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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • No Fed Govt. ban on food imports

    President Muhammadu Buhari has not banned or restricted food importation into the country, the Presidency said on Sunday.

    The President on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina State, said he had directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop providing foreign exchange for importation of food into the country.

    However, the statement has been misconstrued as a blanket ban on importation of food.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Sunday faulted such  interpretation.

    Financial Times, a London-based publication alluded to this in a report on August 15, titled: “Muhammadu Buhari sparks dismay over policy shift on food imports.”

    But the Presidency explained that importers of the food items are still free to source their forex from non-government financial institutions towards meeting their importations.

    Read Also: Buhari to military: Don’t spare bandits

    The President’s directive, he said, only has to do with forex from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The Presidency’s letter reads: “Your article ‘Muhammadu Buhari sparks dismay over policy shift on food imports’ (15 August) suggests the Nigerian Government is restricting the import of agricultural products into the country. This is simply incorrect. To be absolutely clear, there is no ban – or restriction – on the importation of food items whatsoever.

    “President Buhari has consistently worked towards strengthening Nigeria’s own industrial and agricultural base. A recent decision sees the CBN maintain its reserves to put to use helping growth of domestic industry in 41 products rather than provide forex for the import of those products from overseas.

    “Should importers of these items wish to source their forex from non-government financial institutions (and pay customs duty on those imports – increasing tax-take, something the FT has berated Nigeria for not achieving on many occasions) they are freely able to do so.

    “Diversification of forex provision towards the private sector and away from top-heavy government control, a diversification of Nigeria’s industrial base, and an increase in tax receipts – are all policies one might expect the Financial Times to support. Yet for reasons not quite clear, the author and this newspaper seem to believe the president’s administration seeks to control everything – and yet do so via policies that relinquish government control.

    “We look forward to the next instalment of Mr. Munshi’s bizarre and puzzling article series.” he stated

  • NNPC picks 15 firms to lift crude

    A CONSORTIA of 15 conglomerates, comprising reputable and experienced international companies and downstream operators, have been picked by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as partners for the Direct Sale of Crude Oil and Direct Purchase of Petroleum Products (DSDP).

    The list released on Sunday by the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ndu Ughamadu include: BP Oil International Limited/AYM SHAFA Limited; VITOL SA/Calson-Hyson; Total Oil Trading SA/Total Nigeria Plc; Gunvor Group Limited/AY Maikifi Nigeria Limited; Trafigura Pte Limited./A. A. Rano Nigeria Limited; Compañía Española De Petróleos, S.A.U. (Cepsa)/Oando Plc; and Mocoh Sa/Mocoh Nigeria Limited.

    Also listed are Litasco SA/Brittania-U Nigeria Limited/Freepoint Commodities; MRS Oil & Gas Co. Limited; Sahara Energy Resource Limited; Bono Energy Limited./Eterna Plc/Arkleen Oil & Gas Limited./Amazon Energy Limited; Matrix Energy Limited./Petratlantic Energy Limited./UTM Offshore Limited.

    The others are: Ughanadu listed Levene Energy Dev. Limited; Mercuria Energy Trading Sa/ Barbedos Oil & Gas Services Limited, Rainoil Limited, Petrogas Energy Trade West Africa Limited; Asian Oil & Gas Pte Limited, Eyrie Energy Limited,  Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited, Casiva Limited and Duke Oil Incorporated, as among the successful bidders.

    Read Also: NNPC unveils 15 crude buyers, products suppliers

    In all, about 36 firms would be involved in the exercise since the list incorporates conglomerates and their affiliates.

    The move, the statement said, is in line with the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari’s pledge on assumption of duty last month that the NNPC under his leadership would continuously entrench transparency and accountability.

    Under the DSDP arrangement, the 15 consortia/companies shall over the contract period, off take crude oil and in return, deliver corresponding petroleum products of equivalent value to NNPC, subject to the terms of the agreement, Ughamadu said.

    He said: “Following the successful completion of the 2019/2020Direct Sale of Crude Oil and Direct Purchase of Petroleum Products (DSDP) tender exercise, 15 consortia made up of reputable and experienced international companies and Nigerian downstream companies were successful as the DSDP partners for the 2019/2020 DSDP contract.

    The tender process, he pointed out, comprised the “ technical bid submission, evaluation and shortlisting, commercial bid submission, evaluation and shortlisting, commercial negotiations and contract agreement execution,” adding that in keeping faith with the NNPC’s commitment to transparency, the under listed 15 consortia would be “lifting Nigerian crude oil grades in exchange for delivery of the corresponding petroleum products on value for value basis in line with the executed agreement.”

