The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fed Govt

  • Fed Govt probes abandoned power equipment at ports

    Fed Govt probes abandoned power equipment at ports

    • Customs releases 248 containers

    The Federal Government has ordered a probe into a multibillion naira abandoned power equipment at the ports, The Nation has learnt.

    It ordered the probe after the Customs released the 248 containers of abandoned equipment to the Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo.

    The equipment were abandoned  in Lagos, Onne and other ports across the country. Their abandonment is  believed to have stalled the power projects in over 11 states.

    Some of the equipment were imported in 2003; others arrived in the country about seven years ago.

    Some were to be delivered at projects sites across the country, others were meant for Abo, Nbese substation, Kano Hadejia transmission substation, Oba-Nnewi substation, Danbata substation, Omotosho, Egbin and Aja lines, Akwa Ibom’s 33Kva line, Iganga-Ibora substation, Ikorodu Odogunyan-Sagamu transmission line and Nsukka-Ayangba line.

    It was also gathered that had the equipment been installed, power supply would have improved.

    Receiving the equipment from Customs, Comptroller-General, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, who was represented by Zone ‘A’ Coordinator, Mr. Victor Gbemudu, Prof Nebo said he was happy that Customs understood the power challenge.

    “It is my pleasure to address you today. It is a day of joy and gladness at the flag-off of this very critical event on the release of 248 containers of electrical equipment and power installations. These equipment which had been abandoned at various bonded terminals in Lagos, have been held since seven to 11 years ago.

    “We have inspected some of them; we wish to express our most profound gratitude to the Controller-General of Customs, and his staff for making it possible, seeing a day like this,” he said.

    Nebo said the Customs agreed to release the containers to the defunct PHCN, which was represented by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), noting that the equipment had been paid for.

    Recovering the equipment and installation, according to the minister, was part of the transformation agenda of the Jonathan’s administration in the power sector to maximise resources and minimise waste.

    “These containers could have remained at the ports forever and nobody would have bothered. But we saw the need to recover what rightfully belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria to the benefit of the general public.

    “We have synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service and we are impressed with the understanding of the Nigerian Customs for their mutual co-operation with the Ministry of Power.

    “We express our profound gratitude to CG for making it possible, the power project was stalled by overstays of these containers, but the Customs service has graciously agreed to release it to the TCN.

    “The containers could have remained here forever and nobody will bat an eyelid, but we saw the need to recover what rightfully belongs to the government of Nigeria and put it to use for the benefit of our people,” he said.

    The minister, who promised to revamp the NIPP projects, said the evacuation of the containers had started.

    He said it was part of the expectations of the government that, by 2020, the country would have the capacity to produce 20,000 megawatts of electricity and this would be a huge leap for Nigeria and President Jonathan in the power sector.

  • Fed Govt signs power station MoU

    Fed Govt signs power station MoU

    The Federal Government and the United States (U.S) governments signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 1,500 megawatts (MW) gas/fuel power station and 70MW solar panel station.

    The U.S said the 70MW power generating station would be used in rural areas and last for 30-50 years, if properly maintained.

    It said the solar power station would consolidate and strengthen the Power sector.

    The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, saigned both pacts for the Federal Government while the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James Entwistle, signed for his country.

    Nebo said: “With regard to the Power Africa Initiative, when President (Barack) Obama visited Africa last year, he decided that in the first phase, six African countries would be the beneficiaries of the initiative. Nigeria happens to be one of them. Nigeria and the U.S have had very good relationship in the past.

    “Through the USAID, the United States government has provided professional advisory works for many areas of our Power sector. Some of the policies that came out are being bestowed…

    “The USAID has been in the forefront of policy making, backing up the Nigerian electricity trading company as well as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. Together, we can say that the journey so far is a very decent one…”

    Entwistle said: “I’m struck that almost every conversation I have with every Nigerian always comes down to the problems in the Power sector, which defines everything in this country and the rest of Africa.

    “A good number of people around the world, including Nigeria, do not have access to reliable electricity. Power Africa Initiative is not just about electricity. It is about the power to transform lives. The access to electricity will increase the number and variety of jobs and decrease poverty, better health care, better access to education that will improve the economy…”

  • Fed Govt urges states to build waste plants

    Fed Govt urges states to build waste plants

    The Federal Government has urged governors to build waste disposal plants in their states.

    It also urged Nigerians to be conscious about personal hygiene and environmental sanitation in their homes and communities.

    The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, spoke at the commemoration of this year’s National Environmental Day in Kogi State.

