All Posts in "Month: October 2024"

Oil Bunkering:PINL Arrests Two NSCDC Officers,5 Others In Rivers

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL),responsible for the protecting of key national assets including crude oil pipelines, has uncovered a logistic company operated by illegal oil bunkerers to secretly siphon and steal crude oil from the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in  Eleme,Rivers State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Patrick Onogwu,Senior Manager, Security and Government, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited,disclosed the discovery to newsmen on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

He said the firm specialists in transporting precious stones such as glass sand, quartz and iron to China, capitalising on their office proximity to a 28-inches valve, along the Ebubu new road by Eleme, Trailer Park, near the East – West Road.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said the crime was perpetrated in connivance with two officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), posted to the company, adding that the illegal activities was bursted on October 7, 2024 by the PINL personnel of the Gbenesolo Surveillance.

 

 

 

 

 

He explained that the personnel upon uncovering the crime, immediately the 29 Battalion Nigeria Army in Ogale, Eleme LGA, who responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of the NSCDC officers and five others.

 

 

 

 

He said:”They just connected a 9-inch hose from which they load their trucks usually concealed in front of the weighing bridge of the company.

 

 

 

 

 

“It is an operation that can only be detected by careful monitoring of security agencies considering the busy activities of the company and the smart way the illegal bunkerers  concealed their operations”.

 

 

 

 

 

Odogwu told journalists how the illegal activities were uncovered and the suspects arrested saying; “Five days ago, we got intelligence that they loaded three trucks from this compound.

 

 

 

 

 

“The trucks they loaded, they use 40-feet containers, built a tank right inside the container as a disguise such that once you see a container like that you think it’s carrying normal products and they use customs seal to seal the truck while they transport it to Akwa-Ibom state.”

 

 

 

 

He said the criminals ran out of luck when operatives of the PINL perceived the smell of crude oil during loading and moved closer to inspect the source of the odour and raised an alarm.

 

 

 

 

“They load like four times a week, so they brought in two trucks. Two 45,000 liters capacity trucks, Darf Model, loaded the first one and were on the second one when the supervisor for Gbenesolo, the second layer surveillance company for PINL, who was on patrol perceived the odour of crude and raised the alarm.

 

 

 

 

 

“With that we quickly alerted our team from the Ogale camp, under the 29 Battalion, which responded and led by one Captain Chibok, they came and upon arrival, they met two officers from the Rivers State Command of the NSCDC”.

 

 

 

 

He added that the two officers were arrested including the manager of the company and other suspects.

 

 

 

 

 

The company has since been sealed, while investigation into the incident continues.

 

 

 

A joint inspection has been conducted on the valve, as  remedial work is ongoing on the line.

 

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 15, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
AFCON Qualifiers:Libya To Sue Nigeria Over Match Boycot

 

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  Libya Football Federation (LFF),says it will take legal action against Nigeria over the  botched second leg of the  2025 African Cup of Nations qualifying match,which was earlier billed to take place in the North Africa country on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Libyan national team is taking the legal action in order to preserve its right, it said in a statement on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian National Team had boycotted the return leg of the qualifying match on Monday,citing ill-treatmennt on the part of the Libyans on their airport.

 

 

 

 

 

Following a frustrating 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian team was left stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon, condemnation has trailed the action of the host country.

 

 

 

 

 

While the Nigerian national team complained of fatigue and frustration, deprived of water and food, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)  confirmed the team’s backing out of the qualifying series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Super Eagles beat the Libyan team 1-0 on Friday at Uyo, Akwa Ibom but was expected to play a return leg match in Benghazi on Tuesday in the ongoing African Cup of Nations qualifying series.

 

 

 

 

The Nigerian team had since returned home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the Libyan National Team condemned the action of the Nigerian National action not to play the game tomorrow .

 

 

 

 

 

It denounced the inappropriate behavior of the delegation which almost prevented the Libyan delegation from playing the game last Friday, which is a violation to CAF rule.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It added:”⁠The LFF emphasized that the NFF did not cooperate regarding the match in Nigeria as they did not receive equal treatment meted to other countries, and as stipulated in regulations – resulting to them not having a fair and equal opportunity.

