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  • FG looking into gas exploration, solid minerals

    FG looking into gas exploration, solid minerals

    The Senate committee chairman on Solid Minerals Development, Osita Ngwu, has explained that the federal government (FG) is looking into gas exploration and solid minerals.

    He said despite the challenges in the sector, the government is putting all the challenges together in a bid to look at legislative frameworks that would get the system working.

    Ngwu said this on Monday, October 9, in Abuja during a familiarisation visit to the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO).

    The head press unit of the agency, Folasade Fatoke, made this known in a press statement, adding that the committee chairman commended the MCO for its migration to the electronic mining cadastre in line with best practices.

    She said the chairman added that the government is having a new direction from oil to solid minerals and that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is serious about developing the economy through the mineral sector.

    She stated: “The Senate Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals Development, Engr. Osita Ngwu has commended the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) for its migration to electronic mining cadastre in line with best practices, saying that the government is having a new direction from oil to solid minerals and that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is serious in developing the economy through the mineral sector.

    “The government is looking at gas exploration and solid minerals but we know the challenges of the solid mineral industry, putting all these challenges together, we are going to look at the legislative framework and get the system working.

    “Engr. Ngwu stated this during his familiarisation visit recently to MCO. He commended the Director General, Engr. Nkom and his team for the continuous rise in its revenue profile since inception. He particularly acknowledged the legal and ICT units for “doing a good job” saying that very soon the agency will migrate to “plus plus.

    “My visit here is to familiarise myself with the agency and not to ask questions because we are still studying what is going on and looking at the policy direction of the government because the government has to direct, ours is to support, oversight and put up a legislative framework to make sure that the government  succeed”

     “Nigeria is important to everybody we’re all going to work as a team together to make sure that the country moves forward.

    She further added: “The Senate committee chairman expressed the need for all to work together despite challenges facing the sector. He assured the full support of the Senate so as to make the desired progress in the sector.

    “One thing for sure is that we are going to completely look at the system together such that we look at the challenges so one thing you can be assured is our support to make progress, if we don’t make progress the country doesn’t make progress”.

    Fatoke also stated: “He pledged unfailing support of the National Assembly and partnership with the agency, adding that there will be meetings that we are all going to do that will require us to make contributions. The bottom line is for us to achieve the set objectives and support the government.

    “The Director General of Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom in his earlier PowerPoint presentation said that the agency’s mandate is to grant mining licences across the country, adding that MCO is the only legal way to the mining industry.

    “The DG explained that MCO is made up of multi–disciplinary professions, explaining that the technical department consists of the mining engineers, Geologists, and surveyors among others adding that major reforms like migrating to a web-based online (real-time mineral title administration system has led to investor’s confidence. He explained that organisation structure and establishment of full operational Zonal Offices in six geopolitical zones have also boosted efficiency.

    Read Also: Osun workers demand pay rise from Adeleke after FG’s nod to N35,000 reward

    “We have an organisational structure and we have the Zonal Offices in six geopolitical zones with various departments and staff being able to have different functions. The mining cadastre is made up of multi-disciplinary professions where the technical department particular, the mining engineers, geologists, GIS experts, computer scientists, and the supporting departments, the admin, finance, procurement, and most importantly, the legal department.

    “Engr. Nkom stated that the agency since its inception has enjoyed a near 100% success in litigation which ranges from communities and other conflicts. Our legal unit is very strong because anywhere you have wealth, you will know that there are always challenges and people have reasons to go to court. So far so good, since the inception of the mining cadastre we have a series of litigations, and irrespective of that we have a near 100 percent success in litigations.

    “The DG solicited the assistance and inputs from the National Assembly to improve the Mining Cadastre Office and transform the mining sector in the country.”

  • JUST IN: FG suspends N-Power indefinitely

    JUST IN: FG suspends N-Power indefinitely

    The Federal Government has suspended N-Power programme indefinitely.

     Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu announced the suspension during aninterview with TVC News.

    According to Edu, the decision to suspend the programme was birthed by several flaws within the scheme.

    The Minister added that a government:s  probe into how the money has been used since the program’s inception has already kick-started.

    She said that some of the beneficiaries are not found in their place of assignments yet they expect monthly stipends.

    Some of the beneficiaries, according to the Minister, should have left the programme since 2022 but are still on the payroll.

