How Atiku, His Daughter, Tinubu’s Justice Minister, Others Acquire N1.49 Trillion Properties In Dubai

June 24, 2024

Within four years, Nigerians who are classified as Politically Exposed Personalities (PEPs) are believed to have doubled their investment in the real estate sector of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to an investigation on Business Day.
The newspaper reports that the investigation is part of ‘Dubai Unlocked,’ a six-month probe of UAE’s booming and secretive property market led by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) together with more than 70 media partners.
Economy Post is said to be the only Nigerian firm which participated in the project.
The newspaper reported that as of 2020, 800 houses were traced to Nigerian PEPs, but four years later, the number had reached 1,600.
In terms of value, the report said as of 2020, 800 properties valued at $400 million were traced to Nigerian PEPs in UAE’s commercial capital, but it has now increased to nearly $1 billion and 1,600 properties.

Quoting Dubai Land Department, the report listed Nigerians as the second highest foreign purchasers of Dubai properties after India.
“BusinessDay’s data analysis showed that aside from PEPs, top security agents, civil servants and people connected in government with their family members own 88 percent of properties ascribed to Nigerians in Dubai.”
“The locations are mostly posh areas, including Burj Khalifa, world’s tallest building; Marsa Dubai, Al Merkadh, Palm Jumeirah, Wadi Al Safa, Madinat Al Mataar, and Nad Al Shiba First, among others.
“Findings showed that some Nigerian male property registrants identified as females while did females registered as the opposite sex,” the report read.
The newspaper clarified that the report is not an indictment on the names listed, as there is no evidence that the individuals acquired the properties with stolen or public funds.
Below is the list:
ATIKU ABUBAKAR
A three-bedroom flat estimated at $1.23 million at Palm Tower in Dubai.
ATIKU’s 23-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER
A one-bedroom flat at Trade Centre Second, valued at $104,135. She also owns another two-bedroom flat at Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid estimated at $289,305.75.
LATEEF FAGBEMI
Nigeria’s chief attorney and justice minister owns an $85,846 property at Al Hebiah Third.
NASIR EL-RUFAI
A four-bedroom flat valued at $193,084 at Al Hebiah Third was traced to the former Kaduna State Governor.
YUSUF DATTI BABA-AHMED
Eight properties valued at $2.28 million were traced to the running mate to Peter Obi, Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections. The properties are located in choice locations such as Burj Khalifa, Al Yelayiss, Al Barsha South Fourth, and Town Square Safi 2.
IFEANYI UBA
A property valued valued at $1.13 million. While eight properties were linked to Uchenna Uba, his wife. The values were not inserted in the files, but one property (a villa) at Wadi Al Safa 7 costs about $1.13 million, while two others are valued at $294, 516 each.
ATTAHIRU BAFARAWA
7 properties valued at $1.48 million, while another real estate asset, located at Palm Jumeirah and valued at $750,112, belongs to his wife.
AHMED MARKAFI
A property at Burj Khalifa valued at $$822,016 was traced to the former Kaduna governor
TAFA BALOGUN
The former Inspector-General of Police, who is now late, was linked with five properties in various locations, including Marsa Dubai. The properties cost more than $1 million.
MBU JOSEPH
A property was traced to the former Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).
AHMADU ALI
A property whose value was not stated was traced to the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, while one valued at $422,887 was traced to his daughter, Khadijah Nneamaka Ali.
MAINA AJI LAWAN
11 properties were traced to the former Borno State governor and senator.
ASHE AHMADU MUAZU
Wife of a former PDP chairman, owns a property located at Hadaeq Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, valued at $1.16 million.
CHRISTABEL BENTU
A former special assistant to one-time governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye, owns a property .
ISA MAHMOUD NUHU
Two properties were traced to this Nigeria Customs Service (NIS) senior official. One property is estimated at $553,802.
SALISU ABDULLAHI YUSHAU
Two properties were traced to this former senior officer of the Nigerian Air Force.
MOHAMMED SIDI SANI
A flat at Marsa Dubai, valued at $590,807, was traced to the former director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who was sacked in April 2023 with seven of the agency’s directors. The property is valued at $590,807.
HADIZA ALI SHERIFF
A Marsa Dubai property valued at $3.093 million was linked to wife of former Borno State governor.
NENADI USMAN
One real estate was linked to this Nigeria’s former finance minister.
BOBBOI KAIGAMA
A property was traced to this Labour leader who was Trade Union Congress (TUC) president.
JIMOH IBRAHIM
7 properties were linked to the senator representing Ondo South.
IKE EKWEREMADU
Five properties were traced to Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy Senate president, who is serving a jail term in the United Kingdom.
ORJI UZOR KALU
One property was traced to the former Abia State governor who is now a senator.
JEREMIAH USENI
One property was traced to the former military governor of old Bendel State.
OSITA CHIDOKA
A real estate estimated at $101,793.37 at Jabal Ali First was traced to this former aviation minister.
OLISA METUH
Another real estate asset was linked to Olisa Metuh, former PDP spokesman.
ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR
A property at Marsa Dubai is said to be owned by Nigeria’s former head of state.
HASSAN ARDO TUKUR
A property valued at $1.025 million is reportedly owned by a former principal secretary to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
ADEYEMI IKUFORIJI
A property at Marsa Dubai was traced to this former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
DAN ETETE
Another property is said to be owned by Dan Etete (Dauzia Loya Etete), Nigeria’s former petroleum minister.
Source: Daily Trust.

