MTN, Glo End “War” Over Interconnectivity

February 9, 2024

The interconnectivity “war” raging between the two telecommunications giants: MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has finally been resolved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
A statement yesterday, February 8, by the spokesperson of the NCC, Reuben Muoka, said that the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.
“Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.
“The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.
“In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.”
Mouka said that this statement would serve as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.

Shell Seeks Support Of Content Board To Fast-Track Development Of 3 Major Oil, Gas Projects

Greenbarge Reporters

February 8, 2024

The leadership of Shell Companies in Nigeria has sought the support of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to achieve accelerated development of three major oil and gas projects at Bonga North deepwater and HI and HA, which are conventional gas projects.
The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engineer Felix Omatsola Ogbe, who received the delegation from the international oil company, led by the Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), Osagie Okunbor, and the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mrs. Elahor Aiboni, at the Board’s liaison office in Abuja, confirmed that NCDMB would sustain its momentum in expeditious consideration and approvals of oil and gas projects.
He said that the Board will meet the timelines set by the Service Level Agreement (SLA) instituted for shortening the contracting cycle for oil and gas projects.
He charged international oil and gas companies in Nigeria to meet the thresholds set by the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act in their projects, while being transparent with their project plans submitted to the Board. He said that oil and gas projects should be executed with a win-win mindset, adding that NCDMB is able to meet its mandate and create opportunities for local oil service companies to get engaged and employ Nigerians.
This was even as the Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN), Osagie Okunbor pledged the company’s determination to take the Final Investment Decision (FID) on some of the major projects in 2024, which would benefit the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the national economy.
He said that the planned divestment by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) would not affect any contract duly entered by the company, while the major projects in the pipeline, especially the gas projects would be developed under SNEPCo.
According to him, the divestment is a business realignment and would only affect the shareholding structure of the company, while the operations and staff would remain intact.
Speaking on the new projects, Okunbor said that the Bonga North project would be a tie-back project that would unlock about 350 million barrels of oil equivalent and extend the life of Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) for another 15 years.
He said that the company had made appreciable progress in the plans for HI and HA projects which would supply 50 percent of the gas required for the successful operation of the Train 7 project currently being developed by the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Company.
He stressed the need to develop the gas projects speedily, to avoid delaying the Train 7 operation date.
While thanking NCDMB for its support for the company’s various projects, Okunbor requested the Board to fast-track the approvals on the new projects to enable the projects to proceed to full execution. He said that the economics of the projects are challenging and making it imperative to carefully manage the expenditures for in-country and out-of-country scopes of the project.
The Country Chairman congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment and conveyed the enduring support of Shell Companies in Nigeria to the delivery of the Board’s mandate and continued performance as the number one federal agency in the country.
He also commended the Executive Secretary for his avowed vision to improve the speed of the Board’s approval processes to enable the development of new oil and gas projects.
The Managing Director of SNEPCo, Mrs. Elahor Aiboni reiterated the company’s plan to develop the Bonga North project as fast as possible, to increase the country’s crude oil production.

Lady Kidnapper, Janet, Arrested In Taraba, At Point Of Collecting N1.5 Million Ransom

Greenbarge Reporters

February 8, 2024

A 31 year old suspected lady kidnapper, whose name was given as Janet Igohia, has been arrested by troops from 93 Battalion under 6 Bridget of the Nigerian Army, while trying to pick up ransom for a kidnapped victim in Taraba State.
Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army Bridget, Lieutenant Oni Olubodunde, in a statement today, February 8, said that Janet Igohia was arrested after picking up the sum of N1.5 million, being ransom payment for a kidnapped victim at Chanchangi in Takum Local Government Area of the state.
He said that Igohia confessed that she was married to Voryor Gata, a notorious criminal and former second – in – command to the late Gana Terwase.
“She is currently married to the leader of a violent extremist group in southern Taraba.”
She was said to have confessed also of having previously married to high profile criminals, such as the late Terkibi Gemaga aka Mopol, a notorious kidnapper who was killed by troops five years ago.
“She revealed that she also got married to the late Gana Terwase, another notorious criminal who was killed during a joint special force operation three years ago.”
Lieutenant Olubodunde said that the troops deployed in Mararaba Baissa community of Donga LGA apprehended two other suspected gun runners who were allegedly involved in extra-judicial killings and cattle rustling with the sum of N 600,000.
“The money recovered from the suspects was part of the proceeds from their illegal activities and 2 Techno mobile phones.”
He gave the names of the suspects as Alhaji Adamu Damisa (40 years old) and Usman Isah (44 years old).
Source: DAILY TRUST.

