All Posts in "Day: October 9, 2023"

FRSC Announces 23% Reduction In Road Traffic Deaths

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced 23.1% reduction in road traffic deaths between January and September 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

Bisi Kazeem, the Assistant Corps Marshal
Corps Public Education Officer, who disclosed this in a statement,said that the Corps also recorded a substantial reduction in the total number of road traffic crashes (RTC), injuries and fatalities as well, having achieved 22% reduction in RTCs, 21.3% decrease in road injuries.

According to FRSC road traffic crash dashboard, within the period under consideration, the Corps recorded a total of 7830 road traffic crashes as against 10039 in the same period in the year 2022, representing 22% decrease.

It said,from January to September 2023, the Corps also achieved 21.3% reduction in number of people rescued with injuries, having rescued a total of 22580 in 2023 against 28698 injured victims from January to September of the year 2022.

On the number of people killed, the Corps also recorded significant reduction within the operational period.

The crash data report said,in the first 9 months of the year 2023, the Corps recorded a total of 3730 fatalities as against 4848 in the same period in 2022, representing 23.1% reduction.

The statement said:”It is expedient to inform the public that the highest achievement was recorded in the third quarter 2023 (July to September). In the 3rd quarter, the Corps reduced RTCs by 37.6% having reduced crashes from 3412 in 2022 to 2130 in 2023. Road traffic Injuries were also reduced from 9258 in 2022 to 5864 in 2023 representing 36.7% reduction while road traffic deaths were also reduced from 1470 in 2022 to 880 in 2023, representing 40% reduction in number of people killed.

“On this note, it is pertinent to state that this significant decrease was achieved due to enhanced visibility on the highways, aggressive public education, broadened and expanded Command structures, injection of more patrol, rescue and recovery vehicles into the operations of the Corps for prompt rescue services and speedy removal of obstructions, and of course, deployment of men and logistics to areas hitherto uncovered”

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Motoring 0
HEOSL Support’s FG’s Investment Drive In Gas Sector

Mohammed Shosanya

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), has pledged his commitment to support Nigerian Government’s efforts to improve investments in the gas value chain.

Ado Oseragbaje, its Chief Executive Officer, disclosed this at a panel session during the 2023 annual strategic international conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC),which held in Lagos last week.

He was represented at the event by Sola Adebawo, General Manager, Government, Joint Venture and External Relations

He said:“In keeping with the global energy transition and the need for cleaner sources of energy, HEOSL views gas as an important immediate transition fuel to lower the Nation’s carbon emission footprint in line with our climate change commitment, and is working with OML 30 JV partners to sanction a gas monetization project.”

He revealed that women constitute over forty percent of his top leadership team.

“We are a non-discriminatory Company that provides career opportunities and an inclusive environment for competent and committed individuals of both sexes to be and give their best,” he said.

He added that HEOSL is the operator of OML 30 Joint Venture between the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL), a prolific asset with huge potentials for contributing to the nation’s daily oil and gas output.

The one-day conference exhaustively discussed how best to overcome the headwinds confronting investors in Nigeria’s Energy Transition and necessary steps to motivation foreign direct investment into the oil and gas industry.

Also speaking were experienced industry value chain stakeholders including regulators, operators as well as off-takers. Notable among them were :Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman, AA Holdings; Akachi Nwokedi, President, Nigerian Gas Association; Profesor Omowumi O. Iledare, Professor of Petroleum Economics and Policy Research and the Director of Energy Information Division of the Center for Energy Studies; Mrs. Audrey Ezeigbo, MD/CEO Falcon Group; Abel Nsa, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and others.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0

Mohammed Shosanya

Thirty-five talented pupils from public primary schools of three states of the Niger Delta have become the latest beneficiaries of the NNPC-Shell Cradle-to-Career scholarship, for full six years of secondary school education fully funded by the NNPC/SPDC/TotalEnergies/NAOC joint venture.

The beneficiaries from Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa States, recently concluded a weeklong orientation programme with introductory courses in academics, character, and psychology to prepare them for a seamless integration into their new learning environment.

They have been enrolled in three high-rated private schools – Brookstone Secondary School; Jephthah Comprehensive College and Bloombreed High School – all in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,a statement said.

General Manager Corporate Relations, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited and operator of the joint venture, Mr. Igo Weli, described the beneficiaries as the “35 shining stars of the Niger Delta,” having emerged through a competitive process including aptitude tests.

