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Insecurity: Senate to meet Tinubu after session with security chiefs

The Senate on Tuesday, January 30, said it will meet President Bola Tinubu next week concerning the spate of insecurity in the country after its planned meeting with the nation’s security chiefs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed this in his contribution to a motion on the spate of insecurity in the country during plenary.

Akpabio said the meeting with the president has become necessary to discuss the outcome of its proposed meeting with the top echelon of the nation’s security agencies and make possible suggestions on the way out of the quagmire.

Read Also: Ndume commends Tinubu over directive to NNPCL to pay oil revenue into CBN

Also, on Tuesday, the Red Chamber adjourned the plenary session till the 6th of February 2024, to enable lawmakers to partake in campaigns ahead of the scheduled rerun and bye-elections across the country scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for this weekend.

The Senate had upon resumption of plenary after its Yuletide break resolved into a closed-door session that lasted for over two hours.

Upon reversion to the plenary, the Senate took a motion on the spate of insecurity in the country and adjourned other items on the Order Paper to the next legislative day.

The motion on insecurity in the country was sponsored by the entire 109 senators.

Details shortly…

January 30, 2024
Ndume commends Tinubu over directive to NNPCL to pay oil revenue into CBN

Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to pay all crude oil proceeds into the Consolidated Revenue Fund domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ndume, who gave the commendation while answering questions from

reporters in Abuja, also called on the President to sign an Executive Order on Unexplained Wealth to empower anti-corruption and security agencies to go after Nigerians with questionable riches.

He also urged the President to extend his directive to NNPCL on prompt remittance of oil revenue to CBN to all revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government.

He insisted that revenue generating agencies must not be allowed to keep government funds in commercial banks without proper monitoring and accountability and transparency.

Ndume said: “The President has now ordered that all crude oil sales money should be paid into the CBN. That is a very welcome and positive thing that he has done and he should not stop there.

“All agencies of government that are revenue generating should pay their money into the consolidated revenue account and as they present their budget, whatever expenditure they are going to incur, let them bring it before the National Assembly. That’s what the Constitution says.

“So, what they now want is to make a political issue again out of it. This decision that Mr. President took is the right decision.

Read Also: Ndume, FAAN and CBN relocations

“It is constitutional and it should be supported by everybody. That way, it should also apply to other agencies of government that are driving revenue. They cannot keep it.

“NIMASA should pay directly like NNPCL into the CRF. The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) should do the same. The Nigeria Customs Service and all other revenue generating agencies should pay revenues into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation and their accounts should remain with CBN because they can do banking.

“So, if they want to withdraw money, they should withdraw through the CBN. They were doing this before. Don’t go and keep people’s money in commercial banks and do transactions with it. That is it.

“I reiterate my call commending him for asking NNPCL to pay all oil revenue into the Consolidated Revenue account.”

He also said President Tinubu would further boost the fight against corruption by signing an Executive Order on Unexplained Wealth.

He said people, especially the political class, must explain their sources of wealth or forfeit same to the Federal Government.

Ndume said: “The next thing now, if President Tinubu wants to fight corruption, would be to sign an Executive Order on Unexplained Wealth in this country.

“Let all these people explain where they got their money, including myself. People should stop talking about trivialities or personal issues; they should talk about national issues.”

January 30, 2024
Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki port

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved seven roads worth $700 million to boost business activities and logistic services at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

This is part of the concerted efforts of the present administration to continuously support noble investor efforts such as the Lekki port and others to optimise the rich “Blue Economy” inherent in the nation’s maritime domain.

The Chairman, Lekki Port, Abiodun Dabiri, made this known, yesterday during the berthing of the largest container carrier to sail on Nigerian territorial waters at the Lekki Deep Seaport. The vessel, christened ‘Maersk Edirne’, measures 367M in length and a breadth of 48.2. It was laden with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 142,131metric tonnes and a Dead weight Tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard. It was navigated to safety by pilots of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour at the occasion, affirmed that the accomplishment of Lekki Port in berthing the largest LNG-powered container vessel, CMA CGM SCANDOLA, within just one year, has enshrined the names of Lagos and Nigeria as significant players in global port transactions. He further noted that the grand arrival of the vessel was a milestone that positions Lagos as a major mover in the world’s maritime trade.

