Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), have raided Emerald Hotel, Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos state where some intending pilgrims to the ongoing hajj in Saudi Arabia were lodged and caught in the act of ingesting wraps of cocaine ahead of their flight to the holy land yesterday, June 5. According to a statement today, June 6, by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, those who were arrested during the intelligence-led operation include 31 years old Usman Kamorudeen, 46 years old Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 38 years old Fatai Yekini and a lady, 34 years old Ayinla Kemi. The statement said that the four suspects were lodged in two rooms in the hotel where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms to swallow when NDLEA officers stormed their rooms. It said that One hundred wraps of the Class A substance were recovered from each of the two rooms, bringing the total seizure to 200 wraps. “Two suspects were to swallow 100 wraps each.”
The statement quoted the Commander as having commended officers and men of the Lagos state Command of NDLEA, for the succeful operation. It said that the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa vowed that the agency would continue to spread its dragnet to track, trace and apprehend criminal elements who are hiding under pilgrimage to carry out their nefarious activities. “The Agency will work with its counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly.”
Key officials of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) are in Nigeria to understudy the working of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The officials acknowledged that their country would gain substantially from Nigeria’s experience in local content development. Welcoming the four-member UNOC delegation at a meeting Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, said that the visit would open up new vistas for mutually beneficial collaboration in oil and gas operations between Nigeria and Uganda. Citing statistics indicative of the resource base of African countries in hydrocarbons, he said: “the picture looks very good and what we need to do is to work together on how to foster structured partnership. According to him, African oil-producing countries cannot achieve enough when they operate in silos, adding that there is a need to approach local content with a pan-African orientation. He advanced the idea of a “local content value proposition for Africa, saying that African oil and gas producers would be able to deepen regional integration through value chain optimisation. Halilu highlighted industry-related challenges that have to be dealt with, and that there is a need for appropriate technologies to be developed for value addition in oil and gas operations through research and development. He drew attention to the significant investment required in marine vessels, particularly for Nigeria as the country moves to deep offshore. “We have to create a financing model to enable African countries to own the required assets.” He described the anticipated interactions between the UNOC officials and their NCDMB counterparts during the five-day visit as knowledge exchange, and he expressed the hope that there would be exchange programmes between training institutes of both countries. He stressed that the two organisations have the support of their political leaderships. In her response, Mrs. Jessica Kyeyune, National Content Specialist of UNOC, thanked the NCDMB Management for the warm reception and hospitality and the wide scope of engagements planned for her team to facilitate adequate exposure to critical aspects of local content implementation and enforcement. She said that her country is a new entrant into oil and gas operations and that they needed to tap from the knowledge of Nigeria’s industry regulator on local content to guide them in the management of the industry back home. “We appreciate what you’ve shared with us, and we look forward to collaboration.” Mrs. Kyeyuna said that there are many projects in the oil and gas sector in Uganda with opportunities and that strategic partnerships as suggested by Alhaji Halilu was imperative. Presentations by key personnel of NCDMB covered every vital aspect of the Board’s operations. Topics included “Overview of the Structure and Operations of NCDMB,” “Local Content Leading Practice, Supplier Development and Joint Venture Partnerships,” “Incentive Structure for Staff Retention and Expatriates,” “NCDMB Financing Model,” “An Overview of PCAD [Project Certification and Authentication Division],” “Monitoring and Evaluation Operation Framework,” and “Community Content Guidelines.”A tour of NCDMB’s Nigeria Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOPaPS) at Emeyal-1, Ogbia Local Government Area, was conducted on Monday to acquaint the visiting officials with an aspect of the Board’s strategy to minimise capital flight by ensuring that equipment, spare parts and tools used in the oil and gas industry are produced locally in Nigeria.Resource persons were Olubisi Okunola, Manager, Strategy Development and Transformation; Ene Ette, General Manager, Planning, Research and Statistics; Timbiri Augustine, Acting General Manager, Capacity Building; Silas Ajimijaiye, General Manager; Elvis Ogede, Senior Supervisor, PCAD; Collins Obiora Ifeka, Manager, Upstream, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, and Obinna Ezeobi. Coordinator of the event was Tassala Tersugh, General Manager, Midstream, Monitoring and Evaluation Department.The UNOC, which comprises Mrs. Jessica Kyeyune, Catherine Behangana Tumusima (Chief Human Resources Officer), Edith Tusubira (Human Resources Business Partner), and Ochaki Brian Kabalega (National Content Officer), continues its engagements with NCDMB on Tuesday with a visit to companies and project sites in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, that have benefitted from the Board’s strategic intervention programme. Uganda launched its drilling of development and production wells at the Kingfisher Development Area in the country’s western region on January 24, 2023. Its first oil output, slated for 2025, is from the Kingfisher oil field, operated by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai has waved aside the move by the State House of Assembly to probe his tenure over financial misappropriation, describing it as jaundice and politically motivated. “This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.” El-Rufai, in a statement today, June 5, by his media adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, insisted that he ran a government of integrity and competent governance. The former governor made it clear that he served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team.
