The Nation Newspaper

Tag: licences

  • NCC prepares licences for five broadband firms

    NCC prepares licences for five broadband firms

    The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday in Lagos, said its preparations for the licensing of five new broadband infrastructure companies (Infracos) has reached an advanced stage, adding that before the end of the first quarter of this year, the licencees will emerge.

    Its Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Prof Umar Dambatta who spoke during his maiden press conference at Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikekja, said a committee to handle the award of the licences has already been constituted in the Commission.

    Prof Dambatta who unveiled what he termed his “Eight Point Agenda for 2015-2020” said the pillars will ride on a tripod of three ‘As” which represent availability of service; accessibility of service; and affordability of service in line with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s change agenda, an ideological shift in the creation of structures for social benefits and inclusiveness for national development.

    He said ubiquitous broadband provision is very important. He said while two Infracos have already been licenced to provide services in Lagos and the Northeast, the remaining five other geopolitical zones will be captured in the next licensing round.

    He said though not much is going on in the deployment of services in the two licensed zones, the Commission has invited MainOne which won the Lagos licence for discussion while HIS which won the Northeast licence will be engaged in meaningful discussion to drive the implementation of the National Broadband Plan of the Federal Government, grow sector contribution to national gross domestic product (GDP), create jobs and enhance good life for the citizens of the country.

  • SEC revokes licences of 84 capital market operators

    SEC revokes licences of 84 capital market operators

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the weekend revoked the operational licences of “84 capital market operators that are inactive”.

    A statement from SEC called on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, capital market trade groups, the investing public and others to desist from dealing with the operators whose licences were revoked.

    SEC, in its statement, said it “is empowered under Section 30 (1) and (2) of the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2007 to revoke the operational licence of capital market operators that are inactive.”

  • Eight firms get NERC’s licences for 1,648.25Mw

    Eight firms get NERC’s licences for 1,648.25Mw

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) yesterday licenced eight firms with a combined capacity to generate 1,648.25 megawatts (Mw) of electricity and a distribution company (DisCo).

    Head, Public Affairs Department, Dr. Usman Arabi in a statement, said the licensing took place at NERC’s headquarters in Abuja.

    The licences were a mixture of on-grid, off-grid, embedded generation and distribution of electricity. One of the licensees, Ossiomo Offistes and Utilities/ Ossiomo Power &Infrastructure, based in Edo State will engage in electricity distribution and in embedded generation of 55Mw gas power electricity.

    Another is the Anambra State Independent Power Generation Company Limited, an on-grid gas-fired plant has the capacity for  528Mw capacity. There is also  Cummins Power Generation, Nigeria Limited (NBC) Ikeja with a capacity for 3.5Mw off- grid. It also has licence for a 1.7Mw to serve A&P Foods, in Agege, Lagos.

    The licence to Sinosun Investment Limited, based in Jibiya, Kastina State is for an on-grid, solar power generation of 100Mw capacity. In the same vein, LR-Aaron Power Limited, located in Gwagalada has licence for 100Mw solar powered electricity generation.

    While Lafarge Africa Plc for an on-grid, gas-fired 260Mw in Ewekoro, Ogun State. For Azikel Power Limited, the on–grid licence is for 500Mw power plant, in Bayelsa State, Middle Band Solar One Limited from Kogi State, was granted an on-grid licence for 100Mw.

    Only one firm got distribution licence while there are six gas-fired generation licence with a combined electricity capacity of 1, 348Mw, as well as three solar generations for a combined capacity of 300 Mw.

    The licence falls into three categories of embedded generation (55Mw),  two off –grid generation(525Mw) and six on-grid generation (1,588 Mw).

     

  • 140 capital market operators may lose licences

    No  fewer than 140 capital market operators may be delisted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as regulators draw curtain on the recapitalisation.

    While intense lobby for a further extension of the recapitalisation deadline continues, sources at SEC and NSE  said the capital market regulators would stick to the September 30 deadline.

    SEC’s compliance timetable had indicated that a list of the compliant operators would be published on  October 2. October 1 is a national holiday in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    The sources said nothing has changed in the position of the regulators, noting that SEC,  will draw the final mark on compliance by the close of business today.

    Under the rules, the NSE is required to replicate any regulatory action by SEC, especially revocation of licence and suspension of any operator.

    Preliminary review by SEC indicated that majority of operators have complied with the new minimum capital requirements for their functions. Average compliance level ranged from 70 per cent to 95 per cent across the functions. The final list would be made ready on Friday.

    The Nation’s investigation, however, indicated that no fewer than 140 capital market operators might be delisted for failure to meet the new minimum capital requirements. Most of these operators also fall within the inactive operators.  A new rule on the revocation of dealing licences and expulsion of inactive stockbroking firms came into effect in June this year empowers the NSE to revoke licences of dormant operators.

