The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Egbin Power restates commitment to service delivery

    Egbin Power restates commitment to service delivery

    • Rewards outstanding members of staff

    Egbin Power Plc, a power generating station in the country, has expressed optimism that its operations will get better because of the initiatives being put in place to further inspire the workforce.

    Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate Workers’ Day, a Director in the firm, Kola Adesina, said the management would continue to invest in its human capital development to create a pipeline for the kind of leadership needed for growth and development of the industry. He added that the impressive performance of its employees provided the necessary impetus for the growth of the business.

    “We are proud of our employees, and it is our tradition to reward outstanding performance. Their hard work and dedication have helped our company achieve success and this is a show of our appreciation for their efforts. The employees being celebrated here have put together impressive performance and they have been able to deliver at optimal level within the organisation, that is why we are celebrating them as a model to challenge and motivate others,” Adesina said.

    Read Also : EEDC restores power supply to Imo

    At the event, Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plc. Mokhtar Bounour, noted that the occasion was part of the company’s tradition to empower and support the employees in driving high performance and celebrating their excellence which yields results for the business.

    “The rewards are part of Egbin’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment that recognizes and rewards employee contributions. By recognising their performance for the outstanding results achieved, we further inspire them to greater heights and encourage them to keep working safely as well,” Bounour said.

    He said Egbin Power, which is part of Sahara Power Group, constantly strategises to drive innovation, promote human capital development and sustainability in order to improve operation and deliver positive results for the power sector.

    “This occasion is about empowering and celebrating our people, and the results achieved while also developing human capital and driving sustainable business. We expect that these rewards will further boost the motivation of our employees and improve their morale greatly.”

    “Recognising and rewarding employees is essential to maintaining a strong motivated workforce. We want our employees to know that their efforts are valued and appreciated and that we are committed to supporting their growth and development within the organization.”

    A Director and representative of Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) on the Board of Egbin Power, Abdulazzez Mofindi, commended the Management of Egbin Power for transforming the facility from what it used to be over the years before takeover. He urged the Management to sustain the transformation and continue to drive performance in the sector by motivating the workforce and recognising the role the staff play in the growth of the organisation.

    Egbin power plant has an installed capacity of 1,320MW, Egbin is easily Africa’s largest privately-run thermal plant.

    The firm, at the ceremony recognised employees in various categories including outstanding performance, innovation, QHSE, teamwork and leadership. Benson Akindileni of Maintenance Planning Department emerged the Best Performing Staff and won a GS4 compact SUV. Endurance Otaru emerged the Best Performing Female staff and was rewarded with a sum of N5m, while the Instrumentation & Control (I&C) team bagged the Best Performing Team and got N20m for their efforts. Winners in other categories bagged prizes worth between N500,000 and N1m in recognition of their contributions.

  • Power: Towards a greater efficiency

    Power: Towards a greater efficiency

    A research report on the power sector indicates that a combination of deliberate policies is strengthening electricity across the country. The report also predicts a growth in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, among others. MUYIWA LUCAS writes.

    The World Bank labelled Nigeria as the country with the world’s largest energy access deficit in 2021, with 43 per cent, representing 85 million Nigerians of the country’s population without access to grid-connected electricity.  In addition, the country’s electric power consumption per capita of 145KwH falls behind those of some countries like South Africa with 4,198 KwH  and Ghana with 351KwH, as well as the average for lower middle-income countries with 811KwH.

    Following the unbundling and subsequent privatisation of the government monopoly in the power sector as part of the power sector reform of 2004, honest and objective evaluations of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry’s (NESI) performance in the post-power privatisation era have ranged from ‘minimal improvement’ to ‘more of the same’. The entire NESI value chain is fraught with structural impediments, which have continued to impede optimal performance, with operators consistently ‘passing the buck’. 

