All Posts in "Day: September 5, 2022"

SPDC Investigates   Oil Spill In Bayelsa

The Shell Petroleum Development of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is investigating the oil spill incident which occured around one of its assets in Bayelsa State on August 24.
A spokesman for the SPDC, Michael Adande, stated this in a  statement he issued on Monday.
The spill incident occurred at the SPDC’s Diebu Creek flow station in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area and had discharged a large of volume of crude oil into the ecosystem of Peremabiri community.
The community had lamented  the destruction of flora and fauna in their area by the spillage, and accused the oil firm of insensitivity and neglect.
According to them, the delayed response to the spill by SPDC had resulted in damage to the land and marine environment, impacting a wider area.
Confirming receipt of the report of the spill by SPDC,Adande said:”We are working with regulators and local community to investigate the reported incident. The Diebu Creek stopped injection into the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in mid-June 2022 owing to constant breaches of the TNP by crude oil thieves. The TNP is currently undergoing tests with water main flushing.”
The chairman of Peremabiri Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr Return Koma, said on Monday that officials of the SPDC had convened a Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) to the flow station and impacted site.
 “They (SPDC) called to say that they are coming for a JIV on Tuesday and shortly they shifted it to today being Monday, so we are waiting,” Koma  added.
He said the outcome of the JIV will reveal the actual cause of the spill, estimated volume of spill discharged and impacted area.
admin by — September 5, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
FG Explains Suspension Of Planned Telecom Tax

The Federal Government Monday suspended its proposed excise duty on telecommunication services.

It said the action was necessary because the telecommunications sector is already overwhelmed by excessive and multiple taxation.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami announced these on Monday during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja.

He said he is against the implementation of the tax which will increase the cost of telecommunication services.

The Federal Government had through the Budget Office of the Federation revealed that it will commence the implementation of ts proposed excise duties on telecommunication services and beverages in 2023.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in Business 0
Lagos Building Collapse: Death Toll Hits Six As Planning Commissioner Quits

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu,has said that death toll from the collapsed building at Oba-Oniru Street, near Sand Field area of Victoria Island, Lagos, has jumped to six.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this on Monday.

The sixth body was recovered at about 2.33p.m on Monday,he told reporters.

The seven-storey building collapsed at about 3a.m., on Sunday and two bodies were recovered before noon.

Three additional bodies were recovered earlier on Monday, while the fourth was recovered at about 2.33p.m., which brought the death toll to six.

He said: “The Agency alongside other first responders has been working for over 24 hours at the site seven-storey building which collapsed yesterday.Another four bodies have been extricated from the rubble, bringing the fatalities to six.The painstaking process is ongoing.

The Coordinator, Lagos Territorial District, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, also said six bodies have been recovered so far.

In the meantime,Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, has tendered his resignation letter on account of the incident

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has accepted his resignation, a statement made available by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, announced this.

He said:“This is a prelude to the restructuring of the Ministry and its agencies.Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks the Commissioner for his services to the state and wishes him success in his future endeavours.The Governor warns all players in the sector to respect the law or face the consequences of any indiscretion, no matter who the perpetrators are”.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in News 0
LASTMA Apprehends 19 Vehicles For Traffic Offence

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has apprehended 19 additional vehicles in Apongbon,Lagos Island on account of indiscriminate parking.

The General Manager, (LASTMA) Mr Bolaji Oreagba disclosed that the on-going total clampdown exercise embarked upon by the Authority was to generally ease off traffic flow to motorists particularly this approaching ‘Ember Months’ across the State.

Mr. Oreagba disclosed further that study conducted revealed that perennial traffic gridlock being experienced by motorists are caused by recalcitrant drivers who do not want to comply with the State Traffic Laws and Regulations.

He said that the on-going total Enforcement exercise which is expected to cover major identified spots is being coordinated by the Core Operations Commands (COC) from LASTMA Headquarters at Oshodi.

“I must implore law abiding citizens of Lagos State, especially motorists, to adhere strictly to the traffic law of the State in order not to run afoul of the law which has consequences. We must all have a positive attitude towards obeying the law of the State which was made to ensure orderliness and fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people”.

While assuring members of the public of the Authority’s commitment in ensuring free flow of traffic on all our roads, Oreagba urged drivers and general road users to be compliant with traffic laws, to make the ‘Smart City’ vision achievable in Lagos.

He However called on LASTMA officials to be more dedicated on effective traffic monitoring and management in the state.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Peter Gbejemede the Director of Operations that led the team confirmed that immediately after the enforcement operations around Apongbon, CMS and Iyana-Oworo traffic was observed to flow better for motorists.

He maintained that drivers/owners of these new additional 19 apprehended vehicles would be arraigned in court.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in News 0
Overhead Cost: Banks Reduce Work Hours

Some Nigerian banks have reduced their work hours on account of the country’s spiraling inflation, high energy prices, and exchange rate crises.

