NNPC Headquarters

By Edith Ike-Eboh

The Contract Transparency Network (CONTRANET) a civil society network, has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to champion the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive value chain in line with Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) standards.

The group disclosed this in a communique on Monday, signed by all members and issued at the end of its virtual meeting on advocacy strategy for the adoption and implementation of contract transparency in the extractive industry in the country.

CONTRANET is a civil society network drawn from the media, rights groups, and community based organizations focused on deepening transparency and accountability across the value chain of the sector by making contracts open for citizens engagement.

The members are, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Publish What You Pay Nigeria, Order Paper Advocacy Initiative, Policy Alert, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Global Rights, Koyenum Immallah Foundation, African Network Environment and Economic Justice and Sustainable Environment and Peace Initiative.

Others include Community Outreach For Development and Welfare Advocacy, Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation, Initiative for Participation Accountability and Inclusive Development, Association of Niger Delta Host Community Leaders, Global Awareness for Development Initiative and Coolfm/Wazobiafm.

Also, there are Youth Forum on EITI, Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights, Women in Extractive, Responsible Citizenship and Human Development Initiative, and Save a Soul Foundation Zamfara.

We commended NNPC for signing on to EITI as a supporting company and called on them to champion the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive value chain according to EITI standards.

This will complement the success recorded by the launch of an online register of beneficial owners of mining assets and ensure that Nigeria retains the satisfactory progress status achieved in 2019 as the first Anglophone country to do so, they said.

The network said that the Federal Government should commence multi-stakeholder consultations on how to proceed with the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive sector in accordance with all her international commitments.

It added that the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development , the NNPC and Mining Cadastre Office should collaborate with the NEITI and other stakeholders, to develop and adopt a framework for the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive sector in Nigeria.

Civil society organisations should engage the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice through the Open Government Partnership Secretariat to commence the review of the necessary legislative and policy frameworks that will make the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive sector a reality in Nigeria, the members said.

Participants at the meeting agreed to continue to advocate for good standards in the extractive value chain and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that a framework for the implementation of contract transparency in the extractive sector in Nigeria was developed, adopted and implemented.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Mr Babatunde Irukera FCCPC,

By Ginika Okoye

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has frowned at the inability of some companies and service providers to resolve consumers complaints and provide feedback mechanism for their products.

Mr Babatunde Irukera, the Director-General of the commission, said this at a National Virtual Policy Dialogue organised by the Nigerian Global Affairs Council in Abuja on Monday.

Irukera said the development had resulted to an increase in the weekly complaint reports received from consumers by the commission.

He said that the commission was a secondary complaint resolution organisation, adding that they received no fewer than 10,000 complaints weekly.

The director-general said that the commission did not have the necessary staff strength to handle the myriad of complaints thronging them.

He said the commission had received complaints on issues from all sectors ranging from power, foreign/local airlines, telecommunications, pay television and online trading among others.

Irukera urged service providers to use the same mechanism they used in distributing their products and services to receive their customers feedback and resolve complaints.

According to him, pushing all complaint resolution to the government is not a sustainable approach to consumer protection.

We are a watchdog not consumer protection department of companies.

People come to the commission for everything and we have just about 12 to 16 persons in our complaint resolution department.

Even if we decide to employ another 3,000 people, we will still not be able to handle all the complaints that come to us, he said.

The real people to resolve their consumers complaints are companies but they have failed in their duties to customers.

Our work is to ensure that companies treat people fairly, eliminating barriers so that competition can thrive and also make sure companies do their job.

Companies should rise up to their responsibility of resolving their customers complaints to reduce the work on the commission.

Irukera, however, advised consumers to work jointly with the commission to hold companies accountable and make them turn a new leaf for effective consumer protection.

He said, transformation is when citizens themselves take responsibility and if there is anywhere a citizen can take responsibility, it is in consumer protection. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

INEC Boss

By Naomi Sharang

The National Consultative Front (NCFront), has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the success of the just concluded Edo election.

The groups Head of Publicity, Mr Tanko Yunusa gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, was reelected in Saturdays election, defeating his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

INEC on Sunday, declared Obaseki winner of the election with 307,955 votes to defeat Ize-Iyamu who scored 223,619 votes.

Yunusa who commended INEC on the use of a new technology, the Z-pad, said that the gadget eliminated the rigging machines of collation centers.

NAN reports that the Z-pad is a gadget used by the commission to upload the polling units election result to INEC election result viewing portal.

Yunusa said: You must give the process some kudos. When INEC introduced Z-Pad, it helped to checkmate the social maleficence that usually happens at collation centres.

Now that the collation centres have been eliminated, you see that the peoples vote counted at the end.

