By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Alumni members of Command Secondary School in Kaduna, have commended the military for the efforts so far in tackling security challenges confronting the nation.

They gave the commendation at the 20th Anniversary Reunion Dinner of the 2002 Set of the school on Saturday in Abuja.

Arc. Enyi Ben-Eboh, President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, said it was unfortunate that Nigeria found itself in insecurity, saying it was a product of several years of neglect of the security sector.

Ben-Eboh, who is also an alumnus of Command school, said there was need for continuous investment in security since security equipment were not off-the-shelf materials.

He also called for adequate motivation for the troops of Nigerian military who were sacrificing their lives for the peace of the nation by acknowledging and thanking them for their efforts so far.

He also urged Nigerians to see security as everyones business, saying that something as simple as divulging information about people of dubious characters would help the authorities to to fish them out and take appropriate actions.

According to him, if as a community you keep quiet and think it doesnt affect you, someday it will and that is where we are now as a country.

He urged government to take urgent steps to address the economic challenges as well as making conscious efforts to engage the young people.

Ben-Eboh commended the class of 2002 for being able to hold themselves together amongst the various sets in Command secondary school, and urged them to keep the unity going.

A former History Teacher at the school, Mr Kehinde Degele, said the Command secondary schools all over the federation were known for discipline and academic excellence as an admixture of military discipline and quality academics.

Degele expressed excitement that the children he taught over the years had become successful adults in various fields of endaevour.

On insecurity, he said it was a passing phase that the nation would overcome with concerted and refocused efforts.

He urged Nigerians to shun blame game and see the problem as an challenge for all that required collective effort to tackle by exposing bad ones amongst them.

The Chairman of the set, Maj. Gbenga Adetunji, said the reunion had afforded them the opportunity to reminisce on their days as little boys and girls who entered into the school without knowing what they really wanted.

Adetunji said the 20th anniversary celebration was organised to build unity and oneness as well as giving back to the society and the school that had shaped them.

He said that most of them eventually joined the military because of their basic background from the command secondary school while those in other fields had also made their marks too.

He said the standard of Command schools had not dropped, saying that societal changes like emergence of technology like introduction of mobile or smart phones had changed the school system considerably.

According to him, there are changes in the world entirely due to the introduction of new technologies and so you cannot say the standard has dropped.

This is because what we had then when we relate with our parents is through letters but now the students have phones, they can just call, send text messages or send e-mail to their parents.

So I think they are still maintaining the standard, but I think more needs to be done to keep the standard, he said.

On the security challenges, he said the nation was being confronted by contemporary security challenges that were dynamic, adding that they required collective efforts to tackle.

According to him, the military has done its best so far to curtail the security challenges but more still needs to be done.

This is a trying time for the country and as such, Nigerians need to put heads together to support the military, share information, provide intelligence so that this crisis can be stopped once and for all, he said.

A member of the set, Mr Kelly Hyetson, said the set of 2002 had maintained contact and giving back to the society and the school.

He said the 20th anniversary was a milestone in their journey of life, adding that they had made efforts to support their mates in different ways. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army says it will not succumb to intimidation by the International Society for Civil Liberty and Rule of Law (INTERSOCIETY) in its effort to rubbish armys image and reputation.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said that INTERSOCIETY had continued with its antics of dragging the image of the Nigerian army in the mud while promoting irredentists, lawless and outlawed organisations.

He said the allegation by the organisation that the Nigerian military, especially the army had been working with armed herdsmen/bandits to terrorise the Eastern part of the country and Benue was libelous, spurious and derogatory.

According to him, a cursory look at the content reveals a business-as-usual pattern of propaganda by the well known, paid jobbers and fifth columnists christened INTERSOCIETY.

Unfortunately for these mischief makers, the highly patriotic and untiring efforts of the Nigerian army to neutrally defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria is visible enough and boldly seen by all and have received international accolades.

It is on this unmistakable pedigree, that the army wishes to dismiss these concoctions and evil propaganda peddled and served to unsuspecting members of the public by INTERSOCIETY.

