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  • Why Local Content Act is partially implemented

    THE Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote on Tuesday said the Local Content Act cannot be fully comlied with because of the economic realities in the country.

    Speaking with reporters in Abuja, he said the Act says that all fabrication must be done in-country and that all the steel materials used in the industry must be sourced locally, he said adherence to the law would kill the industry since the fundamentals are not yet in place for full compliance.

    He said there is no functional steel mill in Nigeria, no regular power supply, other logistics are lacking.

    He said: “If the board has to comply strictly with the Act that all fabrications must be done in-country and that all the steel used in the industry must be sourced in-country, there might be no project in the country.

    Wabote said: “Let’s be honest, if today they ask you to do all the fabrications in-country, you will not have any project; we don’t even have a functional steel mill; logistic is a problem; and power is a huge challenge.

    “Our cost of project development will hit the roof because each project has an economic value. If the project cost is more than the economies of investments, will anybody put his money? So, because of our knowledge of the industry, we try to see how we balance the process in a win-win situation in order to continue the exploration.

    “Don’t forget that 90 per cent of our foreign exchange is from oil and gas. If you use this as a bible and say this is what the law says, you will kill the industry. So we must apply a greater level of intelligence.”

    According to him, in terms of compliance and enforcement, the board has put in place  seven companies to assist it in carrying out specific and specialised monitoring and compliance functions in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the industry.

    The board, according to him, has deployed chartered accounting firms to carry out forensic audit of NCDF remittances.

    He said Section 104 of the Nigerian Content Act says one per cent of the value of contracts awarded in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry must be remitted to the NCD Fund.

    Wabote said the Forensic Audit started in November last year and has shown huge amounts of non-remittances from operating and service companies.

    He said: “At the moment, some companies have owned up to their indebtedness and have started addressing their infractions.

    “On the other hand, a few companies have remained recalcitrant. We have concluded plans to hand over such companies to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution.

    “Our doors are open to companies that want to come up with structured payment plans, but we would not entertain pleas to write off any debt.

    “Still on Compliance and Enforcement, NCDMB deployed a new monitoring and evaluation template. The new framework simplifies the processes and procedures for reporting Nigerian Content performance and enhances speed of compliance and quality of data gathering.”

    On the technical capability pillar, he said the NCMDB has moved the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) from mere plans on paper to actual construction in two pilot locations – Odukpani in Cross River and Emeyal 1 in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    Each of the parks, according to Wabote,  will create jobs for 2000 persons when fully operational and spur the manufacturing of critical oil and gas equipment, tools and spare parts close to oil fields.

    He said the oil and gas industry depend also on food, stressing that the recent ban on foreign exchange for food importation would be of great benefit to the growth of local content in the NOGAPS.

    Wabote said another major achievement under the technical capability pillar, is the provision of equity investment to catalyse the establishment of 5,000barrels per day modular refinery by Waltersmith Refining & Petrochemical Company Limited in Ibigwe, Imo State and the 12,000barrels per day Hydroskimming Modular refinery by Azikel Petroleum Limited at Obunagha, Gbarain, Bayelsa State.

    He said   Waltersmith refinery is on track for completion in May 2020 while the Azikel Refinery would be completed in 2021.

  • How exco members can succeed, by ex-official

    A FORMER Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef, has advised the newly inaugurated commissioners and special advisers on how to succeed in office.

    He spoke yesterday as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sworn in his exco members.

    Abdul Lateef, who is still in Saudi Arabia, where he led Lagos State pilgrims as the Amirul Hajj, urged the incoming cabinet members to give 100 per cent attention to service delivery by cooperating with Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    According to him, the governor and his deputy have started well with a lot of commitments and passion to take Lagos State to an unprecedented level.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to commissioners, special advisers: ensure Lagos remains top destination

    He congratulated the commissioners and special advisers, praying to God to crown their efforts with success.

    “You are all great men and women who have distinguished yourselves in various fields and you are fortunate to be elevated to this level today,” he said.

    The former commissioner, however, noted that governance is not easy, saying: “It can be very challenging. Please roll your sleeve and do not be distracted. Do not listen to hypocrites, whose job is to create discord among cabinet members. Be ready to learn, relearn and unlearn because these are the secrets of great attainments.”

    He urged them to interact and learn from the civil servants in their ministries.

  • Sanwo-Olu to commissioners, special advisers: ensure Lagos remains top destination

    LAGOS State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday swore-in members of his exco made up of 35 members and assigned portfolios to them immediately.

    Sanwo-Olu told the new appointees that their ultimate goal is to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest in”.