    The research report, conducted by Agusto & Co- a Pan-African Credit Rating Agency and a leading provider of industry research and knowledge in Nigeria & Sub-Saharan Africa, noted that as of December 31, 2022, the generating segment of the electricity market comprised 29 operational generating plants with a combined installed capacity of 13,014 megawatts (MW) and an average operational capacity of 4,523MW, a decline from  6,371.9MW, that is 29 percent in 2019.
    Read Also : How to rescue Nigeria’s power sector

    It further noted that as at 2022, there were 12 Independent Power Plants (IPPs) in the country, accounting for 31.2 percent of the country’s total power generating capacity, which is also a 300 basis points decline from 2021, caused largely by gas constraints and faulty machinery.

    For Clarity, Agusto & Co. in the report, observed that on the average and due largely to gas constraints, only five IPPs: Azura-Edo accounted for 26 percent; Odukpani, 19 percent; Okpai, 16 percent; Afam VI, 15 percent and Rivers IPP, eight percent, jointly accounted for circa 84 percent of power generated from the 12 IPPs in the last four years.

    Lingering Gas Shortages

    Gas constraints, the research said, remained prevalent despite the fact that the country has the world’s ninth-largest proven gas reserves, estimated at 204 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in 2022. The domestic gas market in the country, it noted, has been plagued by chronic underinvestment in generating and distribution infrastructure. At the same time, under the domestic supply obligation framework within the Gas Master Plan (GMP), all gas companies are required to supply an assigned quota of gas to critical sectors, including electric power, at prices, $2.18mscf, lower than what is obtainable in international markets whose price is an average of $7.52mscf in the US market in 2022.

    This, it explained, is why operators of thermal plants struggle to secure viable gas contracts at the approved price.  As at the end of 2022, 25 of the country’s 29 Generating Companies (GenCos) were gas-powered, a trend that underscores the urgency of finding a long-term solution to gas supply constraints.

    Transmission Losses

    Augusto & Co further disclosed that the weakest link in the NESI value chain is the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), which is still entirely government-owned. The national grid, with its frequent collapses last year, has a wheeling capacity of circa 8,100MW, a figure that pales in comparison to the nation’s peak electricity demand of 19,798 MW. The implication of this, it said, is that even with an increase in the generating capacity of the grid-connected IPPs, the TCN is unable to evacuate more than 8,100MW.

    “This is a critical bottleneck in the supply of electricity and has stalled investment in power generation. On the other hand, the TCN continues to blame load rejection by distribution companies, particularly during the rainy season, for the high frequency of grid collapses,” the report said.

    Nonetheless, it is anticipated that the current Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance Expansion and Rehabilitation Program (NEGMERP), which aims to expand the country’s grid network through the diligent execution of network expansion projects funded by both the Federal Government and donors, will result in some growth in NESI in the short term. This is in addition to the Presidential Power Initiative signed with Siemens AG, which is expected to result in an additional 25,000MW of operational capacity from the national grid.

    “The completion of such projects will assure prospective power generation companies that the TCN has ample capacity to receive generated electricity. With a more efficient TCN, Nigeria can achieve self-sufficiency in power supply, making electricity exports easier through the West African Power Pool’s (WAPP) future Regional Electricity Market (REM),” Augusto & Co submitted in the report.

    Decentralisation – Legislation to the Rescue?

    According to the researchers, the recent assented to the Fifth Alteration Bill No. 33, 2022 (the “Electricity Constitutional Amendment”), which allows Nigeria’s 36 States to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid by President Muhammadu Buhari, has significant implications for the country’s struggling power sector.

    The amendment is believed could lead to increased investment in power generation and distribution infrastructure, as well as increased competition among power providers. By devolving power to the States, Agusto & Co. said, the bill could also lead to more efficient and effective management of the power sector, as States will have greater control over their power supply. This, they contended, could lead to more targeted investment in power infrastructure and more responsive management of power supply and demand.

    However, the report warns that the Bill also raises concerns about the potential for fragmentation of the power sector, as different States may have different priorities and approaches to power generation and distribution, leading some, to possibly bypass the national grid entirely. Furthermore, it said States deemed to lack a sufficient economic base may be unable to attract investors in their electricity generation, transmission, or distribution, causing them to fall behind other States in terms of electricity supply. This, it further warned, could constrain the business environments in these States, thereby eroding investor confidence, discouraging investment, and limiting economic growth and development.

