PCN  Closes  301 Medicine Shops  In  Enugu

Pharmacists Council of Nigeria seals 301 medicine shops in Enugu
The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has disclosed that about 301 patent medicine shops in Enugu State have been sealed for various reasons.
This was disclosed by the Registrar of PCN, Dr. Elijah Mohammed disclosed on Friday in Enugu while briefing newsmen after its enforcement operations in the state.
Represented   by the Director, Enforcement of the council, Mr Stephen Esumobi, the  registrar said that 90 pharmacies were also sealed while six pharmacies and patent medicine shops were issued compliance directives during the enforcement exercise.
He said  the offenses to include but not limited to operating without registration with PCN, failure to renew premises license and dispensing ethical products without supervision of a pharmacist.
Others are poor storage and sanitary conditions among others.
Mohammed said that a total of 524 premises comprising 159 pharmacies and 365 patent medicine shops were visited during the operation.
“Members of the public are advised to purchase their medicines and simple household remedies from licensed pharmacies and licensed patent and propriety medicines vendor shops respectively.
“Those intending to start pharmaceutical businesses should get in touch with the PCN head office, state and zonal offices for guidance,” he said.
He said that the Enugu State office of the PCN was doing everything to assist owners of premises who were ready to comply with regulations.
The registrar said that facilities that qualified for registration as patent medicine stores would be registered and their owners trained on how to handle simple household medicines.
“Subsequently, they will undergo continuous education every two years,” he said.
He said that the PCN enforcement team had been in the state since the beginning of the week.
Mohammed named the existence of unregistered medicine shops as one major factor militating against rational distribution and use of medicines in the country.
“Most of these facilities are operated by traders who know nothing about the therapeutic or pharmacokinetic profiles of the medicines they sell to the public.
These premises pose serious threat to public health because they have over the years become channels for distributing medicines whose quality, safety and efficacy have been compromised,” he said.
Mohammed said that most of the medicine shops had created unhealthy rooms for the sale of substances of abuse to criminal elements in the society.
“It has been found that some of these unregistered medicine dealers sell expired drugs using false labels to conceal actual status of medicines,” Mohammed said.
Kano-Kaduna Rail Line To  Start Operation  July-Amaechi 

Amaechi gives reason for delay in commissioning of Lagos-Ibadan railway  project | Nairametrics
The Minister of Transportation,Rotimi Amaechi,has said the ministry is set to commence work to link Kano-Kaduna with rail in two months
He said this when he led a delegation of Nigerian Shippers Council and Nigeria Railway Corporation to pay a courtesy visit on the Kano State Governor in Kano.
He  due to the economic viability of the state, the rail line and the Inland Dry Port would boost the business activities of the state and encourage import and export stating that even though there is no River in the state, maritime activities will be brought there.
” We are here because we want to see how far you have gone with the Dala  Inland Dry Port because between now and July, we would start work on the Kano-Kaduna part of the rail and wherever we link the Kano rail to Kaduna and link Ibadan to Abuja,  then we have the problem of cargoes.
” We have to learn how to manage cargoes that come to Kano, like you know,  we are also linking Kano-Maradi, so Kano will be the hub for the railway sector with a major station in Kano, it will be able to control the volume of human traffic  in Kano.
” Kano is important to Nigeria,  Kano is also important to the railway sector and we are trying to see how to bring Maritime into Kano, it is important to note that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council North-West Zonal Office is located at Kano because of the economic importance.
” We believe that the government has the capacity to protect those projects and respond to the needs of the users,”he said.
Responding,  the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said that he was very delighted that the Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers Council was located in the State because of the commercial nature of the State.
He said that based on the population of the State, the volume of import and export was very high noting that Kano has the highest vote during elections and the highest seat at the National Assembly, hence  he would make the Dala Inland Dry Port  wet in terms of performance.
Ganduje, however, said that with the international airport in Kano and the businesses happening with other neighbouring countries, the Dry Port and the Rail line will boost the economy of the State.
