The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UAE

  • UAE firms to produce 30mw from municipal waste

    With abundant  wastes in Nigeria, the Federal Government can borrow a leaf from United Arab Emirate, (UAE) where municipal wastes are being turned to energy. Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, is to develop a cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant in Sharjah, in partnership with Bee’ah, the Middle East’s leading and award-winning environmental management company.

    This is contained in statement issued by the Account Co-ordinator, Sahara Communications, Amira Gamal.  According to Gamal, the feat was announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2017, adding that diverting as much as 300,000 tonnes of solid waste from landfill each year, the project will help Sharjah reach its “zero waste-to-landfill” target by 2020 – and the UAE deliver on its 2021 goal of diverting 75 per cent of solid waste from landfills.

    Masdar and Bee’ah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the development of new energy projects at ADSW 2016. The facility will incinerate up to 37.5tonnes of solid waste per hour to create 30 megawatts (Mw) of energy. This will add more power to what is produced by Bee’ah’s auxiliary waste-to-energy project, which will eventually produce a total of 90Mw and will be supplied to the Sharjah electricity grid.

    Khaled Al Huraimel, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bee’ah, said: “Today marks the first venture in the realisation of the partnership that we announced with Masdar last year. The cutting-edge Waste-to-Energy plant in Sharjah is a concrete example of what this strategic partnership will deliver to the UAE and the communities that we serve. We, at Bee’ah, have always been driven by our mission to make the UAE an icon of environmental best practices, and this plant will help us achieve our ambitious environmental goals for the Emirate.

    “The agreement signed today will lead to more projects and bold initiatives that will help the partnership to ensure a sustainable and green future for the UAE.”

    Established in 2007, Bee’ah collects approximately 2.3 million tonnes of waste from nearly one million households in Sharjah each year, diverting around 70 per cent of its collected waste to its recycling waste management facilities from landfill.

    “As one of the leading renewable energy developers in the Middle East & North Africa, we are proud to enter into a partnership with Bee’ah that will both diversify our clean energy portfolio and help commercialise sustainable solutions to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s waste management challenges,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.

    He added: “With GCC countries having among the highest rates of per-capita waste production in the world, sustainable waste management solutions are both critically important and a clear business opportunity. Masdar will combine its proven expertise in renewable energy project development over the last ten years with Bee’ah’s track record in environmentally responsible waste management, to deliver a project that will catalyse further investment in waste-to-energy infrastructure in the UAE and beyond.”

    Masdar’s Clean Energy division is a leading developer and owner of utility-scale, grid-connected projects; remote applications providing energy access to communities away from the electricity grid; and carbon abatement projects. Since 2006, Masdar has invested in renewable energy projects with a combined value of US$8.5 billion; Masdar’s share of these projects is US$2.7 billion.

    Masdar’s renewable energy projects span the UAE, Jordan, Mauritania, Egypt, Morocco, the United Kingdom (UK), Serbia and Spain. The electricity generating capacity of these projects, which are either fully developed or under development, is 2.7 gigawatts (GW) gross.

    Elsewhere in the UAE, Masdar is adopting waste management best practices in the development of Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s most sustainable urban developments. Its on-site construction waste management demonstration project reuses and recycles waste building materials from the City’s construction, including metal, plastic, wood and construction aggregate.

  • Wakanow signs MoU with UAE’s largest resort

    Africa’s leading travel portal, Wakanow, has signed an agreement with Dubai Parks and Resorts, becoming its largest African fulfilling partner for ticket sales.

    The Group Deputy Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno, who also happens to be the first African entrepreneur to set foot on the grounds of the wonder-packed resort, said the partnership would open a new vista of opportunities and unique experiences for the African traveller.

    Explaining how Wakanow was selected from a pool of travel companies in Africa, Mr. Tamuno said: “Beyond our strategic goal of always leading the way and shaping the travel business in Africa, we also collaborate with other market leaders from within and outside the continent to create value for our fast-growing travel market. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive investment and its owners clearly needed a partner with pedigree and panache. Wakanow was the natural choice for such a partner.”

    Speaking during the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the groups, Head of Sales at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mr. Elwin Kemming, described the partnership as a bold step in creating remarkable experiences for travellers from Africa.

    “Our partnership with Wakanow is a union of two widely admired tourism brands, joining forces together to provide memorable experiences for travel lovers globally. With deep-rooted presence throughout Africa, we are confident that Dubai Parks and Resorts can consolidate on Wakanow’s significant reach and foothold across the African market,” he stated.

    Dubai Parks and Resorts is the biggest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination in the Middle East, comprising Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Parks and Bollywood Parks.

