Month: July 2023

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FG reiterates commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure economy through PPP

The Federal Government says it remains committed to the success of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure economy and national development.

Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), said this at the second 2023 Public-Private Partnership Consultative Forum (3PUCF) Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was hosted and sponsored by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

MOFI is a corporation vested with the responsibility to manage all federal government investments and assets aimed at unlocking value from the assets managed to drive economic development.

Ohiani said since the inception of the ICRC in 2010, a total of 103 PPP projects had been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He said the projects would bring in private capital investments of almost N11 trillion (approximately 24 billion dollars ) and projected revenue of over three trillion naira ( approximately 38 billion dollars) for the country.

Ohiani listed some projects which had received FEC approval since the last (3PUCF) Meeting held in April 2023 including the Lagos-Ibadan Rail E-Ticketing Concession and the Warri-Itakpe Rail E-Ticketing Concession.

He said others included the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Project, the establishment of the Aviation Leasing Company Concession, and the expansion and development of Snake Island Multipurpose Sea Port.

“Others are on the street park and pay in the FCT, Concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the development of Senior Police Officer’s quarters at Ikeja, Lagos.

“Publishing and Marketing of Court Appeal (specialised) Law Report, NIWA Business Processes (E-NIWA), Electronic E-Call Up System at Onne Port and the 700 MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant. ”

Ohiani reiterated the commission’s commitment to continue to build PPP capacity across Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the nation as a whole through the Nigeria Institute of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership.

The Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Katang, said there was a need to optimise Federal Government-owned assets by providing visibility over what the government owned.

Katang said the partnership between ICRC and MOFI would enable MOFI to maximise value from federal government-owned assets managed by the ICRC.

“We need to work together to ensure the government’s interests are represented and effected correctly in every PPP transaction. That is why MOFI and the ICRC must work together. ”

He said the National Assets Register (NAR), which would be inaugurated soon, would capture all the assets and investments of the federal government in a single window.

According to him, the NAR is a tool that will enhance strategic oversight and management of the nation’s public wealth.

Katang said the benefits of the NAR included an information database, assets classification, debt management, and assets valuation.

He said the assets that would be captured in the registrar included corporate, financial, fixed, intangible, oil and gas, and solid minerals assets.

“I call on all stakeholders to ensure we have visibility over what we own to keep track and learn from concessions we have gone into and correct any mistakes made,” he said.

Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and Chairman of the meeting, said Nigeria needed to be at par with other countries regarding PPP projects and initiatives.

Yemi-Esan, represented by Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, Director, Infrastructure Management Department, Office of the HCSF, said this was necessary because PPP brought development to the nation.

“It is time to expand our horizon and see how we can put in our best in helping our country move forward because we know that PPP brings a lot of benefits.

“There are also challenges but as we go through the journey, we know we will get better by the day, ” she said.

NAN reports that the forum provides a platform for PPP departments in MDAs and stakeholders to share ideas, success stories, and challenges on their PPP projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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China’s tyre firm Sailun researches future of tyre business in Nigeria

A Chinese firm, Sailun Tyres, says it is working toward helping Nigeria to sustainably develop its economy through effective road transportation.

The Executive President of the company, Mr Xie Xiaohong, who led a 13-member delegation to Nigeria, disclosed this on Monday during an interactive session with some journalists in Lagos.

Already, he said the company had carried out an extensive research work on tyre uses in Nigeria, the peculiarity of the environment and the nature of the roads.

“We heard that the new President, Bola Tinubu, wants to reinforce the economy of the country.

“And we know that you can only achieve that with effective transportation and quality tyres developed for your road play a vital role in effective road transportation.

“We came to Nigeria to do some research on the tyre market for more trade and strengthen our partnership with Tanzanite Ltd.

He also hinted of plans to set up a tyre factory in future to serve the African market, adding that a research was being done in this area.

According to Xiaohong, Sailun develops tyres that are tropicalised and suitable for Nigerian roads, noting that China had a similar road condition in 2000 and its tyres were reinforced to serve the people for a long time.

