By Maureen Okon

Abuja, March 5, 2022 (NAN) Nigeria has evacuated 807 of its citizens from war-raged Ukraine as at Saturday.

The evacuees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in three flights.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the first batch of 450 Nigerians stranded in Ukraine arrived aboard Max Air flight 747 at 7:10 a.m., on Friday through Romania.

The second batch came aboard Air Peace Boeing 777-300 flight (APK7534) and arrived in Abuja with 183 passengers including kids through Warsaw.

The third batch of 174 evacuees arrived at 11.50 p.m. on Friday through Hungary.

Report says that many Nigerians and other nationals have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on its neighbour on Feb. 24.

The Federal Government approved the release of 8.5 million dollars on Wednesday for the immediate evacuation of at least 5,000 Nigerians fleeing the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.

On Feb. 28, the Federal Government said Nigerias diplomatic mission had received 256 citizens from Ukraine at Bucharest, Hungary, Poland and Romania following the invasion.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has been at the forefront of the evacuation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Nigerian and Canadian Business Network (NCBN), on Friday announced the appointment of Apostle Cornelius Babalola, as the president of the association, Ottawa Hub.

The NCBN, in a statement signed by the National Chairman, Mr Wale Adesanya, made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos, said the appointment took effect on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Babalola will be taking over from Mr Elaye Otrofanowei, who has served out his second term as the president of the Ottawa Hub of the Network.

It said Babalolas tenure would last for two years ending in 2024.

Babalola will continue to pursue the networks policy of empowering Nigerian and Canadian business people in the national capital region and build on a strong relationship with the diplomatic community and Canadian government.

Babalola is the General Overseer, and Senior Pastor of Tabernacle of Prayer, and the Executive Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fellowship of Yahweh Tabernacle Inc.

He is also a graduate of Columbia College Hollywood Los-Angeles, where he obtained a BA in Mass Communications in 1977, University of California (UCLA), Los-Angeles: Postgraduate- diploma in Advertising and International Marketing in 1978, said the statement.

Babalola was the Executive Chairman of Centre Spread Advertising, Lagos, Nigeria, 1986-1989, and the Managing Director and Chief Executive of Creative Concept International Marketing and Advertising, 1989 -1996.

He also has extensive experience spanning over 40 years in international marketing, trade and investment promotions, banking, corporate advertisements, political campaigns, andinternational development.

Speaking on the appointment, the statement quoted Babalola as saying that he would remain committed to the promotion of bilateral trade between Nigeria and Canada.

NCBN is the voice of Nigerian Business Community in Canada. We are Business Bridge Builders.

NCBN symbolises excellence, inspiration, celebration and success for all Nigerians and Canadians doing business in both countries.

We facilitate meaningful approaches to beneficial networking, embrace new ways of enriching our connections and raising awareness of our members. Rich in our membership, we embrace business people of all ages, cultures, industries and professions.

We are mentors, sharing experiences, challenges and wisdom, collaborating within the network, and ultimately building a great bi-lateral business community, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Georgina Adegbie

Bankole Olowookere, Head Coach of the National Under-17 women football team, the Flamingoes on Thursday assured that his team would make the country proud in their match against DR Congo on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flamingoes face DR Congo in Kinshasa in a second round first leg match in the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Womens World Cup qualifiers.

Olowokere told NAN in Abuja ahead of their departure for Kinshasa on Friday that they are looking to score several goals to secure their qualification from the match.

We are going to DR Congo to make Nigeria proud. This is our mission and we must complete it with perfection.

We will make sure that we will not concede any goal and we will fight well to score many goals that can ensure our qualification outrightly.

The return leg match back in Abuja will then be like a formality for the team by Gods grace, he said.

The coach said 20 players are in the squad to Kinshasa for the first leg match.

We have been working rigorously together for a couple of weeks now, and I have so much confidence in my players because they have been responding well to training.

I thank God that we did not sustain any injury during the training sessions.

So, now we are fully ready for the game, and the players will work hard to ensure good victory and we will be on course towards qualification, he said.

NAN reports that the Flamingoes will host DR Congo in the return match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 19. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Stephen Adeleye

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has described the new Attah Igala, Matthew Opaluwa as a man of impeccable character who has been worthily selected in conformity with traditions, equity and fairness.

Bello said this on Friday in Idah when he visited the Attah at his palace before the official installation and presentation of Staff of Office.

Bello commended the hitch free process that saw the selection of Opaluwa as Attah of Igala, adding that the event would also be hitch free as the people were happy with his selection.

For a hitch-free process that culminated into the selection of Attah Igala that we have today, we appreciated God Almighty.