    He emphasised that “this is not just our goal, it is what the people expect from us and we cannot afford to disappoint them”.

    Twenty-two of them took oath as commissioners and the remaining 13 are special advisers.

    The carnival like elaborate ceremony took place amidst tight security at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja with dignitaries and party leadership, members of the Lagos Assembly, Governor Advisory Council (GAC) members, including traditional rulers from across the state, top civil servants, relations and well-wishers of the appointees in attendance.

    Former Editor of The Nation Mr. Gbenga Omotoso was assigned as commissioner in the ministry of information and strategy. Immediate past Secretary to State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello takes over as Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment and Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe is the special adviser on Drainage Services and Water Resources.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Sanwo-Olu swears-in Commissioners, Special Advisers

    Other commissioners and their portfolio are: Mr. Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo, Finance; Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Education; Prof. Akin Abayomi, Health; Dr. Idris Salako, Fiscal Planning and Urban Development; Mrs. Bolaji Dada, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Mr. Lere Odusote, Energy and Natural Resources; Dr. Frederic Oladeinde; Transportation; Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, Agriculture; and Moruf Abdul-Fatai, Housing.

    The commissioners’ list also includes Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Mr. Hakeem Fahm, Science and Technology; Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, Establishment, Training and Pension; Aramide Adeyoye, Works and Infrastructure; Mr. Segun Dawodu, Youth and Social Development; Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Home Affairs; and Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Local Government and Community Affairs.

    Also on the list of commissioners are: Mrs. Lola Akande, Commerce and Industry; Mrs. Olufunke Adebolu, Tourism Arts and Culture and Mr. Sam Egube, Economy Planning and Budget.

    The special advisers and their portfolio are: Dr. Wale Ahmed, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations; Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya, Special Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture; Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Office of Civic Engagement; Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, Political and Legislative Affairs; and Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Ministry of Housing.

    Others are: Tubosun Alake, Special Adviser for Innovation and Technology; Architect Kabiru Ahmed Abdullahi, Urban Development; Anofi Olanrewaju, Central Business Districts; Bonu Sulaiman Saanu, Arts and Culture; Oluwatoyin Fayinka Ministry of Transportation; Oladele Ajayi, Commerce and Industry; Tokunbo Wahab, Ministry of Education; and Solape Harmmond, Sustainable Development Goals.

    In his address to the exco members, Sanwo-Olu congratulated them, saying they will assist him in discharging the functions of the Executive arm as members of the State Executive Council.

    “I gladly welcome these men and women, who shall valiantly lead this new administration to realise its vision for a greater Lagos,” the governor said.

    Describing their appointment as well-deserved, the governor said it is a “testament to your capacity, your accomplishments and your track record of hard work, commitment, dedication and professionalism in your private and public endeavours”.

    “Today, you are inducted into a singular administration, unique in its diversity – both of heritage and of the creed – made up of technical and politically-skilled men and women who understand the challenges of our state, grasp the grand vision of this new administration, and are sensitive to the yearnings of our people, the citizens of Lagos State, whom we must ultimately serve,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor also hailed the Legislative arm under the leadership of the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, for presiding over a swift and decisive screening and confirmation process.

  • Buhari urges African telecoms regulators on e-fraud, cyber attacks

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday urged African telecoms regulators to tackle the menace of cyber attacks and electronic or e-fraud within the continent.

    He said the time has come for the regulators to leverage available opportunities in the industry to launch the continent into the mainstream of the 4G and 5G technologies.

    Buhari spoke while declaring open the second Edition of Conference of African Telecommunications Regulators on Consumer Affairs (CATCO) at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.

    Describing the theme:  Empowering the Telecom Consumer in an Era of Technology Evolution as apt, Buhari advised the regulators to do all within their powers to prevent e-fraud and cyber-attacks within the ecosystem of the continent.

    Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha, the president expressed fears that telecoms infrastructure might be hijacked and manipulated to the detriment of vulnerable consumers to perpectrate fraud and cybercrimes if not properly regulated.

    Buhari said: “The need for every country to keep herself abreast of the fast paced technological evolution from the 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G technologies cannot be overemphasized.

    Read Also: Buhari kick starts day two of Presidential Retreat

    “Today, we now talk of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Blockchain, Smart Cities and various smart technological renovations, all of which are targeted at certain group of consumers of digital services, whether individual or corporate entities.

    “As regulators of one of the dynamic sectors of the economy in Africa, therefore, telecoms regulatory agencies should be concerned about the effects of this technological changes on the consumers.

