Mass Retirement:Reps Raise Probe Panel,Urge CBN To Stay Action

 

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The House of Representatives,has constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the mass retirement of 1,000 staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

 

 

 

 

The decision was sequel to deliberations on a motion presented during plenary, highlighting concerns over the abrupt disengagement of the employees and the implications for both the affected staff and the nation’s apex bank.

 

 

 

 

 

The House resolved to address concerns following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Mr. Kama Nkemkama,the member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the session,it was gathered that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is preparing to retire approximately 1,000 employees as part of its ongoing strategic workforce realignment.

 

 

 

 

 

The development has raised questions about its potential impact on the affected staff and the nation’s financial sector.

 

 

 

 

 

The motion seeks to ensure a thorough review of the situation and explore measures to safeguard the welfare of the employees while maintaining the bank’s operational efficiency.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The House has urged the committee to  investigate the retirement of over 1,000 staff members of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the associated N50 billion payoff scheme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking on the motion titled, “Need to Investigate the Retirement of Over 1,000 Staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Associated N50bn Payoff Scheme,” Hon. Nkemkama called on his colleagues to rise to the occasion and demonstrate adequate interest in the matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the need for the House to probe the CBN’s announcement of the N50 billion payoff scheme, which the apex bank described as part of its human resource reorganisation strategy.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,the situation demands closer scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He expressed concern over the “sudden mass retirement of more than 1,000 staff, including directors and senior management,” describing it as a troubling development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to him, the situation “raises serious questions about the selection criteria, the transparency of the process, and compliance with public service guidelines and labor laws.”

 

 

 

 

Nkemkama,a member of the Labour Party, has raised concerns about the socio-economic fallout from the disengagement of staff members. He emphasized that this development “has far-reaching implications for the affected individuals, their dependents, and the broader economy. It could exacerbate unemployment and heighten public dissatisfaction.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nkemkama faulted the N50 billion payoff scheme, warning that it might lack adequate accountability and oversight. “Without robust mechanisms to ensure transparency, there is a significant risk of mismanagement and misuse of public funds in a sector that is critical to Nigeria’s financial stability,” he stated.

 

 

 

 

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to “Investigate the mass retirement of over 1,000 staff of the CBN to ascertain the criteria, process, and legality of the exercise.

 

 

 

 

 

The House also resolved to “Examine the N50bn payoff scheme to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper utilisation of funds.”

 

 

 

 

 

The House also resolved to engage the leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assess the economic and institutional implications of the recent mass retirement exercise in the nation’s financial sector.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides,the House urged the apex bank to suspend the ongoing retirement exercise and its accompanying payoff scheme until the conclusion of an investigation by the House.

 

 

 

 

The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to ensure the rights of the affected staff are safeguarded, in line with Nigeria’s labour laws.

 

 

 

PenCom Allows Pensioners To Withdraw Total Retirement Savings

    Mohammed Shosanya

 

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced that low-income pensioners can now withdraw their entire Retirement Savings Account (RSA) balance or continue receiving monthly pensions until the implementation of the Minimum Pension Guarantee.

 

 

 

This was conveyed in a memo signed by the Head of PenCom’s Surveillance Department, A.M. Salem,and issued to pension fund administrators and custodians,The Punch reports.

 

 

 

 

The memo,dated November 27, 2024,  outlined the decision, which aligns with the new minimum wage of N70,000.

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to this change,retirees were only allowed to withdraw one-third of their RSA balance.

 

 

 

 

But,Section 4.1(g) of the revised regulation on retirement benefits now permits retirees whose RSA balance cannot provide at least one-third of the new minimum wage in monthly or quarterly pensions to withdraw their full savings.

 

 

 

 

The Punch quoted that the memo highlighted that President Bola Tinubu had signed the National Minimum Wage Bill into law on July 29, 2024, increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

 

 

 

 

 

It reads:“The commission has noted that President Bola Tinubu had on Monday, 29 July 2024, signed the National Minimum Wage Bill into law.

 

 

 

 

 

“Accordingly, the new National Minimum Wage Act increased the National Minimum Wage from N30,000.00 to N70,000.00.

 

 

 

 

“Section 4.1 (g) of the Revised Regulation on the Administration of the Retirement and Terminal Benefits (the Regulation) provides that where the Retirement Savings Account balance cannot provide a monthly/quarterly pension or annuity of at least one-third of the prevailing minimum wage, the retiree shall be allowed to take the entire balance in the RSA en bloc.