He alleged that INTERSOCIETY is covertly sponsored by the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) with the singular purpose of destabilising the country.

It is on record, that the Nigerian army conducted and will still conduct series of exercises not only in the South Eastern states, but across all the states of the federation.

This has reasonably reduced criminality especially in the South East, where INTERSOCIETYs cohorts like IPOB and ESN can no longer enjoy freedom of action to unleash death and mayhem on Ndigbo and other Nigerians, who do not support their evil bid.

INTERSOCIETYs unprofessional posture is crystal clear and evident in its biased and unbalanced submissions and reportage, as it has never openly condemned the atrocious activities of IPOB/ ESN, for which it is fronting.

INTERSOCIETY will rather turn a blind eye, when these groups illegally deny law abiding citizens their rights to freedom of movement and association, through their illegal sit-at-home order,.

They also pretend not to notice attacks on military, police, paramilitary personnel and other security agencies attack and callous beheading of Nigerians including Ndigbo, destruction of government facilities and infrastructure, amongst myriads of other nefarious activities, he said.

Nwachukwu said that the army had through the conduct of its exercises, checkmated and drastically reduced their criminal activities and other sundry crimes in South Eastern Nigeria.

He said the recently concluded Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2022 held in Owerri, Imo, saw the Nigerian army bringing succor to the South Easterners through organised medical outreaches, renovation of schools, sinking of boreholes and road repairs.

These, according to him, are totally in dissonance with the image being concocted of the Nigerian army by the glorified Civil Society Organisation (INTERSOCIETY) and their collaborators.

The Nigerian army, therefore, remains a professional institution that is resolved to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

The Nigeria army will never be distracted by mischief makers, who find pleasure in blackmailing and defaming the institution to gain cheap publicity and satisfy the interest of fifth columnists, in their unrelenting effort to destabilise the nation.

According to him, the army is not by this reaction denying the presence of black sheep in its fold, just like in any other organisation or institution.

We are very mindful of and actively monitoring and effectively handling the issue of black ship in our fold within the provisions of extant laws.

We call on INTERSOCIETY to channel its energy like the Nigerian army into nation building, rather than tearing our nation apart. Nigeria remains our nation and no other.

The Nigerian army will continue to count on the support of all Nigerians and international community, as it selflessly continues to carry out its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria and restore sanity and peace in all troubled parts of the country, he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A group of candidates and aspirants in the 2023 general elections on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged to work for the partys presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The group, under the aegis, Atikulated Global Movement (AGM), made the pledge during the official unveiling of its national office on Friday in Abuja.

The group also donated branded materials in support of the partys presidential flag bearer.

The groups Co-convener and National Vice Chairperson, Princess Nikky Onyeri, made the pledge in her remarks at the office unveiling ceremony.

Onyeri said that the movement with slogan of the movement is, aspirants and candidates united, would use its network at the grassroots across the federation to deliver for Abubakar.

Here is a grassroots organisation that cuts across the length and breadth of Nigeria in all the 36 states and the FCT.

Our membership now is about 1,000 but we are working to accommodate about 15,000 candidates and aspirants that contested PDP tickets at all levels ready to work with us for the success of Abubakar, she said

Onyeri said that the movement had already met with Abubakar who endorsed AGM, gave it the mandate to unify all PDP aspirants in the last primary elections for the party.

She said that the movement was already reaching out to all aspirants and candidates including, both incumbent and governorship candidates in all geopolitical zones.

She urged all Nigerians and PDP members to go out and canvass support for the Abubakar-Okowa presidential ticket.

Onyeri also urged other aspirants yet to key into the movement to do so for the benefits of the party and the nation.

There is power in coming together. Together is power. We have a database of 15,000 aspirants, imagine the size of the community we are talking about.

For other aspirants that are still sitting on the fence, this is the only way for you. If you dont join this movement, four years from now, nobody is going to remember you, she said.

The special guest of honour at the occasion, Hajia Maryam Atiku Abubakar, commended the movement for taking it upon itself to strengthen the party.

