Mr Tunji Oketunbi, General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB disclosed in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.

According to him, AIB has been notified and has commenced investigation into a serious incident involving an Airbus A330-243 with the Nationality registration Marks, OD-MEA operated by Middle East Airline and a Boeing 777 with Nationality and registration Marks, TC-LJC operated by Turkish Airline, which occurred on July 29, 2020 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The Turkish cargo aircraft was parked at the international apron when the Middle East airbus was taxing before it ran into it, cutting through the tail cone and damaged part of the right horizontal stabilizer of the Turkish aircraft.

All passengers on the Middle East Airline had to disembark with no injury or fatality, he said.

Oketunbi said that the Bureau will appreciate that the public and press do not pre-empt the cause of the serious incident until a formal report is issued.

Similarly,SP Alabi Joseph, the PPRO Airport Police Command, confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was no injury or casualties recorded.

Joseph said that the two aircraft had been parked for proper check and observation before they fly.

He said that the incident occurred on July 29 at about 5.30pm at the MMIA Lagos.

Joseph said that the Middle East Airline, which came to evaquate some indian nationals, was about taking off and one side of the wing mistakenly brushed the stationed Turkish Aircraft.

I also want to state categorically that, airlines coming to and fro MMIA in Lagos were not on commercial basis.

They have been conducting evacuation since ban on commercial flights was ordered, he said.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger

By Rita Iliya

The Niger State government has signed N10 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Manzuwa Nigeria Ltd. for the construction of 40 kilometers road in the state.

Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger said during the signing of the MoU on Thursday in Minna, that the project was to decongest Minna city and expand it for development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the project tagged Abubakar Sani Bello Bypass/Minna City Expansion Project, would pass through Gidan Kwano-Garatu-Tutungo-Gurusu totally 40 kilometers.

Bello, who was represented by Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government, explained that the project was an initiative of Manzuwa but the government would provide an enabling environment for the project.

He added that the road project would serve as alternative route and exit for motorists in terms of traffic gridlock within Minna city.

He disclosed that three ministries, Lands and Housing, Works and Infrastructure, Development and Transport would drive the project.

The Ministry of Land will do the assessment, payment of compensation and facilitate the project, while the Ministry of Works which is the eye of the government will ensure that the project is aligned with quality and standard.

The Ministry of Transport will be in charge of movement of goods and services and as a responsible government, we will ensure that the project is started and and completed within stipulated period, he said.

Earlier, Alhaji Adamu Ibn-Adamu, Chief Executive Officer of Manzuwa Venture, said the project would commence in October for a period of 36 months at the cost of N10 billion.

He disclosed that Manzuwa venture would be responsible for the financing of the project, adding that the company would recuperate its funds through a financing institution.

Ibn-Adamu disclosed that the firm would recuperate its funds through sales of layout and issuing of certificates of occupancy on the allotted land by government.

The land for the project is 10,000 hectares and it will benefit the 25 local government areas of the state, he said.

He said that the project would commence from Pago to Federal University Minna (FUT) Permanent site, adding that the road would consist of a city and layout.

NAN reports the roads to be constructed includes: Bida-Minna road, Garatu-Gidan Kwano junction, Tutungo-Pago roundabout, Gurusu junction and Minna-Gwada road by Gurusu junction.

Source: NAN News

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

The Federal Government has embarked on industry-wide cost containment measures to strengthen the oil and gas sector to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

Mr Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, said this on Thursday at the Seplat Energy Summit 2020 to mark its 10th Anniversary.

The summit had as its theme: Business Sustainability and Strategic Leadership in Africa.

Sylva , who was special guest of honour at the virtual summit, said government had embarked onaggressive capital allocation to priority projects with low cost of production.

According to him, some of the measures are renegotiation of contracts to achieve minimum 30 per cent cost reduction, downward renegotiation of all contracts and other business obligation.

He said that government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) had rolled out strategies to achieve /bbl unit operating cost without jeopardising growth.

Sylva also said that government had embarked on diversification of portfolio to non-oil businesses to cushion the effect of future crash in crude oil price.

We have declared this year 2020 as the year of Gas and have commenced the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP).

On Jan. 16, we inaugurated an Inter-agency Committee saddled with the responsibility of coordinating our concerted efforts to ensure the penetration of domestic utilisation of LPG, encourage auto Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas for the domestic market.