 

 

 

 

“Consequent to the above, Pension Fund Administrators are hereby directed as follows; To apply N70,000.00 being the current National Minimum Wage in processing of retirement benefits in line with the provisions of Section 4.1 (g) of the Regulation.

 

 

 

“Retirees whose monthly/quarterly pensions are less than N23,333.33, representing one-third of the current minimum wage of N70,000.00, be allowed to choose between receiving the outstanding balance in their RSAs en bloc or continuing to receive their current monthly/quarterly pensions pending the commencement of the Minimum Pension Guarantee.”

 

 

 

 

To process these withdrawals, as stated in the memo, PenCom requires retirees to submit specific documents, including a signed consent form indicating they were properly informed of their options and a hard copy application letter.

 

 

 

 

It stated that retirees should provide, “A consent form reflecting that the PFA properly enlightened the retiree on the Minimum Pension Guarantee and that he/she chose to receive the outstanding balance in the RSA en bloc.

 

 

 

 

“A hard copy application letter (not an electronic signature) signed by the retiree to withdraw the outstanding balance in the RSA.The payment schedule in the template is attached as Appendix 1.

 

 

 

The circular further instructed pension administrators to comply with the updated regulations immediately.

 

 

 

“You are therefore required to take all necessary measures to ensure full compliance with this circular. This circular takes immediate effect,” it added.

 

 

 

PenCom Removes Suspension On PFA’s Investment In Commercial Papers

    Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has lifted its suspension on investment in commercial papers by licensed pension fund administrators (LPFAs) in the country.

 

 

 

The commission had recently suspended investments on commercial papers on account of an unestablished regulatory framework by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC).

 

 

 

 

It further cautioned fund administrators to stop investing in the affected portfolio pending the provision of guidelines on the issuance of commercial papers by the SEC.

 

 

 

 

PenCom conveyed the removal of the month-long suspension in a statement on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

It reads:“The National Pension Commission (PenCom) refers to its circular of 23 October 2024 on the above subject, in which it directed all Licensed Pension Fund Administrators (LPFAs) to immediately suspend further investment in commercial papers where capital market operators (non-banks) are engaged as Issuing and Paying Agents (IPAs) due to the absence of rules governing the issuance.

 

 

 

 

“PenCom has noted that SEC has developed draft rules and an amendment to rule 8 (Exemptions) to regulate the issuance of Commercial Papers by its regulated entities.

 

 

 

 

 

“Accordingly, SEC is addressing PenCom’s concern about the role of non- bank IPAs in Commercial Paper transactions by bringing them within regulatory boundaries.

 

 

 

 

“Consequently, to facilitate capital raising and ensure continued market stability, PenCom has lifted the restriction on LPFAs investing in commercial papers where capital market operators act as IPAs.”

 

 

 

 

The commission enjoins LPFAs to ensure that appropriate legal and financial due diligence are undertaken on all prospectus and offer documents of all commercial papers prior to investment in  line Section 2.9 of the Regulation on Investment of Pension Fund Assets.

 

 

 

Tax Reform Bills Will Stifle Growth Of Nigeria’s Oil,Gas Industry -PENGASSAN

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria,PENGASSAN says the proposed tax reform bills will stifle explorative activities in the country’s oil and gas sector.

 

 

 

 

 

It also said that Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Mid and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) would be negatively impacted if the bill sails through.

 

 

 

 

President of PENGASSAN,Festus Osifo spoke while addressing members of the National Executive Council (NEC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

He said:”The Association notes the ongoing tax reforms and wish to demand that the tax relief exemptions that is given to those earning minimum wage and business should be expanded to accommodate more people and companies in that category.

 

 

 

 

“Clarity must be provided regarding revenue collection processes from oil and gas companies as some provisions in the bill have the likelihood of negatively impacting our members in some of our major branches like Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigeria Mid and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

 

 

 

 

“We shall be participating actively in the public hearing where our position will be well articulated. We hereby call on the National Assembly to conduct a proper public hearing session where different views will be collated to amend the provisions in the bill and not just to tick the box”.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile,Osifo confirmed the functionality of the Port Harcourt Refinery, insisting that PENGASSAN members were part of the team that ensured it came on stream this time around.

 

 

 

 

 

His reaction follows insinuations that the refinery had gone comatose again,  a few days after its much-celebrated commencement of production.

 

 

 

 

Osifo,who doubles as President of the Trade Union Congress(TUC) revealed that the management of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) pulled the feat because there was a dedicated Escrol account for the revival of the refinery, as against the previous system where funds were domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

 

 

 

 

 

He,however,gave a few limitations in the production processes which he said may have forced the refinery to slow down operations.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,the blending process was normal globally, as no refinery can produce with a single Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), noting that the coming on stream of Warri and Kaduna refineries would bring the much needed relief to the country.

