All Posts in "Day: March 26, 2021"

TCN Restores Power To Maiduguri 

TCN restores power supply to Maiduguri - Punch Newspapers
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) restored power supply to Maiduguri, Borno State and its environs, on Wednesday, 24th March 2021 at about 3:51pm.
Bulk power supply is presently being transmitted through a diversion using 33kV HT poles as by-pass transmission line, constructed by TCN engineers to enable supply to Maiduguri. Effort is also ongoing to reconstruct three vandalised transmission towers along 330kV Damaturu – Maiduguri line.
Speaking on the execution of the 330kV Damaturu-Maiduguri diversion (by- pass), the Ag. MD/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule Abdulaziz noted that while work was ongoing on the temporary transmission line in the month of February 2021, five out of the TCN engineers working on the line were rushed to the hospital when their vehicle drove on an explosive device buried underground by insurgents. The incident notwithstanding, TCN engineers re-mobilized to site and completed the temporary transmission line. Presently, work is still ongoing on the towers.
He  expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, for his invaluable assistance so far, and commended the team of TCN engineers who consistently put their lives on the line to ensure that the 330kV Damaturu – Maiduguri by-pass is completed, even as they continue to work on the three transmission towers that were vandalized.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Power 0
NLNG’s Science Prize Judges Begin Selection  Process

NLNG's Science Prize judges begin adjudication process for 2021 cycle – WorldStage
The activities in the Prize cycle of the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Science, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), have resumed with the hand-over of 49 entries to the panel of judges.
This was revealed by the Advisory Board for the prize, chaired by Professor Alfred Akpoveta Susu at a virtual hand-over ceremony. According to Professor Susu, the entries received in 2020 for the theme “Innovations in Sustainable Food Security” were carried over into the 2021 cycle after a decision to postpone the prize due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, said NLNG was excited about the return of the prize, stating that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerated development of vaccines emphasise the need to maximise utilisation of science in solving human problems. She said seeking solutions to Nigerian problems and development issues were the reason The Nigeria Prize for Science was set-up in line with NLNG’s vision of helping to build a better Nigeria.
“The world has learnt the hard way that science can help us. We are not using up to half of the capacity in the science research and development industry, especially in Nigeria where are we are grappling with our educational system. Nigerians are intelligent people, and I believe we can be pioneers and we can stand at par with other countries when it comes to scientific endeavours.
“With foresight, we established the prize and over challenging years, we modified it and opened it to all irrespective of nationality just to spur science in the country. We have ensured that entries are focussed on solving Nigeria’s problems. It does not matter who finds solutions to the Nigerian problems. All that counts is that it helps to build a better Nigeria, in line with our Company’s vision. We must take action now,” she said.
The entries were handed over to the panel of judges, chaired by Professor Patrick Obi Ngoddy. In his remarks, Professor Obi assured all that the entries will be painstakingly examined. He also promised the panel will deliver on their terms of reference.
Professor Patrick Obi Ngoddy is a professor of Food Engineering and Processing. He comes with a wealth of experience in food engineering, processing, and agricultural engineering. He has taught and worked in several universities including Michigan State University; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and Institute of Food Technology, among others.
Other members of the panel are Professor Yusuf Abubakar and Professor Oyebiodun Longe. Professor Abubakar is a professor of Animal Breeding and Quantitative Genetics and is the Coordinator of Agriculture Group, R & D Standing Committee, at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. He is also the President of Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS); Chair of the Board of Trustees, WorldFish; and currently a visiting professor at the University of Abuja.
Professor Longe, a professor of Animal Science at the University of Ibadan, is the first female Emeritus Professor of Agriculture in Nigeria. She taught Carbohydrate Chemistry Utilization and Energy Metabolism in non-ruminants at the university and rose to become the first female professor of Animal Science in Nigeria.  She is a member of many national and international professional bodies, including the British Nutrition Society, Nigerian Society for Animal Production, Third World Organisation of Women in Science, among others.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in News 0
US  Cautions Nigerians Against  Fake Work Visa