He is of impeccable character and he is a fulfilled personality, highly respected within his domain, in the country and across the world, we are proud of him.

We welcome each and everyone of us to this historic event and I am confident that it is going to be a hitch free event and our return back to our destinations will be a hitch-free event also, Bello said.

Responding, the Attah Igala thanked Bello for ensuring fairness, equity and due process was put in play in the selection process. Ghana

The Attah Igala pledged to work with the governor for the good of the people and the state.

I greet you and I thank you for your presence here today. Where I am here today, if my governor say I will not be here today, I will not be.

I always pray to God to put me in the position where I can act my service. Haven given me this opportunity, I will not disappoint you and my people.

I will work with you and for my people, the Attah said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in accordance with tradition, the governor after his visit to the place, he walked with the Attah to the Civic center, which was venue for the coronation.

The Attah was also accompanied on the walk from his palace to the coronation ground by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The event was made colorful with displays of masquerades and different groups who expressed joy on the installation of their choice king. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)..

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Managing Director, Military Health Maintenance Limited (MHML), retired Rear. Adm. Azeez Afolayan has called on retired military personnel to properly enroll in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Afolayan made the call at a meeting with military veterans with the theme, Strengthening Health Insurance Cover for the Military Veterans on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the welfare and comfort of military veterans was a thing of concern, adding that military veterans were accorded the status of special citizens and respected and treated as such in many advanced counties.

Afolayan, a surgeon, said military veterans generally were unaware of the contents of the benefits package in DHML programme, saying the interactive meeting was intended to bring the veterans closer to the organisation.

He added that the meeting was also convened to enable them to interact with veterans in such a way as to fully benefit from the various provisions made for their health insurance cover with DHML.

According to him, the health insurance benefits package for the retired personnel is the same as that for the serving personnel.

The idea that as retirees, some items in the benefits package have been removed is not true.
In fact, as a result of advancing age and the predisposition to several chronic illnesses, more funds are expended on retirees than on serving personnel.

Likewise, more time and attention are required in proffering solutions to the many health challenges of retirees compared to serving personnel.

The benefits package for military veterans is very comprehensive and covers virtually all commonly encountered medical scenarios, including your dental and ophthalmic needs, he said.

The managing director revealed that many military veterans did not understand the need for them to register as enrollees after separation from active service.

He explained that as serving personnel, enrolment was automatic, with the service identification card usually sufficient and doubling as an enrollee card.

According to him, the automatic enrolment of serving personnel is actually an unusual privilege accorded the serving personnel.

This is on account of the difficulties that are encountered in registering those deployed on combat duties, outside the country and on classified deployment in many places.

Notwithstanding, even serving personnel are now being required to register at the military HCP in their AOR latest by April 1 this year.

Registration as enrollees for health insurance clearly identifies to the HMO who their eligible dependents are.

This is important for the success of health insurance utilising the HMO system. Additionally, an updated register of enrollees is a veritable planning tool for any health insurance system, he added.

Afolayan lamented that while DHML had been making efforts to satisfy the veterans, some of them were trying to sabotage the programme by enrolling grandchildren as their children.

He added that also they also enroll extra wives and partners as their wives and nieces and nephews as their children.

He, however, appealed to them to avoid practices that could joepardise the programme.

He said the organisation had offices in 24 states and FCT where retired personnel who had relocated to their villages could go and enroll.

Director, Joint Services, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Olu Mustapha, represented by the Deputy Director, Veteran Affairs Division, Dr Jude Alozie, said there had been low awareness on the activities of the agency among retirees.

Mustapha urged participants to be opened and make their honest contributions.

She assured them that the government would continue to care for them especially in the area of health.

The Secretary General, Nigerian Legion, retired Group Capt. Kayode Abe, said the meeting was long overdue because a lot of retirees and ex-servicemen were not truly aware of what the organisation had been doing.

Abe said that while many people retired and go to their villages, they had not been able to enroll into the programme to enable them benefit.

He said that one of the challenges encountered by those under the scheme was disparity in treatments in terms of quality of drugs.

According to him, the interactive session will be an avenue to expose all the shortcomings in the system.

A lot of facts are coming up as to why we may not be able to have complete medical coverage under this arrangement.

He called on the services to provide more support for DHML to be able to provide better services to the veterans.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ephraims Sheyin

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday affirmed the designation of the Lilypond Container Terminal in Ijora, Lagos as a specialised processing and handling facility for the exportation of the countrys locally made finished agricultural goods.

