TUESDAY 27TH AUGUST 2024

NUPRC: Oando-NAOC Deal Followed Due Process, Complied with Extant Rules

Says NNPC, Mobil court case delayed agreement, transaction undergoing due diligence

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

yesterday said the approval of the divestment deal between Oando and Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) followed due process and was done in

compliance with existing regulations. A statement by the Head, Public Affairs Unit of the upstream regulatory body, Olaide Shonola, stated that the

explanation became necessary because of NUPRC’s avowed commitment to transparency and belief in the right of the public to know about

its regulatory activities. Recall that former Vice President, Abubakar Atiku, had raised some posers over the $783 million

acquisition, alleging that the deal was unduly accelerated as a result

Continued on page 10

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L-R: Head, Corporate Communications Department, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Jude Chiedozie Nwauzor; Group Head, Asset Management, Mr. Benedict Daminabo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gbenga Alade; Head, Documentation, Legal Department; Mrs. Oyinlola Adebayo; and Technical Assistant to the MD/CEO, Mr. Mohammed Yusuf, during AMCON's Media Parley at Radisson Blu Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos ... yesterday

President Bola Tinubu yesterday, welcomed the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on the state of the economy, as the country’s Gross National Product (GDP) posted another

Continued on page 10

New Spy Chiefs Trigger New Expectations in Nation’s Security

deji Elumoye in Abuja

The changing of the guard, yesterday, at National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Department of State Services (DSS) marked the beginning of new expectations by Nigerians in efforts to tackle the country's security challenges.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of new Directors-General for NIA and DSS, following the resignation of the two top intelligence chiefs, Ahmed Abubakar and Yusuf Bichi, respectively.

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, in a release, disclosed the appointment of Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed as the new Director-General of NIA, and Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi as Director-General of DSS. The new appointments, Ngelale confirmed, were sequel to the resigna-

EvEnt to mark thE EDo

AMCON Intensifies Asset Recovery Efforts, Enlists International Asset Tracers

In a move to recover outstanding debts of nearly N5trillion, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has announced plans to engage international asset tracers to locate and recover assets hidden by recalcitrant debtors offshore including those masqueraded under Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).

This decision was revealed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gbenga Alade, during a meeting with journalists in Lagos, yesterday.

Alade, stated that since the new management took over about five months ago, they have successfully collected approximately N100 billion from several high-profile debtors and revised the sale of some assets.

He emphasised that the organisation has been receiving support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Central Bank Governor, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the National Assembly in their efforts to recover debts transferred by banks to AMCON during the different phases of Eligible Bank Asset (EBA) acquisition.

Furthermore, the CEO mentioned that the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance has pledged to name and shame obligors who have yet to repay their debts at a major stakeholders’ conference that would hold before the end of the year.

He revealed plans to organise a conference where senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), relevant ministries, banks, and the judiciary would be invited to discuss the challenges posed by non-performing loans in the country.

Alade, highlighted four key sectors

Segun James and Deji Elumoye in Abuja

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, (RHI), her pet project, in partnership with National Population Commission, (NPC) and United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) is to ramp up birth registration in the country. The initiative will mark the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate for year 2024.

NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, who disclosed this after leading development partners to the office of the First Lady in Abuja, said the commemorative event, scheduled for August 29, 2024 will mark a

that the new management has chosen to focus on.

They included oil and gas, power, telecommunications, and aviation.

He expressed confidence that resolving issues surrounding assets in the oil and gas sector would boost production, generate more foreign exchange, and create employment opportunities for citizens. The CEO noted that they have achieved remarkable results in two of these assets in

less than five months.

In the power sector, AMCON has made significant progress in one of the biggest distribution companies and an abandoned power project in Kaduna.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed, and operations are expected to commence within the next six months. The corporation is also working on other assets in the power sector, particularly in Aba, as

reliable power supply has become a major concern for small, medium, and large-scale enterprises.

Alade emphasised the potential impact of addressing power challenges in Nigeria, stating that some banks with approximately 400 branches across the country spend as much as N500 billion annually on diesel for their generators. He believes that tackling the power sector will significantly improve the overall

business environment.

AMCON is also working on assets in the telecommunications sector, aiming to revive dormant assets and bring them back into operation, he said.

In the aviation sector, the corporation is addressing issues involving two airlines, with the hope of increasing Arik Airline's fleet from three to eight aircraft by March 2025, which could help reduce airfares in

the local aviation industry.

“The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria remains committed to its mandate of resolving nonperforming loans and stabilising the Nigerian financial system.

“By engaging international asset tracers and focusing on key sectors, AMCON aims to recover outstanding debts and contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the country,” he added.

FG to Summon Regulators, Producers to Address Current Hike in Cooking Gas Prices

Distributes 250 fully-filled LPG cylinders to Lagos households

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said he would invite regulatory agencies and producers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) popularly known as cooking gas to address the current soaring prices of the product in the country.

This was just as the federal government through the Decade of Gas Secretariat and some partners distributed 250 fully-filled LPG cylinders to underserved households in Lagos State.

The exercise was in line with the government's annual target of converting 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas in all the 774 Local Government

Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria by 2030.

Speaking to journalists yesterday, in Lagos on the sidelines of the kick off the LPG Grassroots Penetration and Cylinder Distribution Programme for the South-West Zone, Ekpo confirmed that the price of cooking gas had gone up, saying he would invite the stakeholders to resolve it.

Currently, the price per kilogramme of LPG has skyrocketed, with a 12.5kg cylinder now being filled with as high as N16,200, up from about N13,500 sold last month.

But responding to a question on the rising prices, the minister stated, "I just got that information this morning that the price of gas is getting up again. So, what I'm going to do is that I will invite the regulators and

the producers and have a meeting with them. What we are looking for is to bring down the price of gas so that it will be affordable.

"In the energy security we are talking about, we are talking about the affordability, availability. So we are going to do that. Whatsoever is the reason behind the hike in price, we will make sure we bring it down."

Earlier in his keynote address at the occasion, the minister said the day's programme was a manifestation of the current administration's unwavering dedication to enhancing domestic gas utilisation.

By starting with the distribution of up to 250 gas cylinders, Ekpo noted that the government was taking tangible steps toward achieving their broader goal.

He added that the initiative was a key component of the Decade of Gas Initiative, which envisions converting 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas within the next decade.

benefits are accessible to all, especially women and youth who play a pivotal role in our communities.

"I would like to solicit corporate, private, and public sponsorship to advance this program beyond our goal of one million households. Our goal is to convert over one million homes across 774 local government areas in Nigeria to utilise LPG for cooking."

The minister said in their bid to effectively reduce and combat deaths in Nigerian women and youths related to respiratory ailments caused by environmental pollutants that might arise from cooking with wood, charcoal, and other hazardous fuel sources, the clean cooking movement was the right approach and a significant step forward.

distribution programme, Komolafe, who represented the Coordinator of the NUPRC Lagos Regional Officer, Mr. Paul OSU, noted that the government was taking a bold step towards a cleaner, more efficient energy future for the nation.

"I commend the leadership, management, and staff of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources for their unwavering commitment to achieving the President's vision of "From Gas to Prosperity; Renewed Hope," with the goal of converting 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas by 2030.

major leap in government’s effort to offer Nigerian children their first foundational identity.

Hisa words: “It is a global thing and it took place in August 10, 2024, but we are having this as a special commemorative event with the First Lady championing this drive.

“We had a fruitful chat with her and I want to believe that we have a great event ahead of us that will mark the full force drive of birth registration to give Nigerian children their first foundational identity and recognition as our children that will grant access to government services, especially education and health.”

Chief Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Ibrahim Sesay, who was part of the visit described the launch

as important, to close the existing gaps in birth registration and promote data-driven development plan for children in the country. According to him, “What is critical is we have been falling short in terms of reaching that obligation. So, the Office of the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI is a platform that we are now using to make sure that every child’s birth in Nigeria starting on the 29th of August gets accelerated birth registration in all parts of the federation”.

The Official Launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate to Birth Registration in Nigeria will hold on Thursday 29th August in Abuja.

He said the government was committed to realising this vision through strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors.

Ekpo added, "This significant event marks a crucial step forward in our journey toward sustainable energy solutions and aligns perfectly with our Presidential theme, 'From Gas to Prosperity: Renewed Hope.', where the President reiterated his government's resolve to continue providing support to deepening domestic gas utilisation.

"Our focus on LPG is driven by its potential to improve household energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and foster economic growth. Clean cooking gas represents a cleaner, safer, and more efficient alternative to traditional fuels, and it is our mission to ensure that its

While expressing gratitude to the Coordinator of the Decade of Gas, Mr. Ed Ubong, and his team for their leadership and dedication to the cause, the minister stated that their tireless efforts have laid the foundation for initiatives like the day’s"Asevent. we move forward with this phased approach, I am confident that our collective efforts will yield significant benefits for our people and our environment. Let us continue to work together, driven by a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and prosperity for all", he added.

In his goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the initiative represents a significant milestone in the shared mission to expand LPG adoption and improve energy access across Nigeria.

With the LPG penetration and

"As we kick off this programme with the first phase distribution of up to 250 gas cylinders, focused on women and youth inclusion, it is essential to recognise the positive impact this will have on our environment and energy sector. This initiative not only promotes a greener and more sustainable future for Nigeria but also underscores the importance of equitable access to clean energy", Komolafe said.

Also in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who was represented by his Special Technical Adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, encouraged Nigerians to embrace cooking with LPG as it was easier, faster, and safer than firewood.

Akume, pointed out that the LPG generates less heat in the kitchen and produces less carbon dioxide, adding that cooking gas was cheaper than firewood now because it was more expensive to transport firewood than buying gas.

He also said the declaration of the Decade of Gas has ended gas flares because of the commercialisation of gas flaring, saying that meant more cooking gas for Nigerians.

NNPC Announces Commencement of LNG Supply to Japan, China

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday said it had commenced shipment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargoes to Japan and China on Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis.

The national oil firm said that this was in line with its strategic vision to be a dynamic and reliable global energy supplier of choice, according to a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye. NNPC said that it achieved the

milestone through the collaboration of two of its downstream subsidiaries, the NNPC LNG Ltd and NNPC Shipping Ltd – which delivered its first DES LNG cargo from the 174,000m³ LNG vessel Grazyna Gesicka at Futtsu, Japan, on June 27, 2024.

Since then, the oil company stated that it had expanded its footprint to China with the delivery of one LNG cargo on DES basis.

“Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) is an international commercial term that requires the seller to deliver the products/goods at a specific port.

Clark Commends Tinubu, Security Agencies Over 20 Medical Students, 8 Corps Members’ Rescue

Sunday aborisade in Abuja

Foremost Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday commended President Bola Tinubu and the various security agencies in the country on the successful rescue of the 20 medical students from Benue State and the eight National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members from their abductors.

Clark's commendation was contained in a statement personally signed by him and made available to THISDAY in Abuja on Monday evening.

Part of the statement read: “For a long time now, this past weekend was a weekend I was able to spend with joy and gladness in my heart, as a result of the successful rescue of the innocent 20 medical students, who were abducted along Benue State.

“They were on their way to attend a programme in Enugu State, and the eight youth corps members who were abducted a year ago.

“This feeling was even bolstered, as I watched Dr. Reuben Abati, who has just come back fresh from his vacation, excitedly analyze and commend President Tinubu and the security forces for this feat.

“I whole heartedly agree with his analysis. Kidnapping and banditry is having adverse effect on our economy and life style. It has killed agricultural activities in the country, as farmers are no longer free to go to their farms.

“Time was in this country, when trading was carried out within states along the roads.

“Now driving, for instance, from Abuja to Kaduna, even during the day, has become frightening, because one is not sure what will befall the person.

“Abduction has become the most dangerous weapon against security, economy and the social life of the people, to the extent that no one can move freely on the roads for fear of being kidnapped.

“This brings to mind what happened In Kaduna when some kidnap victims were killed, including a medical doctor, who had concluded arrangements to travel out of the country for further studies just few days before her death in the hands of these murderous fellows.

“In order to free the remaining victims abducted, Dr. Gumi and others were largely involved, meeting freely. Huge sums of monies were paid as ransom to the bandits.

“The security forces, including the military, seemed helpless. The then Governor of the State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, stated that the places where the bandits are staying is well known, that some persons even had their telephone numbers.

“This means that their hideouts are accessible. So, one wondered what was going on roads have become so dreary that traveling by air, is now the only safe mode.

“It is not easy to come by as a result of the high cost of air tickets. These happenings have become a great source of concern to most Nigerians, even not all, except those who are benefiting and feeding from this blood money and wealth.

“One is therefore, overjoyed, seeing that these innocent ones have been rescued.

“The method of rescuing them is also quite commendable because the public was informed that ransom was used to lure the kidnappers, while at the same time the security forces deployed their technologies.

“There is no way this would have been successful without the use of technological gadgets used to track these criminals in their hideouts.

“Rescuing kidnap victims is no mean task. I have been involved in the rescue of some Philippines who were abducted in those days, in the Niger Delta.”

The seller takes responsibility for the shipping and insurance for the products/goods until they get to the specified port of delivery.

“ It requires expertise and a higher level of efficiency to execute than the Free on Board (FOB) system,” the statement added.

NNPC stated that it had been involved in LNG trading since 2021 with its first LNG cargo sale in November of that year. It has since traded over 20 cargoes into the European and Asian markets on FOB basis, it added.

Speaking on the development, the Executive President, Downstream, Mr. Dapo Segun, said: “The DES system, apart from being more financially rewarding, allows NNPC Ltd inroads into the downstream segment of the LNG sector and positions it to capture more market shares while building in-house capacity and ensuring that global

customers are familiar with the NNPC Ltd brand”.

The collaboration between NNPC LNG and NNPC Shipping Ltd in executing the LNG supplies on DES basis, the statement said, has strengthened the latter’s position as a world class shipping provider in the LNG sector, the company added.

“NNPC Shipping intends to build a shipping portfolio (including owned vessels) so that we can provide our sister company and other clients all the shipping flexibilities they need”, Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, explained.

NNPC LNG, in collaboration with NNPC Shipping Ltd, is scheduled to deliver at least two more LNG cargoes to the Asian market on DES basis by November, while many more orders are expected before the end of year, the statement stressed.

NEITI Says 198 Oil, Mining Firms, Govt Agencies Have Opened Books for Industry Audit

emmanuel addeh in Abuja

A total of 198 extractive companies and government agencies have submitted volumes of information and data for the ongoing nationwide reconciliation and validation of revenues in the oil, gas, and mining industries, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), said yesterday.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, announced this in Abuja while addressing a meeting of leaders from civil society organisations involved in the extractive sector.

Out of the 198 companies, Orji explained that 63 are in the oil and gas industry, meeting the materiality threshold of a minimum royalty payment of $5 million, while 135 companies, which met the materiality threshold of N6 million are from the solid minerals industry.

On the government agencies that either receive, take custody or manage oil, gas and mining revenues,

Orji stated that 14 of such agencies were from the oil and gas and eight relevant agencies for the solid minerals sector are covered by the ongoing NEITI industry reports.

The agencies, he said, are expected to disclose all payments received and expenditure incurred during the period under review.

He explained that the level of participation of extractive companies in the ongoing industry audit was higher than in the last exercise conducted in 2021, where 190 oil, gas, and mining companies were covered.

This included 121 solid mineral companies and 69 oil and gas companies that met the materiality threshold $5 million and N3 million in royalty payments, respectively, for reconciliation in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

“The ongoing 2022/2023 Oil, Gas, and Solid Minerals Industry Reports have reached an advanced stage, in fact, the final stage," disclosed Orji.

He added that the data reconciliation and validation meetings for the oil and gas extractive companies and relevant government agencies were held and concluded in Lagos last week.

The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, and representatives from the Oslo-based international secretariat of EITI were among the chief executives and heads of government agencies who emphasised the importance of upholding NEITI’s corporate values, competency, and integrity through strong adherence to the EITI Code of Ethics, which NEITI, under the new board, is set to domesticate.

On the conduct of the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement Industry Reports that track revenue inflows and utilisation, the NEITI executive secretary announced that procurement processes arising from public advertisements for competitive bidding to select consultants for

the Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursements (FASD) were almost concluded.

He provided updates on NEITI’s renewed commitment to deepening engagements with extractive companies, civil society organisations, and the government at national and sub-national levels.

The Executive Secretary announced that NEITI has opened up engagements with Dangote Refineries and Petrochemicals, the biggest private sector investment in the downstream sector.

“NEITI’s first meeting with the company centred on the need for compliance with EITI Standards and NEITI mandates and the opportunities for Dangote Refineries to join the EITI as a supporting company,” he said.

He pledged the support of the NSWG under the leadership of Akume to give the civil society the necessary support based on need and request where applicable.

Abiodun's condolEncE visit to thE fAmily of lAtE olAniyi iJAlAyE...

Presidential Fertiliser Initiative Saves

$200m, Resuscitates 84 Blending Plants

The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), a cardinal pillar of the country's agricultural transformation drive, has helped to conserve Foreign Exchange (FX) valued at about $200 million since the initiative commenced, it was gathered yesterday.

This was disclosed at Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI- NPK) Stakeholders’ Roundtable with the theme, "The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI): Imperatives for Food Security", which was convened by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The Project Lead Coordinator, PFI, Iruansi Itoandon, said the fertilizer initiative had straightened the economy by saving over $200 million in foreign exchange, creating more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and generating annual fiscal savings of over N60 billion through the elimination of fertilizer subsidies.

Under the strategic leadership of the NSIA, the PFI has successfully resuscitated and established 84 fertilizer blending plants across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

This achievement not only revitalised the nation’s fertilizer production capacity but also reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to self-sufficiency in agriculture.

Since its inception, the PFI has delivered 90 million bags of locally blended, high-quality fertilizers to farmers across the country.

Despite global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the initiative has managed to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers, safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural productivity during challenging times.

However, the programme has not been without its challenges.

Itoandon said one of the most pressing issues was the impact of FX fluctuations on the cost of key imported raw materials, which has exacerbated cost pressures throughout the fertilizer value chain.

He said the issue adds complexity to the PFI’s operations, as the initiative strives to maintain affordability for farmers while ensuring the sustainability of the program.

However, in recognition of these challenges, the NSIA had been proactive in collaborating with its partners to ensure that the PFI continues to deliver on its mission to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Itoandon, said the initiative haf been “a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together with a shared vision for our country’s future”.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, NSIA, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said as the PFI approaches its next phase, the the authority has emphasised the importance of strategically positioning the initiative to achieve maximum impact in the country's agricultural ecosystem.

Represented at the roundtable by Head of Corporate Planning, NSIA, Sybil Etuk, he reaffirmed its commitment to the successful of the initiative.

Umar-Sadiq said, “PFI aligns with the Authority’s mandate to strengthen the agricultural sector, uphold import substitution as a criti-

cal lever for national development, and ultimately create shared value for all stakeholders.”

In addition to the NSIA’s strategic efforts, the President of the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Sadiq Kassim, proposed the establishment of a fertilizer institute in collaboration

with the PFI.

He said the institute would aim to build the technical and financial capacity of players within the fertilizer ecosystem, further enhancing the initiative’s impact on Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

As the country celebrates the PFI’s achievements in improving

agricultural productivity and bolstering food security, stakeholders also stressed the need for greater inter-agency collaboration. The vision is to gradually direct the initiative into full private sector control, ensuring its continued success and the sustained development of the agricultural sector.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) yesterday disclosed that it spent N31.7 billion on capital projects in the 2023 implementation circle, involving 447 projects nationwide during the year under review.

Presenting the 2023 REA Capital Project Implementation Report in Abuja, Managing Director of the organisation, Abba Aliyu, described it as a ‘historic’ day for transparency and accountability in the affairs of theHeagency. stated that it was the first time the REA was presenting the report, explaining that the move was to ensure that the Nigerian public get to know ‘how much of each single penny given to REA is being utilised’.

“And I'm happy to say that out of the total money given to REA in

2023 capital appropriation, a total sum of N227 million was used for consultancy and N446 million was utilised in deploying mini-grids for electric vehicles across the six different geopolitical zones in the country.

“Additionally, we have utilised N6.3 billion for grid extension. This will focus on extending the grid and deployment of transformers at the distribution level to connect communities within the country to the national grid. We have also spent about N131 million for the deployment of solar home systems across the country,” he added.

According to him, the intervention of REA in 2023 covered the entire country, explaining that there's no single state within the country that is not covered with the REA projects under the 2023 capital implementation.

Says Nigeria has been suffering from bad governance

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday said that the power sector was almost jinxed before the Bola Tinubu administration, stressing that Nigeria had suffered from bad governance over the years.

A statement by the minister’s spokesman, Bolaji Tunji, said Adelabu spoke when he received the national youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dayo Israel, who visited him in his office in Abuja. According to the minister, Nigeria has suffered from bad governance over the years and efforts to change that narrative will not be an easy one, but must be done in order for

Nigeria to advance in development like other developed nations of the world.

“It is unfortunate that Nigeria has experienced bad governance over the years. Nigeria has gradually gone down, and the efforts being made by President Tinubu is the right way for us to get out of these challenges,” he was quoted as saying.

He called the youths to support the efforts of Tinubu in ensuring that past mistakes were corrected through ongoing reforms and policies.

“The policies and programmes of the government, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy has increased allocations to state governments through the governors.

“So as youths of the party, you also

owe it a duty to inform the youths protesting that the governors of their states are receiving double and in some cases triple of the allocations they used to receive”, he said.

He also outlined the measures that he had taken to transform the power ministry in the one year that he resumed.

He said Tinubu had provided the needed support to make sure the power sector gets back the confidence of Nigerians once again.

“President Tinubu wants to use the power sector to drive the reforms in other sectors of the economy. If you recall in his speech to Nigerians on January 1, he spoke extensively about that sector.

“ Power is one of the sensitive

campaign promises he made to Nigerians and he is determined to fulfil that promise. The sector was almost jinxed before we came in but thank God that confidence is coming back now to the sector from the general public.

“Within one year that we came into office, we have been able to increase power generation from 4, 000 megawatts to 5,155 and have a target to move it to 6,000 megawatts by December this year. We are also working on fixing the infrastructure across the power sector value chain,”the minister said.

He also disclosed that some of the institutions that cannot cope with the high cost of electricity such as the universities, teaching hospitals

Besides, Aliyu stated that the organisation also spent N626 million for the deployment of different mini-grids across the country.

These mini-grids, he said, specifically focus on enhancing electric vehicle deployment, while others focus on energising agricultural clusters across the country.

“There's also N499 million spent for the deployment of solar street lights across the country. These solar street lights were deployed in areas specifically that are facing security challenges.

“So we deployed these solar street lights to enhance security in those areas. Additionally, we spent N2.02 billion for the deployment of solar pumping irrigation pumps across the country.

“These pumps were deployed and given to farmers, over a thousand of

them across the country, to enhance farming activities across the country. In total, out of the 2023 capital implementation, we have completed projects of over N28.7 billion. Out of the N31.7 billion allocated to REA, we still have about N3.3 billion projects that are ongoing which we hope to complete in the next two months,” Aliyu added.

Besides, he noted that the distribution of the REA projects covered the entire six geopolitical zones, the 36 states, plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“The agency has reinforced its approach to monitoring and evaluation, an ongoing process which will be sustained till the full delivery of the over the 447 projects in the year under review,” he stressed.

Also, the Executive Director, Technical Services, REA, Umar Abdullahi, stated that in delivering government's mandate, the organisation was doubling down on socioeconomic impact of its interventions across all states of the federation.

and small businesses, will enjoy the renewable energy initiative being driven by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Speaking earlier, the national youth leader commended the minister for the noticeable improvement in the supply of electricity to businesses and households in the country.

He also invited the minister to speak at the ministerial town hall meeting at the Progressives Young leaders summit holding from September 3-5, 2024.

