Author: The Nation

Ekiti State Government and Promasidor Nigeria has taken delivery of 250 pregnant heifers from the United States of America.

In a statement obtained by our correspondent, the management informed that this is the second batch of heifers arriving the farm after the first arrival on February 10th this year. It is in line with the objectives of the state government and Promasidor to make the dairy farm a model of backward integration on a commercial scale.

Upon calving, the milk production on the farm will definitely be boosted by the Jersey heifers’ arrival as they are expected to produce an average of 20 litres of milk per day per animal.

In a bid to bring the efforts of Promasidor on the farm to fruition, the Ekiti State Government has ensured all issues with landowners were resolved and full access to land granted for use. They also ensured the connection of the farm to the national grid for regular power supply.

 

BIC, a world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers announced the launch of its continent wide art competition. The stationery giant is searching for talented ball pen artists to submit their exceptional artwork for an opportunity to be named the Art Master of Middle East and Africa.

The BIC Art Master competition was first held in South Africa in 2017 and, following its success, it grew to include all of Africa in 2019. In 2021, the competition is expanding further to include the Middle East region. The region is packed with immensely talented people and in its 4th year, the BIC Art Master contest plans to recognise and celebrate these artists. Using only BIC ballpoint pens, entrants have the freedom to express their creativity while playing on this year’s theme, “Enchant Everyday Life,” just as artists can submit a maximum of three original and authentic artworks of what inspires and brings them joy on www.bicartmaster.com before the 31st of May 2021, the organisers stressed.

“With our diverse Nigerian culture, we are excited to be launching this year’s edition of the BIC Art Master Competition that acts as a platform to recognize and showcase African talents. The competition was a great success last year and we are already very impressed with the submissions that we have seen in the first couple of days since launch,” said Guillaume Grouès, Deputy General Manager Lucky Stationary Nigeria Ltd and Senior Sales Manager West & Central Africa.

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges that include a mix of artists, sculptures, art professors and art collectors. The grand prize for the competition is $2,000, a personalised online gallery and an opportunity to be featured as part of the BIC Art Collection. The 2nd prize winner will walk away with a $1,000 cash prize, and the 2nd runner-up will win a $500 cash prize. This contest is open for Africa and Middle East residents only.

The judging partners include, Geoffrey Bich, Enam Bosokah, Aboudouh Akinde Fatiou, Valérie Manouvrier, Hervé Mikaeloff and Ennock Mlangeni.

 

By Bassey Anthony, Uyo

Since its inception about two decades ago, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been struggling to live up to its core mandate as an interventionist agency for the oil-rich but environmentally-battered and poverty-stricken Niger Delta region.

However, the Commission under the supervision of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has yet another opportunity to fulfill its mandate by providing lasting solutions to the myriad of socioeconomic and environmental challenges of the region and by extension facilitate regional development.

As a major move towards changing the sad narrative of the past, a three-day NDDC strategic capacity building workshop and retreat for NDDC stakeholders, directors, deputy directors and assistant directors was held at the Ibom Icon and Golf Resort, Uyo Akwa Ibom state between April 15th to 17th, 2021.

The theme of the retreat was ‘Collaborating, Planning and Re-Strategizing for a Better Niger Delta Region.’ The retreat was officially flagged off by the Niger Delta Affairs Minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The retreat was essentially to fashion out means and ways by which there would be more stakeholders’ involvement in the planning, budgeting, implementation and monitoring of NDDC projects and programmes to ensure transparency and optimal delivery on the mandate of the Commission.

It is believed that why the region is replete with several abandoned NDDC projects put at over 10,000 across the Niger Delta, according to Akpabio, is because there was no stakeholders’ participation in budgeting, planning, execution and monitoring of projects and programmes.

Other key issues included the need for the engagement and contributions of and collaboration with stakeholders in the conceptualisation of projects and programmes as well as budgetary processes in order to create a sense of belonging and ownership.

The issues of the review of the NDDC Act for greater institutional and structural efficiency and improved funding of the Commission to enable it achieve its mandate came up.

There was also the need for the federal government to release arrears owed the NDDC, review the Commission’s master plan for the Niger Delta so that it would henceforth serve as a framework for the preparation of the NDDC annual budgets in line with the current SDG goals and UN Global Compact.

The need for states in the region to collaborate with the Commission to provide their long term development plans to synchronise them with the NDDC Master plan was discussed.

The lack of penalty for oil and gas companies which default in the remittances of their statutory contributions to the Commission also took centre stage at the stakeholders discourse.