He stressed that he complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor.” Part of the statement goes thus: We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad-hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government. We have not been availed a copy of the report, to which we would respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee. Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears. Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude which they served Kaduna State. They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions. It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.
This is not a National Strike. This is a National Attack by the most politically exposed and partisan NLC President ever. Do you know how many premature babies will die today because Joe Ajaero and his NLC shut down the National Grid? How many hospital emergency patients will perish? Ajaero is in cahoots with Peter Obi. And this is about 2027. Which country have you heard of where they shut down the National Grid as part of a strike? If there is a fire or emergency somewhere, what do we do? Nigerians ought to stand up against Joe Ajaero. He is taking the country down with him! How does shutting down the National Grid and putting Nigerians in darkness help the economy or workers? Aso Rock has generators. So does the National Assembly. Even Joe Ajaero has generators and is enjoying air conditioning. It is you that heat is finishing in your house. Meanwhile, factories cannot produce, and the economy is contracting. What you may not understand is that Federal civil servants are less than 0.3% of the population. If the NLC insists on an unreasonable ₦494,000 a month minimum wage, all that the FG will do is go on a massive sacking spree. The people who will suffer are the private sector, who employ more than 65% of Nigeria’s workers. Obviously, they will not be able to pay ₦494,000 a month and run their businesses profitably. So, they will increase prices for those not working and sack their workers, increasing unemployment. The NLC under Joe Ajaero knows that. They do not care. As long as they can sabotage the government and our economy to make Peter Obi look good, they will do it. It is all about 2027. It is not about you!
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been caught in a web of hypocrisy, sparking outrage and disbelief across the country. While they zealously embarked on a strike over salary increases, they had earlier refused to do so when the government increased fuel prices and electricity tariffs, citing a court order. Double Standards: The NLC’s selective strike action reeks of hypocrisy, as they chose to respect a court order in one instance but ignored the same principle when it comes to their personal interests. Their reluctance to challenge the fuel price and electricity hikes, which disproportionately affect the masses, has exposed their true priorities. Personal Comfort vs Public Interest: The NLC’s eagerness to strike over salary increases, which benefits their members directly, stands in stark contrast to their inaction on issues that affect the broader population. This blatant prioritization of personal comfort over public interest has raised questions about their true motives and representation. God alone knows how many innocent newborn Nigerian babies in public hospitals could die inside Incubators. One can only imagine how Mortuaries would manage corpses. Another very troubling situation was how international airline operators have not been allowed by the NLC to airlift Nigerian pilgrims! Inflation Ignored: Furthermore, the NLC’s demands for salary increases without considering the worsening inflationary trends in the country have been criticized as shortsighted and selfish. Their refusal to acknowledge the potential consequences of their demands has sparked concerns about their commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians, not just their members. The NLC’s hypocrisy has damaged their credibility and public trust, raising questions about their ability to genuinely represent the interests of the working class. As the strike continues, many are left wondering whether the NLC truly cares about the Nigerian people or just their own selfish interests. *Comrade Umar wrote from Badarawa, Kaduna State.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has found a 28-year-old Abuja-based nurse, Lucy Likeh, who was reported missing in Nigeria’s capital city recently. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine said that Lucy was weak and could not explain what happened, and is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital. It was learnt that nurse Lucy was found and taken to the hospital for medical examination by the Utako Police Division in the FCT, where her family had earlier reported her missing. The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development today, June 5, and said: “the lady (Lucy Likeh) has been found and taken to the hospital by the Utako Police Division where her family had earlier reported a case of a missing person. “Details will be communicated to you later. We are proactive, and we urge the public to be rest assured while trusting the police with information.” Lucy’s brother-in-law, Shadrach Obi, also confirmed the development, saying that she had been admitted for proper medical attention. “It was like a miracle. She’s currently at the hospital for treatment. “She is very weak and unable to explain what happened to her yet.” It was earlier reported how nurse Lucy went missing after visiting a motor park in the FCT to waybill a parcel to her friend. The 28-year-old nurse, said to be working with a private organisation at MKK plaza in Jabi, Abuja, was said to have been at the Zuba Motor Park to transfer a parcel to her friend in Minna, Niger state last Friday. After she visited the park, the nurse’s whereabouts were unknown, and her mobile phone was switched off. She was said to be wearing a black tracksuit and a black/white chiffon shirt with a fez cap on the day of the incident. Source: The PUNCH.
The minister of works, Dave Umahi has raised alarm over vandalization of the newly completed 2nd Niger Bridge in spite of the security measures in place.
The Minister said that there has been destruction of expansion joints, which he said are crucial components designed to accommodate thermal expansion.
In a statement today, June 5, the Special Adviser on Media, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, quoted the minister as condemning the sabotage of this critical infrastructure, with all its significant socio-economic benefits.
Umahi stressed the importance of the bridge, which was completed and handed over in December 2023, saying that it is a vital link enhancing trade and tourism between the southern states and the rest of Nigeria.
He lamented the destruction of such an essential asset by individuals who should be its beneficiaries.
He said that government is implementing stronger security measures to protect the bridge and called on the public to be vigilant.
The Ministry said that the government would reward anyone who can provide useful information that can lead to the apprehension of the vandals.
He appealed to local communities to take ownership of, and safeguard such vital projects.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has debunked rumours making the rounds that it is going to revoke the licenses of three additional banks after its regulatory action against Heritage Bank Plc on Monday, June 3. A statement today, June 3, by the apex Bank’s spokesperson, Hakama Sidi Ali said that such rumours are false and intended to trigger panic in the financial system. The statement stressed that the Nigerian financial system is safe, sound and resilient. “Our banks have begun submitting implementation plans for the Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme in compliance with the CBN Circular reviewing the minimum capital requirements for Commercial, Merchant, and Non-Interest Banks (CMNIBs). “These plans are currently being reviewed by the Bank. In addition to enhancing buffers to withstand economic shocks, this proactive measure by the CBN to require CMNIBs to recapitalize will result in increased capital for Nigeria’s banks, enabling them to provide much-needed credit to critical sectors of the economy. “This will increase the financial system’s contribution to the growth and development of a $1 trillion Nigerian economy. “The CBN would like to reassure all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the financial system’s stability. “Our financial system remains on a solid footing, and the CBN will continue to take all necessary steps to maintain its safety and soundness.”
The three Shell companies in Nigeria and their partners have announced that they spent a total amount of $42.2 million in 2023 on social investments in Nigeria. They said that the amount was a 23 percent increase compared to $34.29 million in the previous year. A statement from the company and its partners said that Shell alone spent $14.1 million during the same period. The statement described the development as a significant mark-up in efforts by The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC,) Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) and Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) as well as their partners — Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC); TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited; NAOC and Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd – to promote the socio-economic development of host communities. The figures, contained in the recently published Shell Nigeria Briefing, said that the investments were in health, education, road safety and enterprise programmes. “In addition, SPDC and SNEPCo made $142 million statutory payments to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2023 alone.” SPDC Director and Country Head, Corporate Relations Igo Weli, said: “Our vision for the Niger Delta is for our people to take advantage of these and other investments to improve their lives. This is why we support communities to develop their capacities for need assessment and project planning and execution. Our aim is to contribute to the sustainable development of the region through collaboration with all stakeholders.” The statement recalled that since the 1950s, Shell Companies in Nigeria have supported education through scholarships and other initiatives. “In 2023, SPDC, SNEPCo and SNG invested more than $3 million in such programmes.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, right, expressing satisfaction with the performance of the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, when he commissioned the fifth project executed by the minister today, June 3. The Project is the Full Scope Development of the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway within the Federal Capital City, FCC which he named after Professor Wole Soyinka.
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The statement quoted the Commander as having commended officers and men of the Lagos state Command of NDLEA, for the succeful operation.
Organized Labour’s Strike Not National Strike But National Attack, By Reno Omokri
This is not a National Strike. This is a National Attack by the most politically exposed and partisan NLC President ever.
Do you know how many premature babies will die today because Joe Ajaero and his NLC shut down the National Grid? How many hospital emergency patients will perish?
Ajaero is in cahoots with Peter Obi. And this is about 2027. Which country have you heard of where they shut down the National Grid as part of a strike? If there is a fire or emergency somewhere, what do we do? Nigerians ought to stand up against Joe Ajaero. He is taking the country down with him!
How does shutting down the National Grid and putting Nigerians in darkness help the economy or workers? Aso Rock has generators. So does the National Assembly. Even Joe Ajaero has generators and is enjoying air conditioning. It is you that heat is finishing in your house. Meanwhile, factories cannot produce, and the economy is contracting.
What you may not understand is that Federal civil servants are less than 0.3% of the population. If the NLC insists on an unreasonable ₦494,000 a month minimum wage, all that the FG will do is go on a massive sacking spree.
The people who will suffer are the private sector, who employ more than 65% of Nigeria’s workers. Obviously, they will not be able to pay ₦494,000 a month and run their businesses profitably. So, they will increase prices for those not working and sack their workers, increasing unemployment.
The NLC under Joe Ajaero knows that. They do not care. As long as they can sabotage the government and our economy to make Peter Obi look good, they will do it. It is all about 2027. It is not about you!