Vice President Shettima Warns: Don’t Tamper With Sultan Of Sokoto

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2024

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has warned the government of Sokoto State to ensure that nothing happen to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
He described the Sultan as representing an idea and an institution that all Nigerians should jealously guard and protect.
Vice President Shettima, who spoke today, June 24, at the ongoing North West Peace and Security Summit, which is being broadcast live on Trust TV, said: “our father who is a permanent picture in all developmental issues in this country, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto. I want to use him as my point of reference to recognize and appreciate all our royal fathers present here.
“And to the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, I have a simple message for you. Yes, the Sultan is the Sultan of Sokoto, but he is much more than that; he represents an idea. He is an institution that all of us in this country need to jealously guard, protect, promote, preserve and project for the good of our nation.”
Vice President Shettima’s warning came on the heels of the suspicious making the rounds that the Sokoto State Government is toying with the idea of deposing Sultan Abubakar III.
The Executive Director of Muslim Rights Council (MURIC), Professor Isiaq Akintola had raised the alarm that the Sokoto government is allegedly plotting to depose the Sultan.
In his statement earlier today, Professor Akintola had said that Nigerian Muslims would reject any plan to depose the Sultan.
“MURIC advises the governor to look before he leaps. The Sultan’s stool is not only traditional, it is also religious. In the same vein, his jurisdiction goes beyond Sokoto. It covers the whole of Nigeria. He is the spiritual head of all Nigerian Muslims.
“Therefore, any governor who tampers with the stool of the Sultan will have Nigerian Muslims to reckon with because the Sultan combines the office of the Sultan of Sokoto and that of the President General of the NSCIA.”
Under the current law, the authority to appoint district and village heads lies with the Sultanate Council.
However, in practice, the Sultanate Council merely provides recommendations to the state government, with the governor ultimately making the appointments.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasir Binji,
had clarified that the proposed amendment aimed to synchronise the legal framework with the customary procedure in Sokoto.
He told newsmen after a State Executive Council meeting that under the proposed amendment, the Sultanate Council would retain the power to recommend candidates, while the authority to appoint would be vested in the governor.

Independent Hajj Reporters Kicks Against Decentralized Hajj Operating System In Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