The governor underscored the need for expanded infrastructure, applauding the choice of Lekki as a home for the Lekki Freeport or Lekki Deep Port. According to him, the vision for the state extended beyond the current achievement, because Lagos is envisioned as a pivotal hub not only for West Africa but for Central and potentially South Africa in the realm of logistics and container terminals.

He reiterated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu economic goals, emphasising the crucial role of maritime and port business in driving the nation towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030. “I think it’s a big feat. It’s something that we really need to roll out drums and get proud of because indeed, we are putting Lekki Freeport, we’re putting Lagos, we’re putting Nigeria into the world’s global logistics marine business.

“This is a business that has been a privilege to a few countries, developed countries in America, in Europe, in the Far East, in some parts of Africa as well. But now, given the size of the business that can come to our community, the Lekki Freeport and the Lekki Port itself has put and enshrined our name as one of the big movers of port transactions in the world.”

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Managing Director Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello Koko commended the promoters of the Lekki Deep Seaport and its eco-friendly measures, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon intensity in international shipping. The Minister also praised the NPA’s compliance with the Ministerial directive to embrace global energy transition in its port modernization project.

He emphasised the pivotal role of shipping in global decarbonisation efforts, citing the IMO’s strategy aiming for a 40 per cent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.

Read Also: Ondo public servants accuse Ayedatiwa of extravagant spending

He commended Lekki Deep Seaport for not only being Nigeria’s first Deep Seaport but also the first fully automated port, aligning with international standards.

Oyetola also shed light on the importance of Lekki Port’s natural depth, state-of-the-art equipment, and robust infrastructure, which positions it as a mega transshipment hub with a capacity of up to 1.2 million TEUs in its initial phase.

“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is convinced that shipping has a pivotal role to play in global decarbonisation efforts, this is why I will like to seize this moment to commend the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s compliance with the Ministerial directive to take cognizance of global energy transition in its port modernization project by deliberately factoring in measures that promote energy efficiency.

He said also that “to put action behind our word, we have taken concrete steps towards the procurement of necessary tools to enhance NPA’s capacity for Sulphur analysis as well as put in place a sanction regime for vessels who contravene the Sulphur regulations. This is driven by in the larger national interest due to the fact that Nigeria’s gas quality is reputed to be high and virtually without Sulphur. I have said all of these to show that we align with the global discourse which posits that the reduction in the use of heavy hydrocarbons and increasing the use of LNG in maritime transport could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other pollution arising from international trade,” Oyetola said.

In his address, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Du Rougang, said that the berthing of the vessel is creating a new plan for Nigeria’s ports. “We want to ensure that Lekki Port plays a major role in the nation’s maritime industry, “ he said.

January 30, 2024
Tinubu committed to lifting the poor, says Kalejaiye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to lifting the sufferings of the poor, a Lagos State House of Representative member, Hon. Paul Kalejaiye has said.

The lawmaker, who hailed the president for unveiling several initiatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, said Nigerians will soon witness a buoyant nation.

Kalejaiye made this remark recently in Lagos while distributing Federal Government’s palliative to 7,000 beneficiaries in his Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency in Lagos.

The event attracted a mammoth crowd, many of whom also praised the Tinubu’s administration for cushioning the effect of subsidy removal.

Following the hardship that trailed the removal of fuel subsidy, President Tinubu had ordered the disbursement of food items to be distributed to National Assembly members for their constituents

In line with this directive, aged men and women as well as youths and various union members gathered at the Signal Army Barrack, Mile 2, Lagos State where 7000 food items which included 4000 bags of rice and 3000 bags of garri were distributed.

Speaking at the event, Kalejaiye said the President is committed to lifting the sufferings of the people, hence, he has done this to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy

The Lagos Rep disclosed that almost half of the items were allocated to the aged, adding that he would make further arrangements to ensure their adequate welfare.

The lawmaker, who dismissed allegation of diverting the palliative funds in the social media, Kalejaiye emphasised that the palliative was sponsored by the Federal Government through Stone Mill Nigeria Ltd lawmaker in partnership.

In a parley with journalists, Hon. Kalejaiye stressed the need for collective efforts in the development of the country.

“The President is committed to lifting the sufferings of the people and this is one of the reasons he has done this to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy

“”We have been supplied with these food items to deliver to our constituents.”

Read Also: Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

Figures are so difficult to believe. You have heard in the media all sorts of amounts. All I know is that no member of the House of Representatives has been given a dime. What you are seeing is facilitated by the ministry of agriculture and delivered by a contractor. So nobody was giving any money.”

