Buhari Celebrates GDP Growth, Wants It Touch Common Man’s Pocket

August 26, 2021

President Buhari has rolled the drum to celebrate the three positive consecutive growth of the Nigeria’s economy, especially the highest quarterly growth in GDP since 2014.

Reacting to the report of the 2021 quarter performance by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in a statement today, August 26 by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President

commended managers of the economy for hard work and commitment, asking them to keep at it till the positive development “touches the lives and pockets of the average Nigerian.”

The President took note of the decline in real growth in the oil sector in Q2 2021, compared to a year ago, whereas oil production levels were at 1.62 million barrels per day, compared to 1.67 million barrels per day in Q2 2020.

He said that the lower production output as well as the volatility in oil prices since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for the decline in performance of the oil sector.

President Buhari assured that recent reforms and efforts like the conclusion of the Marginal Fields Bid Round, the renewed focus on gas development (including the NLNG Train 7 project, and various pipeline construction projects) as well as the passage and assent to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), would attract new investment to the oil and gas sector, and create conditions for more robust levels of growth in the future.

Looking to the future, the President assured Nigerians that there is much to be optimistic about, adding that the investments in agriculture and infrastructure will continue, as will on-going efforts to achieve a significant improvement in the security situation across the country.

“There is no doubt that a more secure environment – which the security agencies are working hard to achieve – will spur and energize the shoots of economic progress being seen and felt in the country.”

According to the NBS report, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.01% in Q2 2021 following 0.51% growth in Q1 2021. This growth, which continues the progress of the preceding two quarters, is a continuing trend reflecting Nigeria’s economic rebound following the COVID-19-induced contractions seen in Q1 and Q2 2020.

The non-oil sector is a significant contributor to the economic performance in Q2 2021 with growth of 6.74% in real terms, the fastest growth in the sector since the third quarter of 2014. The contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP increased from 91.07% in Q2 2020 to 92.58% in Q2 2021.

The main drivers of the Q2 2021 economic growth include Trade, Information and Communication (mainly Telecommunications), Transportation, Electricity, Agriculture (Crop Production) and Manufacturing.

The service sector, specifically, recorded its strongest performance in more than a decade, growing at 9.27%.

These main growth drivers of this second quarter performance are reflective of the gains from easing restriction of movement locally and internationally, and the improvement in the business and economic environment compared to the same period in 2020.

Femi Adesina emphasized that the various policies of the Buhari administration, aimed at boosting agricultural production, improving the business environment, and investing massively in infrastructure, are beginning to yield fruit.

‘Equally gratifying is the complementary news of the steady decline in the rate of inflation, over the last few months.

“The positive effects of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), which helped fast-track the country’s exit from the COVID-induced recession of 2020, continue to be evident, as some of the sectors driving the Q2 2021 growth have benefited or are benefiting from government-led interventions.

“The successful roll-out of vaccines and COVID-19 protocols has also helped to reduce pressures on the healthcare system and the need for a lockdown.”

Senator Stella Oduah Dumps PDP For APC

Editorial staff

August 26, 2021

A serving Senator, Stella Oduah, representing Anambra North, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Oduah was received into the fold of the ruling party at a brief ceremony held in Abuja today, August 26.

The national chairman of the APC caretaker committee, Mai Mala Buni; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Atiku Bagudu and Hope Uzodimma, Imo governor, were present at the event.

More later…

15 Road Safety Officers Arrested For Alleged Extortion Of Motorists

Editorial staff

August 26, 2021

A joint security team led by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have arrested no fewer than 15 officers of the FRSC for allegedly extorting monies from motorists on highways across the country.

The officers were reportedly arrested on August 12, simultaneously in Adamawa, Gombe, Ondo and Osun States, with the extorted money on them. This was during the enforcement of the sixth phase of ‘Operation Tranquility’ by officers of ICPC, FRSC and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The operation, aimed at bringing an end to extortion of motorists and other unwholesome practices by some FRSC officials, resulted in the arrest of seven officials along the Jimeta Township Routes and Yola Expressway in Adamawa State.

