The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Border closure: Joint security operatives seize N1.4bn items – CG

    By Agency Reporter

    The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), retired Col. Hammed Ali, said operatives of the ongoing Joint Border Security had seized items worth N1.4 billion since the partial closure of borders.

    Ali disclosed this during a joint news conference with his counterpart from the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr Mohammed Babandede, in Abuja on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the joint border security exercise, codenamed “Exercise Swift Response”, commenced operation on Aug. 20.

    It is set up to ensure a better security of the country’s territorial integrity, particularly the land and maritime borders against trans-border security concerns.

    Read Also: Nigeria Customs seizes contraband worth N93m

    The exercise is being coordinated by Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in the four zones of North-West, North-Central, South-West and South-South geopolitical zones.

    Ali explained that the items seized since the commencement of the exercise were 21,071 of 50Kg of per boiled foreign rice; 190 vehicles; 891 drums filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 2,665 jerricans of vegetable oil.
    He said other items were 133 motorcycles; 70 jerricans of PMS, and 131 bags of NPK fertiliser.

    The customs boss explained that unscrupulous elements used such fertilisers for explosives to perpetuate mayhem in the country.

    According to him, 95 per cent of illicit drugs and weapons use for terrorism come through the porous borders.
    He further stated that the rate of insecurity in the country had reduced dramatically since the closure of borders.
    He disclosed that 317 suspected smugglers and 146 illegal migrants have so far been arrested during the exercise.

    Ali said the partial border closure had also boosted the revenue being generated by the service.

  • Border Closure: CBN appeals to Rice millers, stakeholders not to increase price

    By Agency Reporter

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has appealed to members of Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and other stakeholders in the rice value chain not to increase the price of rice over boarder closure.

    Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor said this in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja by Mr Muhammed Tijani, Media Assistant to RIMAN’s Chairman.

    Emefiele also called on them not to hoard rice as a result of the closure of the boarders in order to increase price, adding that such acts were unpatriotic.

    The CBN governor said that the boarder closure was meant to promote the growth of the Nigerian economy and ensure that the country attained food self-sufficiency in the rice value chain.

    He said that this was for the benefit and wellbeing of the citizenry.

    He said that imported rice into the country were chemicalised for preservation, therefore not good for the consumption.

    Emefiele said that there was need to increase rice production and discourage hoarding leading to price increase, while calling on rice millers to support government’s effort in the rice value chain sector.

    He said that hoarding rice with a view to increase the prices of rice would bring hardship to Nigerians.

    He said that the CBN under his leadership would support rice millers to stem off smuggling in the country and grow the rice sector for food self–sufficiency.

    Read Also: CBN unfolds guidelines for indirect payment system

    Emefiele called on Nigerians to support the government action on closure of the boarder, adding that government took the decision in the best interest of Nigerians as it was meant to secure the country.

    He said that this would also secure the health of the citizenry from heavily chemicalised products that were injurious to the health of the country.

    Mr Peter Dama, the RIMAN Chairman assured the CBN of the supports of its members on the Federal Government’s action on boarder closure.

    He said that its members would not succumb to pressure to reverse the policy on boarders’ closure.

    He urged the CBN for financial support to build capacity and expand milling activities to stimulate further growth in the rice sector.

  • We’re tired of corruption in Amnesty Office – Ex-militants

    By Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

    Niger Delta ex-militants have lamented alleged corrupt practices in the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) since the inception of the scheme.

    The ex-militants appealed to leaders from the region especially the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to seek measures of ending sleaze in the scheme to actualise its objectives.

    The ex-militants under the auspices of Ex-Agitators Youth Development Combined (EAYDC) said since its inception, the amnesty programme had been hijacked by non-agitators, who mismanaged resources leaving only crumbs for the real ex-militants.

    Members of EAYDC, who were drawn from the three phases, insisted that the injustice in the amnesty programme must be addressed, described the amnesty office as one of the most corrupt interventionist agencies in the country.

    The group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, General Tonye Bobo popularly called Sir T, said the original code prescribed by the United Nations to guide interventionist agencies had been abandoned by the amnesty office.

    Bobo said non-training of delegates was one of the reasons why the amnesty programme was lagging behind.

    He said: “One of the primary aims of the Amnesty programme has been defeated, which of course, is the re-integration phase, which has not been fulfilled. This is the cause of the perennial agitations in the region.