The youth leader said the summit was to give Nigerian youths the opportunity to contribute their voices to shaping the country in line with the renewed hope agenda of the administration.

“The 2023 Capital Projects Implementation Status Report provides a comprehensive overview of the journey so far in the delivery of multidimensional energy access infrastructure for the year 2023 through the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Power,” he added.

A snapshot of the projects showed that 67 projects had been completed in the North-west, six ongoing, while one is awaiting funding. In the North-central, 88 projects have been completed by the REA, two ongoing and two awaiting funding. In the South-south, 75 projects have been completed, four are ongoing while one is awaiting funding. In the same vein, the South-west has 44 completed projects, three ongoing and one not yet funded.

CBN Lifts SLF Suspension, Banks to Earn Up to 19 to 25.75% on Deposits

Nume

Ekeghe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the suspension of its Standing Lending Facility (SLF) for banks, introducing a new interest rate structure that allows financial institutions to earn between 19 percent and 25.75 percent on deposits held with the apex bank.

The directive which is with immediate effect, followed the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) decision in July to adjust the asymmetric corridor, leading to significant changes in the lending and deposit facilities offered by the CBN.

At its July meeting, the MPC raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 26.75 percent, up from 26.25 percent, and adjusted the asymmetric corridor around the MPR to +500/-100 basis points from the previous +100/-300 basis points.

This adjustment set the stage for the CBN's recent changes in its lending and deposit facilities.

In a latest circular signed by the Director of the Financial Markets Department, Dr. Omolara Duke, the CBN outlined the new interest rate structure for deposits. Commercial and merchant banks will now earn

g D p g row S B Y 3.19% IN Q2

the remarks in a statement by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

This comes as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday, unveiled the implementation committee of the Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), which is aimed at revitalising key sectors of the economy.

The ASAP, which seeks to drive sustainable development across eight priority sectors of the economy, including agriculture, energy, and health, is aimed at addressing key challenges affecting the federal government's reform initiatives and stimulating development in various sectors of the economy.

Specifically, the country's GDP grew by 3.19 percent, year-on-year, in real terms in the second quarter of the year (Q2 2024), compared to

tion of the previous NIA and DSS chiefs.

Tinubu said he expected the new security chiefs to work assiduously to reposition the two intelligence agencies for better results. He charged them to bring their experience to bear in the task of tackling the security challenges bedevilling the country through enhanced collaboration with sister agencies, and in alignment with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The president further thanked the outgoing directors-general of the two pivotal intelligence agencies for their services to the country, while wishing them success in their future endeavours.

The new spy chiefs have their work cut out for them, given the security situation across the country.

NORTH-WEST AND NORTH-EAST

In many parts of northern Nigeria, particularly North-west and Northeast, insurgency and banditry have remained on the increase. This has resulted in food insecurity in several areas, as many crop farmers cannot access their farms due to the rising insecurity.

But the background to the unceasing banditry in these parts of the country has been traced to the failure of intelligence, which is why the new intelligence chiefs have to deploy their experience and manpower to good uses.

NORTH-CENTRAL

The age-old farmers/herders’ clash in some parts of North-central is still present, resulting in killings and cattle rustling, among other crimes, that have inhibited growth and development in that part of the country.

SOUTH-SOUTH

Oil theft in South-south is becoming an epidemic that has defied efforts to rein in the monster. Nigeria has suffered revenue loses running into billions of dollars over the last two decades because of oil theft.

While majority of Nigerians believe that the problem of oil theft in the Niger Delta is not insurmountable, what is considered missing is the political will on the part of the security agencies to patriotically discharge their

2.51 percent in Q2 2023, the NBS disclosed.

The performance was also higher than 2.98 per cent recorded in the first quarter of the year (Q1 2024).

According to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Q2 2024 report, released by the statistical agency, growth was driven mainly by the services sector, which grew by 3.79 percent and contributed 58.76 percent to the aggregate GDP. In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP at basic price increased by 16.94 percent to N60.93 trillion in nominal terms, compared to N52.10 trillion in the same quarter of 2023. The real GDP was N18.29 trillion. Agriculture grew by 1.41 percent from the growth of 1.50 percent recorded in the second quarter of 2023. Also, industry grew 3.53 per cent, an improvement from -1.94 per cent in Q2 2023.

In terms of share of the GDP,

New DG, NIA, Mohammed

up to 25.75 percent on deposits up to N3 billion. Deposits exceeding N3 billion will attract a lower rate of 19 percent.

Similarly, Payment Service Banks (PSBs) would receive 25.75 percent interest on deposits up to N1.5 billion, while deposits above this threshold will also earn 19 percent.

The circular further announced the lifting of the SLF suspension, allowing banks to borrow from the CBN at a rate of 31.75 percent. Banks can access the SLF through the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) within the specified operating hours of 5:00 pm to

the industry and services sectors contributed more to the aggregate GDP in the review period compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.

In real terms, non-oil sector contributed 94.30 per cent to the economy, higher than 93.62 per cent in the preceding quarter, and lower than 94.66 per cent in Q2 2023.

The sector grew by 2.80 per cent in real terms in Q2 almost unchanged from Q1, and lower than 3.58 per cent in Q2 2023.

The sector was driven mainly by financial and insurance information and communication, agriculture, trade, and manufacturing which accounted for positive growth.

On the other hand, the oil sector contributed 5.70 percent to growth, compared to 6.38 percent in the preceding quarter but lower than 5.34 per cent in Q2 2023.

According to the NBS, real growth of the oil sector stood at 10.15 percent,

New DG, DSS, Ajayi

AGENDA

Security Challenges Before New Spy Chiefs

NORTH WEST AND NORTH EAST - Banditry/Terrorism/kidnaping

NORTH CENTRAL - Age-long farmer/herder’s clashes

SOUTH SOUTH - Oil Theft/ Kidnaping

SOUTH EAST - IPOB Menace and Unknown Gunmen

SOUTH WEST - Kidnaping/Armed Robbery

duties and stop the crude stealing.

SOUTH-EAST

The security situation in the South-east is both home-made and self-inflicted, with the governors and leaders of the zone seemingly helpless, while unknown gunmen daily kidnap and kill innocent citizens.

What has further accentuated the situation is the ceaseless agitations by self-determination groups, including the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), with different demands, which have not yielded results before the government.

Thus, while many have advocated political solution as the best in the circumstance, there is no doubting the fact that the new spy chiefs would play key roles in trying to bring the situation under control.

SOUTH-WEST

The hitherto peaceful South-west is currently on the throes of intense kidnapping and armed robbery, including the most cosmopolitan parts of the zone.

Although the leadership in Southwest have been doing a lot to address the situation, their efforts are clearly not enough in the face of the spate of kidnappings that are constantly being witnessed.

Generally, kidnapping, which is now a kind of industry across Nigeria, has scaled up despite the biometric registration via the National Identification Number (NIN), and in spite of efforts to register sim cards, as

6:30 pm. Additionally, authorised dealers are permitted to access the Intraday Lending Facility (ILF) at no cost, provided it is repaid on the same day.

It stated: “The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) adjusted the upper corridor of the standing facilities to 5.00 percent from 1.00 percent around the MPR, at its 296th meeting.

“Consequently, the suspension of the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) is hereby lifted and Authorised Dealers should send their request for SLF through the Scripless Securities Settlement System (S4) within the operating hours of 5.00pm to 6.30pm.

year-on-year, under the review quarter, indicating an increase of 23.58 percent points relative to -13.43 percent in the corresponding quarter of 2023.

Quarter on quarter, the oil sector, however, growth by -10.51 per cent in Q2.

Agriculture contributed 22.61 percent to GDP Q2, compared to 21.07 percent in the preceding quarter, and lower than 23.01 percent in Q2 2023.

The sector grew by 1.41 percent, year-on-year, a decrease of 0.09 percent from the corresponding period of 2023, and an increase of 1.22 percent compared to 0.18 percent in Q1.

The manufacturing sector contributed 12.68 percent to growth in the period under review, lower than 14.79 percent in the preceding and 14.55 percent in the corresponding quarter.

Trade contributed 15.95 percent to the economy compared to 11.72 percent in the preceding quarter and 12.79 percent in Q2 2023.

The Information and Communication (ICT) contributed 19.78 percent to GDP in Q2 compared to 17.89 percent in the preceding quarter and 19.54 percent in the corresponding quarter of last year.

Furthermore, the entertainment and recreation sector contributed 0.18 per cent to nominal GDP in Q2 compared to 0.24 per cent in the preceding quarter and 0.14 per cent in Q2 2023.

Reacting to the latest GDP figures, the President noted that the latest report on declining food and headline inflation only affirmed that the economy was on the right

“To this end, Authorised Dealers are permitted to access the SLF at 31.75 per cent; Permitted to access Intraday Lending Facility (ILF) to avoid system gridlock at no cost if repaid the same day;

“The 5.00 per cent penalty (as stated in the S4 business rules) is retained, for participants that do not settle their ILF, which the system will convert to SLF at 36.75 per cent; “Collateral execution (the rediscounting of instruments pledged by participants at the penal rate by CBN) is reintroduced as stipulated in the approved repo guidelines. “The circular takes immediate effect.”

trajectory and was indeed on the path to recovery.

“As the President said in his August 4, 2024 national broadcast, our economy is recovering. Sooner than later, Nigerians will begin to feel, see, and enjoy the impact of his administration's economic reengineering efforts.

“We want to reiterate that this government will continue to work assiduously to rekindle Nigerians' hope and confidence. President Tinubu is working to build a solid and resilient economy,” Onanuga said.

The statement added that Tinubu also urged Nigerians to have faith in the government and not allow themselves to be swayed by naysayers bent on aborting and undermining the current reforms for their selfish ends.

“We are confident that with the policies we have put in place, we expected production to rise to about two million barrels very soon,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

According to the Presidency, the aggregate GDP at basic price stood at N60,930,000.58 million in nominal terms in the quarter under review in terms of performance was higher than the second quarter of 2023, which recorded an aggregate GDP of N52,103,927.13 million, indicating a 16.94 percent year-on-year nominal growth.

In a related development, financial expert and Director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies (ICMS), Nasarawa State University, Prof. Uche Uwakeke, in appraising the latest GDP report called for a reset

of the "faulty economic structure", leveraging technology, in favour of the productive sectors, including industry and agriculture.

Uwaleke, observed that the aggressive hike in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) in February and March 2024 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took a toll on output in Q2 2024. This, he noted, may explain the decline recorded in major contributors to GDP such as Manufacturing, Trade, ICT and Real Estate.

Uwaleke, a former Commissioner for Finance, Imo State stated that the impact of the high cost of petroleum products manifested in the huge decline in Transport GDP from 3.33 per cent to 13.53 per cent.

"Just like in Q1 2024, when growth was driven by the oil sector, growth in Q2 2024 was also driven by the oil sector at 10.15 per cent.

"Oil sector growth was aided largely by the increase in crude oil price during the quarter as average crude oil production fell (from 1.57mbpd in previous quarter to 1.41mbpd)

"The Non-oil sector performance was powered by the Services sector chiefly Financial services and ICT. This sector's contribution to GDP in Q2 was 2.80 percent, the same as in Q1 2024.

"Manufacturing and agriculture sectors appeared hugely impacted by economic headwinds during the quarter. Growth rates were a mere 1.28 percent and 1.41 percent respectively.

NuprC: oANDo-NAoC DeAl followeD Due proCeSS, ComplIeD wITH exTANT ruleS

of the relationship between the Chief Executive Officer of the indigenous oil firm, Wale and President Bola Tinubu.

a measure to tame the rising insecurity.

It is against this backdrop that the intelligence chiefs are expected to understand the task before them as they assume office at a most inauspicious time in the country's history.

Meanwhile, the former NIA director-general, Abubakar, had on Saturday submitted his letter of resignation to the president at State House, Abuja. He tendered his resignation after meeting with Tinubu, citing personal and family reasons.

The ex-NIA boss was first appointed in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who extended his stay in office in December 2021.

The new NIA boss, Mohammed, has had an illustrious career in the foreign service since joining the NIA in 1995. He has served in various roles, culminating in his promotion to the rank of Director and his subsequent appointment as the head of the Nigerian mission to Libya.

The 1990 graduate of Bayero University, Kano, served in North Korea, Pakistan, Sudan, and at State House, Abuja.

On his part, Bichi, sources claimed, did not intend to make public his resignation until his replacement was announced by the presidency, ending a career that was brought back to life from retirement, also by Buhari.

The new director-general of DSS, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, rose through the ranks to attain his current post of Assistant Director-General of the Service. He had, at various times, served as State Director in Bauchi, Enugu, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Kogi.

“The commission wishes the public to be aware that the approvals given to the NAOC-Oando and Equinor – Chappal divestments were in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, defined regulatory framework, and standard consent approval process set by the Commission under the PIA,” the NUPRC stated.

As for the divestment by Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) to Seplat Energy Offshore Limited (Seplat), which Atiku said was being unduly delayed, the statement noted that it is also currently undergoing the same consent approval process and is expected to be completed within the 120-day timeline provided by the PIA.

“Furthermore, the commission's thorough evaluation and due diligence process, anchored on the seven pillars of the divestment framework, ensured that potential assignees were capable and compliant with legal requirements and that all legacy liabilities were identified and appropriately managed.

“The commission subsequently made recommendations to the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources based on comprehensive assessments which covered the timeline for review of application under the PIA and the commission’s regulatory process,” the upstream regulator pointed out.

On a comparative basis, it said that MPNU through a letter dated February 24, 2022, notified the commission of its intention to assign 100 per cent of its issued shares to Seplat Offshore Energy Limited.

It said the commission did not consent to this assignment because MPNU failed to obtain a waiver of pre-emption rights as well as the consent of NNPC, its partner on the blocks to the divestment.

“It is worth pointing out that NNPC’s right to pre-emption and consent under the NNPCL/MPNU Joint Venture Joint Operating Agreement was the subject of Suit No: FCT/ HC/BW/173/2022 Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited versus Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc., Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc. and NUPRC,” it added.

But in June 2024, NNPC and MPNU, the commission said, resolved their dispute through a letter dated June 26, 2024, informing the commission of the resolution of the dispute.

“Upon resolution of this dispute, the commission communicated its no-objection decision to the assignment via a letter dated July 4, 2024 and requested MPNU to provide information and documentation required under the commission’s due diligence checklist to enable the commission conduct its due diligence as required under the PIA.

“MPNU by letter dated July 18, 2024 provided the information requested by the commission. Accordingly, MPNU’s application to the commission for consent is currently undergoing due diligence review, under the same divestment framework applied to the NAOC-Oando and Equinor-Chappal divestment.

“The commission’s due diligence process is ongoing and within the 120-day timeline required by the PIA,” it added.

Specifically, Atiku had said

that Oando was given undue and preferential treatment in the oil and gas sector to the detriment of more competent investors.

“Within just eight months, the NUPRC approved a deal which saw the divestment of ENI/AGIP onshore assets to Oando. Within that same period, Nigeria controversially withdrew all litigation against Shell/ ENI in the OPL 245 scandal in what has been described as a quid pro quo.

“However, the attempt by Seplat to buy Mobil’s onshore assets has continued to stall for the last three years even as the consent letter remains on Tinubu’s table,” Atiku had further alleged.

But the NUPRC which gave a blow-by-blow account of how far the process had gone, said that in respect of the NAOC divestment, NAOC by a letter of May 16, 2023, notified the commission of its intention to proceed with the divestment of participating interests in some of its oil and gas assets.

The commission added that by a letter dated May 21, 2023, it requested NAOC to provide information on the proposed assignee, noting that NAOC by another letter dated July 24, 2023, notified the commission that it had completed the technical evaluation of the companies shortlisted for the proposed transaction.

“The commission by a letter dated August 9, 2023, granted approval to NAOC to proceed to the commercial stage of the transaction. Consequently, NAOC, vide a letter of November 7, 2023, made a formal application requesting the consent of the Minister of Petroleum Resources to the NAOC divestment.

WIMBIZ PAYS COURTESY CALL ON GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU...

L-R: Board Chairman, Women in Management, Business and Public Service, WIMBIZ/CEO, DCSL Corporate Services Ltd, Adebisi

Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy call by leadership of

ECOWAS Speaker Canvasses Importance of Free Movement in West Africa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Speaker of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, has called for the establishment of monitoring mechanisms for the implementation of free movement of persons and goods in West Africa sub-region.

Ibrahima made the call on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Delocalised Meeting of the Joint Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women's Empowerment/Legal Affairs and Human Rights/Political Affairs, Peace, Security and African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP)/ Legal and Human Rights/Trade, Customs and Free Movement, in

Banjul, the Gambia.

The meeting focuses on "The role of Parliament in the Implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, and the Right of Residence and Establishment in the ECOWAS Area".

Ibrahima expressed concern over the hurdles confronting the free movement protocols, calling

for strong governance, based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results to realise the protocol.

She said: "The backbone of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) undoubtedly remains the promotion of cooperation and integration between its member states.

UN, AU, NDC, Others, Move to Strengthen Protection of Civilians in Conflict Environment

The United Nations (UN), Africa Union (AU), European Union (EU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with National Defence College (NDC), have taken practical steps to strengthen the protection of civilians in conflict prone environment by building capacity of troops and civilian staff involved in peace keeping operations.

This move is linked to the UN Security Council's Resolution 2070 of 2012 which brought to fore the concept of protection of civilians in conflict prone environment.

Speaking at the official opening of the AU Harmoniesd Capacity Building Standard, for Protection of Civilians in Peace Support Operations in Abuja, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, recalled that in 1999, the AU had a concept called protection of civilians.

He however, stated that it was the UN Security Council resolution 2070 of 2012 that brought out that concept of protection of civilians.

Represented by the Coordinator African Union Compliance, Human Rights and Accountability Framework, Adebayo Karim, the Commissioner said the UN did that bearing in mind what happened in Sierra Leone. He added that the UN thought that it ought to protect civilians, and that was how protection of civilians was birthed in October 1999.

According to him, "Since then, a

lot of water has passed under the proverbial bridge. The AU did not pay attention to the PoC then, not that our peace enforcement mission was not protecting civilians but we did not have explicit mechanism to direct our mission to protect civilians".

He however noted that the trilateral engagement of the AU, EU, and UN to enhance the capacity of the African Union commission to ensure that it's peace support operations across the continent include sufficient capacity and capability to discharge their mandate in compliance with all applicable international and regional legal instruments.

While promising to provide support for NDC to include the protection of civilians as a module in its curriculum for training of military personnel in Africa, Adeoye said that NDC is a training centre of excellence at the strategic level for ECOWAS region.

Declaring the training workshop open, the Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, welcomed participants to the crucial training on the protection of civilians in peace support operations.

He emphasized the African Union's commitment to civilian safety amid ongoing conflicts across the continent, saying the training is aimed at enhancing understanding of civilian protection dynamics and develop innovative strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations.

He urged participants to leverage the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and reaffirmed the College's dedication to fostering

skilled peacekeepers, to ensure a more secure Africa in the future.

According to him, "let me reiterate that the protection of civilians is not merely a humanitarian imperative; it is a fundamental principle of international law.

“The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilian populations during armed conflict. However, the implementation of these principles often faces significant challenges.”

He lamented that one of the most pressing issues is the blurring of lines between combatants and civilians, explaining that the continuous rise of non-state actors, the proliferation of

small arms and light weapons, as well as the increasing use of improvised explosive devices have made it difficult to distinguish between those who pose direct threat and those who are simply trying to survive.

He noted that as the apex institution for professional military education and research in Nigeria, the college is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and intellectual inquiry into issues affecting the continent.

He concluded that he strongly believes that by nurturing a generation of skilled and compassionate peacekeepers, the continent can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

“Recognising that free movement is essential to the achievement of regional integration, the member states adopted, on 29 May 1975, the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and the Right of Residence and Establishment in the Region.

"Indeed, in addition to many other advantages, the Protocol allows ECOWAS citizens to enter and move freely in member states without a visa. They can settle and carry out economic activities, subject to obtaining an ECOWAS card or residence permit. These measures facilitate mobility and stimulate intra-regional trade within our space.

"Despite these advances, considerable challenges remain in the implementation of our own choices. In recent years, free movement within the community has been severely tested by several factors.

"Weaknesses in the implementation mechanism, differences in national interests and infrastructure problems hinder the achievement of the protocol's objectives.

"You will agree with me that the full realisation of free movement in the ECOWAS area requires strong governance based on mutual trust, shared responsibility and ownership of results. To achieve our objectives, it is imperative to put in place mechanisms that ensure constant monitoring for more effectiveness

of our protocols.

"Undoubtedly, the institution best placed to carry out these audits and ensure this balance within the ECOWAS architecture is the ECOWAS Parliament. Unfortunately, the latter is still insufficiently involved in the implementation of the protocol and its additional protocols. This limits its contribution to effective and complete integration.

"It is in this perspective that the Joint Committee met on July 5, 2024, during the First Ordinary Session of Parliament and adopted the terms of reference of this meeting.

"Policy makers and all stakeholders must unify their efforts to identify challenges and propose solutions that will maximise the benefits of free movement, both at the regional and national levels. These objectives will only be achieved through the development of coordinated policies and actions.

"I am convinced that this meeting of the Joint Committee, which will be nourished by the various direct meetings we will have with the people and local authorities, in order to collect their concerns, will lay the basis for a new reflection on this issue and help us to better understand the Protocol on Free Movement, while opening the way for greater involvement of Deputies in its implementation."

FCTA to Construct Nigeria’s First Underground Light Rail

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has unveiled plans for the country’s first underground rail line that will connect the Abuja Metro Station with the Central Business District, CBD, Bus Terminal.

The Mandate Secretary, Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi disclosed this yesterday at the flag-off of the construction of Central Business District Bus/Taxi Terminal.

He said the CBD Terminal is strategically located at Eagle Square, at the transportation interchange, adding the next to the terminal is a transit corridor for future underground light rail, which by the Abuja Master Plan, will run

eight metres below the surface with train stops underground and then an intermodal transfer of commuters from the underground train stops to the bus/taxi terminal above the ground.

Enechi said the rail line will be connected from the Metro Station at Central Business District.

“The rail line will be connected from the Metro Station at Central Business District just over there. It will come this way underground. There is a space between the two buildings where the underground train will come up and the station will be on the surface and the train will continue to run underground between the two buildings.

“What we are doing here today

is both for now and the future of public transportation in the FCT,” Enechi said.

He said when completed, the bus/taxi terminal will impact largely the public transportation of Abuja and will significantly reduce traffic congestion as there will be fewer private cars on the road, thus leading to faster travel times, less stress for commuters and lower costs related to vehicle wear and fuel consumption.

In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the facilities at the Central Business District, would replicate some of the facilities they enjoy whenever they go outside the country.

His words: “Abuja is a beautiful city. By the grace of God, through

the support of Mr. President we have continued to expand the road infrastructure. If we expand the road infrastructure without linking it with the various bus terminals, I don't we have been able to achieve what we want to achieve.

“What we are trying to do is to integrate and improve our transport system. It is going to cut all these so-called one-chance crime, that is always committed.

“So, part of what we are doing today is the establishment of robust bus and taxi terminals, that you can go there and say ‘I'm going to Gwagwalada and we are aware if anything happens, this is the vehicle and this is the driver that would be held responsible.”

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As Mutfwang Embarks on Definite Peace Efforts to Develop Plateau...

In this piece, Seriki Adinoyi x-rays the many deliberate and firm peace efforts of Governor Caleb Mutfwang which has now paved way for development in Plateau state.

Plateau state has in recent months enjoyed relative peace, a sharp departure from what it was known for in the past decade, in which the state was clearly identified as a tinderbox.

In these past years down to the early months of the administration of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau state which was christened a ‘Home of Peace and Tourism’, became anything else but peace. It was either faced with communal, religious, or ethnic crisis leading to loss of many lives and properties.