This is a welcome development and there is an improvement in the process as we move on in our democratic setting.

It was a hard working process that yielded result.

It also shows that god fathers are demystified and the people are taking their destiny in their hands, Yunusa said.

Yunusa who is also the National Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), commended security agencies and the electorate in spite of actions by the political parties to buy their votes.

The truth is that the peoples will prevailed. For us, it is an opportunity that the people have been able to show resilience and determination based on their collective resolve that they needed a change of process, the way they voted.

So they decided to vote for candidate of their choice in spite of all forms of attempts to manipulate the system, but that didnt work, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Edo Election: Residents congratulate Obaseki

By Bolaji Buhari

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Prince Tony Momoh, says the peaceful conduct of Saturdays governorship election in Edo calls for celebration by all lovers of democracy.

Momoh, also a former Minister of Information, made the statement in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.

NAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)had on Sunday declared Gov Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)winner of the election.

The commission said Obaseki polled 307,955 votes to defeat his closest rival Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC),who polled 223,619 votes.

Reacting, Momoh congratulated Obaseki, his opponents and Edo people for the conduct and outcome of the election.

He said he was congratulating everyone because the conduct and outcome of the election was victory for all Edo people and lovers of democracy.

Momoh said the election called for celebration as it was peaceful and transparent, proving wrong those who had predicted violence.

We thank God for the peaceful conduct of the election. The election was credible and the process was transparent.

The election really calls for celebration of all Edo people and lovers of democracy because some people had predicted that there would be chaos and mayhem.

That never happened. I congratulate the people of Edo and INEC for a well done job. This is a plus for democracy, he said.

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for doing everything possible to make the election peaceful.

Momoh said though Gov.Obaseki should be congratulated for the victory, he believed his opponents also deserved to be congratulated for the peaceful election.

He said with the peaceful atmosphere after the election, it was a case of no winner, no vanquished.

Momoh urged all political stakeholders in Edo to sustain the peace and prove to the world that people could elect their leaders without rancour or violence.

The APC chieftain urged those who lost in the election to prepare better for the next elections in the state for victory.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Emir of Zaria, Alhaji Shehu Idris

The Northern Governors Forum has described the death of the Emir of Zazzau , Alhaji Shehu Idris ,who died at the age of 84, as painful.

The Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong, disclosed this in a condolence message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Sunday in Jos.

He condoled with his family, the people of Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State and the nation for the big loss.

The late Emir lived a very productive life and represented the virtues of truth, service and honesty in his 45 years on the throne.

His leadership and goodwill attracted enormous development to the Emirate and also improved the living standards of his people.

He connected easily with people from all parts of the country and offered wise counsel to Governments at all levels. He will surely be missed, he said.

Lalong said the Northern Governors benefited from the counsel and knowledge of the royal father, who promoted unity, peace and security of the region and the nation.

He prayed God to grant him eternal rest.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Emir who ascended the Zazzau throne on Feb. 8,1975, died on Sunday Morning.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Survival Fund: FG releases registration schedule as portal opens Monday

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

As the portal for the registration of prospective beneficiaries for the Survival Fund opens on Monday, the Federal Government has released the timetable for categories of businesses to register.

A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the Project Delivery Office stated that the portal which opens at 10 PM, will have educational institutions as the first category of beneficiaries to register.

Nigerians interested in the Payroll Support scheme are to note that the site for registration will be open from 10 pm Monday September 21, 2020.

In order to ensure seamless registration process, the Project Delivery Office (PDO) has designed a registration schedule.

Registration for Payroll Support will start with educational institutions on Monday and will be followed with businesses in the hospitality industry on Friday September 25 beginning from 12 A.M.

The portal will also be open to other category of small businesses from 12 A.M., on Monday September 28, 2020, the statement said.

The office therefore advised those interested in benefiting from the fund to take note of the schedule and also log on to http://www.survivalfund.ng to register for the payroll support initiative.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the survival fund is a conditional grant to support vulnerable Micro and Small enterprises in meeting their payroll obligations and safeguard jobs in MSMEs from the shock of the COVID- 19 pandemic.

The scheme is estimated to save at least 1.3 million jobs across the country, while targeting an average of 35,000 individuals per state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Victor Osimhen

Napolis coach Gennaro Gattuso on Sunday dished out rare praises on new Nigerian signing Victor Osimhen, describing him as a young lad with the head of a 40-year-old.

Osimhen became Napolis record signing when he joined from Lille in the summer for a reported 70 million euros.

He was brought on for his debut after an hour of Sundays Serie A match and the Nigerian made an instant impact in their 2-0 win.

I was struck by Osimhens serious attitude. He has not forgotten where he came from and the sacrifices he made.