She appreciated the group for working for the success of PDP and the candidature of Abubakar in 2023 general elections.

Atiku, who is also the AGM National Leader, represented by Hajia Hauwa Atiku Abubakar-Uwais, while unveiling the head office described the movements effort as selfless and commendable.

The most important thing that I am taking away from this is the fact that the aspirants in PDP are relentless, selfless and they have put the party first.

So this is very important for me, for the growth of the PDP and also for the success of the PDP in 2023 general elections, she said.

Mrs Atiku urged all aspirants and candidates to put the party first, while advising those yet to key into the platform to do so without delay for the success of PDP in 2023.

I believe that in everything that we do, we should always consider the platform that we are given.

If the PDP will allow you into its fold even to contest for a primary election, I believe it has been welcoming.

It is also important for you as an aspirant to also put your party first and to ensure that your party is successful, because if today it is not you, perhaps tomorrow it will be you, she said.(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Mark Longyen/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Patricia Amogu

The President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr Joseph Ajanaku, says the 16th edition of African Cashew Alliance Conference to hold in Nigeria will attract foreign investors and grow the nations economy.

Ajanaku said at a media briefing on Friday, that the conference would hold from Sept. 12 to Sept..15, in Abuja.

According to him, one thing that stands out for Nigeria in this big event is that there will be significant opportunities for growth in Cashew nuts processing and production and businesses that will strengthen synergies.

Ajanaku said that it was going to be the biggest Cashew Summit ever held in Africa because it will harmonise delegates and major stakeholders and attract a lot of business opportunities and influence some policies in the Sector.

The News Agency of NIgeria (NAN) reports that the Conference is with the themestrengthening sustainable kernel and by-products marketing in the African cashew industry.

Speaking earlier, Mr Ernest Mintah, ,Managing Director, African Cashew Alliance (ACA) said that the conference was being held annually.

In different African Countries ,we have held 15 editions and am happy to see that this time its coming to Nigeria for the first time and holding in the Capital City of Abuja.

Government and the private sector will be exchanging ideas , learning from experts globally to expand production in the Sector.he added.

Mintah explained that while processing is growing in Nigeria,with about 10 per cent ,it was still too little and still needs to be explored in order to generate more revenue and create employment for the youths.

According to him,the largest volume was going to Vietnam in Indian and its a lot of jobs also being exported.

If we are exporting the primary products we are getting one dollar 20 cent per kg to cover the farmers services, transport and export.

If we process,we stand about three times of the Government accrued to the Government,we are also growing jobs.he said.

He stated that for every thousand metric tonnes exported, Nigeria was losing about 300 jobs of processed cashew depending on the technology used which can create about 250-300 jobs .

The crop and production is here, during the Conference,we wont only be listening to experts speak,we will also do field visits to the various factories here and people will know how they are set up and opportunities to invest in.

He called on the Government to support Investment in the sector in Nigeria and increase the processing of Cashew in the Country.

NAN reports that Africa produces about 57 per cent of the total world production of Cashew yet Nigeria process only about 10 per cent(NAN)

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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), government agencies and stakeholders have decried human activities that contribute to poor air quality across the country.

They condemned this act at the close of the international conference organised by Centre for Atmospheric Research, an activity centre of NASRDA, in collaboration with Osun State University and Penn State University, USA.

The conference, which lasted from Monday to Friday focused on COVID-19, Air Quality and Environment, with the theme Fighting Pollution: A Silent Threat to our Existence.

Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Director, Centre for Atmospheric Research, said the centre in the past few years had sited air quality sensors across different locations of the country.

Rabiu said that the sensors were primarily to aid research on air quality which should improve a habitable environment for humans.

The director said that the centre had several air monitors across the country.

We have nine clarity devices and 27 Purple Air sensors connected to us asides those connected to other individuals across the country, he said.

Prof. Israel Oyewole, Provost, College of Science and Engineering, Osun State University, drew the attention of agencies and the government to air pollution, as well as the need to address issues on bush burning.