At other times, criminals masquerading as herders attacked farmers, rustled cattle, kidnapped residents of some communities, and displaced others from their homes.

It was a hard nut to crack for a new Governor Mutfwang who came with firm determination to deliver the dividends of democracy to the state as contained in his campaign promises.

Mutfwang, during his campaign had promised to harness the clement climate of the state and its abundant agricultural and mineral potentials, and indeed human capital to transform it into a dream destination for both Nigerians and foreigners who seek to live, work, or do business.

However, the gale of severe security challenges that stifled investment and economic growth would not allow that. It was not just that investors had been driven back from the state, federal agencies relocated away, on-going projects were suspended, and economic stagnation ensued. This was the state of Plateau that the Governor inherited from his predecessor.

If development was going to return to Plateau state, deliberate efforts needed to be made to tackle the security challenges, return peace, and build confident of investors. This became the immediate priority of the Governor.

Mutfwang began to engage traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations, charging them to take responsibility for any breach of peace in their domains. This effort paid off particularly during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest which was largely peaceful in the state. The governor was also very proactive to have imposed curfew when criminals began to infiltrate the protest to cause mayhem.

Constant engagement of heads of security forces in the state and empowering of the forces to produce needed results was one helpful step the Governor took. By revitalizing the state owned security outfit, Operation Rainbow and deploying its personnel to remote communities in the state has helped in information gathering and monitoring of strange faces in those communities.

Recently, the state government purchased and distributed over 100 military-grade motorcycles to security agencies to ensure effective surveillance of the rural communities and curb attacks on communities. The security agencies also got raincoats and rain boots as the Governor urged them to put the items to their intended use. Presenting the items, Mutfwang said, “This is a significant day in the pursuit of bringing peace and security to the state. In the last two months, we have made some significant strides in ensuring we fish out the hiding places, the entry points of criminals into Plateau. We have the technology and the capacity to monitor the state. What we are preparing is to equip the ground response; there are places that vehicles and ordinary motorcycles don’t get to, these will be used for surveillance and to give cover to farmers. These will help to enter into the nooks and crannies of the state.”

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Mr. Samuel Jatau explained that the security agencies to benefit include the military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency( NDLEA) and Operation Rainbow, Vigilante Group of Nigeria, among others, adding that it was the first phase as more were being expected.

To further foster community relations, strengthen peace engagements, and enhance inclusiveness in the state, the Governor recently appointed Senior Special Assistants from all major tribes domicile in the state including the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, South-South, and Middle Belt nationalities. The appointees from these tribes will bring government closer to them.

As a way of taking a firm position in ensuring

that the current peace is not distorted, the Governor was said to have warned that anyone found in any way to be engaged in any action that undermines the peace in the state will not be spared.

On March 1, 2024, Mutfwang took a decisive step towards transforming the urban landscape with the signing of Executive Order 003.

Beyond government’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment, enhancing public safety, and stimulating economic growth across the state, the effort was also to clear off the suburbs that had become a hideout for criminals. It was about safeguarding Jos from degenerating into an unmanageable urban sprawl that is vulnerable to crime and social disarray.

Unfortunately, the enforcement of the Executive Order met with stiff challenges. Recently, an unfortunate incident in Bukuru that claimed some lives and loss of valuable properties, highlighted the resistance faced by the government’s Task Force from criminal

elements opposed to the order.

But despite this setback, the Governor’s firm determination on the order has helped in riding off the hideouts for criminals. Recently, Mutfwang suspended two of his Commissioners, a Special Adviser and a Liaison Officer. Though the Governor gave no reason for their suspension, it was gathered that it may not be unconnected with recent breach of peace in southern part of the state in which the said appointees were fingered.

If this is true, it further shows his resolve not to spare anyone that undermines his peace efforts.

With the return of relative peace, the Governor is determined to transform the narrative and attract the much-needed investments. In a series of high-profile engagements, he has successfully secured vital partnerships to drive the state’s development agenda.

His strategic collaborations with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Chinese Embassy, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) are set to bolster the state’s infrastructure, healthcare, and

If development was going to return to Plateau state, deliberate efforts needed to be made to tackle the security challenges, return peace, and build confident of investors. This became the immediate priority of the Governor. Mutfwang began to engage traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations, charging them to take responsibility for any breach of peace in their domains. This effort paid off particularly during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest which was largely peaceful in the state. The governor was also very proactive to have imposed curfew when criminals began to infiltrate the protest to cause mayhem.

economic growth.

One of his significant milestones was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government to commence services at the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos. This underscored the Governor’s commitment to prioritizing affordable healthcare for Plateau citizens. Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the Governor’s dedication to transforming the state’s healthcare landscape, noting the broader implications for neighbouring states and the national healthcare system.

This initiative is set to enhance healthcare access, provide intensive training for health practitioners, and reduce drug costs, thereby making healthcare more accessible and af- fordable for all.

Deputy Speaker of the 9th House of Repre- sentatives, Hon. Idris Wase, also commended the Governor for creating an enabling en- vironment for the smooth take-off of these health centres, which are expected to create employment opportunities and improve health service delivery.

Mutfwang recently visited the National Assembly for the public hearing on a bill for the establishment of Federal University of Mining, sponsored by the Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang and appealed to the lawmakers to accelerate the passage of the bill.

Also, Mutfwang’s engagement with the UNDP highlighted his administration’s focus on security and economic prosperity. During a strategic discussions with UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, the Governor sought support for a lasting security network, agricultural value chain development, and the revitalization of the mining and tourism sectors.

After mutually beneficial discussions, it was agreed, among others, the convening of an Economic Summit and the establishment of the Gender and Equal Opportunity Commission to address gender-based violence and ensure inclusive governance.

The UNDP’s commitment to assist in building resilience across agriculture, economy, and health sectors underscores the transformative potential of this partnership, aimed at creating sustainable economic models and addressing the root causes of poverty in the state.

Similarly, the Governor was at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja to engage on improving the state’s infrastructure. Discussions with Minister Counsellor Zhang Yi focused on road infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. Mutfwang emphasized the positive business environment in Plateau, which has already attracted several Chinese construction companies.

The Chinese government’s assurance of continued support is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship and shared commitment to economic growth. This partnership is expected to enhance infrastructural development and create new opportunities for the state’s economy.

The Governor’s recent engagement with representatives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) was in a bid to revitalize the state’s industrial sector, and attract investments in power, agriculture, tourism, and mining.

The IFC’s interest in investing in the state, coupled with the formation of a technical team to develop a comprehensive investment framework, signals a promising future for the state.

This will revive the legacy projects initiated by the founding fathers of the state, enhance revenue generation, and create employment opportunities, thereby driving Plateau towards sustainable development.

Mutfwang’s strategic engagements are no doubt set to usher in a new era of prosperity for Plateau state. This is made possible by leveraging the state’s comparative advantages and fostering robust partnerships as his administration is poised to transform Plateau into a beacon of peace and tourism once again.

His resilience and determination to bequeath an enduring legacy has fostered a culture of excellence, accountability, and transparency, leading to improved public service delivery and a better quality of life for the state.

All these could not have been possible if the state had been in chaos. Citizens can only do well by supporting the Governor’s peace and development efforts to make Plateau an enviable place.

LAWYER

China: A Choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

LAWYER

China: A Choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

Quotables

‘I want to assure you that, my administration will continue to provide appropriate assistance to improve the welfare and capacity of the Judiciary; continue to ease the administration of justice, and promote the rule of law in Nigeria.’ - HE Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘We will take the Judiciary to higher heights. The reputation it has, we will improve it; we’ll make sure that people have more confidence in the Judiciary.’ - Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori

Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR, Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria

PROF MIKE OZEKHOME, CON, SAN, FCIArb, PH.D. LLD Constitutional Democracy, means a system of government, in which political and governmental power, is defined, limited and shared by a grundnorm called the Constitution, which provides inbuilt checks and balances.

This column seeks to fiercely discuss constitutional, legal and political issues, with a view to strengthening, deepening and widening the plenitude and amplitude of democracy and good governance, without fear or favour.

The writer of this column, Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, is a Constitutional Lawyer, Human Rights Activist, Pro-Democracy Campaigner, Notary Public and Motivational Speaker. He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Nigeria’s pioneer human rights league, on October 15, 1987, the Universal defenders of Democracy (UDD), in 1992, and with Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others in 1998, the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), to push out the military. In his early days, he lectured at the University of Ife. Prof Ozekhome is an author of many books. He is also a Special Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC), at The Hague.

Whether Video Recording of Confessional Statements are Mandatory

Walter Onnoghen: New Counsel Seeks Adjournment, Cites Lack of Proper Briefing

Page V

Mohbad Coroner Inquest Summons Key Witnesses, Naira Marley, Sam Larry

Page V

An Agenda for the New

Congratulations to Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR, on her appointment as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (ACJN) last Friday. ThisDay Lawyer wishes her an innovative, progressive and successful tenure.

The Beginning of a New Era

Now that we are have come to the end of one era with the retirement of Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola last Thursday, and the beginning of a new era with ACJN Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, CFR, I believe that this is the right time to make a few comments about the Judiciary. However, as a Lawyer of almost 33 years standing, I will be measured in my remarks, as Rule 31(1) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 (RPC) mandates all Lawyers to treat the court with respect, dignity and honour. So, I will simply try to outline a few areas, which if the ACJN works on, I believe will bring improvement, not only to the Judiciary, but to other parts of the administration of justice sector. It is stating the obvious, that the ACJN has a considerable amount of work to do to reform the Judiciary. According to The Hon. Sir Gerard Brennan, AC, KBE, QC, Chief Justice of Australia (1995-1998) in his Paper “The Role of a Judge” delivered on 13/10/96, he stated inter alia thus: “It is only when the community has confidence in the integrity and capacity of the Judiciary, that the community is governed by the rule of law…A bastion of impartiality is independence - independence not only from the Executive Government, but from other centres of power….”. I concur. Presently, the bitter truth is that, the Nigerian community has very little confidence in the integrity and capacity of the Judiciary; and Her Lordship, the ACJN must set out to correct this by bringing about the much needed improvements that the Judiciary requires - restoring the integrity, capacity, independence and other laudable qualities to Nigeria’s Judiciary; for the people to have better access to justice, and for public confidence in the courts as the last hope of the common man, to be rekindled.

Instil Discipline into the Judiciary

Just as there are many good eggs in the Judiciary, there are also bad and corrupt eggs there too; the latter give the Judiciary a bad name, and it is time to rid the Judiciary of them, in order to restore the dignity of this once revered arm of government.

Recall the 2020 case of Adams Oshiomhole, when he was suspended by his Ward 10 Etsako Local Government, a decision that was ratified at Local Government and Edo State APC levels. Proceedings were instituted against him at the Federal High Court (FHC) Abuja, which ordered his suspension as Chairman of the APC. Instead of going on appeal, they headed to Kano; and the next day, a FHC in Kano issued a counter-order preventing the suspension of Oshiomhole as Party Chairman - an abuse of court process. On appeal, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the Abuja FHC. Again, in 2021, there was the case of former PDP Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, in which a Rivers State High Court issued an order preventing him from parading himself as Party Chairman, having been suspended from the PDP at ward level. Similarly, instead of going on appeal, Prince Secondus’ supporters headed to Kebbi State High Court on a forum shopping spree, and despite the fact that there was an existing order in the matter which had been publicised to the whole of Nigeria, and additionally, the Kebbi Court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter, a counter-order restoring him to the position of Chairman, was issued by the Kebbi Court. Subsequently, even though the Kebbi Judge, Umar J., tried to backtrack by vacating her order, alleging that the court had been misled by Counsel, it was obvious, even to a child, that her later retraction was an afterthought, having been caught out. Aside from the fact that there was absolutely no nexus between Prince Secondus, his Ward and Kebbi State, the matter was already well known in the country since it concerned the leadership of the main opposition party, PDP; and the public was well aware that the matter was already before a court of coordinate jurisdiction in Rivers State. Another abuse of court process. These are the kind of things that have almost become the norm today - conflicting judgements on the same matters from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

To restore the dignity of the Judiciary, the ACJN must not allow the courts to continue to be used as a playground by/for Politicians and their Counsel. As a matter of urgency, the ACJN must instil discipline into the Judiciary. Judicial Officers who allow themselves to be purchased in forum shopping, those who are corrupt, those who hear matters that their courts lack the jurisdiction to entertain and engage in other forms of abuse of court process, should be sanctioned, even sacked, if need be. This is the only way to deter judicial officers, who break their judicial oath with gusto and aplomb. There should be a mechanism in place that when such erring Judges are proceeded against, there must be simultaneous disciplinary proceedings launched against erring Counsel at the LPDC.

The importance of the judicial oath was underscored inter alia in Our Line Ltd v SCC (Nig) Ltd & Ors (2009) LPELR-2833 (SC) per Walter Samuel Nkanu

onikepo braithwaite

onikepo.braithwaite@thisdaylive. com [email protected]

“To restore the dignity of the Judiciary, the ACJN must not allow the courts to continue to be used as a playground by/for Politicians and their Counsel….instil discipline into the Judiciary….develop a better appointment process for Judges….gather stakeholders, to decide how appeals that go to the Supreme Court can be streamlined…. financial autonomy to foster Judiciary independence…the ACJN should expect to face opposition to reforms from enemies of progress….but this must not deter her”

Onnoghen, JSC (later CJN); that even if a judicial officer is appointed, they cannot resume sitting until the judicial oath is taken. The judicial oath demands honesty, faithfulness to the Constitution and the delivery of justice, over and above personal interest. In Akpan v State (1992) LPELR-381 (SC) per Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, JSC, the Supreme Court held inter alia that the court’s primary role, and in observance of the judicial oath, is to do justice between the parties before them. A situation in which many Nigerians believe that they cannot obtain justice in court, is unacceptable.

During the tenure of Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, GCON, abuse of court process was taken to the next level - it was the order of the day, and even though immediate past Chief Justice Ariwoola made statements that such unruly behaviour would not be tolerated, not only was it tolerated, some judicial officers who openly engaged in various forms of abuse of court process and failed to serve the community by delivering justice according to the law, were rewarded and elevated to higher positions around the same time that Justice Ariwoola made the statement threatening fire and brimstone against erring judicial officers! Unlike her predecessor, Nigerians expect the ACJN to walk the talk.

To build up the Judiciary, the ACJN must develop a better appointment process for Judges; a better assessment system, so that promotion of judicial officers will based on merit, and totally discourage the previous practice of failure and bad behaviour being the stimulant for elevation instead. I recall that in 2021/2022, then NBA President, Olumide Akpata had stated that some Judges who were being considered to go to the Court of Appeal, didn’t know basic legal principles like ‘Lis Pendens’! Such people have no business being at the Magistrate Court, let alone being elevated to the penultimate Court of Appeal.

Making the Supreme Court Supreme

The ACJN must gather stakeholders, to decide how appeals that go to the Supreme Court can

be streamlined. By virtue of Section 233 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2023)(the Constitution), practically everything can be appealed to the Supreme Court. I discussed this issue, in my piece of 4/6/24. The Supreme Court is a Policy Court, not a run-of-the-mill appeal court that hears appeals on how to share meat amongst chiefs according to native law and custom, or settling Landlord and Tenant issues. See the case of Petgas Resources Ltd v Louis N. Mbanefo SC.129/2018 Ruling delivered on 20/12/2021 per Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, JSC. Streamlining appeals to the Supreme Court will not only reduce its excessive load, but give it the dignity and standing that such a final court demands.

The Court of Appeal has developed a reputation for delivering conflicting judgements and sometimes, even perverse judgements. See the 2023 election petition case of the Plateau State Lawmakers. While the Plateau State Governor was able to get justice on his election petition at the Supreme Court on the same facts, the Lawmakers who didn’t have a right of appeal beyond the Court of Appeal were denied justice. This type of circumstance underscores the importance of having an unimpeachable, transparent recruitment process for capable judicial officers at all levels, so that Nigerians will not feel that they cannot get justice until they reach the Apex Court.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Not Just the Supreme Court

In some of our previous writings, Olawale Fapohunda, SAN and my humble self had emphasised the fact that the CJN’s portfolio covers the whole of Nigeria, not just the Supreme Court, Abuja, and it therefore, entails spot visits to as many State Judiciaries and other Court Divisions around the country as possible. A few years ago, I went with a friend of mine to a Magistrate Court in Abuja, just to observe proceedings. To my utter dismay, I discovered the

the court room was being shared by two Magistrates, using some kind of alternate arrangement. A good number of courts in different States are in deplorable condition - no ceilings, no roofs, no toilet facilities, even for the judicial officers. The ACJN can also request that all State CJs (CJ) send video recordings of all the courts in their jurisdiction, if it isn’t feasible to travel to all the different States.

The ACJN must liaise with the CJs, to find a way around the State Judiciaries being starved of funds. The CJs have now become subservient to the Governors, not co-equal as they should be, as they must go cap in hand to their State Governors, begging for funding for capital expenditure and better conditions of service. Some Governors give their CJs as little as N5 million per month for capital expenditure, while some Judges including CJs, ride in 12/13 year old vehicles that break down every 100 metres!

For one, the budget of the Judiciary, whether at the Federal or State level, should be a First Line Charge payable to the NJC for Federal Courts and Heads of Court for State High Courts, from the Consolidated Revenue Fund or Federation Account (see Part I Paragraph 1 NJC Paragraph 21(e) of the Third Schedule to the Constitution). Just as the LGCs were removed from the clutches of the Governors in order to allow them function, similarly, can’t the State Judiciary capital funding also not be extricated from them, so that the State Judiciaries do not continue to be at the mercy of the Governors who are more like Emperors, and accountable to no one? Not only is it demeaning for the CJs, making them seem subservient to the Governors, it impedes the independence of the Judiciary (see Section 162(9) of the Constitution).

The argument on the other side is that funding the capital expenditure of State Judiciaries directly from the Federation Account goes against the spirit of true Federalism, but, already the Judges of Superior Courts of Record, including State High Courts, are already paid directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation (see Sections 81(3)(c) & 84(4) of the Constitution), so why can’t their capital expenditure be channelled directly through the NJC to the State Heads of Court?

Now that the salaries and remuneration of judicial officers of Superior Courts of Record have been increased, the ACJN must also prioritise salary increase and better working conditions for Magistrates and other members of the Lower Bench. They are a part of the Judiciary (see Section 6(5)(j-k) of the Constitution), but their conditions of service, are deplorable. Some Magistrates earn less than N200,000 monthly, while many of them are seen jumping on ‘okadas’ or waiting at bus stops to take ‘danfo’ or the bus.

Intersection between the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Police and Correctional Centre

The issue of Prison decongestion is also a pressing one within the administration of criminal justice sector, and demands that the ACJN in consonance with CJs, the Attorney-General of the Federation and State AGs, the Inspector General of Police and Controller General of Prisons, work together to achieve this goal. Paying one or two visits to the Correctional Centres, will give the Acting CJN a real feel of the overcrowding and terrible conditions there, and cooperation with the various agencies will bring on solutions to reduce the number of those awaiting trial, who are principally responsible for the overcrowding.

Conclusion

The ACJN is expected to hit the ground running. As someone who has been in the Supreme Court for over 10 years, she would also be aware that some in-house overhaul of the Supreme Court’s Registry, is long overdue. For one, the process of giving adjournment dates to litigants requires an urgent review. The wheels of justice in Nigeria move too slowly; technology must be embraced, as it is one of the means by which there can be a faster delivery of justice. Undoubtedly, the ACJN should expect to face opposition to reforms from enemies of progress within the Judiciary and other parts of the administration of justice sector, but this must not deter her. Lastly, it may be helpful for her Lordship, the ACJN to publish her vision and agenda for the Judiciary.

Whether Video Recording of Confessional Statements are Mandatory

Facts

The Respondent and two other persons were arraigned before the Federal High Court on a two-count Charge of conspiracy and failure to declare the sum of One hundred and two thousand, eight hundred and eighty-five United State of America Dollars ($102,885) to the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, contrary to Sections 2(3) 8(5) and 18 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) by Act No. 1 of 2012.

In the course of the trial, the Appellant sought to tender the extra-judicial statements of the Respondent through the prosecution witness; however, Counsel for the Respondent vehemently objected to the tendering of the statements, on the ground that the purported extra-judicial statements were made involuntarily and without compliance with Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. A trial-withintrial was conducted, to ascertain the voluntariness of the said statements. The trial court delivered its ruling thereon, deciding that there was no evidence of torture, force, or coercion as alleged by the Respondent. The court held further that the statements sought to be tendered were relevant and voluntarily made in line with the law, and accordingly, admitted and marked the statements as exhibits.

Dissatisfied with the decision of the trial court, the Respondent filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal of the Respondent, and set aside the ruling of the trial court. The statements were rejected in evidence, and marked accordingly. The Court of Appeal also directed that the case file be remitted to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, for assignment to another Judge other than the Judge for hearing and determination.

Aggrieved by the outcome of the appeal, the Appellant filed this appeal to the Supreme Court. Issue for Determination

The Appellant formulated six issues for determination of the appeal, while the Respondent posed two issues for determination. The Supreme Court, however, considered issue one distilled by the Appellant for the determination of the appeal, as follows:

Whether there is any ambiguity in the provisions of Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of ACJA to warrant the lower court adopting the mischief rule of interpretation of statutes instead of the literal rule of interpretation of statutes and thereby, came to the conclusion that the use of the word “may” in the aforementioned sections imposes mandatory and not permissive duty on law enforcement officers?

Arguments Counsel for the Appellant, in urging the Supreme Court to allow the appeal, posited that compliance with the provisions of Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the ACJA are not mandatory, and that the lower court was wrong to have adopted the mischief rule of interpretation in the face of the use of the word “may” in the referenced sections of the law. He contended that the sections impose permissive duty, on the law enforcement officers. Arguing otherwise, Counsel for the Respondent aligned with the reasoning and conclusion of the lower court.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale

The Supreme Court noted that the present appeal and Appeal No. SC/553/2019: FRN v NWAKUCHE JERRY NNAJIOFOR are sister appeals, and the lead judgement in the sister appeal was also delivered by Honourable Justice I.M.M. Saulawa, JSC. The two related appeals emanated from the same ruling of the Federal High Court in Charge No. FHC/L/5C/2016, which led to the judgement of the Court of Appeal in

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at abuja

On Friday, the 1st day of March, 2024 Before their lordships

John Inyang Okoro

Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju

Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa Tijjani abubakar emmanuel akomaye agim Justices, Supreme Court SC/355c/2019

Between

FedeRaL RePuBLIC OF NIGeRIa aPPeLLaNT

And

CHaRLeS aKaeZe

ReSPONdeNT

(Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, JSC)

Appeal No. CA/L/727CA/2017. In the said sister appeal, the Supreme Court dismissed the Appellant’s appeal, and affirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal on the same issue of construction of the provisions of Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of the ACJA which impose a duty on public functionaries (Police officers and other officers of any law enforcement agency established by an Act of the National Assembly, which includes the EFCC) to record electronically on retrievable compact disc or such other audio-visual means, the confessional statements of a suspect and to take statements of suspects in the presence of the person set out in Section 17(2) of the ACJA. The court held, in agreement with the lower court, that the above provisions are for the benefit of private citizens who are

“Thus, in this instance, where the word “may”is employed to impose a duty on a public officer to observe or protect the right of an arrested suspect not to be forced to confess that he committed an offence, the courts have consistently decided that the word “may”is legislatively intended to impose a mandatory duty…. the provisions of Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of ACJA have strictly provided for recording the statement of the Defendant”

suspected of committing crimes, so that the enormous powers of the Police or other law enforcement agencies may not be abused by intimidating them or bullying them in the course of taking their statements.