One of the banks,Access Bank, in a notification titled ‘Adjusted Closing Time for Select Branches’ to its esteemed customers listed 83 branches in different states where its doors would be shut to customers at 3 pm instead of 4 pm. The bank urged customers to consider processing most of their transactions via its digital channels.

“You can simply process most of your transactions via our digital channels, as a few of our Access Bank branches nationwide will be closed at 3 pm from the 29th of August, 2022,” the bank stated.

The bank said, while some of its branches will continue to operate between 8 am and 4 pm, its electronic channels would be open to customers 24 hours every day.

Besides,United Bank for Africa Plc,has also unveiled plans to adjust work hours in some of its branches to ensure the well-being of employees and customers alike.

The bank stated this in a notification titled ‘Notice of Bank Closure,’ sent to its customers,said: “Dear customer, please be informed that some of our branches will now close earlier for the safety of our customers and employees. Our digital channels will remain available to you 24/7.”

GTCO and FirstBank and some others took such measures early in the year

admin by — September 5, 2022 in Banking&Finance 0
2023: Kogi CSOs Meet Candidates, Deliberate On Improved Political Participation

No fewer than 50 participants converged on Okene, late week to interface with political party candidates from Kogi Central senatorial zone of Kogi State.

Participants drawn from the political parties, traditional institutions, civil society organizations and media, met in a hybrid event,a statement said.

Hosted by Kogi Central CSO Network, a coalition of NGOs and civil society organizations operating in the zone, the event have Ebira Peoples Association, EPA, Ebira Resource Academy, ERA, Ebira World Wide, EWW and Positive Impact Initiative, PII. Others include Ebira Youth Congress, EYC, Association of Ebira Professionals, AEP Ki Izeiza TV and NGO Network, a national nonprofit organization working for the public, private and the non-for-profit sector.

Anchored by Sir Mohammed Bougei Attah, a seasoned civil society activist and current Africa Regional Coordinator for the World Association of NGOs, the event had prominent sons and daughters of the zone in attendance. They include Dr. Godwin Oyibo, the President General of EPA, Alh. Sken Ogu who participated virtually from California and Hajia Amina Ozavize Salaudeen.

Speakers at the roundtable include Dr. Ahmed Badanga, Convener of Conference of all Political Parties in Nigeria and Hajia Rakiya Yusuf of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Abel Barnabas, Dr Rabiu Mohammed and Mr. Yakubu Usman, lecturers at the Federal College of Education, Okene.
Some of the candidates that spoke at the event include Hon. Abdulkadir Tajuddeen, the Senatorial Candidate of Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Isa Yakubu Omeiza of New Nigeria Political Party, NNPP and Bello Umar.

Top civil society leaders from the zone, such as Alhaji Abdulrahman Leramo of the Club 10, Dr Joseph Suleiman, President of Ebira Renaissance Group and Hajia Maryam Isa monitored the event from different locations.

Participants deliberated on series of issues that affected previous electioneering such negative politics campaigns, voters aparthy due to security challenges, vote buying syndrome among others.

It was resolved that for true engagements between the electorates and the elected representatives, the people should engage in consultations by setting agenda that will be mutually beneficial to both sides.

The network will deliberate further on most of the issues raised and come up with practicable solutions to the challenges.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in Politics 0
Debt Negotiation: Group Sees Prospects In Revival Of Ajaokuta Steel Complex

The ‘CSO Coalition for the Revival of Ajaokuta’ has expressed that the revival of the multibillion Ajaokuta Steel Complex in Kogi state would soon come to fruition.

The group’s claim was strengthened by the Federal Government’s recent efforts at paying off the country’s debt over Ajaokuta to a foreign firm spanning over 20 years.

The group said it is heartwarming, patriotic and commendable to have succeeded in negotiating the nation’s debt from $5.28b to S496m after tax and overheads.,which accounted for about 91% reduction of the mediation claim.

Mohammed Bougei Attah, National Coordinator. Prince Chris Azor,President, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) and Barr. Ayo Adebusoye, Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs, conveyed the group’s optimism in a statement sent to PremiumNews on Monday.

Commending the government’s gesture, the group said the negotiations have put to rest the long-standing contractual dispute with a foreign investor group and constitute the last process in the efforts to bring back Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited back to fruition.

It is also a relief to win back the National Ore Mining Company in Itapke, NIOMCO that was hitherto under concession to this foreign interest,the statement said.

The group commended President Muhammad Buhari for keeping to his promise of ensuring the steel company is back to full operations before the end of his administration,adding that this would not have been possible without the political will from him and the support by his ministers and the administrators of both Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, ASCL and NIOMCO administrators.

