All Posts in "Day: October 11, 2021"

Nasarawa Residents Excited Over  NDPHC’s Planned Commissioning Of Transmission Substation 

NDPHC set to commission Lafia substation - Tribune Online
Residents of Nasarawa State are in a state of suppressed excitement with the commissioning of 330/132/3kV, 2x150MVA and 2x60MVA transmission sub-station constructed in Lafia just weeks away.
Mr. Emmanuel Ojor, Head, Communication and Public Relations of NDPHC, in a statement, disclosed that  it will be the first time that the state capital, Lafia and its environments would be connected to the national grid since its creation on October 1, 1996.
Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC),  who  led a team from the company on a pre-commissioning inspection visit to Akurba, Lafia where the station is located, said when energized, residents of Lafia and its environs would experience both social and economic boom as electricity supply will get a big boost.
“The project will enhance uninterrupted power supply. Before now, even the Government House, Lafia could not run on electricity from the distribution network because the 33kV line that comes from Akwanga is grossly inadequate to power the state capital and its environs.
“Fortunately, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has already awarded the necessary distribution contracts that will ensure that as soon as the transmission substation is commissioned, the whole area would be lighted up.”
Describing the construction as a ‘landmark project’ for the Buhari Administration, Oyedele said the project was being completed in record time.
“The project has tremendous local content built into it as most of the technicians and engineers who did the construction were Nigerians thereby increasing local capacity.
“Many factories including heavy industries are now springing up in Nassarawa State in anticipation of the commissioning of the transmission substation as they are now rest assured of adequate supply of electricity.
“What we have been watching on television and hearing about happening in other places is what we are now witnessing in our own community too”, an excited Ibrahim Mohammed, youth leader of Akurba community in Lafia, location of the project told reporters.
He disclosed that youths in the community have ensured that no harm came near any of the workers at the site and that no incidence of theft was recorded.
“The youths will now become gainfully employed with adequate supply of electricity.
A prince of the community, Ahmed Uba said “we give God the glory. Most youths that are presently jobless will now be gainfully employed as welders, barbers and other small and medium businesses will now begin to thrive.”
Deputy Managing Director of AK-AY Elektrik, the contractor handling the project, Dr. Mohammed Gumi who thanked NDPHC for the confidence reposed in them gave the assurance that the project would be completely ready for commissioning within the next few weeks when connection to the national grid through the line-in, line-out will be completed.
The transmission substation has the capacity to deliver and meet 240MW of load demand.
It will also help to provide backfeed to FCT whenever necessary since FCT is being served from Shiroro and Geregu power stations.
The transmission substation is one out of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) aimed at improving transmission of electricity nationwide.
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Power 0
We’re Not Insolvent-SAHCO Insists

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCO.ng) - AfricanFinancials
The Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has declared that it is not in any financial crisis as claim in some quarters.
SAHCO in a statement by Vanessa Uansohia, Manager, Corporate Communications, SAHCO, said that it was not indebted to any of the aggrieved staff.
The statement hinted that in a meeting held between the Director-General of BPE and the Chairman of SAHCO, the former, resolved that the benefits of the ex- staff of Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) was to be borne by the government, through the BPE and not SAHCO.
According to her, the Director-General, however promised to meet with the unions, which represent the disengaged workers for further negotiations.
The statement explained that SAHCO was officially listed as a PLC in 2018, noting that when BPE was handing over the company to the Stock Exchange, these benefits as claimed by the workers were not part of the liabilities handed over to the new management.
“Hence, SAHCO is not responsiblefor the payment,” she said.
She noted that the fortress of SAHCO had grown since Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman of SAHCO bought the company from the  Federal Government with a huge influx of ultra-modern equipment.
She mentioned some of the developments to include the building of the best warehouses in West Africa, massive employment of manpower and intense trainings, which she said had made the company a pride amongst one of the best organisations in Nigeria to work with.
She added that the ground handling company had also experienced an influx of choice airline and cargo clients from both Nigeria and abroad due to the intense improvement and adherence to global best practices.
The statement added: “SAHCO who is an ISAGO and RA3 certified service provider, also has a team of engineers who builds aviation ground support equipment from locally sourced equipment all in a bid to exceed customer expectations at all times.”
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Aviation 0
We’ll Protect Consumers From Unfair Practices-NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has reiterated its commitment to the protection and empowerment of telecoms consumers from unfair practices in the telecom services.
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC,who  stated this at the weekend in Abuja on “NCC Special Day” at the 16th Abuja International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ACCI),explained that in line with the Commission’s consumer-centric initiatives, the NCC had recently unveiled a new Strategic Vision Plan (SVP), which articulates the Commission’s policies and regulatory implementation roadmaps for the next five years, covering 2020-2025
According to him,the new roadmap has the  objective of increasing connectivity and service experience for the consumers, just as the first Strategic Vision Plan for 2015-2020, paid special attention to the issue of empowerment and protection of the consumer.
“The consumer is King and this philosophy has consistently guided the Commission’s regulatory stance. The commission is committed to empowering and protecting consumers from unfair practices.  This is based on our regulatory mandate of ensuring that consumers of telecommunications services get value for their money, and that they are treated as the most important stakeholders in the scheme of things,” he said.
He listed the five consumer-centric items of the new SVP 2021-2025, to include
“organizational renewal for operational efficiency and regulatory excellence;
facilitating the provision of infrastructure for a digital economy which fosters national development; and promoting fair competition, inclusive growth, increased investment and innovative services.
Others include to improve quality of service (QoS) for enhanced consumer quality of experience (QoE); and
facilitating strategic collaboration and partnership.
“The SVP will generally focus on the excellence and efficiency of our regulatory activities and ensure increased connectivity to telecoms consumers through deployment of robust infrastructure and the Fifth Generation (5G) network, recently approved for rollout by the Federal Government.”
Speaking, Mr. Efosa Idehen
Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau,NCC,
restated the  NCC’s commitment to ensuring fair competition and level-playing field for all stakeholders in the communications industry, particularly in safeguarding the interest of consumers from abuse of their rights and privilege; and against unfair practices in the telecom service value chain.
Idehen said this commitment  has been  demonstrated in the Commission’s continuous effort to establish seamless programmes that would Protect, Inform and Educate (PIE Mandate) telecom consumers through various consumer-centric initiatives.
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in IT&Telecoms 0
Minister Charges NBET On Improved Service Delivery