This will drastically reduce the massive outflow of the nations foreign exchange currently being expended in the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), he said.

Commenting on COVID-19 and Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, Sylva said the pandemic had caused demand-supply imbalance, revenue decline due to low oil priceas well as decline in demand of crude oil due to the global lockdown.

He added that the pandemic had caused pressure on Nigeria crude oil selling price due to supply glut and lack of buyers and production uncertainties due to refineries shutdowns in major refining centres across Europe and Asia.

The huge revenue lost due to sheer drop in oil price arising from supply-demand imbalance has significantly impacted the Nigerian economy due to budget deficits and delivery challenges, project slippages, job losses in the private sector.

Going forward, we foresee that global upstream investment will continue on the decline trend and recovery is likely to come beyond 2022.

In the US, total oil rig count declined significantly from 678 rigs in March 2020 to 287 rigs in June 2020, he stated.

The minister, however, commended the management and entire staff of Seplat for the phenomenal achievements and remarkable successes in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

It is worthy to state here that SEPLAT was awarded some divested assets based on the Federal Governments aspiration to develop indigenous capacity in the Nigerian Oil

COVID-19 updates by NCDC

19,004 discharged and 873 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Source: NAN News

Coronavirus

By Ahmed Abba

World Health Organisation (WHO) and Yobe Government on Thursday in Damaturu rejoiced with some COVID-19 survivors in the state.

The WHO Public Health Officer, Dr Ibrahim Salisu, said that even though there was need to put more effort in the fight against COVID-19, there was also need to celebrate the remarkable achievements and milestones recorded so far.

He added that WHO, in collaboration with Yobe Ministry of Health are here to celebrate the efforts of the state government and the people who got infected, recovered and discharged from isolation centre as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to emphasise that we still have some work to do. We will continue with COVID-19 control efforts relentlessly.

The states Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Gana, said that the main aim of the celebration was to minimise traumatisation.

He added that for these COVID-19 survivors to have boldly and voluntarily shared their experiences, they really deserve to be celebrated.

Gana, who was represented by Alhaji Hamidu Muhammed, the Permanent Secretary in the states Ministry of Health, also said that the testimonies would re-emphasise the existence of the virus as against the erroneous believe of some people.

This will be a clear testimony to the people who still dont believe in the existence of the virus and also to boost the hope of those receiving treatment, he added.

Some of the survivors shared their experiences and advised the public to obey the protocols to guard against being infected.

Dauda Abare, a survivor, said when his test result turned positive, he became emotionless for about two minutes, saying the information was like a death sentence at first.

However, after my stay at the isolation centre for two weeks, with the help of health workers, I found out that it was not the end of my life.

I was given psychological support and I was well taken care of, as I received medications and enough good food all through my stay.

Abare advised people to get tested as soon as they noticed any symptoms of COVID-19 as listed by medical personnel.

Hauwa Abare, another COVID-19 survivor and a nurse, said she contracted the virus in the line of her duty.

She appreciated the support and care she had from other medical health workers in the isolation centre.

She added that while at the centre, the officials calmed me down and gave me courage, which made me continue with my life under medication and their supervision.

After two weeks at the centre, I tested negative and I was discharged.

She also advised the public to always observe COVID-19 precautionary protocols of respiratory etiquettes, social distancing and to wear face mask.

Source: NAN News

By Yemi Adeleye

Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) moved 20,760 tons of containers between June 30 and July 26, after the implementation of the Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for the Apapa container shuttle.

The Lagos Railway District Manager, Mr Jerry Oche, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

Oche said that cargo transportation had become more efficient in and out of the port since the implementation of SOPs.

The NRC boss said: We actually moved 20,760 tons between June 30 and July 26. For the import containers, we did nine rakes and moved 169 containers.

For the empty containers returning to the port, we did 11 rakes and moved 209 empty containers. Meanwhile, we did eight rakes for the export containers thereby moving 141 containers into the ports.

Oche said that the corporation had only operated for 19 days .

According to him, though the expected trips are 76, the corporation ran 28 trips.

He said that the SOP was between the NRC and the APM Terminals at Apapa with the Shippers Council as the supervisor.

Oche, who noted that the corporation had the intention to do two trains daily from the port, said that SOP had bridged the communication lapses that existed between the NRC and the APM Terminals.