The group added: ’,And with the settlement agreement coming into effect in August this year, we are convinced that this is a milestone to getting the steel plant back to life for the good and development of the country. We are convinced further that the ‘Industrialization Agenda’ of the Buhari administration is indeed working.Recall that on November 25 last year at the National Conference on Ajaokuta Steel Company, organized by the Coalition, the CSOs had urged the federal government to consider it a patriotic gesture by putting the Ajaokuta phenomenon to rest through this process of arbitration, which has held backward the revival process over the years.

‘’It is therefore clear, as stated by the Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami that President Muhammadu Buhari “has succeeded in rescueing the steel industry from interminable and complex disputes as well as saving the taxpayer from humongous damages.As civil society organizations, representing the voice and interest of the Nigeria public, we would continue to play our role as independent monitors, to ensure the task of completing this revival process is done with utmost sincerity, diligence and patriotic zeal that will help to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization agenda’’

admin by — September 5, 2022 in News 0
10,085 Firms Now Eligible For Govt Business -PenCom

The National Pension Commission gave clearance certificates to 10,085 organizations for complying with pension and insurance covers for their employers in the second quarter of 2022.

The commission said the organizations can do business with the Federal Government.

It stated in its second quarter report on, ‘Issuance of pension clearance certificates’ that “The commission received 12,760 applications from private sector organizations for the issuance of Pension Clearance Certificates.

“Of this number, PCCs were issued to 10,085 organisations, while 2,675 applications were being processed. The records showed that the 4,025 organisations had remitted a total sum of N43.78bn into the Retirement Savings Accounts of their employees, totalling 141,701.”

The commission said contractors, consultants or suppliers seeking to do business with the government must fully comply with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act 2014,adding that it had issued annual Pension Clearance Certificates to eligible organisations.

“MDAs are reminded to ensure that only Pension Clearance Certificates issued by the commission are accepted as evidence of compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014,” it stated.

The commission said the firms must provide evidence of remittance of monthly pension contributions for all employees.

It said that they must provide evidence of group life insurance policy for employees, specifying the number of lives and sum assumed.

In the directive, the commission stated that in accordance with the provisions of Section 4(5) of the 2014 and Section 5.5 of the guidelines for life insurance policy for employees, employers of labour covered by the PRA 2014 were required to submit copies of the insurance certificates with the schedule of benefits to the commission.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in PENCOM 0
Lagos,Kano,Others To Witness Flash Floods In September- NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet on Sunday warned of possible flooding in some states for the month of September.

Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, the General Manager, Public Relations, in a statement, said there may be possible flooding in some states that have experienced high amount of rainfall in July and August this year.

The NiMet listed states that are prone to high risk of flooding this Month of September to include Kebbi and Jigawa in the northwest, Borno, Bauchi and Taraba in the northeast, Plateau in north central and Bayelsa in the South south.

Other states listed that may experience flash flood include Kano, Adamawa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo,and Ekiti.

It said:”Based on the rainfall distribution and rainfall amounts recorded in the country during the month of August, 2022, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has warned of possible flooding in some states that have experienced high amount of rainfall in July and August this year. The saturated state of the soil moisture across the country in the month of July and heavy rainfall recorded in August may put most places to experience varying degrees of flooding activities ranging from high, medium, low and flash flood for the month of September.

It further revealed that “Sokoto, Zamfara, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Borno, Gombe and Nasarawa states recorded over 300mm, which represent over 40% of Long – term Normal of those places in one month.

Places around the southwestern part of the country however recorded less than 200mm as a result of the long dry spell associated with August Break over those areas”.

“It further stated that places with major river channels may experience probable high risk of flood events due to accumulation of water already on the river channels which may not be able to contain any additional water.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in Aviation 0
Nigeria’s Importation Of Fuel Patriotic Shame -Obaseki

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Governor, Edo State, has faulted Nigeria’s continuous importation of petroleum products despite its stature as one of the largest producers of crude oil in the world.

The governor,who said this while speaking with journalists at Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, at the 10-year remembrance service of Chief Jeremiah Ighodalo, father of the Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Asue Ighodaro, described the importation of fuel into the nation as a patriotic shame to Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria is one of the largest producers of crude oil in the continent and as such, has no business importing fuel into the country.

“It’s a shame that Nigeria is still importing fuel when we are one of the largest producers of crude oil in the continent. As a nation, we should not be importing fuel at this point in our life. It’s a patriotic shame borrowing from the words of Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adiche,” he said.

Speaking to journalists on the possibility of his refinery commencing operation and providing petroleum products to Nigerians, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the plant will hopefully begin supply of products in 2023.

“The refinery can provide petroleum products for the whole of Nigeria and some parts of West and Central Africa hopefully by 2023,” he noted.

admin by — September 5, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0