 

 

 

 

He said Nigerians,including the media had every reason to doubt and question the government,considering what they had suffered at the hands of past governments.

 

 

 

 

 

He added:”Nigerians, we have every reason to doubt the government. We have every reason to question assertions from governments because over the years, they have actually let us down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Explaining the production processes in the refinery, he said, “Really, from our checks, the Port Harcourt refinery is actually working.

 

 

 

 

 

“But let me explain this. In petroleum product production, you take the crude and you pass the crude into what they call the CDU (Crude Distillation Unit).So, it is actually that unit that is going to bring different products. That unit today, as we speak, is working.

 

 

 

 

“When you pass the crude into CDU, it is going to give you what we call Kerosene (DPK), it is going to give you what we call ATK (Aviation fuel), and it’s going to give you DPO (Diesel).

 

 

 

 

“It’s also going to give you naphtha. That is that distillation unit. That unit is working.What that means is that when you pass crude into that unit, you will have these products, but the old Port Harcourt refinery was not designed to produce aviation fuel.

 

 

 

 

“So, you are going to have these three principal products: the Naphtha, the AGO, as well as the DPK. So normally, that Naphtha, you are going to pass it to this unit called the Reformat Unit.As we speak today, that reformat unit is not actually working. We must disclose this to Nigerians.

 

 

 

 

 

“What is now happening at the moment is that you are going to take that Naphtha and merge it with Crack-C5. It will now be blended with Naphtha, and some other processes take place, and now it gives us PMS.

 

 

 

 

 

“What Nigerians should be interested in today is that: is the Port Harcourt refinery producing AGO? The answer is yes. Is the old Port Harcourt refinery producing kerosene? The answer is yes. Is it producing PMS today? The answer is yes.

 

 

 

 

“We should reduce the concentration on what the processes are but look at the products that come out.”

 

 

 

 

He added: “There is no refinery in the world that has a CDU that produces PMS in a single tranche. No one produces PMS, even Dangote Refinery.

 

 

 

 

“Their CDU doesn’t just produce PMS. But there is a product that comes out that is close to PMS. The requirement and the specification – what we call the Octane number in PMS – is very high.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“You have to produce it to spec or it damages vehicles. That Naphtha is further treated, and treating that Naphtha using the Crack-C4 from Indorama is what they now call blending.

 

 

 

 

 

“But in all honesty, the refinery is working, and these products are all there and coming out.We must congratulate NNPCL for the rehabilitation and successful startup of the old Port Harcourt refinery.

 

 

 

 

“Over the years, PENGASSAN has been at the forefront for demanding that these refineries must be rehabilitated and brought back to operations. This we will not stop until the remaining three refineries are successfully rehabilitated and resume operations. Afterwards, we will mount a vanguard for the refineries to be privatized using the NLNG model that has worked efficiently over the year”.

 

 

70% Of Nigerians Resisted Bribe Requests In 2023,ICPC Claims

 

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu has disclosed that 70 percent of Nigerians resisted bribe requests in 2023.

 

 

 

 

He spoke on Monday during an ICPC roundtable with state attorneys-general in the north-west region, held in Kano.

 

 

 

 

Aliyu,who highlighted findings from the 2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),noted the commonness of bribery in the north-west and across the country.

 

 

 

He added:“Bribery is most common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.However, despite these challenges, the positive news is that 70 percent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply on at least one occasion.

 

 

 

“In the north-west,76 percent of individuals who encountered bribery requests resisted—the highest refusal rate among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, indicating growing resistance to bribery in the region.”

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the shared responsibility of state and federal governments in combating corruption, stressing the importance of collaboration to build accountable and transparent systems.

 

 

 

 

He said:“In this regard, I call on the attorneys-general of the north-west to collaborate closely with ICPC to fortify systems of accountability and transparency that serve the people.

 

 

 

“Under section 6 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, but your support and the local knowledge you bring are essential to making this effort more effective.”

 

 

 

He urged continuous encouragement of citizens in the north-west to resist bribery demands and reiterated the ICPC’s commitment to using its authority to combat corruption effectively.

 

 

 

“As chairman of the ICPC, I am committed to ensuring that the commission uses its law enforcement powers and preventive measures, which include enlisting and fostering public support in combating corruption in Nigeria within the confines of the law,” he said.

BPP Faults Proposed Sanctions In Public Procurement Act Amendment

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, and his predecessor, Emeka Ezeh, have advised against amending the Public Procurement Act to include punitive measures for erring contractors.

