NANS To Embark On Nationwide Protest Over Power And Fuel Crisis

April 30, 2024

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans for a nationwide protest in response to the ongoing fuel scarcity and electricity crisis.

The student body is demanding the removal of key officials, including the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and the Minister for Power, Honorable Adebayo Adelabu, whom they hold accountable for exacerbating the issues.

The protest, according to the students body, aimed at amplifying the students’ message and ensuring widespread participation, will take place across various zones of the country, with designated locations including Abuja Junction, Airport Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Onitsha-Asaba Head Bridge, and Wuntin Dada.

NANS urges all Nigerians to join the protest and stand together in the fight for a brighter future.

Atiku Laments Nigerian Workers’ Plight On May Day

April 30, 2024

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has expressed solidarity with Nigerian workers, stating that they have never had it so bad due to government policies that neglect their welfare.

In a May Day message, Atiku noted that despite promises, the government has failed to improve workers’ conditions, with wage increments remaining a mirage.

He criticized the government’s handling of the petrol subsidy removal, which has led to hardships and frustration for Nigerians.

Atiku also condemned the increase in tariffs without addressing corruption and inefficiencies, saying it amounts to Nigerians subsidizing the system’s flaws.

He praised Nigerian workers for their historical role in fighting tyranny and bad governance, but lamented that this administration has trampled their rights like no other.

Atiku expressed sympathy for workers’ struggles and hoped that the government would prioritize their concerns, especially on this year’s Workers Day, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work.

We’re Targeting .7 Million Metric Tonnes Of Refined Sugar In 4 Years Through Backward Integration – Aliko Dangote

Greenbarge Reporters

April 30, 2024

Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Aliko Dangote has said that the company is planning to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four years through its Backward Integration Programme (BIP).
Speaking at the company’s 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Dangote said that in alignment with the Federal Government’s policy guidelines, the company would continue to focus on, and enhance its Backward Integration Project by deploying and reviewing project strategies to ensure efficient delivery.
This is coming even as the Nigerian Exchange released the company’s first-quarter result for 2024, indicating an increase of 20.1 per cent in its revenue to N122.7 billion.

According to Dangote, the planned 700,000 metric tonnes would meet 50 per cent of the current market demand for refined sugar.
He said that the 10-year sugar development plan to produce 1.5 million MT of sugar per annum from locally grown sugarcane remains an important roadmap to the attainment of the Company’s objectives.
“Our focus is on achieving the revised targets set for DSR Numan Operations, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, and Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited, while we are hopeful that the Taraba State Government will resolve the community payment issues that have led to the stoppage of activities at the Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Lau/Tau project.
“…During the year under review, despite the challenges we were faced with, the company significantly scaled up investment in the Backward Integration Projects with the ongoing expansion of the DSR Numan factory refining capacity from 3,000TCD to 9,800TCD year-end.
“The factory will be increased with an additional 5,200TCD to 15,000 TCD (tonnes of cane crushed per day) eventually to meet the need in view of the massive land development activities also going on at the site. The aim is to achieve 24,200 hectares in total by the year 2029.”
Dangote emphasised that despite the adverse impact on the business environment by the continuous increase in the inflationary trend, lack of liquidity and FX to fund the company’s equipment import among others for the backward integration projects, concerted efforts are ongoing to secure the needed funds for the development of the Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited project at Tunga in Awe Local Government Area of the state.
“This will enable the company to put in place the needed infrastructure for the eventual commencement of full-scale production and ensure that the Dangote Sugar Backward Integration ‘Sugar for Nigeria Project’ is achieved. In the end, over $700 million investment would be committed to the Backward Integration Programme.”
He said that the Dangote Sugar (Ghana) Limited, was established as a subsidiary of the Company during the year under review, in line with the plan to expand its presence in the sugar industry across Africa.

Reps Speaker, Abbas, Quarrels With Inefficiencies In Nigeria’s Tax System, Wants Reforms

Greenbarge Reporters

April 30, 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has raised eyebrow over Nigeria’s efficiency in collecting Value Added Tax (VAT) which he said “is the lowest among its African peers.
According to him, the low VAT is an indication of what he called “significant inefficiencies in its (Nigeria’s) tax system.”
In a keynote address he delivered at the opening of a two-day retreat for members of the House today, April 30, Abbas, insisted on reforms to help in the government economic policies and programmes.
He also suggested engagements with stakeholders on laws governing finance, tax, and oil sub-sectors of the economy, with the aim of evolving positive reforms.