The NRC boss who expressed the corporations commitment and determination to decongest the ports, said that the NRC would not leave any stone unturned to change the narratives at the port through the freight services.

He said that a train is made up of 19 wagons and each of the wagons can take one 40-foot or two 20-foot containers.

If we are doing a 40-foot train , that is 19 trucks off the road and if it is a 20-foot train , that is 38 trucks off the road per trip. We are starting with two trips per day and we hope to increase it in no distant time.

Containers will be discharged at Alagomeji Terminals in Yaba and Ijoko Terminals in Ogun State.

Trucks can then be deployed in both locations to collect containers and return empties, which the NRC will convey back to the port, he added.

NAN reports that the NRC announced the suspension of the Lagos-Ogun Mass Transit Train Services (MTTS) on March 25, as part of efforts to contain the further spread of COVID-19 in the state and the country.

The Lagos-Ogun MTTS is yet to resume though the corporation resumed Abuja-Kaduna train services on Wednesday after four months of suspension to contain spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: NAN News

Mrs Julie Okah-Donli NAPTIP D-G

By Christian Njoku

NAPTIP says it has secured the conviction of over 500 traffickers and rescued over 18,000 victims in the country from 2004 till date.

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has secured the conviction of over 500 traffickers and rescued over 18,000 victims across the country from 2004 till date.

The Uyo Zonal Commander of the agency, Mr. Nduka Nwawene, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Calabar.

Nwawene spoke in commemoration of this years World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is celebrated annually on July 30, following a United Nations declaration on the need to raise awareness on the plight of trafficked victims across the world.

The theme of the 2020 commemoration is Committed to the Cause, Working on the Front Line to End Human Trafficking which focuses on the efforts of first responders to the issue of trafficking.

The zonal commander said that women and girls constituted over 70 per cent of trafficked victims in Nigeria and the world, hence the need to raise awareness on the menace.

Nigeria is a source, transit and destination country for traffickers and has been very much affected by this malaise, both internally and externally.

Even during the lockdown, victims who were Europe bound were rescued by first responders and brought to our command.

People claim they want to travel abroad because of the poverty here, believing that they can pluck gold on the streets of Europe.

But they are deceived by the traffickers because they are smuggled out and over there, they discover a different scenario and become slaves.

Other reasons why people get trafficked include ignorance, peer group influence, globalisation and even family pressures.

If not for NAPTIP and the sister agencies like the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police, Ministry of Women Affairs and others, the situation of trafficking in the country would have been more terrible, he said.

Nwawene advised Nigerians to be vigilant, so that no one would fall victim of the antics of traffickers.

He said traffickers usually compelled their victims not to tell anybody or took them to shrines to take oath of secrecy.

Parents must also stop mounting pressure on their children to travel out and endanger their lives so as to send money back home.

Because of the family pressure, many of them end up as sex slaves in all sorts of dehumansing conditions. If we get any of such parents, they will be prosecuted, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Uwadileke

Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Kalu, felicitated with Muslim faithfuls, saying Nigerias diversity must be seen as a blessing.

Kalu said this on Thursday while felicitating with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir.

A statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja by the office of the Senate Chief Whip, quoted Kalu as saying that the festive season calls for sober reflection.

While calling on Muslims to use the special season to offer prayers for the country, Kalu emphasised that peace remained a panacea for sustainable development.

Kalu, former governor of Abia, acknowledged the role of religious leaders in ensuring peaceful co-existence among different ethno-religious groups in the country.

I extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of this years Eid-el-Kabir.

This period provides an opportunity to remember the submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Alaihis Salam) to Allah, by which he taught the world the value of sacrifice in relating with one another.

We must endeavour to sacrifice for others in our daily lives.

In our pursuits, let us demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness, togetherness, tolerance and patriotism.

Nigerias diversity should be seen as a blessing and as such, it is important to shun violence and other social vices.

We must embrace peace and harmony regardless of our cultural, ethnic and religious differences.

Let us use this season to pray for leaders at all levels of government for the sake of national well-being, Kalu said.

He wished the Muslim ummah a hitch free and joyous celebration and urged them to extend the merriment of the sallah celebration to people of other religious faiths.

Source: NAN News

President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent heartfelt condolences to the family of former Minister of Science and Technology, retired Maj. Gen. Sam Momah.