In his keynote address, Akpabio set the template for the retreat stating that the NDDC under his supervision mulled the idea of the talk shop to enable stakeholders rub minds and re-strategise for sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.

Akpabio said, ‘’if strengthening the NDDC as an institution through its budget systems as well as through procurement, monitoring, evaluation and compliance processes is not delivered then the bells of doom would inevitably begin to toll harder.

‘’Several efforts at managing the oil and gas resources in a way which fosters the development of our communities where they are extracted have brought us to this day, to the existence of the NDDC and to this retreat.”

Akpabio called attention to the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan (NDRDMP) which was activated in 2005 but expired in 2020.

His words, ‘’There should be discussions of renewing the plan with the policies of the 17 SDG Goals incorporated in the new plan. It would also be healthy for the Commission to consider adopting some or all of the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact for carrying out business.”

In his opening remarks, the NDDC interim administrator, Mr. Efiong Akwa said the retreat was in furtherance of the ongoing consultations with internal and external stakeholders of the NDDC to distill commonalities.

‘’We are here today to work towards creation of commonalities among stakeholders for the speedy development of our beloved Niger Delta region.

‘’The NDDC is born again. Contrary to its distasteful past ways, the core of our new personae is continual consultations and collaboration with stakeholders to co-create commonalities for effective development of the Niger Delta,” Akwa said.

Stakeholders including National Assembly, traditional rulers and chiefs, oil and gas host communities, the international oil companies (IOCs), youth groups, Nongovernmental organizations and CBOs from across the Niger Delta region attended the retreat.

Interestingly, galaxies of renowned resource persons were on hand to engage stakeholders on the various areas of discourse.

Traditional rulers from the region, civil society organizations and youth leaders were particularly elated for the opportunity the NDDC gave them to bare their minds in the budgetary processes aimed at developing the Niger Delta.

The National President of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria(TROMPCON and Paramount ruler of Ibeno in Akwa Ibom state, Owong Effiong Archianga stressed the need to carry stakeholders along in budget preparation and monitoring.

Others include: ‘’That the Commission would create a culture of budget realism by eliminating moribund items, ensuring clarity, harmonisation, stakeholders participation, effective monitoring and evaluation and post-implementation audits.

“That while there should be less emphasis on undertaking new projects owing to budgetary constraints in relation to outstanding obligations and the ongoing forensic audit, the Commission, being the foremost interventionist agency of the region, should continue to intervene to cut the infrastructural deficits in the region and in other areas of urgent need such as was done at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.’’

 

Yetunde Adeshile, the CEO/Founder The Next Chosen Generation CIC and Director RJ Emmanuel Ltd, made history recently when she was appointed the first black woman member on the board of the Association for Project Management (APM) in the UK. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, she shares her experience managing human resources and projects. Excerpts:

You made history as the first black woman member on the board of the Association for Project Management (APM) in the UK. What does the appointment mean to you?

Firstly, let me say that it cannot be confirmed that I am the first black woman member of the board. It is, however, an honour to be appointed to the board. Right now, I feel privileged to hold such a position, especially as I did not get on the board via the election process. There were many people who applied through the election stage, but only 3 people got elected. I was number 4 missing the election by less than 100 votes. I had planned to go through the election again this year, but God was ahead of me. He got me on the board by appointment, sooner than I thought. I am delighted and forever grateful to God for the opportunity.

Can you tell us your foray in project management?

I stumbled on Project Management after graduating with my first degree in Social Policy and Management. I had to do a temporary job whilst looking for a permanent job. My temporary job was as Project Administrator. Whilst supporting project managers, I got curious about project management. At the time, Project Management was very new to the United Kingdom and my instincts told me the profession was here to stay. I attended internal Project Management training and looked out for role opportunities that would be my first step into the profession. This opportunity came within eight months after I made up my mind that Project Management would be my newfound career, especially as things were not working out with Human Resources Management, my first choice career. Since that decision, I continued to develop myself in the field, and never have I once regretted it or looked back. I am now a Registered, Chartered Project Professional, a full member, and an appointed board member of the Association for Project Management.

Did you have a mentor or support structure in place when you started out?

Throughout my career, I have had many mentors who have impacted me in different ways. I love learning from other people as much as I like training and developing others. I have an open mind. So long as someone is more experienced than I am, I am always eager to learn from them. Most of my line managers in the past have mentored and supported me. However, I must say that I am also self-driven. The number one person that drives me the most is my husband, Pastor Peter Adeshile. He always encourages me to go beyond what I think I am capable of achieving. He always says “Your project management will take you places.” I think he still wants me to deliver an international project abroad somewhere. He has been exceptionally supportive over the years.

