The Nation Newspaper

Tag: group

  • #NoBankingDay: Group calls for boycott of transactions on March 1

    #NoBankingDay: Group calls for boycott of transactions on March 1

    A coalition of consumer protection groups is set to rally customers against banks over excessive charges.

    The group,  at a briefing in Lagos, fixed Tuesday, March 1, as a #NoBankingDay, urging bank customers not to visit any banking hall, or use their ATM cards, or log in to any online banking platform, transfer any money through their phones, tablets, or laptops, or make any POS or online payments or issue or present any cheque on that day.

    The coalition, under the aegis of Nigerian Consumer Protection Associations (CONCA), consisting of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Market Ombudsman, Consumer Empowerment Association of Nigeria (CEON), Consumer Rights Project (CRP), National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMMS) and United Consumers Association of Nigeria (UCAN), among others, urged customers  to heed the call and protest against unsatisfactory services, transactions and contractual terms.

    According to the President of CAFON, Mrs. Sola Salako, March 1, has been set aside as a day banking customers should avoid transactions as a way ot ptotesting against excessive charges and other negligent activities od bank.

    She said despite the CBN rules, abolished fees were being reintroduced, hence the need for total reversal of the multiple charges in the banks.

    “ATM withdrawals that were free 2 years ago, now cost N65 on third withdrawals (many banks even start charging from the first withdrawal!). We pay N1000 for debit card issuance and renewals (this has just been increased by between N200-500 by some banks without any form of notice though it is free in many countries),” she said.

    On the ATM management charges of N100 by the banks at the end of the year, she stated further consumers really want to know how banks ‘maintain’ debit cards already issued to them which they had already been charged N1000 when issued.

    “Then there is an Annual Debit Card Maintenance Fee N100. Even consumers who did not request for, or have never collected debit cards from some banks, are charged all these fees. On services they never used?” she stated.

    On online transfer charges, she said consumers pay N105 for every online transfer yet those same transactions were subjected to COT up until January 2016. “Just when we were going to start enjoying zero fees on current accounts, CBN reintroduces COT under a new guise as Monthly Account Maintenance Charge of N1/mille. This charge was levied by default on ALL consumers without the chance to negotiate according to CBN directive. Why must consumers pay double charges on every transaction? Contrary to global understanding of the fact that a Savings Account is usually a no-fee account, banks in Nigeria now deduct various fees from consumer savings accounts!  How will consumers be encouraged to save money with the banks?,” she said.

    On the Stamp Duty charges, she said: “A new Stamp Duty charge of N50 on every credit of over N1000 has just been introduced. While we recognis e the need for the FG to raise IGR in view of the current economic realities of our nation, there are legal issues on the validity of the levy. On our part, we question the fairness of a flat levy of N50 on deposits of N1000 or more. A student who receives an allowance of N2000 pays the same amount as a rich man who receives a deposit of N10m! So the student is technically paying more taxes than the rich man. That is inequitable and unfair thus requires an immediate review.”

    “We have endured excessive charges, unexplainable fees and unfair contracts that only protect the banks but do not protect the consumers. Banks debit consumers’ accounts at will for charges we never agreed to or were not aware of; they charge us for EVERYTHING; we pay to get our statements; introduction letters; debit cards, and now, some banks are charging N210 for the use of deposit and transfer forms in their branches!” said Salako.

  • Group rues attacks on Arepo community

    The Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) has raised an alarm over persistent activities of militants in Arepo community Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    In a statement issued and signed by the Convener, Mr. Ifeanyi Odili, the group alleged that the militants migrated from Ondo and Bayelsa states to Arepo for their illegal oil deals.

    The group said there was urgent need for President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the amnesty programme, adding that the hoodlums have decided to relocate to Arepo to continue their illegal act due to lack of transparency in the programme.

    CNCRA, which claimed to have investigated the militants’ activities, said they (militants) were ready to lay down their arms if government is ready to extend the amnesty programme to them.

    The statement reads: “When our research team visited Arepo community, it discovered that residents of the community have been living in fear arising from gunshots by the militants who are into oil deal. They usually engage the security agents in gun duel and when two rival groups clash, everybody runs for safety. In the process, innocent persons are gunned down.

    “Also residents of Arepo complained that members of the community disappear mysteriously while some have been killed by the militants. Few weeks ago, nine members of staff of the Department of State Service (DSS) were killed.

    “To us in the CNCRA, these are sad events. This is uncalled for and unacceptable to us. Therefore, government should put these unGodly activities to a halt by engaging them in a dialogue before the situation escalates.

