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  • ICRC to accelerate approval of PPP projects

    ICRC to accelerate approval of PPP projects

    The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has announced that it will now issue the Outline Business Case (OBC) and Full Business Case (FBC) Certificates of Compliance within seven days of receiving applications from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    This follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Commission to accelerate private-sector investment in national infrastructure as part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    According to a statement from the ICRC, the new measure is aimed at expediting the approval process for Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects. The Commission emphasized that this approach would ensure a quicker turnaround time without compromising the stringent review standards that have been set for evaluating the viability and bankability of projects.

    The new policy is in response to Tinubu’s directive to Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, the Director General of the ICRC, to boost Nigeria’s infrastructure through innovative funding methods. President Tinubu’s charge focused on leveraging private-sector investments to close the country’s infrastructure gap, which has long hindered economic development.

    “In line with the charge of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, and following his Renewed Hope Agenda, we have streamlined and updated our approval processes to issue either of the OBC and the FBC to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that meet the requirements within seven days,” the ICRC’s statement noted.

    The ICRC also reassured MDAs that despite the accelerated timelines, all necessary regulatory safeguards would be maintained. The approval process will continue to adhere to the rigorous standards that ensure all PPP projects are viable, financially sound, and offer value for money.

    As part of its efforts to deliver infrastructure projects on time, the ICRC stated that the issuance of OBC and FBC certificates would now take just seven days, provided that MDAs meet all necessary requirements. This is intended to prevent unnecessary delays that often hamper PPP projects, thereby speeding up infrastructure development across the country.

    Read Also: Senate clears Tunji Bello for FCCPC top job, okays Ewalefoh’s as ICRC DG

    The Commission stressed that this expedited approval process will not compromise the thoroughness of its review mechanisms. “By streamlining our processes, the Commission is in no way foregoing any of its stringent approval steps or key requirements, therefore, only business cases that are viable, bankable, offer value for money and meet all other requirements will be approved.”

    The ICRC urged MDAs to align with the new directives and match the Commission’s momentum in accelerating infrastructure projects. The Director General called for improved inter-agency collaboration to ensure that PPP projects are not stalled and are delivered within the record time outlined by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The Commission is ready to partner and collaborate with all MDAs to actualize this,” Ewalefoh said. He highlighted that the six-point policy direction rolled out by the ICRC in August 2024 is already in effect, focusing on accelerating PPP processes, fostering collaboration, and exploring innovative financing solutions.

    The OBC and FBC are crucial stages in the approval process for any PPP project in Nigeria. An OBC is a preliminary document that assesses the viability and bankability of a project, providing the strategic foundation necessary for its development. On the other hand, an FBC is a more detailed document that outlines the full investment plan, including capital and operating costs, financial projections, and risk management frameworks.

    The FBC is a key requirement for obtaining Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval, as mandated by the ICRC Establishment Act. This approval allows MDAs to secure the necessary funding and partnerships needed to execute PPP projects.

  • ICRC: Many still missing in Northeast

    ICRC: Many still missing in Northeast

    • Agency urges cooperation

    Only few of the over 25,000 people reported missing in the Northeast following Boko Haram attacks have been found, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said.

     It stated this during the International Day of the Disappeared (IDoD) where it canvassed cooperation by stakeholders to tackle the situation.

     Families of the Missing Field Officer of the ICRC, Precious Yaro, who claimed over 25,000 individuals were reported missing to the body by their families “following the ongoing conflict in the Northeast,” lamented that families of the missing people were still left in a state of uncertainty.

    Read Also: Angolan President invites Tinubu

     “The lingering ambiguity surrounding the whereabouts of their loved ones takes a toll on these families emotionally,” she said.

     She said the pursuit for answers by families of missing persons could persist for years, compelling the Red Cross to provide support and to engage with authorities “to bring attention to the missing and their families.

     Also, the Deputy Head of Sub-delegation of the ICRC in Yola, Fatima Ibrahim, said that of 195,000 missing persons registered with the ICRC globally by 2022, the ICRC had located nearly 13,000.

     She expressed the hope that events such as the marking of the International Day of the Disappeared every August 30 would continue to deepening engagements, improving cooperation to tackle the incidence of people disappearing and hardly ever being seen again.