    Bobo further called on Akpabio to drive the development of the region the way he transformed Akwa Ibom State as a governor.

    Read Also: Amnesty programme and matters arising 

     

    He said Akpabio would not disappoint the region as he would deploy his wealth of experience in his new assignment insisting that the former governor was competent and would handle his new assignment with passion.

    He said its members would support Akpabio and offer him required assistance in his quest to develop the region.

    Bobo said: “We are a grassroots based organization in the region and will not support anybody or group of people, who wish to sabotage his efforts in the ministry. We will collaborate with all compatriots to work with the minister and his team to actualize the federal government plan for the region”.

    “We appeal to the general public to give the new minister their maximum support and a chance to actualize his dream for the region. Senator Akpabio is more acquainted with the issues and challenges in the region”.

  • Nasarawa Assembly advises teachers against truancy

    By Agency Reporter

    The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has advised teachers against absenteeism, lateness to work and other forms of truancy.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Mr Daniel Ogazi, gave the advice on Monday when the committee paid an unscheduled visit to Central Pilot Primary School, Nakuse, Toto Local Government Area.
    According to him, such negative attitude could undermine the education sector in the state.

    Ogazi decried the nonchalant attitude of some teachers, stressing that the committee will do everything humanly possible to ensure that primary education which is the foundation of learning is optimally repositioned in the state.

    He warned that the committee would not hesitate to recommend punitive measures against any teacher found wanting in discharging his/her duties.

    “I want to call on you to be serious and committed while discharging your duties in the interest of our children and for the overall development of the state.

    Read Also: Nasarawa Assembly to sanction LGs over refusal to pay salary

    “The State Government has invested massively in the education sector, hence the need for teachers to be up and doing towards improving on the standard of education in the state.

    “We (legislature) will continue to do our best by giving the education sector the much needed priority it deserved,” he said.

    Mrs Charity Agmada, the Head of the school, commended the committee for the visit and called for its sustenance.

    She assured of their commitment to duties in order to improve on the standard of education in the state.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Oct. 7, the Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, directed the standing committee chairmen and their members to embark on oversight functions from Oct. 8, in order to ascertain the level of the 2019 budget performance.

  • Super Eagles lacks ball winners in midfield, says Cross River SWAN Chairman

    By Agency Reporter

    Albert Andinam, Chairman, Cross River Chapter, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), on Monday said the Super Eagles needed a ball winner in the midfield to make the team stronger.

    Andiman, who spoke against the backdrop of the Super Eagles 1-1 draw with the Selecaos of Brazil on Sunday in Singapore, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar that the team played well.

    He added that the team still needed someone who could keep control of the ball, and to also provide additional support for the defense and attack to make the team more organised.

    The SWAN chairman, who described the friendly match as a high profile encounter, told NAN that Coach Gernot Rohr had also used the match to impart his style on the new boys in the team.

    Read Also: Nigeria vs Brazil: ‘Troost-Ekong will be ready’

    According to him, credit must be given to Rohr for combing all the nooks and cranny of the globe to get talented and previously unknown Nigerian players willing to don the Green, White and Green jersey of Nigeria.

    “The midfield is the engine room of any team, it is like the nucleus of a cell, it coordinates the defence and the attack.

    “The Super Eagles still need someone who can get hold of the ball, look up and know what to do with it viz-a-viz the position of his attackers and equally absorb counter attacks from the opponents.

    “Nigeria paraded a very talented and determined team and what we saw in the match against Brazil proved that our players can rise to the occasion.

    “Even though I think our attack was not persistent enough because we were repelled at some point, I am quite impressed with the team and players like Joe Aribo and Victor Osihmen,’’ he said.

  • Minimum wage implementation excites Kaduna local government workers

    By Agency Reporter

    Workers of Sanga and Kaura Local Government Councils of Kaduna State on Monday expressed gratitude to the leadership of their respective councils for implementing the new minimum wage.

    The workers, under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), expressed their excitement in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    They said the decision to implement the new package ahead of Federal Government by the councils was a demonstration of sensitivity to the yearning and aspirations of the workers.

    Mr John Mazo, the acting Chairman of NULGE in Sanga Local Government Area, described the development as heart warming, adding “the move, no doubt, will spur on the spirit of workers especially at the grassroots, towards better performance”.