He built himself up on his own and I congratulate him for his will and desire.

He is a young lad with the head of a 40-year-old. I hope he does not make mistakes and does not change his attitude, Gattuso said.

Osimhen, 21, grew up in a tough district of Lagos, lost his mother at a young age and along with his brother and sister, sold bottled water in Lagos traffic to help his family make ends meet.

Gattuso said he wanted to get Napoli back into the top four again after last years turbulent season, where they finished seventh after a late recovery and won the Coppa Italia.

It is natural that, given the history of the last 10 years, we want to return to the top four.

I want to see a well-organised team that have clear principles in their heads and that know how to make themselves available in difficult moments, the coach said. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Late Emir

By Gami Tadanyigbe

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed NaAllah, has commiserated with the family of Alhaji Shehu Idris CFR, Chancellor of the University, who died on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 at the age of 84.

The Vice-Chancellor in a statement by the Head Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, on Sunday in Abuja said: We are indeed proud of his great and superb achievements as the first-rate Emir of modern Zaria.

NaAllah said, On behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Staff and Students of the University of Abuja, we condole with the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the Zazzau Emirate Council, the entire people of Kaduna State, and Nigerians, on this terrible loss.

He described the death of the Chancellor, who was also the Emir of Zazzau, as a rude shock, especially at the moment that the institution needs his counsel most.

The late Emir will always be remembered as a dutiful, very resourceful and committed individual, who believed in the development of education, particularly of our dear University, the University for National Unity.

During his years of service as our Chancellor, he worked incredibly hard to draw federal and private supports to the University.

His total support and contributions, quality advice and superior leadership as our Chancellor of many years will remain indelible.

His demonstration of unequal forthrightness, commitment and accountability, transparency and enthusiasm for the growth and development of the country should be emulated by our leaders and well-meaning Nigerians.

We are glad that he remained a worthy and accomplished leader till his death.

I pray that Allah in his infinite mercies, reward him abundantly and give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Angry JOHESU members

By Joan Nwagwu

Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), have suspended their seven-day nationwide warning strike.

Mr Josiah Biobelemoye, JOHESU National Chairman, made this known in a statement at the end of its expanded National Executive Council meeting on Sunday in Abuja.

Biobelemoye directed all members of the union to resume work by Sept. 21 and also await further directives.

Members of JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) embarked on a seven-day warning strike to press on its demands from the Federal Government.

The union demands included disparity in the payment of hazard and inducement allowances to workers in the frontline containing the spread of COVID-19 among others.

Biobelemoye said: I bring fraternal greetings to you from the entire members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA).

This is to bring to your notice that the 7-day nationwide warning strike embarked upon by the members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) would come to an end midnight of today, Sept. 20.

By this notice, all health workers under the five Unions that make up Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) shall return to work on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 across all Federal Health Institutions in the country.

However, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Health has continued to exhibit high level of bias/discrimination by refusing to address the demands of our members as presented by JOHESU within the seven days of the warning strike as was done to other bodies in the health sector.

The next line of action would be decided in due course by the expanded National Executive Council of JOHESU.

He also alleged that rather than call JOHESU for dialogue to resolve the trade dispute, the Federal Government resorted to intimidation and blackmail of the union leaders using all forms of instruments and faceless organisations.

He further said that JOHESU would continue to use all legitimate means to defend the rights and demands for the welfare of its members in the health sector.

Nigerians should bear us witness that JOHESU has shown high patriotism by demanding that public health system in Nigeria is sustained and adequately financed for effective, efficient and affordable healthcare service delivery.

In view of the above and in line with the resolution of the expanded NEC meeting held physically and virtually today, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, I hereby declare that the seven days warning strike is suspended.

All our members are directed to resume work by Monday, Sept. 21, 2020 while awaiting further directives.

Finally, I wish to thank all the leaders at all strata and members for their commitment, selflessness, cooperation and resilience during the seven days warning strike, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Ozo and Trickytee evicted from BBNaija House

By Enebeli Alex Anayo

Tricky Tee and Ozo were on Sunday evicted from the Big Brother Lockdown Season five.

The housemates became the 14th and 15th housemates to be evicted from the Reality Show.

The Big Brother Lockdown Season five which started on July 19, with 20 housemates is gradually coming to an end leaving only five housemates to jostle for N85 million grand prize.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the BBNiaja season Five would end on Sunday Sept. 25, when the final winner would be announced.

The successful housemates that have scaled through to the final are Laycon, Dorathy, Neo, Nengi and Vee.

Tricky Tee told Big Brother immediately after his eviction that he would now focus on music and film-making.

The Reality Show had been characterised by entertainment, love, conflicts, drama and betrayals. (NAN)

Source: NAN News