⁠The LFF apologizes to Libyan fans and followers and affirms that the NFF will bear full responsibility for failure to hold the match as scheduled”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in Sports 0
FG Using Nigeria’s Oil Wealth To Enrich Elite-World Bank

         Mohammed Shosanya
Mr. Indermit Gill,Senior Vice President, World Bank Group,has accused the Federal Government of using oil wealth to service the elite in the society.
He spoke in his keynote address on Monday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit(NES#30), jointly organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
 Gill emphasized the need for political will in the implementation of economic reforms in the country.
“But implementing such far-reaching reforms is impossible without solid political commitment from the top.
“The price of Premium Motors Spirit has quadrupled since the subsidy cuts, imposing terrible hardship  across the breadth of Nigerian society. Nigeria will need to stay the course for at least another 10 to 15 years to transform its economy.
“Today’s fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate reforms are hurting everyone, especially ordinary Nigerians who are struggling with the high prices of food and transport.
“The government must do everything in its power to protect the most vulnerable citizens against hardships because their lives and the lives of Nigeria’s 110 million children depend on it,” he said.
Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in News 0
Nigerians Must Face Painful Economic Reforms-Tinubu

              Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Tinubu,has said that t Nigerians must face the current painful economic reforms introduced by his administration,saying they are inevitable.
He disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit(NES#30), jointly organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
He was represented at the event by the Vice President,Senator Kashim Shettima, who said some of the administration’s policy decisions are hard and painful but inevitable.
“My heart and the heart of President Bola Tinubu go out to Nigerian people who are bearing the brunt of the current reforms, particularly, the poor. But we have other option,” he said.
He advocated the need for partnership between the public and private sectors to overcome the challenges confronting the country and create a new lease of life for the citizenry.
He added:”This Summit has been a call  for government and private sector stakeholders  to exchange ideas, debate policy and identify innovative solutions to Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.
“The theme of this year’s summit: ‘Collaborative Action for Growth: Competitiveness and Stability,’  is more appropriate as it encapsulates the pressing need for concerted efforts to address the multidimensional issues we currently face”.
 Nigeria,he said,has experienced significant economic problems over the past few years.
He also said,the challenges have been global as well as domestic,  ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic  and fluctuating oil prices to internal security issues, inflation and structural weaknesses in our economy such as over-reliance on oil revenue and lack of economic diversification.
According to him,Nigeria’s growth trajectory has been volatile, heavily dependent on oil revenues and unable to create enough jobs to keep pace with the country’s rapidly growing population.
He added:”As a nation,we must prioritise economic diversification. Your role in this process is crucial.Considering this, the present administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda  has embarked on bold and courageous reforms designed to create an environment that fosters sustainable economic growth  and shared prosperity.
“Our focus is on sectors that can offer inclusive and sustainable growth such as agriculture, manufacturing and the digital economy.”
In his welcome address,Chairman  of the NESG,Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, urged the
government to prioritise institutional reforms reduce the cost of governance as well as implement Steve Oronsaye Report.
He said: “Government must prioritise institutional reforms especially reduction of cost of governance, for instance, by implementing the Oronsaye report and accelerating the privatisation and commercialisation of many under-performing national assets to attract private capital and expertise, and to optimise the usage of our commonwealth for the benefits of all Nigerians.
“Government must implement its electoral promises by aligning policy, programmes, performance and productivity to ensure we seize the opportunities of today and take full advantage of the prospects of tomorrow.”
He acknowledged some areas where the present administration has recorded successes, following the removal of fuel subsidies and liberalisation of the exchange rate.
He said:”Encouragingly,our external economic position has also improved. The removal of fuel subsidies and the liberalisation of the exchange rate contributed to a trade surplus of N12.1 trillion in the first half of 2024— double that of 2023.
“Government revenues surged, with FAAC allocations reaching N18.23 trillion, an increase of 82 percent over the previous year. Foreign investment inflows have also tripled, boosting our foreign reserves.”
The Chaiman of NESG disclosed that these gains have been tempered by  macro-economic instability.
He said: “The naira has depreciated by over 72 percent against the dollar, and inflation remains elevated at 32.2 percent, placing immense pressure on citizens and the economy.
“Our fiscal situation remains a significant concern. Public debt reached N121.67 trillion by the first quarter of 2024, pushing our debt-to-GDP ratio to 52.9 percent.
“The debt service-to-revenue ratio is still high at 68 percent – underscoring the urgent need for fiscal reforms to put our nation back on a sustainable path.
“Our citizens ultimately bear the cost of economic fragility. Per capita income is projected to fall to approximately US$1,000 by the end of 2024, down significantly from US$2,162.60 in 2022.Multidimensional poverty now affects 62.9 percent of Nigerians, while an estimated 104 million live in poverty.
“The Global Hunger Index score of 28.3 points reflects our deepening food insecurity, and unemployment remains a daunting challenge, with 92.3 percent of the workforce in the informal sector.
“Many citizens have become poor, the poor are getting poorer and the average Nigerian is facing very difficult times.
“We need to do more, do better and faster, to provide social safety nets, reduce inflation, create jobs, improve food security and transportation logistics to address the cost of living crisis. We must foster social cohesion and a strong sense of solidarity amongst our citizens.”
Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in News 0
Blackout As National Grid Collapses Again

