The Nation Newspaper

Tag: seals

  • PCN seals 373 illegal pharmacies in Ogun

    The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 373 illegal pharmacies and patent medicine stores operating in different locations in Ogun State.

    The council said it took the decision to safeguard the health of members of the  public.

    The action followed a visit by PCN to 435 premises, comprising of 44 pharmacies and 391 patent medicine shops  in the state.

    The PCN Director of Inspection and Monitoring Unit, Anthonia Aruya who disclosed this to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at a press briefing, said the  culprits were caught after weeks of compliance enforcement operation in the state.

    She alleged that “the operators of the illegal pharmacies committed various offences such as operating without registering with the PCN, failure to renew premises license, dispensing ethical products without supervision of a pharmacist and poor sanitary conditions.”

    Aruya said the PCN has the responsibility of regulating and controlling the education, training and practice of pharmacies in all its aspects and ramifications as established by Decree 91 of 1992 now Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act Cap P17, LFN, 2004.

    She said the National Assembly (NASS)  had given the body the directive  to shut  down all illegal premises nationwide, adding that the NASS’ directive has further galvanized the PCN  efforts at sanitizing the drug distribution chain.

    “What we observed in Ogun State is that so many premises commenced operations without fulfilling minimum requirements for registration while others failed to renew their licenses to operate such shops. Some of these premises store products in environments where the quality, safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products cannot be guaranteed.

  • …seals 15 filling stations in Kano

    …seals 15 filling stations in Kano

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday sealed off 15 filling stations in Kano for selling fuel above the official pump price of N86.50 per litre.

    It also fined another filling station the sum of N1.3 million for illegally removing the seal sticker it placed on the filling station after it was found to be selling above the official pump price.

    The operations comptroller in charge of Kano and Jigawa states, Isa Tafida, at a media briefing after a monitoring exercise, said “the ongoing task force on surveillance of filling stations in Kano and Jigawa has yielded tremendous result.”

     He stressed that service stations had been compelled to sell petroleum products, particularly PMS and DPK at government-approved price.

    Tafida said: “There was one filling station that was selling at N170 per littre, but as soon as we got the information, our team rushed there and sold the fuel to the people at government-approved rate of N86.50 kobo”

    “Another station had over 60,000 litres of PMS when we sealed it for selling above the pump price. However, latter in the night, they went and removed the seal sticker and started selling to the public again at a price above the pump price.

    “So we got them and charged them N1.3 million as against N100,000, which they have paid.”

    According to him, during the exercise, the defaulters were punished / sanctioned and within the past two weeks a total of 15 stations  were closed , sanctioned and fined for various offences.

    “Filling station offenders are now being charged per the number of pumps at their disposal as against the earlier flat N100, no matter the offence.”

    He warned that the DPR was determined to sanction offenders who engage in sharp practices

    “As we anticipate more fuel as announced by the federal government, we remain resolute to monitor continuously without break, the distribution chain to stop sharp practices by marketers,” he warned.

    He said the current scarcity resulted from the refusal by marketers to import their 50 per cent PMS quota due to high cost of foreign exchange and this has made the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to become the sole supplier at 100 per cent.

    He therefore called on the media and the public to provide useful information that would assist them in their monitoring and sanctioning exercise.

    He also pledged continuous collaboration with the police and the Department of State Services.

  • DPR seals 50 petrol stations in Oyo

    DPR seals 50 petrol stations in Oyo

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Oyo and Osun field office, has sealed 50 petrol stations in Ibadan and environs for hoarding and selling petrol above the approved N87.

    A station belonging to a former senator from Oke Ogun was among those closed.

    Many petroleum marketers have been cashing in on the scarcity by selling fuel at exorbitant prices.

    The official price is N87 per litre.

    Some of the sealed stations in Ogbomoso are TDB global Venture Limited; Modern Options; Isale General; Ballah Plus; Sabo; Rubbie oil; Musalat Integrated Resources Nigeria Limited and Saajad Resourses Nigeria Limited.

    The few marketers selling at government approved prices  were supported in ensuring orderliness and promptness by DPR officials.