    On October 31, the park will throw its gates open to the public and will feature over 100 mind-blowing thrill rides, spread across the spectacular four themed parks, each unique in their offerings and experiences.

    Wakanow is one of Africa’s leading online travel portals, providing seamless services in flights, hotels, travel deals and holiday packages to millions of travellers in Africa and beyond.

  • Buhari’s foreign trips in order, says Senator Nakudu

    Buhari’s foreign trips in order, says Senator Nakudu

    The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Mohammed Sabo Nakudu has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s frequent trips abroad were part of the price Nigeria had to pay for the impunity and reign of terror witnessed in the country during the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Senator Nakudu who spoke with The Nation in Abuja on Wednesday said the criticism against President Buhari on his foreign trips were based on ignorance as Nigeria would benefit more from some of the multi-national and bilateral agreements signed by the president abroad.

    He cited the agreement signed by the President with the Government of the United Arab Emirate, UAE, among others as example, saying in a short while billion of dollars starched away in that country would be repatriated into Nigeria.

    Senator Nakudu who represents Jigawa South-West in the National Assembly also defended President Buhari’s Ministers , saying it was unfair to described them as lacklustre since they have not even implemented any budget of their own on their assumption of office last year.

    He said the 2016 federal budget which focuss on the the diversification of the economy would address the problems of unemployment and poverty if faithfully implemented, stressing there is wisdom in the government action to improve revenue earnings from the minining and agriculture sectors.

    His words: “the 2016 budget is a clear intention of the government to do away with oil revenues and embrace agriculture and minining. The 2016 budget is geared towards providing the enabling environment for the economy to grow as can be seen from the allocations to the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and with economc growth, the issue of poverty and unemployment will be reduced.

    “The budget is also farmers friendly because the present government has realized the importance agriculture can play in our economic life. However, it must be emphasized that success in agriculture cannot be achieved without the necessary support from all tiers of government as being done in developed countries.”

    Senator Nakudu who enjoined Nigerians to be patient with the administration as steps are being taken to right so many wrongs in the system, said it would take a systematic approach to rejuvenate the economy of the country.

    “The administration has prioritized the issues of corruption and insecurity. And we have seen the results of both. Insurgent activities have reduced drastically and people are now being careful and cautious in government offices. The administration is doing the right thing and I believe everybody who mean well for this country would key into that,” Nakudu stated.

  • Fed Govt woos UAE on skills export

    Labour and Employment Minister Dr Chris Ngige, has urged United Arab Emirates (UAE) to activate the process of the migration of skilled Nigerian middle level workers into its country under the International Labour Migration guidelines.

    Ngige spoke in Abuja, when  UAE’s Ambassador to Nigeria,  Mahmood Mohammed Almahmood, visited him over on the death of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, James Ocholi.

    He  said: “In consonance with the spirit of the relationship, which exists between our two countries, and which President, Muhammadu Buhari has further bolstered with his recent official visit to the United Arab Emirates, and considering the series of agreements signed in the areas of trade, economic development, investment and industry as well as legal cooperation among others, my ministry wishes to  request that you activate the process of labour  migration and employment into the UAE  for skilled Nigerian  workers.”

    Dr. Ngige said it was Nigeria’s desire to export skilled middle level workers, whether they are carpenters, bricklayers, tillers, painters etc. “We want to export them officially under the International Labour Migration Organisation guidelines just like we are trying to do with Qatar,” he said.

    Nigeria, according to the minister, no doubt, has high skilled professionals such as engineers, medical doctors, nurses and others already  in the UAE, but wants to push people from the  middle cadre who have  blue collar skills.

    Amb. Mahmood Mohammed assured that the UAE would cooperate with Nigeria to promote trade and employment.

  • Ex-governor under watch in UAE over alleged $517m loot

    Ex-governor under watch in UAE over alleged $517m loot

    •Anxiety as Abu Dhabi places accounts of Nigerian VIPs on surveillance

    The authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are keeping intense watch over a former Nigerian governor who is believed to have stashed a $517million loot in the Middle East country.

    The UAE action has helped in thwarting a recent move by the suspect to move the looted funds to the Dominican Republic, The Nation gathered authoritatively last night.

    Also under security watch in the UAE are the accounts and other transactions of some Nigerian VIPs who have turned the country into a safety net for their loots.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Mallam Shehu Sani said yesterday that as much as $200 billion of stolen funds from Nigeria may have been hidden in the UAE by past public officers and their agents/fronts.

    Nigerian and UAE security agencies are collaborating in monitoring the activities of many Nigerians, especially those categorized as “Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), investigation revealed yesterday.