    He said this process was in tandem with the earlier pronouncement of NNPC Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, that  under his leadership, the Corporation, “ will strive to be more credible, competent and accountable institution that manages the oil resources on behalf of the citizens of Nigeria in accordance with its mandate and the core persuasions of President Muhammadu Buhari,” stressing that for NNPC to maintain positive image, “there must be transparency, shared values of integrity and professionalism among its members of staff.”

  • Aondoakaa denies involvement in Halliburton scam

    FORMER Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondokaa, has dismissed media reports that he was involved in Halliburton scandal and should be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a telephone interview with The Nation, Aondoakaa advised the group who raised the allegation to leave him alone as it was too early to drag him into 2013 politics.

    He said he has taken advantage of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agriculture policy which, according to him, is yielding fruits for farmers.

    He said his attention was drawn to a publication authored by a civil society group, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), calling for his arrest and prosecution over Halliburton, 10 years after he left office.

    “As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice  under the government of the Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, between year 2007 and 2010 , I  did not negotiate or authorize any payment to the Nigeria Government with one KBR firm a subsidiary of Halliburton as alleged by the so called Global Integrity Crusade Network.”

    Read Also: N3b ‘fraud’: EFCC quizzes Head of Service Oyo-Ita

    “In fact, all payments made to the government of Nigeria from the Halliburton were done in 2012 when Chief MKA has left office, so its laughable to call for my arrest and prosecution,” he said.

    On the allegation that he ordered the transfer of the case of former Governor James Ibori from Kaduna to Asaba, Aondoakaa stated that the lawyers to Ibori raised the issue of jurisdiction and the trial judge transferred the matter to Asaba.

    He described Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Magu as the chairman, as courageous, adding that if he was involved in Halliburton, EFCC would have arrested and charged him to court.

    According to the Ex AGF, the EFCC invited him in 2016 and he said all he know and that since then, he is into farming and practising his legal profession and knows nothing about Halliburton.

     

  • IBB: Identify yourselves as Nigerians at all times

    FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has charged Nigerians to ensure they identify themselves as Nigerians all the time.

    He said Nigeria is a country to be proud of; adding that whoever wants to denounce his citizenship should have a rethink.

    Speaking with newsmen during the celebration of his 78th birthday at his Uphill residence in Minna, Babangida said Nigerians do not have any other country apart from Nigeria.

    He stressed the need for everyone to work towards ensuring the country survives its challenges.

    “We do not have any other country except Nigeria, let us all work together, men and women, young and old, to make sure that this country survives.

    “We need to work to ensure that the unity of this country is maintained and make sure we identify ourselves as Nigerians all the time,” he said.

    On his 78th birthday, the former military leader said, “I give God thanks for sparing my life up till this time. God has been very kind and I remain grateful.”

    The Uphill residence of the Babangida was flooded with family, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life who were on ground to celebrate with him on his birthday.

    Most of his friends and well-wishers came with greeting cards of different colors and sizes with different inscriptions.

    Among the early callers were former Chief Justice of the Federation, Alfa Belgore, lawmakers from the National Assembly, former military administrators and governor, as well as relations.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the former military president, on his 78th anniversary.

    In a message to Babangida, Buhari said “On behalf of the Federal Executive Council, my family and all Nigerians please accept my warm felicitations on your 78th birthday.

    Read Also: IBB: The lonely long distance runner

    “On this special day of your life, the reminiscences of your courage and invaluable service to the army in protecting the sovereignty of the country come to the fore. Thank you for the role of statesman you are playing in the affairs of the nation.

    “As you age gracefully, the country will continue to look up to you for guidance and wisdom. May Allah continue to increase your health and grant you the strength to give your best to your family and the nation,” he stated.

    Also, former vice president and the presidential flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the February 2019 polls, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has extolled Babangida’s virtues describing him as “a great patriot, statesman and iconic visionary leader.”

    In a special congratulatory birthday message, signed by Paul Ibe, his Media Adviser, Atiku praised the nation-building roles played by the Minna, Niger State born former president, who turned 78 yesterday 17.

    “General Babangida as a young officer fought for the unity and indivisibility of our fatherland. And as head of state, he not only spearheaded the physical relocation of the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja, but politically too, championed and implemented the ideal of a two-party system which enlisted majority of Nigerians.

    “In and out of office, general Babangida carries himself with immense grace, comportment and dignified charisma,” the Waziri of Adamawa said.