June 24, 2024

A group known as Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has kicked against the call for the scrapping of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and decentralization of Hajj operations in the country.
The group which said that it used to monitor and report hajj in Nigeria, instead, called on the National Assembly to amend the NAHCON Act to ensure a cohesive and effective hajj operating system in the country.
In a statement today, June 24, the group’s national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad said that the necessity for the new dispensation should take cognisance of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj’s adjustment of hajj policy and calendar of events, “which is a detailed approved guideline for all hajj participating countries.
According to the statement, Nigeria is the fifth largest hajj country and the first in Africa with an allocation of 95,000 slots.
“Nigeria is the only country out of the Top 10 Hajj participating countries which includes Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Morocco and Malaysia that does not operate a centralized system.
“We operate a three-tier system in Nigeria (Federal, State and Local Governments). All the countries mentioned above have a unified and central control hajj administration with a coordinating unit at zones, so they found it easy to run 5 to 6 year hajj rolling plans.
“Local Government Pilgrims officers do Pilgrims Registration under the control of state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards. Thereafter the State Pilgrims boards deposited such funds in their respective accounts before it will be moved to the NAHCON operational account on request – all within one hajj calendar year.
“Management of hajj operations is strictly time-limited to start thinking of continuing with these time-consuming bureaucracies.
“We support an advocacy for improved services to our dear pilgrims but the recent calls for the decentralisation of NAHCON and devolving powers to the states would be a very wrong move.
“For example, the new calendar of activities released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently scheduled 4th September for the kickoff of arrangements for the 2025 hajj.
“By virtue of diplomatic protocol, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj only relates with National Hajj missions not regional bodies. Decentralisation as being touted will allow 36 states’ pilgrim’s welfare boards and agencies to send 36 different delegations to Saudi Arabia (the first in the History of Hajj operation) to liaise with Saudi Arabia (host country) on Hajj plans. 36 states will also sign different hajj memorandum of understanding with one country.
“On service delivery, NAHCON controls Airlines and accommodation in Madina. In the last few years, Nigerian pilgrims have been housed in a 4-star hotel within the vicinity or 5 minutes’ walk close to the Prophet’s Mosque.
“On the other hand, States are responsible for choosing their accommodation in Makkah. This year for example, our team currently in Saudi Arabia observes that Niger state pilgrim’s accommodation is located in an isolated area, far away from the holy Mosque, this invariably denies quite a number of the pilgrims the opportunity to observe their obligatory prayers at the Haram.
“Also, registration of pilgrims starts from the local governments after which the funds are transferred to state pilgrims’ boards before being transferred to NAHCON.
“There are allegations that most of the delays experienced every single year, that affects the smooth operations of the Hajj, including this year is as a result of the failure of some state boards to remit their collected fares to NAHCON in time because governors have used the monies for other purposes and are being awaited to make refunds.
“We, therefore, call on the National Assembly to make it possible for pilgrims to pay their deposits directly to NAHCON (where the funds will end up anyway) so that the commission can in turn meet its obligations in time and avoid a situation where the entire operation will be put in jeopardy.
“This, we believe, is also the best way to truly hold the commission to account in case of any service failure.”

Saudi Arabia Confirms Death Of Over 1,300 Pilgrims During Just Concluded Hajj

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

Saudi Arabia has formally confirmed that more than 1,300 Muslims died during the just concluded hajj operations, under intense heat, and that most of the deceased did not have official permits.
“Regrettably, the number of mortalities reached 1,301, with 83 percent being unauthorised to perform hajj and having walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort,” the official Saudi Press Agency reported.
AFP had last week, based on official statements and reports from diplomats involved in their countries’ responses, put the toll at more than 1,100.
The dead came from more than 10 countries stretching from the United States to Indonesia, and some governments are continuing to update their totals.
Arab diplomats told AFP last week that Egyptians accounted for 658 deaths — 630 of them unregistered pilgrims.
The diplomats said the cause of death in most cases was heat-related.
Temperatures in Mecca this year climbed as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit), according to Saudi Arabia’s national meteorological centre.
Riyadh had not publicly commented on the deaths or provided its own toll until Sunday.
On Friday, however, a senior Saudi official gave AFP a partial toll of 577 deaths for the two busiest days of hajj: June 15, when pilgrims gathered for hours of prayers in the blazing sun on Mount Arafat, and June 16, when they participated in the “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina.
The official also defended Riyadh’s response, saying: “The state did not fail, but there was a misjudgement on the part of people who did not appreciate the risks.”
The Saudi health minister, Fahd Al-Jalajel, described management of the hajj this year as “successful.”
He said the health system “provided more than 465,000 specialised treatment services, including 141,000 services to those who didn’t obtain official authorisation to perform hajj.”
Jalajel did not specify how many deaths Saudi officials attributed to heat.
“The health system addressed numerous cases of heat stress this year, with some individuals still under care,” SPA reported.
“Among the deceased were several elderly and chronically ill individuals.”
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam that all Muslims with the means must complete at least once in their lives.
Saudi officials have said 1.8 million pilgrims took part this year, a similar number to last year, and that 1.6 million came from abroad.
For the past several years, the mainly outdoor rituals have fallen during the sweltering Saudi summer.
The timing of the hajj moves forward about 11 days each year in the Gregorian calendar, meaning that next year it will take place earlier in June, potentially in cooler conditions.

