefit of doubt and believe that they will play their own part.
“On our own part, we are doing what we are supposed to do. The funds are there to be given to them.
“And we believe that they should put more efforts. If I come back here again and see that they have improved on what we have seen on ground today, I will tell the treasury department to release further funds to them, but for now let’s watch them because we are very serious about this project.”

Never Mind Noise Makers, I Knew APC Would Win Edo Guber Poll – Tinubu

Greenbarge Reporters

September 26, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has said that before the governorship election took place in Edo State last week Saturday, September 21, he had already made his calculation and arrived at a conclusion that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would emerge winner.
”Never mind the noise makers. I do a lot of statistical sampling and results. When you hear politicians saying ‘all politics is local’, you must respect that notion.
”When you see the stability in the Edo North senatorial district, we see a man that won the Central senatorial district and a candidate who has won a seat in the south senatorial district; we did a match- which turned out to be a winning match,” he said.
President Tinubu made the remarks when he received in audience, at the presidential villa today, September 26, the Edo State Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, along with his deputy, Rep. Dennis Idahosa and the leadership of the APC. They presented their certificates of return to the President.
Tinubu acknowledged the role played by the former Edo state governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the progressive governors and the APC leadership in the successful outcome of the elections.
”I saw Adams Oshiomhole radiating in joy… sincerely, the governors showed up in Edo, they impressed me. “They defended the party. They worked hard for the party.”
He advised the incoming Governor to prioritize the development of the state, even as he assured him of the full support of the Federal Government and the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF).
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of good governance and delivering results to the people of Edo State.
‘’Governor-elect, you can now face the task of development. We are here to work with you. You have seen the progressive governors of APC. They are truly progressive. Work with them. Learn the ropes, and I believe you are up to the task.”
The President reminded the Governor-elect that democracy is difficult, particularly in emerging democracies and economies like Nigeria, adding: “if you hear complaints from places like America, you know how difficult it is to navigate democracy. But it remains the best form of government. ”
Tinubu described the Governor-elect and his deputy as a ”good symbol of people ordained by God to work together.
”You started as rivals and ended us as partners. You are a symbol of good understanding in politics; the man at our party’s helm has been through it before.
”In Kano, he was a front runner, became a second runner, and became a deputy before he eventually became a governor.”
President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for ensuring a peaceful and organised election, with no reports of violence or disturbances.
”I must thank the security agencies. There was no bloodshed, no riot, people voted and went back to their houses in peace, and the fears dissipated instantly.”
The President called on the party leadership and membership to remain united and focused on achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Go Out And Blow Our Trumpet, Tinubu Commandeers Ministers

Greenbarge Reporters

September 25, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has commandeered his ministers to stop shying away from media publicity, against the background of the achievements of his government.
“Because the feeling out there is that government is not doing enough and the government has been doing a lot. And it is up to them to go out there and blow their own trumpet. They should go out there and talk about what their ministries have been doing.”
The presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, gave out the position of the President today, September 25, while speaking to newsmen at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Onanuga said that the President is not happy with the slight media attention on his groundbreaking strides so far among members of the government.
“The President has given an order to all his ministers at the last Federal Executive Council meeting to go out there and speak about the activities of his administration.
“Some of them have been media shy, television shy, radio shy, and he wants them to overcome all that and go out there and speak about what they have been doing.”
The President’s spokesperson hinted about moves by the President for cabinet reshufflement
“The President has expressed his desire to reshuffle his cabinet, and he will do it.
“I don’t know whether he wants to do it before October 1st, but he will surely do it. That is what I will say, but he has not given us any timeline.”

CBN Monitary Policy Committee Worries Over Rising Inflation In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