US Embassy Cautions Nigerians Against Fake Work Visa - Spread.ng
The United States has alerted Nigerians to an offer of fake US work visa being promised by  a group.
It disclosed that scammers are behind the circulation of the fake job visa.
The US Embassy dissociated itself from a press release promising a new type of work visa for Nigerians between the ages of 40 and 55.
The faceless group in the press release claimed to be from the US citizenship and Immigration Services said those eligible for the work visa should be health workers, engineers, marine workers and accountants.
The press release partly read, “President Joe Biden, the 46 US. President has signed an Executive Order that interested citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who measure in some special professions are eligible for American Work E-Visa and Residence Permit. This was communicated to the Nigeria US Department of immigration.
The terms of the Executive Order allows 25,000 citizens of the Republic of Nigeria between the age of 40 to 55 whose area of expertise are among the following: Health workers, engineers, marine workers, accountants…”
It added that “applicants and children who have been vaccinated must make a pre-visa vaccination deposit of $150 per person which is required as a condition for visa approval.”
Applicants are also required to make a deposit of $250 for English proficiency test.
But the US Embassy described it as a scam and warned people not to fall victim to it.
“Fraud Alert! Scammers and fraudsters are circulating a fake “press release” claiming to offer a new type of work visa to Nigerian citizens aged 40-55. It’s the same old scam, but in fresh packaging – don’t become a victim!” the US Embassy added.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in News 0
Police Officer Turns Down N1m Bribe In Kano 

PHOTOS: Police officer rejects N1m bribe in Kano
Inspector Garba Saleh Rabo, a police officer, attached to the Department of Operations Kano State Police Command,rejected the sum of N1million  offered him while on duty.
The acting Managing Director, Kano Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Baffa Babba Dan Agundi presented the Inspector and one other, Jamilu Buhari Alkasim to the Kano State Commissioner of Police Sama’ila Shu’aibu Dikko ,according to a statement
 Kano Police Command Spokesman, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa  said in the statement that  Dan Agundi noted that Inspector Garba Saleh Rabo and Jamilu Buhari Alkasim,  have done a commendable job by refusing to collect bribe.
‘’The two personnel, having received information that expired goods worth billions of naira were kept in a warehouse, stormed the facility, where N1 million was offered a bribe, ‘’said the statement.
“They rejected the bribe, recovered the expired goods, the money as an exhibit and arrested the suspect,” said Dan Agundi who is also the MD of Kano Road Traffic Agency (KAROTA).
‘’The agency commended the two personnel and decided to give the same amount in appreciation to them. He called on the general public to continue to support the police and appreciate those with outstanding performances.’’
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in News 0
DisCos,Manufacturers  Deploying  Uncertified Meters To Customers-NEMSA

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), faulted non-compliance by meter manufacturers, suppliers and DisCos to ensure that only certified electricity meters with crimp seal and test label by its National Meter Test Stations (NMTS) are deployed.
Peter Ewesor,the Managing Director and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Peter Ewesor,who disclosed this in Abuja said the refusal of meter manufacturers, suppliers and DisCos to comply with technical requirements and specifications of electricity meters as specified by Nigeria Metering Code Version 02 (NMC V 02), the Nigerian Electricity Smart Metering Regulation and other extant regulations for deployment and use in Nigeria is a bottleneck that needs to be addressed in the sector.
He implored electricity  consumers in the country to  reject meters that are not duly tested and certified by NEMSA.
He said: “Despite the federal government’s efforts geared towards bridging the metering Gap in Nigeria, there are challenges that stand as a bottleneck preventing its urgent realisation.
“Complaint by some metered customers on deliberate direct connection by-passing their electricity meters leading to estimated billing imposed on them by some DisCos. These consumers alleged that the DisCos would come to their premises saying that their meters are faulty and without any formal information, they will be connected directly and switch them back to estimated billing.”
He also expressed dissatisfaction over  refusal of   some consumers to accept smart meters due to perceived distrust that Distribution Companies (DisCos) may have calibrated the units to read faster.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Power 0
FG May Unbundle  TCN