 Diezani’s Houses, Jewelries Worth Over N46bn- EFCC 

Looted Assets: Diezani's Houses, Jewelries Worth Over N46bn, EFCC Tells  Reps – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday confirmed that the recovered loots of former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison amounts to N46 billion and above.
The chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulraheed Bawa, revealed  that the estimated value of the jewelries in the commission’s custody stood at N14billion, while the estimated value given for the former Minister’s houses was $80million.
The following revelations were made as the EFCC boss and his team appeared before the House of Representatives ad hoc Committee on assessment and status of all recovered loots, movable and immovable assets from 2002 to 2020.
Earlier, the committee chaired by Adejoro Adeogun (APC, Ondo) had requested to be given the estimated total value of the former Minister’s worth in terms of figure from recovered assets.
According to the EFCC boss, “The estimated value of Diezani Allison’s jewelries in naira is N14.4billion.
The estimated value of houses for the former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison is worth $80million”.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists on the continued delay in assets disposal after the hearing, the chairman said, “Already the federal government has set up a committee under the chairmanship of the Solicitor General for the Federation and I think they are working tirelessly”.
This according to him is to ensure that assets that are not only recovered by the EFCC but the by entirety of the recovery agencies are disposed off.
“We have EFCC representatives from that committee and we believe at the end of the day Nigerians are going to appreciate what that committee will come out with in term of the mandate given to them,” he said.
Badagry Council Chairman Flaunts Scorecards 

Mr Olusegun Onilude, The chairman, Badagry Local Government, Mr.Olusegun Onilude,has revealed account of his stewardship since assumption of office four years ago.
Onilude, who is seeking a second term of office, told newsmen in Badagry that his administration recorded remarkable achievements in education, road rehabilitation, youth and women empowerment and market development during his first term.
He disclosed that  over 400 poor students benefited from annual free GCE and JAMB forms distribution during his four years in office.
He said:“My administration distributed free school uniforms, school sandals, exercise books and white marker boards to all the 23 primary schools in Badagry.Despite the lean purse of the council, my administration built two six classrooms blocks, with head-teachers offices and toilets in L A primary school in Iyafin and Gberefu riverine communities,” he said.
He  said that his administration also supported widows, the aged and indigent through quarterly empowerment support programme with cash gifts and food items.
He added:“Also, equipment such as deep freezers, sewing machines, hair dryers, vulcanizing equipment with cash grants were given as business support to selected artisans and traders.
“Farmers were also presented with farm implements and farm inputs to encourage and boost agriculture and food security.Youths were trained in various vocations such as catering, computer, fashion designing and make up, while the abandoned vocational centre was renovated by my administration.
“During COVID-19 pandemic, we distributed several palliatives to ease the effect of the lockdown, while I personally went from ward to ward delivering palliatives at the door steps of the aged and less privileged,” the chairman said.
He also disclosed that his administration embarked on upgrade  and modernisation  of the commercial centres in order to boost business activities in the coastal area.
“This will consequently improve the Internally Generated Revenue of the council.Markets currently undergoing upgrading and modernisation include Agbalata International Market, Ajara New Market and Kiki Whenu Shopping Complex at Badagry Roundabout.These markets and shopping complex are being built by investors under a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement,” he said.
According to him,the one storey old Customary Court building under construction would house one event hall, Court hall, 12 offices, marriage registry and 16 toilets when completed.
He said his administration completed the dilapidated Ajido Community Hall into modern event and youth centre which became the cynosure of all eyes.
The chairman said that roads that were rehabilitated and graded during his tenure include; Togbe/Owhe road, Ajara Agamathen road, Agonkanme road, Hospital road, Jegba, Tande, Gbethe, Agelasho and Gofamint road.
“Rural roads were being regularly graded in Ikoga, Iragon, Agbovipe areas and Samuel Ekundayo road,” he said.
On health, he said regular free eye, sugar and blood sugar level tests were carried out.
Onilude said that drug revolving progamme was initiated at Ajara flagship health care centre.