Also arrested by the members of Operation Tranquility were four FRSC officials in Gombe State, along Gombe Township routes, while four others were arrested within Ikare Township routes in Ondo State.

The team discovered that the officials would sometimes enter vehicles belonging to motorists to negotiate and collect the bribes to avoid being seen by passers-by as well as employ the services of local government revenue collectors as agents to cover their illicit acts.

It was also found in the course of the operation that two patrol teams in Adamawa and Gombe States respectively, were not involved in any corrupt act as they were caught under surveillance checking documentations and ensuring road worthiness of vehicles.

A statement today, August 26 confirming the arrests by ICPC spokesperson, Azuka C. Ogugua and spokesperson of the FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, said that those arrested have been granted administrative bail by the Commission, but that investigations are on-going to ensure that those culpable are appropriately punished.

Powerlifting: Latifat Tijani Wins Nigeria’s First Gold Medal In Tokyo Paralympic

Greenbarge Reporters

August 26, 2021

Nigerian Tijani Latifat has won gold in the ongoing 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo in Powerlifting.
She participated in the Women’s -45 kg Final to become the first athlete to pick Nigeria’s medal in Tokyo2020. She picked the gold medal after her first lift of 105kg was disallowed.
The Ogun state born athlete, came back strong with burning enthusiasm to write her name in gold with her second attempt of 105kg and her third attempt was 107kg but she did that in a style with 117kg in her fourth attempt, getting close to world record of 118kg to lift the first medal for team Nigeria in Tokyo.
Latifat
Date of Birth: 8 Nov 1981
Age: 39
Gender: Female
Sport Class: PWL
Birth Country: Nigeria
Place of residence : LAGOS
Residence Country:
Nigeria
Occupation: Athlete
Languages spoken: English
Club name: Ogun State [Abeokuta, NGR]
Coach: Feyisetan Are [national]
Debut: 2015 for Nigeria (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Start: She began powerlifting in 2004 in Ogun State, Nigeria. (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Reason: “To become a champion.” (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Ambition:
To win gold at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. (paralympic.org, 08 Aug 2018; vanguardngr.com, 08 Oct 2016)
Hero: Nigerian Para powerlifter Lucy Ejike. (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Influence: Coach Kemi Orebola. (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Award: In 2019 she received a Sporting Achievement award from the Ogun State Para Powerlifting Association in Nigeria. (naijaonlinetv.co.uk, 27 Aug 2019)
General Interest
Origin of Impairment
Acquired (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)
Impairment Details
Her impairment is a result of the effects of polio. (Athlete, 10 Jul 2019)

Comatose Industries In Kaduna May Roll Back, As NNPC, Kaduna Govt Sign MoU On Gas

Editorial staff

August 26, 2021

Many flourishing industries in Kaduna in the 80’s which collapsed towards the end of the last century may return to life soon, with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Kaduna State Government on utilisation and expansion of gas supply in the state.

Speaking at the signing in Kaduna today, August 26, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, confirmed the central role gas utilisation and expansion will play to the revival of most of the dead industries not only in Kaduna but also Nigeria.

“We all know that Kaduna used to be a hub when it comes to industries. It is our hope that this MoU signing will help provide the gas needed for some of those industries to come back to life,” Kyari emphasized.

He described the moment as another watershed in the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative which is aimed at utilising the nation’s abundant gas resources to power the nation’s economy through a number of strategic gas expansion projects such as the ongoing OB3 and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Projects.

The event which was facilitated by the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) would ensure long-term involvement and support of Kaduna State Government and key gas sector players such as the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) and virtual pipeline companies to provide gas supply assurance to industries within the state on competitive terms.

The NNPC boss said that the Corporation is committed to the commercialization of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to support balanced economic growth and job creation across the country.

According to him, the world is transiting to low carbon energy and therefore, the nation’s huge gas resources would continue to be an important source of clean energy for today and the future.

“There is no better way of making cheaper and cleaner energy than delivering gas into the domestic market,” he declared.

The NNPC helmsman said that the Corporation would continue to engage with stakeholders and partners to secure early market and ensure that the economic benefits of the AKK gas pipeline were maximized.