UNBUNDLING NIGERIA's TCN: FG seeks advice on Transmission Service Provider, Independent System Operator - TheDailyNG
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) may be unbundle soon to boost its efficiency  improve power supply in the country.
Mr. Yunana Malo, the Director, Energy, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Yunana Malo, gave the hint said during the March edition of “the Electricity Hub” conversation series on power.
He told participants at the meeting that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) had ordered  that a proper strategy should be mapped out for the unbundling of Transmission Company of Nigeria.
He  explained  that the government believed that all the players in the energy value chain should be able to align with the needs of the power sector seamlessly, adding that the right environment is being created for the transmission component to match generation and distribution.
He said: “Government has not taken a decision on TCN. We are on the drawing board, looking at all the possibilities. We need to plan and strategise, know what the objectives are; how to attain them and that’s what we are currently doing. The NCP has said that we should look at all the issues.
“Generation is growing and distribution is also becoming incrementally more efficient with the kind of interventions that are going on there. It is this kind of reasoning that made us to say, let us see how the transmission component can even be stronger.
“We are looking at the experiences of other countries and how they have been able to bring in private sector finance into the transmission component in a relatively short period of time and were able to achieve the kind of expansion and reduce levels of redundancy. That is the reason that the government is beginning to think that we should really look at the transmission component.”
He stated that unbundling will require firming up the institutions and making sure each one plays the role and responsibilities assigned to it, including the three components of the TCN, namely the System Operator (SO), the Market Operator (MO) and Transmission Service Provider (TSP).
“Maybe it can be compartmentalised with the MO and SO coming together as one institution to be called the Independent System Operator (ISO) while the transmission component, which is highly operational and highly technical, can now be undertaken by another institution,” he added.
He said  unbundling the TCN will require the federal government looking at the dynamics of the sector and working to ensure its independence.
“It has been highlighted that TCN takes care of five per cent of the value chain. But that five per cent is very critical. We are in the process of making sure we attain that objective,” he said.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Power 0
Nigeria, Morocco To Construct  $1.3bn Fertilizer Plant 

President Muhammadu Buhari has that  said a new basic chemicals platform worth $1.3b that will produce ammonia and fertilizers in Nigeria will be ready for commissioning soon.
The new plant,he said, will be built in partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco.
He disclosed while speaking at an audience with Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria, FEPSAN,according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina in Abuja .
‘‘His Majesty, the King of Morocco and I, have agreed to extend the current Phosphate supply agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and Nigeria.
‘‘We both believe that to consolidate and expand on the successes recorded thus far, we must secure raw material supplies to our blenders.
‘‘Furthermore, to improve the balance of trade between Nigeria and Morocco, the two countries have signed an agreement to develop a $1.3 billion Basic Chemicals Platform in Nigeria that will produce Ammonia, Phosphoric Acid, Sulphuric Acid and various Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) and Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilisers using Nigeria’s gas reserves.”
He added  that the new plant when completed would complement the existing Dangote and Indorama Chemicals facilities which produce urea, ammonia and other industrial raw materials.
‘‘When we combine these projects with the existing 44 blending plants, Nigeria will indeed become a regional and global fertiliser power house,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Mr Thomas Etuh, FEPSAN  told the President that from three blending plants operating at 40 per cent capacity in 2016, today Nigeria has 44 blending plants most of which are operating at full capacity.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in News 0
Afreximbank, NEXIM To Invest  $50m In Nigeria

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) said they are mobilizing close to $50 million project preparation funds for investments in Nigeria.
The development followed  the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Project Preparation Fund that will provide early project preparation financing and technical support services to public and private sector entities operating in Nigeria’s trade sector.
Under the terms of the MoU, according to a statement by AfreximBank, both banks would collaborate through the Fund to unlock investments into sectors such as export manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals development and beneficiation services, as well as healthcare, Information and Communications Technology and creative industries.
Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said:  “The execution of this MoU marks yet another significant milestone in our collaboration with NEXIM.
“This intervention is timely as the Fund will play a catalytic role in accelerating the diversification of the Nigerian economy by ensuring a steady flow of bankable projects in priority tradable sectors in a timely manner.
“In addition to enhancing bankability, the Fund will, on a case-by-case basis, undertake feasibility studies to assess the viability of accessing markets in the sub-region, thereby promoting intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.”
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
Huge Nigerian Currency Held By Hoarders -CBN

Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN)- Invitation To Bid For Nigerian Treasury Bills (November, 2020) - Nigeria Business Information
The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN),has  said that large and increasing proportion of the Nigerian currency outside the commercial banking system was held by the general public who hoard a lot of the new banknotes.
Besides,the apex bank said currency in circulation in the country dropped by N50bn to N2.78tn in February from N2.83tn as of January
It added  that the currency in circulation dropped by N70bn in January from N2.9tn as of December 2020.
According to the CBN, currency in circulation rose from N2.5tn as of the end of October to N2.66tn in November.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
We Believe In Nigeria-Total 

We donated N1.2bn to fight COVID-19 in Nigeria – Total - Daily Nigerian
Total Exploration  and Production  Nigeria Limited,has expressed its believe in Nigeria as a country with inherent growth path and prospects for making huge contribution in the global world.
The company said this  attribute alongside the  need  identify with communities where it operates was responsible for the company’s intervention to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
It added that its efforts also complemented government actions to find cure to the deadly disease
At an engagement with journalists, the Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Services, Mr. Abiodun Afolabi,explained that  Total was keen on the sustainability of projects and its interventions; adding that the development explains the company’s  preference  to complete programmes and projects before talking about them.
“For us, it is not a short-term aim; what we are doing is for the long term. We want to see that what we are doing is sustainable. Our own is not just to deliver and walk away, we donate and follow up to see that what we have given has brought value or the envisaged impact,” Mr Afolabi said. He stated that by so doing, lessons are learned for the sustainability of the next project.
He said   it was part of the NNPC led endeavour that donated N21billion to the Federal Government’s Covid-19 effort.
According to him: “In the first phase of that effort, the donation covered three thematic areas, namely;provision of medical consumables; deployment of logistics and in-patient support services as well as medical infrastructure. Total’s contribution was $3.2m (N1.2b). From the N1.2b contribution, Total is building two Emergency and Infectious Diseases (EID) Hospitals, one each in Maiduguri and Katsina, in addition to two Diagnostics Centres, one each in Minna and Damaturu.”  This was followed by similar contributions to States.
It cited Lagos state which got 20 Hospital Beds; 2 Surgical Ventilators; 2 Primaflex Dialysis Machines; 50,000 Litres of Fuel/ Diesel 2,000+ Face Masks at a time that the pandemic made such items difficult to procure.
“Realizing that the challenges brought about by the pandemic could potentially worsen the situation of persons living with HIV/AIDS, we reached out to the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, NEPHWAN in Lagos with foodstuff, sanitary products and the much-needed antiretroviral drugs,” the Executive General Manager, Operations Support Services, Mr Alex Aghedo explained in an incisive presentation on the company’s interventions towards taming the pandemic, in Nigeria.
On the need for an Oxygen plant, the Executive General Manager Operations Support Services, Mr Aghedo, observed that according to the Federal Ministry of Health, more than 625,000 deaths occur annually in Nigeria due to diseases associated with hypoxaemia (insufficient oxygen in the blood). In children, hypoxemia is a major fatal complication of pneumonia, accounting for 120,000 under-5 deaths in Nigeria per annum.
“In Nigeria, the Covid-19 pandemic simply made an already bad situation even worse. In collaboration with the Lagos Ministry of Health and our partners (NNPC, CNOOC, SAPETRO, Prime) we decided to build and donate a medical oxygen plant at the Gbagada General Hospital. We believe that this facility would be useful even beyond the Covid-19 pandemic. It would not only help improve the State’s capacity to care for Covid-19 patients but also further strengthen capacity to manage other conditions associated with oxygen deficiency,’’ Mr Aghedo said adding that the facility is in the last stages of construction and will be handed over to the Lagos State Government very soon. He also stated that the plant could cater to the needs of Lagos and other nearby States daily when operational.
The company also indicated that it has made similar interventions in the past as it gave a glimpse into its intervention during another deadly infectious disease: Ebola
Moderator of the session and the Country Communication Manager, Dr Charles Ebereonwu noted that while that the company had done a lot in assisting various levels of government to fight against the pandemic, it was telling the stories to inspire others to make their quota of contributions towards improving the lives of Nigerians. “By the time we aggregate the small bits of efforts by responsive corporate organizations like Total, a critical mass would have been achieved for economic development,” he said.
Online Editor by — March 26, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0