 Onilude said his administration initiated the no-interest loan for civil servants and ensured they enjoyed bonuses during religious festivals.
He urged the people to give him  opportunity to consolidate on his achievement by electing for a second term.
Ikeja Electric Distributes Free Educational Materials To Mark Children’s Day.

 Ikeja Electric (IE), has restated its support for quality education with the donation of educational materials to Agidingbi Primary Schools, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities to mark this year’s Children’s Day.
The company explained that it  was in line with its commitment to support efforts in promoting quality primary education and also contribute to the growth of educational sector in Nigeria, through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
At presentation of the items which included books, writing materials and school bags, the company’s Chief Finance Officer, Olubunmi Olukoju, explained that IE came to identify with Agidingbi Primary School, as a way of giving back to the society, in appreciation of their contribution to the progress the company.
“We understand that quality primary education is the bedrock for building leaders of tomorrow, so it becomes pertinent that we lend our support to growth and quality educational development of these children. As a socially responsible corporate organization, we will continue to engender opportunities and support platform that will prepare children to excel in their academic pursuits,” she said.
In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Agidingbi Primary School, Ehirim Edith, commended Ikeja Electric for distributing the educational items to their pupils, as this will encourage them in their studies. “We are extremely delighted and grateful to Ikeja Electric for coming to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day with our school.” She said.
During the interactive session in the school, the pupils were educated on how to use electricity safely to avoid electrical hazards. Olukoju urged the pupils to abide by all the safety tips at all times while enjoying electricity at home, school and anywhere they find themselves.
She discouraged any form of activity near power lines and also advised parents not to carry out any trading activities near electrical installations, especially near transformers and under high tension power lines, to avoid electrocution. She assured the children and parents of excellent service delivery across the network coverage areas of Ikeja Electric.
The pupils, after receiving the educational materials, thanked the DisCO, saying “God bless Ikeja Electric”.
The event was also attended by Afolabi Adeola, Education Officer, Ikeja Local Government  Education Authority, Oluyemi Ayanga, Business Manager, Ikeja Business Unit, Adebimpe Akintola, Brand, Events and PCSR Coordinator, Ayeni Akinola, Community and Media Relations Manager, all from Ikeja Electric and some Ikeja Electric’s employee volunteers.
Wizkid,Burna Boy,Diamond Plantnumz Lead Bet Awards International Act Nominations

Nigerian artists Wizkid, Burna Boy and Tanzania's Diamond Platnumz lead the BET  Awards 2021 Best International Act Nominations
BET announced  the “BET AWARDS” 2021 nominees with African heavyweights Wizkid, Burnaboy(Nigeria) and Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania) scoring three nominations in the Best International Act category.
This year’s nominees reflect an abundance of creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports. The “BET AWARDS” 2021 will air LIVE, Monday, June 28 on BET Africa, DStv channel 122, at 1am WAT / 2am CAT. You can also catch the repeat at 7pm WAT / 8pm CAT on Monday, June 28.
Culture’s biggest night, the “BET AWARDS,” continues its reign in its twenty-first year as the ultimate platform to showcase the best, brightest, and most beautiful aspects of the Black experience – celebrating Black music’s present and future, and elevating the culture and being a driving force for social change.
“It’s been a thrilling year in music entertainment and we are proud to have this opportunity to showcase a diverse and cultural rich list of international nominees that includes  African artists and including Brazil talent for the first time in the Best International Act Category,“ said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President & GM ViacomCBS and BET International Peer Lead. “Over the years, the BET Awards have honoured some of the most talented musicians in the International arena. It’s a powerful platform to spotlight and celebrate black excellence on the global stage. Congratulations to all the nominees.”