A statement by Ibrahim Nasiru, NPAs General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, quoted the Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, as explaining that the move would ease the bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks faced by exporters, thereby promoting better access of the countrys non-oil exports into international markets.

It said that the NPA helmsman made the pronouncement at the NPAs Special Day celebration at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.

According to him, the Lilypond Terminal will offer exporters a one-stop space to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their profit margin and competitiveness in the international market.

He said that the fairs 2022 theme: Re-strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness underscored the federal governments agenda on the diversification of the economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons, by focusing on industrial development, especially local manufacturing and large scale food production.

He said the NPA had initiated several strategies to maximise the movement of non-oil exports across the countrys borders.

We are currently in discussions with the terminal operators to give priority to exportation of agricultural produce and solid minerals, this will stimulate our domestic economy, create thousands of jobs and increase the revenue profile of government at all levels, he posited.

Bello-Koko further said that, the Nigerian port industry remains a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 per cent of the countrys trades are handled through the port.

Maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace. Ocean ports are a central and necessary component in facilitating trade among nations.

He pointed out that ports were catalysts for economic development as they enable trade and support supply chains.

Recognising our huge role as custodian of ports necessitates continuous participation at Trade Exhibitions like this, he said.

The NPA helmsman expressed the strong belief that Nigeria should be the hub of international trade in Africa, being the largest economy on the continent.

He said, if we can harness those immense talents of our huge, enterprising, intelligent and determined youths, along with the vast array of natural resources we are endowed with, Nigeria will be among the first world countries in a decade.

Sharing with his audience plans by the Authority to position Nigerian seaports as the preferred destination of cargo in the region, Bello-Koko said that the NPA had led the campaign for the actualisation of the Lekki Deep Seaport, which had reached 81 per cent completion stage.

He disclosed that operations at the new port is expected to commence in the last quarter of the year.

The Lekki Deep Seaport is designed to be the deepest port in West Africa and will be a significant game-changer in Nigerias maritime economy. This multi-purpose port is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs when completed.

To encourage quick and easy processing of imports, the Authority has begun the implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) in conjunction with sister agencies, to engender transparency, efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business at the port.

The manual outlines the harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Agencies operating in the maritime industry.

Bello-Koko emphasised that NPPM would foster a very conducive environment for port users, streamline inspection and examination of cargo, check exploitation and corrupt tendencies by service providers, among other benefits.

He commended the organisers of the fair for putting up another successful event.

I am highly excited that Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to develop special interest in the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun as well as the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, made the call when he received the European Union (EU) Election Observation Follow-up Mission, led by the Head of EU Observation Mission, Mrs Maria Arena, at the PDP headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Ayu who commended the mission on its recommendations on 2019 General Elections, said the recommendations were not only useful to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but also assisted in deepening Nigerias democracy.

I think your observation across the country should be based on helping not only INEC but also the security services to do their Job which constitutional they have been provided to do.

It is wrong for agencies which are supposed to be independent to help see credible elections, to subvert the electoral process.

So we have serious apprehensions particularly in those areas where details will be made available.

I will also want more observers provided to go around because it is a big country.

We have two very important state elections for governorship in the southwestern part of the country in Ekiti and Osun. One will take place in June and the other one will take place in July.

We urge you to take special interest in those elections because they are very important elections.

I believe that the way you did in 2019, you will be able to put down your observations which we make available to INEC to help them improve on their performance, so that when we come to 2023 some of the lapses will be reduced.

So, we think your visit is very much welcomed we have no problem with it. We believe it will help not just Nigerians but the who process of democracy in the country, Ayu said.

Ayu said that though the PDP performed well in the Federal Capital Territory Area Councils election as well as in the just-concluded by-elections in Imo, Plateau and Cross River, but the party still has evidence of electoral practices in some of the elections.

He disclosed that the party already petitioned INEC on cases of alleged intimidation in the case of by-election held in Imo, stating that PDP would take legal action if its petition was not properly addressed.

In Imo where PDP National Secretary comes from, we are going to make a report which is submitted to INEC in that particular election available to your agency.

In that particular state, we face a lot of harassment, particularly from the security agencies, we have submitted a petition to INEC.

We intend to take necessary legal action if nothing is done because it is not in the interest of our country that the will of the people is not respected.

Ayu said that PDPs recent performance across the country was consistent and strong.

Our people are determined to promote, mobilise and make sure that Nigerians vote because they have seen the difference between us and the other party.

Earlier in her remark, Mrs Maria Arena, said the mission is in the country to access the level of implementation on the recommendations made after the conduct of 2019 General Elections.