In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, the president believed the former administrator, engineer and officer lived a memorable life, serving the country and humanity with all his God given gifts.

He added that Momah distinguished himself in academics and greatly improved the intellectual capacity of the military.

Buhari urged family members, friends and associates to find solace in the huge investments of Momah in people and institutions.

He said these include the strategic roles he played in enhancing Nigerias educational system as Director of National War College, member of the Governing Council of University of Jos, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Fellow, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana.

The president noted that, as a former Chief Administrator and Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, Momah served the army meritoriously, attracting many honours.

President Buhari prayed for the repose of his soul.

Momah died on Wednesday afternoon after complicated diabetic issues.

Source: NAN News

Kardashian Kim

By Patricia Amogu

Kim Kardashian, popular American Media personality, has reportedly reunited with her husband, Kanye West, days after the Grammy Award winner tendered public apology to her following divorce claims.

The KUWTK celebrity flew to Wyoming this week for a reunion with her husband, after trying to reach him repeatedly without success and sources say it was emotional.

Concerns were first sparked after Kanye hosted his first presidential campaign rally in South Carolina on July 19 and proceeded to break down in tears while stating: I almost killed my daughter, while discussing abortion.

Days later, the 43-year-old raised more concerns about his marriage in a now infamous twitter rants saying they considered aborting their eldest child, North, slamming Kims mother, Kris Jenner.

According to his tweets, he had been trying to get a divorce for two years after Kim had a professional meeting in a hotel with rapper Meek Mill.

Kanye has since issued a public apology to his wife of five years and the couple were pictured together for the first time after weeks of being apart.

In the photos obtained by the Mail Online, Kim was seen sitting in the drivers seat of their car and appeared to be tearful while having what was described as a tense discussion with the Grammy-winning rapper.

The pair had just picked up some fast food at Wendys in Cody, Wyoming where Kanye owns a sprawling 14 million dollars ranch and has been staying over the past two weeks.

Kim hasnt seen Kanye for weeks.

She is very emotional about everything, and also exhausted. She feels very hurt by Kanye. She has tried to reach him multiple times and he just ignores her. Its all a bad situation, an insider explained.

E!News reports that she decided to fly to Cody to speak to her husband in person and it turned out very emotional.

Kim spoke out last week to address Kanyes behaviour via an Instagram post while acknowledging that the rapper was in the middle of a bipolar episode.

Many of you know, he has a bipolar disorder.

Ive never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanyes right to privacy. But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health.

Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behaviour know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor.

He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressure being an artist and a black man, experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bi-polar disorder.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the couple have four children together. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sport Minister Mr Sunday Dare

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare says the new draft Sports Industry Policy will transform sports into a big business in the country, when operational.

Dare said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the virtual presentation of the Draft 2020 National Sports Industry Policy.

The 172 page document was put together by members of the steering committee of the Sports Industry Working Group (SIWG), the policy validation committee and the National sport industry policy drafting committee.

Dare said the event was a milestone , with the capacity to change the face of running sports business in Nigeria.

This policy no doubt is a new dawn that will drive the process of moving sports away from being recreational to business, he said.

He said a new sports policy had become inevitable due to the need to update the obsolete 2009 policy and attain international best practice.

The draft National Sports Industry Policy is a review of the 2009 edition, which is principally intended to update the norms and values in the sports industry in achieving the mandate, vision and mission of the Federal Ministry of Youth and sports Development in line with international best practices.

It is important to note that this reviewed National Sports Industry Policy will proffer solutions to four issues of: Infrastructure, Investment, Incentives and policy, that
will take sports to the next level, he said.

The minister commended the Permanent Secretary, Mr Gabriel Aduda, Mr Ufot Udeme the co-chairman and other members of the committee for their valuable contributions towards the draft policy.

He said the document will soon be presented to the public for feedbacks, then submitted to the Attorney-General of Federation to finalise the legal components.

He expressed optimism that the document will be presented to the Federal Executive Council by September or October for approval.

Source: NAN News

Presentation of anti-quackery bill by NMA in Cross River

By George Odok
The Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River has submitted the anti-quackery draft bill to the Cross River House of Assembly for legislative scrutiny.

The Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Agam Ayuk, presented the draft to Dr Davies Etta, representing Abi State Constituency in the Assembly, on Wednesday in Calabar.