    “Indeed, these technologies have created a borderless world with powerful impacts on the lives of millions of telecoms consumers, regardless of how remote they are physically located.

     

     

  • Infrastructure critical to innovation, says NCC

    THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday stressed the need to put in place a very robust telecoms infrastructure so that innovation could flourish.

    Speaking at 2019 Nigeria Innovation Summit in Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, its Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Prof Garba Danbatta, said innovation will drive economic growth.

    Represented by Director, Research & Development at NCC, Mr.  Ephraim Nwokenneya, the telecoms chief regulator, said: “It is instructive to note that for innovation to thrive towards accelerating economic growth, robust telecoms/broadband infrastructure upon which ICT innovations will ride, is a necessity.”

    He said the theme of the forum: Accelerating Nigeria’s Economic Growth through Innovation was apt, stressing that the NCC, through effective regulatory efforts, has been able to deepen connectivity in the country.

    “As at June, 2019, internet connections in the country have reached over 122 million, with over 63.5 million of this figure connected to broadband networks of 3G and 4G, which represents a 33.31 percent broadband penetration.

    Read Also: NCC warns telcos against interconnect debts

    “Our commitment is to more than double this penetration level in the next five years, as we increase collaboration and partnership with necessary stakeholders towards making a new broadband target that may be set by the Federal Government a reality. Last year, the country was able to attain and surpass its initial 30 per cent broadband penetration target set in its National Broadband Plan (NBP) 2013-2018 by December, 2018,” Danbatta said.

    He said the race for infrastructure deployment is a global race, arguing that recent happenings across the globe showed that infrastructure is receiving attention at the highest level of government in developed economies. He said this is because any nation that wants to develop must do this in a digitally-enabled framework.

     

  • Diaspora remittances to hit $34.89b, says PwC

    DIASPORA remittances to Nigeria could grow to $25.5 billion, $29.8 billion and $34.8 billion in 2019, 2021 and 2023, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Limited has said

    In its latest White Paper Series titled: Strength from Abroad: The Economic Power of Nigeria’s Diaspora, it said over a 15-year period, it expects total remittance flows to the country to grow by almost double in size from $18.37 billion in 2009 to $34.89 billion in 2023.

    Partner & Chief Economist at PwC, Dr. Andrew S. Nevin, said the report was an analysis, which showed the critical importance of the Diaspora to Nigeria’s economy.

    According to him, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) led by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, indicated that the Federal Government recognised the strategic importance of the Nigerian diaspora.

    Nevin, however, said the key next step for the newly established Commission was to formulate and execute a strategy to maximise the benefits of Nigeria’s Diaspora.

    Read Also: PwC, others for SMEs workshop

    “In addition, we’re very keen to see state governments start to engage the Diaspora. The primary benefit of remittances to recipient households is the improvement in their general welfare,” the chief economist said.

    For instance, Nevin said studies show that 70 per cent of remittances are used for consumption purposes, while 30 per cent of remittance funds go to investment-related uses. “So, it is important that Nigeria has a Diaspora strategy both at the national and state level,” he said.

    The PwC report noted that Nigeria accounts for over a third of migrant remittance flows to sub-Saharan Africa.

    According to the report, Egypt and Nigeria account for the largest inflows of remittances into Africa last year.

    In 2017, however, Nigeria led the continent in terms of remittance receipts, but dropped to second place behind Egypt last year.

    The report, which underscored the contribution of Nigerian Diaspora remittances to national development, stated that for four consecutive years, official remittances exceeded Nigeria’s oil revenues.

    “Since many transactions are unrecorded or take place through informal channels, the actual amount of remittance flows into the country is arguably higher,” the report said.

    It, however, recommended among others the creation of platforms that increase accessibility of crucial information for Nigerians in the Diaspora; encourage and create pooled investment vehicles.

    The report added that early-stage businesses with smaller financing needs present a great opportunity for those in the Diaspora to invest through angel networks.

     

  • Don’t lose hope despite country’s bad situation, Obasanjo tells youths

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday advised the youth not to lose hope because of the “bad situation” of the country, assuring that there would definitely be light at the end of the dark tunnel.

    Obasanjo said he would continue to remain optimistic about Nigeria and her future, recalling that when everybody appeared to have concluded that there was no more hope for pre – 1999 Nigeria, he cameout of the prison to rekindle hope and turned things around.

    The elder statesman who gave the advice while addressing a cross section of youths in Ogun state during a day symposium on “Youth Governance and Dialogue,” at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library(OOPL), Abeokuta, the state capital, added that same feat was achieved when he was military Head of States.