Oyewole called for improvement on the regulation of industry activities, as well as emissions into the environment.

If we dont control pollution, we are at a dangerous situation that will be affecting us, he said.

Mr Chukwunweizu Maike, Osun Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said that the agency had up to 34 regulations.

Maike said the regulations included regulation on Air pollution, vehicular emission, ozone layer, surface and ground water pollution, among others.

He further said that the agency in the state was ensuring compliance, monitoring of facilities, mining, base metal facilities and sanitation activities.

We arrange mediation meetings to address community crisis and currently, we have an issue of mining that almost led to the cancellation of the annual Osun Osogbo festival in August.

Mining in Osun was getting higher and we are currently investigating ground and surface water pollution, particularly where we have the mining companies in Ilesha and Ile-Ife axis.

Once we are done with the investigation, some of these companies may be sealed or will be made to face the right penalty, Maike said.

Mrs Olumide Olaniyan, a Deputy General Manager, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), said the agency was proposing to establish more stations across the country to further monitor air quality.

Olaniyan said that continuous pollution of the environment caused climate change, while it affected the health of humans.

She recalled that, according to the World Meteorological Organisation, Nigeria is ranked one of the worst polluted countries in Africa.

Polluting the atmosphere causes global warming and this causes increase in temperature that will lead to evaporation, hence intense floods.

Pollution is serious, we need to do something about it and the Sustainable Development Goals have given the mandate for zero emission by 2030 and I dont think we are close to that, Olaniyan said.

She urged that policy makers should be sterner in establishing policies that promote clean air.

Prof. Fuwape Ibiyinka, Vice-Chancellor, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, said, as individuals, we need to cultivate better habits that promote clean air and environment.

How can we reduce indoor, outdoor pollution, either as a nation or individuals, as agencies, institutions ?

We need to start taking care of our environment, whatever we do to our environment, pollutes our lives collectively, whether soil, water or even air, it is a cycle.

As individuals, we have the responsibility to ensure that we take care of our environment, because ,if we default, the environment will react.

According to her, rural people still use firewood, adding, there is need to develop renewable stoves, solar operated stoves, we should not just complain, but provide alternatives that are cheap.

We also need to educate people on the dos and dont, as well as the need to engage the Ministry of Health so they can carry it as a health issue for a collaborative effort towards better health.

Dr Gabriel Fawole, from School of the Environment, University of Portmouth, UK, recommended for wastes to be buried in place of burning them and recycling of wastes.

Fawole said that in the developed world, some human activities like travelling on air for short trips, driving some distance were regulated to avoid emissions that come from those means of transportation.

He also said, everyone needs to control his indoor pollution, adding that 10 to 20 per cent of air pollution generated outdoor affect the indoors.

If the environment is dusty, keep your windows shut, because when these pollutants come in, they dont go out and when you generate pollution indoors, they dont go out easily.

There were series of technical sessions that took place at the conference, all suggesting ways government, institutions and individuals can contribute towards a healthy and better environment. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Yakubu Uba

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it has engaged 700 youths for conduct of drain clearance exercise to control perennial flood in Borno.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Musa Aliyu, Project Field Officer, Cash-for-Work project, on Friday in Maiduguri.

He said the organisation had engaged the youths for desilt exercise at Bulumkutu, Dala and Bulabulin communities in Maiduguri and Jere Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the Borno Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) had deployed 35 environmental workers to facilitate effective supervision and conduct of the exercise.

The total direct beneficiaries of the project is 735 with over 100,000 indirect beneficiaries across the three selected communities..

The objective is to support and create temporary employment opportunities in the communities by engaging the most vulnerable to conduct of desilt exercise, and earn an income to enable them to cater for their needs, he said.

The project, he said would control flood, clear waste, enhance sanitation as well as improve the social and economic wellbeing of the people.