The Xiaohong-led delegation met with their Nigerian partners, Tanzanite Ltd, represented by Mr Anil Sahgal, Managing Director, and some other business executives, to explore new avenues of collaboration and strategies for further growth and development.

The visiting executives of Sailun Tyres also engaged leaders of Tanzanite Ltd, a prominent distributor in Nigeria and Africa, in strategic discussions to identify opportunities for mutual growth and explore new ways to enhance customer satisfaction.

Xiaohong said the Sailun Tyres partnership with Tanzanite Ltd dates back to 15 years.

An earlier statement by Tanzanite said the visit by Sailun Tyres’ team came “at a time when the Nigerian automotive industry was experiencing significant turbulence resulting in movement towards value brands due to price pressure.

“Sailun Tyres aims to capitalise on this future market and solidify its position as a trusted tyre provider in Nigeria.”

It also said: “Sailun Tyres is renowned for its cutting-edge manufacturing processes, innovative technology, and commitment to delivering superior quality products.

“With a wide range of tyre solutions for passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and off-road vehicles, Sailun Tyres has firmly established itself as a global leader in the tyre industry.

“As Sailun Tyres’ local partner, Tanzanite Ltd possesses an in-depth understanding of the Nigerian market, ensuring effective distribution channels and comprehensive customer support.”

The collaboration between the two industry giants is expected to foster the availability of high-performance tyre solutions that meet international standards, catering to the increasing demands of both individual drivers and commercial fleets across Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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GOC assures officers, soldiers of adequate welfare package

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, has assured officers and soldiers of 15 Engineer Regiment, Topo Barracks, Badagry, of adequate welfare package.

Ajunwa gave the assurance during the commissioning of Commanding Officer’s House and other projects at the Barracks on Friday.

According to the GOC, the welfare of officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army is the utmost mind of our Chief of Army Staff which conforms with his command philosophy.

“We have come to commission the projects, look at them, move around and then make sure the rightful owners get it.

“And also to tell others that their welfare is the utmost priority of our COAS,” he said.

Addressing the wives of the soldiers in the Barracks, Obinna assured them that the renovation of quarters would be done, accordingly.

“We value the life of everyone in the Barracks no matter how small you are.

“I want to assure you that we will be picking some of your quarters one by one and renovate them gradually. So, if they didn’t renovate it now, they will do it later,” he said

Ajunwa appealed to the soldiers’ wives to take care of their children and homes.

The newly inaugurated Commanding Officer’s Residence at 15 Engineering Regiment Barracks, Topo, Badagry.

“Importantly, you must take care of your children, make sure they go to school because your husbands are always out.

“Also take care of your homes, so that your husbands will have peace of mind,” he said.

In his remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Liadi, the Commanding Officer of the Barracks, said some of the projects to be commissioned include the new Commanding Officer’s residence and renovated Officers’ Mess.

“Others are Regiment Headquarters and four blocks of Corporal and Below Quarters, as well as solar-powered borehole.

“These projects are among the numerous interventions of the COAS in fulfillment of his commitment towards improving structures and facilities throughout the NA.

“The various projects have undoubtedly motivated this Barracks community, thus achieving one of the cardinal pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy.

“The philosophy is “To Transform the NA into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.

“It is important to add that the projects would not have come to fruition without commitment and excellent leadership of our amiable GOC,” he said.

Liadi, on behalf of the officers, men and the entire Topo Barracks community, expressed profound appreciation to the GOC for his unflinching support and commitment towards improving their well-being.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the GOC was accompanied on his visit by three Principal Staff Officers from 81 Division Headquarters, two Brigade Commanders and three Commanding Officers, all from Lagos.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Lagos bye-election: LP reads riot act to aspirants, pledges best primaries

The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has read a riot act to all aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket ahead of the Surulere Federal Constituency I bye- election, slated for Aug. 19.

The party, at a news briefing on Friday evening at its state secretariat in Ikeja, cautioned the aspirants against patronising illegal factions for the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms.