    “While we commend the council Chairman, Mr Charles Danladi, for the bold step taken, we also urge workers to step up efforts in their various offices to ensure that the mandate of the council is attained,” Mazo added.

    Similarly, Mr Philip Joseph, the NULGE Chairman, Kaura Local Government Area, appreciated the caretaker committee of the council under the chairmanship of Bege Ayuba for being responsive to the plight of the workers through the implementation of the new salary package.

    Joseph expressed optimism that workers would reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best to reposition the area for the good of all.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: States divided over sack of workers

    Also, Mrs Maimuna Dogo, a civil servant resident in Kaura, told NAN that the implementation of the new minimum wage was a morale-booster to workers and their families.

    “This is a huge relief to personal and family needs that are not met due to financial constraints,” she said.
    However, Malam Abubakar Yakubu, a civil servant resident in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of the state, urged government at all levels to implement the new minimum approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to cushion the harsh economic reality in the country.

    “I think NLC could still engage the Federal Government after a year or two on the need for an upward review but in the meantime, we are appreciative,” he said.

  • Kebbi gov donates N30m to build churches

    By: Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

    Kebbi Governor Atiku Bagudu has donated N30m to the Christian community in Zuru Emirates to build churches.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) zonal chairman Rev. James Manga disclosed this while answering question from reporters.

    He said the donation was to enable the Christian communities in Zuru to build churches and other on-going projects.

    Manga stated it was the first time the Christian communities were getting a large sum of money from the governor.

    According to him: “The money was delivered to us and it was shared according to the needs of various churches. Most of the money went into building churches in Zuru community. Although past governments did something for the churches but it not as large sum as this”

    Read Also: Kebbi Governor tasks INEC on neutrality

    He said apart from the N30m donation, Bagudu has also personally visited the Christian communities during the last Christmas to rejoice and celebrate with them.

    Audu said the Governor also donated bags of rice, clothing materials and other food items to all churches in the state to celebrate last Christmas.

    He called on the governor to ensure the involvement of Christians in his cabinet, stating “in the last 4 years Christian presence is not felt in the governor’s cabinet. That has been one major challenge for Christians in the state.

    “But this time around, we are pleading with Governor Bagudu to carry Christians along while forming his cabinet. We are praying for him. The church believes in his government and we will continued to pray for the success of his administration.”

  • Ekiti PDP splits ahead of council polls

    By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti

    The crisis rocking the Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) worsened yesteday as members and stakeholders of the party were sharply divided over the December 7 councils elections in the state.

    The unfolding events appeared to have split the rank and file of the opposition party as some stakeholders called for outright boycott of the election, while others advocated participation.

    The leadership of the party in Ado-Ekiti had said it would boycott the council polls over alleged plot by Governor Kayode Fayemi to rig the elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The splinter group in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti by Hon. Yinka Olomofe, on behalf of the Ado-Ekiti Council Stakeholders, directed its member to distance themselves from a ‘predetermined exercise.’

    But the Forum for the PDP local government party chairmen dismissed the announcement with a wave of the hand, affirming the party would participate in the council polls.

    The Forum said the decision was hinged on the resolution reached by the party’s State Executive Committee during a joint meeting of the State Working Committee and the Local Government party chairmen held on September 25, 2019.

    Read Also: N7.6bn loan: APC can’t fault Makinde, says PDP

    The Forum, in a statement signed and issued on Sunday in Ado Ekiti by its Chairman and Secretary, Hon. Idowu Akinbode and Hon. Israel Ogudele, respectively, and 12 other members of the forum, declared the earlier announcement of non-participation in the council polls as null and void.

    It said the decision to participate or not to partake in the conduct of the elections can only be determined by the State Working Committee in collaboration with the local government party chairmen.

    The Forum called on party members and all the party’s candidates to disregard the purported non-participation and continue with their campaigns and all other due processes as outlined by the electoral body.

    It charged the EKSIEC to provide a level playing ground for all participating political parties, advising the electoral body to shun all illegal activities that could cast a pall of darkness on the credibility of the elections.

    Meanwhile, the PDP State Chairman, Chief Gboyega Oguntuwase, said: “The position of the extended EXCO, the SWC with all party chairmen of all the local governments, we met and we discussed extensively on what the PDP should do concerning the local government election.

    “We all resolved that in the overriding interest of the party, so that there will be activity in the party, so that Ekiti people will have option, so that the fundamental provision of the constitution that we all have right to vote and be voted for would not be blotted out by unnecessary emotions and sabotage that we should participate in the elections.