    Outlook

    The research report hinted that the NESI is currently in the second stage – the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) – on its evolutionary path, where the state-owned special purpose vehicle (the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc – ‘NBET’) buys electricity in bulk from the generating companies and IPPs and resells to the distribution companies (DisCos) under vesting contracts.

    “As it transitions to the medium-term market, we expect more IPPs to become operational, which will significantly raise the industry’s generation capacity over the medium term,” Augsto & Co submitted.

  • Platform for overseas job placement unveiled

    Most Nigerians migrating outside the country are offering services that are below their competence, former Provost, Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Academy; Prof. Sola Akinrinade,has said.

    Speaking during the virtual unveiling of an immigrant recruitment portal for professionals seeking jobs in Canada, Europe and America, called iQuolify, he said as a university teacher, he had trained a lot of brilliant students who are not working at their optimal level.

    Prof Akinrinade who is also the former Vice Chancellor, Osun State University and Board Member Tech HERfrica, said educated migrants are not living up to their potentials because they travel unprepared and encouraged all to take advantage of iQuolify to mitigate these lapses.

    Speaking on the occasion, founder of the www.iquolify.com Project, Akin Fadeyi, said: “iQuolify is a well thought out digital recruitment solution for Immigrant Professionals who compromise their qualifications for jobs below their pay grade outside their countries.

    Read Also : Immigration CG dragged before ICPC for prosecution over illegal elongation of tenure

    iQuolify will focus on showcasing immigrants to prospective employers, Data Analytics for policy makers, mentoring and training until target immigrants are able to optimally integrate and unlock their potentials.”

    MacArthur On-Nigeria Director, Dr. Kole Shettima said the Foundation has always held diversity, equity and inclusion as values. He said: “At the MacArthur Foundation, we ensure that our decisions and actions are rooted in the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by embracing the unique attributes of all individuals; creating a fair playing field for all; and cultivating environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and a sense of belonging. iQuolify is therefore a very compelling fit into our work culture and work I commend the initiative.”

    Co-Founder at Canadian iQuolify, Dr. Bankole Odole said as an immigrant with five Masters Degrees, he had experienced firsthand, challenges immigrant professionals grapple with. The idea of iQuolify is therefore a ready solution capable of shielding other incoming immigrants from such same challenges.

    Actress and Social Advocate Kate Henshaw, lauded the initiative, describing the app as a project whose time has come. She said: “Many people have good reasons to migrate but find themselves disadvantaged as migrants and then resort to menial jobs.”

     She said iQuolify is a great vision that will bring to table solutions to less dignifying jobs. She stressed the need to maximize one’s opportunities at home or abroad, by focusing on constant self-improvement, not just leaving the country by any means.

    Immigrant Resettlement Expert, Director of Marketing and Communications at Toronto Newlife Wellness Place, Tracy Docheff, said her job as an immigrant settler within various Canadian communities would now be made simpler with iQuolify.

    Also at the event was Founder and Lead Consultant, HR Madam Consulting, Olufunmilola Bucknor,  who shed light about her challenges recruiting for organisations within and outside Nigeria over piles upon piles of resumes. She said iQuolify will bridge the gap.

    Other speakers at the unveiling who shared their experiences as immigrants were Dr. Kunle Ojoleye, IT Expert, Consultant and former Sessional Professor at the University of Calgary, Alberta.

    Geo-Sciencist at ExxonMobil, United States, Mr. Victor Ogunmola  and a Business Development Expert in the US, Mr. Dapo Rotifa, also shared the experiences.

    iQuolify is the digital community of Canadian employers, recruiters and civil society groups; seeking a qualified and professional workforce, worldwide. iQuolify is a non-profit solution, driven to bridge immigrant professionals, to prospective employers.  The iQuolify website www.iquolify.com is the portal to solve the problem of migrating only when once has a befitting job waiting and not travelling to get stranded. Videos are vetted before they go live on iQuolify for quality control, hence, there are video samples on the portal to aid user presentations. Recruiters find qualified applicants by clicking on profiles on the portal. iQuolify takes the migrant from where they are, to where they want to be.

  • ‘Support Safe Cities Initiative’

    ‘Support Safe Cities Initiative’

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the Safe Cities Initiative aimed at reducing crimes and improving safety in cities.

