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Tag: okays

  • House okays 42.5mpa cement grade

    House okays 42.5mpa cement grade

    Advocates of an unregulated cement market lost a major battle yesterday, with lawmakers recommending the 42.5mpa grade cement for construction.

    The House of Representatives said it adopted the 42.5mpa grade because there is no building code and 90 per cent of construction is undertaken by non-professionals.

    “It will serve the national interest better to adopt a particular cement grade, which is less susceptible to misapplication as the standard cement in the country,” the lawmakers said, adding that “most stakeholders will prefer it, if given the chance to choose between 32.5mpa and 42.5mpa”.

    The recommendation followed the adoption of the report of the Hon. Yakubu Dogara-led Ad-hoc Committee on Composition and Pigmentation of Cement (Cement Quality), which investigated the incidence of collapsed buildings.

    Lawmakers also recommended the swift passage of the National Building Code Bill to check quackery, use of substandard building materials and also to serve as a tool for the regulation of the informal downstream sector of the construction industry.

    The House also recommended that Standard Organisations of Nigeria (SON’s) Governing Council should ensure that all cement manufacturers upgrade their production lines to start producing the 42.5mpa grade within a reasonable time, considering the cost of social dislocation.

    Besides, the government should create a cement fund from contributions of N10 per 50kg bag of cement produced in Nigeria and N20 only per 50kg of cement imported into Nigeria for the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories in all the geo-political zones within three years.

    The fund, the House said should be managed by a task force to be set up by SON, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).

    The lawmakers said. “All cement packages must clearly and boldly indicate their grades, uses and expiry dates with tamper proofing on the packages to guard against repackaging by middlemen; SON should ensure that all cement distributions withdraw expired cement from their warehouses and markets and destroy them, “

    They asked that the Federal Government set up a National Quality Assurance Programme, using designated agencies and some professional bodies to regularly test samples of  cement produced before they are sold in the open market.

    Part of the House’s 12-point recommendations was that government “ should take immediate steps to establish a cement and concrete institute, as is the case in many jurisdictions,” and that “government should also revive all technical schools across the country and establish new ones to improve on the pool of qualified artisans and generate skilled as well semi-skilled labour.”

     

  • FEC okays $170m loan to boost power in FCT

    FEC okays $170m loan to boost power in FCT

    The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku yesterday said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given the Federal Ministry of Finance the approval to borrow $170 million for power infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He made the disclosure while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The loan from the French Development Agency, he said, is to undertake 270 kilometer transmission lines and construct additional substations within the FCT.

    He also said FEC ratified the earlier approval given to the Federal Ministry of Finance to float a diaspora bond of about $100-$300 million to enable Nigerians living outside the country invest in Nigeria.

    On the FCT Power loan, he said: “FEC ratified an earlier approval given to the Federal Ministry of Finance to borrow $170million from the French Development Agency to beef up power nfrastructure in the FCT, Abuja.

    “The loan which is usually given on exceptionally concessionary grounds to developing countries and friendly countries by the French government was taken to undertake 270 kilometer transmission lines and the construction of additional substations within the FCT and to build additional power substations in the FCT to boost power supply in the FCT.

    “In this instance, when the French president visited, following discussions with the Nigerian government, the two leaders accepted the need for this loan, which is to support the power infrastructure in Abuja. Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in the world and certainly the fastest growing city in the continent of Africa.

    “We need to continually update infrastructure, particularly power supply to the city as it expands from the city centre outwards. We are happy because this loan was taken and it shows the confidence of the French government in the Nigerian economy.”

    Speaking on the diaspora bond, Maku said: “FEC also, in continuation of the president’s promise to involve all Nigerians particularly in the diaspora, in the Transformation Agenda, ratified the earlier approval by the president which was given to the Federal Ministry of Finance to float a diaspora bond of about $100-300million to enable Nigerians living out of this country to invest in the country.”

    The Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala further explained that the $170 million is a very soft loan attracting1.56 per cent interest rate per annum, commitment charge of 0.5 per cent per annum and then a service charge of 0.25 per cent per annum payable on the amount withdrawn.

    The loan, she said, is for 20 years with a seven years grace period or moratorium on payment while the rest is payable over 20 years.

    She said: “This loan is to boost transmission in the FCT, to make sure that we keep ahead of the demands for electricity in the FCT. “This was one of the loans that was signed when the French president came for the centenary celebrations, because we had an anticipatory ratification from the president and it was ratified today (yesterday) by Council.”