“NNPC is leading this coordinated effort with State Governments and private sector investors to develop demand framework for immediate and long-term gas supply solutions ahead of the completion of the AKK gas pipeline project.”

The GMD expressed gratitude to the Kaduna Government for hosting NNPC’s facilities such as the Refinery complex, the Depot, the ongoing AKK gas pipeline and Independent Power Plant Projects (IPPs).

Responding, Governor Nasiru el-Rufai said that Kaduna State Government is delighted with the prospect of having an additional energy source to power businesses in the state.

“We wholeheartedly welcome this project. Gas provides a cost-effective option for powering factories, homes and vehicles. For the Kaduna State Government, this project is a welcome boost to our investment and job creation strategy.

“It will create jobs and provide skills for artisans who will work on the gas pipelines and associated infrastructure. Beyond that, this project will power the industries that have responded with enthusiasm to our investment promotion campaign.”

Governor el-Rufai particularly thanked the GMD NNPC and the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria for the gas utilization and expansion initiative and zeal displayed by to deliver the project.

“Let there be no doubt that the Kaduna State Government is committed to this MoU and the realisation of its goals in the interest of the people of Kaduna State.”

The MoU was signed by Mallam Kyari on behalf of the Corporation while the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai signed on behalf of the State Government.

70 Students Of Islamiyya School Kidnapped In Niger State In June Released

Editorial staff

August 26, 2021

Over 70 students of Islamiyya school in Tegina town who were kidnapped in June this year by armed bandits in Niger State have been released by their abductors.

A security source told hinted today, August 26 that the students are on their way to Minna en route Kagara from Birnin Gwari.

The Islamiya students where held for 88 days and 11 hours according to the timeline of the days and time they have spent in the bandits’ captivity.

Source: PRNigeria.

More later…

Ex Naval Officer Reveals How Boko Haram Named Current Govs, Others As Sponsors

Editorial staff

August 25, 2021

A former Navy Commodore, Kunle Olawunmi, has revealed how Boko Haram terrorists mentioned names of current governors, senators, and Aso Rock officials as the ones sponsoring them.

He said the naming of the high-profile sponsors was made during interrogation of the insurgents.

Olawunmi, who spoke today, August 25 when he featured on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ breakfast programme, described as an “aberration”, Tuesday attack by bloodthirsty bandits on the Kaduna campus of Nigeria’s foremost military university, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where two military officers were killed and another kidnapped.

“It is an aberration; you don’t attack the Nigerian Defence Academy and get away with it.”

According to him, NDA, like other military environments in the country, carelessly opens its doors to everyone on Friday for Jumat prayer.

Olawunmi said that terrorists and criminals profile military environments during the weekly Muslim prayer on Fridays.

“In 2017, I carried out an investigation by the minister of defence that wanted me to check what was going on with the training and the security there (NDA). I remember I spent about a week in the NDA with the commandant and the staff but something struck me: every Friday, the gate of NDA is thrown open and everybody has access to pray in the mosque.

“On Fridays, you are going to see the same thing happening across all military formations in the country…If you go to Defence Headquarters, I served at the Defence Headquarters as the Deputy Director, Defence Administration between 2015 and 2017, throughout my two years at the Defence Headquarters, I received visitors twice because of the strict security architecture there but every Friday, the gate of the Defence Headquarters is thrown wide open for everybody to come in and observe Jumat.

“That is the time the terrorists have the time to profile our security environment. It has always been the case. I have served the military intelligence for the past 35 years. Our problem is religion and socio-cultural.”

Olawunmi, a Professor of Global Security Studies, said that he was a member of the Intelligence Brief at the Defence Headquarters during the leadership of the then Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin (retd.).

The intelligence expert said he told the then CDS that the centre of gravity of the Boko Haram insurgency ravaging the North-East and spreading to other parts of Nigeria was the sponsors.

“I told General Olonisakin then that the centre of this problem cannot be solved the same way we solved the problem of the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta problem was solved during (Ex-President Umaru Yar’adua) basically by me and I told them that we can’t use that same template for Boko Haram.

“I told General Olonisakin to look at the centre of gravity of the problem. I was made a member of the committee in 2016-2017, including (the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim) Attahiru that died.