     The Commandant-General Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, stated this at the Securex West Africa Exhibition at Landmark Centre, Oniru, Lagos, which ended yesterday.

    The Safe Cities Initiative, Audi said, requires the support of security forces, civil society organisations, religious leaders, who have a major role to play in promoting peace and stability.

      The NSCDC chief noted that the last Presidential election heightened political tensions, ethnic and religious divide, as well as economic disparities, further contributing to the unrest.

     He said to mitigate these crises, security forces had been deployed to maintain peace, order and prevent violence, especially during the forthcoming May 29  Presidential inauguration.


    Read Also : NSCDC assures NPC of security during census

     Mr George Pearson, Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, the organisers of exhibition, noted that Lagos has emerged as the leading megacity in Africa and requires tech-driven smart city solutions for new and urban built environment.

     Pearson also said Securex has come to be known as the foremost exhibition for regional and international suppliers to meet, network and transact business with some of the biggest companies in the region requiring security products and services.

  • N77tr debt alarming, says PENGASSAN

    • Workers to Tinubu: Implementation PIA

    Oil workers yesterday urged the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on aggressive implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and also expand the nation’s revenue base.

    Acting under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the workers described Nigeria’s rising debt profile of N77 trillion as alarming.

    The oil workers described the huge debt as a ‘calamity of highest proportion’ that reflected the poor economic policies of the outgoing administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Its National President, Comrade Festus Osifo, who spoke at the 7th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Union in Abuja, urged Tinubu to increase the revenue base of the country.

    According to Osifo, while PENGASSAN was not against taking loans, such loans should be channeled into productive ventures and infrastructural development as against consumption.

    He said the association expected to see a different approach from the incoming administration on revenue generation.

    He said: “Poor implementation of both fiscal and monetary policies; policy inconsistencies of the government worked against the economic growth and development of the country.

    “According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), the country’s total public debt profile, representing the domestic and external debt stocks of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), the thirty-six (36) state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) currently stand at N77 trillion.

    “This is quite alarming mostly when you compare the cost of servicing this debt to the revenue generated by the government per annum. In the 2023 budget for instance, we will be using virtually all the monies generated as a country in servicing our debt. This is a calamity of the highest proportion unless we do all we can to increase the revenue base.”

    “While we do not condemn borrowing, we insist that borrowed funds should not be used for consumption but rather channeled into productive ventures and infrastructural development. We therefore expect to see a different approach from the incoming administration.”

    The PENGASSAN president also said the oil workers were worried by the present state of the economy.

    He noted that the union expected a steady growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product but lamented that this has not happened because of poor implementation of both fiscal and monetary policies.

    Osifo said: “The current state of our economy is of great concern to us as we had hoped to see steady growth in our GDP, increase access to employment for our teeming population and diversification of the economy but unfortunately, we are yet to achieve this. Poor implementation of both fiscal and monetary policies; policy inconsistencies has continued to militate against our projected growth and development as a nation.

    “Our current debt profile as at the first quarter of 2023 is mind-blowing and may take several generations to repay. The nation’s economy is confronted with many serious challenges like structural imbalance, corruption, weak human capital development, inequality, security challenges and excessive dependence on oil for revenue. High youth unemployment, which was recently highlighted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), underemployment and poor infrastructural facilities are some of the key challenges this new government should tackle with sound and coordinated strategy in consultation with relevant stakeholders and industrial experts.

    “We have talked a lot about diversification of the economy and this is the time for its implementation as a matter of urgency. The hard truth is that revenue from the Oil and Gas sector can no longer sustain us as a Nation and this is the most auspicious time to walk our talk. We commend the ongoing efforts of the government in the agricultural sector and expect the tempo to be sustained in the entire value chain and replicate the same in other areas like solid minerals, tourism, technology, etc.

    “Efforts must be made by the incoming administration to address the issues of multiple exchange rates as the arbitrage created is negatively affecting our economy. We must put a stop to the use of ways and means in financing activities of the government as this fuels inflation because it is not backed by value creation.”