   Mohammed Shosanya
The national electricity grid experienced a partial collapse Monday’s evening  leaving some parts of the country in darkness.
This is the sixth time in 2024 that consumers will experience power outages occasioned by incidents from the grid.
Emeka Ezeh,Head, Corporate Communications, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the collapse of the grid around 18:48 hours on 14th October, 2024.
He said in a statement that development has resulted in loss of supply to his company.
He statement reads:”The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October, 2024.
 “This has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across EEDC network.
 “Consequently, due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra,  Ebonyi,  Enugu, and Imo States”.
 “We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo.
Premium News reports that most parts of the South-Western Nigeria,are currently experiencing blackout.
There has been no official reaction by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN on the cause of the current collapse.
Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in Power 0
S/Eagles Humiliation:Libyan Football Federation Boss Resigns

 

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani,has resigned.

 

 

 

 

His resignation was in connection with a controversy involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who accused the Libyan football authorities of mistreatment,The Libya Observer,said.

 

 

 

 

His resignation was disclosed during the Federation’s General Assembly meeting on Sunday, the paper said.

 

 

 

 

 

He said: “I no longer wish to be associated with the failure of Libyan sports. I extend my gratitude to all members of the General Assembly and hold no grudges against anyone in the sports sector.”

 

 

He spoke on the challenges faced during his tenure.

 

 

“We faced difficulties during the previous period.  thank all members of the General Assembly, and I forgive everyone from all segments of the sports sector,” he added.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in Sports 0
S/Eagles Maltreatment:Tinubu Kicks, Seeks Sanctions Against Libya

         Mohammed Shosanya
President Bola Tinubu,says he expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against Libya.
Welcoming the national team back to Nigeria,Tinubu said the Libyan authorities wilfully violated the CAF’s Statutes and Regulations.
He spoke through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Monday, few hours after the team arrived home through Kano Airport.
He warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria following the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, Onanuga quoted in the statement made available to Premium News on Monday.
He confirmed that the ugly experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.
“The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players.
“President Tinubu applauds the players for keeping their spirit alive despite the excruciating ordeal in Libya.
“The Nigerian leader recognises football’s unifying power in bringing nations and people together and views the treatment of our citizens as unsportsmanlike and inhumane, a stark contrast to the spirit of the game he deeply appreciates.
“He fervently calls on all lovers of the round-leather game and administrators to unite and work collaboratively to prevent and overcome such incidents in the future,” Onanuga added in the statement.

 

Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in News 0
CAF Probes Super Eagles Maltreatment In Libya

        Mohammed Shosanya
The Confederation of African Football (CAF),has expressed serious concern over the distressing experience faced by the Super Eagles at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya.
The Nigerian national team and officials were  stranded for hours under harsh conditions after their flight was diverted to the remote airport.
In a statement released on Monday,CAF described the incident as unacceptable and disclosed  that the matter has been referred to its Disciplinary Board for a thorough investigation.
The statement,titled:”CAF Views the Disturbing and Unacceptable Experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) at an Airport in Libya in a Very Serious Light,” confirmed that the federation is in contact with both Libyan and Nigerian authorities to gather more details on the situation.
“CAF has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it was informed that the Nigerian National Football Team (‘Super Eagles’) and their technical team were stranded in distressing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land at by the Libyan authorities,” the statement read.
It added:”The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation, and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF statutes and regulations.”