Ayuk stated that the draft bill outlined ways and strategies for a legislation needed to squarely fight medical quackery in the state.

He stated that in spite of several arrest carried out by the Association on some quack medical premises and their owners, the ugly situation still persisted.

He disclosed that the presentation of the bill to the assembly marked his two years in office as Chairman of NMA in the state.

Today marks two years of my election as Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River Branch, to the glory of God.

It is my singular privilege to present a draft of the Anti-quackery bill on behalf of the Association to the sponsor, Dr Davies Etta.

The Co-sponsors are; Dr Ekpo Ekpo-Bassey, representing Bakassi State Constituency and Mr Elvert Ayambem, representing Ikom II State Constituency.

The bill is aimed at curtailing medical quackery in Cross River and it is tagged A bill for a law to prohibit quackery in the health sector (practice) in Cross River and to provide for other matters related thereto.

My deep appreciation to all stakeholders and everyone who has made this a reality, he said.

Responding, Etta, a medical practitioner, thanked the NMA in the state for driving a purposeful leadership in medical practice and service delivery.

He assured the Association that the bill would be given utmost attention when presented during plenary, adding that medical quackery had caused serious problems to people in the state.

The News Agency of (NAN) reports that the NMA Secretary in the state, Dr Ezoke Epoke, also witnessed the presentation of the draft bill to Etta in the Assembly complex.

Source: NAN News

FRSC official on Duty

By Aminu Garko

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Niger State Sector Command, says it will deploy no fewer than 1, 010 personnel including drones for traffic control during the 2020 Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

Mr Joel Dagwa, FRSC Sector Commander in the state made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Minna.

Dagwa said that the command would deploy additional patrol vehicles, three ambulances, a tow truck and power bike for road surveillance during the celebrations.

He explained that the operations would be aligned with the ongoing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) containment operations in the state.

We have since embarked on aggressive patrols at Mokwa, Magama, Rafi, Suleja and Paikoro Local Government Areas that share borders with FCT, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kogi and Kwara states.

We will ensure that only qualified and duly certified drivers and vehicles ply highways during and after the festivities, Dagwa said.

The sector commander called on motorists in the state to desist from breaching traffic laws such as speed limit, wrongful and dangerous overtaking, overloading, driving under the influence of alcohol and night journeys to avoid road crashes during and after the Sallah festivities. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Federal Road Safety Commission

Ikuru Lizzy
Rivers State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will deploy no fewer than 427 Regular officers/Marshals, 450 Volunteer Special Marshals, 10 Operational Vehicles and 2 Ambulances for the special patrol during the Eid El-Kabir celebration.

The comnand in a statement signed by its Public Education Officer Mr John Michael and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday said that the patrol was a proactive approach towards ensuring an accident-free celebration.

The statement revealed that the command would ensure that all hands are on deck to ensure safety on the highways during the celebration in the interest of residents of the state.

Our special operations will focus basically on; ensuring High visibility along all highways in the State, compliance to COVID-19 protocol on adherence to the physical distancing rule at transport terminals and on transiting vehicles, it said.

The statement also revealed that there would be an intensified enforcement of penalties against overloading and other possible life-threatening offences.

We would ensure a hitch-free traffic flow and prompt rescue of road Traffic Crash Victims where the need raises, it added.

Source: NAN News

Hameed Ali, NCS Boss

Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 79 used vehicles known as Tokunbo and 136,350 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) called petrol in the last six months.

The Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Mr Chedi Wada, told newsmen in Seme on Wednesday that the command made a total 824 interceptions with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N413.4 million.

Wada said that the command remitted the sum of N22, 477, 920 into the federation account as revenue from January to June.

The revenue figure were proceeds realised from auction sales of seized perishables items, which is in line with Customs and Excise Management Act provision, he said.

He said that in spite of governments efforts toward reducing smuggling to a minimal level, some unpatriotic Nigerians had continued in the evil act.

In continuation of the anti-smuggling drive against the activities of deviant smugglers, the Seme command of NCS recorded gigantic strides between January and June.

The command recorded 824 interceptions with DPV of N413, 370, 484.00 in six months.

The items include 3, 236 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 136, 350 litres of petrol, 79 units of fairly used vehicles and 1,302 cartons of frozen poultry products.