American rappers Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby are also leading the pack with seven nominations respectively. Megan Thee Stallion, who left her mark in last year’s telecast with her Mad Max inspired performance for “Girls in The Hood” and “Savage,” claims one of the top spots securing seven nominations for ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ for WAP, ‘Album of the Year,’ for Good News, ‘Viewer’s Choice Award (x2),’ and ‘Best Collaboration,’ for her features with DaBaby (Cry Baby) and Cardi B (WAP). After his searing and powerful ‘Rockstar’ performance at last year’s “BET Awards,” DaBaby claims the other top spot securing seven nods, including ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ for Blame it on Baby, ‘Viewer’s Choice Award,’ and four nods for ‘Best Collaboration’ for his features alongside Roddy Ricch (Rockstar), Megan Thee Stallion (Cry Baby), Pop Smoke & Lil Baby (For The Night), and Jack Harlow Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne (Whats Poppin- Remix).
Cardi B and Drake garnered the second most nods with five nominations each. Cardi B’s nods include ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ twice for WAP and UP. Drake’s nods include ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist,’ ‘Video of the Year,’ for Laugh Now Cry Later featuring Lil Durk and ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’. Anderson.Paak, Bruno Mars, Chloe X Halle, and Chris Brown are the third-highest with four nominations each and are all up for the coveted ‘Video of the Year’ award.
Following last year’s groundbreaking virtual awards show, the “BET AWARDS” returns this year with a live show audience. Beginning today, vaccinated individuals can register here for consideration to be part of the “BET AWARDS” 2021 live show audience. BET will work closely with Los Angeles County to support community vaccination efforts and ensure adherence to COVID-19 protocols.
Due to these safety parameters, press access to the show will be limited and “BET AWARDS” will not be issuing a credential form. Media will be invited directly to cover any in-person opportunities, including the red carpet, with additional remote/virtual press opportunities to be announced at a later date.
BET recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 21categories with The “BET Awards” 2021 nominations(‘Viewer’s Choice Award: Best New International Act’ will be released at a later date). The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is composed of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts.
MRA Advocates  Better Implementation Of FOI Act

MRA urges Nigerian government to protect journalists
 Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has  stressed the need for  better implementation of Frredom of Information Law  to enable it  achieve its ultimate objectives of making government transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of citizens.
In a statement to commemorate the 10th year anniversary of the signing of the Freedom of Information Bill into Law by then President Goodluck Jonathan on May 28, 2011, MRA noted that a study conducted by the organization on the implementation of the Act over the last 10 years showed that it had yielded huge  information for scores of citizens, civil society organizations, journalists and media organizations, as well as other groups within the society who, as a result, definitely now know more about various actions and policies of governments at Federal and State levels.
The organization observed, however, that the Act was still a long way from achieving its full objectives as a result of its poor implementation by the Federal Government and various government ministries, departments and agencies as well as many State governments who continue to resist the application of the Law to them so that they can continue to run secretive governments.
MRA’s Project Director, Mr. Segun Fatuase, said in the statement that: “The Federal Government has had neither bark nor bite in the implementation of the FOI Act in the last 10 years as there has been no concerted effort to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act by public institutions under its authority and control.”
According to Mr. Fatuase, “There is now an urgent need for those charged with oversight functions with regards to the FOI Act to do more to ensure its effective implementation while the Federal Government itself, if it is serious about combating corruption, must demonstrate greater committed to this piece of legislation that is designed to enthrone an open, transparent and accountable governance and thereby impede corrupt practices.”
He stressed that the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly, who have primary responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the Act, must live up to their statutory responsibilities in order to improve the level of compliance by public institutions with the Act in different critical areas.
He  noted that MRA’s research findings showed “a particularly worrying low level of compliance in the submission of annual reports by public institutions, with hundreds of public institutions failing to submit their implementation reports annually and facing absolutely no consequence for their wilful and contemptuous disregard for the Law, not even a reprimand from any authority of the government.”
He also cited the latest Annual Report of the Attorney-General of the Federation on the implementation of the Act submitted to the National Assembly which reported that only 73  public institutions submitted reports in 2020, out of over 500 public institutions to which the FOI Act applies at the Federal level.
Mr. Fatuase also decried “the lack of responsiveness by most public institutions to requests for information from members of the public; their refusal to publish the categories of information that they are required to proactively disclose under the Act; the low number of public institutions that have designated FOI Desk Officers, and the painfully slow adjudication and resolution of cases arising under the Act by courts across the country.”