  • FEC okays N28b for FCT district

    FEC okays N28b for FCT district

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N28.11 billion contract for engineering infrastructure in the new Wasa District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Information Minister Labaran Maku and FCT’s Minister of State Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide addressed State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    Maku said the creation of the new district and provision of infrastructure was in line with the government’s policy to decongest the city.

    He said: “The minister presented a memorandum to seek the council’s approval for the contract to provide engineering infrastructure to Wasa Affordable Housing Site.”

    Ms Akinjide explained that the contract, which was awarded to Gilmor Engineering, would include site clearance, sewage, water supply, electrical supply and street lighting.

    The idea, she said, was to make available affordable housing sites to Nigerians.

    The minister said cooperatives and registered associations in the private and public service would be considered.

    Ms Akinjide said: “The project is in line with the establishment of FCT Satellite Development Agency, whose mandate is to provide infrastructure and social amenities to satellite towns and rural areas.

    ‘’Besides, the project will generate jobs for at least 30 professionals, 50 technicians and 100 unskilled labourers.

    “After deliberations, the council approved the contract for engineering infrastructure to Wasa Affordable Housing Site in favour of Messrs Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited for N28,117,904,027 for a period of 48 months.”

  • Hospital okays herbal supplement

    An herbal supplement, Adams Desire, has been proven to be effective in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), improvement of sperm count and associated quality of life.

    Its efficacy was established by a medical team headed by Dr Ayoade Adedokun, a family health physician, with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    The study showed that Nature’s Field Adams Desire is safe for the treatment of ED and improvement in semen quality/sperm count.

    According to the Marketing Manager, Sylken Limited, (marketers of the supplement), Mrs Maryjee Ihejirika: “Adam’s Desire is a scientific blend of eight highly potent natural actives that numerous research have proven to turn around cases of several common occurring sexual dysfunction peculiar to adult males.

    “Adams Desire achieves fuller and firmer erection by preventing the deposition of fibrin on the capillary walls, increasing blood flow to the penis. It also induces peripheral relaxation of smooth muscles in the vas deference, seminal vesicles, prostrate and urethra by its effect on the nitric oxide/cGMP pathway thereby prolonging intra-vaginal ejaculation/penetration latency time. Adams desire contains amino acid arginine which increases sperm production. Also contains Terristris tribulus extract that supports spermatogenesis, improving both sperm count and morphology.

    “For stamina, Adams Desire increases the natural level of testosterone thereby exerting anti-fatigue effect. It reduces cortisol to normal when abnormally high, thus alleviating weakness associated with stress. Increases blood flow and oxygenation to the muscle tissues, thereby increasing their function in maintaining stamina.”

    On libido, she said: “Adams Desire inhibits the action of acetyl- cholinesterase on neurotransmitters, increasing the level of cholinergic neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal enhancement. It contains amino acids alanine, tyrosine and histidine required to produce these cholinergic neurotransmitters. Adams Desire increases serotonin level that is crucial to memory and sensory stimulation leading to arousal. Adams Desire will improve and enhance your sexual performance, strengthening your marital relationship and prevent marital woes arising from poor sexual performance.”

    “This is because it will help you achieve fuller and firmer erections; improves libido (sexual arousal); improves sperm count and morphology; gives stamina and corrects premature ejaculation.”

  • Court okays Bi-Courtney’s takeover of airport terminal

    Court okays Bi-Courtney’s takeover of airport terminal

    Bi-Courtney Group may have moved a step closer to reclaiming the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The GAT was taken over in controversial circumstances by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in purported violation of the concession agreement between it and Bi-Courtney.

    Justice I. N. Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, struck out the application of FAAN to restrain Bi-Courtney from taking possession of the GAT, despite the Appeal Court’s affirmation of the firm’s ownership of the terminal.

    According to the court’s documents, FAAN filed the application on December 5, 2011, seeking several reliefs “in respect of the use and operation of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2, Ikeja, Lagos, by the defendant (Bi-Courtney), pursuant to a concession agreement executed between the Federal Government and the defendant.”

    FAAN sought “to restrain the defendant from taking over the control of the General Aviation Terminal of the airport.”

    The plaintiff (FAAN), the documents showed, also filed an ex-parte application seeking certain interim injunctive reliefs, which were granted by the court on December 6, 2011.

    Bi-Courtney, however, filed an application seeking an order to set aside the interim order granted FAAN on the grounds that it concealed and/or failed to disclose facts upon which the ex-parte interim order of December 6, 2011, was granted.

    The court delivered a ruling on February 27, last year, setting aside the interim order.

