All Posts in "Day: January 14, 2022"

Twitter Suspension: Nigeria Loses N10.72tr In 7months

Nigeria 'lost N24.72 billion' in ten days as a result of Twitter's ban. - Breaking News, Nigeria News, Entertainment, Sport, Business, Polities
Nigeria lost N10.72trillion to the shut down of Twitter operations between June 5th,2021  and January  13th,2022,the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI),has said .
Dr.Chinyere Almona, Director-General
Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry,who revealed this in a statement on Friday,quoted the figure from Netblock’s Cost of Shutdown Tool.
The operations of the microblogging platform were shut down on the 5th of June 2021 by the Federal Government due to the use of the platform for subversive purposes and alleged  criminal activities that were seen as threats to national security and social cohesion.
But the  chamber’s boss said the Federal Government’s news conveying the lifting of the suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria was well received and commendable. .
She emphasized the need for  nations to  negotiate the achievement of balance in the use of digital platforms for mutual benefits between government regulators and operators.
“We appreciate the lessons learned during the negotiations between the Technical Committee on Nigeria-Twitter Engagement with Twitter and urge the government to explore these lessons in creating a realistic template for regulating digital platforms in Nigeria for maximum benefits.
 “We urge the government to create an enabling regulatory environment that supports global technology companies in achieving their potentials and are sustainably profitable. When this happens, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and revenue mobilization will receive a boost through tax revenues from these companies. Currently, the ICT sector is one of the growth drivers in the economy and we see additional activities of the digital platforms as adding more potentials to this sector.
“We commend the efforts of the Federal Ministers, agencies, and committees that have pulled the negotiations and gotten approval for the lifting of the suspension.We request that all relevant institutions work towards enhancing our digital infrastructure to adequately and sustainably support innovation in almost all sectors of the economy especially healthcare delivery, agric-technology, learning, e-governance, and fintech”.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in News 0
NNPC, Others  To  Reconstruct Federal Roads in Ogun – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari ,says the Federal Government is considering giving approval for the reconstruction of some federal roads in Ogun State by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and other companies under tax credit scheme
He said  this during his visit to the state for the inauguration of five landmark projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The roads being considered for reconstruction,according to him, include the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway, Sango Otta-Idi-Iroko Expressway and the Sagamu-Ogijo road.
The projects inaugurated included the 42km Sagamu Interchange-Abeokuta dual carriageway, renamed ‘President Muhammadu Buhari Expressway; the 14km Ijebu-Ode-Epe Expressway.
Buhari said Ogun State has more federal roads than any other state in the country adding that the Federal Government was considering giving approval to the NNPC for the reconstruction of the Sagamu-Ogijo road under the tax credit scheme.
He said all federal roads in the state would begin to receive Federal Government’s attention, adding that two major federal roads under construction, the Sagamu-Benin Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, would be inaugurated before the end of 2022.
He added:“I have also listened to your requests to give priority attention to the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and the Sango Otta-Idi Iroko roads respectively. Let me assure the people of Ogun State that these roads will receive Federal Government’s attention.
“We are considering extending tax credit option for the reconstruction of these roads as we did for the 100km Sagamu-Interchange-Papalanto-Ilaro road. I will also consider approval of the reconstruction of Sagamu-Ogijo road by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company under tax credit scheme.”
The President  commended the governor on the 14km Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road, saying it had been reconstructed into a modern expressway by the state government.
He said the road will complement the Sagamu-Benin Expressway that the Federal Government is currently reconstructing and that will be inaugurated this year.
Abiodun, in his speech, said, “The choice of the five projects that we are commissioning today from our many landmark projects was a daunting task. These are just a few of our achievements.
“We have so much more to showcase. These selected few that Your Excellency will commission are however symbolic of the various types of projects across all sectors of our dear state’s economy. And they are spread all through the three senatorial districts.
“Mr. President, I have the honour to report that our Administration in Ogun State has continued to fulfil all its promises to the people within the available means. It is noteworthy that all our projects have the inputs and are informed by the needs of the people as expressed by them at different engagement fora that we provide. This is because we anchor our ‘Building our Future Together’ agenda on inclusiveness, equity, fairness, transparency, accountability, justice, and obedience to the rule of law.”
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in News 0
NLNG Moves To Crash Price Of Cooking Gas,Boosts Supply To Domestic Market

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas is set to experience decline  as the Board of Directors of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has approved the supply of 100% of the company’s  LPG production (Propane & Butane) to the Nigerian market.