“It is all about collective efforts. You do your bit and I do my bit. If I do 7000 today and in December I did over 6000, it is adding up. Everybody must do their bit.”

Speaking in interviews with The Nation, some of the beneficiaries expressed their excitement.

A 63 year old widow, Isiana Agu said, “I thank Kalejaye, I thank Tinubu and other people we don’t know their names but God does. As they give us rice, make God bless their pockets and carry them higher.”

Another beneficiary, Kolawole Olaniyi, said, “The government has done well to have remembered the community of Ifelodun through this palliative. We hope to see more of his good works.”

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the local government, Lucky Uduikhue while delivering the goodwill message on behalf of his Chairman, Fatai Ayoola, appreciated the lawmaker expressing optimism that more benefits will be delivered to the local government.

January 30, 2024
APC stalwart scores Tinubu’s administration high

A Member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State,Chief Celestine Chukwunenye, has scored the administration of President Bola Tinubu high.

This is coming almost eight months after Tinubu took over the reins of government.

Specifically, Chukwunenye gave the president a pat on his back for his courage to scrap the old fuel subsidy regime on Day one of his administration, noting that no past government had had the confidence to do so despite the disturbing reports about the attended corruption trailing the subsidy and yearnings of the people for its removal.

Chukwunenye, who described the subsidy as ”an albatross”, defended the administration for taking the bold step to heal the festering wound that it had been inflicting on Nigerians.

He said those blaming Tinubu for the pains the policy has generated should recall that some presidential candidates in the last general election such as Abubakar Atiku of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) flag bearer, Peter Obi, also promised to remove the subsidy.

He said this singular act endeared Tinubu to Nigerians and made the move historic.

Chukwunenye said rather than help boost the economy, fuel subsidy removal seemed to have made the economy to “nosedive” with almost everything ‘spiralling downwards”, though he placed the problem on the wrong floating of the naira by the apex bank.

X-raying the policy, he said the foreign exchange (FX) rate should have been stabilised at the rate it was on May 29, last year when the government took over.

He urged the government to make concerted efforts to stabilise the FX rate, saying that it is only then that the economy would be bolstered.

Read Also: Kidnapping, killings in Abuja: FCTA uncovers pickpocket’s hotspots

Also, he argued that the problem with the economy is not excessive imports as many experts claimed but rather inadequate local production for export to earn enough forex.

“The government must focus on a policy that will boost our exchange rate and, more importantly, attract the same from the Diaspora community, who upon their investment, would increase local production.

Besides, Chukwunenye also wants the government to fashion out policies that will help firms to improve their finances so that they can produce more and employ more Nigerians.

“In that regard, the issue of overtaxing must be addressed speedily. Even the excise rate that affects raw materials should be revised downwards to attract local production,” the politician added.

For the average Nigerian, Chukwunenye wants the government to increase their purchasing power, describing it as a wise choice to do so.

Without toeing this path, he reasoned, goods would not be purchased and, therefore, be wasted. Worse still, farmers would be discouraged to further produce.

To also stabilise the Naira, Chukwunenye urged the government to avail itself of its bilateral agreements with other countries and allow local airlines to fly international routes where they would earn forex.

January 29, 2024
Tinubu and the quest to secure Nigeria’s natural resources by Temitope Ajayi

For many decades, Nigeria’s move towards rapid development and economic growth was impaired by poor revenue despite the country’s abundant natural resources.

The country’s unsavoury economic situation was also compounded by the almost crippling foreign exchange crisis of the last eight years, accentuated by insufficient supply of dollars into the economy. With demand outstripping supply, the fiscal and monetary authorities have been battling to control the declining value of the naira against the US dollars, which has now hit an all-time low of over N1400 to $1 at the parallel market. The local currency, at the official window, oscillates against dollar between N800 and N950 depending on demand per time.

While the supply of US dollars has been grossly inadequate, largely because of our import dependency, the increasing demand for the greenback to settle tangible and intangible obligations by businesses; individuals, and the criminal speculation by some Nigerians, continue to exert pressure on the demand side.

The volatility of the foreign exchange market has been a source of serious concern for the current managers of the economy who are being assailed by the citizens to rein in the downward spiral.

Amid this unpalatable situation, questions have been asked why a country like Nigeria endowed with vast natural resources in solid minerals, marine economy, forestry, agriculture, and oil among others cannot generate enough foreign exchange.