Section 15(4) of ACJA provides that where a suspect who is arrested with or without a warrant volunteers to make a confessional statement, the Police Officer shall ensure that making and taking of the statement shall be in writing and may be recorded electronically on a compact disc or some other audio virtual means. Section 17(2) of ACJA provides that such statement may be taken in the presence of a Legal Practitioner of his choice, or where he has no legal Practitioner of his choice, in the presence of an officer of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria or an officer of a Civil Society Organisation or a Justice of Peace or any other person of his choice, provided that the Legal Practitioner or any other person mentioned in this subsection shall not interfere while the suspect is making his statement, except for the purpose of discharging his role as a Legal Practitioner.

In order to determine the interpretation of the word “may” as used in Section 15(4) of ACJA, the Supreme Court referred to the dictum of TALBO, J. in SHEFFIELD CORPORATION v LUXFORD (1929) 2 KB 180 AT 183 where His Lordship stated that the expression “May” is a permissive or enabling expression; but there are cases in which for various reasons, as soon as the person who is within the statute is

entrusted with the power it becomes his duty to exercise it.

The Apex Court held further that one of the fundamental guidelines to interpretation is the Mischief Rule, which considers the state of the law prior to the enactment, the defect which the statute sets out to eradicate or prevent, the remedy adopted by the legislature to cure the mischief, and the actual reason behind the remedy. The object and purpose of interpretations of an enactment are sometimes provided in the text of the Law, Regulation or Bill/Act. The fundamental purpose necessitating the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), has been unequivocally provided by the combined effect of the provisions of Section 1, 2 and 3 of the Act itself which state that - The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the system of Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of criminal institutions, speedy disposing of justice, protection of the society from crime and protection of rights and interests of the suspect, the defendant, and the victim. (2) The courts, law enforcement agencies and other authorities or persons involved in this Criminal Justice administration shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act for the realisation of its purposes.

Their Lordships held further that established caselaw across jurisdictions is that the purposive or objective or intendment of a legislative provision that vests a public duty on a public officer for the benefit of any person, is to make the execution or performance of the duty mandatory, irrespective of whether it is a permissive or mandatory word that is used to impose the duty. Thus, in this instance, where the word “may” is employed to impose a duty on a public officer to observe or protect the right of an arrested suspect not to be forced to confess that he committed an offence, the courts have consistently decided that the word “may” is legislatively intended to impose a mandatory duty to observe and protect the right of the suspect against forced self-incrimination.

Given the foregoing, the Supreme Court held as in the sister case and in agreement with the lower court that the provisions of Sections 15(4) and 17(2) of ACJA have strictly provided for recording the statement of the Defendant. Thus, there is no gainsaying the fact, that failure to perform the act in accordance with the dictates of those provisions of the law would be deemed to be a flagrant non-compliance with the law. In such a situation, the court would be entitled to invoke its interpretative jurisdiction to hold that the non-compliance with the law is against the recalcitrant party. The court relied on its decision in ADESANYA v ADEWOLE (2006) 14 (PT. 1000) 242 AT 269 PARA C-E.

Regarding the consequential order of the court below remitting the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for assignment to another Judge of the Court, other than the trial Judge, the Supreme Court held, as in the sister appeal, that the fundamental principles which ought to guide the appellate courts in determining whether to make an order for retrial vis-à-vis remittal have been well settled in the locus classicus case of ABOGUNDE v THE QUEEN 4 FSC AT 70, wherein the court had laid down the fundamental guiding principles to determine when a retrial will be ordered. The law is fundamentally trite on the two unique classes of cases in which a retrial cannot be ordered, unless in the opinion of the appellate court, some substantial wrong or miscarriage of justice has been occasioned. These two unique classes of cases, relate to misdirection and improper admission or rejection of evidence. In each of these two classes of cases, the Appellant ought to show that by the error he has lost every chance of success. In conclusion, the Apex Court affirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal.

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation

Abba Muhammed (E.F.C.C) for the Appellant. Edwin Anikwem with R.O. Irikefe and Prest Aigbokhanfor the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

Court Reinstates Order Stopping FBN Holdings AGM

Stories by Steve Aya

A Lagos Federal High Court has reinstated the order prohibiting FBN Holdings from conducting, holding, or hosting its 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) whether virtually or otherwise, pending the determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction filed by an aggrieved shareholder, Tohir Folorunsho Ismaila.

Justice Akintayo Aluko reinstated the order last

Thursday, due to the inability of FBN Holdings to file its responses to the suit, as ordered by the court.

The trial judge had on August 13, 2024, stopped FBN Holdings from conducting 12th AGM slated for August 22, after hearing a motion ex-parte filed and moved by Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN with Mrs Olayemi Badewole, SAN and Adetola Ogunlewe for Ismaila, the Petitioner/ Applicant.

Walter Onnoghen: New Counsel Seeks Adjournment, Cites Lack of Proper Briefing

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has adjourned and also granted an accelerated hearing on the suit filed by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, challenging the order by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, which led to the Federal Government removing him from office in 2019, to September 19, 2024, for further hearing.

The Appellate Court granted Onnoghen’s prayers following the inability of the matter to go on, after the Counsel representing the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Tijjani Gazalli, SAN, told the Court that he is yet to be properly briefed on the matter. Gazalli said since the death of the Counsel Aliyu Umar, who was in the matter before, no one had taken over the matter until now. The Senior Counsel further informed the court that he had called for the case file, and had got a response that he would be granted access. He therefore, asked

the Appeal Court for an adjournment to enable him to get and go through the case file, for proper preparation on the matter.

Although Onnoghen’s Counsel, Chris Uche, SAN did not oppose the submission, he however, moved for his application for an accelerated hearing to be taken, while withdrawing another application for the appeal to be heard on the Appellant’s brief alone.

In the suit that was filed in 2019 at the Court of Appeal, Onnoghen is praying the Court to void and set aside the CCT judgement delivered against him, asking the Appellate Court to quash his conviction primarily on grounds of want of jurisdiction, bias, and absence of fair hearing.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), had in 2019, convicted Onnoghen in all the 6-count charges of breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers brought against him by the Federal Government while in office as CJN.

In granting the ex-parte motion in a suit marked FHC/L/CP/1428/2024, Justice Aluko held thus:

“An Order of Interim Injunction restraining, the Respondent/ Respondent by itself, its Directors, Secretary or agents, assigns, servants, privies or any person acting on its behalf from holding/ conducting/ hosting the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Respondent scheduled for 22nd August, 2024 via a virtual medium or howsoever, pending the hearing and determination of the Petitioner’s Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, is as a result of this granted.

“An Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Respondent, its agents, servants, privies, or assigns from taking any steps to pass any special and/or ordinary resolutions at its Annual General Meeting slated for the 22nd of August, 2024 pending the hearing and determination of the

Petitioner’s Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, is now granted.

“An Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Respondent, its Directors, Secretary, agents, privies or person(s) acting on its behalf from sending out any Notice of General Meeting of the Respondent otherwise howsoever conveying any General Meeting of the Respondent/Respondent pending the hearing and determination of the Petitioner’s Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction, is hereby granted.”

The Judge had also adjourned the matter to August 22, for the hearing of the Petitioner/ Applicant’s Interlocutory Injunction, as well as, FBN Holdings’ counter to the petition and preliminary objection to the suit.

However, at the resumed hearing of the matter on August 23, 2024, Counsel to the Petitioner/Applicant, Prof Osipitan, SAN informed

the court parties are ready to go on with the hearing of the suit. He added that the court should take the Respondent’s preliminary objection and counter to the suit and Petitioner’s Motion for Interlocutory injunction.

But, FBN Holdings’ Lawyers led by Babajide Koku, SAN, in his response told the court that his client is still within the time as prescribed by the court’s rules to file responses to the suit.

On the motion to set aside the ex-parte order, FBN Holdings’ Counsel also told the court that he was served with the Applicant’s counter the previous day and therefore, asked the court for adjournment on the matter since there is no urgency anymore on the suit. He also informed the court that the ‘res’ in the matter, has been postponed to September 3, 2024. He therefore, urged the court to adjourn the matter before the new scheduled date for the

AGM.

But, Professor Osipitan vehemently opposed FBN Holdings’ oral application for adjournment. He stated that such an application should be made formally. He therefore, urged the court to ignore the application for adjournment. Professor Osipitan said if the court is mindful of granting the adjournment, he urged the court to direct FBN Holdings’ Counsel to make an undertaking that the the AGM will not hold or take place, until the applications before the court are determined.

Ruling on the arguments canvassed by the parties, Justice Aluko held that “the order of the court should be respected, that is what I ordered.

“The interim order made on August 13, 2024, remains intact, pending the hearing of all applications and pending the determination of all issues before the court.” Further hearing of the matter has been adjourned to August 29, 2024.

Mohbad Coroner Inquest Summons

Key Witnesses, Naira Marley, Sam Larry

The Coroner Court sitting in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, has issued summons to key witnesses in the ongoing inquest into the death of Singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, better known as Mohbad, requiring them to appear before it.

The witnesses summoned include Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, Samson Eletu aka Sam Larry, Mohbad’s sister-in-law, Karimot Ogunbayo, Boluwatife Adeyemo aka

Darosha, and Mohbad’s Lawyer, Oluwasanmi Falade.

Additionally, the Nurse who treated the deceased, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and the Driver who transported him to the hospital, Fidelis Esanbor, have also been summoned to give testimony.

The court also granted the application by Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, to serve summons for additional witnesses, through a reputable

national newspaper and social media.

Furthermore, the court has approved the application to recall Mohbad’s wife, Wunmi, and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in charge of the case, ASP Muhammad Yusuf, requiring them to give further testimony.

The application, which was argued by the legal team led by Mr Wahab Shittu, SAN (leading Emmanuel Oroko, Miss Monisola Odumosu,

Emmanuel Sadoh, Dr A.R. Ahmed, Oluyemi Osalusi, Wole Ariyibi and Sadiq Kamo) representing Mr Joseph Aloba, sought an order of the Coroner’s court to issue Witness Summons on interested persons as witnesses, to give evidence on the connection and circumstances leading to the death of late Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba (Mohbad), who died in suspicious circumstances on September 12, 2023".

China: A Choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

The history of Nigeria’s indebtedness to Chinese business entities, is as complex and convoluted as the borrowers, guarantors and projects for which the loans were taken. Today, the nation’s sovereign assets are at serious risk from shylock Chinese companies who have done, and are doing businesses in Nigeria. Most are into infrastructure development across the country, with massive ongoing projects, either for the Federal or State Governments. But, with hurriedly-baked contracts, often less than transparent agreements, allegedly mostly not properly scrutinised and vetted by Nigeria, the nation has suddenly found out that her national and sovereign assets are coming under the Chinese hammer, with court orders authorising seizures across the globe, from Nigeria’s presidential jets in France and guest houses in Ireland, and others about to be axed in Canada and the united States. apparently, it does appear that Nigeria didn’t see the warning signs, or pretended to be ignorant of what the Chinese had done to other african countries over debts owed to Chinese companies. In this discourse, Daniel Philips Kip, Francis Gozie Moneke and Ed Malik analyse the unfolding embarrassing incidents of seizures of Nigerian assets by Chinese company, Zhongshan Fulcheng Industrial Investment Co Ltd on court orders following an arbitration award for breach of contract, and suggest ways out of the conundrum

Chinese Company’s Seizure of Nigeria’s Presidential Jets: A National Embarrassment

Daniel Philips Kip

Introduction

Three Presidential Jets were seized in France, another Jet seized in Montreal Canada (Bombardier 6000 type BD-00-1A10), and property taken possession of in the United Kingdom by Chinese Company Zhongshan Fulcheng Industrial Investment Co Ltd in a recent blitz of seizures pursu-

ant to an arbitral award entered on 26th day of March, 2021. The P&ID saga is still fresh in our memories, with the English Court (High Court) setting aside an $11 billion Arbitral award against

“….the nail on Nigeria's arbitration coffin was most likely Article 4.1 which states inter alia that: “the conduct of any State Organ shall be considered an act of that State under International Law… whatever position it holds in the organisation of the State, and whatever it's character as an organ of the Central Government or of a territorial unit of the State….they can enforce in any other over 170 signatory countries, pursuant to the obligations embedded in the Convention, especially in Article I“

Nigeria on the 23rd day of October, 2023. We were saved from the P&ID (Process and Industrial Development Ltd) imbroglio, because of elements of fraud and corruption. It also took some emergency legal reactions to upend P&ID’s enthusiastic attempts at enforcement. As if lessons were not learnt, it is déjà vu all over again. Are our sovereign assets at risk? Do the Chinese have the right to this? How do we forestall future incidents? Is there an alternative diplomatic route out of this ordeal?

The Puzzling Question! Shakespeare in Hamlet asked; To be or not to be? That is the question? Permit me to unenthusiastically rephrase this line by declaring; To contend or not to contend to protect Nigeria's Sovereign Assets against embarrassing enforcement measures? This is the question! The very question that threatens to trample upon the labours of our Heroes past and concomitantly spit on the faces of Nigerians, by embarrassing and undermining her very sovereignty within the international community. Do these Chinese "Dragon Lords" have

the right to execute the Arbitral award in this manner? What does international law say? How do we save face?

The Case in Brief: Zhongshan Fulcheng Industrial Investment Co Ltd vs The Federal Republic of Nigeria

The cause of action crystallised when the Ogun State Government unilaterally terminated a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) entered into between the State and the Zhongshan Fulcheng Industrial Investment Co Ltd through her Nigerian subsidiary, Zhongshan International Investment (Nig) FZE. The JVA created and executed in 2013 had lasted for three years (till 2016) with evidence of Zhongshan investing millions of Dollars within the period, undergoing several hardships to bring to fruition the Ogun Guongdon Free Trade Zone in Ogun State which is the subject-matter of the JVA. The foundation of the contractual relationship between the OSG and Zhongshan, is the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) entered into between the Peoples Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria sometime in 2001. To seek redress Zhongshan commenced arbitration on 30 August, 2018, on the grounds of breach of contract citing Articles 2,3,4 and 9 of the BIT referred to above between China and Nigeria.

China: A Choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

Nigeria's Defence in the Arbitration Nigeria submitted to the arbitration, but contended that Ogun State, as well as other agents involved in literally driving the Chinese Company out of Nigeria (NPF and NEPZA) jointly complicit in the termination of the JVA, acted independent of the Nigerian Federation with holistic independent power within Nigerian municipal law. The arbitral tribunal did not fault this logic, but decided the matter on other principles undergirding State responsibility under international law.

The Verdict

Relying on fundamental principles of customary international law, and also relying on articles 2 & 4 of the International Law Commission Articles on State Responsibility for Internationally Wrongful Acts adopted under the auspices of the ILC in 2001, the tribunal held emphatically that Nigeria had breached the JVA and liable in damages and compensation to Zhongshan. Although other sections of the ILC Articles were relied upon by the tribunal, the nail on Nigeria's arbitration coffin was most likely Article 4.1 which states inter alia that:

“the conduct of any State Organ shall be considered an act of that State under International Law, whether the organ exercises legislative, executive, judicial or any other functions, whatever position it holds in the organisation of the State, and whatever it's character as an organ of the Central Government or of a territorial unit of the State”.

The Panel, made up of Rotimi Oguneso, SAN (Nigeria's pick), Mathew Gearing KC (Zhongshan pick) and Lord Neuberger of Abbottsbury (Chairman), found for the Chinese company awarding Compensation of $55,675,000 moral damages of $75,000, costs of £2,864,445 and interest of $9, 400,000. It is the total of the award and other additions, especially accrued interest that runs over to about $70 million dollars.

Post Award Events and Instances of Legal Rascality from Nigeria's Legal Team

As a diligent Judgement Creditor, Zhongshan immediately sought to enforce the award against Nigeria, pursuant to the Convention on the Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1958 which Nigeria is not just a signatory or high contracting party to, but also ratified same as just one of over 170 other States. Article III of the Convention shortened as the New York Convention, imposes an obligation on every contracting party or State that has signed the Convention to recognise arbitral awards as binding and facilitating their enforcement. The implication of Article III is that any of the over 170 signatories to the Convention serve as a proper forum for enforcement, because these nations are duty bound to obey the award and facilitate its enforcement. Unfortunately, Nigeria had ample time and opportunity to remove her head from the proverbial hang man's noose, but failed to do so for multiple reasons only the legal team can explain. Some of those instances are listed below:-

a)Article V (i) (e) of the Convention on Recognition of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1958 inter alia provides that the proper forum for applying to set aside an arbitral award is the seat of arbitration or the precise country which served as the locus of arbitration. Nigeria actually applied

to have the award set aside, among other things, standing on the provisions of Section 67 of the English Arbitration Act 1996 which allows for applying to set aside the award on grounds of lack of substantive jurisdiction. Nigeria later did not argue this ground, leaving a porous application doomed to fail.

b)After Zhongshan applied for and obtained an ex-parte enforcement order against Nigerian assets around December 2021, Nigeria had a 74-day window to contest the order after being served, but failed to utilise it and only reacted after the deadline in a very sloppy manner. As expected, opposing the ex-parte enforcement order was an exercise in futility, so it failed.

c)The consequential application for leave to appeal to the English Court of Appeal was rejected, for lack of cogent grounds to uphold the appeal. This was around July 2023.

d)Empowered by Article III of the New York Convention Zhongshan went on to apply for enforcement orders in Belgium, France, Quebec, USA and Virgin Islands where asset tracing revealed Nigerian owned properties in those jurisdictions.

In all these jurisdictions Zhongshan succeeded due to Nigeria's delay in response (Quebec), flawed defence (USA) and general lack of robust case strategy. In USA, Nigeria's legal team relied on the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 (FSIA) (US) to argue that, due to sovereign immunity, the award could not be enforced in the U.S; however, this argument did not succeed. In the US case of Maritime International Nominees Establishment v Republic of Guinea, the US court upheld a

“Only the Chinese National Government led by President Xi Jinping, can call off Zhongshan hounds of enforcement. Once this is done, negotiations should be commenced, not to challenge the award, but to set-off the award somehow, either by a monetary arrangement or some other way including possibly re-establishing the JVA….”

plea of sovereign immunity by Guinea to the execution of an award against its property, on the ground that such property was held for sovereign purposes. Perhaps, Nigeria sought to benefit from this precedent, but it did not work. In France, the Paris Tribunal granted the order against the two aircrafts, which has led to this present imbroglio.

Applicable Legal Framework

From the above submission, it is clear that the following instruments have direct relevance to the dispute:

1.Bilateral Investment Treaty between China and Nigeria 2001

2.Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards of 1958 (New York Convention)

3.Joint Venture Agreement between Ogun State and Zhongshan International Investment (Nig) FZE

4.International Law Commission Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts adopted by the ILC in August 2001

5.English Arbitration Act 1996

To answer the questions posited at the beginning of this piece:

Does the Chinese Company Zhongshan have the right to enforce anywhere?

Pursuant to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards of 1958 (New York Convention), they can enforce in any other over 170 signatory countries, pursuant to the obligations embedded in the Convention, especially in Article III.

Are our Sovereign Assets at Risk?

Yes, in every jurisdiction that is a high contracting party to the New York Convention.

How Do We Forestall Future Incidents?

Conclusion

a)The Attorney-General of the Federation is duty-bound, as the Chief Legal Officer, to ensure all pending cases whether in arbitration or litigation, whether based on contract or tort, whether entered into by the Federal or State government, must be taken inventory of immediately.

b)A case strategy designed by a team of Lawyers from both the public and private sector for each

case pending in foreign courts, must be prepared immediately. This means that a robust team should be assembled, with Lawyers from both pools, public and private.

c)The Ministry of Justice must ensure that there is continuity and consistency, in representation of the Federation in foreign courts and tribunals. This calls for a deliberate liaison between the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other High Commissions or Embassies of the nation on the one hand. On the other hand, the MOJ must prioritise cross- border collaboration with Ministries of Justice or similar type agencies in other countries, whether there is prior bilateral judicial assistance arrangements or not. There are model extradition treaties and judicial assistance treaties, that can be adopted specifically for this. If there is none existing with particular nations, then it is high time we make that happen.

d)Proactive collaboration with competent Attorneys, in other jurisdictions where cases are pending against Nigeria. There is no shame in having a foreign firm represent us, especially if we are expected to respond to court processes at short notice.

e)The P&ID and Zhongshan Cases showcase a level of what I would call litigious rascality on the part of the Nigerian Federation, taking on a laissez faire attitude to responding to summons and orders from arbitration panels and foreign courts. Not being a part of the nation’s legal team I cannot say whose fault it is, but someone needs to be held accountable for these lapses.

Is this a National Embarrassment?

It is a monumental embarrassment. In a nation of thousands of qualified Lawyers at home and abroad with glowing advances made across the world, it is shocking to see how we are being made a mockery of in law related issues like this. This is unacceptable, but not a totally hopeless situation. I strongly suggest that Nigeria bypasses panic reactions, and approach the Chinese National Government in Beijing diplomatically for negotiations. Only the Chinese National Government led by President Xi Jinping, can call off Zhongshan hounds of enforcement. Once this is done, negotiations should be commenced, not to challenge the award, but to set-off the award somehow, either by a monetary arrangement or some other way including possibly re-establishing the

china: A choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

JVA between Ogun State and Zhongshan, if the free trade zone has not been built yet. At this point, having slept through our rights to act timeously, let wisdom prevail in averting a national disaster rather than going out daggers drawn against Zhongshan, who like a roaring lion, will not stop enforcement across various jurisdictions until final settlement of the award sum.

Daniel Philips Kip, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association

Zhongshan Case: Taming the Shrew of Executive Impunity and Tardiness in Nigeria

Gozie Francis Moneke

Background

For several days now, Nigerians have been agitated by the puzzling narrative or news of how the Federal Government was more or less overawed and humiliated by a Chinese company, which successfully levied execution against various Nigerian assets including a fleet of presidential jets, pursuant to foreign court orders obtained in the enforcement of an arbitration award against Nigerian government. Without belabouring the depressing story, which has managed to escape fully into the public domain anyway, the objective of this contribution is to interrogate the issues of executive impunity and tardiness, which are perceived by this writer as the main reasons why we got to this point of international opprobrium in the first place.

The Ogun State Government was the primary culprit, by reneging on a 2013 Free Trade Zone JVA with Zhongfu Nig. FZE, a subsidiary of Zhongshan Ltd of China – a breach that was abysmally handled with executive high-handedness, and without recourse to legal due process in deference to the rule of law. The matter therefore, boomeranged and the Federal Government got entangled in the melee and became liable thereto, by virtue of the 2001 Bilateral Investment Treaty with China and by a dint of basic principles of customary International Law and particularly the Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts adopted by the ILC in August, 2001.

Lack of Accountability

The bane of democracy in Nigeria, is the rampant abuse of power and lack of accountability by executive office holders and state agents, especially the law enforcement agencies. The rule of law is wielded only when it suits the whims of those in power, and jettisoned when it is fails to serve their utmost convenience. Thus, court orders are wantonly disregarded and disrespected. Things keep going from bad to worse in Nigeria, because of zero accountability and responsibility. One of

the aircrafts seized by Zhongshan is a brand new aircraft acquired by President Tinubu, at a time when the nation’s economy is in its worst state since independence, when millions of Nigerians are languishing under intense human suffering and starvation as a result of terrible administrative and economic policies of his administration, when we are talking about N70,000 as minimum wage in a country where a bag of rice sells at N95,000 and fuel is N1,000 per litre, what else can you call this if not gross lack of accountability and arrant political irresponsibility.