    Comrade Osifa hailed the Federal Government for the 614-kilometer-long AKK project, Escravos Gas to Liquids Project in Lagos and 083 Gas Transmission Pipeline from Delta to Edo states.

    “We salute the efforts been made in the completion of various gas related projects like Gas the 614-kilometer-long pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano popularly called AKK pipeline, Escravos Gas to Liquids Project in Lagos and 083 Gas Transmission Pipeline from Delta to Edo states. When completed, these projects will not only provide employment opportunities but will also help in gas gathering and evacuation across the country for domestic utilization,” he said.

    Osifo also warned the Federal Government against selective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

    He said the government must set up the host communities development funds immediately.

    The PENGASSAN president noted that the full implementation of the provisions of the PIA would further deepen the development of the midstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

    He urged the incoming government to aggressively implement the Act for the benefit of the country.

    Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi said Nigeria must utilise its vast land to feed its citizens.

    Obi, who spoke at the conference, urged the workers to be steadfast as a new Nigeria was possible.

  • NCX, HarvestField to exceed CBN’s $200b FX earnings

    NCX, HarvestField to exceed CBN’s $200b FX earnings

    Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) said it is working  with HarvestField Industries Limited (HIL), an indigenous agro-chemical formulation and manufacturing company  to ensure the Federal Government raises  $200 billion in FX earnings from non-oil proceeds .

    The goal is to exceed N598.2billion worth of agricultural products that were exported last year. Agro exports surged to a five-year high in 2022 amid a local production push, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    Interim Coordinator NCX, Elenwor Ihua   explained   that the exchange is partnering with HIL to develop one of the largest grain storage programme  to encourage more Nigerians to export produce.

    He noted that the country was losing a lot following wastage of produce due to inadequate storage, supply chain infrastructure and lack of food processing in agri-sector.

    According to him, agro   exports could get a significant boost with improvement in storage and transport facilities.

    He indicated that the plan was to get more companies to export through the exchange to enable the government to get an accurate data on volumes.

    He said the NCX is determined to  guarantee effective pricing for farmers, minimise the adverse effect of middle men and transfer the gains from primary production to other modes of the value chain.

    The Chief Executive Officer, HIL, Mr. Olufisayo Martins said the country has failed to benefit from multibillion-dollar agro exports  due to  safety compliance. He said the company is to partner with the government to make available agro exports that are free of any form of chemical or biological contaminations.

    According to him, the use and adoption of aflatoxin technology which is efficacious in reducing food safety hazards mostly in maize and groundnuts exports will be encouraged.

    He said Nigeria’s participation in the agricultural value chain depended on the effectiveness and implementation of government policies, especially in the agricultural sector.

    Last year, CBN committed N50 billion into NCX to boost post-harvest handling of farm produce.

  • Nigeria needs $3.5b investment annually to generate 40,000Mw

    Nigeria needs $3.5b investment annually to generate 40,000Mw

    Nigeria needs $3.5 billion investment annually to generate  40,000MW of electricity by 2030, the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, has said. He spoke  yesterday in Abuja at the investor match making event for Solar Power Naija Programme meant to provide the opportunity for potential investors to pitch their financial offerings to developers.

    The event was organized by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in collaboration with the Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Program (PA-NPSP, USAID). The Solar Power Naija Programme was launched as part of the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to achieve the roll out of 5 million new solar connections in off grid communities.

    The event provided a networking and matchmaking forum that brought together key investors and high-performing developers (pre-evaluated by the SPN team) in the power sector.

    Aliyu, who was represented by the ministry’s Director of Investment, Mrs. Eyo Babalola, said the ministry is the fulcrum of the actions with which the government is transforming the industry from a public to private sector  driven one.

    He said with the recent legislation that has empowered state governments to generate and distribute electricity, there are limitless investment opportunities in the sector. “I am here to tell you that the power sector is strategic to Nigeria’s Industrialization.

    “And it is estimated that the country will require investments of at least $3.5b per annum in power generation in order to achieve the target of 40,000MW by year 2030.

    “The Federal Ministry of Power is at the center of undertaking critical actions that have transformed the industry from government to a private sector driven and managed electricity industry.”