The country is constantly in financial and economic quagmire. In giving answers to the nagging question, many have attributed the decade-long dollar crisis to the monolithic nature of the Nigerian economy that depends, mainly, on oil and gas export to earn foreign exchange.

There are those who also posited that the government should put in place deliberate policy actions to diversify the economy. The economic diversification argument may be tenuous because the available datasets show that Nigeria’s economy is highly diversified.

In real terms, the non-oil sector driven by telecommunication, financial services (Banking and Insurance), agriculture, trade, construction, real estate and service industry contributed 94.52% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in Q3 of year 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). In comparison, the oil and gas sector contributed the balance of 5.48%.

While it is apparent from NBS figures that Nigeria’s economy is well diversified, the source of foreign exchange earnings remains yet undiversified.

Read Also: Relocating FAAN, CBN depts to Lagos makes economic sense, says Uzodimma

Over 80% of the foreign exchange that comes into the country is from crude oil export, whereas billions of dollars worth of exports in solid minerals, seafood and other forest resources are taken out of the country without record or direct benefit to the Federation account.

To address the problem of natural resources dissipation, illegal exploitation and sabotage of our national economy, President Tinubu at the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, set up an inter-ministerial committee to draw up plans to maximise the economic potential of the country’s natural resources and secure them from those pillaging them.

Members of the committee are Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, Defence Minister, Abubakar Badaru, and Environment Minister, Balarabe Abass Lawal. Others are Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, Interior Minister, Tunji Olubunmi-Ojo, and Minister of State Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

At the moment, Nigeria can boast of solid minerals deposits worth $700b according to estimates from the Ministry of Solid Minerals, while the Africa Blue Economy Alliance (ABEA), using information from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), puts the value of the country’s unexplored blue economy at over $300billion.

Rather than these resources drawing massive foreign exchange earnings into the country, foreigners are carting them away in cahoots with their local enablers through illegal economic activities.

The inter-ministerial committee set up to stem this colossal economic wastage met a forthnight ago to develop framework that will enable our country harness the full benefits of its natural resources. The presidential committee which is chaired by Mr. Alake also had an expanded second meeting with Service Chiefs last week Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Giving highlights of the expanded meeting, Mr. Alake emphasized that the committee’s engagement with the Service Chiefs across all security outfits and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was a follow-up to the maiden meeting of the Ministers to get inputs for developing a workable strategy to effectively secure Nigeria’s natural resources, in line with the Presidential mandate.

On the outcome of the second meeting, which had the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and other security top brass in attendance, Alake said: “We have deliberated exhaustively. We have covered all the issues, all the grounds. Certain decisions have been made, and there is going to be another follow-up meeting because the security agencies are going to give us the framework of execution of our mandate.

“That has been the crux of today’s deliberations. The security agencies, the service chiefs, NSA’s office, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) are going to form a smaller committee to give us the workplan, execution modalities and we will be meeting in another fortnight.”

Apart from the IGP of Police, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, Air-Vice Marshall Abdulkadir Abubakar and Rear Admiral I. Abbas represented the Chief Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively.

With the renewed drive to protect the country’s natural resources based on new security arrangements, the nation’s economy will soon witness a new era of increased economic outputs and growth through the full utilisation of her natural resources.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity

January 29, 2024
Tinubu celebrates Cardinal Onaiyekan at 80

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on his 80th birthday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu lauded Cardinal Onaiyekan for his life of Christian service, through which he has not just preached salvation, but has also taken up the fight for the downtrodden and speaking truth to power.

“President Bola Tinubu sends hearty felicitations to His Eminence, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, as he marks his 80th birthday today, January 29.

Read Also: Tinubu stopped cabals, deities from benefiting from fuel subsidy, forex scam – Uzodinma

“Cardinal Onaiyekan was the Archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and also served as president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, and Bishop of Ilorin.

“President Tinubu celebrates the exceptional religious leader who has used his calling not only to preach the good gospel of Jesus Christ, but also followed his example by fighting for the downtrodden and speaking out against the ills in society, yet remains unbending in the pursuit of peace and unity in Nigeria.

“The President thanks His Eminence for his sacrifices and efforts in peace-building in Nigeria over the years, assuring him that his hope and prayers for a glorious and united Nigeria will be made manifest.

“President Tinubu wishes His Eminence more prosperous years in the Lord’s Vineyard”, the statement said.

January 29, 2024
Tinubu condoles Abdulsalami Abubakar over sister’s death

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences over the death of Hajiya Salamatu Asabe, the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

In a statement issued by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu also condoled other members of the deceased family over the loss.