She said they were also at the PDP secretariat, as a critical stakeholder to hear their concern about the 2023 elections.

I am the chief observer for the elections in 2019. We are here for follow-up mission. As you know, we have made a report with 30 recommendations in this report.

This follow-up mission is to assess how these recommendations have been taken on board by the different authorities in the country.

It is important to meet with all the stakeholders as much as possible because its not easy in five days meeting with stakeholders, but we have met with civil society, with media, with the government and the political parties.

It is important because you are playing a very important role in the electoral process. And so for us, it is important to listen to you about the main concern that you have for 2023 future elections, Arena said .(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mercy Omoike

As Nigerians prepare for the 2023 general elections, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on Tuesday organised a two-day workshop in Lagos toward promoting objective political reportage.

In a speech at the workshop that had the theme Broadcast Ecology and Politics in Nigeria, Alhaji Balarabe Shehu, the Director-General of NBC, emphasised the need for the media to handle reports before, during and after the elections professionally and responsibly.

He further tasked journalists to avoid the dissemination of fake news and hate speech as that was inimical to the polity.

We are here because it is known to each and everyone of us that 2023 is fast approaching and the media has a very important role to play in the election and its coverage.

The purpose of the workshop is to intimate and remind the media of what is already known to them as professionals.

The media should be steadfast and careful in their reportage and should avoid hate speech and fake news.

News managers must avoid the temptation to be the first to break the news when they are not very sure of its veracity, he said.

According to Shehu, the nation cannot afford the crisis partisan journalism could lead to, hence the need to report only verified information.

He said that the commission was not only out to penalise erring media houses, but to liaise with them for the good of the country.

The country at this time cannot afford to have any crisis and we have a role to play as broadcasters to make sure only the right thing is aired.

There are penalties for defaulting broadcasters. For instance, you are not allowed to air election results except when announced by INEC.

We should give fair airtime to all political parties and contestants irrespective of if they are the opposition or the ruling party.

We do not want to just jump into penalising media houses, but we want to carry them along as regards what is good for the nation.

We have been persuasive and have been working with almost all the media houses and we are not just out to punish media houses.

What we want is to work with them and carry them along with our activities.

If there are any problems, we liase with them and advise them before we take any action.

Our responsibility is our responsibility; we are going to do it, and we are going to do it to the best of our ability.

We are going to sit down again with owners of media houses and managers and see how best we can put our heads together and implement what we were set up to do.

Our message to the media community is that we should put Nigeria first in whatever we do; we do not have any other nation aside Nigeria.

We cannot afford to have any crisis in Nigeria; we must place national interest above any other consideration in our reportage, he said

In his speech, Prof. Tony Iredia, the former Director-General, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), urged journalists to be fair to all and never allow their biases to reflect in their reportage.

He emphasised the need for the media to give adequate attention to all political parties so as to help the electorate to decide on who to vote for.

NAN reports that the first day of the event was well attended by top politicians, media managers, INEC officials, the academia and other stakeholders. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Wednesday sealed a deal with partners on gas aggregation to increase local production of fertiliser in the country.

The Gas Aggregation Agreement was signed in Abuja on the sideline of the ongoing fifth Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2022) with the theme Revitalising the Industry: Future Fuels and Energy Transition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partners for the phase two fertiliser plant include Dangote Fertiliser Ltd., Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), ENI, Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), Nigeria Agip Oil Company and TotalEnergies.

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director, NNPC, during the signing said the deal was part of its drive to ensure greater utilisation of gas in the country, by way of conversion or monetisation in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas.

Kyari said NNPC had progressed its engagement with Dangote Group for the SPDC joint venture, which comprised of NNPC, Shell, ENI and TotalEnergies to deliver 70 million cubic of gas to phase two Dangote plant.

This, he said, would no doubt increase gas in the domestic market.

But more importantly, it is a platform that will increase local production of fertiliser in our country.

As you may be aware, it is governments drive to ensure that we become self sufficient in the production of fertiliser in the country, and specifically for this years zero import of fertilisation in the country.

Currently, Dangote group provides about 65 per cent of all domestic production of fertiliser. And we are happy to sign the Gas Supply Agreement with them, Kyari said.

In his remark, Mr Osagie Okunbor, Chairman, Shell Company, thanked the joint team that have worked extremely hard to sign the gas sale aggregation agreement.

It is huge important to this country because already Dangote produces the bulk of fertiliser and we know how important the subject of agriculture is and for not just energy security, but also food security.

This is why all of us on the SPDC JV led by the NNPC but also with my colleagues in TotalEnergies really pleased to be able to execute this agreement, he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group Ltd., thanked the NNPC GMD for his effort in actualising the signing of the agreement.