     While ICRC’s Fatima Ibrahim gave the global figure of locating 13,000 of 95,000 missing persons worldwide since 2022; an official of the Adamawa State Government indicated that, of the about 25,000 known to the ICRC to have been missing from around the Northeast, Adamawa State has located and united 81 persons to their families.

     The Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Saso Ali, said 13,000 families had by the end of last year missed 25,000 loved ones and that “81 of these missing ones have been located and reunited with their families so far this year alone.”

  • FEC approves N1.4b for DPR building design

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC)  meeting yesterday approved N1.4 billion for the design of 12 floor building design for the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu briefed State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He was with the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and Minister of Trade and Industry, Okechukwu Enelamah after six hours meeting.

    The contract, he said, is for the design of the head office of DPR in Abuja, which is currently situated in Lagos State.

    ‘Today we got the approval to begin the process to relocate them to Abuja.” he said

    When asked if the sum was not too much for designing the building, he said that it only represented about 2% of the proposed N35 billion cost of the building.

    He said: “FEC approved 1.4 billion for the design of DPR Head office in Abuja. The contract was awarded to Messers Arteck Practice Limited to design a 12 floor building at a plot which has already been allocated to by the FCT.

    “They are currently based in Lagos and are the regulatory and supervisory arm of the Ministry of Petroleum, and is instrumental in terms of income generation. It will enable DPR move to Abuja.” he said

    On the seeming high cost of the design, he said: “The contract was awarded to DPR tenders board, their bid was the lowest, the highest bid  was about N3 billion. The total projected potential cost for the building when it is done is about N35 billion.

    “So if you look at that as a percentage of the work, it is absolutely insignificant, in international terms it is very very justifiable, it is less than two per cent.”

    He added “The FCT did mention in our deliberation that because of the new zoning policies, the previous plan which was to build a car park of another five floors along with the 12 floors  have to be changed a little bit because they are taking possession of additional green area that were assigned to them.

    “So they will build a lot of parking … within the building. So I think because of the amount of work to be done and in line with international practice, it is quite frankly very reasonable.

    “Let me also say that part of the programmes we have pursued in the ministry, is how to get a lot of our parastatals to become independent and self financially generating agency and so get out of federal budget. …. has done that, DPR is the one to do that next.

    “So a lot of funding for this development is going to come out of DPR itself not out of federal budgeting.

    “The plan is that if we continue the way we are doing, a lot of federal agencies will be out of federal budgeting and be self-reliant. Be it PPPRA, DPR, PEF, that is the game plan. So far we have exited NCMB and we are near existing DPR and then PEF.” he stated

    Enelamah said that FEC also approved N1.55billion  consultancy contract for the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), which is part of the Federal Government social investment programs.

    Read also: FEC approves N1.3bn contracts to reposition NAN, NTA, FRCN

    He said: “We got an approval from the Federal Executive Council to award a contract to engage a Program Management Office Consultant and System Provider, for the GEEP at N1.556billion.

    According to him, the contract which is for providing services for 4.6 million people, is a viable contract.

    He also pointed out that the program has provided credit for over 1.5million Nigerians

    Enelamah also said that FEC approved the establishment of a Committee to come up with alternative ways to add to what government is doing in financing infrastructure.

    He said that it will be a committee of Ministers and ICRC, NSIA, Africa Finance Corporation and some private sector players.

    Stressing that he will Chair the committee, Enelamah said that other members include Minister of Finance, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Minister Transportation, Minister of Water Resources and Minister of State for Aviation.

  • Dangote, ICRC advise govt to concession refineries

    Dangote Group and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), yesterday advised the Federal Government to concession the country’s refineries to pave way for private sector participation.

    Speaking at the just concluded Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS), in Abuja, the Executive Director, Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company Limited, Mr.  Edwin Devakumar, said the Federal Government should allow private sector investors to manage the refineries, while he cautioned the government against outright sale of the refineries.

    Represented by Consultant to the company, Mr. Babajide Soyode, he said the refineries are goldmine and are located  strategically in major markets in the country.

    He said:  “NNPC refineries are goldmine; they are sitting in the best markets in the country. Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. Dangote is going to occupy the fourth market, Lagos.