Specifically , NLNG  says it will prioritize the domestic market for 100% of its Butane production, otherwise known as cooking gas.
 NLNG is currently the highest single supplier of LPG into the domestic market, with an estimated 400,000 metric tonnes supplied in 2021.
The  company had three months ago  supplied its first Propane cargo into the domestic market and has developed a scheme to sustainably supply Propane for usage in cooking gas blending as well as in agro-allied, autogas, power and petrochemical sectors of the Nigerian economy to further deepen gas utilisation in Nigeria.
It explained that these initiatives are designed to increase LPG availability in Nigeria, diversifying its uses and support the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative.
Commenting on the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, said the announcement marked the company’s strong commitment to the continued growth of the domestic LPG market and its passion to increase utilisation of one of the most versatile energy sources in the world.
He  added that the company was inclined towards helping to build a strong economy based on the gas resources that Nigeria is abundantly blessed with, and that natural gas could help drive the economy by providing cooking gas  for homes, supporting industrialisation, powering mobile cell sites and complex transportation systems, impacting food supply through its usage for fertilizer production and increasing power supply to both homes and industries while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
He said: “Gas, as the cleanest of the fossil fuels, has become an essential energy source to be reckoned with during this energy transition period. Other countries are revolutionising their energy industry to cut down on carbon emissions drastically. Nigeria should not be left out in this drive, considering its abundant gas resources. Gas is essential for life and living at the moment, because it can support everything we will need to develop our economy and create better living standards for Nigerians. We need to change the narrative, and NLNG is being  pragmatic about it.
“We are ardently following up on the commitment we made in March 2021 at the NLNG-sponsored pre-summit conference of the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) 2021 organised by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources to support the Decade of Gas declaration by the Federal Government. We are driven by our vision to remain a globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria and are making a reality of our collective dreams that one day we can switch all cooking fuels to gas, and power our vehicles with gas as encapsulated in the government’s National Gas Expansion Program and the Autogas Policy,” he said.
“Committing 100% of our LPG supply is a major milestone in our journey of domestic gas supply. We supplied our first Butane (LPG) cargo into the domestic market in 2007, which helped to develop over the years the LPG industry in Nigeria from less than 50,000 tonnes to over 1 Million tonnes market size annually by the end of 2020. In 2021, we increased our LPG supply commitment from 350,000 metric tonnes (or 28 million 12.5kg cylinders) to actual delivery of  400,000 metric tonnes (or 32 million 12.5kg cylinders) thereby directing most of our production into the domestic market. But this was not enough for NLNG, hence this commitment to do all that we possibly can and supply 100% of our LPG production to the domestic market,” Dr. Mshelbila added.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
 Tinubu’s Presidential Ambition Value Addition To  Nigeria,Says Group

Tinubu can make things happen for Nigeria, says South-East group
The Connecticut, USA Chapter of the Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA) has said the presidential ambition of All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would  add value to Nigeria
Tinubu had, on Monda, met with President Muhammadu Buhari to get his blessing for the  presidential race, saying he has what it takes to move the country forward.
Speaking on  Tinubu’s recent declaration for the position of president, Alhaji Bola Fasasi, Director, Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju,(NDA) Connecticut (USA) Chapter, said the development was healthy for the nation’s body polity.
He said in a statement that the fact that his principal’s declaration has continued to dominate the political scene not only points to his strength and relevance but the overall benefits the country stands to gain when he eventually wins the presidential race next year by His special grace.
He  added:“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an institution that has watered for many years, the sociopolitical scene of Nigeria with quality ideas and strategies for national growth. He is a colossus whose philosophies and smart politics have continued to inspire others and create many political heavy weights. That accounts for why the flame of his last week declaration for the topmost job has ignited the political landscape and has remained evergreen in national discourse”.
He also said in the statement that the country needs the calibre of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to help further consolidate the vision of the current administration by building on its achievements so far.
According to him, Asiwaju’s struggle for a better and virile Nigeria dates back to the period of military rule and his exile abroad with other like minds occasioned by the then political witch hunt, aided the democratization of Nigeria, which is a manifestation that he’s prepared for the job and would add value to the lives of Nigerians.
He disclosed that Asiwaju’s fighting spirit, large heart, doggedness, brilliance and leadership trait explain why the NDA as a group is committed to ensure that the APC stalwart participates in the election and is eventually declared the winner of the 2023 Presidential election.