How International Oil Companies Are Frustrating Us, Trying To Make Our Oil Refinery To Fail – Dangote

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has painted a picture of how International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria are doing everything possible to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.
Devakumar Edwin, who is the Vice President, Oil and Gas of the Industries , said that the IOCs are deliberately and wilfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by jerking up high premium price above the market price, thereby forcing it to import crude from countries as far as United States, with its attendant high costs.
Speaking to a group of Energy Editors at a one-day training programme, organised by the Dangote Group, Edwin lamented the activity of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in granting licences, indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.
“The Federal Government issued 25 licences to build refinery and we are the only one that delivered on promise.
“In effect, we deserve every support from the Government. It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported.
“We are calling on the Federal Government and regulators to give us the necessary support in order to create jobs and prosperity for the nation.
“While the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) are trying their best to allocate the crude for us, the IOCs are deliberately and willfully frustrating our efforts to buy the local crude. It would be recalled that the NUPRC, recently met with crude oil producers as well as refineries owners in Nigeria, in a bid to ensure full adherence to Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations (DCSO), as enunciated under section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our Petroleum Refinery fails.
“It is either they are deliberately asking for ridiculous/humongous premium or, they simply state that crude is not available.
“At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.
“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country which exports Crude Oil and imports refined Petroleum Products. They (IOCs) are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their GDP, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us to be dependent on imported products.
“It is the same strategy the multinationals have been adopting in every commodity, making Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to be facing unemployment and poverty, while they create wealth for themselves at our expense.
“This is exploitation – pure and simple. Unfortunately, the country is also playing into their hands by continuing to issue import licences, at the expense of our economy and at the cost of the health of the Nigerians who are exposed to carcinogenic products.”In spite of the fact that we are producing and bringing out diesel into the market, complying with ECOWAS regulations and standards, licences are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian Market. Since the US, EU and UK imposed a Price Cap Scheme from 5th February, 2023 on Russian Petroleum Products, a large number of vessels are waiting near Togo with Russian ultra-high sulphur diesel and, they are being purchased and dumped into the Nigerian Market.
“In fact, some of the European countries were so alarmed about the carcinogenic effect of the extra high sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian Market that countries like Belgium and the Netherlands imposed a ban on such fuel being exported from its country, into West Africa, recently.
“It is sad that the country is giving import licences for such dirty diesel to be imported into Nigeria, when we have more than adequate petroleum refining capacity locally…”
It would be recalled that in May, Belgium and Netherland adopted new quality standards to halt the export of cheap, low-quality fuels to West Africa, harmonising its standards with those of the European Union. These measures synchronise fuel export standards with the European domestic market, specifically targeting diesel and petrol with high sulphur and chemical content. Historically, these fuels, with sulphur content reaching up to 10,000 ppm, were exported at reduced rates to countries like Nigeria and other West African consumers.Belgium’s Minister of Environment, Zakia Khattabi, announced that his country followed the Netherland, which in April 2023 also prohibited the export of low-quality petrol and diesel to West Africa via the ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Khattabi emphasised that the Netherlands’ decision to restrict dirty fuel exports had redirected the trade to Belgium, now used by oil producers and traders to export gasoline with excessively high levels of benzene and sulphur.“For far too long, toxic fuels have been departing from Belgium to destinations including Africa.
They cause extremely poor air quality in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon and are even carcinogenic,” said Khattabi.
In September 2017, an investigation by an international organisation, Public Eye revealed that polluted and toxic fuels were being exported on a large scale from the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam for export to African markets. As much as a quarter of the petrol and diesel available in West Africa originates from the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. These fuels contain sulphur and other pollutants, such as cancer-causing benzene, in quantities up to 400 times the limits permitted in Europe.
The Netherlands and Belgium were enjoined to enforce regulations to shield millions of Africans from exposure to toxic fuels.
The decision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in granting licenses indiscriminately for the importation of dirty diesel and aviation fuel has made the Dangote refinery to expand into foreign markets.
The refinery has recently exported diesel and aviation fuel to Europe and other parts of the world.
The same industry players fought us for crashing the price of diesel and aviation fuel, but our aim, as I have said earlier, is to grow our economy.He noted that because the refinery meets the international standard as well as comply with stringent guidelines and regulations to protect the local environment, it has been able to export its products to Europe and other parts of the world.While appealing to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to urgently intervene for speedy implementation of the PIA and to ensure the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians are protected.
“Recently, the government of Ghana, through legislation has banned the importation of highly contaminated diesel and PMS into their county. It is regrettable that, in Nigeria, import licences are granted despite knowing that we have the capacity to produce nearly double the amount of products needed in Nigeria and even export the surplus. Since January 2021, ECOWAS regulations have prohibited the import of highly contaminated diesel into the region.”