    “Any chairman of any local government that is making any announcement to the contrary, no matter who is backing him, shall receive adequate query and punishment for leading a rebellion at the appropriate time. I, as the state chairman, confirm that we shall take part in the elections.”

  • FG lists N15bn green bond on NSE

    By Agency Reporter

    The Federal Government on Monday listed its N15 billion green bond on the daily official list of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
    The seven-year bond issued at coupon rate of 14.50 per cent on June 13, 2019 would mature on June 13, 2026.

    The Series II Green Bond was issued to finance renewable energy, afforestation, and transportation projects.

    The series 11 bond followed the debut Sovereign ₦10.69 billion Green Bond that was issued in December 2017 and listed on the NSE in July 2018.

    Commenting on the listing, Mr Jude Chiemeka, NSE Head, Trading Business Division, said that the exchange was pleased to admit the bond.

    “We are pleased to admit the Series II FGN Green Bond to our Green and Sustainable Bond Market.

    “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and the Debt Management Office on deepening the Green Bond market, which dates back to 2016, reinforces the Exchange’s commitment to position Nigeria as a financial centre for green and sustainable financing,” Chiemeka said.

    Read Also: NSE changes share pricing rule to stem decline

    He noted that the recent partnership with the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) further demonstrates NSE’s passion to provide enabling environment for issuers and investors in the Nigerian capital market.

    “The Exchange will continue to work with key stakeholders in transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable economy as well as develop innovative products and services in close collaboration with the market,” he added.

    Chiemeka also congratulated the Minister of Environment and the Management of the DMO on the successful issuance of a second Green Bond.

    He said that the laudable feat would aid in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable financing in Nigeria.

    Chiemeka said Nigeria’s participation in the Green bond market was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change signed in September 2016. (NAN)

  • We won’t embark on new road projects until…-FG

    By Okodili Ndidi, Abuja

    The Federal Government has said that it will not embark on fresh road projects until all awarded projects are completed despite allotting the highest percentage of the 2020 budget to the Works Ministry.

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Babatunde Fashola, who gave the hint on the NTA Weekend File, said that the Federal Government has to prioritise and commit its resources to completing critical roads nearing completion across the country instead of embarking on new ones as a result of “constrained fiscal environment”.

    According to him, there are 78 of such critical roads and bridges that the government wants to concentrate resources on and finish before contemplating new projects.
    The project, according to him, include the Loko-Ogbeto Bridge, Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, Kaduna-Abuja-Zaria highway, the Suleja-Minna highway and the roads that lead to the sea Ports, which he said drive the economy.
    Fashola however said new road projects can only be embarked upon when there are compelling needs to do so.

    He said: “Now in terms of the budget size, how much is proposed N261 billion? It will not be enough to discharge all our obligations.
    “Like in any home you want to buy books, you want to buy clothing for your children, you want to pay rent, you can never have enough money so you have to prioritize.
    “So one of the things we have recommended is to first slow down, if possible stop new projects and commit our limited resources to completing projects that are nearing completion.

    “No nation ever has enough money anyway, so those are the priorities but we also have outstanding payments and we have made this known to the President and his commitment to do his best within the constrained fiscal space to support the infrastructure objective, not only of my Ministry but transportation to aviation are so critical because these are the things that will grow the economy, let us focus on the high priorities of the economic objectives of this country.”

    Read Also: FEC okays N727b increment on 2020 Budget

    He also said the proposed re-introduction of toll gates on federal government has not been approved yet by the Federal Executive Council(FEC).

    Fashola explained: “The existing law allows government to toll and people have formed different impressions about it but let me be very clear, tolling is part of our existing law, it will happen, it will happen on completed sections of roads not on uncompleted sections of roads.
    “There are still a lot of work to be done and we trying to ensure that tolling administration is more efficient to overcome the problems that characterised the previous regime and some of the reasons why it was reportedly cancelled.
    “The last thing to say about tolling is that contrary to the reports in the media that this was part of government policy to raise revenue along with VAT, they are not connected at all.
    “We didn’t even discuss it in Council, talk less of discussing it as a revenue raising strategy.
    “But what people must understand is that tolls also create employment for people who manage the tolls and we hope that some of the proceeds if substantial can be used to maintain the roads and prolong their design life which is what Nigerians have asked for”.