Others are 156 parcels of cannabis sativa, 156 jerrycans of vegetable oil and 7,763 general merchandise items, he said.

The acting comptroller said that the successes recorded were as a result of designed and implemented strategies since he assumed office.

Wada said the renewed synergy among different components of anti-smuggling unit also assisted the command in countering the activities of smugglers within the command.

He called on the public to cooperate with the service to succeed in its anti-smuggling crusade and refrain from unnecessary hostilities when officers were performing their lawful duties.

He also urged the people to take advantage of the various federal government intervention programmes and key into it for a legitimate means of livelihood.

Source: NAN News

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Muhammed Bello

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has lifted the ban placed on market operations from three to seven days a week, effective from July 30, 2020.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello made the disclosure in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bello, however, said that the markets would opened from 7a.m. to 6p.m. daily.

Bello said that the decision was reached at a virtual meeting between members of the FCT COVID-19 Response Team, senior members of the administration and members of the Coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries led by its Chairman Mr Raphael Okorie.

He said that the aim was to decongest the markets and to further check the spread of COVID-19.

The Abuja Market Management Ltd and the various market associations will continue to enlighten market users on COVID-19 and the necessity of obeying all extant health and safety protocols.

Access to the markets and operations within the markets will only be permitted with the wearing of face mask and adherence to other guidelines such as hand washing and maintenance of physical distancing.

Bello said the FCTA might be compelled to withdraw this extension should the coalition of FCT Market Chairmen and Secretaries fail to implement the guidelines. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

House of Reps at plenary

By EricJames Ochigbo

He said that the essence of the visit scheduled to begin on Aug. 17, was to

He said the DPR was acting on the platform of the powers bestowed on it by the

in the oil sector.

Source: NAN News

Unity Bank

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Unity Bank Plc has declared gross earnings of N22.87 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2020.

Mrs Tomi Somefun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, stated this in the banks unaudited financials submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Somefun said that the half-year gross earnings rose by 11 per cent to N22.87 billion from N20.55 billion in the corresponding period of 2019.

Profit before tax grew by seven per cent to N1.12 billion in the period under review from N1.05 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2019.

Also, the Profit after tax, rose by seven per cent to N1.03 billion from N967.51 million in the corresponding period of 2019.

The half year results showed that the lender recorded gross earnings of N11.01 billion, a five per cent growth from the N10.50 billion recorded for the same period in 2019.

Similarly, the lenders interest earnings recorded a 15 per cent increase to N19.79 billion within the period, from N17.27 billion in the corresponding period in 2019.

Its total operating income also grew by 14 per cent to N12.14 billion from N10.69 billion in the same period in 2019. Earnings per Share stood at 17.64 Kobo for the period ending June 30.

The Banks half-year report also showed a huge boost in asset, which saw a 48 per cent growth to N445.95 billion from N293.05 billion in the same period in 2019.

This follows the growth of the Banks loan book which rose by 53.7 per cent to N131.48 billion from N70.62 billion in Q2, 2019.

A further review of the H1 financial statement showed that the agribusiness-focused lender grew its deposit by 19 per cent to N306.47 billion from N257.69 billion as at December 2019.

Somefun said: Despite the inclement economic conditions occasioned by the global pandemic which almost paused or at best put activities at a slower pace in virtually all sectors of the economy, the Bank has been able to ride the waves to maintain its growth trajectory looking at the key performance indicators.

The assessment, therefore, is that the repositioning efforts which have taken root before the headwinds are equally able to withstand shocks.

The growing health and strength of the Banks balance sheet is attributable to the fact that while the bank remained focused on its niche market, which is agribusiness, thebank has also continued to grow its brand franchise in many areas of the retail market by promoting and leveraging its agriculture value chain businesses as an offshoot, she said.

The statement added that the views of analysts continued to reinforce the gains of the repositioning drive anchored on the agribusiness as the backbone for the steady growth and performance in the half-year 2020.

They share optimism for an even more positive outlook in the future, as market confidence continues to improve. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Train on Abuja-Kaduna route

By Lucy Ogalue

TheMinister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has ordered security personnel at the Abuja-Kaduna train station terminus to deny access to anyone without a face mask, to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amaechi gave the order when he visited the Idu Train Terminal to inspect passengers compliance with the COVID-19 safety measures, on Wednesday.