Minister Charges NBET Staff to Raise Bar of PerformanceTHISDAYLIVE
Dr Goddy Jedy Agba, the Minister of State, Power, has implored the management of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc on improved service delivery in the nation’s power sector
The minister,who gave the charge,during a scheduled visit to the agency’s head office in Abuja, maintained that NBET’s commitment and dedication to improving the electricity supply in the country are quite commendable.
He added:”I like the work you are doing here, but Nigerians expect more because until the country achieves stable and sustainable power supply, we can’t rest. In the Ministry of Power, we’re happy with what you have achieved, but we expect you to do more because there’s still a lot to do for Nigeria to achieve the power plan of Mr President “.
Emphasizing the importance of power supply to the country’s development, he noted that “you remain a key player in our industry and regardless of where you are, this administration’s objective is one as Mr President wants to leave an indelible mark in every sector of the economy. We must work together to achieve this aim because the President and Nigerians will hold us all responsible if we fail.
Speaking, the Managing Director of NBET, Dr Nnaemeka Eweluka, reassured the Minister of the agency’s readiness to continue to work in synergy with the Ministry of Power and other stakeholders to improve their services.
The General Manager, Corporate Services, Abba Aliyu, stated that the staff and management of NBET remain passionate and committed to delivering on their mandate.
He said the agency parades the best brains in the commercial electricity value chain in the country.
“We’re grateful for having you here and appreciate you for all your support. The average age of our staff here is twenty-six; this means that we have young people who are motivated and committed because they’re just starting their careers. The energy is still there, and I can assure you that we have the best brains here”, he said.
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Power 0
NNPC Considers Reconstruction Of Federal Roads

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has expressed interest to invest in the reconstruction of select Federal roads under the Federal Government’s road Infrastructure development and refurbishment investment task credit scheme.
The thrust of the NNPC’s intervention is to make considerable funds available for the reconstruction of roads through it Future Tax Liability,Garba Deen Muhammad
Group General Manager,Group Public Affairs Division,NNPC,said in a statement.
The NNPC took the decision to calm the nerves of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers who had expressed intent to go on strike today on account of poor road networks in the country.
The drivers later called off the strike.
“The statement said even though it is not the responsibility of the NNPC to build or rehabilitate roads, any disruption in the distrubution of petroleum products to different parts of Nigeria will adversely affect the business of the NNPC and endanger energy security, which the country has enjoyted for a long time now.
“In recognition of this, the NNPC wishes to assure the Petroleum Tanker Drivers that in addition to the ongoing efforts by other agencies of government, the NNPC has initiated a process that will provide a quick and effective solution to the roads network challenges as expressed by the PTD.NNPC as a responsible corporate entity recognises the legitimate concerns of the PTD, we however appeal to the leadership and members to reconsider their decision in the overall national interest.
“We also wish to strongly advice Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of petroleum products as the NNPC has sufficient stock to last through this festive season and beyond”
In another statement,NNPC appreciated the maturity and patriotism of the leadership of the PTD; and to also reiterated its resolve to actively participate in finding a quick and effective solution to the concerns raised by the PTD.
This followed the suspension of the strike
after intensive engagement involving the leadership of the PTD, NNPC officials and other government agencies.
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Oil&Gas 0
CBN Disburses N343bn To  726,198 Households, SMEs