NNPC Pledges To Domicile Its Revenue, Others In CBN

Greenbarge Reporters

February 8, 2024

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), has formally pledged to domicile a significant portion of its revenues and other banking services with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The decision was taken at a meeting between the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari, and the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso.
At the meeting in Abuja today, February 8, the NNPC Ltd. and CBN Chiefs noted the value created by the decision for all parties, especially in providing the NNPC Ltd. with an improved platform for managing its cash holding obligor limits in commercial banks set by the Board of Directors.
The CBN has provided enhanced digital platforms for all transactions and has established specific limits to manage NNPC Ltd. transactions.
A joint statement by the spokespersons of the NNPCL, Olufemi O. Soneye and CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali said that both parties have also committed to further strengthening the collaboration to ensure seamless operations of the commercial NNPC Limited.
They said that NNPC Ltd. would continue to have banking transactions with commercial banks as required.

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Nwabali Emerges Man-Of-The-Match Against South African

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

The Supper Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has been named Man-of-the-Match after the semi-final encounter with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Nwabali saved two penalty kicks to help the Super Eagles earned a place in the final.
The Chippa United goalkeeper also made two brilliant saves in regulation time.
The Super Eagles won the keenly contested encounter 4-2 this evening, February 7, on penalties.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.
The Super Eagles will face the winner of the second semi-final between hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Democratic Republic of Congo in the final on Sunday.

Source: Prompt News online.

AFCON: Nigeria Kicks Out South Africa, Zooms To Final

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, this evening, February 7, kicked out their South African Bafana Bafana in the semi final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The two teams resorted to mandatory penalty shootouts after the full and extra time ended one apiece.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged the hero of the match after saving two of the South African’s penalty kicks.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the last penalty.
Ola Aina was the only Nigerian who missed his kick.
The match, played at Stade Bouaké in Bouaké, Cote d’Ivoire, saw both sides give good account of themselves.
The first goal of the match was scored by Super Eagles On-Field Captain, William Troost-Ekong, from the penalty spot.
This followed a foul on Nigeria’s top striker and African Footballer of the Year 2023, Victor Osimhen, in the 18 yard box.
South Africa also converted its penalty kick after a player was fouled in the 18 yard box of the Super Eagles.

Police Parade Over 80 Year Old Suspected Bandit, Kidnapper In Ekiti

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

Police have paraded an over 80 year old man, Pa Olowofela, as one of the suspected bandits, kidnappers and terrorists from Ekiti state.
He is believed to be the mastermind of the banditry, killing and kidnapping in Ekiti and Kwara States.
He was said to have participated in the recent killing of the three monarchs.
Pa Olowofela was arrested after one Baboga Alhaji (another kidnapper that was involved in the killing of the monarchs) was arrested by soldiers.
The soldiers also arrested 14 others, including the person receiving the ransom on behalf of the bandits.