He advised the Attorney-General of the Federation, pursuant to the powers and responsibility conferred on him under section 29(6) of the Act, to adopt and implement a regime of administrative sanctions to be applied against public institutions and officials who fail to comply with the provisions of the Act, neglect to perform their duties and obligations under the Act or in any way violate the provisions of the Law.
Shell,Rivers Govt. Float Multi-Billion Naira Cassava Company 

L-R: Chairman, Rivers Cassava Processing Company (RCPC), Mr. Glory Chuku; General Manager External Relations, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Igo Weli; Shell’s former General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Mr. Nedo Osayande; Project Manager, RCPC, Mr. Reuben Geisen; Shell Manager for Social Performance and Social Investment, Dr. Gloria Udoh; and Bishop of South Sudan, Precious Omuku, at the inauguration of the cassava plant in Oyigbo, Rivers State… on Thursday.
Shell has inaugurated a multi-billion-naira Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited built in partnership with the Rivers State Government, Vieux Manioc BV of the Netherlands, and the embassy of The Netherlands in Nigeria.
Shell explained  the company will support the economy and earning power of the Rivers State and its people from the cassava value chain while utilising leading technology to process and create more added value from the household crop.
Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said:“We’re happy to deliver a project that is designed to provide the agricultural sector of Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta with a sustainable institutionalised off-take mechanism for regional cassava production.”
Okunbor,who was represented by the General Manager External Relations, Mr. Igo Weli, expressed optimism that  a steady source of supply will promote more production of cassava by farmers with the accompanying increase in household incomes and livelihoods ultimately unlocking revenue to government.”
 He commended the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his vision and commitment to productive partnership with the private sector to develop the economy of the state.
“Data shows that Nigeria is the largest cassava producer globally, accounting for about 20 percent of total production worldwide. However, though domestic economy’s demand for cassava and its constituents is high, the supply has shown a gap, unable to meet the huge demand,” said Okunbor, adding that the cassava processing company was a critical intervention to bridge the supply gap by providing a reliable offtake for farmers.
Citing some expert reports, Okunbor noted that the local value-addition to cassava via local manufacturing and processing could potentially unlock about $16m in taxes to the government.
The governor led the Minister for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Sabo Nanono, to inaugurate the company, and praised Shell for its foresight and collaboration with the State on the project, noting that the factory would positively impact thousands of Rivers people and create tangible alternative livelihood opportunities.
Wike said, “I commend Shell for believing in us to partner with us. Gradually, Rivers State will reduce its holding in the company to about 10% from the current near 80%,” adding that the initiative was a preferred method of improving lives, rather than giving handouts to individuals.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, applauded the governor and the project partners for seeing the project through. He advised governors of other states in the country to take up similar projects, highlighting the CBN’s interest to support such tangible agricultural initiatives.
He challenged state governors to implement strategies that that would make them self-reliant and viable for economic development thereby reducing their dependence on allocation from the federal purse.
Explaining the capacity and operations of the processing plant, the Project Manager, Mr. Ruben Joseph Giesen, said, “The Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited will process cassava into high quality cassava flour via a unique split processing technology based on the operating principle of taking the factory to the farm gates rather than having the farmer bring the cassava tubers to the factory gate.”
In attendance at the event were the Managing Directors of Nigeria LNG, Mr. Tony Attah; and Sahara Energy, Mr. Kola Adesina; Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Representative on Conflict in sub Saharan Africa and Bishop of South Sudan, Precious Omuku.
Total Transforms,Changes Name To TotalEnergies

French multinational oil company,Total has been renamed,TotalEnergies.
The resolution to change the company’s name from Total to TotalEnergies, was unanimously approved at its ordinary and extra ordinary shareholders meeting on Friday thereby anchoring its strategic transformation into a broad energy company in its identity.
 In tandem with this name change, TotalEnergies
Besides,the company is adopting a new visual identity, “Energy is life”,in line with its name change.