    “On this note, we appeal to the government to devise a means to bring life back to Arepo.

    “Information reaching us in CNCRA is that the militants are ready to lay down their arms and start living normal life if the government extends the amnesty programme to them.

     

  • Group rues attacks on Arepo community

    The Conference of Nigeria Civil Rights Activists (CNCRA) has raised an alarm over persistent activities of militants in Arepo community Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    In a statement issued and signed by the Convener, Mr. Ifeanyi Odili, the group alleged that the militants migrated from Ondo and Bayelsa states to Arepo for their illegal oil deals.

    The group said there was urgent need for President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the amnesty programme, adding that the hoodlums have decided to relocate to Arepo to continue their illegal act due to lack of transparency in the programme.

    CNCRA, which claimed to have investigated the militants’ activities, said they (militants) were ready to lay down their arms if government is ready to extend the amnesty programme to them.

    The statement reads: “When our research team visited Arepo community, it discovered that residents of the community have been living in fear arising from gunshots by the militants who are into oil deal. They usually engage the security agents in gun duel and when two rival groups clash, everybody runs for safety. In the process, innocent persons are gunned down.

    “Also residents of Arepo complained that members of the community disappear mysteriously while some have been killed by the militants. Few weeks ago, nine members of staff of the Department of State Service (DSS) were killed.

    “To us in the CNCRA, these are sad events. This is uncalled for and unacceptable to us. Therefore, government should put these unGodly activities to a halt by engaging them in a dialogue before the situation escalates.

    “On this note, we appeal to the government to devise a means to bring life back to Arepo.

    “Information reaching us in CNCRA is that the militants are ready to lay down their arms and start living normal life if the government extends the amnesty programme to them.

     

  • Group urges Buhari to disband AMCON, save Ajaokuta

    A resident of the Progressive Miners Association of Nigeria (PMEA) Suuday Ekozien has urged President Buhari to disband the management committees in Ajaokuta steelý, as a means of reviving the plant.

    Ekozien added that ýwhat is presently happening in Ajaokuta is abnormal because what Ajaokuta needs is a complete restructuring, close down the place, all the concessioning because all the other litigation boils down to ownership responsibility.

    He stated this yesterday in Abuja, while speaking with journalists on the means of revivingý the steel complex and solid minerals sector as a whole.

    He added, “If we truly want to change, what should be done in the case of Ajaokuta is, instantly disband whatever you call management and technical committee in place within one week and not one year.

    “One year is too much, this is just like the case of justice delayed is justice denied this is because the challenge to the revival and development of the sector has been as a result of lack of ownership responsibility which is fully rested on the President.”

    Recalling the Ministers interaction with the senate committee on solid minerals, Ekozien said “it is a shame to the nation and I agree with him, as a professional in the field and to compound the issue AMCON is paying frivolous salaries on monthly basis to workers that are not productive”

    “What Ajaokuta needs is an emergency, drastic action, close down the whole place, put security in the place, have a retrospect, have a current assessment and then un bundle the problem that has been impeding the functioning of Ajaokuta and Ajaokuta will function.

    “What is going on in Ajaokuta is abnormal, what Ajaokuta needs is a complete restructuring, close down the place, all the concessioning and all the other litigation boils down to ownership, responsibility, none of these people have put in money into that place, what they are doing is access stripping. Anybody it is concessioned to strip every asset there metallurgical coke that was imported into Ajaokuta during the Shehu Shagari regime, cannot be found there any longer, everything has been sold off, not used here in Nigeria but exported out of the country because the current steel rolling mills we have in the country currently is purely recycling”

  • Group uncovers plots to smear NDDC boss

    Group uncovers plots to smear NDDC boss

    A pressure group, Media Advocacy for Anti-Corruption has uncovered alleged plans by the Rivers State Government to run a smear campaign against the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari.

    A statement issued by the national coordinator of the group, Mr. James Okoronkwo, alleged that fictitious memos and doctored receipts are being pushed out to mainly online and print media concerning Semenitari’s period as Commissioner in the state.

    “The plan is to cast her as corrupt and unfit in order to sway public opinions against the NDDC’s boss and hopefully, compel President Muhammadu Buhari from confirming her as substantive MD and as well send the anti-corruption agencies against her,” the group said.

    According to the pressure group, there are desperate moves to taint her, given her impeachable character and time as commissioner.

    They are of the opinion that if they can sufficiently rubbish her, President Buhari will be forced not to appoint her as the substantive Managing Director of the NDDC.