    A major dividend of the collaboration is intelligence report on the former governor, who is suspected to have stashed $517million in UAE.

    A source familiar with the development said the former governor is “under the watch-list of the UAE and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

    “He (former governor) has been worried in the last few weeks but the law will catch up with him.

    “The ex-governor made botched attempts to transfer about $517million loot to the Dominican Republic because UAE law is now strict.

    “The affected ex-governor is lying low and avoiding that country in order not to suffer the James Ibori fate.”

    On the accounts of some Nigerian VIPs said to be also under surveillance in the UAE, a security source said: “following the recent signing of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement between the two countries, the accounts, transactions and investments of some Nigerians have been under surveillance.

    “This is based on the sharing of intelligence between Nigeria and UAE. In fact, some of those being watched have reduced their frequent trips to the Emirates.

    “Actually any highly-placed Nigerian arrested for money laundering in UAE risks a 10 -year imprisonment.”

    The Chairman of the  Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani said yesterday in Abuja that over $200 billion stolen from Nigeria may be have been hidden in the UAE.

    He said: “Over $200 billion are stashed away in Dubai alone. This may be the monies stolen in the last 20 years. I am not talking about estates and bonds and other securities bought with Nigeria’s stolen money.”

    President Muhammadu Buhari in January signed a Judicial Agreement on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth with the UAE.

    The anti-money laundering policy of UAE Central Bank reads in part: “Any person who commits, or attempts to commit, a Money Laundering offence shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 10 years and or a fine of between AED 100,000 and AED 500,000.

    “In cases of multiple perpetrators, the Court subject to its discretion, may exempt a perpetrator from the imprisonment penalty if he takes the initiative and reports the crime to the competent authorities prior to the knowledge of such authorities and if his actions lead to the arrest of the other perpetrators or seizure of the laundered money.

    “Any establishment that commits an offence of money laundering, financing of terrorism or financing of any unlawful organizations, shall be punished by a fine of AED 300,000 and AED 1,000,000.

    “Failure to report a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment and /or a fine of between AED 50,000 and AED 300,000.

    “Tipping off a person being investigated regarding a suspicious transaction shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to one year and/ or a fine of between AED10,000 and AED 100,000.

    “Violation of the requirements of Airport Declarations shall be punishable by imprisonment and or a fine.”

  • Nigeria, UAE sign pact on stolen funds recovery, others

    Nigeria, UAE sign pact on stolen funds recovery, others

    Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday signed six agreements to enhance bilateral relations between them.

    The signing of the agreements on trade, finance and judicial matters, according to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari and the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Obaid Attayar signed the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement, while the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah signed the Agreement on Trade Promotion and Protection with the UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

    The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and his counterpart in the UAE,  Sultan Bin Saeed Albadi signed the Judicial Agreements on Extradition, Transfer of Sentenced Persons, Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters, and Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal and Commercial Matters, which includes the recovery and repatriation of stolen wealth.

    At a reception after the signing of the agreements, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.

    He also urged all Islamic countries to support the fight against terrorism in Nigeria and denounce the atrocities of Boko Haram as un-Islamic and against the teachings of the Holy Prophet.

    In his remarks, Crown Prince Zayed Al Nahyan said the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE will be strengthened by President Buhari’s visit and the signing of the agreements.

  • Kachikwu, UAE minister meet on investment

    Kachikwu, UAE minister meet on investment

    Minister of State Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu last night met with Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Finance to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to expand cooperation and establish investment partnerships in Nigeria.

    The minister is a member of the delegation led by President Muhammadu Buhari which arrived the Arabian country last night at the start of a three-day visit.

    During last night’s meeting which took place at the Court of Dubai Ruler, Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the leaders and government of the UAE take keen interest in strengthening relations and friendship with the world, in particular with African countries with which the UAE maintains historic trade and economic relations.

    Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Court of Dubai Ruler, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) and attended the meeting.

  • Buhari leads Nigeria’s delegation to UAE

    President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, January 17, embark on a three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said that Buhari in the course of the visit, will join the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and other participants as a special guest of honour at this year’s edition of the World Future Energy Summit.

    Towards signalling Nigeria’s reengagement with the Middle-East region, President Buhari will also lead a team of his ministers to bilateral talks with the government of the UAE.

    After the talks, the statement said that a number of agreements between both countries on economic, trade and bilateral relations are expected to be signed.

    From the visit, Nigeria is also expected to get more support from the UAE for its war against terrorism and the recovery of Nigeria’s stolen funds.