    A status review by the NSE indicated that some 101 licences might be withdrawn, including some 88 inactive capital market operators.

    SEC had in December 2013 announced major increases in minimum capital requirements for capital market functions under a new minimum capital structure that was initially scheduled to take off by January 1, this year. It, however, extended the deadline to September 30.

    Minimum capital base for broker and dealer was increased by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million. Broker, which currently operates with capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. Minimum capital base for dealer increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million.

    Also, issuing houses, which facilitate new issues in the primary market, will now be required to have minimum capital base of N200 million as against the current capital base of N150 million.

    The capital requirement for underwriter also doubled from N100 million to N200 million. Trustees, rating agencies and portfolio and fund managers had their minimum capital base increased by 650 per cent each from N40 million, N20 million and N20 million to N300 million, N150 million and N150 million. A  Registrar will now have a minimum capital base of N150 million as against the current requirement of N50 million.

    While the minimum capital base for corporate investment adviser remained unchanged at N5 million, individual investment advisers will have to increase their capital base by 300 per cent from N500,000 to N2 million.

     

  • Obong, Salem varsities issued permanent licences

    Obong, Salem varsities issued permanent licences

    Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State, and Salem University, Lokoja, are celebrating the receipt of permanent licences to operate as private universities by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    Obong University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Udoudo Ekanemesang, told journalists last week that the letter of attestation signed by the Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, noted that the university had satisfied the minimum standards on the establishment of institutions in accordance with Act, Cap E3 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

    The Vice Chancellor said the Board of Trustees, Council, the Senate as well as members of the University community thank God for this special grace as well as the NUC Boss for his dogged drive in ensuring that universities in the country operate within the framework of laid down requirements.

    He said Obong University, which has graduated four sets of students since inception in 2007, has remained affordable – charging only N200,000 per session for sciences, and N180,000 for management and social sciences courses per session.

    He said the University accommodates 80 percent of female and 60 percent of male students on campus.

    The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the Akwa Ibom State government to support the university stating that the school was not established with a commercial mind- set, but is poised to train adequate manpower for the State and Nation.

    Responding, the Akwa Ibom State NUJ Chairman, Elder Patrick Albert noted that the license given to Obong University is a plus for the State as it will create opportunities for the people to access university education with less stress.

    At Salem University, the issuance of the license demonstrated that the institution had been doing the right thing.

    A statement signed by the Public Relation Officer of the University, Mr. Ocholi Ikani, noted that the university boasts of adequate staff/student ratio and has provided standard learning facilities for all its programmes.

    The statement also noted that the license would boost quality of education service delivery in the university.

    The statement reads: “This, no doubt, has raised the bar of academic excellence and would enable Salem University to consolidate on its achievements in order to support the country’s growth and development through churning out top quality graduates, world class research and classical innovation.

    “It is the deliberate and visionary effort of the university to tailor and design courses to meet with industry and professional standards that has led to Salem University graduates being offered gainful employment by reputable companies within and outside the country. A testimony to this is the offer of employment to Noble Elekwa, a graduate of computer science from Salem University by the British Telecommunication company at United Kingdom.”

    In its few years of existence, Salem University has been recognised as the fastest growing university in North Central Nigeria and the Best Web Technology Management Institution in Kogi state among other numerous awards and recognition.

    Following last year’s accreditation by the NUC team, all academic programmes were granted full accreditation.

     

  • 26 Gencos may lose licences, says NERC

    •Regulator begins revocation process

     “Licensees listed in category two are notified of the intention of the commission to commence the process for the cancellation of their licences on the grounds that the licensees have ceased operations”

    TWENTY-SEVEN power Generation Companies (GENCOS) must justify why their operating licences should not be revoked.

    They have 30 days to do so, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said yesterday. It said the ultimatum followed the conclusion of an audit of licences granted to the GENCOS.

    NERC’s Head of Public Affairs Department Dr. Usman Abba Arabi said the cancellation of licences notice posted yesterday on the commission’s website was sequel to the discovery that the affected firms could not meet the terms and conditions for their licences.

    The NERC has rated 63 GENCOS and Distribution Companies (DISCOS) as category one with no issues with the commission.

    But 40 firms in categories one to four, however, have to justify their licences or get them withdrawn within 30 days or 12 months.

    In category two are those licensees that have ceased operations. These are CET Power Projects promoted by West African Portland Cement Company (WAPCO), Ewekoro, Ogun State and Contour Global Solutions of Nigeria Bottling Company of Apapa, Lagos State.