According to him, the organisation has cleared over 125 kilometers of drain in the communities under the 2019 and 2021 exercises. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Source: NAN News

By Olaide Ayinde

Bauchi, Sept. 2, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday presented 32 new Suzuki Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to 22 Permanent Secretaries in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other beneficiaries of the cars were the judicial officers with six cars as well as the Bauchi State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which received four of the vehicles.

Speaking during the presentation, the governor said that the vehicles were meant to assist the beneficiaries in the discharge of their official responsibilities and also to serve as a catalyst for improved productivity for the benefits of the citizens of the state.

Mohammed, who lauded the judiciary for effective service delivery, also applauded the organised labour for its cordial relationship with the state government as well as making sure that neither the government nor the labour force was shortchanged.

He added that the civil service had come to a level where the state government was including it in whatever it was doing.

A strong civil service is required for the implementation of the policies and programmes of government for the social economic development of the state.

It is for this reason that government used merit in the appointment of permanent secretaries.

This initiative has brought about remarkable improvement in the service delivery in the state, he said.

Mohammed urged the permanent secretaries to continue to do their best in the discharge of their responsibilities by being upright and dedicated to duties.

So far, I want to confess that I have seen improved productivity in the service because of the calibre of the permanent secretaries we have, Mohammed said.

In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Yahuza Haruna, the state Head of Civil Service, appreciated the state governor for the kind gesture and bringing the much-needed intervention into the civil service.

He assured that the civil service would put in its best to help the administration achieve more in the state.

He however, reminded all the beneficiaries of the vehicles that to whom much is given, much is expected.(NAN) ()

EED/BEKl/JTJ

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Julius Toba-Jegede

Source: NAN News

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has sought the partnership of Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) in infrastructure development, using private sector funding.

Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, ICRC, said this in a statement signed by Patrick Ederaro, Acting Head, Media and Publicity, ICRC, on Friday in Abuja.

Ohiani, who led a team of ICRC management staff on a courtesy visit to BPP Director-General, Mr Mamman Ahmadu, said that the function of both organisations was interwoven.

He said it was on this basis that there was need to deepen collaboration between the two organisations.

According to him, the BPP has been an immense contributor to the work of the ICRC over the years.

The ICRC boss said that deeper collaboration would bring about more efficiency in delivering Public Private Partnership Projects.

Given the strategic position your organisation takes in the Nigerian economy and taking into consideration that we are also a regulator of procurement, we decided to pay a courtesy visit and see how we can collaborate further.

We want to use the opportunity to appreciate the work you have been doing with your team.

We want to also appreciate how you have been able to help the country make savings by chopping off excesses in projects.

We are also here because of the need for the two agencies to have synergy. Yes! We already have existing collaboration but we want to deepen it and tap from our team of experts, he said.

On his part, Ahmadu said there was need for collaboration between ICRC and the bureau.

We are doing the same thing except for method and line of funding. If the funding is from public resources, it comes to BPP, if the funding is from the private sector it comes to ICRC.

The methods of evaluation are different but they are basically the same. We are trying to deliver services through projects to the country, he said.

The BPP boss recalled that few decades ago, he had come across many laudable projects, some of them being executed by states.

He said that Nigeria needed to begin delivering such projects again, such as the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Vehicle Assembly Plants.

Ahmadu said that the current problems of Nigeria could not be solved without making reference to history.

History provides a platform to examine where you are coming from and plan for the future.

So, we are doing the same thing but there is a lot of space for us to share our experiences and guide ourselves to achieve our goals, he said. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

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Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chioma Ugboma

Source: NAN News

By Franca Ofili

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, has urged the newly inaugurated board to pay more attention on youth training, promotion of good leadership and good citizenship.

Dare gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday during the inauguration of the board of citizenship and leadership training centre.

He said the centre was a parastatal of government supervised by the ministry.

The centre is to enable it give the deserved attention to the youth population in the training and promotion of good leadership and good citizenship.

With focus on patriotism, nationalism, character building and ethical orientation and re-orientation, he said.

The minister said that the centre was principally a human development outfit established for the training and moulding of Nigerians to become good citizens and responsible leaders.