    “Why can’t NNPC reactivate or upgrade its refineries. They are not old. Upgrading, as any engineer would tell you is standard in our industry. All these collocation and others are nonsense.  Follow the industry standard, upgrade what you have.

    “We are talking of NNPC being efficient; those refineries were built at an average of $1 million — Warri for N357 million, when you compare it with 1978, Kaduna was N377 million. That is roughly $1.3 million now.  If you have been subsidising, you don’t accrue enough to maintain the refineries, not to talk of to upgrade or expand, then it is  shameful that NNPC would be looking for $1 million to pay consultants for study.  It’s a shame for Nigeria.”

  • U.S. Condemns murder of ICRC health worker

    United Sates has condemned in a very strong term the murder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) health worker, Hauwa Muhammed Liman.

    In a statement issued by its embassy in Abuja, U.S assured Nigeria of its continuous support in the fight against terrorism.

    The terse statement reads: “The U.S. Embassy extends its heartfelt condolence to the family of Hauwa Muhammed Liman and the International Committee of the Red Cross.  We stand in solidarity with our Nigerian partners as we work to defeat ISIS-West Africa and prevent these tragedies.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hauwa’s family, to her colleagues, and to those still suffering in captivity.”

  • Buhari speaks with Hauwa Liman’s family

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday spoke with Mohammed Liman, father of Hauwa Liman, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) midwife who was slain by Boko Haram terrorists.

    In a telephone call, President Buhari commiserated with the family and assured Miss Liman’s father that the Nigerian government did everything possible to save his daughter’s life.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also expressed sadness that all the efforts to save her life turned out unsuccessful.

    He regretted that her commitment to helping victims of the Boko Haram insurgency ended in such a brutal way.

    He also spoke with Peter Maurer, the President of the ICRC, extending condolences on the loss of the midwife.

    Read Also: ICRC confirms death of abducted midwife

    The President commended the ICRC for the great work they had been doing in Nigeria by providing healthcare services to victims of insurgency in some of the most affected areas.

    He appealed to the ICRC to continue their services in Nigeria, and not give up, despite the unfortunate and painful loss of their staff.

    According to the President, Nigeria needs the ICRC and the government will continue to do all it can to protect staff of the organisation and other aid workers that are providing much-needed humanitarian services in the North East region, which had been affected by almost a decade-long conflict.

  • ICRC, Nigeria Red Cross to support Jos IDPs

    The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), has unveiled plans to provide emergency relief materials to the 22,000 persons displaced in the recent Jos attacks.

    The ICRC said it became imperative to respond to impacts of the violence in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South councils to avoid greater causality.

    ICRC’s Head of programmes in Plateau State, Lene Groenkjaer, noted that hundreds have been killed and injured, while some areas were left in ruins.

    A statement by the ICRC’s Communication Officer, Eleojo Esther, lamented that the IDPs, especially women, children and elderly, are staying in congested impromptu camps. They are being hosted by local families who are also struggling to make do with scarce resources.

    The statement reads: “In the coming days, we will be delivering food, sleeping materials, clothes and kitchen and hygiene items to displaced families and vulnerable people.

    “Among them, we prioritised women, the disabled and households headed by children. All assistance provided by the Red Cross is distributed directly to the affected persons regardless of their religion, tribe or political affiliations and is given free.”

  • Video: Many captives still with Boko Haram, says Red Cross

    Video: Many captives still with Boko Haram, says Red Cross

    The International Committee of the Red Cross, (ICRC) which facilitated the release of three abducted University of Maiduguri lecturers ten policewomen says Islamist group, Boko Haram is still holding many people captive against their will.

    The women were abducted along Damboa Road when their convoy was carrying the body of a dead police personnel home for burial, while the university lecturers were abducted while conducting oil prospective in the Lake Chad area.

    The kidnap took place in Borno state.

    ICRC deputy regional director for Africa, Patrick Youssef disclosed this in a series of tweet and video posted on his verified and official twitter handle.

    “We are so pleased that these 13 people are free and will be able to see their families again”.

    “There are many people missing or being held against their will due to the conflict. We hope that these people, too, will get to return to their families soon”.