    “Haven run or taken care of a very substantial number of soldiers in the war front, the soldiers from a division have lost hope, in the sense that, they have lost the fighting spirit and within a space of six months, that division was saved and that division ended the Nigerian civil war.

    “Haven run the affairs of Nigeria as a military head of state  when some people felt there was virtually no hope about Nigeria and we turned it around.

    “And haven taken care of Nigeria when I came out of the Prison when some people told me that I will be the last President of Nigeria, because after me there will be no Nigeria again because the situation was so bad.  I have come to have tremendous hope in Nigeria and I optimistic.

    Read Also: How Oyegun earned my confidence, by Obasanjo

    “So, I am an incurable optimist about Nigeria. During the government of Muritala Mohammed and I, Nigerian soldiers who were working  in Lagos and who had to go to office in public transport, don’t wear their uniform . They did not wear their uniform they were ashamed but within the space of six months, they were proudly wearing their uniform. So, it can be done.

    “Don’t lose hope, the situation is bad. The current situation is bad, I don’t need to tell you that, I can see the light beyond the tunnel. There is light beyond the tunnel,” Obasanjo said.

    The ex – President said Nigerians should be bothered by the country’s burgeoning population, wondering if those who should be  thinking about the short, medium and long term implications of increasing population are really doing anything about it.

    He admitted that large population is an asset but raised the alarm that a country like Nigeria that is likely to hit 400million or more in the next 30years,  it could turn out to be a “calamity” if not properly handled.

    He also warned that if a state of emergency was not declared in education to address the scourge of out – of – school – children,  it means Nigeria has gotten Boko haram that would endure for the next 15 years.

    Obasanjo said: “The other problem you did not mention, is demography. We are now 200 million population and in about 30 years to come we will be about 400 million. Some say we will be 415 million, some say we will be 450 million, whichever one, we will be the third largest country in the world after China and India, that would present great challenges, how are we going to handle it?

    “It can be an asset if we handle it well, but if we continue with  business as usual as we are doing now, it will be a great calamity, it will be a great disaster, we have to think about it. And those who will produce the 450 million people, there are already here, they have been born, so, you cannot stop them from being born .

    “Those who will produce 750 million in  the year 22,000 they are the one  we can do something about. And again, it is important , People are already thinking, who is doing  the short – medium – long- term  thinking plan?  None.

    “There should be no Nigerian child that should be out of the school for any reason. How are we talking about state of emergency on Education, how are we talking about popular education? You have already got your Boko Haram in the next 15 years if you don’t do anything about that.

    “So, whatever you are talking about, unless you take care of inclusiveness, you will not get there. Quality is important, but inclusiveness is much more better, education for all.”

     

  • Customs, Armed Forces to conduct joint border security operation

    THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday announced that it will work with other Armed Forces, intelligence and security agencies to secure the nation’s borders.

    The joint patrol is part of measures to secure Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.

    Security and intelligence agencies also involved in the joint surveillance are: the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security and intelligence agencies.

    The joint border security operation is code-named Ex-Swift Response.

    It is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and will take place in four geopolitical zones, namely, Southsouth, Southwest, Northcentral and Northwest.

    Read Also: Customs arrests notorious rice smuggler

    NCS spokesman Joseph Attah broke the news in a statement yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The statement said the joint operation will promote interagency cooperation and increase preparedness to address trans-border security challenges, such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, among others.

    Attah said the operation will also involve the movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment within the affected parts of the country.

    The statement added: “Therefore, we call on members of the public not to panic, and should continue to engage in their normal duties. The overall objective is to ensure a peaceful and secured country in the interest of our national security.”

     

  • NYSC DG restricts corps members’ movements

    The Director General the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, yesterday ordered state coordinators to enforce relevant extant rules on the movement of Corps members on inter and intra-state and local government boundaries.

    The action, it was learnt, is part of measures to stem rising cases of deaths through road accidents and exposure to banditry and other violent attacks among corps members.

    Ibrahim, who gave the directive while addressing recuperating corps members who were quartered at St. Martin’s De Pors Catholic Church, Katsina, said he visited the victims to see things for himself and to condole with the bereaved.

    The NYSC chief urged the corps members to always get clearance from their state coordinators each time they want to travel, especially whenever they intend to leave their local government areas or travelling outside the states of their primary assignments. He said: “There is need for us to streamline where you go and where not to go. All of us should be very careful.