Dangote said the additional gas would bring in more foreign exchange into the country in view of the energy crisis.

He said apart from Egypt, no other African country had the capacity, adding that it would meet with domestic market and export at least 1.8 billion dollars in terms of foreign exchange coming into the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Afonne

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday congratulated the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as he clocked 80 years.

A statement signed by Okowas Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, described Adeboye as a distinguished man of God who had contributed immensely to the growth of Christendom.

Okowa lauded Adeboye for his humility and outstanding patriotism, especially in guiding the flock of Christ since he assumed the position of the General Overseer of the church.

He also commended him for his consistent assistance to the needy in society.

The governor said that Adeboyes place in history was replete with accomplishments in Gods vineyard where he had mentored many clerics and raised churches in the last 40 years.

On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, our highly revered cleric, on your 80th birth anniversary.

Under your faithful stewardship, the RCCG experienced unprecedented growth, spreading beyond Nigerias shores to other continents of the world.

The monthly Holy Ghost Service of your church is renowned for signs and wonders, with millions of lives saved from sin and delivered from demonic bondages.

As you mark this octogenarian landmark anniversary, I wish you more years of fruitful ministry in the vineyard of the Lord and service to humanity, Okowa said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Rukayat Moisemhe

i-Fitness, fastest growing fitness chain in West Africa, has expanded footprints to provide Nigerians, particularly those living in urban communities with a healthy lifestyle.

Founder, i-Fitness, Mr Foluso Ogunwale, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ogunwale said the companys decision to open two new outlets in the heart of Lagos was borne out of the desire to ensure easy access to lifestyle facilities.

He noted that the company was established in 2015 to address the alarming rate of death caused by non-communicable diseases.

Ogunwale cited that a 2021 global report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) had estimated death arising from non-communicable diseases globally to be at about 71 per cent.

He said that was a wake-up call that led to the planting of fitness chains across Lagos state.

We are very excited to build the first fitness chain Nigeria has ever seen start from Lagos with two more locations.

We are more excited because we have the rare opportunity to create the path in the industry, creating over 400 jobs.

We currently have the highest engagement of personal trainers in West Africa and this gives us the privilege to assist these vibrant, youthful people with a means of decent livelihood.

We are excited to be creating jobs and values, we are also excited for our members because we are giving them the enabling environment to live their life, he said.

Ogunwale disclosed that the target of the company in the next five years was to ensure that fitness chains take root globally.

He added that plans were already in the pipeline to launch a digital fitness that would be accessible to everyone around the world.

Also, Chairman, i-Fitness Board, Mr Michael Ikpoki, said that the company remained committed to supporting Nigerians quest for a healthier lifestyle by creating new outlets in several locations, particularly in urban cities such as Lagos and Abuja.

Ikpoki explained that the focus of setting up a new fitness location was to provide opportunities for more Nigerians to access world-class gym facilities.

He added that the company would continue to improve on quality as it rolls out more outlets.

Ikpoki said that the company would continue to play its part in creating jobs and contributing to the Lagos economy through the establishment of outlets.

For every outlet we open, we try to improve standards or raise the bar in terms of structure, appeal, look, or ambiance.

Our facilities provide different opportunities for our members to have an improved and healthy lifestyle and we are committed to building a community of health enthusiasts and physical trainers, he added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

Stakeholders on Wednesday appealed to businesses to explore the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to grow their business and ensure economic growth.

They said during a webinar monitored in Abuja that the agreement had potential to help businesses to grow and bring about foreign direct investments.

Mr Francis Anatogu, the Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA, said the objective of the agreement was to enhance competitiveness and promote industrial development.

Speaking at the fourth Symposium of Issuers and Investors Alternative Dispute Resolution Initiative (IIADRI), Anatogu said the agreement was also to facilitate movement of capital and investment.

He said that the agreement would help in policies harmonisation to make things easier for exporters.

Anatogu said that although the opportunities in AfCFTA were huge, Africas trade was only two to three per cent of global trade.

At the National Action Committee, we identified seven goals that we must do to make us ready to trade in AfCFTA.

We must produce what we export, we need the right business environment, regulation and laws to be business and export friendly.

Businesses are already taking advantage of this, we will navigate the challenges to be able to trade.

We cannot say that we are 100 per cent ready but we need to get started.

The time to get in is now, he said.

Mr Olufemi Babem, Partner, Tax Regulatory and Peoples Services, KPMG in Nigeria, said that AfCFTA would help to guarantee access to an expanded market.