    “Don’t be surprised if you see statements claiming that the Acting MD of the NDDC sponsored the APC matter at the tribunal through award of fictitious contracts as well as alleging that she appointed 23 aides from Rivers state alone. The end product is to pitch the other NDDC states against her and ensure that her tenure is characterised by crisis and mistrust,” the group alleged.

  • Group lauds lawmaker

    A group under the aegis of People’s Mandate has lauded Hon Tajudeen Obasa representing Ojo Federal Constituency for implementing people oriented programmes in the area.

    Speaking through its coordinator, Mr Isiah Micheal, the group said: “Obasa’s style of leadership, channels of expression and the feedback mechanism which he adopted to feel the pulse of the good people of his constituency is exemplary.

    “As a first timer, we can categorically tell the world we are impressed with his representation because he is on track with the promises he made to the electorates.”

     

  • Group explores LPG impact on economy, environment

    The vital role liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) could play in helping Nigeria to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and develop its economy is one of many issues explored by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) in its latest economic report on the country.

    Speaking to OBG’s research team in the report titled ‘Nigeria 2016,’ the President of the Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA), Mr. Dayo Adeshina, said much more could be done to “actively promote cleaner, safer LPG” at a time when combating climate change was high on the global agenda.

    “Nigeria is one of the largest producers of LPG in Africa, yet its per-capita consumption is one of the lowest on the continent,” he said. “While annual production stands at four million tonnes, Nigeria’s total yearly consumption is just 350,000 tonnes.”

    The NLPGA’s Deputy President, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu, who spoke in the report, also noted that aside from having the potential to assist the government as it targets bringing down fossil fuel emissions by 20 per cent within five years, LPG was also “tremendously versatile. LPG can be used for cooking, auto gas, heating, cooling and power generation,” he said, adding that with the right policies in place, the domestic LPG industry could really take off.

    With speculation mounting that President Muhammadu Buhari’s government plans to overhaul Nigeria’s subsidy system this year against a backdrop of lower global oil prices, OBG’s report will consider whether subsidies for kerosene, which cost the government an estimated N1.7trillion, could be among those removed. Oil is by far is the biggest contributor to Nigeria’s economy, accounting for two thirds of the country’s revenue and 90 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. However, plummeting prices have taken their toll on government income, giving weight to the government’s drive to diversify the economy.

    These and many other topical issues will be analysed in detail in the report: Nigeria 2016, which is due to be published in the coming months. The publication will contain a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for investors, alongside contributions from leading personalities.

    “We believe LPG has significant potential in Nigeria and that with the right enabling environment it can make a strong contribution to the national effort to reduce carbon emissions,” said Izabela Kruk, Country Director for OBG in Nigeria.

    The report, Nigeria 2016, will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. Oxford Business Group’s publication will be produced in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the law firm Ajumogobia and Okeke and will be available in print or online, he added

    The Federal Government has just stopped kerosene subsidy, and the price has gone up from N50 per litre to N83.

  • Group hails Ambode’s security project

    Group hails Ambode’s security project

    The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s 114 road security project.

    Speaking with The Nation at the unveiling of the 21st Anniversary Logo and Anniversary flag Handing Over of the society, NASFAT president, Kamil Abayomi Bolarinwa, an engineer, said the project would improve lives.

    “It is long overdue but I pray to Almighty Allah to guide him and make it successful. We are living in a modern century and as such, we need modern equipments. Catching a thief has gone beyond just intelligence. Part of the intelligence needed is Information Communication Technology (ICT). If you don’t have it, you cannot catch the modern criminal”, he said.

    Bolarinwa urged the public to always practice cleanliness to prevent diseases such as Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus.

    He said: “Everyone must know that there are several ailments in the world we are in. We need to adopt cleanliness even if it just washing the hands. When we also fall ill, we should desist from self-medication and go to the hospital. A stitch in time saves nine. Early detection of whatever is wrong with us would make it easier to treat.”

    He expressed his happiness at the success of NASFAT so far saying its Allah’s doing.

    “We are very grateful to Allah that what started in a small room has become what it is today. Today, it has been 21 years since NASFAT held her first Asalatu (prayer session) and now, we have a school where we not only teach Islamic education, but also Western education. We are indeed grateful to Allah”, Bolarinwa said.

    He urged members of the public to know that Islam is peace and that Islam abhors terrorism.