According to him, the centre provides training utilizing natural physical and man-made environment in an atmosphere in which self-discovery and self-actualization were based on competence and ability.

Dare mentioned the board members as: Alhaji Bello Muhammed, Chairman, AbdulGaniyu Oniyangi, Audu Dantamas, Suleiman Dawudu, Anthony Osiwe and Soji Eniade as Director-General.

He said others are Hezekiah Adedeji, Mr Rashid Afegbua, Brig.- Gen. E.L. Etuk, Commodore Pindar, Hajiya Adamu and Lami Bature

The ministrys Permanent Secretary, Ismaila Abubakar, said the members of the board would promote synergy as the country needed good governance.

Abubakar said that with the challenges of unemployment in the country, the board should strive to achieve the objective of the centre.

Muhammed promised not to disappoint the government, adding, with one voice, the board would achieve a lot, which would enable the country to accomplish the objective of the centre.

We need to work with open mind to enable us train leaders for better tomorrow. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), OXFAM and Connected Development (CODE) said the adoption of National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights remained key to effectively regulate business-related human rights violations.

The stakeholders said this when a delegation from Connected Development (CODE) and OXFAM paid an advocacy visit to the commission, to discuss some of the challenges witnessed in oil-bearing communities.

CODE in partnership with OXFAM, is working to domesticate the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in Nigeria (NAP) as a tool to support the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at the federal and state levels.

The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, said the adoption of the NAP was mandated by the United Nations General Principles on Business and Human Rights, demanding that countries should leverage on them to protect human rights in businesses.

This is because there have been a lot of issues, as the business climate in Nigeria so far, has been one of making profits alone, without looking at the consequential effects on promotion and protection of human rights.

This is not proper; now, the adoption of the NAP on business and human rights , obviously will improve the business climate

If human rights are protected, companies will have a better climate to do their business and make better decent profits, not blood money.

Ojukwu said that some parts of the country were experiencing gas flaring and soot, with a lot of effects on the environment and health of Nigerians, yet much was not being done.

How long can that go on? so the issue of adoption of the NAP on business and human rights is the way to go; we cannot shy away from this for too long.

For us as a commission, we have identified this and already, we have a draft plan on business and human rights, he said

Ojukwu, however, said the broader NAP for promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria was also being reviewed.

He said that the draft NAP had been submitted to the Attorney General of the Federation who would present it to the Federal Executive Council and hopefully before the end of this administration, it would be adopted.

Mr Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive Officer, CODE said the organisation highlighted some human rights violation and abuses from oil companies in oil host communities, leading to environmental degradation and health issues .

Lawal said the environment itself took over 20 years to recover ecologically, adding that the soot would make people develop cancer and all these were human rights violation that needed to be checked.

So I am thinking about a tripartite collaboration among the NHRC, CODE and Oxfam, where we can document lessons, share them and engage government and hold these agencies to account to ensure proper regulation .

This is because if we have proper regulation, then therell be less or no human rights violation.

So we need a stronger framework that highlights how we can jointly as civil society and human rights organisations and international partners, work together.

Lawal said that the engagement would help to properly implement and accelerate action around the National Action Plan.

Mr Henry Ushie, Project Coordinator, Fiscal Accountability for Inequality Reduction, said there was need to engage more with companies to make them adhere to the rules and regulations of doing business.

Ushie said this was because although some laws already existed in terms of protection, the companies had not quite been compliant in respecting those laws.

That is why you see a lot of environmental issues, particularly with oil and gas companies in the Niger Delta; they do not respect this framework.

So the campaign over time has been how do we ensure that these companies become compliant?

If there are issues as a result of their operations at committee level or at any level in the entire value chain? How do we ensure that they remedy all of those anomalies.

Ushie said that was the reason the group thought it okay to come to NHRC, the body housing the framework, to know how it had been campaigning and tackling the issues of business-related abuses.

He added that the group also wanted to know how well the commission was working in getting the NAP rectified for companies to now see it as a legal document to abide by .(NAN)(nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News