“I told them that the centre of gravity of Boko Haram in Nigeria is the sponsors of the programme. It was beyond us because the job we needed to do was kinetic but we cannot resolve issues of sponsors of Boko Haram that were in Buhari’s government that we know them. That was why we couldn’t pursue that aspect that could have resolved the issue (insurgency) because we need to arrest people.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, had earlier in the year, said that the Nigerian Government arrested some Bureau De Change operators who were facilitating the transfer of money to Boko Haram terrorists.

Olawunmi said the government has not been able to prosecute the sponsors because it is allegedly partisan.

“Recently, 400 people were gathered as sponsors of Boko Haram, why is it that the Buhari government has refused to try them? Why can’t this government bring them to trial if not that they are partisan and part of the charade that is going on?

“You remember this Boko Haram issue started in 2012 and I was in the military intelligence at that time. We arrested those people. My organisation actually conducted interrogation and they (suspects) mentioned names. I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in government that I know that the boys that we arrested mentioned. “Some of them are governors now, some of them are in the Senate, some of them are in Aso Rock.

“Why should a government decide to cause this kind of embarrassment and insecurity to the sense of what happened yesterday (Tuesday attack on NDA)?” he queried, adding that terrorist financiers want to turn Nigeria to a Taliban type of country.

‘DSS has information on terrorism sponsors but can’t act without Buhari’s order.”

Olawunmi also said that the Department of State Services has “tremendous information on terrorists but they can’t do anything except the body language of the Commander-In-Chief.”

He, however, expressed hope that the next Nigerian President in 2023 might have the willpower to bring the high-profile sponsors of Boko Haram to book.

It was reported earlier that a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, said in August 2020 that repentant terrorists revealed that a serving northern governor is a Boko Haram leader.

Source: The Punch.

You Must Remit Half Of N1.8 Trillion Evaded Tax To FIRS, Tribunal Orders DSTV

Editorial staff

August 25, 2021

The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) sitting in Lagos has ordered Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of popular cable television services, DSTV, to pay 50 per cent of N1.8 trillion to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the amount in taxes that Multichoice Nigeria Limited had failed to pay to the Government of Nigeria in past assessment years. The amount was determined through a forensic audit.

The five-member Tribunal, led by its Chairman, Professor A.B. Ahmed, issued the order following an application to it by the Counsel to FIRS under Order XI of the TAT Procedure Rules 2010 which enables a party to make an application at any stage of the proceedings. Counsel to the FIRS drew the attention of the Tribunal to Paragraph 15 (7) of the Fifth Schedule to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2007 and called on the Tribunal to direct Multichoice Nigeria Limited to deposit with the FIRS, 50 percent of the amount of the Assessment under Appeal as security and a condition that must be fulfilled before the prosecution of the Appeal is brought before TAT.

In certain defined circumstances to which the Multichoice appeal fits, Paragraph 15 (7) of the Fifth Schedule to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act 2007 (FIRS Act) requires persons or companies seeking to contest a tax assessment to pay all or a stipulated percentage of the tax assessed before they can be allowed to argue their appeal contesting the assessment at TAT.

Multichoice Nigeria Limited filed the matter at the Lagos TAT following its dispute over FIRS’ issuance of Notices of Assessment and Demand Note in the sum of N1, 822, 923,909,313.94k on 7 April 2021. The amount constitutes what the FIRS calculated as due in taxation to the Federal Government of Nigeria from Multichoice after an investigation over several months to determine the extent to which Multichoice has been evading taxes in Nigeria.

At yessday’s, August 24 hearing of the matter in Appeal No: TAT/LZ/CIT/062/2021 19/08/2021 (Multichoice Nigeria Limited v. Federal Inland Revenue Service), Multichoice Nigeria Limited amended its notice of Appeal and thereafter sought through its counsel, Bidemi Olumide, an adjournment of the proceedings to enable it to respond to the FIRS’ formal application for accelerated hearing of the Appeal and prayer before the TAT directing Multichoice to produce the integrated Annual report and Management Account Statements of Multichoice Group Ltd for Tax Years 2012 to 2020., among other prayers.

