All Posts in "Day: September 13, 2022"

US To Boost Nigeria’s Clean Energy With $200m

The United States of America has expressed its commitment to spend $200 million to assist Nigeria kick start her efforts towards achieving clean energy.

John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate,disclosed this during a visit to Chief Timiprye Sylva, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

He said 15 million people die every year from the quality of the air that comes from pollution, which is greenhouse gases.

He also said that five million people die evey year from the extreme heat and that it is getting worse.

Kerry stated that even though 48 sub Saharan African states are responsible for only 0.55% of all emissions, there is need for countries to work together work together to achieve the goals of climate change.

“And at the same time, 48 sub Saharan African states are responsible 0.55% of all emissions. So that is a reality with which we are all dealing and it has profound implications. At the same time, let me be clear, we’re all in this together. Nobody entered the Industrial Revolution suggesting that the outcome was going to be the climate crisis.

“And everyone on the planet has benefited from the capacity of humankind to advance our ability to have better lives. longer lives, medicines, development, but this part of the world needs more development, we all understand that” he said.

Speaking, Chief Timiprye Sylva, said both governments agreed to work together to achieve the goals set by President Muhammadu Buhari with regard to climate change.

He added:”Basically we agreed that there is need for us to work together. We don’t have a different perspective. We want to also jump on this train, unfortunately we don’t have the funding and technology and ask for the help of the United States and the global community to help us to very quickly to jump on the train and achieve the goals that Mr. President set for us. We have set our net zero target for 2060 that working together we would be able to achieve this maybe even before 2060. We agree on climate change issue. We seek United States support to help us” .

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
FG Recovers N2.6trn Unpaid Taxes From Oil Firms

The Federal Government,says it has recovered the sum of N2.6 trillion from oil and gas companies on account interventions by Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Assembly.

Dr. Orji Ogbonanya Orji, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, announced this at a Civil Society Engagement on Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Validation, held in Abuja.

He, however, noted that $2.6 billion remain outstanding as at March 2022, adding that NEITI is prepared to collaborate with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti graft agencies to ensure the government recover the rest of the funds.

He said his agency has swung into action to prepare Nigeria for global governance assessment exercise in oil, gas and mining sectors come February 2023.

The validation Committee is made up of the NSWG with the Secretariat currently providing technical support, while Shadow Validation Committee is expected to critically review progress made by the Validation Committee, identifying gaps and advising on maximizing opportunities.

“To ensure adequate preparation and stakeholders feedbacks beyond, NEITI is commenced national sensitization to deepen stakeholders understanding of EITI process and validation exercise at sub-national level.

“Nigeria through NEITI is therefore ready to show case outstanding accomplishments which the EITI implementation has made possible in Nigeria’s extractive sector reform.We call these achievements EITI/NEITI milestones in Nigeria”

Others, he said, include that: NEITI on PIA Presidential Steering Committee on PIA implementation; The unbundling of NNPC; NNPC becoming EITI supporting company NNPC is publishing Annual Financial Reports; Emergence of two strong Regulators – FIRS, NUPRC, Nigeria Midstream and Downstream regulatory Authority – (NMDRA)strong civil society cooperation and partnership based on MoU among others.

According to Orji, a validation team from EITI international Secretariat will be Nigeria from 10th – 18th November 2022 to conduct assessment of Nigeria’s readiness for the exercise

He noted that while in the country, the validation team may choose to consult or interact with stakeholders including media and civil society.

“The exercise is expected to formally commence in January 2023, beginning with the review of completed Validation templates that will be submitted to the global body by the NEITI board/management. The EITI Secretariat will also review other relevant documents (online/offline) on EITI implementation in Nigeria”.

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Oil&Gas 0
Oyo Strengthens Operation Burst With New Equipment

Oyo State Government, said on Tuesday that it has approved the purchase of 25 JAC Pick-up vans for security operatives in the state .

The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, told journalists after the executive council meeting held at the Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The JAC Pick-up vans will enhance the security of lives and properties in the state,
a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa quoted.

The Council also approved the purchase of security equipment for Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, Operation Burst at the cost of N175,4 million,adding that the security vehicles will enhance the job of the security personnel and protect operatives in the outfit.