The ministers visit followed the reopening of services after four months lockdown due to the pandemic.

On the increased transportation, Amaechi said the government does not have money to subsidise the fare, so passengers would have to bear the risk.

He added :Even before the pandemic, we were under pressure from even people in kaduna asking us to increase the rate.

We just provide the services for everybody not because we want to make profit. At this stage we are not making profit, its just to recoup the running cost.

The minister further said that incidences of eminent personalities flouting NIgeria Centre for Disease Controls (NCDC) COVID-19 safety measures at airports would not be condoned at train stations.

He encouraged passengers to imbibe the simple, safety basics, saying protecting ourselves against COVID-19 takes no special training.

Amaechi also debunked claims by the National Assembly that the amount of indebtedness of the country to foreign countries is tantamount to ceding the countrys sovereignty to other nations, like China.

He further explained that loans being accessed from foreign financial bodies were for infrastructural development with payment stretched across a certain period.

He said an escrow account managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance has been opened, with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) making monthly payments towards loan repayment.

On loan, the minister said he was to appear again before the House of Representatives on August 17, to give insight into the commercial loan agreement signed between Nigeria and Export-Import Bank of China to the tune of 5.3 billion dollars.

If there were financial institutions within the country that could loan the ministry such enormous sums of money, there would be no need seeking funds across shores, he said.

He, however, expressed optimism that the project when completed would not only have the capacity to repay the loans but generate revenue for the country.

He added that it would also create employment for the teeming unemployed in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

FBN holdings

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

FBN Holdings Plc on Wednesday announced Profit After Tax (PAT) of N49.5 billion for the six months that ended June 30.

The PAT represented an increase 56.65 per cent when compared with N31.6 billion achieved in the corresponding period of 2019.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) grew by 14.36 per cent to N41.4 billion from N36.2 billion posted in the comparative period of 2019.

FBN Holdings unaudited results released by the company by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) show that gross earnings stood at N296.4 billion from N280.3 billion in 2019, an increase of 5.74 per cent.

Also, its total assets stood at N7.1 trillion, an increase of 14.9 per cent against N6.2 trillion achieved in December 2019.

Its customer deposits rose to N4.4 trillion compared with N4. 0 trillion in December 2019.

Commenting on the results, Mr Urum Kalu Eke, FBN Holdings Group Managing Director, said they reconfirmed its consistent focus on enhanced shareholder value.

The H1 (first half) 2020 financial results are impressive and reconfirm our consistent focus on enhanced shareholder value.

Despite the difficult operating environment, the H1 results demonstrate our resilience and capacity to deliver on long-term ambitions.

The growth in profit after tax for the period is a testament to the strength of our organisation to continually deliver exceptional services to our customers in these unprecedented times.

We have been able to achieve this feat by leveraging our agent banking network, innovative e-banking capabilities, and operational efficiency, utilising technology, said.

Eke said that FBN Holdings successfully divested from the underwriting (insurance) businesses to focus on banking operations.

We are confident this will enhance greater value to our stakeholders and strengthen the groups resolve to consolidate its leadership of the banking sector.

Following the divestment, FBN Holdings injected Tier 1 capital into FirstBank, effectively increasing its capital adequacy ration to 16.5 per cent.

This provides a comfortable buffer against regulatory requirements with the potential to support any emerging business opportunities.

Looking ahead, we remain cautious, but we are confident that our business is fundamentally strong to withstand any future challenge toward enhanced performance, he said.

Also commenting, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, FirstBank Chief Executive Officer, said the commercial banking group, during the period, increased its gross earnings and PBT.

Over the period, the commercial banking group increased its year-on-year growth in gross earnings and PBT by 6.1 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively, despite the economic shutdown and varying degrees of challenges in the operating environment.

Notwithstanding, we have continued to provide services to our customers with minimal disruption in a safe environment, supported by seamless transactions through our increasing agent banking network and digital platforms (FirstMobile and USSD).

Furthermore, continuous focus on operational efficiency remains a priority, as improvement in non-performing loan ratio has further been sustained.

As the economy reopens gradually in Nigeria and other key markets, as in the rest of the world, we are adopting a pragmatic approach with optimism on propelling our performance for enhanced profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution, Adeduntan said.

Source: NAN News