Given the strident calls for the inclusion of black women in top key positions of the corporate ladder, do you see your appointment as an opening for other black women in the United Kingdom?

If my memory serves me well, I know that there have always been calls for more black women in top key positions of the corporate ladder. I remember a colleague of mine approaching me about 10 years ago, saying he wanted me to meet his mum who would want to hire someone like me in a top job in the US. He said the job was just a phone call away. I declined. Unfortunately, at the time, I didn’t think I was worth it or ready for it even though my husband encouraged me to go for it. I was afraid of the change and of failing. This same feeling and thoughts have stopped many black women from taking up these roles in the past, which is why we still have this gap today. I definitely, do hope that this appointment will open up new opportunities and encourage other black women to step forward.

You worked on projects that interfaced with ‘Brexit’. What do you make of the whole ‘Brexit’?

I worked on projects that interfaced with or were impacted by Brexit.

How do you juggle being a John Maxwell certified leadership expert, Registered, Chartered, and experienced Project and Programme Management professional, likely the first black woman on the APM board member and parish Pastor?

Being a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Expert actually supports me in all my other leadership roles. The training and network, help me to be a better leader in all areas of my life. Project Management is my main profession, so being a Registered, Chartered, and experienced Project Management Professional who is also on the Board provides me with a greater opportunity for collaboration in my profession.

What lessons from being on the global stage of public speaking, mentoring, community service and politics, do you believe transferred well in being a good Chief Executive Officer and mother?

I think the most important things that connect all the work that I do are, people, their development, and welfare. I have a passion for people and seeing them transferred from the current state to a better state. I like to see people taking opportunities and using them to their advantage. I also believe in justice for all and equality. To make this world a better place, equality has to be a bit better balanced.

 

For most businesses dependent on importation of some kind, increase in import tariffs remains a sore point as well as disincentive to business, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Container shipping rates from China to Nigeria
Port of loading: Container size: Shipping price:
Shanghai to Lagos Nigeria 20FT Container from: $2990
Shanghai to Lagos Nigeria 40FT Container from: $3500
Shenzhen to Lagos Nigeria 40FT Container from: $3650
Ningbo-Zhoushan to Lagos Nigeria 40FT Container from: $3990
Source: https://www.brlogistics.net › shipping-service-from-china

Source: https://www.brlogistics.net › shipping-service-from-china

To say the rise in import tariffs is taking a heavy toll on businesses is certainly stating the obvious. Speaking with a cross section of stakeholders including manufacturers, importers as well as suppliers of luxury goods and essential commodities, they lamented what they described as the huge cost of import which is literally ‘slicing’ their capital and completely eroding their gains.

Cross of the matter

The rise in import tariffs in recent times is beginning to take a toll on the cost and prices of certain goods and services according to the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

A tariff is a specific tax levied on an imported good at the border. Tariffs have historically been a tool for governments to collect revenues, but they are also a way to protect domestic industry and production.

According to the report gleamed from its website, the NBS, noted that imports in Nigeria decreased to N1759720.29 in December from N2397223.91 in November of 2020, all thanks to a combination of factors, chief among which is rise in tariffs.

Under Nigerian law, the tax is charged at currently 7.5% of the value of the taxable goods and services. VAT = 7.5%.

At the moment, import duty varies from 5% to 60%, averaging 12% but all imports are also subject to a 7% port surcharge and a 5% value-added tax (VAT).

In the view of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, rising inflation has adversely affected the profitability of producers and is a major contributor to the low export penetration of made-in-Nigeria goods in the international market. “There is an urgent need for government to intentionally ensure price stability before the situation becomes deplorable,” the manufacturing body said in a statement recently.

Though the Federal Government had late last year proposed to slash import duties of tractors, transport vehicles, and others to further cushion current socio-economic conditions in the country, this has not had any positive effect on the operating environment as importers say they still pay humongous charges. It is however instructive to note that slash on import duties in 2020 Finance Bill not yet in force.

Global view of components of Nigeria’s imports

According to available information sourced on the website of in Trading Economics, a curating site for business data across sectors, Nigeria imports mainly industrial supplies (27% of total in 2014), capital goods (23%), food and beverage (17%), fuel and lubricants (14%), transport equipment and parts (12%) and consumer goods (7%). 43% of total imports come from Asia; 34% from Europe; 15% from America and 7% from Africa.