He said the Connecticut chapter of the group is not only mobilizing support for Asiwaju at the international level, but also reorientating Nigerians to see the value Asiwaju would bring to governance in Nigeria when he wins the race.
He added: “We have begun our campaign in earnest with the target to let Nigerians see the value in voting enmasse for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the next president of Nigeria. He’s fit like a fiddle and has long prepared for the task that would make Nigeria and Nigerians great again”.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in Politics 0
Stakeholders  Seek Protection Of CSOs In Nigeria

ActionAid calls for CSOs inclusion to stop spread of COVID-19
Stakeholders in the civil society has urged the Federal Government to repeal and halt all obnoxious laws, policies, and bills stifling operations of civil society in Nigeria.
They observed that such laws like  CAMA,social media bill and hate speech bill are reminiscent of the satanic Decree 2 of 1984.
They advised that government should respect CSOs as a key pillar of democracy accountable to the people, and as development actors in their own rights.
They also said governments should engage with; provide support and emergency assistance to, and take action in defense of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs); hold effective, inclusive and transparent consultations with CSOs regarding national development priorities and guarantee meaningful CSO participation in decision-making and creation of public policies; implement public policies to promote and strengthen CSOs.
Government ,the stakeholders said,should take concrete steps to reverse the trends of shrinking and closing civic spaces in development, to protect and enable space for civil society, including enabling laws and regulations, democratic accountability based on human rights norms and human rights standards, and the full protection of civil society under attack.
The stakeholders  expressed these in a communiqué issued at the end of one-day round table discussions on strategy for reversing the shrinking  and closed civic space and human rights abuses in Nigeria,organised by CAFSO-WRAG for development with the support of civil society partnership for development effectiveness held in Ibadan today.
The communique was signed by;Tola Winjobi (PhD),Principal Coordinator, CAFSO-WRAG for Development,Kola Hamzat,Coordinator, Civil Society Coalition on Sustainable Development,John Femi Olla,Oyo State Lead, OGP League,Simon Alalade,Coordinator, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights,Cmrd Akinyemi Kehinde, CEO, Mediation Conciliation and Human Rights Center and Thaddeus Ugoh
Director, Advocates for Human Rights and Sustainable Development
The stakeholders  also tasked the government to  respect democratic country ownership of national development plans, and recognize the importance of the inter-connected themes in achieving Agenda 2030 — civil society voice, eradicating poverty, women’s empowerment, fighting inequality, decent work, climate action and environmental justice
According to them,government should hold effective, inclusive and transparent consultations with  civil society organisations regarding national development priorities and guarantee meaningful inclusive CSO participation in decision-making and creation of public policies all in tandem with the UN Agenda 2030 mantra of “Leave no one behind”; and implement public policies to promote and strengthen CSOs
They emphasized the need for civil society organizations to promote, uphold and respect the 8 Istanbul development effectiveness principles by being fully accountable to their development practices.
They said citizens should be proactive in making government accountable, access information and strategically engage government officials for good governance and sustainable development.
They observed that some political prisoners and prisoners of conscience like Ibrahim El-Zakizaky, some journalists (like Luka Binniyat) and civil society actors whose voices are loudest are kept behind bars despite court injunction to release them on bail.
They noted that systemic repressive and oppressive actions have been taken by governments against the civil society.
They added that some of these actions required mandatory registration with difficult requirements for CSO operations; regulatory restrictions and nebulous legislation including hate speech attracting N50 million fine or death penalty; measures banning public demonstrations and processions except for the Nigerian state; poor and limited spaces available for CSO participation; and lack of technical and financial support for CSOs’ effective engagement and operations coupled with donor’s fatigue.
They noted  Scores of citizens were killed as a result of  protest against police brutality which started around October, 2020 and mostly visible in Lagos, Oyo, Delta and Anambra States, among others.
They added:”It is sad to note that despite the report of the Judicial Panel of enquiry that proved killings at Lekki Toll Gate, government is still vacillating while the spokespersons of government are also denying the killings. Unsatisfactory is the Lagos State Governor’s recent planned but aborted peace walk which ought to have been a walk for justice and truth because there cannot be peace without redressing the injustice that the victims and their loved ones suffered as a result of the endSARS protest.
“We are also concerned about the spate of kidnappings across the country especially as it decimates our students and teachers beginning from Chibok girls, Dapchi girls, Jengebe girls, Chikankara boys, to Afaka students and recently Bethel Students in Kaduna. As a consequence to this spate of students and teachers kidnap, community and parental trust in the education system is shrinking significantly, and access to quality and equitable education is becoming a mirage as some abductees often get killed, some recruited to the insurgency while some girls are put in family way and thus cannot continue with their education. As a result of all these abductions, Nigeria will certainly not attain SDGs by 2030 unless the trend is reversed.