He said that AfCFTA had the potential to reduce cost of production and attract new investments.

Babem noted that the key initiatives in businesses were implementation of cost optimisation and sustainable operations strategies.

Myth around the AfCFTA is that membership is a silver bullet for economic growth; non-existence of borders suggests removal of regulatory checks.

All local companies would benefit from AfCFTA, he said.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Chinyere Almona, said that businesses needed to be ready to take advantage of the benefits embedded in the agreement.

Almona, represented by Mr Sunny Micheal, said, we cant ignore the trade.

Mr Moses Igbrude, IIADRI Chairman, said that the symposium was to address the numerous complaints raised by corporate organisations on the AfCFTA.

Our desire is to find out how we can via the platform of the symposium enable private companies in the export value chain,SMEs, governments to be on the same page as regards what needs to be done.

He said the symposium would give opportunity to all stakeholders to dialogue and articulate ways to foster mutual and better understanding.

Igbrude said that part of the groups core objective was to promote and encourage stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market and the general economy to tap into the opportunities offered by AfCFTA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuella Anokam

Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director (GMD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says the organisation is being transformed to be the fifth Gas producing establishment in the world.

Kyari noted that NNPC was currently working on a platform that would create a hub of gas industries that would potentially compress gas and deliver with ease to the masses.

He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a session tagged: Changing Strategies for the Future of NNPC at the ongoing fifth Nigeria International Energy Summit (NEIS 2022).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) restructures and empowers NNPC as a new entity, a limited company.

The group managing director also said that it was working on establishing the gas platform and would announce when it would debut NNPC limited in July.

This is our target, it is possible, practical because the resources and Will are there.

NNPC limited will ensure that gas is the focus of our country and bring the backbone for gas and potentially create opportunity of bringing more gas into domestic market to every part of the country, he said.

According to him, NNPC limited is expected to drive economic growth of Nigeria, because it is not just an oil and gas company but an enabler energy company.

He said that it had to struggle with fiscal change and getting the right environment for business since 1967.

Kyari said in the last 10 years, there was investment inflow into Sub Sahara Africa and partner countries, and the level of inflow into the country was probably about N3.5 billion.

According to him, NNPC is a real capital intensive company that is designed to improve on current situation and production.

Kyari recalled that before the passage of PIA, there was no right physical structure, regulatory stability and framework and physical system for business and people lost faith.

Without President Muhammadu Buhari, we would not have had a PIA because passage of the legislation was resisted by the industry and all but we kept struggling.

Currently, by all standards, the PIA is sufficiently competitive and world class and assures all gains when you invest.

That is what brought NNPC limited on the table as a commercial company that will deliver dividends to its shareholders and enable its partners dependent and independent.

It also makes NNPC to be the guarantor of energy security of the country, he said.

According to Kyari, it means the NNPC must operate in world-class standard, fully automated and must embark on technology to recognise the necessity for energy transition.

We also work with our partners to ensure that we monitise gas in its different forms and get gas based industries.

Also speaking, Mr Eberechukwu Orji, the Managing Director, Waltersmith Petroman Oil limited said NNPC was expected to be at the forefront in keeping pace with the energy transition.

Orji called for a robust joint venture partnership, investment flow and finance structure to enable NNPC meet obligations as a new limited organisation.

This, he said would demonstrate to its shareholders a focus that it could deliver as a new entity.

We want to see a technologically enabled NNPC for timely business transactions and to tackle challenges, he said.

Mr Ric Kennedy, the Managing Director of Chevron also tasked NNPC to be transparent in catalysing investment in its new status. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

The ECOWAS Parliament has announced that it would hold its first Extraordinary Session of 2022, to discuss the security and political situation of the sub-region from March 8 to March 12 in Liberia, Monrovia.

The Communications Department of the Parliament made this known in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, in Abuja.

The parliament stated that the session would discuss the political and security situation in the sub-region, especially in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso.

The session would follow a High-level Parliamentary seminar scheduled for between March 3 and March 5 with the theme ECOWAS Vision 2050: Formulation Process and Implementation challenges, the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recurring coups in Member States had been a source of concern to the ECOWAS bloc.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, said that the Parliament would continue to work within its mandate to ensure the return of constitutional rule in the affected countries.

Tunis noted that the Extraordinary Session would create a platform for parliamentarians and experts to discuss the situation, proffer recommendations and action plans to check the menace. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, OPEC , announced that it would stick to existing plans for a modest oil increase of 400,000 barrels per day.

The Organisation said on Wednesday that it would take effect from April in spite of surging crude prices.