    According  to her:: “We must go back to look into N-Power and understand what the problems are so we will basically suspend the programe for now until we are done with proper investigation into the utilization of fund into the N-Power program.

    Read Also: On N-Power C2 eight months backlog of stipends

    “We want to know how many persons are basically on the program right now, how many persons are owed, amount they are owed. We are totally restructuring the N-Power and expanding it.

    “There are lots going on. We met people who are supposed to have exited the program since last year and they are still on claiming that they are still teaching.

    “Sometimes we contact the school or the places where they are working and they are not there. They are not working yet they keep claiming that they are being owed eight or nine months stipends.

    “About 80 percent of them are not working yet they are claiming salaries.”

    The Nation recalls that N-Power Program was introduced by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to combat youth unemployment and promote social development.

  • FG set to move IDPs to resettlement camps

    FG set to move IDPs to resettlement camps

    The federal government has disclosed plans to commence the relocation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups to permanent resettlement camps across the country.

    The federal government also said plans are underway to evacuate Nigerians in Cameroon, Niger, and Sudan to Nigeria.

    It also said refugees in Nigeria willing to return to their countries would be evacuated soon.

    This was disclosed by the federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed during a visit and distribution of relief items to those residing in Durumi, Wassa, and New Karshi IDP camps and host communities in the FCT.

    The camps and communities currently accommodate over 12,000 IDPs from Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

    On plans to resettle the IDPs, Ahmed said: “The IDPs cannot continue to live in camps till eternity. We have to find a way to ensure that we give them a lasting solution and that is by relocating them to resettlement camps. If we allow them to remain the way they are; it will be the beginning of more troubles for this country and that is why this government is making efforts to ensure that those in the IDP camps are catered to.

    “The commission has commenced construction of permanent camps in Nasarawa, Zamfara, Kano, Maiduguri, Katsina, and Edo States and we will ensure that we build more to ensure that most of our IDPs and the refugees are settled because we cannot continue to maintain them in the IDP camps.

    “In the next few days, we will start giving out those estates built by the commission to the IDPs. So, we are exiting the camps by the construction of the resettlement camps in the six states, so any moment from now, the IDPs will be exited and they will be trained on various skills so that they can be independent without relying on the government. We plan to expand the resettlement camps such that they can house about 20,000 households in each of the states.”

    On those outside the country, he said: “Arrangement is on the ground to repatriate our people in Cameroon and to send back those who are here and want to go back to their countries and by the grace of God, they will all exit the camps soon.

    “We have about 10,000 of them that we are going to repatriate from Cameroon to Nigeria. For Sudan and Niger, we have about 7000 of them. For the foreigners, some of them have been In Kano state particularly those from Sudan and we are making efforts to send them back.”

    On the status of the IDPs in the camps visited, the Federal Commissioner said: “We have about 2,700 IDPs in Durumi camp, we have over 7000 people in Wassa, and in New Karshi, we have nothing less than 2000 of them.

    “Our purpose is to distribute critical support in the form of agricultural inputs, educational supplies, and food care packs. As our nation celebrates its 63rd Independence Day, we renew our unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

    Read Also: IDPs receiving training on sack farming

    “Our resolve is clear; no one, regardless of their gender, age, or vulnerabilities, should be left without vital support, echoing the President’s renewed Hope Agenda. The importance of assisting IDPs cannot be overstated. Neglecting those in displacement can have profound social and economic consequences for both the displaced and their host communities.

    The items distributed during the visit include; “97 bags of 25kg rice, 97 cartons of spaghetti, 97 bags of 1kg semovita,  20 cartons of groundnut oils,  26 cartons of Maggi,  22 cartons of salt.

    “400 dozen customised exercise books, 180 pairs of school sandals,10 pieces of Whiteboards, 10 pieces of Whiteboard dusters,180 customised school bags, 180 customised plastic chairs, and tables, biros, and pencils. The agricultural materials are; pesticide packs, herbicides, insecticides, sprayers, and irrigation pumps.”

  • FG flags off National Social Register verification in Lagos

    FG flags off National Social Register verification in Lagos

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has flagged off the verification of the National Social Register (NSR) in Lagos state.

    Some of the communities where the exercise was carried out are; Oko Agbon, Adogbo, Migbewhe, Makoko, Sogunro, and Apollo in Lagos State.