    He said the Federal Government has put in place the electricity power sector reform EPSR Act.” adding that the recent signing into law by Mr. President of the Bill empowering state governments to generate and distribute electricity has expanded investment opportunities in the Nigerian power sector.

    The REA has planned the program  to generate an additional N7 billion increase in tax revenues per annum and $10 million in annual import substitution.

    The objective of the programme is to Expand energy access to 25 million individuals (5 million new connections) through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) or connection to a mini grid, Increase local content in the off grid solar value chain, and as well facilitate the growth of the local manufacturing and assembly industry and Incentivize the creation of 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector.

    REA Managing Director,  Ahmad Salihijo, said the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) is undergoing some slight reforms in order to work with private investors so as to provide impact financing, stating that the essence of the reform is to ensure there is a revolving fund that could suffice when there are non – viable areas.

    Read Also : Nigeria needs $3.5b to generate 40,000MW by 2030 – FG

    His words: “Currently, the Rural Electrification Fund is going through a slight reform, where the fund can also work with various investors to provide impact financing to be able to run a revolving fund plus having a kind of viability funding in case we have areas that are not so viable. That is currently ongoing.”

    According to him, the fund is poised to identify where all the un – electrified Nigerians are and also provide opportunity for investors in the sector.

    On the matchmaking event, organized by the Solar Power Naija Programme, he noted that  REA thought it prudent as a next step to set up this Investor Matchmaking event to allow investors and selected developers to network.

    Salihijo said owing to the agency’s mandate, the Solar Power Naija team, with support from the REA, has been working to catalyse access to financing for developers in the solar power space by holding discussions and engagements with potential investors and guarantors interested in partnering or investing.

    Meanwhile, the the USAID, Acting Deputy Missions Director, Stephan Menard, recalled that there were only 40 off-grid companies in 2019, but the figure has now risen to 160.

    He said through the Power Africa Program, the USAID has assisted and handed over 3.6 million off-grid connections.

    He added that it also supported the development of 1,000Mw solar projects and training more 4,000 public and private Nigerian energy sector professionals.

    Continuing, he noted that “Today’s event  gathers some group of Nigerians and international investors.

     He added that it assembled solar mingrid developers and solar homes distributors to provide opportunity to a least – finance for projects that will project electricity for the 85million Nigerians that lack access to power.

    He said the Nigeria off-grid electricity market is valued at $1.9billion, making it the highest in Africa.

    In her welcome address, the Solar Power Naija, Head, Barbra Izilein, recalled that the programme started with the Federal Government creating access to N140 billion  from the excess cash reserves of commercial

    banks, (at single digit interest facility for Solar Developers).

    According to her, it is targeted at  covering up to 5million new solar connections, increase local content (local assembly and manufacturing) and create jobs through employment.

    This process, she said, required the Commercial banks to go through a pre-qualification and evaluation process to ensure that companies met their credit requirements.

    She also noted that  SPN, however, decided to expand its reach and impact by engaging other

    potential investors interested in making significant investments in the Solar space.

    Continuing, Izilein said “Through this initiative, we have successfully built relationships with several Investors

    including: Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA),

     Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited (InfraCredit)

     Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) NEoT Off-grid Africa.

    “And other investors…

    We discovered that with this approach, of having multiple investors, we could

    create access to even more financing and increase energy access in the country.

    “However, we were limited in the number of connections we could achieve with matchmaking Developers and Investors through virtual meetings.

      “You are therefore here today to witness a truly historic occasion – the pioneer Investor Matchmaking Event (focusing on Solar power) organised in the country, which has been meticulously planned with

    Developers and Investors pre-screened before being given access to participate

    in the event.”

  • Buhari appoints Baba Umar Security Adviser on INTERPOL

    Buhari appoints Baba Umar Security Adviser on INTERPOL

    President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed retiring Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Garba Baba Umar, as a Senior Security Adviser on International Police Cooperation and Counter-terrorism (INTERPOL), in the Office of the Minister of Police Affairs.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the appointment would help Nigeria keep its place as an Executive Member of INTERPOL, which is currently held by Umar.

    Though Umar is billed to retire soon, his office as an Executive Member of the INTERPOL subsists till November 2024, according to the statement.