Further checks by The Nation revealed that the average cost of clearing a 20ft container to Nigeria is $2500 which translates to duties and taxes.

Other related cost impeding businesses

Lamentably, the NBS Transport Watch Report for 2020 showed a significant increase in transport fare across the country.

According to the report, Nigerians in 2020 paid over 120% more for rides on motorcycles popularly known as Okada.

The average rate for intra city bus journey also increased by 74% year on year, while intercity and airfare also increased by 36% and 18% respectively with an average Okada ride fare increasing from N125.5 in 2019 to N276.28 in 2020.

It would be recalled that the federal government announced the withdrawal of subsidy on PMS, which has led to an increase in the pump price of petroleum products.

Also, the COVID-19 compliance guidelines of reductions in the number of passengers on a bus also led to some increase in rates of transportation, including air transport.

N22.3 billion tax credit to Dangote

However, while other businesses are groaning under the weight of heavy taxes in form of tariffs, some are enjoying some bit of reliefs in form of tax credit.

In Nigeria, certain incentives are available to companies located in rural areas. The incentives take the form of tax reductions at graduated rates for enterprises located at least 20 kilometres from available electricity, water, and tarred roads.

It may be recalled that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced the issuance of tax credit certificates valued at N22.321 billion to Dangote Cement Plc.

The issuance of tax credit certificates followed the signing of Executive Order 07 of 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari, which is on road infrastructure tax credit.

The tax credit certificates were for the construction of Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota road in Lagos and the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road that goes through Kogi and Kwara States.

This disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Muhammad Nami, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Tax Operations Group, FIRS, Femi Oluwaniyi, at the certificates presentation event to Dangote Cement.

The tax credit certificates for the Apapa-Oworoshoki-Ojota expressway is valued at N21.6 billion while that of the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba expressway is valued at N721 million. Dangote Cement is receiving the second tax credit certificate from FIRS for the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road project.

This is the second time that FIRS will be issuing a tax credit certificate to Dangote Cement for the Lokoja-Obajana-Kabba road because, in 2019, a N9.5 billion tax credit certificate was issued to Dangote Cement for the same expressway.

Making justification for the tax waivers to Dangote, the FIRS helmsman said, “Government came to that reasoning that if we could encourage local investors to do the needful and of course under an agreement with some due monitoring and approvals, then some of the monies they would have accrued back to government as taxes, they would have paid. It will be in the interest of the government that other investors, business entrepreneurs, companies take advantage of this key initiative such that Nigeria can develop faster than the government would have done alone.”

Timeline of import tariffs increase

In 2013, the Goodluck Jonathan administration introduced a policy, known as the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to encourage local manufacturing of motor vehicles, thereby boosting the economy.

The policy imposed 35% import duty and another 35% import levy on imported cars. The NCS commenced implementation of the new tariff scheme.

It is noteworthy that the import levy only applies to new cars. Used cars, better known as tokunbo cars, do not attract a levy.

Although the law became effective on January 1, 2021, the lowered levy has not been implemented.

Hameed Ali, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said the service has received directive for implementation from the finance ministry.

“The act has been transmitted to us. We received the minister’s mandate this week, to start working on it, although we have to develop certain regulations and measures on how we intend to implement the law,” he said.

Controversy over import tariff waiver

In December 2020, Section 38(c) of the Finance Act 2020 provided a reduction in import “levy on motor vehicles for the transport of persons [cars] (HS Headings 8703) from 30% to 5%.” The section is an amendment of the customs and excise tariff, etc. (consolidation) act.

However, contrary to the content of the signed finance bill, Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning in an interview, said the import levy of cars was reduced from 35% to 5%.

“For cars, the import duty is still 35 percent, what has been reduced is the levy from 35percent to 5percent, so there is still an import duty and levy of 40 percent on cars, and this is still the highest within the region,” she had said.

Nigeria Insurance Social Trust Fund (NSITF) has joined the International Labour Organization (ILO) to call for investments to be made in a strong and resilient Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system to mitigate present and future emergencies.

It said the novel COVID-19 has made investing in a strong OSH system a prerogative in the workplace as it will ensure employees’ safety and health while supporting the business survival and continuity.

The fund stated this as it marks the International Labour Organisation World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2021, with a roadshow.

The Assistant General Manager and Branch Manager of the Satellite branch, Chinyere Onyeukwu said the roadshow was to educate the public, especially employers of labour on the need and importance of having and practicing safety in the workplace; and also propagate ILO’s 2021 safety theme of “Anticipate, Prepare and Respond to Crisis as an ongoing agenda.’’