    The commission said it would “start the process of cancellation of these licences in line with Clause 17 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005”, which listed five conditions for cancellation of licences.

    Thirteen power generation firms in category three are “not in operations but  satisfied their milestones.” These are Ethiope Energy; Supertek Nigeria; Mabon Energy; Bresson AS; Hudson Power; Knox J & L; Tower Power, Abeokuta; Zuma Energy Nigeria transferred to Itobe Coal 1, 2, 3 and 4 firms

    Others in this category are MBH Power; Delta Electric Power; Wedotebary Nigeria; Century Power Generation and Supertek Electric.

    They will “be required to satisfy their outstanding milestones and start construction in 12 months, failing which the commission will commence the process for withdrawal of their licences in line with Clause 18 of the NERC Application for Licences (Generation, Transmission, System Operations, Distribution and Trading) Regulations, 2009”.

    In the fourth category are five power generation firms ‘’not in operations and have not satisfied their milestones.” They have 30 days to convince the commission not to withdraw their licences. In this category are ICS Power; Anita Energy; Ibafo Power Station; Minaj Holdings and Gateway Electricity.

    There are 19 others in category five that are “not in operation and are not submitting quarterly reports to the commission.”

    They would be required to, within 30 days provide justification for their licences or get them revoked.

    The commission, in its notice, said: “Licensees listed in category two are notified of the intention of the commission to commence the process for the cancellation of their licences on the grounds that the licensees have ceased operations.”

    Those in categories four and five were “notified of the intention of the commission to commence the process for the withdrawal of their licences on the grounds that these companies have failed to commission their licensed generating power station within three years from the date of their licences”.

    Licensees in category two would only be notified of the commission’s intention to cancel their licences, while those in category four and five have 30 days moratorium to convince the commission not to withdraw their licences. Firms in category three have 12 months moratorium to start construction.

    Clause 18 of the NERC Application for licensees (Generation, Transmission, System Operations, Distribution and Trading) Regulations 2009 stipulates six conditions for withdrawal of a licence, which include “misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material fact.”

    Other conditions are “wilful or unreasonable contravention of provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and other regulations governing the industry; failure to comply with milestones; contravention of licensing conditions; insolvency or bankruptcy and failure to commission licensed generation station within three years”.

  • Bi-Courtney urges NCAA to restrict licences’ issuance

    Chief Executive Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), Mr Christophe Pennick,  has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)  to limit the number of Air Operator Certificates  (AOC) it issues to operators in the domestic airlines’ sector.

    He said the designation of many domestic carriers on few routes by the NCAA has led to a glut in the market, thereby bringing about unprofitable carriers, adding that the aviation regulatory body should allow domestic carriers consolidate rather than proliferate in the country.

    He said the government must take urgent steps through market protection policies to save domestic carriers.

    He said while the government grants licences to many domestic airlines that meet stipulated criteria under the NCAA civil aviation regulation, the Ghanaian government only licences not more than three airlines to save the sector and make the carriers profitable.

    He said: “The NCAA should check the way it issues AOC to airlines.There are too many airlines in Nigeria which market share is just too small. Many of the carriers are doing the usual triangular routes of Lagos-Abuja-Port-Harcourt. The proliferation of these airlines has eroded the gains of the airlines.

    “I hear the Federal Government is planning for a new national carrier; I would encourage the government to exercise caution because all over the world airlines are consolidating. China, with a population of over one billion people, has four major airlines, so if the Federal Government is bringing in or floating a new airline, how will the other airlines survive?”

    Pennick said the government must focus its attention on bringing in the few strong, profitable, affordable and safe airlines, rather than adding more.

    He said apart from one carrier, Nigeria’s biggest domestic airlines, the country does not have any large, strong airline, adding that most of the country’s airlines are weak, underfunded and under-capitalised.

    As a condition, he said the government could equally put up a process that would allow the foreign carriers to partner with domestic airlines by way of code-share arrangement between them to fly their passengers to other destinations beyond the (foreign airlines’) points of entry.

    He said it is one of the quickest ways the domestic carriers can thrive and become more competitive, expressing dismay at how Nigeria’s traffic rights are being given away freely to foreign carriers.

    Foreign airlines once had code-share partnership with many Nigerian carriers but their lack of schedule integrity has adversely affected the partnership.

    The most recent code-share partnership was between Emirates and Arik. The pact was signed last year but it remains to be seen whether the agreement still subsist because of the latter’s uncertain operations to Dubai.

     

    He however decried the clamour for a national airline, saying that the idea was no longer fashionable, adding that the three strong national airlines in Africa – Kenya Airways, South African Airways with the exception of Ethiopian Airways, are not doing well.