    Atiku further prayed for good health and long life for IBB in the continued service of our nation.

    Other dignitaries who sent their congratulatory messages to Babangida early yesterday included the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and former Niger State Governor; Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu.

    The duo who spoke at different occasions said Babangida is a nation-builder who has continued to champion the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria.

    “General Babangida is indeed a leader whose influence traverses beyond the shores of Nigeria. While he was the president, he played a great role in the unity of Africa, particularly in the struggle against apartheid regime in South Africa.

    “We are proud of him, and will continue to celebrate his iconic leadership and lifestyle. This is why many leaders go to him to seek his advice,” Senator Sani Musa said.

    Former Niger State governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, who spoke to newsmen in Minna, said Babangida is the most experienced leader in Nigeria, adding that Nigerians need him around as an elder, leader and an adviser.

    “I am happy that he is still alive and helping us. He advises us; he warns us, he reconciles us and he has been very busy with affairs of Nigeria and the world over.

    “We are happy he has reached 77 and we are counting. We hope he stays far longer for us. He is the most experienced leader we have had in this part of the world and we need him around as an elder, a leader and an adviser,” he said.

     

  • Buhari salutes former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida at 78

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday congratulated former military President, retired Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 78th birthday.

    President Buhari’s congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by Malam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Saturday.

    President Buhari said: “On behalf of the Federal Executive Council, my family and all Nigerians, please accept my warm felicitations on your 78th birthday.

    Read Also: Jonathan salutes Babangida at 78

    “On this special day of your life, the reminiscences of your courage and invaluable service to the army in protecting the sovereignty of the country come to the fore. Thank you for the role of statesman you are playing in the affairs the nation.

    “As you age gracefully, the country will continue to look up to you for guidance and wisdom.

    ”May Allah continue to increase your health and grant you the strength to give your best to your family and the nation.”

    NAN

  • Buhari to military: Don’t spare bandits

    President Muhammadu Buhari has charged the military to be more spontaneous in restoring peace to the country, particularly states troubled by bandits.

    He gave the order in Katsina on Saturday while ordering them “not to spare bandits’’.

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu released in Abuja on Saturday, said the order had become necessary in view of the fact that the bandits had been killing, maiming and extorting innocent citizens.

    Shehu said the president was addressing 15 officers and 160 soldiers of the 17th Army Brigade and Nigerian Air Force 213 Operational Base in Katsina, under the “Operation Hadarin Daji’’, at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, Katsina.

    The statement quoted President Buhari as saying: “This group was formed by the military to secure the geo-political zone from the activities of bandits. Fundamentally, it is your responsibility to secure the country.

    “As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I believe you are capable of doing it.

    “I don’t think you should spare any bandit. Identify and eliminate them. Pursue them anywhere you can find them and eliminate them.

    “Nigeria deserves peace. The rainy season is good and we are already achieving food security, but we need peace.

    “The money saved from food importation will be used to purchase arms for operations.”

    President, accompanied by Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina, assured the troops that the Federal Government would provide all the necessary support for restoration of peace in the country.

    Read Also: Buhari condoles with Muiz Banire on mother’s death

    “We will give you all the right equipment so that you can deal with them with despatch.

    ”I appreciate all your efforts but you can do more. I don’t want any bandit spared,’’ he added.

    Buhari had also said that the government and all officials were being sustained in office by the ordinary people, and they owed the people a duty to protect their lives and property.

    “Please give my regards to your families. The earlier you finish with the bandits, the earlier you will return and stay with your families,’’ he said.(NAN)

  • Buhari returns after 9-day visit to Katsina

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday returned to Abuja after a nine-day official visit, including celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir with family members and inauguration of some developmental projects in Katsina State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that shortly before departing the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, Katsina for Abuja, Buhari had charged the military to be more spontaneous in restoring peace to the country, particularly states troubled by bandits.

    He gave the order when he addressed 15 officers and 160 soldiers of the 17th Army Brigade and Nigerian Air Force 213 Operational Base in Katsina, under the “Operation Hadarin Daji’’, at the Airport in Katsina.

    While in his hometown, Daura, Buhari received Guinean President, Prof. Alpha Conde, and the two presidents performed Eid prayers in Daura on Sunday.

    Conde, who was accorded a warm welcome by members of Daura community, was also conferred with a traditional as well as being treated to the traditional Durbar display at the palace of the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk.

    Read Also; Don’t spare bandits, Buhari orders military

    NAN reports that the developmental projects inaugurated by the President included network of rural roads where he applauded the progress being recorded under the administration of Gov. Aminu Masari.