OPEC reconfirmed the decision to adjust upward the monthly overall production by 400,000 barrels per day for the month of April 2022, according to a statement released after the 26th OPEC and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting.

The 23-member oil alliance noted in the statement that the current volatility in the oil market is caused by geopolitical developments rather than changes in market fundamentals.

Current oil market fundamentals and the consensus on its outlook pointed to a well-balanced market, it said.

Meanwhile, oil prices have jumped to multi-year highs in recent days as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict prompted fears about supply disruptions from Russia, a major oil exporter.

Earlier, on Tuesday, the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at 103.41 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest settlement since July 2014, while Brent crude closed at 104.97 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange, the highest finish since Aug. 8, 2014.

The International Energy Agency announced earlier on Tuesday that its member countries have agreed to release 60 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves to ease any supply shortfall caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

However, analysts say the move has failed to ease pressure on oil prices with continued oil rallies on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Both WTI and Brent crude shot above 110 dollars a barrel on Wednesday.

In July 2021, OPEC agreed to rise oil output by 400,000 barrels per day each month to gradually unwind the production cuts made at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

The oil-producer group has since been sticking to the plan in spite of calls from top consumers, including the U.S, to further boost supplies to rein in soaring oil prices amid demand recovery and geopolitical tensions.

OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo on Tuesday said that OPEC will remain proactive, nimble and attentive to changing market conditions.

The global oil demand is projected to rise by 4.2 million barrels per day in 2022, Barkindo said. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ibrahim Kado

The Adamawa Government on Tuesday launched Sexual Offenders Database (SOD) to ensure quick dispensation of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases in the state.

Speaking during the event in Yola, Justice Afraimu Jingi, Attorney-General and commissioner for Justice in the state said the database would help to give information about the number of times sexual offenders commit the crime.

According to him, with the database in place, there will be no hiding place for offenders as it is linked to the national register and can be accessed by all Nigerians so that offenders can be named and shamed.

He added that in line with the desire of the state to ensure violence-free, peaceful and prosperous society, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri signed the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law on Aug. 30, 2021.

Im pleased to announce that full implementation of the VAPP law has started culminating in the launch of the sexual offenders database today.

The sexual offender database was designed and created with support from the European Union Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme, he said.

Hapsat Abdullahi, the Adamawa coordinator of RoLAC, commended the ministry of justice for its doggedness in ensuring the VAPP law came to fruition in the state upon which the launch of SOD rests.

According to her, the launching of SOD will provide succor for survivors of SGBV and will also serve as springboard upon which perpetrators will be brought to book.

Abdullahi said with the launch of the database, Adamawa was among the few states in which the database was in operation.

She thanked the chief judge of the state for the creation of four special courts where only SGBV cases are adjudicated, noting that such will ensure efficient and effective dispensation of SGVB matters in the state.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge, Justice Nathan Musa, lauded RoLAC for making Adamawa a trail blazer in the north east.

Musa who was represented by Justice Hafsat Abdurrahman said the launch would provide succour for the survivors of SGBV.

He called on investigating institutions to ensure diligent investigations for speedy dispensation of justice for all and sundry (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has generated N587.92 million from Private Guard Companies (PGCs) and related activities in 2021.

The NSCDC Controller General, Ahmed Audi, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the World Civil Defence Day, celebrated on March 1 annually to create awareness on importance of civil protection and preparedness.

The theme of the 2022 celebration is Civil Defence and Management of Displaced Population in Face of Disasters and Crisis; Role of Volunteers and the Fight Against Pandemics.

He said that the money generated was remitted to the coffers of the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CG issued operational licenses to eight PGCs during the event.

Audi said that the licensed PGCs were meant to support regular government security agencies with intelligence to curtail the spate of insecurity in the country.

He also said that in less than a year, the PGC Department of the Corps had renewed 752 licences and sealed 81 erring companies.

The Corps is presently carrying out the process of digitisation of the PGC Department for improved operational efficiency and productivity in the Private Security Industry.

The Department is also coordinating biometric data capturing of all private guards, while pressing on operators to make staff welfare and training its priority, he said.

The CG also pointed out that the dangerous trend by bandits to kidnap school children led to the establishment of the Safe School Initiative.

The Corps did a vulnerability survey of schools in Nigeria and has prepared a framework of proactive security measures to be taken towards addressing the dangerous trend of attack on schools in the country.