He also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for the commissioningof the Idi-Ape-Odogbo Barrack Road and General Gas Flyover to be performed by the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

He added: “We just finished the state Executive Council meeting. The Council gave approval for the purchase of 25 JAC PRISON Pick-ups for security operatives in Oyo State at the sum of N603, 881,250.00 only.
“Second is the provision of security equipment for Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, Operation Burst to enhance and protect the personnel of the outfit. The money approved for this is N175, 498, 50.00 only.

“We also discussed extensively on the forthcoming commissioning of Idi-Ape-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks dualisation project, which will come up on Thursday afternoon by 3:30pm.”

admin by — September 13, 2022 in News 0
Court Gives DSS Nod To Detain Tukur Mamu For Over Two Months

A Federal High Court in Abuja, Tuesday, granted a prayer by the Department of State Services (DSS) to detain the former terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu, for over two months.

Justice Nkeonye Maha, in a short ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by counsel for the DSS, Ahmed Magaji, granted the motion as prayed.

The DSS, in the motion dated and filed September 12, had urged the court to grant its reliefs to enable it conclude its investigation on Mamu, who had been leading the negotiation with the terrorists for the release of the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers kidnaped in March.

Mamu was, on September 6, arrested in Cairo, capital of Egypt, with his family members by foreign security agents.

Mamu, who was on his way to Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj, was detained at Cairo International Airport before being repatriated to Nigeria.

The DSS had, on Sunday, warned Nigerians over making comments on its arrest of Mamu.

In a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunaya, the DSS asked the public to leave the agency alone and allow it to concentrate on the investigations which it said the outcomes had been “mindboggling.”

This come hours after the Islamic cleric, Sheik Gumi, to whom Mamu is an aide, had faulted the arrest of the negotiator.

Gumi, at a religious gathering on Friday in Kaduna, had asked the security agency to charge Mamu to court of it had any evidence against him, rather than keeping him in custody.

The security outfit said, “The DSS has followed, with keen observation, overzealous comments by sections of the public in view of issues relating to the arrest and investigation of Tukur Mamu.

“The service wishes to state that it is not distracted with some of the skewed narratives pervading the media space.Instead, it requests to be left alone to concentrate on the ongoing investigations, the outcomes of which have remained mindboggling.”

“Meanwhile, the service will cease further comments on the subject matter since the court will determine its course.Consequently, the public is hereby enjoined to desist from making unguarded utterances and await the court proceedings.”

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Law/Human Rights 0
Suspension Of Planned Telecoms Tax Excites Employers

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) is excited over the has commended the Federal Government for heeding the call to suspend the proposed telecoms tax by the Federal Government.

It commended the government for heeding the call to suspend the tax on the strength of various economic challenges faced by operators and Nigerians in general.

It implored the government to drop the idea of increasing excise on spirits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as proposed,adding the increases, if implemented, will not only worsen the already bad situation of the industry but will also create a major shock in the industry, leading to job losses.

Director-General of NECA, Wale-Smatt Oyerinde, expressed rather than overburden businesses that are already struggling, the government should explore other options for increasing revenue through widening the tax net, reducing governance costs, addressing the massive oil theft and dealing with the unsustainable subsidy regime.

He added that organised businesses currently face major operational and sustainability challenges and the government should not contribute to the demise of more businesses.

Businesses,he said, are not striving to be competitive again but are now more concerned with sustainability.

“The trend of the multiplicity of taxes and other unfavorable economic factors have led to the shutdown of many businesses while some others relocated to neighboring countries.We commend the Federal Government for suspending the telecoms tax as it has the potential to compound the challenges of the sector and further burden Nigerians. At a time when the purchasing power of the citizens is being eroded by inflation and other negative economic indices and the telecoms industry is critically challenged, the best that the government can do is to provide relief for the citizens and business owners, notwithstanding its dwindling revenue.”

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Labour/Human Resources 0
New Boss Of Egbin Power,Bounour To Drive Transformation, Energy Transition

The Board of Egbin Power Plc has appointed Mokhtar Bounour as the new Chief Executive Officer of the thermal plant that powers over 20 million homes and businesses.

His appointment, according to the board, would accelerate Egbin’s ongoing transformation and propel the company’s energy mix transition towards enhanced environmental sustainability.

A Sahara Power Group Company, Egbin’s turnaround has trebled from a generation threshold of about 300mw when it was acquired in 2013 to almost 1000mw, following fresh investment in overhauls, technology and human capital. The company has also achieved 670,000kg of CO2 emission eliminated by reducing fossil energy consumption, 14.1% reduction in Energy Intensity of electrical energy, and over 1000 trees planted to safeguard the environment.

Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group,said:”With an installed capacity of 1320MW, our plan is to expand Egbin’s capacity using a mix of alternative clean energy sources. We are delighted to have Mokhtar join us to sustain our continuing transformation programme and our commitment to bringing more energy to life responsibly”

He stated that Bounour would also lead plant optimisation strategies and spearhead the company’s emissions reduction and resource efficiency targets.

Speaking on his appointment, Bounour, said he was delighted at the opportunity to steer the future of the “iconic African power plant”, noting that his interactions with the Board indicate that “the future holds a firm promise of unparalleled growth and sustained world-class performance in Egbin.”

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, a Masters Degree in Management and Leadership, Business Administration and International Relations.

He has worked in Europe for the better part of his career, and prior to joining Egbin Power Plc, Bounour led Fertiberia Spain as CEO of Fertial and thereafter, became Business Development Director for Africa, Middle East and Turkey.

With 24 years of experience across Africa, Europe and Middle-East, Bounour has led multi-functional teams in EPC construction, Operations and Maintenance, Power generation and Fertilizers plants. He is multilingual, being fluent in French, English and Spanish – an attribute that is expected to further propel diversity at Egbin Power which has employees from different nationalities.

His experience cuts across setting strategic direction for revamping, rehabilitation and management of change, contracts management, formulation, integration and auditing with implementation of effective customer coordination. Others include, sales, business development projects, engineering and turn over acceptance policies, procedures and systems management for organizations.

Egbin’s clean energy commitment manifests in several decarbonising projects, including enabling its employees to contribute to carbon-emission reduction through daily commuting on the company’s electric buggies, bicycles and scooters, leaving employees healthier and the environment cleaner.

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Power 0
Ecobank Group Appoints Awori As New CEO

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, has announced that the appointment of Jeremy Awori as its new Chief Executive Officer

He succeeds the current Group Chief Executive Officer, Ade Ayeyemi, who will retire after he attains the age of 60, in accordance with the company’s policy.

Alain Nkontchou, Ecobank Group Chairman thanked Ayeyemi for his immense contribution during his seven years at the helm of the Ecobank Group as Group CEO.

He said, “Ade can be rightly proud of his success in leading the implementation of the Roadmap to Leadership strategy, navigating Ecobank through challenges, seizing opportunities, and positioning Ecobank for sustainable long-term growth. Ade’s deep knowledge, unrivaled vision, commitment and infinite passion made all the difference. It has been a real pleasure working with him. I count on his continuous support to ensure a smooth transition as we onboard Jeremy Awori as the new Group CEO.”

“Jeremy Awori is a highly respected leader in the banking industry with significant achievements in his previous capacities. The Board of Directors strongly believes that his drive and strong focus on results will be vital in steering the Group in its next phase” Alain Nkontchou stated.

Ade Ayeyemi expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Ecobank Group and stated: “It is a privilege to lead an amazing team of Ecobankers in bringing the Ecobank Group back to growth and continuing to realise our commendable pan-African mandate.” He also expressed his commitment to a smooth transition and onboarding of his successor.

The incoming Group CEO, Jeremy Awori, responding to the announcement of his appointment, said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Ecobank Group’s Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to consolidating the transformation of Ecobank, a truly pan-African institution full of talented people, while innovating to create value for all Ecobank’s stakeholders. I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the continent’s economic development and financial integration with Ecobank Group”

Jeremy Awori is joining Ecobank Group following a twenty-five-year long career in the banking industry, with almost a decade leading Absa Bank Kenya Plc as the CEO & Managing Director.

Before joining Absa, Jeremy held multiple leadership roles at Standard Chartered Bank across the Middle-East and Africa. He brings a wealth of experience, skills, and industry know-how to the Ecobank Group.