    It reads: “To enable Nigeria keep the important position and make way for him to complete his nationally beneficial tenure as an Executive Member of the INTERPOL, President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed retiring AIG, Garba Baba Umar, as a Senior Security Adviser on INTERPOL in the office of the Minister of Police Affairs.

    “In approving his appointment, President Buhari took note of a precedent in which a former Executive Member, AIG Kamal Subair (rtd) was retained in service by the Federal Government after retirement in 2018. President Buhari also noted that during his tenure as a member of the Executive Committee, AIG Umar assisted Nigeria in many ways, with the hope that in the remaining one year, he will do more in securing equipment for crimes, border management and counter-terrorism for the country, and help to get more Nigerians into important positions in the INTERPOL.

    “AIG Umar’s tenure at the INTERPOL ends in November 2024, and his new appointment as Senior Security Adviser takes effect from May 16, 2023.”

  • APC chairman to aggrieved lawmakers: hold your fire

    APC chairman to aggrieved lawmakers: hold your fire

    • ‘Zoning of N’Assembly top posts not final’
    • Yari, Kalu, Musa take protest to secretariat
    • Umahi: issues will be resolved amicably

    Aggrieved aspirants seeking top positions in the National Assembly got a message from the party yesterday.

    “Hold your fire”, All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Abdullahi Adamu urged them. 

    Adamu, who received three Senate president aspirants – Orji Uzor Kalu, Sani Musa and Abdulaziz Yari – all angry about the zoning formula proposed by the party, promised them that party leaders will take another look at the matter after consultation with President-elect Bola Tinubu. 

    He said the zoning formula “is not final”.

    On Wednesday, some House of Representatives aspirants displeased by the zoning plan, led by Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, also visited the secretariat.

    Adamu said the National Working Committee (NWC) would go back to the drawing board to correct any perceived lopsidedness in the distribution of the presiding offices to the six geo-political zones.

    The three senators presented a letter of grievance to Adamu during the meeting at the secretariat.

    Senator Osita Izunaso, expected to be in the team, sent his apology because he was away in Owerri to attend the flag off of the Orashyi/Oguta Lake dredging, performed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Senator-elect and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi appealed for calm, saying that the contentious issues will be resolved amicably.

    Accepting responsibility for the misgivings on the zoning arrangement, the party chairman admitted that National Assembly members-elect were not adequately consulted before it was announced.

    He assured the aggrieved aspirants that the NWC will consult with the President-elect when he returns from his working tour of Europe and will revisit the arrangement.

    Adamu said: “As chairman of the APC and members of the National Working Committee, we take responsibility. As chairman, I take responsibility for what has gone on air.

    “Yes, there were no sufficient consultations with you who are contesting and it is a simple principle of democracy that you get views and opinions. But, the circumstances that we found ourselves in after the elections frustrated our desire.

    “We must as democrats open up. We (NWC) have received with respect, the outcome of the meeting with party leaders, comprising the leadership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and the party.

    “We will go back to the drawing board. We owe our party that duty to take a look at whether what was done cannot be changed; what was done needs some changes or reviews. We will take a look at what necessary compelled us to do by the grace of God.”

    Adamu added: “Hold the fire until the last word is heard from us. We are the custodians of the party as NWC but we are not acting alone. The voice of the President-elect is essential. We must accommodate him, the best we can.

    “I will not compromise on that. So, he (Tinubu) is right now outside the country and by the grace of God when he comes back, we will go back to the drawing board and put our heads together again and see what we will get.

    “I cannot pre-empt that. I will wait until we hold that meeting with Mr President-elect, the same team that we had the same meeting with. 

    “If we need to enlarge the committee, we will do so. We will be better informed through the contributions that we will be made.

    “We will go through your memo, line by line and ensure that we can capture the spirit of your presentation and see what will be the best way out of the situation we have. 

    “Whatever you heard is the art of human endeavour and we are not perfect as human beings. We can make mistakes.

    “So, if we find in the course of further consultations the mistakes that need to be looked at, we will look at them. 

    “The important thing is that the spirit of the party must be kept alive. We just came out of the election, and the whole country is looking towards us.