    President Buhari is also scheduled to meet with leading UAE businessmen who are interested in Nigeria with a view to encouraging greater investment inflows to critical sectors such as power supply, oil, gas and agriculture.

    Buhari, who will be accompanied by the ministers of Power, Works and Housing, Petroleum, Environment, Justice, Trade and Investment, Finance and Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Security Adviser, will also meet with Nigerian professionals in the UAE before returning to Abuja on Tuesday, January 19.

  • UAE VP lauds Nigeria’s potentials

    The Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has described Nigeria as the business hub of Africa and a potential world super-power.

    He spoke during a meeting with the CEO of Sujimoto Construction Ltd, Sijibomi Ogundele in Dubai.

    Mr. Ogundele’s visit was strategically designed to explore investments opportunities and exchange between Nigerian luxury real estate brand Sujimoto Construction and top Emirati investors and architectural firms.

    Shiekh Al Maktoum said “Dubai is great, but Nigeria’s potential is beyond our imagination. Nigeria would be one of the greatest countries not only in Africa but also in the world”

    Ogundele, whose construction outfit is at the forefront of redefining and delivering high-value residential structures in Nigeria and major international cities likened Dubai to a ‘grass to grace’ kind of story, where from nothing it has become something remarkable and outstanding. “Dubai is a city that has experienced transformation from the land of desserts and camels, into the city of towers and marbles. How could one not believe in the power of possibility?” he added.

    After listening to the young entrepreneur’s dream for ‘LorenzoBySujimoto’ and learning that Dubai is the inspiration fuelling his desire to transform the Nigerian Real Estate sector, the Sheikh commented saying, “Your dreams are too small, double it, after you achieve it, contact us”.

    Sharing his vision for his country since he assumed leadership of the UAE in 2006 he said, “Failure is never an option. Dubai can never afford to settle for less. The fear of failure is my number one motivating factor. I wake up each day reminding myself that I would do everything to show the world that the UAE and Dubai in particular would never become followers but leaders in all sectors of leadership.”

    Sijibomi Ogundele concluded that with the right investments and infrastructural developments, Nigeria’s economy will develop rapidly and our construction industries will be able to match what obtains in many advanced countries.

     

  • Dubai deaths: I warned but no one listened, says Aisha Falode

    Dubai deaths: I warned but no one listened, says Aisha Falode

    •Condoles with Alamieyeseigha 

    Eight months after the murder of her son in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), sports journalist, Aisha Falode has decried the insensitivity of the Federal Government to her plight and those of other parents whose children might have died in similar circumstance

    Falode, who was reacting to the alleged murder of former Bayelsa Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s son in the Arab city, insisted that if the Nigerian government had heeded her call to investigate questionable deaths of young Nigerians in Dubai, it might have been averted.

    She expressed displeasure that justice has not been gotten for her son, Toba, who she said was thrown off the balcony of a 17th floor apartment in Manchester Tower by one Faisal Al-Nasser, whose t-shirt and knuckles had her son’s blood.

    Falode said despite putting together evidence from witnesses present during her son’s murder, nothing has been done by the government, which only seek partnership and collaboration with the UAE.

    She called for the recall of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UAE, Ibrahim Auwalu to give account of every young soul that has been lost in Dubai due to his lack of responsibility in office.

    “I am saddened that this has happened despite my nationwide campaign to stop this happening again by putting all relevant government agencies on notice, in vain.

    “I warned the Nigerian government that Nigerian youths were being killed in Dubai on a daily basis as confirmed by our embassy in Dubai. I also warned parents about the danger of Dubai.

    “I stated repeatedly that if justice was not gotten for my son that another murder will happen. In deed, there have been many more after my son although not mentioned because they do not have a voice. But now, there is one so close to government that has been struck.

    “I did not have to be a soothsayer to know this. Many more will happen until we get justice for Toba Falode and all those who have been murdered in cold blood in Dubai. We cannot standby and watch our youths’ lives being down played over and above collaboration and partnership…

    “Our ambassador in the UAE, Auwalu, must be called back to answer to every young soul that has been lost in Dubai unacounted for due to his lack of responsibility in office. The foreign ministry must also be asked questions on what they have done about Toba’s case eight months after.

    “It took Isreal less than 48 hours to act on the loss of three of its youths, but eight months after Toba’s murder, we are still waiting on the Nigerian government to give us any kind of reaction on the loss of a young life.

    “The Nigerian government should start acting like a big country with might and power and go after Dubai for justice for every young soul and every Nigerian life that has been cut short in Dubai,” she said.

    While empathizing Alamieyeseigha, Falode described his son’s death as one too many, which no parent should experience.