The Speaker said that the House of Reps had made a deliberate decision to focus on tax reforms and modernisation as well as a review of the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Reform Act (2021).
“The overarching objective is to discuss and identify concrete legislative strategies for economic transformation.”
The Speaker is happy that the legislative retreat is taking place “at a point in our nation’s economic landscape when the current administration is diligently implementing policies and initiatives to steer our economy towards recovery, growth, and sustainable development.”
He said that the commitment and foresight shown by the government in addressing economic challenges “deserve commendation, and it is imperative that we, as legislators, align our efforts to support and enhance these endeavours.
“As a critical arm of government, the legislature has a crucial role in shaping our nation’s economic transformation and development. Part of our law-making powers is the authority to enact tax reforms and strengthen resource governance mechanisms. By designing and implementing progressive tax policies, we strive to ensure a fair and efficient tax system that boosts revenue while fostering economic growth and equity. This involves not only broadening the tax base and simplifying tax codes but also enhancing compliance and minimising loopholes that benefit only the wealthy.

“Furthermore, the legislature’s oversight function is central in the governance of natural and financial resources. It ensures transparency and accountability in the exploitation and management of resources, which is essential for sustainable development. By holding government and private sectors accountable, the legislature helps prevent the mismanagement and corruption that can often undermine economic progress.”
The legislative retreat on economic transformation and development was organised by the House in collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Konrad Adenauer – Stiftung Foundation (KAS).
The theme of the retreat is ‘Navigating Change: Legislative Strategies for Economic Transformation.’

Civil Aviation Boss Inaugurates Project Monitoring And Project Committee

Greenbarge Reporters

April 30, 2024

.. Horatius….

The Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Ona Najomo has inaugurated NCAA Project Monitoring and Evaluation Committee.
Captain Najomo, while inaugurating the committee at the Authority’s Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja, said that the creation of the Directorate of Special Duties and the establishment of a Project Monitoring and Contract Evaluation Unit within the Directorate necessitated the reconstitution of the committee.
According to him, project monitoring entails planning and execution as well as diligent supervision and continuous monitoring and evaluation towards achieving specific goals.
Acting DG said that the 10-man committee was first constituted in 2021, and its reconstitution demonstrates NCAA Management’s collective dedication to transparency, accountability, and value for resources.
He clarified that the project monitoring and contract evaluation team is not responsible for contract award or negotiation, but purely to monitor compliance and ensure that Management’s standard and specifications are met.
He tasked the committee members to be the lens through which projects in NCAA will be viewed to ensure strict compliance with the Authority’s Service Level Agreements, compliance with extant laws and regulations, identify potential risks and liabilities, ensure value for money, as well as proffer recommendations to guide Management’s decision-making in project delivery.
Admitting that the task ahead of the committee is enormous, considering their primary assignments in the NCAA, the Acting DG asked members of the committee to see themselves as agents of change in line with his (Najomo’s) NCAA Project 2024 and beyond, assuring members of his support in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The committee, which is chaired by the Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua, has members drawn from Directorates/Departments of Finance, Legal Services, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, Procurement and Human Resources and Administration.

2024 Hajj: Kebbi Begins Airlift Of Pilgrims To Saudi Arabia May 15

Greenbarge Reporters

April 29, 2024

Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced May 15 as the commencement for the airlift of the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj operations.
Chairman of the board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, who made this known today, April 29, while addressing members of 2024 Hajj Publicity Committee in Birnin Kebbi, said that the first flight will be made up of 423 pilgrims from Jega and Arewa Local Government Areas, including their Hajj Guides (officials), while the second flight would covey another 423 pilgrims from Argungu and Dandi local government areas.
The chairman said that pilgrims from Kalgo, Aliero, Bunza and Gwandu LGAs are expected to make the third flight, while pilgrims from Birnin Kebbi LGA would be airlifted in the fourth flight and the fifth flight would carry pilgrims from Zuru, Danko Wasago, Fakai and Koko Bese LGAs.
He explained that Bagudo LGA would make the sixth flight, Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski LGAs would be conveyed in the seventh flight, the eighth flight would airlift pilgrims from Maiyama and Augie LGAs, while the last flight would convey the remaining intending pilgrims from all the 21 LGAs, including the State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris and other officials.
The chairman said that a comprehensive list of pilgrims and their flights would be made public at the board’s headquarters to enable prospective pilgrims reschedule their activities.
On the number of people that paid the balance of N1.9 million as the directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the chairman noted with satisfaction that Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris had paid off N1 million for each intending pilgrim.
“All they need to pay is a balance of N900,000. I am glad to inform you that all the intending pilgrims from Kebbi State have paid the balance, except three people. However, government is trying to do something about these three pilgrims, so that they too can perform the Hajj.”