The President, prior to his assumption of office, was already alleged to be a billionaire, and the First Lady was sometime reported as acknowledging that the first family was already wealthy and did not seek the Presidency for the goodies of office, that they were actuated by the desire to serve. What manner of service is the voting of N150 billion for a new presidential jet, N6.9billion for a fleet of presidential vehicles, N5billion for presidential yacht and N1.5billion for vehicles for an unconstitutional “Office of the First Lady.” All this, while millions of citizens are ululating in lamentations of penury and unprecedented economic quagmire. In saner societies, we had seen accountable and responsible government officials abnegate even their basic salaries as gestures of good faith, in their quest to checkmate their country’s economic downtown. But, our ugly situation in Nigeria, sadly, is that we are saddled with political money bags who struggle to grab power just to amass even more wealth, by looting the scarce resources of

“One of the aircrafts seized by Zhongshan is a brand new aircraft acquired by President Tinubu, at a time when the nation’s economy is in its worst state since independence, when millions of Nigerians are languishing under intense human suffering and starvation as a result of terrible administrative and economic policies of his administration….”

the State for their singular pleasure, without a smattering or modicum of compunction for the plight of the masses. Up until our leaders learn to wear the shoes of the ordinary citizens out there, our story will never change, and our economic woes will only amplify to the peril of a crest fallen citizenry. The era of medical trips abroad, children’s education in foreign schools etc, must be proscribed for those in elective positions, as long as they remain in office. Any foreign trip or vacation by government officials and political office holders, other than important official trips, must be strictly at the person’s personal cost. The Legislature, both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, which are largely becoming executive rubber stamps as they match in tandem in the frenzy of looting the commonwealth, must transition into part time service that is remunerated only by actual sitting allowances. The give and take of accord and satisfaction, as it were, between the Legislature and Executive reeks of malodorous corruption that has kept Nigeria in perpetual economic jeopardy, which will ultimately lead to the collapse of the Nigerian State if left unchecked.

When Lawlessness is Capped With Tardiness

It is this penchant for executive lawlessness, that brought us to this unfortunate scenario of the country’s assets being confiscated by a Chinese company. The arbitrariness that is the order of the day in our daily experience with government in Nigeria, was meted out by Ogun State Government to a Chinese company and its directors, in violation of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Joint Venture Agreement and without advertence to and respect for the tenets of the Bilateral Investment Treaty between China and Nigeria. The Chinese company could only have a tenable recourse to the arbitration clause in the BIT, for redress against Nigeria. Curiously, but not surprisingly, given the usual tardiness of Nigerian Government in responding to critical State matters, there were no timeous challenges against various applications for recognition and enforcement of the $74.5 million Award filed by Zhongshan in US, Canada, UK and France leading

to the dismissal of the various belated responses filed by Nigeria. Nigeria’s defence of sovereign immunity was similarly discountenanced, for want of diligence or tardiness in filing same. In any event, the defence of sovereign immunity would have failed woefully, had it been entertained and ruled on its merit by the various courts. This is because a major exception to the sovereign immunity defence, is that a foreign State waives its immunity when it agrees in writing to submit a dispute to arbitration. In this case, Nigeria waived its sovereign immunity by virtue of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, under which it agreed to submit any dispute with China to arbitration. A tenable defence would have been to robustly challenge the competence of the arbitration proceedings or the Final Award itself, on the basis of Article 9 (3) of the BIT ,which precludes an investor of one of the contracting States from resorting to arbitration after initiation of court proceedings sequel to a dispute. But, surprisingly, Nigeria having brought an application on this ground, quickly withdrew same after Zhongshan filed a counter or reply requesting Nigeria to deposit security for the Final Award and security for costs before it’s application to challenge the Final Award could be entertained.

After all said and done, the coast was clear for Zhongshan Ltd to locate and seize any Nigerian asset in any of the countries where the final award had been recognised and enforcement order thereof granted, hence, the seizure of the Nigerian houses in the United Kingdom valued at about $3 million, and fleet of three presidential aircrafts parked in France. The arm twisting that transpired behind closed doors that compelled the Chinese company to release the new aircraft to the President for his recent trip to France, remains a mystery to us. Most of us do not buy the story of good faith credited to Zhongshan, in releasing the aircraft. It would seem though, that the value of the other aircrafts and the Nigerian UK properties will suffice to fully offset the Final Award debt. The fact that the release of the new aircraft was speedily negotiated, speaks eloquently to the

china: A choke Hold on Nigeria’s Jugular?

vanity behind the acquisition of that lavishly luxurious and prohibitively pricy aircraft. So, when it comes to regaling their vanities at the expense of Nigerians, the Nigerian Government would quickly abandon its proclivity for tardiness and become extremely expeditious. Tardiness is why we take a gingerly step forward, only to take twenty resolute steps backwards in our unique style of governance in Nigeria. Tardiness is why fighting corruption in Nigeria has become not just difficult and dangerous, but a mission impossible.

Conclusion

The tripod cultures of impunity, corruption and tardiness, are the bane of good governance in Nigeria. They comprise the evil wind that has brought disorder, poverty, insecurity, hardship and human suffering in its gale. That tripod Nigerian evil wind was extrapolated to the Zhongshan saga, sadly, to our national embarrassment and international excoriation. Fortunately, there remains some semblance of order in the international legal space, and Nigeria cannot hide under the doctrine of sovereign immunity to shield itself from acts of lawlessness in transacting on that broad international space, and in relating with agents or citizens of foreign nations. Cases such as the Zhongshan experience continue to paint Nigeria in very dark and insipid hue, making it an uninspiring and unattractive destination for foreign investors, which gnaw deeply at our national growth and economic development.

The Federal and State Governments must show clearly, their seriousness and determination to change this ugly narrative by embracing the good governance tenets of accountability and transparency in all of their endeavours. Government at all levels must eschew impunity, and wholeheartedly embrace the rule of law. Tardiness must be jettisoned in all cadres and tiers of Government, by promptly tackling and finding solutions to problems than constantly promising respites that perpetually remain in abeyance, leaving citizens to languish in unmitigated suffering while those in the corridors of power revel in wanton squander-mania of the common wealth.

Gozie Francis Moneke, Executive Director, Human Rights & Empowerment Project Ltd/Gte

Seizing Nigerian Assets is China’s Debt Diplomacy in Plain View

Ed Malik

Background

The trending news that some Chinese investors have taken over Nigeria’s guest houses in Liverpool, advertising them for sale on eBay for $2.2 million, taken together with the recent seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets in

France, is a sore embarrassment beyond belief, to say the least.

A Chinese company called Zhongshang Fucheng had a bad investment deal with Ogun State Government during the tenure of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, which made them approach the International Court of Arbitration. With the verdict in their favour, the Chinese company has intensified efforts on the international frontiers to seize Nigeria’s assets in Europe and North America, in order to collect up to $70 million from a 2021 judgement.

Putting it into Perspective

In a way, let’s put this whole matter in perspective. Personally, I'm sure, in the coming days, China will go after more Nigerian assets. Don't forget, the Buhari administration took so many loans from China using national assets like the refineries, I’m told, as collateral.

Unarguably, those loans will never perform, as they were channelled into corporate vanities of our leaders and government officials. I recall Rotimi Amaechi defended such the gambits, which everyone knows were not carefully scrutinised. Even when the House of Representatives, during a hearing, termed the Chinese loans as dangerous, in a Channels Television report of July 30, 2020, Amaechi defended the decision to borrow from China, saying “There is nothing wrong with ceding sovereignty to China”. Can you imagine that level of thinking?!

What you must know is that the Chinese Communist Party led government is very vicious in recovery efforts for loans, which

“…. the Chinese Communist Party led government is very vicious in recovery efforts for loans, which were designed as definite entrapment for clueless and corrupt African leaders…. The terms of this Chinese loans are usually unsustainable and constrictive….which, in any case, our mindlessly corrupt politicians do not painstakingly scrutinise….”

were designed as definite entrapment for clueless and corrupt African leaders. China has cleverly hoodwinked African nations into a sort of debt diplomacy, where natural assets of African countries are used to indemnify loans, which were programmed to fail, ab nitio. This is the major threat to the sovereignty of the countries, who fall into the Chinese trap.

The terms of this Chinese loans are usually unsustainable and constrictive in the line-by-line articles of understanding, which, in any case, our mindlessly corrupt politicians do not painstakingly scrutinise with the help of professional investment advisers and language consultants.

Some African countries, have been sucked into this evil net. Zambia and Djibouti are now slaves to China, because of their inability to meet their debt obligation leading to seceding or seizing their maritime ecosystem and infrastructures fully into the hands of Chinese. Look at Djibouti for instance. It is a tiny country with a population around one million, sits on the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the biggest and most strategic shipping corridor between Asia and Europe, but can no longer appropriate the benefits from such geographic location because it has debts to pay to China. I understand there are also significant attempts by Chinese companies, to seize some government assets in Kenya and Angola. China

What many African leaders fail to realise is that China is very strategic about the countries they are offering easy loans, as they usually target the natural endowments and economic infrastructure available to seize when there’s default in repayment. In fact, Chinese military personnel are on ground Djibouti and Zambia presently, to ensure compliance to the recovery efforts. Chinese loans have come under increased scrutiny in recent years as more governments have signed deals with China, reported Africa Daily.

The critical aspect which should engage our minds is, why is China in a hurry to give loans or invest or partner with African countries and companies, in recent times? There must be a catch there. According to records, between 2000 and 2020 alone, China lent a total of USD 59.87 billion to African countries and has become the largest creditor to Angola (USD 42.6 billion), Ethiopia (USD

13.7 billion), Zambia (USD 9.8 billion) and Kenya (USD 9.2 billion), which are now struggling to meet their debt obligations, reported Africa Daily. Well, let me just narrow the matter home here. It’s bad press and bad image for Nigeria that a corporate entity is going after its assets globally, because a Governor of a State compromised on his contractual obligations. Perhaps, this will teach us one of two things as a nation. One being that, China does not know friendship when it comes to business. And, two; that the terms of a contract (no matter how fine the prints are), are meant to be obeyed. You cannot breach the terms of a contract, like one involving international individuals or corporations, and think you can hide under sovereign immunity for protection. Under international arbitration processes, it has long been settled that a Sovereign that goes to the market must be prepared to abide by the ordinary rules of the market, as they apply to everyone operating in that marketplace.

Instead of showing remorse and canonical quietude, I understand that Senator Amosun, who is responsible for this national opprobrium, has been grandstanding all over the place, waving the matter off as mere misunderstanding. This is even the crux of the matter. It is alleged that most of the Chinese contracts and MOUs are written in Mandarin without English version, and our politicians and government officials with their eyes only on the pecuniary benefit, usually sign off on the deals without due diligence. If this is true, it is troubling to say the least.

Conclusion

It is a very sad development, indeed. I hope this will be an eye opener for our leaders, who are quick to run to China for project financing without paying attention to details. Then, of course, some drastic measures should be taken to hold Amosun and suchlike to full accountability. It is regrettable that the action of one State has created a global quagmire for the whole country, and we have not heard of sanctions or official inquisition to the origins and details of the unfortunate saga.

Ed Malik, Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator

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Constitutional Autochthony and Referendums for a New Nigerian Constitution: A Comparison With 1999 Provisions (Part 1)

Introduction

Constitution

While it is difficult to give a universally acceptable definition of the word "Constitution”, the Constitution can be defined the “birth certificate” of a nation; the supreme law of the country; and, the most sacred and solemn document. In F.C.D.A v EZINKWO (2007) LPELR-9015(CA), the Court of Appeal, per Mary Peter-Odilli, JCA, held that:

“The Constitution being the organic law of the country and the fons et origo from which all other laws derive their validity, the organic law which prescribes rights, powers, duties and responsibilities, no part of it can be described to be adjectival or procedural law in the sense in which that expression is often used. The Constitution is a substantive law which makes provisions for the procedural law applicable in the various courts established by it”

The origin of most modern constitutions can be found in the desire for a break with the political past, and the need for a new beginning in governance. The Constitution of a State establishes the basic form of government of that State, and pre-eminently defines the prevailing forms of government thereof. (See E. Michael Joyes and Kingsley Igweike; Introduction to the 1979 Nigerian Constitution (1982) pp1-25).

While it may be argued that the Europeans brought constitutional government into the “geographical expression” called Nigeria, it is however, germane to state here that before the incursion of the colonialists, there existed indigenous political institutions in Nigeria. For instance, in the Fulani/Hausa North, there were powerful kingdoms which set up theocratic States with Emirs as spiritual and temporal leaders/heads. In Yorubaland and Igboland, the Yorubas and Igbos also operated an administration similar to the North, with Obas (kings) and Igwes as their respective heads. The old Benin Kingdom was independent, powerful and extensive and could even beat back colonial meddlesome interlopers, which led to the 1897 punitive Expedition of the Colonialists.

Since the exit of Colonial rule, Nigeria has governed itself through successive governments and regimes. Its gestation process finally birthed the 1999 Constitution, which was widely celebrated as it was believed to include the people in the leadership of the country using the principles of democracy and rule of law. However, in the presence of politics and politricks, these principles are far eroding from Nigeria’s Constitution. Thus, there is the need for a new Constitution, one of, from and by the people, to preserve and empower the principles of rule of law and democracy in Nigeria, so that she does not fall back to the Hobbesian state of nature, where life was short, nasty and brutish. This, is what this paper seeks to analyse.

Definition of Constitution

According to Black’s Law Dictionary (6th Edition) P.311, Constitution is defined as the organic and fundamental law of a nation or state, which may be written or unwritten; establishing the character and conception of its government; laying the basic principles to which its internal life is to be conformed; organising the government; regulating, distributing and limiting the functions of its different departments; and, prescribing the extent and manner of the exercise of sovereign powers. A Constitution may be a single document, as the American Constitution, or a group of documents, or even a series of laws and written rules or regulations developed over many centuries, as the British Constitution.

It may also refer to the whole system of government of a country, the collection of rules which establish

and regulate or govern the government. These rules are partly legal, in the sense that courts of law will recognise and apply them, and partly non-legal or extra-legal, taking the form of usages, understandings, customs or conventions which courts do not recognise as law, but, which are not less effective in regulating the government than the rules of law strictly so called.

A Constitution should therefore, be a charter of government, deriving its whole authority from the governed. The mere possession and publication of a Constitution, does not make a government constitutional. A Constitution, or rather a constitutional government, colour of its definition irrespective, ought to be the result of a parallelogram of forces – political, cultural, historical, economic and social – which operate at the time of its adoption. Thus, we may expect that the Constitutions of different countries will be to the extent of the political, economic and social forces in such countries. It becomes inevitable, therefore, that the Constitution of a particular country will be tailored to meet the needs of that country.

History of Nigeria’s Constitutional Journey

Before the emergence of a country called Nigeria, as conceived by our colonial masters, the Nigerian space was made up of independent Kingdoms, Nations and Empires that existed on their own, separate from each other. Though Nigeria gained her independence in 1960, she actually came into existence as “Nigeria”, as pronounced in the

“The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 introduced full ministerial responsibilities, provided for appointment of a Premier in each of the three regions in the Federation, regionalised the public service, Judiciary and the marketing boards, as well as provided for revenue allocation based on the principle of derivation”

London Times on 8th January, 1897, by a young British Journalist, Miss Flora Louisa Shaw who later married Lord Sir Baron Frederick Lugard, the Governor-General who amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates to found Nigeria, on 1st January, 1914. She had coined Nigeria as a shorter name, for the “agglomeration of Pagan and Mohammedan States”, to replace the rather lengthy official title of Nigeria, “Royal Niger Company Territories”.

Pre-Independence History

The Amalgamation of 1914

The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was executed by three distinct Constitutional instruments, all of which were made under the authority of the colonial office in London. These instruments together form what may be termed the “first Constitution” of Nigeria. Although, the Constitution was really the making of one man, Sir Frederick Lugard, its key features included the appointment of a single Governor and Commander-in-Chief for the whole country, while retaining the hitherto existing Executive and Legislative Councils of the colony of Lagos.

Clifford’s Constitution of 1922

Sir Hugh Clifford succeeded Sir Frederick Lugard as Governor of Nigeria in 1919, and he imputed some reforms as a result of pressures from the West African Congress, a nationalist group led by Casely Harford. The new Constitution introduced by Clifford in 1922 replaced both the Legislative Council of 1862 (which was enlarged in 1914) and the Nigerian Council of 1914. The Legislative Council made laws for the Colony and Southern provinces, while the Governor continued to legislate for the North by means of Proclamation. Sir Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922 primarily introduced the conduct of elections into the country, and encouraged formation of the first indigenous political party in Nigeria in 1923, led by Herbert Macaulay.

The Richard’s Constitution of 1946 By 1943, when Sir Arthur Richards succeeded Sir

Bernard Bourdillon as the Governor of Nigeria, the political atmosphere in the country at the time had already become charged with increased widespread agitation from the nationalist groups for constitutional reforms. Sir Richards then responded swiftly, perhaps, for the fear of political unrest, by making proposal for a new Constitution for Nigeria. His proposals were aimed at promoting the unity of Nigeria; providing adequately within that desire for the diverse elements which made up the country; and, securing great participation by Nigerians in the discussion of their own affairs.

The white paper embodying these proposals, was subsequently tabled before the Legislative Council for its approval and adoption. A motion for this purpose by the acting Chief Secretary was carried, after a brief debate, with only Dr N.T. Olusoga dissenting (the then Member, Representing Ijebu Division). The proposals were soon afterwards dispatched to London where, after minor amendments, they were passed into law in August, 1946. It finally came into force in January, 1947. Richard’s Constitution of 1946 principally ended the long exclusion of the Northern Provinces, in the administration of the country. It integrated the Northern Provinces into the main Legislative and Executive Councils, and enabled more Nigerians in the political process.

The Macpherson Constitution of 1951

The making of the Macpherson Constitution gave Nigerians their first opportunity of expressing themselves through the type of Constitution they desired, by the setting up of a select Committee of the Legislative Council to review the 1946 Richards Constitution. The Committee also consisted of all the unofficial members of the Council, together with the three provincial Chief Commissioners, the Attorney-General, the Financial Secretary and the Chief Secretary, who was the Chairman.

The review and consultations with the people, were done by compiling a series of questionnaires which were then submitted for discussions and comments at various meetings; first at provincial and divisional conferences, followed by regional conferences, and then, Lagos and Colony conferences rounded up with the General Conference (Legislative Council Debates, 11th March, 1949). These constitutional processes took place between 1949 and 1950, with a draft proposal on the Constitution adopted at the general conference at Ibadan.

The draft was subsequently approved by the select Committee of the Legislative Council and the full Council, before it was sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies for his approval. The Secretary, in his dispatch to the Governor, dated 15th July, 1950, gave general approval to the draft proposals. The draft finally formed the basis of the new Constitution, in the form of the Nigeria (Constitution) Orderin-Council of 1951. Macpherson’s Constitution of 1951 essentially increased regional autonomy, and established larger and more representative Legislatures with wide powers in the regions and at the centre.

The Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954

Barely two years into its operation, the 1951 Constitution broke down. Several factors led to this, the most prominent being the ethnic rivalry between the Igbos and the Yorubas, which by this time had escalated and was fast spreading to the North. Consequently, two Constitutional conferences were held in London in 1953 and Lagos in 1954, to review the 1951 Constitution. At these Conferences, an agreement was reached between the representatives of the three major political parties (then more or less in power in each of the regions) on one hand, and the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the other.

Part of the agreement was to create the fullest possible authority for the regions under a truly Federal Constitution, as opposed to the mere decentralised structure of the 1951 Constitution. The new structure (Constitution) came into effect from 1st October, 1954. The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 introduced full ministerial responsibilities, provided for appointment of a Premier in each of the three regions in the Federation, regionalised the public service, Judiciary and the marketing boards, as well as provided for revenue allocation based on the principle of derivation. (To be continued)

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Federalism is an intrinsic part of our constitutional set-up.(Naveen Patnaik)

e-Dividend: SEC Directs Shareholders to Mandate Accounts through Portal

Kayode Tokede

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed shareholders to access the edividend portal through its official website.

The Director General of the SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama who stated this in an interview recently, emphasised that the process is safe and urged investors to take advantage of the opportunity to mandate their accounts.

Agama said, “if you access that portal from the SEC website, it is genuine. The only other website that is genuine that it can be accessed from is the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System website

because that platform was built in conjunction with NIBSS.

“This is very important knowing fully well the cyber security threats that exists in this space. You cannot run away from the fact that a lot of people might be trying to clone the website like they do for other institutions. But my guide is simply go to the SEC website www.sec.gov.ng which is fully protected and access it.”

He stated that requesting for Bank Verification Number on the portal is not out of place because for now it is the most authentic retrieval of information in the financial space.

He said, “We need to verify

that you are who you say you are. If the BVN provided does not match with your identity, it means it’s not yours. As an institution we try to protect the investor and protect us too as regulators. We will try to make it as easy as possible and also as protected as possible too.”

Agama said the issue of unclaimed dividends to the SEC is a very important topic because it speaks to the investors themselves.

The SEC Boss said the reason why investors come to the market is to have returns and when the return is not getting to them it becomes a challenge and the SEC is very serious about it.

FCMB, Stakeholders Push to Expand Nigeria’s Non-oil Export Trade

Urgent and bold actions are needed to transform Nigeria’s non-oil sector into the primary driver of economic growth, according to policymakers, financiers, export trade experts, and value chain players who gathered for a seminar on non-oil export organised by First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

The seminar, the sixth edition of the bank’s non-oil export series titled, “Refocusing Nigeria’s Economic Development Through Non-Oil Exports,” aimed to strengthen the growth of non-oil exports, support the government’s diversification efforts and explore opportunities to help businesses navigate the global market. The seminar affirms FCMB’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth by building a supportive ecosystem rooted in Africa that connects people, capital, and markets.

In her welcome address, Managing Director of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, said, “By working together to create a stable operating environment, develop essential export infrastructure, champion international trade diplomacy, and secure sustainable funding, we can pave the way for the enduring success of Nigeria’s export sector.

As of June 2024, FCMB facilitated over $900 million in export flows and $140 million in remittances.”

Edun also emphasised the importance of leveraging opportunities in the export trade sector, noting Nigeria’s strong position as a leading grower of cash crops.

“Despite challenges, stakeholders are determined to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, and FCMB is committed to supporting businesses in this effort,” she said. In a keynote address, NEPC

CEO Nonye Ayeni discussed the need for exporters to scale up production and improve product quality to achieve global competitiveness. She highlighted the Council’s “Export 35 Refined” initiative, which focuses on providing special support for the top 20 agricultural products that have the potential to generate significant revenue.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the NCS has implemented several initiatives to enhance export trade. Represented by Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako, Adeniyi mentioned the creation of the Lilypond Export Command as a one-stop shop for facilitating export cargo, capacity building, system automation, process improvements, and partnerships with international trade stakeholders.

Nigeria Elected to Chair Council of African Institute of Geospatial Science

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria has been elected chairman, governing council of the African Institute for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (AFRIGIST) at its 55th council meeting in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.

The Surveyor General of the Federation, Abuduganiyu Adebomehin, as a representative of the Nigeria government

will steer the council’s leadership for the next two years, a statement from the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation said.

The 55th council meeting also approved the admission of the Republic of Liberia as a new council member and the appointment of a statutory committee of the governing council, which cut across member states.

In his acceptance speech,

the Surveyor General of the Federation said: “On behalf of the Nigerian government, I want to assure you that this tenure will be a highly successful one that will be proud of by the member countries.

“I want to sincerely appreciate and thank the outgoing chairman of the council (Ghana) for his commitment and resilience to the council over these years.”

Obaseki, Oba of Benin Leads Launch of N500m Fund for Uneme Communities

The Edo state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Oku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II are billed to lead the launch of N500 million naira education and security trust fund for Uneme communities in the northern part of the state, organisers have disclosed.

The event, which takes place on the 14th of September 2024 at the La VOD hotel in Benin, is aimed at addressing the deteriorating educational and security situations in nine Uneme communities as well as honour illustrious sons and daughters who have contributed to the development of their communities.