The survey identified 81,545 registered schools in Nigeria, about 44,297 of this number are Private Schools while 37,248 are Government Owned/Public School

Out of this figure, 35,112 are located in urban areas while 47,115 are located in rural areas. Also identified in the survey are 22,398 schools with perimeter fencing and 58,967 without perimeter fence, he sai

The NSCDC boss further revealed that only about 17,164 schools have a form of physical security presence with largely untrained personne

About 62,271 schools have no form of security presence, he adde

The CG commissioned 45 operational vehicles, including six ambulances and one Armoured Personnel Carrie

NAN reports that cheques worth millions of Naira were presented to families of deceased NSCDC officer

Awards were also presented to deserving officers and men of the Corps who excelled in different field

The Corps also launched its first newspaper, named The Defender. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Naomi Sharang

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has urged the Federal Government to domesticate the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Director-General of the institute, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, made the appeal at a one-day stakeholders dialogue in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Sulaiman said that this was to provide the enabling environment for gender-inclusive trade engagements.

He also called on the government to domesticate the Buenos Aires Declaration.

The theme of the dialogue was; Gender and Womens Economic Growth: Implementing the Buenos Aires Declaration in the Context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event was jointly organised by NILDS, Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI).

Sulaiman said that gender mainstreaming in free trade agreements was becoming an increasingly common practice.

This involves including provisions to address the specific needs of women and implementing agreements with gender-sensitive policies, he said.

The director-general said the preamble of AfCFTA recognised the importance of gender equality for the development of international trade and economic cooperations.

AfCFTA was created to promote trade and regional integration and development among African countries in line with the Africa Union (AU)s Agenda 2063 Goal of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

Article 27 of the Protocol on Trade and Services addresses the need to improve womens export capacity.

This provision targets women entrepreneurs and aims to ensure that they are not left behind in the process of trade liberalisation, Sulaiman said.

He said the Buenos Aires declaration (2017) on women, trade and economic empowerment committed its signatories to collaborate on making trade and development policies more gender-responsive.

Sulaiman said the legislature had an important role to play in ensuring the implementation of those agreements and also in addressing challenges that women and women-led businesses, faced in trade agreements.

Declaring the event open, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said that women had an important role to play in trade.

Lawan, who was represented by Sen. Saidu Alkali (APC-Gombe), called for more support for women engaged in various trades.

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

The Federal Government with the support of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has evacuated 128 more Nigerians from Libya under its continuous evacuation exercise.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Kabiru Musa, the Charge d Affairs, Nigerian Mission in Libya on Tuesday in Abuja.

They departed from the Misrata Airport, Libya on flight UZ0289 MRA and are expected to arrive the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

The Nigerian Mission in Libya under the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is engaging the Libyan authorities to ensure the evacuation of stranded Nigerians, he said.

Lamenting the situation of the stranded Nigerians in Libya, Musa said the Nigerian government would continue with the evacuation until no Nigerian is left behind.

The evacuated Nigerians include men, women and children who have been victims of human trafficking, forced labour, prostitution amongst others.

We have been on a constant engagement with the Libyan authorities and even checking detention camps to ensure no Nigerian is left stranded.

A lot of them have expressed willingness to return home but cannot because of how they were trafficked irregularly.

And, that is why the Nigerian government with the assistance of the IOM is doing everything possible to get the back home.

We have officials on ground in Nigeria who are waiting to receive them to help reintegrate them into society and reunite with their families.

This is our second evacuation within one week, we have carried out series of others in the past months and we will continue to carry out more until no Nigerian is left stranded in Libya, Musa said. (NAN) ()

Source: NAN News

By Felicia Imohimi

A veterinary doctor, Bala Muhammed, has urged the Federal government to establish veterinary laboratories for disease investigation in all abattoirs across the country to ensure effective diseases surveillance and public health service.

Muhammed, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blueblood Veterinary Service, a Nongovernmental Organisation (NGO) made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He described no availability of laboratories in abattoirs as major challenge to veterinarians and public health scientists.

According to him, viable laboratory is requiredin abattoirs to nip in the bud zoonotic diseases threatening public health in the country.

For our work to make the right impact in abattoirs we need laboratory services to stay ahead of animal-to-man transmission of diseases.

We need to install viable laboratories in our abattoirs for accurate and timely diagnosis of zoonotic disease.

We need empirical evidence to proceed with diagnosis and treatment, not to depend on physical examination of animals before slaughter.

Priority should also be given to setting up of standard veterinary laboratories across the country in order to stay ahead of infectious diseases particularly zoonotic diseases.

The only way to achieve this is thorough examination of animals and animal products for food in a viable laboratory before passing them for human consumption.

Therefore, it is strategic that we install laboratories in abattoirs foreffective public health services, Muhammed said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News