 

Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in Sports 0
FG Summons Libyan Envoy Over Maltreatment Of Super Eagles Players

Mohammed Shosanya
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has summoned the Charge d’ Affaires of Libya to a meeting over the poor treatment meted to the Super Eagles team in the country.
 Condemnation had trailed the action of the of the Libyans following a frustrating 16-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya, where the Nigerian team was left stranded since their arrival on Sunday afternoon.
The Nigerian national team complained of fatigue and frustration, deprived of water and food, while the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the team’s boycott of the qualifying series.
NFF said in a statement:“Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.”
 Tuggar described the action of Libya as unfortunate.
Tuggar,who was spotted at the Office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Monday, said:” it’s the most unfortunate situation, because the Super Eagles flew to Libya to play a match. As you know, the Libyan team was here they were supposed to land in Uyo instead, they went and landed in Port Harcourt, where they were not supposed to land.
“Now our team has gone to Libya, and somehow the plane gets diverted to a different airport. And unfortunately, at that airport, there is no aviation fuel, because what we have decided is they need to refuel and get out, we will not be able to allow them to continue, no food. You know, it’s a good thing when they landed in Kano they actually even got  some water, some cartoons of water otherwise even water would have been a problem but suffice.
“Suffice it to say that we have established contact with them. We’ve sent people from the mission to go there, representing the mission. They are in touch with the delegation.
” I am also communicating directly with the chairman, and since last night, we’ve been on the phone with the chargé d’affaires because Libya doesn’t have an Ambassador here, so we’re in touch with the chargé d’affaires, and I am heading back to the Ministry now, where we have summoned the Libyan chargé d’affaires. This issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible. So we’re on top of the situation”.
Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in News 0
32m Nigerians Struggling To Feed-WFP

         Mohammed Shosanya
 The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP),Monday disclosed that about 32million Nigerians are struggling daily to feed themselves amidst food insecurity in Nigeria.
A statement issued by Chi Lael,Head of Communications and Media,United Nations World Food Programme (WFP),Nigeria Country Office, said despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips of a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
Lael said amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director, Cindy McCain, urged public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria, as she concluded a visit to the country.
 According to the statement,” During her five-day visit to Nigeria, the Executive Director witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition.
“What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing. An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands,” said Executive Director McCain.
 “People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
The statement noted that the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities.
“Over 3.6 million people in northeastern and northwestern states have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities.
“With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city.
“Meanwhile, malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.
“WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can.”
Lael said so far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 metric tonnes of food and US$ 40 million in cash entitlements, adding that “But the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions.”
 In Abuja and Lagos, Director McCain engaged with senior government and private sector leaders, creative industries, international financial institutions, the United Nations, and donor representatives to explore African-led solutions, and discuss the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in addressing food insecurity and youth employment.
 “WFP’s commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance and tackling the root causes of hunger in Nigeria is stronger than ever.
By mobilising funding, technology, and ambitious new partnerships between the private and public sectors, we can support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems and offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity that empower local communities,” Director McCain noted.
It said:”Nigeria – West Africa’s most populous and largest economy – has the potential to play an outsize role in stabilising the region and helping to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for millions, provided the country receives the attention commensurate with its strategic importance.
 “WFP is working with the Government of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on a ground-breaking food systems programme that will help communities escape the cycle of conflict by building the resilient, inclusive and effective food systems they need to achieve self-reliance.
“Through the “Out of Conflict, into Solutions” food systems strategy, WFP will seek to address post-harvest losses, limited access to agricultural inputs, poor dietary diversity and limited access to food in Nigeria.
 “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy – providing employment to more than a third of the labor force – up to 80 percent in rural areas. The private sector is one of the key contributors to developing extensive supply chains, including production, processing, manufacturing and distributions.
 “WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months”.
Online Editor by — October 14, 2024 in News 0