Niger Gov, Umaru Bago, Calls For Probe Of N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy, ‘Failed’ 2024 Hajj Operations

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

The Governor of Niger State, Umaru Mohammed Bago has called on the National Assembly to investigate the alleged mismanagement of N90 billion federal government’s subsidy for the 2024 Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.
The governor, who spoke to newsmen in Makkah today, June 23, accused the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NACON) of Alleged poor handling of substantial public funds allocated for the annual pilgrimage.
“It is unfortunate, and there is a need for the National Assembly to probe these funds.”
Governor Bago, who expressed concern over the transparency and efficiency of NACON’s financial operations, said that he intends to spearhead efforts within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to propose a legislation aimed at dismantling NACON’s operational authority.
“NACON is not helping matters. The government has no business in doing this business.”
He suggested a privatized approach on Hajj operations to ensure better efficiency and accountability in managing of the Hajj affairs.
Governor Bago labelled NACON’s performance during the 2024 Hajj operations as “a resounding failure.”
“In a nutshell, the 2024 Hajj operation is a failure.”
He emphasized the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent further mismanagement and to safeguard the welfare of pilgrims.
Governor Bago accused NACON of going beyond its regulatory role by taking on operational responsibilities.
“But for us as a country, we have failed. We have failed and continue to fail and fail and fail.”
“NACON is supposed to be a regulator, not an operator. But NACON has decided to continue to play the part of operation and therefore they failed the programme.”
He cited the alleged mishandling of critical tasks including feeding, accommodation, transportation, and medical services.
“In my state, we lost two pilgrims in Medina due to medical issues that proper screening could have prevented. Another four perished due to the heat wave.”
The governor called for an immediate overhaul of NACON’s operations, advocating for state governments to take charge of pilgrimage logistics.
“Let state governments be able to do the right thing – screen their pilgrims, check their health statuses.”
He insisted that NACON is inefficient and cultural insensitive.

Fire At Christ Embassy Church: We’ll Build Bigger, Church And Put Devil To Shame – Oyakhilome

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

President and founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, popularly known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome has vowed to build a bigger, better and more glorious church after the fire outbreak at the church today, June 23.
Reacting to the incidence during Sunday service at the church’s campground in Ogun State, Pastor Oyakhilome said: “we will build a bigger, better, and more glorious one, and the devil will lick his wound.”
He reassu the congregation that the church would build a bigger headquarters.
“Nothing happens in the life of a child of God by accident. During the 2001 Ikeja cantonment bombing incident, the building vibrated so much, and we thought it was going to collapse.
“I thought to myself that if it collapsed, I was going to build a bigger, better one. At the end of the day, it didn’t collapse, and we called the engineers to see if there was any need to bring it down and rebuild, but it was still okay.
“Now that this has happened, we will build a bigger, better and more glorious edifice.”