    Those closed in Ibadan are Prolek Molete for selling at N130 per litre and not willing to reverse sales; Alleluyah Oil, Idi-Arere, owned by a former senator, for selling at N140 per litre and Oando, Oritamefa, for hoarding the product.

    The Operations Controller, Olakunle Ogunlana, represented by Deputy Manager (Operations) Sadiq Ibrahim said the effort was to cushion the pain fraudulent marketers subject the public to.

    Ogunlana said: “It is unfair how some few people unduly take advantage of millions of other people just to make selfish gains.

    ‘’This scarcity is making things difficult for the public, despite government’s intervention.

    “We will not rest until we ensure that they (independent marketers) do what is right in the interest of Nigerians. We will not allow them to undermine government’s efforts.”

    He, however, called on the marketers to show patriotism in discharging and running their businesses as government was trying to make the product available.

     

  • Jos DPR seals 24 filling stations

    Jos DPR seals 24 filling stations

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Jos, the Plateau State capital, yesterday sealed 23 filling stations for various offences.

    It urged the public to stop patronising illegal filling stations and roadside fuel sellers.

    DPR officials, led by the state’s Operations Comptroller, Mr. Caesar Douglas, sealed the filling stations during an unscheduled visit to filling stations in the city.

    Addressing reporters after the operation, Douglas said the DPR was carrying out its statutory duty by monitoring the sale of fuel across the state.

    He said: “Our outing today is so revealing. Some marketers are doing illegal businesses with the PMS. They have been cheating innocent Nigerians; they have been dousing the public and we had no option than to seal their stations.

    “We have sealed 24 filling stations in the state, of which there are 16 licensed marketers and seven unlicensed marketers. They will be penalised for hoarding fuel, selling above government’s price, diversion of their allocations and operating without licence.

    “We sealed 11 stations for selling above government price; five for diversion of fuel; seven for selling without licence and one for hoarding fuel…”

  • PZ CUSSONS SEALS 3 YEAR PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MAN CITY

    PZ CUSSONS SEALS 3 YEAR PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH MAN CITY

    LEADING manufacturer of various brands of fast moving consumer goods, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, has sealed a three year partnership deal with Manchester City Football Club. The deal, which was officially announced at the weekend at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, will see the club embedded in the Nigeria market and deliver increased fan base experience across Africa.

    PZ will drive the partnership deal through three of its leading brands – Premier, Olympic and Robb. PZ Cussons’ customers will by this partnership be given the opportunity to win a number of exclusive VIP match day experiences at the Etihad Stadium and opportunities to meet the players and watch private training sessions.

    In his address, the Group Category & Brand Director, PZ Cussons Plc,  Tim Perman noted that the company’s commitment to Africa goes beyond the provision of quality products but also has a focus at bringing real consumer value through relevant content and services by igniting exceptional experiences to consumers.

    He said:“As a critical part of this strategy,we are pleased to be working closely with Manchester City Football Club in Nigeria to deliver on our consumer promise.There is a great fit between our brands in terms of heritage, values and a desire to win. We look forward to delighting our consumers with unique experiences from brands that they trust and a sport that they love.

    “The region’s growing Manchester City football club’s fanbase will be propositioned with a number of experiences and prizes to get them closer to the club. VIP tickets and meet-and-greets will be made available to competition entrants in the coming months.”

    Confirming the club’s excitement with the partnership, the Commercial Director of Manchester City Football Marketing, Omar Berrada, who brokers Manchester City’s commercial partnerships, said: “We are very pleased to add PZ Cussons to our existing partnerships in Africa. Nigeria, and Africa more broadly, are extremely important markets, where our fan base is continuing to grow. We will continue to build a strong relationship with PZ Cussons and are looking forward to providing fantastic experiences for their customers and our fans.”

    The partnership with Manchester City FC will see PZ Cussons associate its brands with Nigeria’s most-loved sport and the most popular sports competition in the country.

  • Edjomariegwe seals win for Nasawara Utd

    Edjomariegwe seals win for Nasawara Utd

    Nasarawa United won at home on Sunday to move to  second position on the log after defeating Heartland 1-0 in the week 25 Glo Premier League match played at the Lafia Township stadium on Sunday.