“In the past twelve months (January – December 2021), over 3,125 citizens were killed, 2,703 abducted while 2.9million people are displaced in the entire northern Nigeria including the three geo-political zones and part of the middle belt “.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in News 0
Akwa Ibom To Connect 2,274 Villages  To National Grid

No Going Back on Power For All Initiative- Akwa Ibom Assures – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
Akwa Ibom State government has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring the connection of the 2,274 gazetted villages to the national grid, in line with its power-for- all initiative.
Recall that Governor Udom Emmanuel had announced December 2021 as deadline for attainment of power for all in the state.
The Commissioner for Power & Petroleum Development,  Dr. John Etim  said the state government, in line with the policy, has so far approved and procured 470 distribution transformers to 31 council areas in the state.
He also said that government  has earmarked 32,000 units of prepaid meters for installation in homes and businesses, commencing in the metropolitan areas of the state.
He added:”We have so far distributed and installed 12,000 units of prepaid meters and are still  expecting additional units of meters from the Federal Government through the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP)”.
Shedding light on the key foundations of the initiative, the Power and Petroleum Commissioner said the programme targets at; “Connection of villages to the national grid, Metering solutions, which involved the provision of prepaid meters, and Network optimization”.
He commended  Governor Udom Emmanuel for the initiative and his commitment to see it through,  explained that the foundations were to serve as catalysts to birth the power revolution, with the potential of providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and lifting many from poverty.
“We have as an administration worked tirelessly to achieve the goals under each segment. At the last count, we have attained 94% in the connection of the 2,274 gazetted villages to the national grid, and believe that we have performed remarkably well in this regards.
“This feat was attained through the diligence and committed support of our dear Governor, who took particular interest in the power sector. The remaining communities yet to be connected will soon be connected, so they can join the league of communities with public power.
“To complement this, we tapped into the World Bank/REA Nigeria Electrification Program and investment in renewable energy, and over 25 communities have been earmarked across the state for solar powered mini-grid. Work has already started in Ini local government to build a mini grid that will supply solar powered electricity to the communities there.
“The efforts of the present administration to optimize the current power network have been geared towards the continuous servicing, repairs, maintenance, and installation of major injection substations, distribution transformers, armored cables, feeder pillars, electric poles, and other capital-intensive power-related infrastructure.
“The Ministry of Power and Petroleum Development, under Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, constantly receives complaints about failed or damaged power systems. In response, the ministry, with the support of the Governor, intervenes through repairs and replacements of power equipment and accessories, as the need arises.
“To give a little more detail, the AKSG has: approved, released and installed over 470 Distribution Transformers all over the 31 LGAs  constructed over 100km of both 33KV HT networks and 11KV HT networks all over the State,  completed the installations of hundreds of Feeder Pillars, and rehabilitation of over 300 distribution transformer substations”. he said
He lamented  activities of vandals whom he alleged to have destroyed power installations in the state,  saying that  vandalisation of power infrastructures was largely responsible for the unavailability of electricity for residents.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in Power 0
Olubadan: Coronate Kings Drop Crowns

Lekan Balogun endorsed as next Olubadan - Vanguard News
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council who were promoted to kings from  high chiefs position have agreed to drop the Obaship titles.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at Olubadan’s Oja’ba Palace by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council which also had in attendance the coronet-wearing Obas who were Baales in the suburbs of Ibadan before their elevation and some Mogajis.
Osi-Balogun, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke with journalists on the outcome of the meeting said they agreed with the governor on his decision to revert to the original concept, stressing that the original concept remains constant always.
He recalled that the process of nominating the next Olubadan which the kingmakers concluded on Tuesday, and passed to the appropriate quarters of government was done according to the original concept under reference as all the kingmakers signed their respective titles as High Chiefs.
He said:“We have agreed with the governor. All the processes leading to the nomination of successor to the late Olubadan were in line with the original concept of line of hierarchy in accordance with the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration.”
Ajibola,  said commenting on the case in court “is subjudicial, it has nothing to do with the original concept of hierarchical status in the succession plan to the Olubadan throne”.
He maintained that what was taken to court was an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the respective plaintiffs, asking the court to determine the lawfulness of judging a case in the absence of the direct beneficiaries of the issue in contest.