In response, however, the FIRS Counsel asked TAT to issue an order requiring that Multichoice makes the statutory deposit of 50 percent of the disputed sum.

After hearing arguments from both sides, TAT upheld the FIRS submission and directed Multichoice Nigeria Limited to deposit with the FIRS, an amount equals 50 percent of the Assessment under the Appeal, plus a sum equal to 10 percent of the said deposit as a condition precedent for further Hearing of the Appeal.

Thereafter, TAT adjourned the Appeal to 23 September 2021 for report of compliance with its Order and continuation of the hearing, subject to compliance with the Tribunal’s order.

Buhari To NDA Attackers, Criminals: Do Your Worse, We’ll Soon End Your Reign Of Terror

Editorial staff

August 25, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a strong word to unknown gunmen who attacked and killed serving soldiers at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) yesterday, August 24 and other criminals parading the country that rather than throwing a dampener into the morale of our Armed Forces as it is intended to, such actions will buoy their determination to make a decisive end to the criminality in the country.

In a statement today, August 25 by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President stressed that the attack at NDA came at a time that the military had put insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other types of criminals on the retreat.

According to the President, the heinous action would accelerate the total uprooting of evil in the polity, which members of the Armed Forces are solidly resolved to accomplish in the shortest possible time.

Commiserating with the families who lost their loved ones, and praying to God to comfort them, President Buhari vowed that the deceased would not die in vain, as the degenerate act would have consequences that will eventually clean the country of vermin, and emancipate the polity from deliberate, targeted and contrived atrocious acts.

He appreciated all Nigerians who value and appreciate the efforts of our military, and asked those who are playing hateful politics with the dastardly act to desist.

He wanted them and all patriots as well as people of goodwill to support and encourage those who are in the vanguard of the battle against wickedness in the land.

House Of Reps Gives Standing Ovation To NNPC Boss On 2022-2024 Revenue Projection Framework

Editorial staff

August 25, 2021

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance, today, August 25, gave a standing ovation to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari after providing detailed explanations on some burning Oil Industry issues at an interactive session on the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure and Revenue Framework and Fiscal Strategy.

Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun James Faleke, on behalf of members, praised the Group Managing Director for providing an in-depth explanation and insider perspective on some issues surrounding the operations of the NNPC and Oil Industry.

“You have made our day. The committee is better informed based on explanations provided by the GMD.”

Mallam Kyari, in his presentation, provided a base oil price scenario in the medium term as follows: $57 per barrel for 2022, $61 per barrel for 2023 and $62 per barrel for 2024.

Kyari explained that the assumptions were arrived at after a careful appraisal of the three-year historical dated Brent Oil Price average of $59.07 per barrel premised on Platts Spot Prices.

“Price growth is to be moderated by the lingering concerns over COVID-19, increased energy efficiency, switching due to increased utilization of gas and alternatives for electricity generation. These are reflected in the Medium Term Revenue Framework.”

On the perennial issue of smuggling of petroleum products, Kyari implored the National Assembly to come to the aid of the Corporation in battling the menace, saying that the Corporation, based on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, had mobilized some Federal Agencies like the Customs, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Police, Civil Defence Corps and others, to find workable solutions to the menace.

On the propriety of establishing NNPC Retail stations in neigbouring countries to curb the challenge of illegal haulage of petroleum products across the border, Kyari said that though the NNPC once considered the option, it had to jettison the idea when it became imperative that the measure would be counterproductive.

He explained that people who are smuggling are not looking for officially priced petroleum products, adding that establishing NNPC Retail stations would not yield the desired result since the people who take products across the border are not interested in selling at the official prevailing prices at approved stations but are interested in under the counter deals.

The NNPC GMD also took time to provide detailed explanation on the Corporation’s equity shareholding interest in Dangote Refinery, noting that the package which was at the instance of NNPC is designed to guarantee national energy security.

He said that the equity interest was secured after due consideration of the national interest and best possible options.

“We will have right to 20 percent of production from this facility. We structured our equity participation on the basis that the refinery must buy at least 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day of our production. This guarantees our market at a period when every country is struggling to find market for their crude oil.”

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