    Read also: Red Cross: Our role in the release of abducted UNIMAID lecturers, policewomen

    The agency head of Nigeria delegation, Eloi Fillion also stated that ICRC was not directly involved in the negotiations leading to their release.

    “ICRC was not involved in negotiations leading to their release. Our neutrality does not allow our taking part in political negotiations. We act as neutral intermediary when requested to do so by the parties to the armed conflict”.

    Also Read: Breaking: Boko Haram releases policewomen, UNIMAID lecturers

  • ICRC pledges suport for Lekki Deep Water Port project

    ICRC pledges suport for Lekki Deep Water Port project

    The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has pledged support for the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos.

    Its Acting Director-General, Chidi Izuwah, made the promise during a visit to the project site.

    He said on completion in 2020, the port would position Nigeria as a hub for port operations in the West African sub-region in 2020.

    Describing the Lekki Deep Seaport as the largest in the region, the ICRC chief said the project, when operational, would create over 170,000 direct and indirect new jobs as well as contribute positively to the revenue drive of the Federal and Lagos State governments.

    said the promoters of the project were targeting about 1.5 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) container capacity  yearly, which they expect to grow to about 2.7 million and 4.5 million TEUs.

    Izuwah explained that the promoters of the project planned to dredge the port channel to 16-metre draught, which is not obtainable in any seaport in the country, adding that this, in itself, was an indication that larger ships would visit the port andthis would generate more revenue for the economy.

    He however expressed concerns  that several years after the execution of the contract, the concessionaire was yet to attain financial closure on the project as a result of certain contingent challenges.

    “The project promoters had earlier planned to attain financial close by second quarter, 2016 and commence full operations by second quarter, 2019 therby giving a pariod of three years for the construction work.

    ‘’We, at ICRC, firmly believe that if all parties to this contract demonstrate utmost commitment toward this project, the goals and wonderful picture painted above will become a reality in less than three years.

    “Bearing in mind the enormous work which has already been done by the project promoters and the quantum of resources committed to the course, I promise that the ICRC under my leadership will go above and beyond the call of duty to assist you reach financial close. We are willing to join you on focused lender/investor roadshows to seek additional debt and equity capital,”he added.

    The acting DG promised to play a key role in driving the creation of an inter- government and agency high impact team to solve son of the project’s immediate problems like a high capacity evacuation and goods arriving at the ports will be evacuated flawlessly and efficiently.

    “We have gone too far on the project, so we can’t afford to fail or slow down. If we fail to lay a good foundation for the upcoming generation, not only will posterity hold us accountable, but you and I will not be able to sleep peacefully at night with our eyes closed,” Izuwah said.

    The concession agreement for Lekki Port was signed on April 21, 2011 by Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), the Lagos State Government and Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise.

  • South Sudan rebel group releases 15 prisoners to Red Cross

    South Sudan rebel group releases 15 prisoners to Red Cross

    A South Sudanese rebel group said on Monday it had released 15 soldiers it had been holding to The International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC ), in line with a ceasefire agreed by the government and rebel groups.

    Reports say that on December 21, 2017, the government and rebel groups signed a ceasefire in the latest attempt to end a four-year civil war and allow humanitarian groups access to civilians caught in the fighting.

    The ceasefire aims to revive a 2015 peace deal that collapsed last year after heavy fighting broke out in South Sudan’s capital Juba.

    SPLA-IO spokesman Lam Gabriel said the rebel group had released the prisoners on Sunday and that it was collecting names of prisoners of war from battlefields across the Equatorial region, which borders Uganda.

    Read also: South Sudan: Crisis man-made, leaders responsible – UN chief

     He said more prisoners will be released in the coming days.

    International monitors have said the truce negotiated by the East African regional bloc IGAD in December, which included a commitment to release detainees, was violated within hours.

    The ICRC referred to a statement it released on Sunday saying it had “informed parties involved in the conflict in South Sudan that it can facilitate any potential release of persons detained in relation to the conflict.”

    South Sudan descended into civil war in 2013 after clashes between troops loyal to former vice president Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir.

    Tens of thousands of people have been killed and a third of the population have fled their homes.

    NAN