He spoke at the induction closeout ceremony last Thursday.

The latest group of scholars are the 14th since the launch of the scholarship in 2010 and they bring the total number of beneficiaries to 790.”

Represented at the ceremony by the company’s Manager, Social Performance and Social Investment, Emmanuel Anyim, he said.

“The Cradle-to-career programme is designed to bridge educational inequalities resulting from geographic and socio-economic differences as well as help enhance high literacy levels in the Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general.

This endeavor contributes towards the actualisation of the UNESCO ‘Education for All’ goal. Our belief is that the scheme will also help develop a sound human resource base for Nigeria’s development.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Kaniye Ebeku, commended the success of the programme and the rigorous process of identifying for the pupils from less-privileged background to help them acquire the best of education. “We also appreciate Shell for going out to help the states and the country with this programme.”

Represented by a director in the state ministry of education, Mr. Emmanuel Onumbu, the Commissioner asked the pupils to concentrate, focus on their goals and make the best use of the scholarship so as to make their families and the programme sponsors proud.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Education 0
LASTMA Arrests Driver Over Damaged Dorman-Long Bridge Truck Barrier

Mohammed Shosanya

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), today apprehended a driver over damaged truck barrier on Dorman-Long Bridge, Surulere area inwards Ikorodu road (Fadeyi).

In a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr Adebayo, said that the driver (Sarafa Oladiji) was apprehended after he forcefully drove his truck under the newly installed truck barrier on Dorman-Long Bridge.

He said,preliminary investigation revealed that the truck which was fully loaded with compressed papers damaged the barrier after he got trapped and the driver forced the truck out under the barrier.

“It was gathered that the fully loaded truck was on his way to Shagamu from Alakija where he loaded before the accident occurred.

“LASTMA Officials led by Lastma Olukoga Olajide evacuated the loaded truck from the road and immediately handed over the apprehended driver to Police men from Area ‘C’ Police Division at Barracks, Surulere for further investigation.

“You will recall that the truck barrier ascending Dorman-long Bridge was newly erected and completed this morning after a Travel Advisory issued by the Lagos State Government”,he added

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Crime/Metro 0
Customs Seizes 8 Trailers Of Smuggled Rice,35,100 Litres Of Fuel

Mohammed Shosanya

The operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos have intercepted and seized 8 trailer of foreign parboiled rice from smugglers.

The unit said that 35,100 litres Of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 1,100 litres of diesel, among other goods were also seized.

Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi disclosed in Lagos at the weekend during a press briefing.

He said: “Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, our operations yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods. These include 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) 1,100 liters of diesel 1×40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1×40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items,1× 20-foot container of unprocessed wood; 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry, 55 pieces of used fridges, 110 pieces of used compressors, 148 cartons of foreign soap, 121 cartons of expired hair oil and 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo).”

He explained that the essence of the briefing at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, Lagos, was to address a matter of utmost significance to “our nation’s economic well-being. Today’s briefing pertains to the commendable interception of approximately eight trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice by the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ on October 6, 2023.”

He added that agriculture, being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, underscored the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

“In alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice. These decisive actions took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states. The objective was two fold: to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.”

He said that investigations into some of these seizures are on-going.

He said,fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.

“The cumulative duty paid value of the intercepted goods amounts to an impressive N1,755,080,898.

“Furthermore, the Unit generated N72,807,025.11 in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.

“Importers and licensed agents are urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. “Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders,” Adeniyi added.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Business 0
FRSC Didn’t Seek Permission To Bear Arms

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dissociated itself from a report that the Corps Marshal is seeking the permission of the Federal Government for the personnel of the Corps to bear arms.

Bisi Kazeem, Assistant Corps Marshal,
Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, in a statement,clarified that the report does not reflect the current position of the Corps Marshal and the management team.

He urged members of the public should therefore take note describing the report as errornous and untrue.

“The attention of the FRSC has just been drawn to a report that the Corps Marshal is seeking the permission of the Federal Government for the personnel of the Corps to bear arms.

“The said errornous statement credited to the representative of the Corps Marshal at the Passing Out Parade of Cadets at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kotangora, Niger State , does not reflect the current position of the Corps Marshal and the management team.

“Members of the public should therefore take note” reads the statement in parts.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in News 0
Accountants,Engineers Pledge Support For Power Sector

Mohammed Shosanya

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN),has promised the to support the nation’s power sector
through financial assessments of the financial viability of sustainable energy projects such as renewable energy investment or energy efficient technologies.