Ajibola said the governor could do his job in line with the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration while the case in court which was adjourned for further hearing is allowed to run its course.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in News 0
Provision of Health Insurance to Pensioners is our priority – PTAD Executive Secretary 

Provision Of Health Insurance To Pensioners Is Our Priority – PTAD Executive Secretary – Independent Newspaper Nigeria
The  Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD), Dr. Chioma N. Ejikeme has expressed the commitment of the Federal Government to provide Health Insurance  mato Pensioners in the country.
She stated this on Thursday during the South East stakeholders forum held in Enugu with the theme Pensioners Welfare is our Priority.
 According to her,  the Government, under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health has established a Ministerial Committee to look into the issue of providing Health Insurance for senior citizens adding that PTAD and representatives of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners are members of this Committee.
“We are consequently in collaboration with some of our stakeholders including the National Health Insurance Scheme, the National Senior Citizens Centre, and Federal Ministry of Health, to see how making health insurance available to our Pensioners can be a reality,” she said
She said despite the challenges posed to the country due to Corona Virus Pandemic, PTAD has be up and doing to prioritize the welfare of the pensioners
“In the  past two years, the whole world has been thrown upside down by the Corona Virus pandemic which virtually grounded all activities all over the globe, and Nigeria was not an exception.
“Bearing in mind that the safety of our Pensioners is of utmost importance to us, we opened up more channels of communication and complaints resolution to enable us serve you better while the country battled to contain the Virus.
“We are not completely out of the woods yet, with the various variants springing up here and there, but the situation has greatly improved, especially with the Covid-19 Vaccine. I do hope that you all have availed yourselves of the opportunity of the free vaccination being offered by the Government.
“However, despite the lockdown, PTAD continued to pay monthly pensions promptly, resolve complaints, cleared arrears, paid death benefits to some Next-Of-Kin and one- off payments of some Defunct Agencies such as the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), as well as Ex- workers of Savannah Sugar Company who have submitted themselves for verification.
“ Most recently, on the 14th of December, 2021, PTAD completed the payment of all outstanding inherited liabilities due to Ex-workers of two of the Defunct Agencies; namely Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation (total 126 months of inherited liabilities completely liquidated). New Nigeria Newspaper Limited (total 219 months of inherited liabilities completely liquidated).
“We also settled a significant portion of the outstanding inherited liabilities due to Ex-workers of another three (3) Defunct Agencies:- NICON Insurance, Delta Steel Company Limited and NITEL/MTEL.
“Also in December 2021 we implemented the approved 9.7% Pension Increment for Pensioners of the Defunct PHCN. This Increment took effect from June 2016.
 “The accrued arrears were paid along with the 6months balance of the arrears as a result of the consequential adjustment to pensions. The total amount paid to this sector was N6.9B
“In the year 2020, I declared a state of Emergency in the Civil Service Pensions Department and approved the commencement of an expanded re-validation and re- computation exercise in a bid to on-board verified Pensioners not on payroll, clear all outstanding pension arrears and resolve all complaints of short payments and outstanding gratuities for the Civil Service
“Pensioners and their Next of Kin (NoK). At the end of the project, the Directorate was able to review, compute, re-compute and pay over Seven Billion Naira (N7B) to over Twenty-Four Thousand (24,000) Pensioners.
“This computation exercise has been ongoing leading to the computation of a total of 25,950 files so far with total payment to date at N8.1B.
The post verification validation for the Parastatal Pension Department is ongoing. Over 21,000 unverified Pensioners were dropped from the payroll in October 2020. So far, 4,069 of the October dropped have been verified, restored to the payroll with the attendant arrears paid. The on-boarding of verified and not on payroll Pensioners is ongoing. So far 358 verified, not on payroll Parastatals Pensioners have been brought on board,” Dr Ejikeme said
“I also wish to use this opportunity to inform you all that our quest to recover the pension assets with some Insurance Underwriters has been yielding some positive
“On another happy note, on the 12th of October 2021, PTAD formally launched the “I Am Alive” confirmation platform, an online application to confirm that Pensioners on our monthly pension payroll are alive and should continue to receive their pension.
“This is a web-based platform designed to enable our Pensioners easily confirm their aliveness from the comfort of their homes or neighbourhood using either a smartphone or a computer system.
“This solution takes the Pensioner through a three-step confirmation process that ends with a text message response.