    The exercise, which commenced simultaneously across the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to last for three weeks.

    The minister promised to get Nigerians a social register with integrity.

    Edu, who spoke after she carried out door-to-door verification of the register, said the federal government was ready to put money into the hands of Nigerians to assist them in their businesses, education of their children, livelihood, and job creation.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday, October 2, by the media aide to the minister, Rasheed Zubair.

    The minister explained that the exercise was an integrity test as President Tinubu was desirous to touch the lives of the poor and change things for the better.

    She said those who were captured would be checked to know if they deserved to be on the register or not, while areas that were left out would be covered.

    Read Also: FG directs MDAs to remit 1% of mandatory contributions to NSITF 

    Edu said: “Federal government is going to put money into the households in Nigerians to assist them in terms of their businesses, livelihood, education, to be able to pay fees for their children, improve access to social services, subsidize their daily transportation cost, give them spending power to provide for basic health care needs, job creation, etc.

    “For us to do this, we need to verify the National Social Register, the President has approved that we go down to the grassroots and ensure that the National Social Register is a true reflection of truly poor people.

    “We need to verify that people on the list live below one dollar 95 cents a day and are affected by multi-dimensional poverty and sincerely are those who need help; those who have no business being there should be removed those who need to be on the register should be included”.

    She further stated: “We are doing both community targeting and geographical targeting, we have seen that certain areas of Oko Agbon, Adogbo, Migbewhe, Makoko, Sogunro, and Apollo villages have been covered by NSR, while certain areas have not been captured, we will capture them.

    “The activities we will flag off here are being carried out across the country, working with states and communities. Our State Governors will chair the steering committee in the states while the Local Government Areas and Community Leaders will be involved to get NSR with Integrity.

    “We want to ensure that those who will be getting the money are those who truly need it with zero political social or personal interference.”

    The national coordinator of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Abdulaziz Danladi, said strengthening the social safety nets and social protection system in the country was a core strategy to help end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity.

    He explained that the core mandate of NASSCO was to lay a strong foundation for rigorous and reliable evidence of poor and vulnerable households in Nigeria which the Minister is championing.

  • FG directs MDAs to remit 1% of mandatory contributions to NSITF 

    FG directs MDAs to remit 1% of mandatory contributions to NSITF 

    Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government have been asked to commence the payment of the mandatory contribution of one per cent emoluments of all public servants to the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

    The federal government gave the directive through a circular dated September 22, 2023 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

    The circular was copied to all arms of the federal government and agencies under them.

    It would be recalled that the Extraordinary Session of the Federal Executive Council under former President Muhammadu Buhari had on May 15, 2023 given approval for statutory one per cent e-deduction from the total emoluments of the Federal Public Servants as Employee Compensation contributions, with effect from January 2023.

    Read Also: Maritime varsity to make NSITF compliance certificate mandatory for contract bidding

    The circular stated that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy was directed to “deduct the contributions from source and remit same to the NSITF for the payment of claims and compensations to deserving beneficiaries for death, injury, disease or disability sustained in the course of duty as provided in the Employees’ Compensation Act, 2010, Act No. 13.”  

    It further directed all ministries, departments and agencies of government to “ensure strict compliance with the circular.”    

    Managing Director, NSITF, Maureen Allagoa hailed the decision of the Federal Government, adding that NSITF has been “energised to deliver on its responsibilities to the Nigerian workers.”

    In a statement on Sunday by the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Nwachukwu Godson, she said: “We received a circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, making it compulsory for 1% contribution from the total emoluments of public servants to be compulsorily remitted to the NSITF in view of the Employees’ Compensation Act. 

    “This is a giant plus to our charge as the nation’s core social security agency as it will give a big push to the momentum of our operations in their ramifications. There shall be no excuses on our own part in fully keying into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. The effort is collective and we shall not rest on our oars until we reach out to all Nigerian workers whether in the formal or informal sector.” 

    She also stated that the fact that the current Federal Government had taken this “bold and great step means we are moving in the right direction.” 

    Observing that the urgency given to securing a new office for the Abuja region and the FCT branch was in line with her commitment to decent work, Allagoa re-assured the workers of “rights at work, human dignity, social protection and dialogue in line with the Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation.”  

    She added: “We have gone round and observed some challenges which will be tackled forthwith. Staff should feel comfortable, your welfare is key because once we get the staff welfare correct, everything falls in place in terms of performance.