Speaking, Pastor Dayo Ekong, the Lagos State Chairperson of LP, told newsmen that the party was committed to justice and fairness and would organise credible primary to produce candidate capable of winning election.

According to Ekong, there is a departure from the old order in party administration and processes to give everyone a deserved voice.

“The LP State Working Committee is standing distinct to make sure that the old order is removed that the new order is put in place.

“It is not about who you know but your competence and capability should count. If you are bale to showcase what you have, you should be recognised.

“You don’t need any god-father to be relevant in the chapter but making yourself distinct. Nobody’s voice will be suppressed,” Ekong said.

“I want to sound a note of warning because we know some people are parading themselves as Labour Party executive, there is only one Lagos State LP State Working Committee.

“If any aspirant fall prey and purchase form from these illegal groups, he or she does it at his or her own peril. Be warned, don’t fall victims of their antics,” Ekong said.

She said that some people were clamouring for adoption of a candidate but in the spirit of fairness, the party wanted every interested aspirant to test popularity in the primary.

According to her, the LP State Working Committee would soon unveil the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for interested aspirants obtainable at the party’s secretariat.

The chairperson stated that the party leadership was aware of infiltration from opposition parties to destabilise the LP, but would rest until all distractors are shown the way out.

“We are not going to give them that opportunity to destroy Labour Party. Enough is enough, it is not going to be business as usual. We stand by good leadership and integrity. We are people’s voices.

“If there are issues to be resolved, we will resolve them but there is hierarchy to ensure orderliness. Members should realise the party is supreme and we should not work against the party.

“Everything we are doing should align with what the party represents. Our interest should be what the party represents,” Ekong said.

She explained that some expelled or suspended party leaders had been going around to create factions within the party to disrupt the party.

Speaking further on the Surulere Federal Constituency Bye Election, Ekong said that political parties in democracy should not resort to violence and intimidation of voters but allow the electorate to choose their representatives in a free and fair election.

Urging electorate not to sell their votes, Ekong said that people should rather install leadership that would turn thing around for them and their unborn children.

Commending stakeholders’ efforts in making the party remains relevant in the country, Ekong expressed hope that the party would reclaim its alleged stolen mandates in the state.

She said that the chapter would continue to stand fully with the Mr Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of LP to ensure that the right thing was done.

Ekong said that the party remained the main opposition and biggest fast growing political party in Nigeria, saying “our membership drive is getting a lot of responses.

“We stand for the people, we stand for the downtrodden to end suppression and repression and maligning of the people. The idea behind LP is to be the people’s voice.”

Urging the youths not to be frustrated but strongly believe in the country, Ekong said that the party was concern about the youth and ensuring a Nigeria that works for all categories of people.

“We know a lot of youths are distressed. We have hope that Nigeria will be rescued and the mission would be accomplished. We want the youth not to give up.

“We are training the youths in different professions. We are going to continue to do this with our limited resources,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections, including that of Surulere Federal Constituency 1 of Lagos State.

The seat became vacant following resignation of Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, who occupied the seat until his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief-of-State.

Gbajabiamila, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives was re-elected for the six term into the Green Chamber during the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections before his resignation from the house.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Okoro assumes duty as 44th GOC of 2 Division

Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro on Thursday in Ibadan assumed duty as the 44th General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division of Nigerian Army.

Lt.-Col. Charles Ekeocha, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement.

Okoro, according to Ekeocha, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for finding him worthy to command the division.

“The new GOC then promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him,” he said.

Ekeocha added that Okoro promised to propel the division to greater heights.

“He solicited the support of stakeholders and other security agencies in accomplishing the mandate of the COAS in ensuring a safe and secure environment for law-abiding citizens in the division’s area of responsibility.”

The new GOC, according to the statement, urged the troops under his command to brace up for relentless offensives against criminals in areas under the command.

“He expressed confidence in their ability to rid the South-West of violence and criminality.

“He also commended his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Usman, for the successes recorded in the division.”