CBN disburses N253b to 548,345 households, SMEs — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed N343.2 billion to 726,198 beneficiaries, comprising 602,730 households and 123,468 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) under its  Targeted Credit Facility (TCF).
This is as the apex bank is set to launch the eNaira digital currency, in a couple of days from now.
Speaking at a 16th International Trade Fair in Abuja at the weekend,
CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who  disclosed this at 16th International Trade Fair in Abuja ,said that apart from the disbursement of the N343.22 billion credit facility, there is still the disbursement of N134,57 billion to 38,140 beneficiaries under the Agribusiness Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS).
He was represented  by the director, corporate communication department, Mr Osita Nwanisobi.
He added: “there is the deployment of N756 billion to 3.7 million farmers cultivating over 4.6 million hectares of farmland under the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).The mobilisation of key stakeholders in the Nigeria economy through the CACOVID alliance which led to the provision of over N23billion in relief materials to affected households and the setup of 39 isolation centres.”
Nwanisobi also announced that the CBN will be unveiling the CBN digital currency, the eNaira, which is the digital version of Nigeria legal tender with the same value as fiat naira.
He said the apex bank is the central authority in terms of minting and issuance of the eNaira while banks and other financial service providers will be involved in the distribution of the currency.
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
Why Nigeria Is Experiencing Food Crisis-Farmers

All Farmers Association of Nigeria AFAN
 All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)says low  productivity of food by Small Holder Farmers(SHFs) was  responsible for high cost of food items in the markets.
The rise in the prices of food items,according to the farmers,was occasioned by
“lack of sufficient productivity from the SHFs due to a myriad of challenges ranging from insecurity, inadequate mechanisation, climate change, acts of commission and omission on the part of some intervention programmes and lack of synergy among stakeholders in the agriculture space”.
National President of AFAN, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim,disclosed this in Abuja ahead of the celebration of the World Food Day slated for October 16th,this year.
He said year Nigeria’s food system like the global food system is going through a lot of turbulence manifesting in skyrocketing prices of food items even at harvest time when prices traditionally annually come down.
He added:”The reason for the situation in Nigeria, in addition to, what Mr President said
as caused by the activities of middlemen and hoarders , in his Independence Anniversary address to the Nation, may also be due to lack of sufficient productivity from the SHFs due to a myriad of challenges ranging from insecurity, inadequate mechanisation, climate change, acts of commission and omission on the part of some intervention programs and lack of synergy among stakeholders in the Agriculture Space generally, to name afew threat factors!”
He emphasized the need   to pay more attention to the SHFs who are for now the engine room of production in order to make Nigeria’s food system sustainable.
“With the right kind of incentives, the SHFs will produce optimally to meet the demands of human consumption as well as industrial need. At the Agricultural Show,award of prizes to several commodities and processing outfits by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, AFAN and a host of other stakeholders from both the private as well as  the public sector will go along way in incentivising the SHFs to do more.
“I believe a Presidential Prize given personally by Mr President will serve as a game changer to the SHFs,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s World Food Day taking place this week, the AFAN National President, said 16th October, has been set aside to celebrate annually worldwide as enunciated by the founding fathers of the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) in 1945.
‘This is the most widely celebrated event by the UN(United Nations)involving about 150 countries including Nigeria.Over the last 10 years Nigeria has celebrated this event back to back with the National Agricultural Show promoted by the FMARD, National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria( NAFN) and All Farmers Association of Nigeria( AFAN) as partners.
“The country representative of the FAO in Nigeria delivers a World Food Day address at the fair ground during the official opening and the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and all other signatories normally converge at the Show Ground on that day so we hope this year’s event will attract a very large crowd to send the message further across the globe.
“I believe that “Inclusivity and Sustainable Synergy” among all players in the agriculture space, especially the farmers and their various associations will give the SHFs the optimum push required to make Nigeria’s food system efficient and sustainable  and eventually food security will be attained in the immediate future.
“The necessary publicity for the World Food Day and the Agricultural Show this year  by many media organizations in Nigeria will attract participation by our neighbours in Africa and even beyond judging by our own participation in Agricultural Shows such as the Royal Agricultural Show In Stonehenge, Coventry, England, the Egg and Chicken Exhibition in the Congress Centre Downtown Atlanta, USA etc”
Online Editor by — October 11, 2021 in Agriculture 0