    “Earlier in the year, some buses were procured and sent to offices in each region to ease operations. And recently, we received another batch of ten buses for distribution while the rest will come at the end of the year.

    “To further boost morale, management is putting together a reward package for those staff who personally and collectively distinguish themselves in the performance of duty. The measure will spur others on.

    “Besides, we are working out a new three-tier structure for MPR. First is the monthly online engagement with branch and regional managers to keep track of their performance, then the quarterly regional MPR – where two or three regions will be brought together at a centre with delegates sent from the head office and finally, the biannual MPR.” 

    She commended the staff of the Abuja region and the branch for their sterling performance in meeting up with their targets. 

    She was accompanied on the visit by the Executive Director, Finance, Adegoke Adedeji who urged staff members to remain resilient, General Manager, Compliance, Kabir Maaji, General Manager, Jonah Nedamanya among others.     

    In response, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions(ASSBIFI) extolled Allagoa for her deep commitment to decent work and steadfastness to social dialogue in the resolution of disputes. 

    ASSIBFI, who spoke through its Abuja Region’s Public Relations officer, Godwin Ekpa assured her of the support of the workers in her effort to re-engineer the NSITF.   

    He said: “I want to start by recognising the fact that your management showed promptness in relocating the Abuja region and the FCT branch to this new office when we raised the alarm over the condition of the former office. And for you to visit us here in less than three weeks we re-located, demonstrating the extent you care for the staff.” 

    He further lauded the equitable manner the result of the last CTB examination was handled and further urged that the sense of justice be brought in determining the fate of others who sat for the management examination last year.

    The Abuja Regional Acting Manager, Alexandra Mede said the distinction which the Managing Director of the NSITF brought in the discharge of her responsibilities since appointment, has marked her out as a listening and competent team leader.

  • IT expert urges FG to solve local problems with data, machine learning

    IT expert urges FG to solve local problems with data, machine learning

    A Digital Information Elexpert, Dr. Olusola Salami, has urged President Bola Tinubu to solve local problems with data and machine learning for growth and development of the country.

    Salami, who spoke with journalists via Zoom, said such approach would require investment in education and training for data science and machine learning skills.

    Salami, who has developed several applications and payment systems integration in the African Financial Sector, explained that government should Improve internet infrastructure for efficient data handling.

    The expert, who embark upon a PhD education with a research focus on “Modelling a multi-channel messaging framework: A machine learning approach, stated with this the government can leverage and create synergy between existing data platforms like BVN, NIN and National Passport database to improve credit access and security in the country.

    According to him: “The goverment should focus on solving local problems with data and machine learning and can also Improve internet infrastructure for efficient data handling.

    “The President should prioritise and Invest in education and training for data science and machine learning skills and Promote open data initiatives for public use.

    “Furthermore government should support AI and data-focused startups and innovation by developing a long-term national AI and data strategy and establishing regulatory frameworks for AI and data governance.

    “With this the Government can leverage and create synergy between existing data platforms like BVN, NIN and National Passport database to improve credit access and security in the country.”

    Read Also:Independence lecture: Collaborate with FG for prosperous Nigeria, Shettima begs Nigerians

    In May 2014, he was elevated to the Development Team Manager for Finacle/Bespoke Applications position due to his dedication and steadfastness, attaining over 14 professional certifications across Microsoft, Oracle, Service Management Systems and AWS Cloud Platforms.

    Working with First Bank equipped him with a PAN African experience and an understanding of integrating core banking systems and other IT systems to realise Financial benefits/synergies for the Bank’s 6 African Subsidiaries (Anglo and Francophone Countries).

    Salami’s dedication to the Information Technology environment geared him to a postgraduate study in Computing (MSc.) with a focus on the thesis titled “A technical framework for the design and development of a multi-channel messaging platform” at the University of South Africa” one of the leading universities in Africa, also Nelson Mandela’s Alma Mater.

    His proposed framework and contribution to the academic world earned him a Distinction – Summa Cum Laude on graduation.

  • JUST IN: FG declares Monday October 2 public holiday

    JUST IN: FG declares Monday October 2 public holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Monday October 2 as a public holiday in commemoration of the 63rd independence celebration.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration in Abuja on behalf of the government. 

    He congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion. 