    Read Also: Katsina deaths: NYSC restricts movement of corps members

    “If you are going anywhere, let your coordinator know. We must be sure that the journey is extremely necessary before you are permitted to go.

    “We do not hope for a repeat of this type of incident, but we must guide against unapproved movement of the corps members. The procedure for travelling outside the state and area of deployments must be enforced.”

    Ibrahim expressed gratitude to Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari for not only assisting the accident victims but for also allowing one of the cars in his convoy to convey them from the accident scene.

    The Nation reports that road accidents on Sunday, August 18 in Katsina State resulted in the death of three corps members and injuries of 14 others members. The victims were travelling from Katsina to Funtua to attend a wedding.  The hospitalised corps members are: Apeh Eveline, Chinaza Azu, Francis Ogu, Ade Celestine, Patrick Shittu and Onoja Patience. The rest of the patients have recovered and  discharged.

  • ‘Governors reluctant to implement Houses of Assembly financial autonomy’

    Speakers of 36 Houses of Assembly across the country on Tuesday decried the non-implementation of the financial autonomy for the state legislatures.

    This is coming a year after President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the autonomy Bill.

    The Speakers noted that under the current Federal system, there are peculiar challenges confronting state parliaments.

    The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the non-implementation of the autonomy by many governors amounted to the violation of the Constitution.

    Urging the governors to implement the new template, the Lagos Speaker said states’ helmsmen should set good examples as democrats by abiding by the law.

    Obasa spoke in Lagos at the conference of 36 Speakers with the theme: Strengthening the Capacity of State Legislatures for Effective Governance.

    It was organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

    House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, called for synergy between the National Assembly and the Houses of Assembly during the proposed constitution review.

    Read Also: Abdulsalami, others seek full financial autonomy for Judiciary

    At the interactive sessions, University of Jos (UNIJOS) lecturer, Prof. Sam Egwu, spoke on the topic: Capacity Needs Assessment of State Houses of Assembly, while a Federal legislator, Ossai N. Ossai, spoke on the topic: Legislative Agenda Development and Benchmarking Activities.

    Obasa, who was represented by Taraba State House of Assembly Speaker Abel Peter Diya, urged the governors to implement the autonomy law without necessarily waiting for President Buhari to invoke the Executive Order to enforce compliance.

    He said: “It is well over a year that President Buhari gave his assent to financial autonomy for state legislature and the Judiciary in the last constitution review. We want to call on all the relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts towards effective implementation of the constitutional provision with a view to strengthening our democracy.”

    Hailing the institute for organising the conference, Gbajabiamila said the constitutional roles of appropriation, law-making and oversight functions vested in the legislature require skilful display of intellectual input, based on sound knowledge acquisition, information, workshops, seminars and retreats.

    The Speaker said the push for local government autonomy failed in the past because the Houses of Assembly refused to cooperate with the National Assembly on the issue, adding that although there is need for a collaborative effort among arms of government, the legislature must be mindful of certain interests that may override national interests.

    He emphasised that an independent legislature is critical for democratic survival and national development.

    Gbajabiamila urged the Speakers to save the local government from imminent collapse through law making.

    He stressed that a “revitalised local government system would bring effective governance”.

    The Speaker said the National Assembly would soon embark on constitution review, adding that a synergy between the national and state parliaments would facilitate the attainment of set objectives.

    Gbajabiamila justified the intervention of the National Assembly in the crisis-ridden Edo and Bauchi Houses of Assembly.

    The Speaker said the move was compelled by the need to safeguard the democratic institutions.

    He added: “The National Assembly would not allow any breakdown of law and order in any State Assembly, let alone contemplate any vacuum.”

    The institute’s Director General, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, explained that the conference was organised to boost the capacities of the Houses of Assembly in the areas of law making, budget process, oversight functions, legislative drafting, committee management and reporting.

    He said the institute had been offering postgraduate diploma and Master’s degree programmes in legislative drafting, legislative studies, parliamentary administration, elections and political party management, election and party politics as well as constitution and constitutionalism.

    Sulaiman explained that the Fourth Constitutional Alteration Bill, which the President had assented to, provided for the funding of State Assemblies directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the states.

    The director general said the autonomy has implications for parliamentary accountability and transparency, adding that it had also positioned the state parliament to recruit competent workers, determine their financial resources and decide on their internal organisation and governance.

    He added: “The institute is prepared to collaborate with state Assemblies to conduct institutional and capacity needs assessment, conduct trainings and workshops and develop manuals and other relevant materials needed for effective functioning of the legislature.

    “We are also open to providing technical support towards the development of the various Assemblies.”