Speaking ahead of the launch, President of Uneme

National Development Association (UNDA), Prince Babatunde Obabori said the education and security situations in the Uneme speaking communities has become worrisome to sons and daughters at home and the diasporas, hence the need for quick intervention by the national body. He said Governor Obaseki will serve as the Chief Guest of Honour while the Oba of Benin is the grand royal father of the occasion as well as host traditional rulers of Uneme communities including the Chairman of Uneme Traditional Rulers Council, the Oliola of Anegbette and Clan Head of South Uneme, Alhaji Yakubu Momodu Ugbodaga and the Ogienoruele of Erhurun and Clan Head of Central Uneme,

Oba Moses Omoarelogie Braimoh.

The 500 million naira funds he explained will among others be channel into renovation and furnishing of classrooms and residential accommodations for teachers, provision of classroom furniture, building of libraries, purchase of library materials and encourage the recruitment and sponsorship of community teachers for schools in the various communities.

The rest include the provision of scholarship, grants and bursary to students in tertiary institutions, the establishment of a pan Uneme security architecture and the provision of vehicles and motorcycle for vigilante groups in the communities.

Nwosu: African Prudential Poised to Take Advantage of New Market Opportunities

Kayode Tokede

The Managing Director/CEO, African Prudential Plc, Mrs. Catherine Nwosu, yesterday revealed that the only listed registrar company on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) is poised to take advantage of new market opportunities, grow its revenue and satisfy customers.

Speaking virtual during the company’s “investors relations call” on half year (H1) ended June 2024 unaudited result

and accounts, Nwosu said the company recently completed a strategic retreat and discovered mind blowing opportunities within Nigeria and outside the shores of the country, assuring shareholders that the management would present itself to tape from these opportunities.

African Prudential had declared N2.03 billion net operating income in H1 2024, about 24 per cent increase from N1.63billion reported in H1 2023, driven by N1.48 billion interest income in

H1 2024 from N950.41 million reported in H1 2023.

The growth impacted on bottom-line as profit before tax stood at N1.13billion in H1 2024, representing an increase of 89per cent from N597.22 million reported in H1 2023, while profit after tax moved from N415.07 million in H1 2023, increasing about 88per cent to N779.4 million in H1 2024.

Beyond the surge in interest income from investment, she expressed that the company

executed 10 transactions within the period under review.

“So, these bring additional income to our business, and we’ll continue to do more to engage more clients, because that is our core business, and that is where the bulk of our revenues will be coming from,” she added.

On business look, she said,

“We will maintain our focus on the fixed income market, taking advantage of high interest rates to ensure consistent returns to

investors.

“Our investor engagement is very critical to us, so we will continue to leverage on a multi-channel approach to provide best in-class customer experience across all our touch points.

“We will consistently excite our clients by providing proactive, data driven insights for their business growth.

“We will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders to drive profitability and increase market penetration. Cost opti-

mization is key to our growth, and will continue to drive our cost down, maintaining quality products and services.

“Risk management is also very key to us to drive our core business through leveraging a robust risk management framework.

“We will launch an additional range of new products and innovative services. These offerings are designed to the diverse needs and expectations of our esteemed investors.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF AUGUST 26/24

A former INEC National Commissioner, Dr Mustafa Lecky, celebrated his 70th birthday recently. Reception held on Saturday August 3, at the FCT. Below are some members of his family, friends and well wishers who graced the occasion

Nigeria managed to produce a total volume of 276.6 million barrels of crude oil in the first seven months of 2024, but recorded a deficit of circa 55 million barrels during the period under review, THISDAY has found.

This means that out of 331.8 million barrels, which the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) expected Nigeria to add to global oil supply, the country was only able to produce 276.6 million barrels, an undersupply of 55.1 million barrels or over 18 per cent.

In June last year, OPEC+ cut Nigeria’s output target for 2024 to 1.38 million barrels per day from 1.74 million bpd for 2023, reflecting the fact that for years Nigeria had failed to meet its targets.

The group, however, agreed to give Nigeria a 2024 quota of 1.58

Peter Uzoho

The Independent Project Monitoring Company Limited (IPMC), has introduced an asset integrity management software called, ‘VAIL-Plant Inspection Software’ for the Nigerian oil and gas industry which it said, will help operators to boost the nation’s oil production by keeping facilities in good condition.

The solution provider also said the software has the capacity

million bpd, subject to independent verification that it could really pump that much, after the country protested the figure.

But analysis of data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that Nigeria produced 44.2 million barrels of crude oil in January; pumped 38.3 million barrels of oil in February and 38.1 million barrels in March this year.

In April, total production was 38.4 million; in May, 38.8 million barrels were pumped and 38.3 million barrels were achieved in June while the latest released data for July production was 40.5 million barrels too climb to 276.6 million barrels.

According to the upstream regulator’s figures, Nigeria produced an average of 1.43 million barrels of crude oil per day in January, the highest this year, while in February, output

to bring down the cost of oil production in Nigeria by between 10 to 15 per cent.

The Chairman of IPMC, Mr. Robert Ade-Odiachi, told THISDAY on the sidelines of the IPMC-VAIL Inspection Software Solution for Asset Integrity Managers’ conference held in Lagos, that the unique technology was designed to address critical challenges posed by ageing infrastructure in Nigeria’s oil and

dropped to 1.32 million bpd, further reducing to 1.23 million bpd in March.

In April, crude oil appreciated marginally to 1.28 million bpd before falling again to 1.25 million bpd in May, then rose marginally to 1.28 million bpd in June, while in July it was 1.3 million bpd.

But despite the appreciable rise in crude oil production recent months, the country is yet to meet its OPEC quota of 1.58 million bpd.

However, OPEC does not calculate condensates, which when added saw Nigeria’s total volume of oil rise to 1.533 million bpd in July.

Recently, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, stated that the country was aiming to reach a daily production of 2 million barrels by 2025.

Nigeria blames massive oil theft; pipeline vandalism as well as outright theft of its oil for its inability to meet its OPEC quota and by extension

gas production and evacuation facilities.

Ade-Odiachi said the software offers 12 modules for clients, including the Asset Performance Management System (APMS), Pressurised Equipment Management System (PEMS), Structure Integrity Management System (SIMS), and Pipeline Integrity Management System (PIMS), Electrical Instrument and Rotary Management Systems,

satisfy its aspiration to raise output considerably.

The country is desperately in need of FX to boost the value of the Naira compared to the dollar, a yearning that has remained largely hobbled due to underproduction of crude oil.

But despite the continuing target of 2 million barrels of daily production by the authorities, uncertainty continues to surround Nigeria’s production figures, following its inability to raise output significantly for months.

Aside prolonged lack of investment in the oil sector, Nigeria blames its inability to raise oil output on massive theft as well as outright sabotage.

During the seven-month period, most of the production came from Bonny, Brass, Qua Iboe, Forcados, Escravos, Odudu, among others.

When condensates are added, the data showed that its production

Pressure Safety Valves Management Systems (PSVMS), and Lifting Equipment Management System (LEMS) among others.

He pointed out that oil production assets in the country were decades old and had not been properly maintained for years, adding that most of Nigeria’s oil production facilities ranging from pipelines to flow stations were in a dilapidated state, contributing to reduced production capacity.

exceeded 200, 000 barrels per day from January to July this year, to significantly boost output.

At the recently concluded Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition (NOG) in Abuja, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), said it was declaring a state of emergency on the sector due to Nigeria’s persistent inability to meet its OPEC production.

“We have declared war on the challenges affecting our crude oil production. War means war. We have the right tools. We know what to fight. We know what we have to do at the level of assets. We have engaged our partners. And we will work together to improve the situation,” NNPC’s Mele Kyari said.

Many oil wells continue to be shut in as producers find it difficult to take them to the terminals, with either old or vandalised pipelines.

The country had also recently resorted to the use of barges in a

Also speaking, the Senior Manager of Asset Integrity at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr. Albert Echibe, highlighted the regulator’s commitment to ensuring compliance in asset management and production processes.

He commended IPMC for introducing the technology to the industry, expressing his satisfaction with the VAIL-Plant software for its real-time monitoring features,

desperate effort to raise production in the country, which still gets up to 85 per cent of all foreign exchange earnings from the commodity. In spite of the lack of capacity to meet OPEC production quota, Nigeria’s crude oil production increased by 16.7 million barrels in the first six months of 2024, compared to the same period last year, a THISDAY analysis of data from NUPRC showed.

Although still significantly lower than the expected production during the period, this was a 7.3 per cent growth in crude oil production put side by side the output for 2023. At an estimated average Brent crude oil price per barrel of $85 in 2024, it showed that the country may have made an additional gross amount of $1.41 billion compared to the same period last year.

which would allow NUPRC to oversee operators’ maintenance activities remotely.

“We can now view the integrity status of critical infrastructure directly from the regulator’s office, and this will help us enforce the guidelines we set in 2023,” Echibe said.

He emphasised that the regulator was actively working with operators to ensure that guidelines were followed.

L-R: Chief Information Officer, FirstBank, Adewale Salami; Group Head, Corporate Banking Group (Manufacturing 2), Aina Dele Adegbola; Group Executive, Transaction Banking, Olaitan Martins; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FirstBank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu; Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja and Financial Controller, FirstBank, Yemi Adesanya during the commemorative tree planting of 50,000 trees at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos…recenty

Court Award Golden Guinea N10bn Damages over International Breweries’ Infringement of Its Trade Mark

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the International Breweries Plc and Anheuser Busch InBev (AB InBev) as the defendants to stop infringing and interfering on the registered trademark of Eagle Stout rightly belonging to Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Umuahia, Abia State hereinafter referred to as the Plaintiff.

In the judgment order on suit No: FHC/PH/CS/647/2016 delivered on the 6th day of March, 2024 before His Lordship, Hon. Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam, the court ordered that the plaintiff as the proprietor of the trade mark “Eagle Stout” registered as No. 21153 in class 32 at the Nigerian Trade Mark Registry Abuja, is entitled to the exclusive

CITN Applauds LASG for New Revenue Portal

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN) has endorsed the new Lagos State Revenue Portal (LRP), foreseeing increased revenue generation and dividends for the masses.

President of the institute, Samuel Agbeluyi in a statement disclosed further that the tech-driven initiative will set transparency standards and discourage foul practices.

According to him,the LRP has potential to improve tax compliance, promote fiscal prudence and smoothen Lagos Revenue Administration Process.

He noted that the prevailing tax system in most states was such that encourage multiple agencies to approach taxpayers and business

owners with multiple bills.

He worried that this approach creates a burden of compliance and increases the cost of doing business.

“This leads to revenue loss and low collections”, he stated.

Describing the initiative, he said, “The portal aggregates multiple bills under one platform, easing the payment and administration process for both taxpayers and the government.

This will facilitate ease of doing business, monitoring of revenues, strategic decision-making and will promote a professionalized and efficient revenue administration regime,” he asserted.

He encouraged other states to adopt similar initiatives, noting that it would enhance taxation and deepen public trust in government.

Food Security: FG to Support Farmers to Mitigate Agricultural Risks

The federal government has taken steps to incorporate Agricultural Insurance into its National Agricultural Growth Scheme AgroPocket (NAGS-AP) programme, a move aimed at mitigating agricultural risks and ensuring food security.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this at a workshop on the implementation of the NAGS-AP programme in Abuja.

The NAGS-AP, a Federal Government’s intervention programme for farmers, commenced in the 2023 dry season farming with wheat cultivation.

Abudullahi said the workshop was organized to educate stakeholders on the features and benefits of agricultural insurance for Nigerian farmers.

“We are gathered here to discuss and agree on incorporating agricultural insurance into the NAGSAP programme which commenced in the 2023 dry season farming with wheat cultivation. So far, we have

been fortunate to have favourable production due to good weather, resulting in a bountiful harvest.

“It is our objective and responsibility to protect the investment and interventions being made by the government and our financing partner, the African Development Bank (AfDB), via NAGS-AP. This is to address the sustainability and security of our local food systems, especially given our growing population,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the Managing Director, Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), Mrs Folashade Joseph underscored the importance of insurance on agricultural activities in the dry and wet farming seasons to farmers.

She expressed the readiness of NAIC to continue to partner with stakeholders in agricultural and other sectors of the economy, with sound insurance and other risk management expertise.

use of the mark for the production, sale and distribution of the product in the Nigerian market.

The court also ordered a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and each of those on whose behalf it is used, whether by themselves, their directors, officers, servants, agents or privies or any of them or otherwise whosoever from; infringing the plaintiff’s trade mark registered as ‘’Eagle Stout’’ as No. 21153 in class 32 at the Nigerian Trade Mark Registry.

“Passing of or attempting to pass of or causing, enabling or

assisting others to pass of “Eagle Stout” and for the plaintiff’s Eagle Stout products by adopting the distinctive words “Eagle Stout” on the packets, packages or bottles of the said product falsely claiming the same to be the product of the plaintiff.”

The judge contended that following the evidence before the court, “it is my considered opinion that the Defendants’ counter-claim is lacking in merit, thus the Defendants cannot be adjudged to be entitled to their reliefs as contained in the counter-claim, same is hereby

dismissed.”

The court further ordered the destruction of all infringing “Eagle Stout” product in the possession/ custody or control of the Defendants, the sale, distribution, and use of which would be a breach of the injunction prayed for by the Plaintiff.

Furthermore, the court ordered the obliteration of all marks upon oath, all containers, cartons, show cards, display materials, signboards, advertisements, circulars, notepapers, business cards, Letter-heads, stationery, labels, wrappers, photocopies or other

printed materials or other products, papers or marked articles bearing the mark/name “Eagle Stout” in the possession/custody or control of the Defendants.

The court finally made an order to inquiry or at the Plaintiff’s option an account of that part of the joint and several profits of the Defendants to which the Plaintiff is entitled and payment of all sums found due upon taking such inquiry or account, and awarded a general damages in the sum of N10 billion and another cost in the sum of N5 million only in favour of the Plaintiff.

Stanbic IBTC Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Lives

Funmi Ogundare

Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, recently celebrated the 10th edition of its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, ‘Together4ALimb Walk,’ themed ‘Wellness in Motion 2.0.’

The event, held to support underprivileged children, welcomed 36 new participants this year, reinforcing Stanbic IBTC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of children with limb loss.

CEO of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Dr. Demola Sogunle, spoke about the profound effects of limb loss on children’s emotional and psychological well-being.

He emphasised the organisation’s comprehensive support approach, addressing not only medical needs, but also the financial and social challenges faced by families. Sogunle urged businesses to recognise the complex nature of limb loss and to offer support that addresses both visible and hidden challenges.

“Since its launch in 2015, the Together4ALimb initiative has significantly impacted 55 children by providing prosthetic limbs and establishing educational trust funds of N1.5 million for each beneficiary. To date, it has supported 136 beneficiaries nationwide, ensuring annual prosthetic limb replacements until age 18,” the CEO stressed.

First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended the initiative’s impact and the organisation’s consistent commitment to social responsibility.

She stressed the importance of supporting children who have experienced limb loss, highlighting that such support helps them reach their full potential and fosters a sense of societal care and inclusion.

“In today’s world, our society has realised that physical disability is not inability and therefore should not, in any way, hinder anyone from achieving something positive in life,” she said.

Founder and CEO of IfeanHealth Orthopaedics, Ejike Anih, commended Stanbic

IBTC for its milestones with Together4ALimb. He noted that the initiative addresses the needs of underprivileged children often overlooked by systemic structures, setting a standard for corporate responsibility by demonstrating how businesses can effect meaningful change.

Corps Commander, Medical, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Samson Okoigi, lauded the initiative for its crucial role in providing hope and support. He emphasized the alignment of the initiative with the Nigerian Army’s mission to rehabilitate and support those affected by limb loss, underscoring the emotional and psychological impact of such challenges.

Group Hails Eno’s N200m Interest Free Loan to Arewa Community

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

A group, Nasarawa People’s Development Forum, last Friday hailed the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for initiating a N200 million interest free loan facility for Arewa community resident in Akwa Ibom State.

Eno had recently announced a sum of N200 million interest-free

loan to the Arewa Community in the state.

Speaking in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, at a reception in honour of the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Arewa Community, Hon Ibrahim Iliya, the group’s chairman, Hon Buhari Musa Tunga, said northerners were proud of Eno’s visionary approach to governance.

Tunga said: “We are proud

of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers and their economy.”

He, therefore, cautioned beneficiaries of the Akwa Ibom State governor’s N200 million interest free loan facility to invest the money wisely so as to improve their economic status, that of Akwa Ibom State and the country at large.

The celebrant and Special

Assistant to the Akwa

According to Iliya, “I will strive to ensure that there is sustained cordial relationship between the

community and the diverse ethnic nationalities in Akwa Ibom State.”

Nigeria Partners Shelter Afrique to Deliver 5,000 Housing Units

Nigeria Partners Shelter Afrique to Deliver 5,000 Housing Units

The federal government in partnership with Shelter Afrique Development (ShafDB) is set to deliver 5000 housing units as part of effort to provide housing for Nigerians.

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, made this known while speaking on the achievements of the ministry within one year in office.

“Under the partnership, the Pan-African housing institution will support the Renewed Hope Program with advisory services and

financing of competent developers.

We are looking at about 5,000 housing units in the pilot scheme.

“This will be the first time the ministry is entering into such a practical and direct partnership with a multi-lateral institution for the construction of homes for Nigerians. Nigeria is the second largest shareholder in ShafDB after Kenya with over $29 million share subscription,’’ he said.

Dangiwa promised to explore all possible housing financing options to tackle the massive housing deficit that faced the country.

He recalled that upon assuming

office, an action plan was developed in line with the priorities and deliverables of President Bola Tinubu.

The action plan, according to him, was to guide the ministry in implementing reforms and initiatives to increase access to affordable housing and unlock the potential in the housing sector.

“We may not have the financial war chest, but we have to leverage as a government.

For too long, we have failed to maximize our relationships with bilateral and multi-lateral institutions, including those that

we have substantial interests.

“We have seen where smaller African countries are taking advantage of these housing development institutions to boost housing for their citizens while we simply watch. Within this one year, we have taken steps to change this,” he said.

Dangiwa said over the past one-year, substantial progress had been recorded and the ministry was exploring a partnership with the World Bank on land reform, specifically, the implementation of a National Land Titling Programme.

Police: We’ll Hunt Down Killers of Our Officers in Abuja, HURIWA Supports Move

The Nigeria Police, yesterday, vowed to hunt down the killers of two police officers, who were murdered during an attack on a police checkpoint by Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Wuse District, Abuja, on Sunday.

The police described the killing of the officers in the line of duty as outrageous and unacceptable, adding that those who murdered the policemen have murdered peace.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who made the vow in Abuja, disclosed that no fewer than 97 followers of IMN were in police net.

Egbetokun equally disclosed that the police had put in place measures to ensure that those who killed the cops did not escape the wrath of law.

A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the police condemned, in strong terms, the unprovoked

attack by members of the proscribed IMN, commonly known as the Shi'ite group, on the police personnel in Abuja on August 25.

"As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers," the statement said.

Adejobi stated that the incident occurred at Wuse Junction by the traffic light, where assailants targeted a police checkpoint and descended on policemen on duty.

He said the attackers, who were armed with machetes, improvised explosive devices, and knives, embarked on several violent attacks, which left two police officers dead, instantly, and three others unconscious. He said the injured officers were receiving treatment at a hospital, and added that three police patrol vehicles were also set ablaze during the attack.

The police spokesman stated that the progressive efforts of police operatives had led to the arrest of 97

Tinubu Mourns Late Borno Finance Commissioner

Describes his demise as a huge, painful loss As Shettima leads mourners at funeral

Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his condolences to the governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, over the passing away of his Commissioner of Finance, Hon. Ahmed Ali Ahmed.

The President, according to a release issued on Monday by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, also condoled with the family of the late commissioner and described his passing as a huge and painful loss.

President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort to his family at this difficult time.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima joined the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and other dignitaries, associates, and family members in attending the funeral of the state's late Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Alhaji Ahmed Ali Ahmed, on Monday, in Maiduguri.

The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Laisu Ibrahim.

Ahmed died in his sleep on Mon-

day at his residence in Maiduguri at the age of 42, leaving behind two children, a wife, an aged mother, and many brothers and sisters.

Until his death, he was Borno’s Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development. He served with Zenith Bank Plc for over 17 years, rising to the position of Deputy Manager before joining politics.

Dignitaries who attended the funeral include: the APC Deputy National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori; Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the House of Representatives; Borno APC Chairman, Bello Ayuba; and members of the Borno State House of Assembly.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led other members of the Borno Emirate Council, comprising the Waziri of Borno, Mutawali Shettima.

The funeral prayer was also attended by members of the Borno State Executive Council, led by the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Alhaji Bukar Tijani, members of the political class, and senior officials of the Borno State Government.

suspects and the recovery of several weapons used in the attack, in line with the directive of Egbetokun.

Adejobi said the IGP also reaffirmed the unalloyed zeal of the force to arrest others involved and bring the killers to justice. He emphasised his commitment to maintaining law and order and resisting all sorts of anarchy and unrest in any part of the country, the statement said.

The IGP offered his sympathies to the grieving families of the fallen officers, mourning their loss and also wishing those currently undergoing treatment speedy recovery.

At the same time, the Com-

missioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ben Igweh, said the police will hunt down and prosecute the members of the Shi’ite movement who attacked and killed the police officers on Sunday. Igweh said this in an interview with ARISE NEWS, where he also debunked claims from members of the Shi’ite movement that they were attacked by police officers.

He stated, “The Shi’ite movement has been proscribed. They don’t have right of procession, and they don’t have right of assembly. As far as law is concerned, they are not in existence. So, what happened today, they just came, because they will

trickle in one by one as if to say they want to go and pray in the mosque, they will be trickling in.

“Before you know it, one-one, two-two, they have gathered, and they have already had their plans. You can’t believe that these people that came here. It’s a coordinated act. They have already agreed to attack security agencies. I can authoritatively tell you that. And that was what they came to do, and they did it successfully, unprovoked.”

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed deep concern over the clash between Shi’ites members and the police.

HURIWA criticised the confronta-

tion.

While condemning the killing of the police officers, HURIWA emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime were apprehended, prosecuted, and severely punished to deter future occurrences. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group called for thorough investigation into the incident, stressing that the actions of those involved in the attack on the police are not only reprehensible but must be met with the full weight of the law.

Owolabi Salis Ends Pilgrimage to North Pole, Urges Africans to Extol Their Roots

US-based lawyer, High Chief Owolabi Salis, has returned to base, after a two-week pilgrimage to the North Pole, having earlier embarked on a journey to the distant end of the Planet Earth, the South Pole in December 2023.

A statement said the recent religious tourism to the remarkably frigid zones of the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, made him the first Nigerian ever to explore both the North and South Poles within a season.

On his return from the latest epic making Pilgrimage to the North Pole, Salis, who is also the spiritual leader of ‘The Soul Maker's Ministry worldwide’, urged African governments and its people to pay strong attention to their roots.

He argued that there was a strong bond of connection between the spiritual economy and the physical world economy.

“Paying strong heed and cognisance to your roots has the tendency of lifting Africans out of the present predicament that lamentably locates them at the backwaters of developments in the contemporary global order," said Salis, adding that "It is unfortunate that the majority of Africans presently worship foreign spirits which do not have their back”.

He argued that every human being has three roots, the first root being The Soul Maker, second root being the parents and the third roots being familial ancestors.

“You can only worship your first root, the Soul Maker because the spirit being is the one that makes and owns your soul and that of your parents and familial ancestors.

“You cannot worship your parents

and familial ancestors. You can only celebrate, honour and pray for them but you cannot worship them because they did not create or own your soul,” he said.

To bear spiritual fruits, he said it was important to water the roots by worshiping The Soul Maker, who is the Almighty Lord of the Universe and respecting and honouring parents and familial ancestors.