    Bi-Courtney filed a notice of preliminary objection on April 10, last year, challenging the competence of the suit and seeking “an order of court to strike it out for failure to fulfil condition precedent as contained in the concession agreement between the parties or alternatively an order dismissing the suit for being an abuse of court process.”

  • Fed Govt okays $100m loan for three states

    Fed Govt okays $100m loan for three states

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a $100 million loan from the Indian Import Export Bank for Cross River, Enugu and Kaduna to address power infrastructure.

    The Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama made this known to State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    He said the credit facility will first be taken by the Federal Government and then passed on to the three states.

    He explained that $30 million of the facility is for Cross Rivers towards actualising its Independent Power Project, while Enugu State will get $40 million for the electrification of 96 communities, as well as the supply and inauguration of 33KVA and  four 15KVA lines and for the distribution of transformers and other accessories to the 96 communities in the three Senatorial zones of the state.

    Ngama said the balance of $30 million, will be on-lent to the Kaduna State government to augment the resources needed for the construction of 70 kilometres transmission line from the Gurara Dam to Kaduna industrial area and the construction of 132/ 33KVA  substation power supply to Kaduna industrial area, adding that 56 communities in the state would also benefit from solar electricity project.

    He stated that the facility would attract concessionary rate of two per cent interest rate and would be repaid over a 10-year period, with three years’ moratorium, noting that it has a commitment charge of 0.5 per cent of undrawn balance and 0.5 per cent for service charge.

    He said the facility has been approved by both the National Assembly in the Medium Term borrowing plan and the Houses of Assembly in the respective states.

    “We believe this facility will go a long way towards transforming our industrial areas, as well as other communities as part of Mr. President’s economic transformation agenda,” he said.

    On the fear that the loan could bring Nigeria back to the period of high foreign debt burden, he said: “This credit facility is different from the previous loans that led to the pirating of huge  foreign debt.

    “Preponderant of commercial credits led to high interest rates, making Nigeria to pay over $40 billion for debt servicing, under the current regime, government is getting development loans also known as multi lateral and bilateral assistance.”

    He said domestic debts are of greater concern to government with government’s borrowing averaging as high as 19 per cent, explaining that government is now encouraging the concessionary foreign debt option.

    Ngama said the debt to GDP ratio is just slightly less than 20 per cent, but stressed that these loans are geared towards the development of infrastructural facilities.

    He said N3.6 trillion bond was raised to fund the past 52 per cent salary increase, adding that Nigeria has one of the lowest tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) rates globally. He lamented that 70 per cent of registered companies in Nigeria do not pay tax, saying this is the only country where everybody can import anything. The only people who pay tax in Nigeria are those whose taxes are deducted at source.”

  • FEC okays N290m for Third Mainland Bridge

    FEC okays N290m for Third Mainland Bridge

    The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, yesterday said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N290.7million for a comprehensive test on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting in Abuja, he said the Council took the decision based on a memo by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    Maku said the job done on the bridge last year was to address specific problems identified on the road, adding that the vote was to carry out a comprehensive test on the road to detect any possible need for repairs.

    He said: “The Minister of Works tabled a memorandum to seek approval for the comprehensive underwater inspection, assessment of pilings, river bed bathymetric survey, profiling and echometric test on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    “The bridge is a vital artery on the Federal Highways network connecting Lagos Mainland to the Island. Following reports of oscillation and excessive vibrations of the bridge under traffic load, investigations and tests were carried out by experts on the bridge in 2008 and the reports indicated that the bridge was structurally sound, but required the replacement of damaged expansion joints and bearings.

    “The ministry decided that Advanced Integrity Assessment including echometric (sonic pulse) tests on piles was inevitable to authenticate the findings of the Nigerian Submarine Divers Limited (NSD).

    “In order to save the bridge from extensive deteriorating condition, council approved the award of contract for the consultancy services for the comprehensive underwater inspection, assessment of pilings, river bed bathymetric survey, profiling and echometric test on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State in favour of Messrs ICECON (Nigeria) Limited in the sum of N290, 745, 000 only with a completion period of two months.”

  • Supreme Court okays ex-Ondo council chair’s trial

    The Supreme Court has upheld the trial of a former local government chairman in Ondo State, Mr. Dele Fagoriola, on allegation of abuse of office.

    The apex court, in a judgment read at the weekend by Justice Muhammed Saifulla Muntaka-Coomassie, dismissed his appeal for lacking in merit.

    The court also ordered that the case be returned to the High Court, Akure for continuation of trial.

    Fagoriola, the Chairman, Akure North Local Government, was accused of corrupt enrichment and abuse of office by allegedly allocating funds to himself and his wife (who was not a worker of the local government) on spurious grounds.