    She said the construction of waste disposal plants by state governments would enhance the Federal Government’s participatory approach in the fight against unsafe environmental conditions.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by her Special Assistant (Media), Josephine Lohor, the minister said: “I want to seize this opportunity to call on all state governors to key into the Kogi State example by setting up waste recycling plants. I am happy that waste is indeed going to be turned into wealth. Development is coming to the area where the factory will be sited, as this is being done for the benefit of the people.

    “It is my ardent belief that environmental health problems can be effectively brought under control by instituting effective collaborative measures at federal, state, and local government levels through the development and empowerment of environmental health units nationwide.”

    The minister explained that clean and healthy environment makes a wealthy nation.

    She said: “Our health and wealth are in our hands as we cannot afford to play with our destiny.”

  • Fed Govt sues Bayelsa for N1.9b electricity debt

    •Agency joins CBN, ministry in suit

    The Federal Government has initiated steps to recover over N1.9billion allegedly owed the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by the Bayelsa State Government for electricity consumption from 2007 to 2011.

    The Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Limited (NELML) sued the state, its Attorney-General, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

    NELML said the move was within its mandate under the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (2005) and the Roadmap of Power Sector Reform launched by President Goodluck Jonathan in August 2010.

    NELML was established by the Federal Government to take over PHCN’s liabilities, following its unbundling under the power sector privatisation process.

    In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, NELML said  N1.9billion was owed the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), an arm of the PHCN, prior to its sale.

    It said the court action was informed by the government’s unwillingness to pay, despite earlier concessions granted it.

    In its statement of claim, NELML said PHEDC had upon an “extensive reconciliation of the accounts of all its customers” found that Bayelsa owed about N2.292billion for the period of December 1, 2007 to March 31, 2012 for the electricity supplied it for the running of its activities.

    It said on completion of reconciliation  by both parties, the debt was put at N1.916,053.016.17, adding that the Attorney General wrote on September 6, 2012 asking for a discount of N1billion.

    The PHEDC refused but agreed to reduce the debt by 20 per cent.

    The plaintiff said the Attorney General wrote again on September 25, last year, proposing to be allowed to pay N1billion in full liquidation of the agreed debt, which PHEDC also refused, but agreed to accept a reduced amount of N1.2billion.

    It added that although Bayelsa later accepted and sought to be allowed to pay the N1.2billion in three instalments, it failed, necessitating several other meetings.

    NELML stated that “at one of such meetings held on February 21, last year, between the first defendant and PHEDC at the Bayelsa State Ministry of Finance, it was agreed that the payment be made in four equal monthly installments, commencing from April last year and concluding July last year.

    “This was confirmed in a letter dated April 4, last year and written by the Commissioner of Finance. Despite the assurances and promises made by the second defendant (the Attorney General) till date, no payment has been received from the government,” the plaintiff said.

    It argued that since the concessions given to the state was upon its promise to pay in full by July last year and having failed to pay the state is no longer entitled to the discount earlier granted it, therefore leaving its actual indebtedness now at N1.916billion.

    Although the government and its Attorney General are yet to respond to the suit, the plaintiff has shown copies of the letters between them, including those in which the state admitted the debt and sought concessions.

    The CBN and the ministry have filed separate objections to the suit, challenging the court’s jurisdiction, their inclusion in the case and praying the court to exclude them from the suit.

    The CBN argued that the plaintiff failed to establish any cause of action against it and that by virtue of the provision of Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the plaintiff’s claims.

    The ministry argued that since it is not a juristic person, the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit against it.

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole has adjourned the matter till October 21.

     

  • Fed Govt urged to raise funding on education

    The Federal Government has been urged to increase the funding on education, to enable the country attain technological development.

    The Chairman of Omotayo College (Junior and Senior School)), Ogijo, Ogun State, Sir Tayo Opanubi, who spoke at the weekend at the 4th Graduation/Valedictory Ceremony of the institution, said without a vibrant educational sector, no nation could attain greatness.

    Opanubi, an engineer, said if government increases funding on education , incessant strikes by the academic and non-academic workers of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education would stop.

    He enjoined individuals and corporate bodies to support government in funding education.

    The chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Ayuba Bolaji, the Project Manager/Chief Executive, Ogun State Forestry Plantation Project, urged the graduating pupils to choose a career they have a flair for, so that they would contribute to the country’s development.

    “Parents and guardians should not force their children and wards to choose a career. They should allow them to go into the professions they have a passion for,” he added.

    The Vice-Chairman of the college, Lady Sarah Opanubi, said: “Our goal is to provide high quality education in a conducive environment. We have a passion for excellence and zero tolerance for exam malpractices and indiscipline.”