President of ICAN, Mr Innocent Okwuosa, disclosed this when he visited the Power Minister,Chief Adebayo Adelabu to intimate the Minister about the upcoming 53rd Conference of ICAN starting on Monday n

He also promised that the Institute could support the Ministry of Power through capacity building for members and other stakeholders within the value chain as well as provide intervention that will support the ministry through proper appraisal of low interest loans, grant facilities to entities within the energy sector”.

noted the myriad of challenges facing the power sector over the years which have hindered the ability to provide reliable and affordable electricity to citizens and businesses.

He described the challenges as multifaceted, ranging from low power generation and transmission far below national requirements, leading to frequent power outages and load- shedding and outdated transmission and distribution networks.

Okwuosa also cited low capital investment in the sector, shortage of power generating inputs, illegal connection, vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure, non-payment of electricity bills by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), among others.

He however said these problems are surmountable considering the antecedent and the track record of the new Minister.

Addressing these challenges, Okwuosa said, require a comprehensive and sustained effort from both the public and private sectors, adding, “it is essential to create a conducive environment for investment and establish clear policies, with recognition and focus on the power sector as the driver of economic growth”.

The ICAN president who said the Institute was willing to sign an MOU with the Ministry, said ICAN has a working group, referred to as the ICAN Technical Committee on Power Sector, whose objective is to support government in achieving the objective of affordable and clean energy as well as efficiency in the operation of the power sector in the country.

During his visit,President,Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE),Engineer Gidari-Wudil said that the Society will put all expertise and operational arsenal at its disposal to help the Ministry achieve its mandate.

Gidari-Wudil, who spoke when he led a delegation of NSE which included the incoming President of the World Society of Engineers to the Ministry, enumerated recent development in the Society and expressed that the core mandate of NSE is to make meaningful contributions to the development and advancement of technology through collaboration and linkages.

Godari-Wudil said the council of NSE approved the formation of five international diaspora branches of the society in Houston, London, Manchester, Glasgow and the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia in the quest for expanding the views and vision of the society across international boundaries, with the view of harnessing vital international resources, knowledge sharing and transfer.

“The incoming President of the World Society of Engineer is a top member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers”, he added.

Outlining some critical expectations of the organization, he said that Power is the bedrock of manufacturing and for Nigeria to survive as a country, there is need to support local manufacturers otherwise Nigeria will continue to be a consumer nation.

In separate responses, the Minister described the theme of the ICAN conference, Nigeria: Imperatives for inclusive development, as apt and timely.

He emphasized the need for comprehensive, national inclusive development for the country rather than developing in silos.

He noted that a national inclusive development is one that would benefit all segments of the society, especially those who are marginalized.

“It involves policies and initiatives aimed at reducing income inequality, providing equal access to opportunities and improving the overall well being of all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background, gender, ethnicity or other factors”.

He said the above is what the country needs at this time. “A development that is multi-sectoral, multi-tribal, multi-class and multi-status”.

While addressing the NGE delegation, he described the Power Sector as the energy Nigeria needs for economic growth and Industrial development.

He emphasized the need to give the power sector appropriate focus and attention adding that there is no transformed economy throughout the world that did not put power as priority.

Adelabu stated that one of the major crises Nigeria experiences is not being able to produce what is consumed thereby being dependent on other parts of the world as a consuming economy.

“A large percentage of what we consume as a nation is imported and any country desirous of transformation should eschew such scenario”.

While charging the NSE to throw its weight in the power sector in order to achieve its desired goal, the Minister said that one of the major challenges the country has in moving forward stems from the inability to synergize.

“Nigeria needs abundance of power supply and the challenge doesn’t lie on any other institution other than the Nigerian Society of Engineers”, Adelabu said.

He stated that factors like leadership, commitment, focus, passion, are instrumental to achieving the desired success in the power sector, while gaps in mobility, infrastructure, inability to build roads and proper railways despite funding from developmental partners remain challenging.

The Minister said that as part of Mr. President’s committed plan of changing the lives of Nigerians, implementation of the local content in government contracts has become imperative.

He added:”As a protagonist of local content, there must be recognition of the local meter manufacturers in Nigeria to encourage development and sustainability”.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Labour/Human Resources 0
FG Restructures N-Power Operations,Targets 5m Jobs

Mohammed Shosanya

The federal government is targeting the employment of 5 million young Nigerian in five years through the ongoing restructuring of the N-Power programme.

Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, N-Power National Programme Manager,who disclosed this in statement,added that the ongoing transformation of the programmes has led to the expansion of the target beneficiaries from 18-35 years to 18-40 years.

He implored Nigerians to understand the rationale behind the temporal suspension of the N-Power programme and the subsequent restructuring it is undergoing, saying the federal government was working to restore confidence in the programme.

He explained that suspension of the Programme became necessary following the discovery of sharp practices,requiring detailed investigation into its operations in the last twelve months.

He added: “This restructuring and transformation will also birth an expanded programme to reach beneficiaries aged 18-40 (the previous age limit was 35).

‘We are targeting 5 million beneficiaries in 5 years at a pace of 1 million per year under the graduate and non-graduate stream”.

“The restructuring when completed, he said N-Power will accommodate some new programmes, in Education, Health, Works, Agriculture, Technology, fashion, entertainment and other relevant areas of skill acquisition and employability.

“To earn the confidence of Nigerians in the expanded programme, transparency and accountability will be the benchmark. It shall no longer be business as usual as we make concerted efforts to put the nation on the right footing, ensuring that no one directly or indirectly unleashes suffering on Nigerians.

“There is a need to audit the number of people in the programme, those who have exited the programme, those who are being owed, whether they reported to work or not and how funds have been utilized over this period.

“Recently, we discovered instances of programme beneficiaries whose participation has lapsed since 2022 but have remained on and continue to expect payments from the government. In addition, some beneficiaries must honour their obligation to the programme. They do not report to their places of primary assignments as required but still receive monthly payments.

“These instances have made the need for a thorough audit imperative, as we also look into claims of those being owed for up to eight to nine months stipends to ascertain the veracity of their claims”.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Labour/Human Resources 0
We Didn’t Award  Pipelines Contracts To Northern Oil Cabal-NNPC

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,has denied awarding the control of Nigeria’s pipelines to Northern oil cabal.

In a statement,the company said the reports in a section of the media alleging underhand dealings in the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of pipelines across the country are fallacious and designed to bring the good name of the Company into disrepute.

According to the statement, the contracts, which were advertised, were awarded based on rigorous evaluation criteria and in line with industry norms.

“The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been drawn to reports in an isolated section of the media alleging underhand dealings in the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of pipelines across the country.

“It is crucial to provide accurate information to address any misconceptions and ensure transparency in our operations. We would like to state categorically that these reports are fallacious and designed to bring the good name of the Company into disrepute.

“NNPC Limited is deeply committed to adhering to the highest standards of transparency and global best practices in all our activities, and this includes our contracting process. These contracts, which were advertised, were awarded based on rigorous evaluation criteria and in line with industry norms.

“To re-emphasise our commitment to transparency, NNPC subjected the selection process to a competitive tender guided by Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) standards, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission expertise, and the active involvement of a Transaction Advisor. We also had representations from NEITI and the Ministry of Justice in the project development team and the evaluation exercise.

“Below is the composition of Consortium members per lot spread across Nigeria.

“LOT 1: Oilserve Ltd, Chu Kong Steel Pipe Group Company Ltd, Saudi Crown Oilserve

“LOT 2: MacReady Oil and Gas Services, COBRA Instalicios S.A, Control Y Montajes Industriales & International De Pipelines, Iron Products Industries Ltd, Batelitwin Global Services Ltd, Bauen Empresa Constructora SAU, Sanderton Energy Ltd, The Spanish National Association of Manufacturers

“LOT 3: A A Rano, Zakhem Construction Nigeria, Bablinks Resources Ltd, VAE Controls S.R.O

“LOT 4: MRS Oil and Gas, CPPE Nigeria Ltd

“It is imperative to emphasise that these contracts are Build, Operate and Transfer agreements, and selected partners are to finance the rehabilitation and do not entail the transfer of control of these assets to any particular company. Our objective is to enhance the integrity and functionality of the pipelines to facilitate the efficient transportation of crude oil to refineries and the distribution of its products across the country.

“The ownership of these strategic national assets remains with NNPC Limited, and we are fully committed to ensuring their continued operation in the interest of over 200 million Nigerians.

“Should you have any further inquiries or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always open to engaging in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders” reads the statement in parts.

admin by — October 9, 2023 in Oil&Gas 0