“The Directorate has decided to deploy the application in phases, starting with fifty thousand (50,000) Pensioners cut across the four operational departments and the six geo-political zones, selected to participate in this pilot phase. On the successful implementation of this pilot phase, we will deploy the application on a full scale at predetermined intervals on a continuous basis for all verified Pensioners on the payroll.
We will conduct the exercise here on all of you as you have been informed, so you can see and understand how it works. Other Pensioners who are part of this pilot phase have equally been notified by PTAD via SMS.
We earlier promised that the era of bringing out our aged Pensioners for field verification is over, and we stand by our promise.” She said
The Executive Secretary thereby assured that PTAD will continue to prioritise the welfare of Pensioners in Nigeria calling  on all the Pension Unions under the Defined Benefit Scheme, and other stakeholders for their support in achieving this
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in Insurance&Pension 0
Nigeria’s Mineral Resources Can  Power Electric Cars, Phones-Minister

Firm says minister lied in ALSCON claim | Premium Times Nigeria
Nigeria has the mineral resources the future need to power electric cars  and  phones, Minister of Mines and Steel Development , Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite  has revealed
He spoke  during one of the investors forum at the just concluded Mining Conference in Riyadh Saudi, where he implored the majors to invest in the Nigerian mining sector.
A statement by his media aide ,Ayodeji Adeyemi,also disclosed that some major Mining companies had  began to express interest in the  nation’s mining sector.
He said Nigeria  intends to auction rights to mine some strategic minerals later this year.
“We   have   strengthened   governance   and   transparency   in   the sector  and  provided  assurance  to  investors  through  the upgrade, automation, and decentralization of the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO); We are improving the connectivity between investors and the public with  important  geological information through the establishment   of   a   Nigeria   Geo-Data   Centre   at   the   Nigerian Geological Survey Agency” Adegbite  added.
He noted that the country had learnt its lessons from over 50 years of resource extraction.
He said:”As we deepen our efforts to revitalize the mining sector, we are doing so with lessons learnt from a half-century of resource extraction. We recognize, for instance, that it is not enough to seek investments merely for the sake of exploitation and extraction. Rather than writing this new chapter of economic growth, our aim is to develop local industries, generate employment, and focus on resource beneficiation to create wealth along the mineral value chain.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in News 0
 Minister Advocates  Implementation of Pact  With Namibia On  Culture, Tourism

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed has big plans for Nigeria Tourism
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has  advocated the need  for the implementation of the various MoUs between Nigeria and Namibia, especially in the areas of culture and tourism, to ensure that they translate into economic benefits for the two countries.
The  Minister made the  appeal in Abuja when he received the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, on a courtesy visit.
A statement by his media aide,Segun Adeyemi,quoted the Minister as observing that the bilateral cooperation between the two nations, which dates back to 1992 on the platform of the 1st Nigeria-Namibia Joint Commission, expired without implementation, and expressed the hope that the MoUs will be revived for implementation this time around.
“Because the agreement on tourism cooperation between both countries
suffered from lack of follow-up, a separate MOU on tourism cooperation was decided upon during the 3rd session of the Joint Commission in 2008, and signed six years later, in 2014.
“Unfortunately, the MOU, which had a lifespan of five years, has expired and, until then, nothing was done by our two countries. I am
aware that efforts are on to renew the MoU for another five years. Hopefully, this time, we will act to implement the MoU,” Alhaji
Mohammed said.
He promised to encourage a working relationship between Nollywood and the Namibian Film Industry, against the background of the interest expressed by a talented Namibian actress to feature in Nollywood movies as a way of further honing her professional skills.
The Minister, who welcomed the support offered by Namibia to help improve Elephant conservation in Nigeria, stressed that with global warming and poaching, African wildlife is in danger of extinction.
He thanked the Namibian Government for supporting Nigeria with 279 wildlife animals in line with the signed MoU on Cooperation in the
area of wildlife with the Government of Bauchi State.
“The animals, which comprised of 10 Giraffes, 53 Burchell’s Zebras, 14 Elands, 23 Blue Wildebeests, 21 Red Hartebeests, 24 Oryx, 26 Kudus, 52 Springboks and 56 Common Impalas, were placed at the Sumu Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is located in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. We remain grateful to the Government and people of Namibia for this,” Alhaji Mohammed said.
Speaking,the High Commissioner went down memory lane to recount the support which Namibia received from Nigeria in its struggle for independence, and said the Namibia-Nigeria Joint Commission, which last met in 2010, will meet next month to consider all the various areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Online Editor by — January 14, 2022 in Travel & Tourism 0