Libel: Court Orders Blogger, Linda Ikeji To Pay N30 Million To Neo Black Movement

Editorial staff

April 29, 2024

The Delta High Court in Effurun has ordered a foremost blogger, Linda Ikeji, to pay the sum of N30 million as general damaged to the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa for libelous publication.
The NBM and three others had slammed a N1 billion law suit against Ikeji for defamation and libel.
The lawsuit had the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa and Mayor Onyebueke as the claimants.
Delivering judgment today, April 29, Justice Roli Daibo-Harriman, also awarded N300,000 being cost of litigations against the blogger
The court also ordered Ikeji to place a publication in her blog and national dailies retracting the libelous publication complained about.
The judge ordered Ikeji to restrain from making further damaging publications against the Claimants and members of the NBM of Africa.
In her judgment, Justice Daibo-Harriman described the words “dreaded cultist group, black axe, criminal organusation and others” as used by the defendant in her publication as all defamatory.
The blogger, in her publication of October 19, 2021, allegedly referred to NBM of Africa as dreaded cult group, black axe, criminal organisation and other names.
Consequently, the claimants prayed the court for an award of N1 billion only and an unreserved apology to be published in her blog and two national newspapers and among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant was not present in court neither was she represented.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the court’s proceedings, lead counsel to the claimants, Kelvin Agbroko said that it was a well deserved judgment.
“This will serve as lesson to bloggers that it is not every item you published. It is good to verify information before making a publication.
“NBM of Africa is a legal organisation duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“The publication made by the defendant against my client has been cleared that is was a damaging publication.
“NBM is good to go, we are going to take all necessary steps to enforce the terms of the judgement against her.
“It was an erudite judgment that is all encompassing and will be difficult to fault.”
Also responding to the judgement the President of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor said that the case had been on for about two years.
He said that the judgment was a warning to bloggers and other members of the public not to call people or organisations names that were not ascribed to them in a bid to blackmail or defamed their characters.
“What Ikeji did was just to sell in a bid to defame the character of NBM of Africa, it is very wrong.
“I advised other blogger not to follow same steps as they may also face similar litigation.
“Do not try and defame people’s character. NBM has nothing to do with cultism, black axe. It is not a criminal organisation but a registered organisation.”
Kakor, however, advised the public to be law abiding and do things within the ambits of the law.

JAMB Releases 2024 UTME Results, With 0.4 Percent Scoring Above 300

Editorial staff

April 29, 2024

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, with barely 0.4 percent scoring above 300 while 24 percent scored 200 and above.

“Out of the 1,842,464 released results, a paltry 0.4% scored above 300 while 24% scored 50% (200/400) and above.”
According to the JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, at a press conference in Bwari on the outskirts of Abuja today, April 29, over 1.94 million candidates registered and sat for the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centres across the country.
“Out of the 1,989,668 registered candidates, 80, 810 were absent. A total of 1, 904, 189 sat the UTME within the six days of the examination.”
Professor Oloyede said that female candidates were higher than the males with 1,007,275 and 982,393 respectively in the examination which began on Friday the 19th of April ended on Monday the 29th of April.

“it is evident that there is a significant improvement in the enrolment of females, with over one million girls registering for the examination.
“This is the first time in three years that the number of females will be more than that of their male counterparts.
“Out of the total registration, 3,164 were persons living with disabilities.”

INTERPOL Identifies 20,674 Suspicious Networks Linked To Terrorists, Warns of Rising Cyber Crimes

Editorial staff

April 29, 2024

The International Police Organization, INTERPOL, siad it has identified 20,674 suspicious cyber networks linked to terrorists and arrested 14 suspected cybercriminals in its ‘Operation Africa Cyber Surge II’ across 25 African countries.

The operation according to INTERPOL, enabled by the Africa Threat Assessments on Cyber crimes in 2022, 2023, and the upcoming 2024 report.

This is even as IGP Kayode Egbetokun has warned that cyber criminality is becoming a pervasive and evolving threat, requiring law enforcement agencies to adapt swiftly and collaboratively to combat these threats.

INTERPOL’s Director of Cyber Crimes, Craig Jones, highlighted the priority areas for 2024, including criminal tools and infrastructures, attacks on ICT networks, and phishing attacks.

He emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and the effectiveness of the Africa Joint Cybercrime Operations Desk (AFJOC). The Nigeria Police Force has also made significant strides in the fight against cybercrime, establishing the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) and collaborating with international partners to dismantle notorious cybercrime syndicates.

Note: I rewrote the headline to make it more concise and impactful, and abridged the text to focus on the essential information, while maintaining the core message and context.

Edo Gov, Obaseki Raises Workers’ Minimum Wage To N70,000

Editorial staff

April 29, 2024

The Governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki has raised minimum wage for the state civil servants to N70,000.
The governor, who spoke today, April 29 at the inauguration of the Labour House, said: “the new minimum wage regime in Edo will take effect from May 1, 2024.”
Obaseki named the Labour House after Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor and current Senator representing Edo North.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have been pushing for a new minimum wage for workers across states, on the heels of the hardship occassioned by the economic reforms by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The removal of subsidy on petrol and unification of the forex windows in 2023, immediately led to food inflation and a spike in the prices of other goods and services.
The national minimum wage has been pegged at N30,000 since April 18, 2019.
However, this sum has been described as “grossly inadequate” and “poverty wage” in the face of prevailing economic hardship. Source: Vanguard.

1...160161162...2,495 Page 161 of 2,495