    The Head Teacher, Mr. Mike Odubote, said: “Excellence is a by-product of determination, perseverance, discipline, diligence and courtesy; the core values upon which Omotayo College was built.

    “We teach our pupils in moral values, academic excellence and leadership prowess to become total children, who are poised not only to become leaders, but also to revolutionalise the world.”

    The Best Graduating Pupil Award for the 2013/2014 academic session was won by Nwaduba Uzochikwai. The Best Graduating Pupil, Science and Maths dept, is Ojo Oluwatobi. The Best Graduating Pupil, Business dept, is Okeowo Omolola. The Best Graduating Pupil, Humanities dept, is Isaac Janobest; while the Best Behaved Graduating Pupil is Okeowo Omolola.

  • Insecurity: Why Fed Govt needs $1b loan, by Omeri

    Insecurity: Why Fed Govt needs $1b loan, by Omeri

    The Coordinator of the National Information Centre (NIC), Mr Mike Omeri, has said the proposed $1 billion loan the Federal Government is seeking will not be handed down to the government in cash.

    Omeri said the loan is an arrangement involving governments.

    He said the arrangement was common among world powers.

    Omeri said: “The loan request is not for the government of Nigeria to go and collect cash. It is a long-term arrangement which most super powers are involve in.

    “This long-term process being put together by the government is to ensure that there is transparency in it. It is used for the purpose it is meant for.”

    The NIC chief allayed the fear that the loan would be misused.

    He said: “It is not just to fight Boko Haram, it is aimed at supporting  the Armed Forces for surveillance and training, among others.

    “It is a long-term facility that could involve government to government processes. I am not sure that any government will give out money to another government so that they could misdirect its usage.”

    Omeri explained that following the successful extradition of the suspected co-mastermind of the April 14 Nyanya, Abuja bomb blast, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, to Nigeria, another suspect, Rufai Tsiga, is on Interpol’s watch list.

    The agency chief said the security forces were on the trail of Tsiga and other personalities aiding terrorism in the country.

    “The chief mastermind of Nyanya bomb blast, popularly known as Dr. Tsiga, is still on our watch list. The security forces are on his trail. Whenever we succeed in arresting him, we will make it public, like that of Ogwuche. For now, he remains a wanted person,” he said.

    Responding to questions on when Ogwuche’s trial is likely to begin, Omeri said the suspect would be tried on Nigeria’s laws.

    According to him, where the need arises, other legal processes, which demand international standard, could be applied.

    On the Wednesday’s kidnap of a German national in Adamawa State, Omeri said the act was criminal, distasteful and must be rejected by Nigerians.

    He said the government would investigate the matter and take necessary actions to protect its citizens.

  • Fed Govt mulls insurance for farmers

    Fed Govt mulls insurance for farmers

    The Federal Government is set to launch national crop insurance for farmers following the 2012 flooding which destroyed crops and farmlands, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said.

    The minister who spoke in Abuja at a workshop on ‘Water Management Solutions for Flood Recession and Dry Season Agriculture in Nigeria,  said the flooding led to low productivity and severe food loss.

    Adesina said  the programme which will start from next year will target 10 million farmers.

    The crop insurance scheme, he said will insure farmers against shocks and losses from weather related events.

    He said: “Our goal is to insure no less than 10 million farmers. We will also design and implement a flood disaster payment policy that will protect farmers, communities, and states from economic losses due to flood.”

    The minister called for proper management of water to improve production, adding that water will be the most limiting factor affecting food production.

    Adesina said: “We must improve the efficiency with which we use water and get more grains per drop of water. To achieve this, I believe we must focus on small scale water management system, not just the large scale irrigation schemes.

    “Small scale water management systems are more cost effective, easier to implement, reaches millions of farmers, have greater impacts on expanding food production and food security, and empowers rural community.”

    Speaking on International Water Management Institute (IWMI) collaboration in the country, he said the project will be in two phases. The first phase, he explained will focus on creating an evidence-based framework on assessing floods and flooding patterns for decision making purpose while the second phase will focus on agricultural water management solutions which will be sealed up to support and improve dry season farming.

    Director, Africa, IWMI, Dr. Olalekan Williams said the goal of the project in the country is to assist the government to increase agricultural production and achieve food security through sustainable water management.

     

  • Fed Govt, IAEA partner on water management

    The Federal Government has  said it will partner with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the management of water resources in Nigeria.

    Minister of Water Resources Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe who spoke in Abuja when she met with the Deputy Director of the agency, Mr. Kwaku Aning said through the National Hydrologic Service Agency (NIHSA) the Ministry has benefited a lot from the activities of the IAEA.