  • MASSOB launches vehicle licences

    •Urges Ndigbo to support policy

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) at the weekend in Owerri, the Imo State capital, launched Biafran particulars and number plates for vehicles and motorcycles.

    It said the action was in line with its non-violent principle.

    In a statement by the MASSOB Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha, the leader of the group, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, who unveiled the number plates at a meeting with the zonal leaders of MASSOB, urged Ndigbo to embrace the advancement of the Biafran state.

    He directed MASSOB leaders to open markets and business places in their areas where only Biafran pounds would be accepted as a medium of exchange.

    Uwazuruike assured Ndigbo that in the new Biafran state, “there will be no power outage, corruption and crime.”

    Mocha said: “We have our coat of arms, flag, uniformed security men, who are serving as soldiers, policemen, among others.”

  • Fed Govt revokes 1,200 quarry, 44 coal licences

    The Federal Government revoked 1,200 quarry licences and 44 coal mineral titles last year, the Director-General (DG), Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Mr. Mohammed Amate, has said.

    Amate told  the News Agency of Nigeria that the office issued over 3,000 quarry licences out of which 1,200 were revoked.

    He Nigeria has 1,800 valid registered quarry licences on its data base, and that the Office intended to issue between 250 to 300 quarry leases this year, adding that quarry was one of the major mining operations in the country. According to him, operators are expected to commence work within 18 months of issuance of a quarry licence.

    “If we discover that, after 18 months, the operator has not commenced operation, the law requires that we withdraw the lease and re-issue it to more serious investors,” he told NAN.

    The director-general said this was to ensure that committed investors had access to the mineral resources. He noted that most of the quarry licences were used in the construction industry.

    Amate said quarry was important for the nation’s economic development, adding that it accounted for the granite used for construction of roads, bridges and houses, among others. “A single quarry employs between 200 and 300 people annually. Each year, we issue nothing less than 200 to 250 quarry leases. If you multiple this, you will see that it is a major employer,” he explained.

    He said statistics available had shown that quarry employed from 60,000 to 70,000 people annually. Amate said the Federal Government made it mandatory for any foreign mining company in the country to employ 75 per cent of its workforce from Nigeria. “A lot of nationals such as Chinese and others are establishing more quarries, but we insist that a certain population on their payroll must be Nigerians.

    “We liaise very closely with the Federal Ministry of Interior so that it does not give them unnecessary waivers to bring personalities from either China or any other country,”Amate said, adding that the quarry minerals being mined included granite, marble, laterite, kaolin, limestone, gypsum, feldspars, pyrite, bentonite.

    The DG also disclosed that 44 coal mineral titles were revoked last year for being idle.

    He said in 2014 the Office issued 4,027 mineral titles, which covered exploration, mining, quarry and small scale mining licences.

  • Fed Govt revokes 1,200 quarry, 44 coal licences

    The Federal Government revoked 1,200 quarry licences and 44 coal mineral titles last year, the Director-General (DG), Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Mr. Mohammed Amate, has said.

    Amate told  the News Agency of Nigeria that the office issued over 3,000 quarry licences out of which 1,200 were revoked.

    He Nigeria has 1,800 valid registered quarry licences on its data base, and that the Office intended to issue between 250 to 300 quarry leases this year, adding that quarry was one of the major mining operations in the country. According to him, operators are expected to commence work within 18 months of issuance of a quarry licence.

    “If we discover that, after 18 months, the operator has not commenced operation, the law requires that we withdraw the lease and re-issue it to more serious investors,” he told NAN.

    The director-general said this was to ensure that committed investors had access to the mineral resources. He noted that most of the quarry licences were used in the construction industry.

    Amate said quarry was important for the nation’s economic development, adding that it accounted for the granite used for construction of roads, bridges and houses, among others. “A single quarry employs between 200 and 300 people annually. Each year, we issue nothing less than 200 to 250 quarry leases. If you multiple this, you will see that it is a major employer,” he explained.

    He said statistics available had shown that quarry employed from 60,000 to 70,000 people annually. Amate said the Federal Government made it mandatory for any foreign mining company in the country to employ 75 per cent of its workforce from Nigeria. “A lot of nationals such as Chinese and others are establishing more quarries, but we insist that a certain population on their payroll must be Nigerians.

    “We liaise very closely with the Federal Ministry of Interior so that it does not give them unnecessary waivers to bring personalities from either China or any other country,”Amate said, adding that the quarry minerals being mined included granite, marble, laterite, kaolin, limestone, gypsum, feldspars, pyrite, bentonite.

    The DG also disclosed that 44 coal mineral titles were revoked last year for being idle.

    He said in 2014 the Office issued 4,027 mineral titles, which covered exploration, mining, quarry and small scale mining licences.