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Next Level 0
Kogi  Shuts  First Bank Branches Over N411.12m Tax Default

Kogi State Government has sealed off all First Bank Nigeria Plc  branches operating in the state on the order of a Kogi High Court sitting in Lokoja.
The  closure was effected  by Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) following the inability of the bank to liquidate its outstanding tax liabilities of over N411.12 million to Kogi State Government.
Barrister  Saidu Okino, Director, Legal Services at the KGIRS, told newsmen  that the money  represents outstanding withholding tax from the bank’s mobile banking agents from 2015 to 2022.
He said that the action of the board was due to  refusal of the bank to liquidate the liability despite several several demand notices to that effect.
Okino also  said that approaching the court was as a last resort as all other measures to make the bank pay up proved abortive.
He added:”Before we went to court, there was a demand notice to that effect dated 12th day of October 2021 and signed by the then acting chairman, Abubakar Yusuf.We made several attempts we sent them a notice of the intention of the service to take warrant of distrain so that we can do whatever is needful on 25th day of February, 2022 but was ignored.
“On the 25th of August, 2022 Notice of Refusal to amend their liability was served on them. We did not on our own roll out our machineries to go and seal.
According to him,the service (claimant) had to approach the court through a Motion Ex-parte number HC/457M/202, dated August 29 and filed August 30th, 2022.
He said the service prayed for an order of the court to execute Warrant of Distrain against the defendant by her goods, chattels, bonds, security or any other property.
It also sought restraint upon the land, office, business premises or place of management of the defendant (First Bank Nigeria Limited)’s offices in Lokoja, Okene, Kabba, Ajaokuta and any other movable property of the defendant found Within the jurisdiction of Kogi State.
The presiding judge, Justice Rukkayat Ayoola in her ruling granted all the reliefs sought in the Motion Ex-parte supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit and deposed by Mohammed Ibrahim, a civil servant.
“The order for the defendant’s failure and or refusal to liquidate her debt to Kogi State Government in the sum of N411,120,966.77 being the outstanding tax liabilities owed the Kogi State Government for the years 2015 to 2020 is hereby granted”, Ayoola said.
admin by — September 13, 2022 in News 0
MRA Seeks Disclosure Of License Fees Paid By Broadcasters In Nigeria

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has asked the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to disclose to it the status of payment of license fees by all broadcasting stations and platforms operating in Nigeria and the amount of indebtedness of each of the stations owing license fees.

In a request made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and signed by MRA’s Communications Officer, Mr. Idowu Adewale, the organization asked the NBC to provide it with a list of all broadcasting stations and platforms operating in Nigeria licensed by the commission and the amount that each of the licensed stations is required to pay as license fees.

The FOI request was addressed to the Director-General of the Commission, Mallam Balarabe Ilehah.

It requested in the application the status of payment of each of the licensed broadcasting stations from the date of its license to date of the request, adding that for those licensed broadcasting stations that are indebted to the Commission, it should disclose the amount of indebtedness of each of the stations and the period covered by the amount.

Besides, the organization said, for broadcasting corporations that are owned by various state governments, which were included in the list of broadcasting stations whose broadcast licenses were announced by the commission as announced by its Director-General in his press briefing on Friday, August 19, 2022, the NBC should provide a breakdown of the amount of indebtedness by each of the radio stations and each of the television stations owned by the respective state-owned broadcasting corporations.

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Media 0
Minister Tasks NIMASA On Deployment Of Modular Floating Dockyard .

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Mu’azuJaji Sambo has implored the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to ensure prompt deployment of the Modular Floating Dockyard the Agency acquired recently.

According to a statement by Osagie Edward, NIMASA’s Assistant Director, Public Relations,
the Agency’s Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this while speaking with the media in Lagos,.

He quoted the Minister as describing the deployment of the modular dockyard as one of the low hanging fruits he hopes would be delivered to the nation within the next few months.

He added:“When we met with the Honourable Minister last month, he made it clear that we need to deploy the Modular Floating Dockyard for the benefit of Nigerians. The truth is that we are working round the clock daily to ensure the Dockyard is put to use. We are working closely with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, using lessons from past mistakes, to ensure a productive and sustainable deployment of the modular dockyard’’.

Dr. Jamoh said that both NIMASA and NPA are set to complete the operationalization of the NIMASA Modular Floating Dockyard with the installation of dolphins and repair of facilities at the NPA Continental Shipyard facility, where the floating dock would be operated from.

He noted that NIMASA has completed the ongoing discussions with its co-partner, NPA and other managing partners to provide the Continental Shipyard for the anchoring of the Dockyard. The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, is closely providing guidance for the deployment of the national asset on a Public Private Partnership PPP model, adding that the floating dock needs to go through an installation process before it starts functioning or be put to use.

admin by — September 13, 2022 in Business 0