    Former 3SC winger Tony Edjomariegwe was the match hero when he scored the winner for the Solid Miners in the 77th minute.

    Heartland young goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu was outstanding with his notable contribution being a double save in the 45th minute from Esosa Igbinoba and Babangida Shuaibu.

  • Arokoyo seals four – year Gaziantepspor deal

    Arokoyo seals four – year Gaziantepspor deal

    Gaziantepspor narrowly beat the drop at the end of last season and have embarked on a massive recruitment campaign so they do not find themselves in the same position when the Turkish Super Lig is concluded next May.

    A Nigeria international visited the club late yesterday to finalise his switch to the Falcons, and today, his identity has been revealed.

    The club has announced through its official channel that Gbenga Arokoyo, the former poster boy of Kwara Football Academy, has penned a four – year deal.

    The 21 – year – old stopper last defended the colours of Mjallby AIF, making 48 appearances for the side in the Swedish topflight.

    Gbenga Arokoyo is the second Nigerian player to agree terms with Gaziantepspor in the close season.

    The Tahsin Tam led side had earlier announced the capture of attacking midfielder John Chibuike.

  • Oando seals $1.55 billion ConocoPhillips’ acquisition

    Oando seals $1.55 billion ConocoPhillips’ acquisition

    Oando Plc has completed the $1.55billion financial agreement to acquire the Nigerian businesses of ConocoPhillips (COP).

    The completion of the financial considerations sealed the deal for Oando, although a final approval of the Federal Government is expected.

    In December 2012, Oando, through its subsidiary Oando Energy Resources (OER), entered into an agreement with COP to acquire COP’s Nigerian businesses for US$1.55 billion.

    Oando confirmed at the weekend that it had raised the balance of funds and attained financial closure for the deal, pending the government’s approval.

    Oando made an initial deposit of $450 million to COP. It subsequently undertook many capital raising exercises through a combination of equity and debt, including $200 million from a special placement of two billion shares, $100 million through the sale of its subsidiary East Horizon Gas Company and debt from financial institutions totalling $800 million.

    While Oando has duly completed all financial commitments regarding the acquisition, closing of the COP acquisition remains subject to satisfaction of closing conditions, including approval from the Minister of Petroleum Resources. COP was said to have already submitted an application to the Minister of Petroleum Resources to approve the transaction. Oando expressed confidence that the ministerial consent is a near certainty within this month.

    Oando Plc Group Managing Director Mr. Wale Tinubu, who confirmed the financial closure, said the group’s acquisition of COP Nigerian assets would dramatically impact on the fortunes of the group.

    “We are tremendously excited about the future of our organisation as this acquisition will not only provide significant growth in size and scale, but will substantially strengthen our position in the upstream sector,” Tinubu said.

    He noted that the audacious acquisition is a game changer for Oando as it will immediately position the company as the largest indigenous oil producer in Nigeria.

    Oando, through OER, produces 4,500 barrels of crude oil per day from two fields. With this acquisition, it will start producing circa 50,000 barrels per day from six producing fields.

    According to Tinubu, Oando embodies a multifaceted approach, in spite of its origin as a predominantly downstream company and the successful acquisition of COP Nigerian assets is part of its diversification strategy into the higher margin upstream.

    “We aim to maintain our dominant positioning in the mid-stream and downstream sectors but we see this acquisition as holding unprecedented opportunities for the business,” Tinubu said.

     

  • Lagos seals 13 buildings for pollution

    The Lagos State government yesterday sealed off 13 buildings for discharging sewage into drainage channels.

    The buildings, situated on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street on Lagos Island, were sealed by officials of the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Taskforce.

    Leader of the enforcement team Mr. Kayode Bello said the sealing of the buildings became necessary, following incessant complaints by residents.

    He said the environment was littered with faeces.

    LASEPA’s General Manager Rasheed Shabi said they gave occupants notices to leave the buildings, but they did not comply.

    He said the sealed buildings had no toilets and channelled their waste into drains. Shabi said the sewage end up in the lagoon, killing the aquatic animals.