September 24, 2024

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed concern over the rising inflation in the country.
“The MPC noted that even though headline inflation trended downwards due to a moderation in food inflation, core inflation has remained elevated, driven primarily by rising energy prices.
“The uptrend poses severe concerns to Members, as it clearly indicates the persistence of inflationary pressures. Members thus, reiterated the need to work in close collaboration with the fiscal authority to address the current upward pressure on energy prices.”
The Committee, in a Communique signed by the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso at the end of its meeting today, September 24, said that it had taken note of the fact that a lot more is required to actualize the Bank’s price stability mandate.
It took note of the continued growth in money supply, and stressed the need to curtail excess liquidity in the system, as well as address foreign exchange demand pressures.
“Members were also concerned about the growing level of fiscal deficit but acknowledged the commitment of the fiscal authority not to resort to monetary financing through
Ways & Means.”
Read more of the decisions taken at the meeting:
Eleven of the twelve members of the Committee were in attendance.
The Committee was unanimous in its decision to further tighten policy and thus decided as follows:
1. Raise the MPR by 50 basis points to 27.25 per cent from 26.75per cent.
2. Retain the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at+500/-100 basis points.
3. Raise the Cash Reserve Ratio of Deposit Money Banks by 500 basis points to 50.00 per cent from 45.00 per cent and Merchant Banks by 200 basis points to 16 per cent from 14 per cent.
4. Retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30.00per cent
The Committee noted the moderation in headline inflation year-on-yearin July and August 2024. In addition, the MPC noted the relative stability and convergence in the exchange rate across the various market segments, resulting from the Bank’s tight monetary policy stance. This is expected to improve confidence which will enable economic agents to plan in the medium
to long term.
Furthermore, members observed a strong correlation between FAAC releases and liquidity levels in the banking system as well as its impact on the exchange rate.The Committee, therefore, agreed to increase monitoring of future releases with a view to addressing its effects on price developments.
On food inflation, the upside risks remained flooding, hike in energy prices, scarcity of PMS and most importantly, insecurity in farming communities.
Considering the weight of food in the CPI basket, Members recognized the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing insecurity in farming communities and stressed the need to remain steadfast. In addition, the MPC applauded the ongoing effort of the Federal Government to bridge the food supply deficit through the duty-free import window for food commodities.The Committee also expressed optimism that the lifting of refined petroleum products from Dangote refinery will moderate transportation costs and significantly support the easing of food price pressures in the short to medium term.This is also expected to moderate foreign exchange demand for importation of refined petroleum products, with a positive spillover on external reserve and improvement in the overall balance of payment position.
Members assessed the performance of key financial soundness indicators and noted with satisfaction that despite familiar headwinds, the banking industry remains safe, sound,and stable. The Committee, however, emphasized the need to sustain supervisory oversight on the industry to strengthen its continued support to the economy.
Following these considerations, Members deliberated on the optimal policy option to sustain the downward trend in price development, contain emerging risks to inflation,stabilize the exchange rate and safeguard the banking system while also shielding the recovery of output growth. In addition, Members noted that the real policy rate remains negative even after the recent moderation in headline inflation. To attract investments into the economy, efforts must be sustained to achieve a positive real interest rate. This would enhance the economy’s competitiveness for international capital, thereby improving the exchange rate. Following a review of the upside risks to price development and the downside risks to the recovery of output growth, the Committee opted to tighten policy further, to safeguard the gains already accrued in moderating inflationary pressure.
Key Developments in the Domestic and Global Economies According to the National Bureau of Statistics, headline inflation moderated to
32.15 per cent in August2024 from 33.40per cent in July,driven by a decline in food inflation, while the core component inched up. Food inflation eased to 37.52 per cent in August 2024, compared with 39.53 per cent in July, while core inflation rose marginally to 27.58 per cent in August 2024, compared with
27.47 per cent in July. Month-on-month, headline inflation fell to 2.22 per cent
in August 2024 from 2.28 per cent in the preceding month while food inflation eased to 2.37per cent in August 2024, compared with 2.47 per cent in July.
Core inflation, however, rose marginally to 2.27 per cent in August 2024, compared with 2.16 per cent in July.
Real GDP (year-on-year) grew by3.19 per cent in the second quarter of 2024, compared with 2.98 per cent in the first quarter, driven by both the oil and non oil sectors. Staff forecast indicates that the economy would grow by 3.32 per cent in 2024.
The external reserve stood at US$39.07 billion as at 19th September 2024 an increase of 17.4 per cent compared with US$33.28 billion in the corresponding period of 2023. This represents 8 months of import cover for goods and services and 13 months of imports of goods only.
Global growth projection by the IMF remains at3.2per cent in 2024 and 3.3 per cent in 2025. Some of the downside risks to this projection remain geo economic fragmentation, elevated global debt and ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine as well as Israel and neighboring countries. As key central banks commence monetary easing, global financial conditions are expected to ease gradually and hopefully offset the downside
risks to the recovery of global growth.Global inflation is expected to continue its deceleration in 2024 but may remain above the long-run targets of most central banks in the advanced economies.
Members thus, expressed their commitment to continuous monitoring of developments in the global and domestic economies to ensure that the appropriate response is always deployed to address emerging risks.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on the 25th and 26th of November 2024.