“The foregoing message is apparently visible everywhere in nature. Take a tree that you plant for example. If you fail to water it, it will die but if you water it, it will bear fruits and your economy will improve. But if you abandon your own tree to water another person's tree, that person's tree will bear fruits and the economy of that person will improve.

“Many earthly religions are all designed from certain ancestral roots with links to idols or supernatural myths built around a particular personality or nation etc. Before you pay obeisance to anything, you have to ask yourself, is it part of your root, if not, you don't need to pay obeisance to it because it is of no value to you.

“If you do, your spirit will be harvested for the ancestral root or owner that created it. The spiritual economy of the ancestral owners improves while the spiritual economy of the ‘alien devotee’ with no ancestral root to that strange religion, he professes, declines.

“One hopes that this analogy is clearly understood, especially in terms of the danger, foolishness and profitability inherent in watering a religion, which does not derive from your ancestral root,” he stated.

He added that it was important

to free oneself from attaching an idol imagery or concept to that spirit being or to the soul because the soul that was delivered to give life unto everyone is a pure soul which is very fragile.

Doing this , he said, it can infest and corrupt the soul marking the beginning of earthly problems of various nature.

“To bear spiritual fruits, it is important you water your roots and you do so by worshiping The Soul Maker, who is the Almighty Lord of the Universe and respecting and honouring your parents and familial ancestors.

“The foregoing message is apparently visible everywhere in nature. Take a tree that you plant for example. If you fail to water it, it will die but if you water it, it will bear fruits and your economy will improve. But if you abandon your own tree to water another person's tree, that person's tree will bear fruits and the economy of that person will improve.

“Many earthly religions are all designed from certain ancestral roots with links to idols or supernatural myths built around a particular personality or nation etc.

“Before you pay obeisance to anything, you have to ask yourself, is it part of your root, if not, you don't need to pay obeisance to it because it is of no value to you. If you do, your spirit will be harvested for the ancestral root or owner that created it,” he argued. To improve on spiritual wisdom, he urged people to seek knowledge in nature discoveries and avoid discussing unfounded stories of men whose main purpose is to conquer souls for

their idol images and doctrines of which the major victims are African people and their governments. Its goal in the ministry, he said, is to recover devotees from stories of human beings and imposed bondages that have infected the world with physical and spiritual crises.

“Our planet, the only home we have, was so infested with idol worship of various forms to the extent that some diverse nations have repackaged their national idols or national gods as the Universal Creator of the Universe.

“This is an insult to the Spirit Being. There are many repackaging and beliefs that are competing and conflicting with one another. All of them are selfish stories of human beings. These repackaging should be discouraged because they are the source of damaging conflicts we are experiencing on our planet Earth. There are fighting and killings everywhere and these must stop.

“Most if not all of these believers are idol worshipers. They worship their national gods (idols) which were repackaged to others as Universal. You will often hear ‘God of this nation’ and stories of ‘God of this protecting this nation against that’. Or ‘God destroyed a nation for another nation’. You will also hear the stories of ‘God discriminating against another nation or God favours one nation as privileged over another nation’. It is only idol-ish interests that discriminate.

“When there is such a discrimination, it is not Universal; it can only be national to a people to discriminate against other people. Only idol interests discriminate because of the different idols,” he argued.

InauguratIon of nYSC natIonal tree PlantIng CamPaIgn...

L-R: Emir of Keffi, Alhaji Shehu Chindo-Yamusa; Director-General of National Youth Services Corps, Brig-Gen Yusha'u Ahmed; representative of the Governor of Nasarawa State,

and Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, during the inauguration of NYSC National Tree Planting Campaign at the

Obaseki: My Administration Made Significant Difference in Last Eight Years

Says master plan not political document Rewards Edo Queens with

adibe emenyonu in Benin City

The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, yesterday expressed optimism about the future of the state, saying it had the potential to become a glorious and progressive people.

Obaseki who spoke at an event organised by the state Ministry of Education to mark Edo’s 33rd anniversary said: "Today is a story of hope. We have shown in eight years that it is possible to make a difference."

The governor, while highlighting the challenges his administration faced when it took office in 2016, including human trafficking and slavery, said those challenges had been surmounted.

He added that his government had made significant progress in addressing these issues and setting the state on a path to greatness.

Obaseki said the Benin City and Edo State Regional Development Plan was not a political document but a guide to succeeding administrations

to chart the continuous development and growth of the state.

The governor said: “The Edo State Regional and Benin City master plan is not a political document but aimed to help us ensure continuity. It is a document that will help every politician that comes to power in the state. It will guide them depending on the option or policies they want to take or make.

“This document is not for today but for the future. It will assist and let our young ones know what the

future holds for them. At 33 years, Edo is a young state and looking at Edo state in 30 years’ time, the state will surely be great.

“This document is a living document and subject to review every five years. What we have given to you will continually be improved upon. The wealth of any nation, state or community is not in its mineral or natural resources but in its people.”

Obaseki noted that the master plan was not just a document that some consultants produced , but the

Edo Poll: Ighodalo Fires Back at Critics, Says He’s Not Anyone's Candidate

Chuks okocha, alex enumah in Abuja, adibe emenyonu in Benin-City and mary nnah in Lagos

The governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, denied claims that he was a puppet candidate, controlled by some individuals or groups.

That was as the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, on Monday, affirmed Ighodalo’s nomination as the PDP candidate in the September 21 election in Edo State. The court dismissed the appeal filed by another aspirant, Mr Anselm Ojezua, for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

PDP hailed the judgement of the Court of Appeal, describing it as another momentous victory for democracy and the rule of law against what he called anti-democratic forces of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Amid allegations he was merely a proxy for Governor Godwin Obaseki, Ighodalo emphasised that he entered the governorship race on his own volition, driven by a genuine desire to serve the people of Edo State.

Appearing as a guest on ARISE TV's Morning Show, Ighodalo said, "I stepped out by myself to run for election as a candidate of PDP, driven by my desire to make a positive impact on the lives of Edo State citizens.

“And that's how it's been from the day I first stepped out as an aspirant.”

The PDP candidate recounted the arduous process of campaigning across the state, meeting with senior and junior politicians, as well as ordinary citizens, to garner support for his candidacy.

He said that demonstrated his commitment to grassroots engagement and his ability to build coalitions.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the

Federal High Court, Abuja, had on June 26 dismissed Ojezua's suit challenging the return of Ighodalo as winner of the February 22 primary election of PDP.

The aspirant had prayed the court to nullify Ighodalo's nomination on grounds of irregularities and manipulation of the delegates list used for the conduct of the primary.

But Egwuatu, in his judgement, held that he lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case of the plaintiff because he did not exhaust the internal mechanism of PDP before rushing to court.

The judge struck out the suit and declined to go into the merit.

Dissatisfied, Ojezua appealed the judgement on the grounds that the trial court was wrong in holding that his suit was premature, adding that Egwuatu also erred in law by refusing to proceed with the merit of his case after its dismissal.

The appellant prayed the court to set aside the judgement of the trial court and invoke Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Rules to go into the merit of the case.

But the three-member panel, in the lead judgement delivered on Monday by Justice Peter Obiorah, held that the judgement of the trial court was "spot on" and as such there was no reason whatsoever to deviate from it.

The appellate court said since conditions precedent were not fulfilled by the plaintiff, the trial court was right to decline jurisdiction.

Celebrating the judgment, PDP, in statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said, ''Today’s judgement by the Court of Appeal is another momentous victory for democracy and the rule of law against the All Progressives Congress

(APC) anti-democratic forces, which sought to undermine and trample on the will of the people of Edo State as symbolised in the candidature of Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

"The appeal court judgement again validates the credibility of the PDP nomination process, which produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as its candidate.

"This effectively shut the mouths of purveyors of lies and falsehood in the APC, who are confused and frustrated by Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s soaring popularity and acceptance by the people of Edo State, including key APC members, who are publicly declaring support for the PDP candidate."

Similarly, Edo State PDP expressed

Bauchi

joy over the ruling by the appeal court, affirming Ighodalo. It said the judiciary had closed the backdoor for any political party, especially APC, to gain entrance into Government House, Benin-City.

Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins, declared, "You will recall that we cited copiously several rulings of the supreme Court where it had affirm that if you didn't participate in a primary, you have not locus standi to question the process of that primary and this is what judgement today has affirmed.

document is about Edo people and what he wants Edo to be in different aspects of its life.

He said his administration started the reform process with painful policy steps and would never allow Edo to continue the way it was in 2016.

“What we started eight years ago is a work in progress. Our government and administration alone can’t do all that is required to develop the society, state and country.

“We have decided to develop a compass that will help those coming after us on how they can develop the State. Edo State has everything to make Nigeria great. Edo existed before Nigeria and will continue to exist with Nigeria as we are very critical part of the country and we are the heartbeat.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Joan Oviawe expressed delight in carrying along the education sector into the Edo State master plan.

She said the education sector was privileged to be given the opportunity to showcase how to incorporate the 15 sections of the Edo State master plan into the school curriculum.

“Today our children will showcase how the master plan will fit into the school curriculum. We are here to make sure everybody in the education ecosystem understands the master plan,” she said.

Speaking on the Edo State Physical Master Plan, Commissioner for Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo said Edo has been without a master plan since 2012 before Governor Godwin Obaseki intervened.

Meanwhile, Obaseki on Monday, announced a N100 million cash reward for victorious Edo Queens Football Club on their outstanding performance and title conquest at the 2024 WAFU-B Zonal Champions League qualifiers in Côte d'Ivoire. The governor made the announcement during a grand reception the Edo State organised for the reigning Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL)2024 champions at the Festival Hall in Government House Benin City.

" You have all done well. For me, this is our season of celebration. Tomorrow, Edo will be 33 years old. When I look at the present you have come to give me, I am so glad.

"Before we came into power, there was no respect for Edo women; nobody gave them the chance but thank God all that have changed now. Some past government didn't understand that sports is a vital aspect of youth development and thank God we recognize that. I am happy that the work and investment we have put in since the past eight years is showing now and we will continue to encourage our youth.

"I congratulate you girls. I encourage you to win the CAF Champions League. I will not tell you what I will do for you yet but for this you have done, you have made us proud and you have made Nigeria proud. So, I give you all one hundred million Naira, " Governor Obaseki said. Edo Queens before emerging the 2024 WAFU-B champions as the second Nigerian team to do so in history, they had previously won the Sheroes Cup, Betsy Obaseki Cup and the NWFL Premiership titles.

Gov, Mohammed, Urges Max Air to Resume Flying for State’s Economic Growth

Segun awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, has appealed to MaxAir to return its flight operations at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, citing the importance of air travel to the state's economic development.

The governor made the plea yesterday when he received the CEO/Chairman of MaxAir Airline Limited, Alhaji Dikko Dahiru Mangal, at the Government House. Mangal and his entourage were in Bauchi to commiserate with the people and government over the

death of the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya. Mohammed emphasised the significance of Max Air's presence in Bauchi, stating that the airline's flights had contributed significantly to the state's economic growth during it's first operations.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline but encouraged them to continue operating in Bauchi, promising government support.

Earlier, Mangal expressed his condolences to the people and government of Bauchi over the Emir's passing, describing him

as a great leader and a symbol of unity.

He assured the governor that Max Air would consider his request and work towards returning its flight operations to Bauchi.

Meanwhile, the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, yesterday, led a delegation of the Gombe State government, including the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, to Ningi town in to offer their condolences.

In his remarks at the Emir’s palace, Yahaya described the late monarch's death as a profound

loss, not only for the Ningi Emirate and Bauchi State but for the entire northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

Reflecting on the deep ties between his family and the late Emir, as well as the broader relationship between the Ningi Emirate and Gombe State, Governor Inuwa said, "Death has indeed separated us from a father, a guardian, and, to a great extent, a statesman whose monumental loss will be felt across the entire nation. May Allah grant his soul eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus."

Continues

50th birthDAy CeLebrAtiOn Of fAnirAn...

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Tek Top Express Logistics, Omotayo Faniran; former Chairperson, Ojodu Local Council Development Authority, Lagos, Olusola Kokumo; Chief Executive Oficer, Jewelry Hub, Olukemi Faniran; and founder, DAKODA Foundation, Damilola Azeez, at the 50th birthday celebration of Faniran in Lagos... recently.

Lukman: Unserious Opposition Leaders Will Make it Difficult to Unseat Tinubu in 2027

Says failure to sack APC in 2027 will spell doom for Nigeria

Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman has warned that the unserious disposition of opposition leaders might make it difficult to change the government of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Lukman, in a statement, yesterday, noted that although it was a shared concern among these leaders that the situation in the country has deteriorated, there was hardly any definitive engagement with the clear objective of mobilising Nigerians to effect a change in 2027.

He said opposition leaders must develop an alternative political platform by December 2024 if they were to wrest power from Tinubu and the APC.

The former APC chieftain said Nigerians were going through very

harsh and excruciating conditions, adding that since the commencement of the fourth republic, it has been a case of progressive degeneration that invariably brought the country to its knees whereby public resources are now practically the private resources of so-called elected leaders.

He pointed out that developing alternative political platforms in the country should be about restoring the virtue of selflessness among political leaders.

Lukman emphasised that opposition political leaders must recognise the urgency requiring strategic initiative to produce the alternative political platform to rescue Nigeria.

“It has become necessary to draw the attention of opposition political leaders in the country that the current care-free or unserious disposition could produce the disastrous

outcome whereby Nigerians may be unable to change the government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

“The reality is that if by the end of December 2024, no structured

engagement has commenced based on strategic initiative to develop the alternative political platform, oriented based on selfless disposition of opposition political leaders, it simply means that any

opposition to APC and President Asiwaju Tinubu in 2027 will be based on personal ambitions of individual political leaders.” Lukman noted that so long as relationship among political lead-

ers in the country was limited to support for personal ambition to emerge as candidates, it signposted a looming danger and prospect of producing a government worse than the current one.

Bandits’ Attack on Shiroro Victims Not at IDP Camp, Says Niger Acting Gov, Garba

Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State acting Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has said the 13 Maigiro villagers in Shiroro Local Government, who lost their lives last week were not killed by bandits at the Internally Displaced People's Camp. Garba made the clarification in

to Tackle Insecurity, Osemawe Tasks NISS

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, has urged the management of the National Institute for Security Studies, (NISS), to develop a workable artificial intelligence template for more effective engagement with the traditional leaders to enhance security of Nigeria.

Osemawe stated this at the Bwari, Abuja Campus of NISS yesterday, when he delivered a lecture titled, “Artificial Intelligence, Security and Emerging Economies In Africa: Challenges And Prospects: The Traditional Institutions’ Perspectives,” to the participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) of the institute.

The prepared speech of the Ondo First Class monarch, made available to THISDAY in Abuja on Monday, was delivered by professor of political science and former vice chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, Prof. Femi Mimiko.

The Osemawe urged the authorities of NISS to look into the direction of the traditional rulers, who are the closest to the people while employing the use of artificial intelligence and other techniques to tackle the

insecurity scourge in Nigeria.

The Monarch said: “It is evident from the foregoing that science, technology and innovation, which have earned their place as bedrock of human advancement will continue to shape the direction of human engagement going into the future.

“They collectively would continue to determine the nature of production, distribution and exchange in all societies.

“It is thus, trite that the more invested a country is on these issues, the faster its pace on the trajectory of development.

“Al has made a great appearance as the tool of the now, and of the future, that would ensure that machines become increasingly smart, and deployable in all aspects of human life — from what we eat, to how we fight wars - and therefore promises to continue to be a game changer.

“In the arena of security, it is doubtless that as good people rally to the usage of Al, so does bad people of criminal intents have the leeway to deploy AI.

“This imposes on society the need for greater investment in science, technology and innovation, just so to ensure that the state stays ahead of those determined at the usage of the intellect, not for the betterment

of humanity, but as a scamming platform.

“The traditional institutions have functioned extensively over the years, to secure their jurisdictions.

“It is obvious from the way they have been doing that, that expansive room exists for collaboration by the security services and the traditional rulers in the evolving scenario.

“It becomes needful, first, that some form of formalisation is brought to bear on the roles that the traditional institutions have been performing in the country. This includes the very important arena of security.

“There is also the need for NISS to put more attention to the development of its AI and cyber capabilities and infrastructures, again, with a view to staying ahead of criminals.

“It is reported that a country like China has started developing robotic soldiers, using Al technology. The USA has set up a Space Force, as an arm of its security architecture.

“These promise to change our current conception of warfare and international engagement.

“It would be apposite for an agency like NISS to be at the vanguard of advising the Nigerian government on what to do in relation to these changing margins of technology and its applicability.

the village at the weekend after attending a 3-day prayer for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The clarification, Yakubu said, was necessitated by the claims that bandits attacked and killed the villagers at the IDP Camp, insisting that there was no attack on the camp, so no one was killed there.

Narrating how the 13 victims died, the acting governor said the deceased along with others returned to their ancestral homes from the IDP Camp for farming purposes "unfortunately they met their untimely death in the hands of the bandits."

Garba also said the state government was doing everything possible to return peace to Shiroro and other areas where bandits have

held sway assuring them that very soon, government’s efforts would start yielding fruits.

He conceded that insecurity was affecting the outcome of the Agricultural Revolution of the present administration in the state despite the huge investment, as farmers were being chased out of their communities by bandits.

"We have a target but we are yet to meet that target, until we eradicate banditry in every nook and crannies of our communities the government will not rest," he said, adding that, "We are yet to meet this target and expectations but we are determined to meet it."

Garba said some progress had been made in the fight against banditry, and that, "In the last

two years, one cannot cross to Kuta, which is the headquarters of Shiroro local government without a second thought, but now people go beyond Kuta to as far as Zumba and other adjoining communities.

"Government is doing everything humanly possible to change the narratives and break the pool of insecurity in the state, particularly in areas bedevilled by banditry," he submitted.

He also used the opportunity to appeal to the federal government to intervene by bringing back the military withdrawn from Allawa community five months ago, saying the restoration of the military base would enable members of the community go back to their normal ways of life.

Sani Inaugurates Kaduna Skills Devt Council to Empower Youths

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has inaugurated the State Skills Development Council to empower the youths.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Kaduna, Sani said the council will serve as the highest decision-making organ for skills development in the state.

"It will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the development of strategies and an implementation plan for skills acquisition and development", he said, adding that the initiative is a milestone in the efforts towards addressing skills deficit and empowering citizens, especially, the youths, to be relevant in a fast-changing world.

He noted that his administration is committed to investing in human capital to put Kaduna state youths in good stead to respond to the fastchanging needs of the 21st century and to effectively contribute to the economy.

"We are determined to decisively address the skills deficits of our people. We want our citizens to have the requisite skills to fill positions in the industries and other businesses we have attracted to the state", the governor said.

According to him, the construction of the Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities in Rigachikun, Samaru Kataf and Soba have reached advanced stages.

He noted that long-term impact of the centres in terms of employment generation and economic growth, will undoubtedly be far-reaching as the target beneficiaries would be equipped with the essential skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for financial independence.

He said: "The trainees will be equipped with a variety of vocational and technical skills including: Welding and Fabrication, Articulated Vehicle Driving, Automobile Gas Conversion, Automotive Mechatronics, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Installation, Tiling, POP

Making, Carpentry and Joinery, Fashion and Design, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Aluminum Fabrication, and Refrigeration and Air"TheConditioning. construction of the remodeled Panteka Market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, is also progressing steadily." He said further that the remodeled Panteka Market will be a major centre for skills acquisition and job creation as the youths will be trained in carpentry, welding, painting, roofing, plumbing, electrical work and other trades.

The governor said the Kaduna State Government is collaborating with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to provide the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) certification which is an instrument approved by the Federal Executive Council for the development, classification and recognition of skills, knowledge and competencies acquired through technical and vocational training.

PROMOTING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES…

L-R: Managing Director, Monsoon Food Company, Mrs Abisola Adegunwa; Group Head, CBG Manufacturing, First Bank, Helen Ogboh; Managing Director, Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa; Head of Wholesale Banking, First Bank, Bolatito Akiboye; Managing Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Ziad Maalouf; Head of SME Banking, First Bank, Abiodun Famuyiwa, at the SME Scale Up Bootcamp in Lagos...recently

NARD: UBTH Turns Back Patients as Doctors Join Warning Strike

Adibe EmenyonuinBenin-City

Patients who visited the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for treatment yesterday were asked to go back as members of the National Association Resident Doctors (NARD), University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), joined their counterparts across the country to embark on a warning strike.

Many of the patients, who were turned back were those who had yesterday as their appointments date with their doctors. Many of them had travelled to Benin from different locations within and outside Edo State.

The NARD had declared a seven-day warning strike over

FCT Residents Berate

AEDC’s Exploitation

Residents of Jikwoyi Phase IV, a community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed frustration over the failure of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to replace a faulty transformer, leaving them in darkness for two weeks now.

In a strongly-worded letter addressed yesterday to the Managing Director of AEDC Zone 4, the community, through its Landlords Association Chairman, Mr. Kareem Bolakale Akeem, the community accused the

company of negligence and lack of maintenance, despite collecting substantial revenues from them.

They alleged that AEDC had ignored repeated warnings and complaints about the transformer’s condition, which had deteriorated due to oil leakage, overloading, and burning of ‘uprisers’.

Consequently, the community demanded the immediate replacement of the failed transformer, old uprisers, aluminum conductors, and wooden poles, warning that they would occupy the AEDC office if their demands are not met within a week.

PDP Condemns Arrest of Members by Sokoto Police

Onuminya Innocentinsokoto

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State has condemned in the strongest terms the arrest of Shafi’u Umar Tureta, a Special Assistant to Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal on Media by operatives of the Nigeria Police

In a statement issued by the state Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sannyinawal, PDP said: “Our party understands that Tureta was arrested on the orders of the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for sharing a viral video clip of the governor struggling to make a statement in English

and another equally nationally well-circulated clip of cash spray at the governor’s wife’s birthday party. “We, first of all, wish to draw the attention of the governor to the fact that the visuals in question must have been recorded by camera men attached to his own office or his family and initially leaked to the public by the same people.”

Hassan explained that it is also not a crime in the Nigerian law to make public videos of the governor’s public engagements or of events attended by his family, however embarrassing they may be.

PEARL Awards Inaugurates CWC for 30th Anniversary Edition

The PEARL Awards Nigeria has inaugurated its Central Working Committee (CWC) to drive strategic initiatives and programmes towards its 30th anniversary celebration next year.

In a release signed by the President/CEO of PEARL Awards Nigeria, Tayo Orekoya, he emphasised the significance of early preparation.

He said: “We want to make our 30th anniversary edition a memorable one, and hosting the Awards next year will allow us to plan an epoch and grand event that showcases our commitment to excellence.”

While explaining the rationale behind stepping down the awards this year, gave an insight into the Board of Governors’ decision to streamline the hosting going forward to either biennially or triennially effective from year 2025.

According to the PEARL Awards boss, the CWC’s mandate is special, which includes the concept design, structure, packaging and delivery of the strategic initiatives and timelines to achieve them.

the abduction of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped about eight months ago in Kaduna.

Popoola, a senior registrar in the

Department of Ophthalmology, National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband and nephew. However, her husband

was released by their abductors in March 2024, while Popoola and her nephew have remained in captivity.

President of NARD, Dr Dele Abdullahi, while declaring the

warning strike, warned that the action, which began midnight of August 26, would be “total. There will be no concessions, there will be no emergency care.”

‘Party Without Reasonable Percentage of Women Should not be Registered’

Kuni Tyessi in abuja

Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State and Minister of Women Affairs, Paulen Tallen, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to register political parties without reasonable percentage of women, as well

as create better conditions for women in politics.

While responding to the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States elections, Tallen, who encouraged women to come out en masse and vote for their preferred candidates, said the number of women that were given tickets to participate in both elections is so minimal and amounts to nothing.