The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Hajiya Salamatu Asabe, the younger sister of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

Read Also: Tinubu stopped cabals, deities from benefiting from fuel subsidy, forex scam – Uzodinma

“President Tinubu condoles with General Abubakar, the family, and all those who mourn this painful loss.

“The president prays that her family is comforted by her legacy and the beautiful memories she left behind.”

“General, please accept my sympathy and condolences. My prayers are with you at this time of mourning. May Almighty Allah grant Hajiya Asabe Aljannah Firdaus.”

January 29, 2024
Tinubu approves $700m roads to boost business activities at Lekki Port

President Bola Tinubu has approved seven roads worth $700 million to boost business activities and logistic services at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, it was learnt.

This, it was gathered, is part of the concerted efforts of President Tinubu to continuously support noble investor efforts such as the Lekki port and others to optimise the rich blue economy inherent in the nation’s maritime domain.

This was disclosed by the chairman of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Abiodun Dabiri, during the arrival of the largest container carrier to sail on Nigerian territorial waters, birthed at the Lekki Deep Seaport.

The vessel, christened ‘Maersk Edirne’, measures 367M in length and a breadth of 48.2.

It was laden with a Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of 142,131 metric tonnes and a Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) of 147,340 metric tonnes, constituting 3,376 total cargo onboard. It was navigated to safety by pilots of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu was the special guest of honour at the auspicious occasion.

Speaking at the event, Dabiri said that the roads are “clearly going to be a game changer, it is going to be about $700 million.

“It will take off from Lekki. It will fly over through the lagoons and terminate around Sagamu. It will facilitate the evacuation of goods and services into the hinterland and we can’t wait for it to happen.”

In his address, Sanwo-Olu affirmed that the accomplishment of Lekki Port in welcoming the largest LNG-powered container vessel, CMA CGM SCANDOLA, within just one year, has enshrined the names of Lagos and Nigeria as significant players in global port transactions.

Sanwo-Olu said the grand arrival of the vessel was a milestone that positions Lagos as a major mover in the world’s maritime trade

He also emphasised the transformative role of Lekki Port, in putting Lagos and Nigeria on the map of global

Highlighting the historical significance, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the foundational role of Lekki seaport in developing Apapa and Tin Can ports.

The governor underscored the need for expanded infrastructure, applauding the choice of Lekki as a home for the Lekki Freeport or Lekki Deep Port.

The governor further said that the vision for the state extended beyond the current achievement, envisioning Lagos as a pivotal hub not only for West Africa but for Central and potentially South Africa in the realm of logistics and container terminals.

He reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic goals, emphasising the crucial role of maritime and port business in driving the nation towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Sanwo-Olu also expressed the determination to make Lagos the safest part of sub-Saharan Africa, fostering an environment where businesses thrive and investments are secure.

He said his vision painted Lagos as a leader, acting as a catalyst for economic development on the continent.

According to him: “I think it’s a big feat. It’s something that we really need to roll out drums and get proud of because what that is about is about, indeed, we’re putting Lekki Freeport, we’re putting Lagos, we’re putting Nigeria into the world’s global logistics marine business.

“This is a business that has been a privilege to a few countries, developed countries in America, in Europe, in the Far East, in some parts of Africa as well.

But now, given the size of the business that can come to our community, the Lekki Freeport and the Lekki Port itself, have put and enshrined our name as one of the big movers of port transactions in the world.”

Speaking earlier, the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko commended the promoters of the Lekki Deep Seaport and its eco-friendly measures, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon intensity in international shipping.

The minister also praised the NPA’s compliance with the Ministerial directive to embrace global energy transition in its port modernization project.

The minister emphasised the pivotal role of shipping in global decarbonization efforts, citing the IMO’s strategy aiming for a 40 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030.

He commended Lekki Deep Seaport for not only being Nigeria’s first Deep Seaport but also the first fully automated port, aligning with international standards.

Oyetola also shed light on the importance of Lekki Port’s natural depth, state-of-the-art equipment, and robust infrastructure, which positions it as a mega transshipment hub with a capacity of up to 1.2 million TEUs in its initial phase.

He stressed the imperative of making ports eco-friendly to comply with international regulations, pointing out Nigeria’s commitment to minimizing air pollution by transitioning to LNG.