Dangote Confirms Oil Subsidy Still Being Paid, Advises Federal Govt To Stop It Immediately

Greenbarge Reporters

September 24, 2024

The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has confirmed that federal government is still paying oil subsidy, and advised President Bola Tinubu to put a complete stop to it for the good of the country.
In a 26-minute interview with Bloomberg Television in New York today, September 24, Dangote said that putting a complete end to subsidy would be a win-win for his refinery and the the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
He insisted that the time is right to end subsidies which he regretted, have gulped trillions of naira from the country’s coffers. He added that the removal would assist in determining the country’s actual consumption.
He said that fuel production from his refinery would help ease pressures on the naira and would confirm ownership of two oil blocks in the upstream sector with an expected production date of next month.
“Subsidy is a very sensitive issue. Once you are subsidising something then people will bloat the price and then the government will end up paying what they are not supposed to be paying. It is the right time to get rid of subsidies.”
“But this refinery will resolve a lot of issues out there, you know, it will show the real consumption of Nigeria, because, you know, nobody can tell you. Some people say 60 million litres of gasoline per day.
“Some say, it’s less. But right now, if you look at it by us producing, everything can be counted. So everything can be accounted for, particularly for most of the trucks or ships that will come to load from us. We are going to put a tracker on them to be sure they are going to take the oil within Nigeria, and that, I think, can help the government save quite a lot of money. I think it is the right time, you know, to remove the subsidy.”
Speaking on whether or not the federal government retaining fuel subsidy would go well with his refinery, Dangote said his refinery had a choice of either to produce and export or produce and sell locally. “But we are a big private company. And yes, it’s true, we have to make a profit. We build something worth $20 billion, so definitely we have to make money.
“The removal of subsidies is totally dependent on the government, not on us. We cannot change the price, but I think the government will have to give up something for something. So I think at the end of the day, this subsidy will have to go.
“Petroleum products consume about 40 per cent of our foreign exchange,” Dangote said, adding that fuel from his refinery, which started supplying gasoline on September 15 to the state-owned oil company for domestic sale, “can actually stabilize the naira.”
The billionaire gave the details of the pricing disagreement that occurred with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
He said that the national oil company bought its current stock from the refinery at a cheaper price than its imported fuel but gave a uniform price for all products.
“There wasn’t really a disagreement, per se. NNPC bought from us on the 15th of September at the international price, which they also bought, about 800,000 metric tons of gasoline imported. So the one that they bought from us actually is cheaper than the one they are importing.
“And so when they announced our price, the guy, I don’t know whether he was authorized. It wasn’t really the real price. What they have announced is most likely that is what it cost them, including profit and other expenses.
“And then the other one is one that they imported. But the people don’t know how much they spend in terms of imports, but their importation is almost, maybe about 15 per cent more expensive than ours, you know.
“So what they are supposed to do is to sell at a basket price, or if they want to remove subsidy, they can announce that they will remove subsidy, which is okay, everybody you know will adjust it.”
Dangote said that discussions are still ongoing and a detailed agreement will be finalised this week on the planned crude oil sales anticipated to begin in October.
“We will sell the crude in naira after we have bought in naira. So now we are currently working out with the committee that the exchange rate is going to be priced. It is going to be normal pricing, you know, if crude is at $80, we will pay that price at an agreed exchange rate.
“And then we will also sell in the domestic market. What that will do is that it’s going to remove 40 per cent pressure on the naira. So because, see, the petroleum products consume about 40 per cent of foreign exchange, so you know, and then, you know, it’s like you have 40 per cent of demand been taken out so that can actually stabilize the naira and even if they subsidise, they would know what they are paying for.
“The deal is to give the government something that they want. It’s also a win-win situation for all and it would benefit the country.
“Currently, discussions are still ongoing to determine the details of the agreement. They are working out something that I think would be a win-win between us and the NNPCL.
“The agreement is very robust. Well, first of all, we would have energy security where they will give us crude. For example, in October, they’re going to give us 12 million barrels, which is on average, about 390,000 barrels a day, which will sell both gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel.”
Nigeria had imported all petrol consumed in the country before the Dangote Refinery came onstream.
President Tinubu had told Nigerians that his government had removed the subsidy when he took office in May 2023, the announcement that has since jerked up the inflation rate to about 34 per cent in 2024, before declining to about 32.15 per cent in August. Food inflation has remained high at about 40 per cent.
The naira has lost about 70 per cent of its value against the dollar since rules that pegged the currency at an artificially high level were relaxed last year.