 

 

 

 

They said that such provisions are typically embedded in contractual agreements.

 

 

 

 

 

At a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, Dr. Adedokun explained that the Public Procurement Act of 2007 was designed to harmonize existing government policies and practices, while regulating and setting standards for public procurement.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,the law promotes competition, transparency, and accountability in the procurement process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He maintained that the Act already provides a robust legal framework, and that issues related to contractor misconduct are adequately addressed within the terms of individual contracts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He added: “The proposed amendment aims to impose sanctions on contractors who fail to complete projects within the stipulated timeframe. Such sanctions are typically embedded in the conditions of a contract on a global scale and are beyond the scope of the Public Procurement Act (PPA).

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It is important to note that the PPA does not oversee the implementation phase of contracts. Instead, this is governed by the standard conditions of the contract and the contract agreement, which regulate all matters arising after a contract has been validly awarded.

 

 

 

 

 

“In this regard,the clauses within the contract agreement that outline sanctions for contractors, as specified in the Bureau’s Standard Bidding Documents, are sufficient. Therefore, the proposal to incorporate contract implementation procedures into the Public Procurement Act would be excessive and counterproductive, undermining the original purpose of the Act.

 

 

 

 

 

“As the regulatory authority,the Bureau, empowered by the Act,has already issued Standard Bidding Documents and Standard Conditions of Contract that meet global standards and include penalties for contractors who fail to comply.

 

 

 

 

 

“The Bureau recommends that the Committee focus on ensuring the proper implementation and enforcement of existing laws, rather than pursuing amendments that do not address the core issue. Specifically, the Bureau emphasizes that the timely release of funds for awarded contracts is critical for the successful completion of projects. Delays in funding from the procuring entity ultimately lead to delays in project completion, making the procuring entity responsible for any setbacks.

 

 

 

 

“Given these considerations,the Bureau respectfully urges the Committee to reconsider the proposed amendment. We also seek the support of Parliament to prioritize the effective implementation of the Public Procurement Act, as this will significantly enhance the efficiency and integrity of the public procurement process in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

 

The immediate past Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Emeka Ezeh, expressed concerns over the proposed amendment,suggesting that while it may appear noble and well-meaning at first glance, it seems to focus more on addressing the symptoms rather than the root causes of the challenges in Nigeria’s contracting environment.

 

 

 

 

He recommended that the issue should be examined from a more comprehensive perspective.

 

 

 

 

He emphasized the import of addressing the entire process,from needs assessment and project design to proper budgeting, contractor selection, and,ultimately, effective contract execution and project implementation.

 

 

Why ICC Shouldn’t Probe Nigerian Military-FG

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN),has told  the International Criminal Court to stop probe of the Nigerian military by the office of the prosecutor at the ICC.

 

 

 

 

 

He said Nigeria has demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.

 

 

 

 

 

He stated Nigeria’s position in his statement at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) holding between December 2 and 7 at The Hague, Netherlands.

 

 

 

 

 

Expressing the country’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims,Fagbemi noted that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralizing to the service men laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.

 

 

 

 

He emphasized that Nigeria as a responsible  party to the Rome Statute has consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.

 

 

 

 

“While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasize that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity.

 

 

 

 

 

“The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes.

 

 

 

 

 

“I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

 

 

 

 

“We are proud of the Nigerian Military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles” the AGF stated.

 

 

 

 

He added that:”At the 22nd Session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters. After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the Panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims. The allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.

 

 

 

“Indeed, the work of the Panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.

 

 

 

 

“The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this Assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. Our Military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect. While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels.

 

 

 

 

“I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate” Fagbemi said.

 

 

 

Kamarudeen Ogundele,Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity,Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, who signed the statement,said in addition,Nigeria’s six-month Demobilization,Deradicalization, and Reintegration (DDR) program has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society.

 

 

 

 

He added:”We continue to prioritize the training and re-training of our armed forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on protection of civilian protection.”

 

Okpebholo Recalls Sacked AAU Lecturers

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

Monday Okpebholo,Governor of Edo State has directed the immediate reinstatement of all Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, staff who were dismissed in March 2023 by the Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

 

 

 

The directive was conveyed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, who confirmed that the affected employees, primarily members of the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU), were terminated by the now-defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

 

 

 

 

The lecturers were dismissed due to their protests over unpaid salaries and outstanding entitlements.

 

 

 

 

The statement further underscored the governor’s adherence to the rule of law, noting that the reinstatement reflects his dedication to fair governance.