    “We are just counting down to the inauguration on the 29th of this month. Our eyes must stay on the ball but in doing so we must make sure justice will be done. We will do the essentials to deliver justice to all and sundry.”

    Yari, who led the aggrieved lawmakers, said the zoning formula was not acceptable to their respective geo-political zones.

    He complained that the zoning was a clear breach of the APC motto of “Peace, Justice and Unity”.

    According to him: “We are here to present our letter of grievances to you and also tell this honourable house that we are not satisfied with the arrangement and what we are expecting from you people is to give us a fair level to play.”

    Musa reiterated his earlier position to step down for a Christian Senate President and called for a formula that will reflect the secular nature of the country.

    He argued that the Northcentral zone, which contributed more votes to the party than other geo-political zones, had been short-changed in the zoning arrangement.

    He said: “The issue of National Assembly election is an issue of internal democracy. If it doesn’t prevail in National Assembly, how will it prevail in the wider Nigerian society? We are the ones saying it but not acting it. That can be corrected.

    “This injustice needs to be corrected. The Northcentral has been shortchanged. We are pained. We are putting all the effort to make sure the APC realised what we wanted. 

    “If you look at the statistics, we got five governors out of six, 11 senators out of 18, and the margin between APC and PDP is a difference of over 400,000 votes which we produced. What is the margin of difference between APC and PDP in the Northwest?”

    Kalu said the party should ensure inclusion of the Southeast geo-political zone and even distribution of power since the country is sitting on a tripod of three major ethnic groups of Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo.

    He argued that the region deserves the Senate President, having produced two governors, six senators and many House of Representatives members.

    Umahi: APC’ll address grievances

    Umahi said the leadership of the APC was capable of addressing all the grievances. 

    Umahi, who stressed the need for Nigerians to be given a reason to be patriotic, also advised that the Judiciary must be allowed to handle disputes over the general election without interference.

    The governor spoke at the ongoing induction of National Assembly members-elect in Abuja.

    He said: “Democracy is all about resolving all emerging controversies. The position of our party (APC) has given rise to some unavoidable controversies. There is no position the party would have taken that will not attract criticism or controversies.

    “I think that the party and our leadership are very capable and full of wisdom to resolve whatever might be the differences. I am very sure they are working on it.”

    Calling on Nigerians to be patriotic in their dealings, Umahi pointed out that “there can never be patriotism in this country without equity, fairness and justice”.

    He added: “For me to be patriotic, I have to be sure that my area is carried along and this is the reason many people don’t return to the National Assembly because projects are not skewed in their interest.

    “The people assess legislators as if they have Executive powers to do projects. So, there should be a way to have executive projects cited in their areas so that they can leverage that to come back and not waste the experience they gather as lawmakers.

    “There is also the issue of inclusiveness. There is a need for the three arms of government to ask one common question: Do we want to reset this country? If we want to reset this country, a lot of sacrifices must be made.

    “There must be patriotism to reset this country. This has to be done so that our people can see the country first. America is great because the people see America first. This country must be reset on the platform of equity, fairness and justice.”

  • May 29: Benue Assembly suspends sitting over unpaid salaries

    May 29: Benue Assembly suspends sitting over unpaid salaries

    From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

    Members of the  Benue State House of Assembly have suspended sitting over the non-payment of their six-month salary arrears and allowances.

    With the development, the controversial Executive Pension Bill sent to them by  Governor Samuel Ortom for approval is on hold.

    Governor-elect  Hyacinth Alia had flayed the bill which,   among other things,  provides for permanent accommodation and four new cars every four years for every former governor of the state.   

    The bill, which has passed its first reading, also proposes the hiring of six personal staff for former governors and three for former deputy governors.

    It also provides free medical treatment for the past governors,  their spouses and at least four of their children under 18.

    A member of the  House. Bem Mngutyo, told  The Nation yesterday   that  they had  “  resolved not to sit   until  our  emoluments and salaries  are paid.”

    Mngutyo said the outgoing governor met with the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of the House last weekend over the issue.

    Ortom, according to him,  promised to pay the arrears of allowances and salary with the state’s  May federal allocation before he exits office in 18 day time.