NNPC Limited On Gas Revolution, Launches Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben Gas Pipeline Project

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has started preparations for the delivery of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline project to revolutionize nationwide gas supply to drive industrialization and economic growth.
The news was dropped by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kolo Kyari during an inspection tour of the OB3 pipeline River Niger Crossing operation at Aboh, Delta State, yesterday, June 22.
A statement today, June 23 by the spokesperson of the NNPC Limited, Olufemi Soneye said that by design, the OB3 Gas pipeline is the inter-connector which links the Eastern gas pipeline network to the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in the West and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline in the North.
The statement said that River Niger Crossing operation has been the major impediment to the completion of the strategic OB3 Gas Pipeline for over three years due to failure of the various technologies deployed to achieve the construction of the 48-inch pipe under the river bed between Ndoni in Rivers State and Aboh in Delta State.
It said that with the adoption of the Micro-Tunnelling/Direct Pipe Installation technology, the new contractors, Messrs HDD Thailand/Enikkom and Tunnelling Services Group (TSG), are making a headway with about 860meters out of the 1,800meters achieved so far.
Soneye quoted Mele Kolo Kyari as expressing delight at the breakthrough, which signals the imminent completion of the project.
“This is a major project of monumental value to our country. What this means is that this is the only way we can deliver the gas revolution. I am very happy and convinced that, latest by the middle of August, we will complete this project. I have been assured of that by the project team.”
On the significance of the project, he said: “Once completed, we will see about 2.2billion standard cubic feet of gas coming into our network. We believe that this will give our country a breathing space of demand, I am sure we can catch up with that kind of demand in the next one and half years. We are happy that this will give us the platform to unleash the gas revolution in our country.”
The statement also quoted the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as expressing satisfaction with the pace of work at the OB3 River Niger Crossing operation, describing it as “Renewed Hope at work.
“I was here last year and I saw the work that was going on. There was a promise that it would be completed by December last year. I took it with a doubt. But today, from what I can see, I am confident that by July or August it will be completed and it will be commissioned by the President.”
Also the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen was quoted to have said that she was looking forward to the completion of the project having been assured by the technical team that the right technology has been found to resolve the complex challenges of the River Niger Crossing.
“As the Minister and other speakers have said, we are looking forward to having this project deliver prosperity to Nigerians in the form of electricity and other areas.”
The Managing Director of Tunnel Service Group (TSG), one of the contractors to the project, Ingo Justen, who is personally on ground to supervise the project on the request of the GCEO, expressed confidence that the current technology being applied in the execution of the project would lead to its speedy conclusion.
In a presentation earlier, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, disclosed that at the rate of progress with the new technology deployed, the River Niger Crossing operation, which is the only aspect of the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project left, will be achieved on schedule.

Raging Fire Engulfs Christ Embassy Church In Lagos

Greenbarge Reporters

June 23, 2024

A raging fire has gutted the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church located in Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State. The church belongs to the popular televangelist pastor, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
A multiple videos on X now trending show how the massive edifice is being destroyed by fire.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service have since swung into action to put out the fire.
The area has been cordoned-off by the police to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Source: CHANNELS TV.

NIMC Cautions Nigerians Against Giving Data Of Their National ID To Fake Websites

Greenbarge Reporters

June 22, 2024

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has cautioned Nigerians against exposing the data of their national identification numbers to certain fake, unauthorized websites.
In a statement today, June 22, the Head of the Corporate Communications of the Commission, Kayode Adegoke, listed such websites as idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com.
Kayode Adegoke said that these websites
are data harvesters and that they are not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.
“NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide.”
The spokesperson debunked the story making the rounds about the exposure of sensitive data of Nigerian citizens as it concerns the Commission amongst many other data-collecting agencies.
He assured members of the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised and that the Commission has not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN).
“The public should know that the Commission has taken robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats- a secure, world-class, full-proof database is in place.
“The commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.
“Furthermore, NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites. This poses the danger of data harvesting and comprises individual data.
“The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations. Moreover, licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but to verify NINs through approved channels.
“The Commission is currently working closely with security operatives to apprehend these elements masquerading as online vendors, and they will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. “The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets.”

1...149150151...2,505 Page 150 of 2,505