    He said: “A Muslim must always create an atmosphere of peace; not just for himself, but also for his neighbours, family, friends and community and he would also behave in such a way that peace would be brought about in the society.” he Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has praised Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s 114 road security project.

    Speaking with The Nation at the unveiling of the 21st Anniversary Logo and Anniversary flag Handing Over of the society, NASFAT president, Kamil Abayomi Bolarinwa, an engineer, said the project would improve lives.

    “It is long overdue but I pray to Almighty Allah to guide him and make it successful. We are living in a modern century and as such, we need modern equipments. Catching a thief has gone beyond just intelligence. Part of the intelligence needed is Information Communication Technology (ICT). If you don’t have it, you cannot catch the modern criminal”, he said.

    Bolarinwa urged the public to always practice cleanliness to prevent diseases such as Lassa Fever and Ebola Virus.

    He said: “Everyone must know that there are several ailments in the world we are in. We need to adopt cleanliness even if it just washing the hands. When we also fall ill, we should desist from self-medication and go to the hospital. A stitch in time saves nine. Early detection of whatever is wrong with us would make it easier to treat.”

    He expressed his happiness at the success of NASFAT so far saying its Allah’s doing.

    “We are very grateful to Allah that what started in a small room has become what it is today. Today, it has been 21 years since NASFAT held her first Asalatu (prayer session) and now, we have a school where we not only teach Islamic education, but also Western education. We are indeed grateful to Allah”, Bolarinwa said.

    He urged members of the public to know that Islam is peace and that Islam abhors terrorism.

    He said: “A Muslim must always create an atmosphere of peace; not just for himself, but also for his neighbours, family, friends and community and he would also behave in such a way that peace would be brought about in the society.”

  • Group seeks women’s input in community agenda

    A group, Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEH-RD), has canvassed for women’s  participation in oil community agenda because they suffer more from environmental despoilation.

    This is contained in a commu-niqué issued by CEHRD, civil society organisations and the media at the end of a forum on “Human Rights and the Environment in the Niger Delta” held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The forum, which was orgainsed by CEHRD with the theme “Feeling the Pulse of Communities: Oil Corporations and Human Rights Violations in the Niger Delta” also resolved that women are the integral part of society and therefore their interests must be protected, especially as they are the most impacted by oil activities.

    In the communiqué signed on behalf of the group by the Head of Governance, CEHRD Mr. Lawrence, it was also advocated that women be included in community decision-making and constitution drafting for elections to be democratic.

    While advising that communities be sensitised to the rights of women, the forum also urged women to be more organised.

    The forum also stated that for there to be a harmonious working relationship between the oil companies, regulatory agencies and oil communities, the “Petroleum Industry Bill should be passed into law in order to give NOSDRA the needed muscle to do its work.”

    Oil-impacted communities were also advised to begin to look beyond the usual corporate social responsibility projects such as roads, schools, scholarships and demand equity shares in in-coming oil companies to their areas.

    While urging civil society organisations to sensitise communities for awareness on the divestments springing up in the region, the media was enjoined to “inform the public on divestment, protect public interest and work with civil society to enthrone respect for human rights and environment in the Niger Delta.”

  • Group seeks women’s input in community agenda

    A group, Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEH-RD), has canvassed for women’s  participation in oil community agenda because they suffer more from environmental despoilation.

    This is contained in a commu-niqué issued by CEHRD, civil society organisations and the media at the end of a forum on “Human Rights and the Environment in the Niger Delta” held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The forum, which was orgainsed by CEHRD with the theme “Feeling the Pulse of Communities: Oil Corporations and Human Rights Violations in the Niger Delta” also resolved that women are the integral part of society and therefore their interests must be protected, especially as they are the most impacted by oil activities.

    In the communiqué signed on behalf of the group by the Head of Governance, CEHRD Mr. Lawrence, it was also advocated that women be included in community decision-making and constitution drafting for elections to be democratic.

    While advising that communities be sensitised to the rights of women, the forum also urged women to be more organised.

    The forum also stated that for there to be a harmonious working relationship between the oil companies, regulatory agencies and oil communities, the “Petroleum Industry Bill should be passed into law in order to give NOSDRA the needed muscle to do its work.”

    Oil-impacted communities were also advised to begin to look beyond the usual corporate social responsibility projects such as roads, schools, scholarships and demand equity shares in in-coming oil companies to their areas.

    While urging civil society organisations to sensitise communities for awareness on the divestments springing up in the region, the media was enjoined to “inform the public on divestment, protect public interest and work with civil society to enthrone respect for human rights and environment in the Niger Delta.”