The politician, who stated this in Abuja at a book presentation titled: ‘From Margins to Mainstream’, which was authored by Princess Nikky Onyeri, said Nigeria has capable women that can stand shoulder to shoulder with men if given the chance.

A’Ibom Community Tasks NOSDRA,

Okon Bassey in uyo

The Ekid people of Eket senatorial district of Akwa Ibom State has called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to transparently

investigate the recent oil spill on the community’s coastline.

The people made the call under the aegis of Ekid People’s Union ( EPU), stressing that early investigation into the oil spill will allow its adequate handling.

In a statement signed by the National President, Dr Samuel

She noted that so far, those that have been given the opportunity have not failed and as such, more opportunities should be given to women of this country. According to her, “They should come out en masse as usual and support the right candidate.”

Ministry to Investigate Oil Spill

Udonsak and Secretary General, Barrister Bassey Dan Abia, of EPU, the people said the effect of the oil spill which Ekid youths protested still remains along the coastline.

“The harmful effects of this oil spill to human life, marine life and our

entire ecosystem cannot be overemphasised,” the statement stressed.

The statement posited that Ekid people, as lawabiding citizens, are asking for adequate compensation to cushion the effect of the negative impact of the spill.

UN, NASFAT Move to End Violence against Women, Girls, Harmful Societal Norms

Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

The United Nations Women has pledged to work with Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) to end violence against harmful social norms, women and girls in Nigeria.

Speaking at the end of 10th biennial missioners conference

held in Osogbo, Osun State capital, at the weekend, NASFAT zonal Chairman in Ogun State, Olaniyi Gbadebo, and the Osun State zonal missioner, Dr. Busari Kamorudeen, also vowed to map out strategies to address the harmful social norms and misinterpretation of religious texts that perpetuate and reinforce

violence against women and girls.

The International Conference of the Mission Board of NASFAT, a premier biennial event brought together with over 300 Imams and Missioners from over 350 locations across Africa, Canada, the UK, and the US.

The conference with the theme:

‘Muslim Scholars as Agents of Positive Co-existence: Realities and Expectations’, aimed to equip 350 religious’ leaders (Imams) with relevant skills for improving the spiritual and social relationships of the society’s members and also leverage UN Women’s guidance to foster a safe and just society for all.

Olukoya: I am Chronic and Ardent Believer in One Nigeria

General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries(MFM), Dr. Daniel K. Olukoya, has expressed his support for one indivisible country, saying he is a chronic and ardent believer in one Nigeria.

Olukoya stated this during the thanksgiving ceremony of the 35th Founders anniversary of the Church.

The MFM general overseer called for divine intervention, through prayers, saying that is what the nation needs to come out of its multifaceted crisis.

He said: “What we need in Nigeria is divine intervention. Every other effort has failed. We should pray for intervention from above.

“That the Lord should lay his hands upon the whole nation, upon our leaders, that they should take the right decisions that will help Nigeria.”

“We need to pray for divine intervention. That song writer says arms of flesh we fail you. Our hard work will fail. With God all things are possible. Let me let us understand something. No matter where you are. No matter the resources you have, the Bible says, except the Lord builds the house, they gather in vain, that builds it. We may gather resources and nothing will be able to use it,” he added.

Aureva Club, Edo Health Ministry Partner on Community Devt

Sunday Okobi

In a significant stride towards fostering community well-being and enhancing public health, the leading humanitarian group in Edo State, the Aureva Club, has partnered with the state Ministry of Health to address some of the

state’s most pressing health and social challenges.

In a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by the Global Secretary-General/Administrator, Dr. Juliet Wealth-Sakal, the group held a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of ministry, Dr. Stanley Ehiarimwian, at the request of the

state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, which underscored a growing partnership aimed at addressing some of the most pressing health and social challenges to move the state forward.

Wealth-Sakal said: “The Aureva Club is not just another organisation; it is a global movement driven by a

commitment to leadership, service, and innovation. Founded on the principles of holistic well-being. The club brings together influential leaders from various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, and technology, to create a powerful network dedicated to driving positive social impact.”

Joseph Tarka Varsity Enactus Team Wins National Competition

Enactus Nigeria announced the Enactus team from Joseph SarwuanTarka University (formerly Federal University of Agriculture,Makurdi) the 2024 National Champion having emerged as the overall winning team of the Enactus Nigeria

national competition.

This feat was achieved by the Enactus team from the University after their innovative solution, ECORESIN, was adjudged outstanding by a panel of 26 business leaders at the final round of the competition. ECORESIN is a social enterprise committed to providing a sustainable solution to the plastic waste crisis. Through ECORESIN, the team developed biodegradable polymers using agricultural and

plant-based materials such as cassava and water hyacinth. These polymers are used to produce various everyday items, from shopping bags to seedling wrappers and packaging for foods, care products, and pharmaceutical products.

Obaseki Rewards Edo Queens with N100m for Winning WAFU-B Cup

Charges team to win CAF Champions League

The Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki on Monday, announced a N100million cash reward for the victorious Edo Queens Football Club on their outstanding performance and title conquest at the 2024 WAFU-B Zonal Champions League qualifiers in Côte d'Ivoire.

The sports-loving Governor announced during a grand reception the Edo State organised for the reigning Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL)2024 champions at the Festival Hall in Government House Benin City.

Receiving the West African champions Edo Queens whose exceptional skill and resilience earned them a commanding 3-0 victory against Ainonvi FC of Benin Republic in the final in Abidjan on Friday to lift the 2024 WAFU-B Zonal Champions League cup and qualification to CAF Champions League proper, Governor Obaseki showered encomium on the entire team, including the supporters club.

" You have all done well. For me, this is our season of celebration. Tomorrow, Edo will be 33 years

old. When I look at the present you have come to give me, I am so glad.

"Before we came into power, there was no respect for Edo women; nobody gave them the chance but thank God all that has changed now. Some past governments didn't understand that sports is a vital aspect of youth development and thank God we recognize that. I am happy that the work and investment we have put in since the past eight years is showing now and we will continue to encourage our youth.

"I congratulate you girls. I encourage you to win the CAF Champions League. I will not tell you what I will do for you yet but for this you have done, you have made us proud and you have made Nigeria proud. So, I give you all one hundred million Naira, " Governor Obaseki said.

Edo Queens before emerging as the 2024 WAFU-B champions as the second Nigerian team to do so in history, they had previously won the Sheroes Cup, Betsy Obaseki Cup and the NWFL Premiership titles.

Boost for Collegiate Football as Moniepoint Sponsors Varsity Cup 2024

To secure the future of collegiate sports in Nigeria whilst ensuring that the talent pipeline for Nigeria’s football remains unhindered, Africa’s fastest-growing financial institution, Moniepoint has been confirmed as a sponsor for the Varsity Cup 2024 season. This move is in line with the company’s mission of powering dreams and providing a platform that raises the ceiling for all Nigerians in different spheres of life and endeavour.

Moniepoint’s commitment to creating a society where everyone experiences financial happiness in sports and entertainment has been well acknowledged and praised by critical stakeholders.

Varsity Cup is the annual national football championship for top men’s and women’s university football teams in Nigeria. Described as the Champions League of Nigerian Universities, the Varsity Cup features Nigeria’s top 10 university football teams, playing 26 competitive matches in five weeks to determine the Varsity Champions while relegating the two least-placed teams.

This sponsorship ensures that Moniepoint can connect directly with university students right on their campuses with exciting football games, and digitally where they stream Varsity live matches.

Speaking to the rationale for

engaging with this edition of the Varsity Cup, Director, Marketing Nigeria, Moniepoint Inc, Chinedu Oparaku, noted the primal role of sports in national building and its importance as a tool for character building and the development of strategic thinking skills among young people.

“At Moniepoint, we are driven by a passion to harness the transformative power of sports as a catalyst for talent development and fulfilling career aspirations. Varsity Cup’s mission is to build a viable platform for

Nigeria’s brightest student-athletes to thrive sits right within our mission of powering dreams for everyone, including members of the higher education community.” Said Oparaku

“Sports and football, in particular, have contributed a great deal towards social cohesiveness, increased business opportunities, employment generation and positive role modelling.

“We are putting our resources and support behind platforms that enable them to pursue their dreams and this further proves that we walk

the talk for our customers to be the best versions of themselves,” he concluded.

The Chief Executive Officer of Varsity Cup, Olamide Adeyemo, recognizes the importance that, big players like Moniepoint hold for sports and education.

“We are excited to have a global brand like Moniepoint join us in building a national platform for the growth of collegiate sports in Nigeria. This move is a marker for the big things to come for thousands of young athletes and their families.”

Ayomike Flourishes at IBB Captain Inaugural Golf Tournament

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The effervescent Tim Ayomike over the weekend clinched the Guest Prize at the IBB Captain Inaugural Golf Tournament in Abuja. The Ikoyi Club 1938 handicap-6 golfer carded 72 nets to win the Guest Prize at IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja. Ayomike, one of the country's finest single-club golfers, was part of the field at the event organised to usher in the newly elected IBB Club men and females executive

committee led by Ibrahim Babayo and Julie Donlie.

Shola Adebayo, a 13 handicapper, who competed in the men's handicap 1-18 flight category emerged as the overall winner with the nett score of 63.

“Whenever you win, it’s a positive feeling that you always get. So, I am very happy that I won the event because it could have gone any other way," the category 2 player said.

Michael Rafferty won the men's handicap 0-10 flight category by two strokes, beating Mohammed

Kangiwa, who carded 84. Emmanuel Chioba fired 69 nett to edge Yakubu Dogara by one shot for bragging rights in the men's handicap flight 11-18. Meanwhile, Godwin Okoko won the professional category prize after he played 68 gross to beat Kamalu Bako on countback. At the prize-giving ceremony, Babayo thanked the members for entrusting the new executive committee with the affairs of the club for one year, saying the trust would not be taken for granted.

The representatives of Edo Queens were outstanding throughout the WAFU B zonal qualifiers, winning all their five matches convincingly. They scored 14 goals and only conceded one goal in the match against Inter D'Abijdan which they won 2-1.

Edo Queens will be in Egypt for the 4th Edition of the CAF Women's Champions League finals later this year.

Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman, of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli and the head coach of the victorious Edo Queens Moses Aduku have heaped praise on the Edo State Governor and the First Lady Dr Betsy Obaseki for their support and investment in women's football, which has been instrumental in the team's success. They ascribed the success of the team to Governor Obaseki's prompt response and release of funds for preparations.

The Edo Sports Commission boss

maintained that the commitment of the Edo State Government to developing women's football and sports in general is what has led to the success of Edo Queens.

"Since I assumed office in Edo, I have been winning. We reigning national champions and now West African champions. We played five games in Cote d'Ivoire, winning all with 14 goals and only conceded one. Our girls have done well. We sincerely thank our Governor for the huge support he has given us in everything we have done. I made a huge mistake in applying for funds to take care of the girls' bonuses but upon realizing my mistake, I wrote to the governor again, drawing his attention, instead of query, the governor gave express approval and immediately we got the money we requested. What else can we say than to say thank you to our governor for his understanding and support," Alli said.

In a bid to give back to society and discover new talents, former Commonwealth champion Atanda Musa is hosting a two-day national invitational cadet championship at the Lagos Country Club from Monday, August 26 to Tuesday, August 27.

Musa, who now resides in the United States, stated that the tournament aims to unearth talent and support the efforts of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF).

The event, organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Table Tennis Association (LSTTA), will feature the top 16 boys and girls from the recently concluded Efunkoya National Cadet Championships, competing in singles events.

According to LSTTA Chairman Tunji Lawal, the tournament is timely and will help identify talents to

represent Lagos State in national competitions.

“We are excited that Atanda Musa is sponsoring a cadet tournament, which aligns with our goal of nurturing new young players to replace the older ones. Lagos State has produced some of the finest players in the country, but many move to other states due to a lack of equipment. This tournament will help us identify new talents who will become integral parts of the state team for major competitions. It will also sharpen our players’ skills for the upcoming Youth Games in Delta next month,” Lawal said. Atanda Musa, 64, is considered one of Africa’s best table tennis players, known for his exceptional backhand play and loop. He has played in various countries, including Spain during his prime years.

Nigeria’s first medallist at the Olympic Games, Nojim Maiyegun, has died yesterday.

According to information gathered from multiple sources, Maiyegun, aged 85 died of natural causes in Vienna, Austria where he had been living for years.

Known to be virtually impaired for years, he was reportedly in and out of hospital in the past six months before his death which was also confirmed by another Nigerian, Stephen Ogboh who is an acquaintance of Pa Nojim in Austria.

Maiyegun’s death came just a few days after the 60th anniversary of his feet when he won a bronze medal in boxing on 10 August 1964 at the Olympics in Tokyo.

He shared the bronze medal

with Józef Grzesiak of Poland in the Light middleweight category. At the Olympics, the two losers in the semifinals are traditionally awarded the bronze medal, as there is no third-place bout. It was the first time since Helsinki 1952 when Nigeria started participating in the Games that he won a medal.

He thus ended Nigeria’s 12-year winless streak at the Olympics. Maiyegun was born on 17 February 1941 in Lagos and achieved a historic feat for Nigeria by winning a bronze medal in the men’s Light Middleweight (71 kg) category at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

He was Nigeria’s first Olympic medallist not much was heard of him until 2012 when his loss of vision was made public that year.

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Bishop Kukah to Northern Nigeria

“If you look at our country, Nigeria, the issue is that, in Northern Nigeria, Christians constitute some of the groups that you can kill without consequences. You can ask yourself, has anybody ever been charged for burning churches or for destroying Christian properties? Christians are being denied lands to build churches, and it is not seen as a problem. We must preach the gospel, welcome or unwelcome” --CatholicBishopMatthewKukah,condemnsthepersecutionofChristiansintheNorth.

WITH REUBEN ABATI

The Return Of Fuel Subsidy

Iwas away on vacation for just two weeks only to return to meet fuel queues still on the streets of Nigeria with the fuel stations rationing fuel in Lagos and other parts of the country. It is a big shame, and an embarrassment that the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil cannot refine its own petroleum products. Nigeria has the finest blend of crude- Brent Crude notable for its low sulphur content, but as in everything else, we export the best of our assets, including people, only to buy back the same assets from outsiders. With finished petroleum products, we now import the same petrol that flows in abundance in the creeks of the Niger Delta and the backyard of some people’s ancestors. Reuters reported recently, that NNPC Limited, the sole importer of finished products, enjoying a monopoly in that regard was indebted to gasoline suppliers to the tune of over $6 billion forcing traders to backout, resulting in a scarcity of fuel in the country. Under contract terms, NNPCL is required to pay within 90 days of delivery, failing which the traders collect a late payment compensation of $250, 000 per cargo. So, when Nigeria tenders for fuel, a number of traders now look the other way. Nigeria has no savings to bail it out, instead the government is desperately looking for money. It won’t be long before the Nigerian government begins to tax persons for dying, or having babies or for marrying or engaging in the basic ordinary tasks of living. In 2023, NNPCL took a loan of $3.3 billion from Afrexim Bank, but it looks like even that has been depleted. What we are dealing with, those who are familiar with the subject tell us, is simply the failure of policy, the lack of vision at the highest levels and the cumulative effect of the many years of the oil curse. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu worsened the situation. The crisis that non-availability of fuel in the country has now created, with the high cost of living, inflation, loss of time and capital and the widespread angst in the land could have been avoided. We suffer because of Tinubu’s populism, over-excitement and lack of caution.

On May 29 2023, at his inauguration as President of Nigeria, Tinubu allowed his emotions to get the better part of him when he suddenly announced in his inaugural speech that “fuel subsidy is gone!” Some poorly educated persons in his team must have told him that he should do something radical from the first day, and that after all in Kenya, William Ruto did something radical as soon as he assumed office. Ruto is today rueing the day he caused the tragedy that his exuberance has brought upon him. There may have also been persons around President Tinubu who told him to take a step that would please the IMF and the World Bank, both of which had always argued that Nigeria could not sustain its subsidy regime. What no one told Tinubu was that whereas the removal of fuel subsidy was prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act of 2023., President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor was happy to claim the credit that it was under his watch that the PIA was passed after 13 years – one of the longest running pieces of legislation in recent times - but he was not willing to implement every aspect of it. Section 205(1) of the PIA states that wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products would be determined by market forces, to encourage competition and private sector investment. As of 2022, almost one naira in every four Naira earned by the Nigerian government was spent on fuel subsidy. Nonetheless, the Buhari administration played smart. It postponed the divine reign of market forces until after 18 months, stating that the removal of fuel subsidy could result in social upheaval, and that the timing would be problematic. Buhari wilfully disobeyed the same

law that he signed. He postponed the evil day and left a booby trap for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clearly out of over-exuberance on inauguration day proclaimed that “the fuel subsidy is gone”. His media handlers have said that he was left with no option in the matter, because in any cas,e the extension by the Buhari administration was due to expire. But could Tinubu have considered other options? Could he have chosen the option of a little honeymoon with the Nigerian people? The least that he could have done would have been to wait and study the situation and not resort to an impulsive policy making decision to please the Western crowd. The error is not his alone. What happened to the so-called members of the transition, hand-over committee? They should have looked at the situation on the ground and advise the President accordingly. Buhari thought the removal of fuel subsidy would cause social upheaval, Tinubu’s transition team should have embarked on a rigorous interrogation of why and how Buhari tactfully avoided the storm. He must be laughing at Tinubu in his Daura home. And this is without prejudice to the fact that every economist that I know argued that the fuel subsidy regime was unsustainable. It had become an avenue for corruption and sharp practices, the very reason the Jonathan administration decided in 2012 to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. The Mafia, benefitting from the rot in the industry including present occupants in the corridors of power, sabotaged the Jonathan government. They have since eaten their vomit, returning to 2012, and they are shamelessly comfortable about it. In 2012, fuel subsidy gulped just about N1 trillion. Tinubu created a perfect storm by removing fuel subsidy and also abolishing the dual foreign exchange rate at the same time. It is simple common sense. Both moves were populist but the timing and the combination were wrong. Within 15 months, Nigeria is literally on its knees. Between May 2023 and now, the pump price of fuel has gone from N197 per litre to N617 per litre and up to N1, 3000. President Tinubu promised the people that he would renew hope. He told us “e lo fokan bale.”

On the contrary. cases of sudden death syndrome have increased. Nigerian youths are fleeing abroad

in droves because they cannot find hope in their own country. Nigeria has not even been able to meet its OPEC production quota. When the spot price of Brent goes up as it did during COVID-19, and now in the face of the conflicts in the Middle East, and between Russia and Ukraine, Nigeria is unable to take advantage of given opportunities. The country is also underperforming in Domestic Revenue Generation as the elites in power, after a fashion, are more interested in their own luxury and comfort. The optics are scary. The Tinubu government has left the people in a place of confusion: Fuel subsidy was removed on a whim, without clarity and proper consultation with stakeholders, and apparently no co-ordination with the sub-nationals. What I find particularly intriguing is that last week the same Tinubu administration trying to find a way around the fuel scarcity in the country and the fact that fuel now sells for as much as N1, 300 per litre in parts of the country, directed the NNPC to use its 2023 final dividends due to the Federation to pay for petrol subsidy, in other words, the Federal Government wants the payment of dividends to the Federation to be suspended, to boost NNPCL’s cash flow. On its part, NNPCL says it will be unable to remit taxes and royalties to the Federation anyway because of on-going subsidy payments or what it calls “subsidy shortfall and FX differential.” In summary NNPCL says it has been paying subsidy, and the Federal Government says it should pay more. This is enough talk to make anybody have a headache. For, the same Tinubu administration since May 29, 2023, had insisted that there was no fuel subsidy in Nigeria, even when everyone including the IMF reported that fuel subsidy had been re-introduced as far back as December 2023. Nasir el-Rufai and others told us the government had reintroduced fuel subsidy. Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning said this was not true, quoting the PIA, and insisting that in fact the government was saving money from the removal of fuel subsidy, up to about N400 billion monthly.

The lie is now out in the open. The minimum that the Tinubu administration can do is stop the continuing cycle of deceit and hypocrisy on the fuel subsidy issue. The deceit should stop. We are in the era of transparency and accountability. The word of the government should be its bond. A government can admit that it made a mistake and it has found cause to change its mind. There is nothing wrong in that. It is not enough for President Tinubu to issue an order to NNPCL directing it to use royalties and dividends due to the Federal Government to manage fuel prices. What is the exact amount that we are talking about? What are the details? For how long? If there has been a change of policy, President Tinubu should be courageous enough to come before Nigerians and use the same energy and enthusiasm with which he pronounced “fuel subsidy is gone” to APOLOGISE to Nigerians, tell them a mistake has been made, and explain how his administration hopes to resolve the problem. The reason there has been so much turmoil in town is because the people feel betrayed. President Tinubu needs to rebuild public confidence in his administration. He can start by making the government less ostentatious. He wants the people to make sacrifices. The process must begin with him. He needs to reinvent politics. He must lead by example. The nation needs to know the truth. It is normal to make mistakes. It is nobler to admit one’s errors and seek to make corrections. In the face of the fuel scarcity in the land, Nigerians are asking: what is happening to the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna? It does not require divine intelligence to get the refineries working,

but what we are confronted with is an endless circus of lies. We are told again and again that the refineries will be completed, but we might as well be waiting for Godot. In August 2023, we were confidently informed that Nigeria would restart its four refineries by the end of 2024, so said Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum. We heard the same thing in 2022. Lokpobiri repeated the lie. The Nigerian government should stop telling lies! It is irritating. Where is the Warri refinery that was supposed to start operation in the first quarter of 2024? Where is the Port Harcourt refinery that was “technically completed” in December 2023? Dates are set. Deadlines are not met. And we, the people, are supposed to understand that we live in a country where promises are not meant to be kept and leaders can do as they wish, without any explanation.? No. No. No. It is offensive that Nigeria is so blessed with oil and gas resources and all we talk about is crude oil theft, militancy in the Niger Delta and the country’s failure to meet production quota. To all intents and purposes, Nigeria is still dependent on oil resources despite argumentations that the country needs to diversify its economy, and invest more in the non-oil sector. There is the unresolved matter of the Dangote Refinery. This was a project that we all prayed for and hoped for to meet local demands for petroleum products and generate competition and investment. In typical Nigeria fashion, a $20 billion worth of investment and the prospect of a pathway to economic regeneration has been reduced to petty stories about Dangote’s personality and identity, with such questions as why would he, a Kano man, set up such a big project in Yorubaland? Or why would anyone allow an extension of Dangote’s monopoly? How much did he contribute to Tinubu’s election campaign in 2023? As if that should matter? Somehow, the excitement over the proposed 650, 000 barrels of petroleum products per day has been abbreviated by typical Nigerian stories. Some kill joys have even tried to de-market the Dangote project. And then there are others who are saying that Mele Kyari is the problem. Twice on television, I have said clearly that Engr. Kyari is not the problem. In terms of record, he has done much better than his own predecessors. His spokespersons have given us much information about his efforts. I do not intend to be their megaphone, only to add that it is far too simplistic for Nigerians to seek a fall guy for the same problems that could have been easily addressed through long-term visioning. Nigeria waits for you. While you are busy doing your own thing, trying to make an impact, Nigerians have a good habit of waiting till you get to a significant moment and they would pounce on you, to destroy your dream. We must all be careful not to turn this country into a hostile environment for talent, creativity and good citizenship. Tinubu has a duty not only to fix the loopholes, but also to embark on an urgent national project of moral regeneration. There is too much toxicity in this land. I end this piece knowing that the fuel queues are still out there. NNPCL has given the excuse of distribution challenges and weather conditions, but can they tell us another story please? Even in countries with the most extreme weather conditions, they have fuel at their filling stations. And how about distribution challenges? A government that is determined to help and serve the people will find the political will to address those challenges whatever their colour or shape. There is no limit to how far a government can go to deceive the people, but there is certainly a limit to the people’s anger and frustration. President Tinubu should know this.