“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is convinced that shipping has a pivotal role to play in global decarbonisation efforts, this is why I would like to seize this moment to commend the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s compliance with the Ministerial directive to take cognizance of global energy transition in its port modernization project by deliberately factoring in measures that promote energy efficiency.

Apart from its distinctive feature of eco-friendliness, “Scandola” ranks amongst the largest container ships to be called in West Africa with 15,000 TEUs. Lekki Deep Seaport’s natural depth of 16 meters added to its multifaceted efficiencies, state-of-the-art equipment, and robust infrastructure which offers a capacity of up to 1.2 million TEUs in this phase 1 position the Port to serve as a mega transshipment hub, to Nigeria’s neighbouring countries in the Gulf of Guinea and beyond. With shipping volumes promising to get higher, forward-looking investments such as the one we are gathered here to celebrate will certainly have a big impact in the long run.

“The imperative of making our Ports eco-friendly is no fluke. We will continue to support the NPA in its efforts to ensure stakeholders’ compliance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sulphur Regulation on Nigerian Waterways. The driver of this change is the need to minimize the air pollution created in the shipping industry by reducing the Sulphur content of the fuels that ships use. So transition to the use of natural gas which is more environmentally friendly by vessels plying our waterways is a most welcome development.

Read Also: Tinubu stopped cabals, deities from benefiting from fuel subsidy, forex scam – Uzodinma

He said also that “to put action behind our word, we have taken concrete steps towards the procurement of necessary tools to enhance NPA’s capacity for Sulphur analysis as well as put in place a sanction regime for vessels who contravene the Sulphur regulations. This is driven by in the larger national interest because Nigeria’s gas quality is reputed to be high and virtually without Sulphur. I have said all of these to show that we align with the global discourse which posits that the reduction in the use of heavy hydrocarbons and increasing the use of LNG in maritime transport could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other pollution arising from international trade. “

He said: “This is a step in the right direction as we confront the challenges associated with climate change and air quality. Before I take my seat, let me commend Lekki Deep Seaport for recording another remarkable first, in addition to being Nigeria’s first Deep Seaport and first fully automated Port.”

In his address, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Du Rougang, said that the berthing of the vessel is creating a new plan for Nigeria’s ports.

“We want to ensure that Lekki Port plays a major role in the nation’s maritime industry.”

January 29, 2024
Tinubu’s administration youth-friendly – Adeagbo

The Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayomide Adeagbo has described the administration as youth-friendly.

He said Tinubu’s administration has the highest percentage of youths inclusiveness so far in Nigeria.

Speaking in Ibadan during an interview, Adeagbo stated that any nation that wants to get to its peak must consider youth inclusiveness in politics and governance as crucial.

He urged Governors to replicate level of youth inclusiveness, adding that the right people should be put in the right position.

He described creativity as ‘present day oil sector’, applauding Tinubu’s initiative in creating ministry for arts industry, saying it is a move towards diversification from oil sector.

According to him, there has not been a direct link between creatives and government to collaborate unlike what applies in other professions over the years.

Read Also: Tinubu should focus on agric, security, power

He said arts, culture and creative ministry is ready to aid creatives nationwide through policymaking, facilitation and collaboration to favour their growth and healthy competition with their peers globally.

“The creative industry is a broad industry where tailors, chefs, carpenters and many others are considered creatives as much as writers, musicians and artists are. During the course of our interaction with the creatives, they highlighted the fact that over the years, they have not had anybody to run to in government.

“They feel like government do not even care about them. This has been their major challenge, unlike people in other Sectors who have one ministry or the other to run to when things are not working well. That is why the President after hearing the clamours of the youths and the creatives, decided to create this ministry.

“We have hit the ground running with facilitation aimed at growth of creatives, collaboration between the government and creatives, advocating for favourable policies as well as diplomacy with embassies and cultural attachés to create a balance for the creatives so they can expand their brand beyond the shores of Nigeria.

“This government does not see the youths as a threat. We are all youths in APC government. We want to work with the youths. That is why Mr. President has appointed a number of youths. We have two brilliant ministers as our minister for youths. It has never happened before, having two ministers for the youth ministry. This government believes so much in youths, it is a youth-friendly government. It is our time as youths and we have to put ourselves right as youths.

“It is important Governors understand that certain important portfolios should not be toyed with. This youth constituency is very important. If we get it right there, we are good because it is only a youth who can understand what a youth wants. So, we have to be intentional about these things.”

January 29, 2024