Lawyer Drags Access Bank To Court For Allegedly Deducting Over N50 From His Account Unlawfully

Greenbarge Reporters

September 23, 2024

A legal practitioner, Junaid Sanusi has dragged Access Bank Plc to court, claiming N100 million damages for allegedly deducting more than N50 from his account.
Junaidu Sanusi told a Federal High Court, Ibadan, capital of Oyo State today, September 23, that he operated a savings account with the Bank and that he discovered that the bank was deducting more than N50 as an electronic levy stipulated by the Finance Act, 2019.
“What is provided in the Finance Act is that banks should deduct N50 one-off for transactions above N10,000.
“I noticed that the bank deducts N100, N250 and so on from my account as FGN electronic levy.”
Sanusi argued that any deduction on customers’ accounts must be subjected to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines 2020, and other Financial Institution Acts.
He said that these guidelines remained the only law allowing banks to make deductions from customers’ accounts.
“The court needs to determine whether or not it is lawful for the defendant to make unauthorized deductions from my account in favour of FGN or another third party than the one allowed under the CBN guidelines and Finance Act for bank charges.”
Sanusi said that he relied on his filed affidavit, nine exhibits and a written address in support of his originating summons.
He asked the court to grant all his prayers and to restrain Access Bank from making further deductions on his account. He wanted the bank to reverse the monies deducted unlawfully from his account from March 27, 2020.
”This should be until judgment is delivered in the suit.
“The court should also order the bank to pay N100 million to me as exemplary damages for wrongful deductions it made in favour of FGN without my authorisation.”
Responding, counsel for Access Bank, Ahmed Adeleke, said that he had filed a counter-affidavit, attached exhibits and a written address to argument his case.
He said that the bank reviewed the plaintiff’s three months’ statement of account between March 1, 2020 and May 29, 2020 to justify the deductions made.
Adeleke said that the bank never charged more than the amount stipulated by the law, going by the plaintiff’s transactions within the months under review.
He asked the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s case with substantial cost.
Meanwhile, the trial judge, Justice Uche Agomog has adjourned the case to November 12 for judgment.

APC Candidate, Okpebholo, Wins Edo Governorship Poll

Greenbarge Reporters

September 23, 2024

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC(, Monday Okpebholo, has been declared winner of Saturday, September 21, governorship election in Edo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through the Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, made the declaration in Benin City, midnight.
He said that Okpebholo polled a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his arch rival and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247, 274 votes.
The governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Olumide Akpata (SAN), came third, polling a total of 22,761 votes.
INEC record showed that APC won in eleven Local Government Areas out of 18, while the PDP won in seven and LP did not win in any local government.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulates the governor-elect, Okpebholo

President Tinubu To His Wife: Thanks For Sharing Triumphs And Trials Of Life With Me

Greenbarge Reporters

September 21, 2024

President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to his wife, Oluremi for staying by his side all through life to share in his triumphs and trials.
In a letter he addressed to Senator Oluremi on her 64th birthday, President Tinubu said: “I want to take a moment to tell you how truly blessed I feel to walk this path beside you.
“Your love sustains me, wisdom guides me, and strength lifts me. I could not ask for a better partner to share the triumphs and trials of life.”
The President said that his heart is full of gratitude and love for the incredible woman his wife has been.
“Since we began this journey together, you have been my rock, confidante, greatest supporter, and the love of my life.
“Every step of the way, you have shown unwavering strength, grace, and love to me, our family, and our beloved nation, Nigeria.
“You are the heart of our home, the light guiding me through the most challenging days, and the embodiment of kindness and wisdom.
“Your compassion, generosity, and dedication inspire millions of Nigerians and me, especially our young women, who look up to you as their First Lady.
“As you turn 64, I wish you nothing but boundless joy, peace, and happiness. May this year unfold with blessings, laughter, and cherished moments you so richly deserve. I look forward to all the moments we will create together in the years to come.
“With all my love and appreciation, now and always.”

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