    She said: “We want to sincerely appreciate IAEA for the support and cooperation that the Ministry had enjoyed over the years especially through the NHSA. We acknowledge the work you are doing across the world of which Nigeria is a beneficiary and we will give our best cooperation and support to your Agency.”

    Ochekpe said management of water resources is an area that needs serious attention to avoid future challenges that may result from its poor management.

    She said the abuse of water through dumping of refuse by those in rural and urban slums was discouraging, adding that the action results to water pollution which has direct effect on human health.

    Mrs. Ochekpe said the Federal Government in partnership with international organisations and the private sector is making efforts to provide potable water to all the citizens in a sustainable manner.

    She called on the IAEA to help in establishing irrigation facilities in the Niger Basin and also in the maintenance of over 200 dams in the country to boost electricity generation.

    “Government has stepped up efforts to ensure that it provides water for all the citizens but also being conscious of the fact that we do not have sufficient resources on the part of government to provide adequate potable water as soon as possible, we had to open up the system to private sector participation to be able to improve on our water supply especially in our urban areas,” she added.

    Respoding, Mr. Aning said the agency will expand its cooperation with the ministry to achieve its objectives.

    “Let us know how we can expand the cooperation to assist you to achieve the objectives set up by the government of Nigeria,” he said.

  • Cleric to Fed Govt: make security a priority

    The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has urged the Federal Government to make security its priority.

    Primate Ayodele spoke during the presentation of the 2014/2015 prediction booklet at his church in Lagos.

    He said the country would not break up next year.

    Primate Ayodele said: “I foresee a political revolution that will happen in the nearest future in this country. The solution to Nigerian problems is at hand only if the government will listen to divine messages.”

    He said if security was not given the utmost attention, another terrorist deadlier than the Boko Haram would surface.

    “There is hope if we follow instructions and do what God wants us to do as a nation.”

    The General Overseer said nothing tangible would come out of the on-going National Conference in Abuja.

    He advised the leaders and governors of the All Peoples Congress (APC) to work hard and  pray fervently for them to retain Edo and Oyo states.

  • ‘How Fed Govt frustrates opposition states’

    ‘How Fed Govt frustrates opposition states’

    •Governor says PDP can’t beat APC at poll

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged the Federal Government to remove partisan politics from the urgent concern for the development of component units in the interest of federalism.

    Aregbesola observed that this moment calls for the display of utmost patriotism and great statesmanship, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to rise above partisan leanings and see the entire country as his constituency.

    The governor, who spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, at the weekend, said the states ruled by the opposition party deserved equal treatment as their counterparts run by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors.

    The governor complained that while he successfully secured free train coaches from France for the transportation of agricultural products from and to Lagos and Osun states, the Federal Government did not allow the state to use the rail lines.

    The governor also lamented that, despite the setting up of the Osun State Emergency Call Centre by his administration, the security unit has been rendered impotent because it has been denied recognition by the Federal Government.

    He said the Federal Government’s refusal to release a short security call code to his state was “dangerous and unfortunate,” stressing that insecurity does not discriminate between a PDP and APC members.

    The governor lamented that the ‘Security Centre,’ where calls could be directed for assistance and rescue operation during emergencies, has not seen the light of the day, owing to the Federal Government’s disposition.

    Noting that the centre would have averted many calamities in the state if it is functional, he said “what remains for the centre to function is just a short security code approval, which could only come from the Federal Government.”

    The governor maintained that efforts to seek the release of the code were futile because of the Federal Government’s unfavourable disposition towards the project.

    Aregbesola recalled that when the Presidency did not acknowledge his first letter of request, he forwarded a reminder, which was also ignored.

    He said that with the code, helicopters could reach any crisis spot in the state within 15 minutes, with a view to restoring order.

    Urging politicians not to sacrifice national security on the altar of partisanship, the governor insisted that “security threat does not discriminate in the society.”

    He said: “If the Security Centre has been functional, those young journalists that died recently on the Ife Road would have survived the accident, if help had reached them on time.”

    The governor urged all well-meaning Nigerians to appeal to the President to use his good offices to effect the issuance of the code.

    Aregbesola also spoke on preparations for next month’s election, saying that he is confident of victory.

    He highlighted his achievements in the last three and half years, stressing that his administration has lived up to expectation.

    The governor said that the APC would not suffer defeat in Osun, pointing out that Ekiti and Osun are different states.

    Aregbesola said: “In a free, fair, transparent and credible election, Rauf Aregbesola has no cause to worry.”