    He was alleged to have, on various occasions, allocated money to himself and his wife for foreign conferences and workshops, which they did not attend. The prosecution also alleged that in some instances, some of the seminars never existed.

    He was arraigned before the High Court in 2006 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

    At the completion of the prosecution’s case, Fagoriola made a no-case submission, which was dismissed by the court. It ordered him to enter defence.

    In dismissing Fagoriola’s no-case submission, the judge found from the evidence led by the prosecution that the Fagoriola got money for conferences not attended and that funds were paid for conferences that did not hold.

    Rather than open his defence as ordered by the court, Fagoriola appealed to the Court of Appeal, Benin. The Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the trial court and dismissed his appeal, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court.

    Dismissing Fagoriola’s appeal, Justice Muntaka-Coomassie held that “the lower court (Court of Appeal) was right in upholding the decision of the trial court.

    “In the final analysis, this appeal lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed.”

    He said a case that began in 2006 has been delayed for about eight years, a period sufficient for it to be concluded on merit.

    Justice Muntaka-Coomassie ordered that the case be returned to the trial court where Fagoriola should be made to enter defence.

    Justices Mahmud Mohammed, Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Olukayode Ariwoola, who were on the panel that heard the appeal, also agreed with the lead decision.

  • Senate okays Kekere-Ekun as Supreme Court Justice

    Senate okays Kekere-Ekun as Supreme Court Justice

    The Senate yesterday confirmed Justice Kudirat M.O. Kekere-Ekun as a justice of the Supreme Court.

    It considered the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, which screened Justice Kekere-Ekun.

    Before she was unanimously confirmed, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) described her as hard working and articulate, saying her erudite judgments were a source of joy to Nigerians.

    The lawmaker noted that as a lawyer, he had appeared before Justice Kekere-Ekun, who started in private practice.

    Lanlehin said the Screening Committee asked Justice Kekere-Ekun how the judiciary could be improved through the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and she answered correctly being ICT-compliant.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senator said there was no doubt that the appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun as a justice of the Supreme Court would enhance the apex court and the country.

    Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun attained her position on individual merit.

    He said the National Judicial Council should increase the number of Supreme Court justices to ensure equity in the country.

    Enang insisted that no part of the country should be made to feel that it is not represented.

    Senator Heineken Lokpobiri also raised the issue of equity in the appointment of justices.

    He said in the past, some zones in the country always dominated appointment in the Supreme Court.

    The Bayelsa lawmaker said people of integrity, who could convict their children, should be appointed Supreme Court justices and merit should be the yardstick for appointments.

    Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra Central) described Justice Kekere-Ekun as one of the judges whose judgments always go down well with Nigerians.

    Justice Kekere-Ekun, he said, “is a fit and proper person” to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

    Ngige hailed the Screening Committee for not overemphasising the federal character, saying: “If three justices from Lagos State will give the country justice, so be it.”

    He also said contrary to the picture painted by the committee, the Southeast zone has only two justices in the Supreme Court instead of three as stated by the committee.

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said Justice Kekere-Ekun was not appointed because she is a woman.

    He said the female justices of the Supreme Court were appointed on merit.

    Ndoma-Egba hailed Justice Kekere-Ekun for a deserved appointment.

    Senate President David Mark congratulated Justice Kekere-Ekun on her appointment.

    He noted that as testified by senators, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s appointment would enhance the Supreme Court and the country.

    Mark said he believes the country can find other qualified Nigerians in every zone.

    He said efforts should be made to appoint Supreme Court justices from the Northeast zone.

    The Senate also confirmed Captain Fola Akinkuotu as the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    Mark urged Akinkuotu to go to NCAA “with a clear mind to achieve the purpose for which you are appointed.”

  • 2013/2014 Season: Mourinho okays Omeruo

    2013/2014 Season: Mourinho okays Omeruo

    Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo has moved closer to joining Chelsea following a seal of approval by returning boss Jose Mourinho.

    Reports say the defender is now 95% certain of finally joining Chelsea in the coming season as Mourinho wants to work with Kenneth after watching him at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    Omeruo’s inclusion in the Super Eagles final squad for this month’s FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil has enhanced his chances of joining the London club.

    The young Eagles defender, who has represented Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 levels, played a total of 26 matches and scored two goals in his time at Ado Den Haag.

    Omeruo was called into the senior Nigeria squad ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, and after coming on as a substitute during their opening game against Burkina Faso, he played the full 90 minutes in the following four matches as the Super Eagles reached the final, where Nigeria was eventually crowned King of Africa after piping Burkina Faso 1-0.