 

Minimum Wage Won’t Boost Workers’ Productivity-NPC

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi,says paying workers a minimum wage of N250,000 will not necessarily boost their productivity, neither will it discourage them from corrupt tendencies.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,instituting a reward system or timely payment of allowances and other legitimate entitlements would boost workers productivity.

 

 

 

 

 

He spoke in Abuja while giving a presentation with labour reporters on the centre’s achievements in the last four months

 

 

 

 

He said he has assumed office with several initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and increasing productivity across sectors.

 

 

 

 

He noted that workers are not so inclined to their basic salary but place more values on their basic allowances and incentives to perform effectively, without which productivity declines and duties compromise.

 

 

 

 

 

He stated that NPC under his leadership has introduced several welfare initiatives, including retirement packages, transport and health care support and capacity building for enhanced skills and productivity.

 

 

 

 

He disclosed  plans to further institutionalise productivity in Nigeria, including; establishing productivity units in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), expanding the Productivity and Quality Improvement Programmes (PQIP) to strengthen SMEs and  launching of a national productivity movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said Nigeria must make concerted efforts to optimise it’s resources, enhance competitiveness, and achieve collective prosperity.

 

 

 

 

He added:“Before I came, I understood that one of the major challenges faced by the staff of the agency is welfare. Workers need basic incentives and allowances to function effectively,  they need their allowances timely, or else they might be pressured into compromising their work.

 

 

 

“We have introduced a retirement incentive scheme to support our staff transitioning out of service. Directors retiring from the centre receive up to two million Naira, while other retiring staff receive a minimum of 500,000 Naira, this is part of our effort to appreciate their service and ensure they leave with dignity.

 

 

 

 

“In the coming years, we will consolidate our achievements while pursuing goals like acquiring a corporate headquarters, digitising administrative processes, and establishing productivity units across MDAs. Our aim is to make the national productivity Centre one of the best in Africa and ensure productivity becomes a household term in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

Ogoni Congress Moves to Resolve Conflicts With Shell

         Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Ogoni people have adopted a new orientation geared towards peace and development within the locality,charting a path to a permanent resolution of over three decades of conflicts with the government and Shell over oil production and underdevelopment.

 

 

 

 

 

The development follows resolutions taken at an Ogoni congress held Saturday, November 30, 2024 under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). From speeches to interactive sessions, attendees resolved to move forward on the path of development and led a commitment to support the leadership of MOSOP to achieve these goals.

 

 

 

Addressing the Congress,President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke said it’s time to permanently solve the Ogoni problem,noting that the Ogoni people must stand up to defeat both internal and external repression.

 

 

 

 

 

He regretted Ogoni’s inability to address its critical challenges of underdevelopment since the struggle was launched 34 years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

He added: “We launched the struggle in 1990. We are thirty four years into it and the problem was that we were protesting underdevelopment. For thirty four years, we have been unable to address this problem.”

 

 

 

 

 

He expressed dismay over the growing number of splinter groups in Ogoni, attributing it to the commercialization of the struggle which he says had been “very costly in lives and assets invested and lost in the process.”

 

 

 

 

 

“The reason you see all these splinter groups is that we have left the primary goal of the struggle and have started chasing money and our pockets” he said.

 

 

 

 

He urged the Ogoni people to be ready and committed to resolve the problem permanently noting that Tinubu,being a listening president, provides a rare opportunity to permanently resolve the Ogoni problems.

 

 

 

 

“While I am not speaking for the government, I want you to know that the current president is a listening president and offers an opportunity to resolve the problem.Let us take advantage”,he said.

 

 

 

 

Also speaking,former deputy president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Chief Dr Fortune Okwa Chujor urged the Ogoni people to support the development initiatives of Nsuke describing him as a non-commercial and non-political president of MOSOP.

 

 

 

 

A former president of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and an elder of MOSOP, Chief Emmanuel Nkala said he stands with the MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke and called on Ogoni youths to do the same. Chief Nkala canvassed for unity amongst Ogonis urging the people to give the MSP development initiative a chance.

 

 

 

 

 

Ogoni youth president,Theophilus Mbagha Esq, in his contributions urged the Nigeria authorities to dialogue with the Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem. He also backed the Nsuke-led initiative as acceptable to Ogoni youths.

 

 

 

 

 

Spokesperson for the Federation of Ogoni Women’s Association (FOWA) Lady Immaculate Kpopie assured the Congress of the support of the Ogoni women for the development drive led by Nsuke. Congress then resolved and mandated the MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke to initiate and conclude discussions on the issue and to win a fair share of Ogoni Ogoni resources which will be committed to Ogoni development.