6 Abuja Area Councils, Others Receive N4.8 Billion Cash Allocation For December 2023

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has disbursed the sum of N4.816 billion to the six Area Councils and other stakeholders as statutory allocation for the month of December, 2023.
The amount represents a slight increase when compared to N4,729,281,486.64 shared in the month of November, 2023.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who presided over the 185th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), meeting, expressed satisfaction over the synergy between the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) and the Area Council authorities as regards waste collections and management.
On the report submitted by the FCT Primary Health Care Board, the Minister tasked the Board to expand its scope beyond the routine immunization, stressing that drugs and personnel should also be given adequate attention.
Breakdown of the figures released during the JAAC meeting indicates that the sum of N2,364,151,892.54 was made available for distribution to the six Area Councils, while the sum of N2.452 billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N4,816,227,915.56.
Similarly, distributions to the six Area Councils shows that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), received N549,980,396.03, while Gwagwalada got N371,095,234,.30 and Kuje received N402,341,400.14.
Other Area Councils include, Bwari Area Council, which received N364,674,660.98, Abaji got N313,335,126.30, while Kwali received N362,725,074.79, bringing the total sum to N2,364,151,892.54 disbursed to the six Area Councils.
Distribution to other critical stakeholders include Primary School Teachers, which got N2,069,585,348.67; 15 percent Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57 while One percent Training Fund got N48,162,279.15, even as 10 percent Employer Pension Contribution received N107,849,405.63, bringing the total sum to N2,452,076,023.02.

2024 Pilgrimage: Hajj Commission Commences Recruitment Of Medical Team

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the recruitment of National Medical Team (NMT) for the 2024 hajj operations in the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia.
In a post on its website today, February 7, NAHCON said that the recruitment of the NMT will commence on February 12 and ends on February 26.
The Commission said that the medical team to be recruited are medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and environmental health personnel.
The Commission made it clear that the application and other processes for the recruitment are free, even as it lists many requirements that applicants must fulfill to qualify.
It asked applicants to apply by clicking “Resources” and “NMT” on its main NAHCON website portal, to fill the application forms.

How Fulani Herdsman Lured Me Into Kidnapping US Returnees — Shop Owner

Greenbarge Reporters

February 7, 2024

A shop owner in Ebonyi State, Njoku Michael, has narrated how a Fulani herdsman lured him into the kidnapping of some returnees from the United States of America for the last Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The shop owner, who was paraded alongside 16 other persons, made the revelation when he was paraded by the spokesman of the Ebonyi State Police Command, Joshua Akandu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, at the State Headquarters in Abakaliki, the state capital.
He confirmed that they received N40 million ransom, in both Naira and Dollar, as ransom for the kidnap.
Michael, who is from Abia State, said: “We were four persons who carried out the kidnap but it was only two of us who were captured by the police and we don’t know where the others are.
“We didn’t kill anybody, the lady who died was out of fear, we didn’t shoot anybody.
“The person who involved me into the kidnap of these persons we kidnapped in Ebonyi didn’t disclose it to me.
“The man who involved me is a Fulani man, he is my customer.
“He buys things from me in my shop where I sell provisions.
“The man came to my shop on December 13, 2023 with his cattle.
“I told him: ‘Alhaji, you have many cows now o.’
“But he told me: ‘Yes, the cows are mine.’
“I pleaded with him to borrow me N50,000 and promised to pay him back in February.
“He told me that he had no money and promised to get back to me.
“Five days later, the man came back to me.
“He didn’t come back with his cattle this time around.
“He told me that he wanted to carry me to work in Afikpo, Ebonyi State and I had never been to Afikpo before.
“I asked him the type of work he wanted to carry me told and he told me it’s manure work, that he wanted me to bag it and if I worked hard, I would earn N30,000 or N40,000 in four days.
“I said okay and called my brother to be taking care of my shop so that I would follow the Alhaji and go for that work.
“I followed the man to Afikpo and we got to Afikpo on that New Year in the evening.
“He bought me food and lodged me in one hotel. In the money, he stopped a bike and told me to join him in the bike and he took me to a thick forest and told me he was coming back.
“He went and brought two of his brothers and kept them with me.
“He didn’t tell me what he wanted me to do and it was evening period.
“He left us and came back with a bag.
“When he turned it on the ground, it was a gun and a cloth.
“I asked him what we were going to do with a gun, he asked me: ‘I think you said you were looking for money? This is the time we are going to look for the money.’
“He prepared himself finish and told us to follow him.
“We got to a bush path where he ordered us to stay in a corner in that bush path.
“When we were in the bush, he saw a jeep coming and shot on the air.
“The vehicle stopped and he attacked the vehicle and opened it.
“There were two men and one woman and he ordered the two men and one woman out on the ground and told them to follow us.
“He was at the front directing us and we followed him to a thick forest.
“We trekked for two hours before we got to the thick forest.”
Source: The Punch.

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