    He assured Nigerians of government’s continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.

    “It is today a known fact that difficult Socio-Economic and Security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated,”the Minister said in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade. 

    Read Also: Jigawa declares today public holiday

    The Minister said that government is making efforts to confront the numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes the way of the country. 

    Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of Nations and the greatness ahead of the country is achievable if we all work together in unity.

    He said the nation’s warm welcoming spirit and love as well as its unbounded human capital and the richness of the land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black Nation in the World. 

    The Minister  maintained Nigeria would remain Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

  • BREAKING: Abuja-Lagos highway ready in 2027 – FG

    BREAKING: Abuja-Lagos highway ready in 2027 – FG

    The proposed Abuja-Lagos highway will be completed in four years, the Federal Government has assured.

    Minister of Works David Umahi gave the assurance at a briefing on Saturday. 

    He said travelling from Lagos to Abuja will take four hours on the new highway.

    Read Also: My Abuja-Lagos trek story, by marathoner

    He said the road will be built entirely with concrete, which is cheaper than asphalt.

    Details Shortly…

  • FG to revise MOU with South Korea on solid minerals

    FG to revise MOU with South Korea on solid minerals

    The federal government engaged in talks with South Korea on revising a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries on investments in the solid minerals sector.

    The discussions led to a decision to revise the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding, with a focus on training Nigerian mining professionals in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Ore Modelling, Mineral Processing, research, and exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite.

    A press release from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s Deputy Director of Information, Alaba Balogun, confirmed this development.

    He stated: “Talks on revising a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and South Korea on investments in solid minerals sector topped discussions between Nigerian public and private sector officials and the South Korean government recently.

    “The Nigerian team comprised officials of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Devt and Oando Mining Company, while the Korean Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources, KIGAM, and Korean Mines Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation, KOMIR, represented South Korea.

    “The talks held under the auspices of the Seventh Korea-Africa Economic Co-operation conference in Busan, South Korea, resolved to review a 2006 Memorandum of Understanding to include training of Nigerian mining professionals in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Ore Modelling, Mineral Processing, research, and exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s minerals deposit worth $700billion, says Alake

    “Dr Abdulrazaq Garba, the Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, represented the Solid Minerals Minister, Dr Oladele Alake, at the talks.

    “KIGAM president, Dr Pyeong Koo-lee, offered to collaborate with Nigeria to explore the large deposits of lithium-bearing pegmatites.

    “He said KIGAM has the best technology in lithium ore processing, adding that the beneficiation process can reduce the carbon to improve the grade of the ore.

    “Vice President of the state-owned KOMIR, Dr Alex Kwon, expressed interest in overseas mining investment, adding that KOMIR provides technical and financial assistance and investment in the exploration and mining of solid minerals. Noting that KOMIR partner’s private sector to invest in the global mining industry.”

  • FG mourns slain security personnel, vows to arrest perpetrators

    FG mourns slain security personnel, vows to arrest perpetrators

    The federal government on Thursday, September 21, expressed sadness over the killings of security personnel at Umualumaku, Ehime Mbano local government of Imo state. 

    The government said the death of the personnel would not be in vain, adding that it would ensure justice for deceased and their families. 

    The government also promised thorough probe of the incident. 

    The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who spoke on the incident in a statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Afonja Ajibola, commiserated with the families of the deceased. 

    The minister expressed shock over the ambush of the personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Police and Military men who were on official duties.

    Read Also: COAS urges robust civil-military relations to combat insecurity

    He described the incident as a barbaric act by unknown gunmen, and assured the families of the deceased and Nigerians that the country would never forget their sacrifice.

    He further assured that their loved ones would not be abandoned.

    Tunji-Ojo said the killing was a “terrible tragedy”, and assured the public of the government’s commitment to ensure justice was established and perpetrators brought to book.

    He noted: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident in Umualumaku community, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

    “The loss of our security operatives is a terrible tragedy. It was a dark Tuesday for us as our men died on the cause of duty. And that is why I keep saying our security officers are doing a thankless job.

    “On behalf of the Ministry, and on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will ensure that their memories are not forgotten,” the Minister said. 

    The minister prayed for the soul of the departed security men and assured the public that a proper  investigation would be carried out on the incident. 

    He said: “We will work tirelessly to investigate this heinous act and bring the perpetrators to justice.”