    The president, who also inaugurated the Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital in Daura on Thursday, met with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from seven local governments affected by banditry in the state.

    Buhari also received members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and leadership of the National Assembly and Katsina State House of Assembly who paid him Sallah homage in Daura.

  • Buhari condoles with Muiz Banire on mother’s passage

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sympathized with former National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, Dr Muiz Banire, SAN, on the loss of his mum, Alhaja Sarat Banire.

    The President noted that no matter how old mothers are, their departure is always keenly felt, as he urged Banire, Chairman, Assets Management Corporation (AMCON) to take heart, and be comforted in the fact that the departed lived to a ripe old age, and left behind worthy sons and daughters, who are accomplished in different areas of endeavour.

    Read Also: AMCON Chairman Banire loses mum

    President Buhari prayed God to comfort the entire Banire family, and charged them to keep the memory of their matriarch evergreen by building on the good works she was known for.

  • Minimum wage: no worker should be cheated, says Wabba

    THE President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba has assured workers, especially those in the states and local government, the group will do everything to ensure that they are not short-changed in any way in the payment of the new national minimum wage.

    Wabba who spoke in an interview in Abuja  on Thursday also lashed out at the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbulue for deliberately stirring controversy that labour leaders were delaying the implementation of the minimum wage.

    Wabba who was reacting to media reports quoting on the implementation of the minimum wage wondered how workers and their leaders who have been agitating for the implementation of the wages would be the ones delaying its implementation.

    He said: “Despite the fact that the NLC and TUC are not directly driving the process of consequential adjustment, the process is ongoing. This morning, the report I read from the joint Public Service Negotiating Council is that they are meeting and if there is any stalemate, we will be informed and we will step in to assist them.

    “I think they have also made the details of their discussions public. So, for anybody on that table to come out and say Labour is delaying the process is not saying the obvious.

    “Workers are becoming more concerned and we are becoming concerned because a process must have an end for workers to benefit from the system. How can a worker or union who is at the receiving end be said to be delaying the process? For us, we wanted this money to be in the pocket of workers long before now.”

    He said he got across to the unions and they have told him what the process is on and that they have not delayed the process in any way. According to him, what they want is to ensure that it is a win-win situation and that what is added is not just peanuts, but should take into consideration some of the challenges the workers are  passing through in the last eight years, especially the cost of goods and services.

    “Let the increase be commensurate with the challenges. That is what the Joint Councils is trying to do and if they have challenges, they will revert to us,”he said.

    Read Also: Minimum wage battle is not over, says Wabba

    On arrears of the minimum wage will be paid to workers when the implementation finally commences, he said the effective date remained the one signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. “I am not aware of any change in that. What I am aware of is that it become effective the day it becomes a law and that is what we rely on,” Wabba said.

    Reminded of the concerns from workers in the state as a result of the attitude of some of the stage governors, Wabba said: “From the perspective of labour, we will work assiduously with all our state councils and all our structures to make sure no worker is surcharged in any way.

    “That is the commitment that we will all try to make. People would want to conserve resources, but I think that we must realise the centrality of the challenge the workers have passed through especially with the high cost of goods and services and the lack of purchasing power.”

    He however described the youths of any nation as its assets, stressing that more opportunities should be created for them by the government to excel

    He said: “Most times, we complain that we are not doing well because our youth population is on the high side. But we have seen many countries around the world that have population more than our own and are doing well. So, what I think is lacking is for us to plan the more.

    “We know that our population growth is around three per cent. That means that we have to plan to accommodate the population increase. We should not lament and use that as an excuse.

    “In fact, the population should be seen as an asset. I just came back from Japan where they are complaining of an aging population and are praying to have a youthful population. That is to tell you that it is the youthful population that will be able to make the difference.”

  • Masters Energy Group repositions for excellence

    THE  board of  Masters Energy Group has constituted a new management following the  resignation of Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah from the board.

    This follows the appointment of Dr Ogah as Minister Designate  to represent Abia State by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ministerial appointment follows Ogah’s several grand achievements in business and his myriad contributions to the nation and Abia State in particular.

    The board had appointed Barr. (Mrs) Patience Dappa as Acting Group Managing Director/CEO, following the resignation of Dr Ogah who accepted the invitation to contest as the Governor of Abia State under the aegis of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ogah had announced his decision to step down as the president of his business enterprise, Masters Energy, while proceeding to contest in accordance with the laws of the country that require any person aspiring to public office to step down from whatever enterprise he/she was engaged in the public sector/private sector before  assumption of public office.