“We all need it and it’s a source of progress. So today, to contribute to the sustainable development of the planet facing the climate challenge, we are moving forward, together, towards new energies. Energy is reinventing itself, and this energy journey is ours. Our ambition is to be a world-class player in the energy transition. That is why Total is transforming and becoming TotalEnergies,” declared Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies.
He explained that the new name and new visual identity embody the course TotalEnergies has resolutely charted for itself: that of a broad energy company committed to producing and providing energies that are ever more affordable, reliable and clean.
He added: “TotalEnergies is a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people”.
Presidency Extended N2 trillion Bailout For States In Three Years

The Presidency has flaunted  the achievements of the Buhari administration over the last six years.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina,said the Buhari administration extended more than N2 trillion in bailout packages to the 36 state governments to “enable them meet their salary and pension obligations, especially in the face of dwindling oil revenues in the first three years of the administration.”
He said  the support took the following forms: N614 billion Budget Support Facility; $5.4 billion in Paris Club Refunds; N700 billion in refunds for federal road projects embarked upon by state governments; and restructuring of N575.516 billion loan facilities with commercial banks for 23 states to reduce the debt service burden on the states.
“In exchange for their loans to state governments, the banks were issued 20-year FGN bonds at a yield of 14.83% per annum,” Adesina said.
He added: “The restructuring exercise benefited the states through reduction in the monthly debt service burden of states from between 55% to 97% for various states; and interest rate savings for the states ranging from 3% to 9% per annum.”
Other achievements include investment of over a billion dollars in three flagship projects: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway and resumption of work on the 337km East-West Road project, originally awarded in 2006.
He said the East-West Road is due for completion in the first quarter of 2022.
Adesina said the administration has achieved a lot but only noticeable to those it referred to as dispassionate fair-minded, and not beclouded by political partisanship and undue cynicism.
The statement said that the sixth anniversary of the administration, which comes up today, offers an opportunity to reflect and recount the impact the government has made.
The highlighted achievements cover infrastructure, finance, education, healthcare, sports, anti-corruption, human development, housing, oil and gas, and foreign relations.
According to Adesina, the achievements are so remarkable that “when the administration breasts the tape in another two years, by the grace of God, the applause will be resounding, even from the worst of skeptics.”
He added: “This milestone affords the opportunity to reflect, and recount the impact that has been made (and is being made) on different sectors of national life.
“From infrastructure, to finance, education, healthcare, sports, anti-corruption, human development, housing, oil and gas, foreign relations, and many others, the administration is recording giant strides, enough to make Nigerians proud.
“That is, those who are dispassionate and fair-minded, not beclouded by political partisanship and undue cynicism.
“Some people claim: ‘We don’t see what they are doing. We don’t hear about it.’
“Facts are undeniable, and always remain so. They are stubborn things.”
He said the administration  recovered  N189 billion from inflated personnel budgets as one of the highlights.
The recoveries were made by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) under the fight against corruption policy of the administration.
The achievements were captured in a statement -The Buhari Administration at 6: Counting the Blessings One by One- issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
According to Adesina, scrutiny of practices, systems and procedures of MDAs’ personnel cost from 2019 to 2020 by the ICPC led to the recovery of the money.
He said that in 2019 alone, the commission recovered N32 billion worth of land, buildings and vehicles, while its audit of Constituency Projects covering 2015 to 2018 led to the recovery of N2 billion of diverted funds and assets.
Besides, he said, Nigeria has signed an agreement on the identification and repatriation of illicit funds with the United Arab Emirates and successfully engaged the governments of Switzerland, Jersey Island, United States, United Arab Emirates and Liechtenstein, among others, in an effort to ensure the repatriation of Nigeria’s stolen assets.
He said: “A total of US$622 million in looted Abacha funds repatriated to Nigeria in two tranches in December 2017 and April 2020.
“The first tranche ($322m) is being disbursed as part of the Buhari administration’s Social Investment Programme interventions, while the second tranche ($311m) is being invested in the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF), managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).”