In his farewell remarks, Usman thanked the troops for their support throughout his stay in the Division and solicited the same level of support for his successor.

“He (Usman) described Okoro as his course mate and friend and admonished the troops not to relent in providing the enabling environment for law-abiding citizens to do their businesses.

“He assured the troops that the new GOC would build on his legacies, thanking the COAS for believing in him once more and giving him the opportunity to command the 81 Division,” Ekeocha said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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11 prisoners graduate from NOUN, 50 matriculate in Enugu Custodial Special Centre

Eleven prisoners from the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre have graduated from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in its 2022/2023 Academic Year, while 50 fresh students matriculated at a ceremony in Enugu.

In an address on Thursday at the 12th Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony at the centre, the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State, Mr Nicholas Obiakor, advised the students who are inmates.

He charged them to ensure that their higher education and academic discipline reflect in all they do.

Obiakor, represented by an Assistant Controller of Corrections, Mr James Abonyi, appreciated the Controller General (CG) of Corrections, Mr Haliru Nababa, for providing the platform and enabling environment for educational reformation and transformation of inmates.

He noted that educational attainment and pursuit remained the best thing any inmate would want to achieve, especially as it is done at no cost to the inmate as far as he or she indicates interest and commitment.

“I want to commend our amiable CG for turning this correctional centre from a punitive ground to a place of exceptional reformation that is an envy of all as highly educationally-qualified students are churned up here yearly.

“I want to appreciate the Commander-in-Chief and the President, who through NOUN, has provided a free-of-charge learning platform for all inmates wishing to enroll for university education.

“I also appreciate non-governmental organisations, foundations and individuals that have supported inmates’ education.

“For our students, I want you to take advantage of this golden opportunity to get to the top and be the best in your chosen academic endeavour, even as I urge you to shun vices and examination malpractices but be highly focused,” he said.

Issuing out the degree certificates to the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, congratulated both the graduating and matriculating students for choosing a path that “will guarantee their future in the society”.

Peters, represented by the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Mrs Modupe Adesina, said that 66 inmates from different custodial centres in the country graduated this year with Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre having 11.

“You should take the advantage of this opportunity provided by the Federal Government, through NOUN, as you can take your academic pursuit to the Doctorate Degree level without paying a dime.

“It is clear that with your academic reforms and higher educational attainment, you future is very bright and the sky is your starting point for your greatness and exploits in life when you leave here,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), Mr Kelvin Iloafonsi, congratulated the students, adding that “gaining admission into NOUN is a no mean feat, especially for someone in incarceration”.

Iloafonsi, who is the Educational Desk Officer of NOUN at the Enugu Custodial Special Study Centre, noted that “NOUN is the only University in Nigeria where you cannot cut corners to be admitted because admission is done online with due process and procedures.

“Matriculating students should shun all forms of social vices such as cultism, robbery, kidnapping, fraud and nefarious activities which can mar their bright future when you regain your freedom because it brings absolutely nothing but destruction and annihilation,” he said.

Iloafonsi appreciated the CG of Corrections, Mr Nababa, for making the programme possible and providing educational reformation platform for inmates and the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN Prof. Peters, for approving special study centres and instituting tuition-free academic pursuits.

“Our warmest regards to the Isaac Blessing Foundation, CAPIO and all our partnering NGOs. We owe great thanks to Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Alexander Onyia, and the National Coordinator for All Special Study Centres, Mrs Modupe Adesina.

“We also want to appreciate the Correctional Service Special Study Centre Director, Mr Francis Enobore, for his guidance and support,” he said.

One of the graduates, Mr Eze Utama, commended the Federal Government, the CG of Corrections, Mr Nababa, and Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Peters, for providing quality education free-of-charge at their door-steps and taking special interest in their reformation.

The highlights of the event were the oath taking by matriculating students, which was administered by Enugu NOUN Centre Director, Prof. Onyia, represented by Mr Matthew Egede; cutting of the convocation and matriculation cake and cultural displays.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria