Day: May 29, 2024

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) says arrangements have been concluded for the inauguration of its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion, Filling, Reverse Engineering and Training Centre in Abuja.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr Khalil Halilu, disclosed this while addressing a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is expected to perform the inauguration on Friday.

He said that NASENI was committed to supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on sustainable energy alternatives and a clean energy ecosystem.

Halilu said that NASENI-Portland CNG conversion and training centre was a partnership between NASENI and Portland Gas Limited.

‘It is a state-of-the-art facility for the conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to CNG, a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative.”

According to him, the centre which is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained professionals will en
sure efficient and safe conversions that will build local capacity in CNG technology.

Halilu assured that the facility would also offer comprehensive training programmes for technicians, engineers and other stakeholders, fostering domestication of expertise in CNG systems and promoting the adoption of green energy solutions across the nation.

The executive vice chairman said the establishment of the NASENI-Portland Gas Reverse Engineering Centre would mark a transformative moment for Nigeria’s energy sector.

He said that the CNG Centre underscored NASENI’s unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and the development of home-grown technological and manufacturing capabilities.

‘At NASENI, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and providing affordable, eco-friendly fuel alternatives to Nigerians.

‘The initiative is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment,’ he said

He said that the adoption of CNG would offer economic
benefits by reducing fuel costs for consumers and creating new job opportunities in the Nigeria’s green energy sector.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu says the three Executive Orders on oil and gas reforms will make Nigeria’s petroleum sector globally competitive.

The president said this during a meeting with a delegation from ExxonMobil Upstream Company, led by its President, Liam Mallon on Tuesday in Abuja.

He emphasised that these reforms would ensure that no oil company faces undue challenges in the country.

The three Executive Orders, which became effective from Feb. 28 are: Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives, Exemption, Remission, etc.) Order, 2024.

The others are the residential Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements, 2024; and the Presidential Directive on Reduction of Petroleum Sector Contracting Costs and Timelines.

Tinubu assured the delegation of the federal government commitment to resolving the divestment issues between the company and Seplat Energy, which are currently under litigation.

‘We have been pushing for closure on divestment issues, and I believe the other party, Seplat, is open to this,’ th
e president said.

Tinubu commended the company for its show of commitment to environmental protection in Nigeria, noting its efforts in reducing gas flaring in the country.

‘Nigeria is going through a lot of reforms, and we have been navigating the leadership quarters carefully to ensure that we achieve a win-win situation for all parties and attract more investments,’ he said.

The president described ExxonMobil as a worthy partner in Nigeria’s development over the decades and urged it to remain committed to contributing to the success of his administration.

‘We are close enough to be fair and blunt with you, and we are not afraid to hear from you on better options and recommendations for the growth of the industry in Nigeria,’ the president said.

The meeting, attended by Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), discussed issues such as divestment, decommissioning, and abandonment as regards the company.

‘Mr
. President has given a clear directive to the NNPC GCEO and I to resolve the issue of divestment, and we are doing whatever we can to achieve that,’ Lokpobiri stated.

On decommissioning and abandonment in the oil industry, Lokpobiri noted that the ministry is addressing the matter in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and global best practices.

‘The reforms driven by the three Executive Orders will ensure that companies operating in Nigeria have the best environment to continue making their investments and that no company will seek to leave Nigeria,’ the minister said.

Liam Mallon, the President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company, appreciated the support and reassurances provided by the Nigerian government and pledged the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s energy sector.

He also commended the president for his courage and conviction to undertake bold reforms within his first year in office.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu’s programmes and policies since assumption of office in May 2023 has reshaped the face of Nigeria and Africa in the comity of nations.

Sen. Basheer Lado, Convener, Protem Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Non-Serving Senators Council, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.

Lado said that the President’s diplomatic shuttles has generated foreign direct investments into the country and encouraged more genuine entrepreneurs to think Nigeria.

‘As the new face of Nigeria to the diplomatic and international business community, you have represented our country with distinction and honour.

‘Your successful engagements with the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS, alongside securing vital international trade agreements, have significantly enhanced Nigeria’s global standing.

‘Your steadfast commitment to the principles of separation of powers, as evidenced by your support for the independence of the judiciary and the legislature, underscores your respect for
our democratic institutions and the rule of law,’ he said.

Lado said that the 103 APC Non Serving Senators Council was proud of the President’s achievements in the first year of his tenure.

He said that the administration has proved critics wrong on the various people-oriented reforms across all sectors of the economy, adding that they are strides of a visionary leadership.

President Bola Tinubu receives Sen. Basheer Lado

‘You have silenced your critics and proven them wrong by ensuring an administration that is inclusive and fair to all religious groups.

‘Your active engagement with both Christian and Muslim communities have dispelled fears of religious bias, showcasing your commitment to unity and equality.

‘Your impartial leadership has shone brightly, demonstrating fairness and justice at every turn.

‘Your willingness to acknowledge and correct mistakes, such as revising initial tax policies to better suit small businesses, reflects your profound integrity and accountability.’

Lado said that the
council of non-serving APC Senators would continue to support the President in his stride to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens.

Sen. Basheer Lado

‘Your courageous measures and decisive actions have been nothing short of transformative. The introduction of policies to attract foreign investments are testaments to your bold vision and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘The strides you have made in infrastructure development are exemplary. The construction of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and the flag off of the Lagos – Calabar super highway are monumental achievements.

‘Furthermore, your focus on ‘stomach infrastructure,’ through initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and social welfare programmes, underscores your dedication to improving the lives of all Nigerians.

‘As dedicated stewards of our party and nation, we are profoundly grateful to God for guiding you to this pinnacle of your political career, entrusting you with the leadership of our great nation,’ Lado said.

He said th
at the members of the council would support and partner with the government to advance the country’s development and uphold its values.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says arrangement has been concluded by the Federal Government to remodel the National Fire Academy, Sheda, to enhance its operational capabilities.

The minister stated this at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at Sheda on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the Service has been a sleeping giant, adding that the time to wake up and act as the first responder to emergencies is now.

Tuni-Ojo said, ‘this is because as I always say, tomorrow is a day that will never come. For every day, there is always tomorrow.

‘Therefore, do not sacrifice what you have to achieve today in the hope of a day that will not come.

‘The time to roll up your sleeves to rewrite our history to put the record straight and give Nigerians a fire and rescue service that we can all be proud of is now.’

He explained that based on these reasons, the Federal Government had made rescue service very important as it was a constitutional responsibility of any government to protect the lives and p
roperty of its citizens.

‘Therefore, the Federal Government is not just putting this project in place just like that but to be able to ensure that there is efficiency in service delivery. So, efficiency and productivity are very key here.

‘We will also be working hard to see the repeal and enactment of the fire and rescue service Act because the present law established since 1963 we know is obsolete.

‘You see, the scope of fire service all over the world in 2024 is different from what it was in 1963. And we cannot continue to be held down to the epoch of the past,’ the minister added.

Tunji-Ojo reminded them that their responsibilities was not just to combat, prevent and avoid fire outbreak but goes beyond that being the first responder in case of any emergency.

He added that to be able to achieve that, the Federal Government had gone all the way to ensure that the required knowledge was there.

This, he said, not just for the Nigeria market alone, but to be an exporter of rescue knowledge to the rest of
Africa.

‘You see, President Bola Tinubu is interested in building institutions and the fire serve is not an exception. So, to who much is given much is expected.

‘Believe me it is not going to be business as usual. In the Interior Ministry, government business is our business. We handle government business as we handle our own.

‘With the aim of handing it over as a legacy to the future generations and that is why the government is putting a lot of resources into this project.

‘Our aim is to have at least a fire academy in our six geo-political zones of the country. Everybody cannot come to Abuja to be trained as fire people.

‘We want to make this centre as a trainers’ centre as we strive to bring the private sector into the fire industry.

‘It is only when we do all these that Nigerians can have the type of fire and rescue assurance that they need,’ he said.

Earlier, the Controller-General of Fire Service, Mr AbdulGaniyu Jaji, expressed optimism that by the time the academy becomes really remodeled, no
doubt the country would have one of the best fire training centres in the world.

Jaji added that the academy would enable the personnel of the service to be more acquainted with the modern techniques of fire fighting as tainable in other climes.

The C-G said that the academy would become a one-stop shop for life saving as the centre would be fully automated for modern fire fighting.

‘This centre when it becomes fully operational, no doubt it will go a long way to enhance the operational capabilities of our fire fighting men and women timely.

‘By the time it finally comes on board, the era of late response would have gone because our men and officers would have acquainted themselves with the requisite expertise to respond to any threat timely,’ he stressed.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) says the coming into operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system confirms the reality of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the commercial operation of the ARMT by President Bola Tinubu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the inauguration is part of the activities lined up to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

‘What is renewed hope agenda? It is giving back hope to the people, so, it is a reality.

‘What we have seen today is a reality. People will now be happy that they can come to the city and go back using the train.

‘So, when we talk about renewed hope, it appears as if it is a mere talk; it is a reality.

‘I want to use Abuja to showcase that the renewed hope is real; it is working and is practical.

‘So, Mr President, this is part of a promise made and a promise fulfilled,’ he said.

The minister noted that ARMT, also known as Abuja Metro Lin
e, was inaugurated in 2017 but its operation was inhibited by several factors.

Wike recalled that the Metro Line rehabilitation contract was awarded at 30 million dollars in 2018.

He said that the fund was not released until Tinubu came into office and gave the directive in Sept. 2023, that he wants to ride on the Metro Line.

Wike said, following the directive, the Central Bank of Nigerian, Minister of Finance and Accountant General of the Federation made available the fund to the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd.

The Minister said he instructed the completion of the project within nine months and closely monitored the contractor to ensure prompt delivery.

He said access roads were also constructed to all the 12 train stations, including car parks at N21.4 billion.

‘As I speak to you today, all those roads have been completed for people to use to the various train stations.

‘What we are doing today is the inauguration of the commercial operation,’ he said.

On the smooth
operation of the train system, the minister said that the previous administration had awarded a contract for the training of manpower for 29 months at 128 million dollars.

Wike said he met with the contractor and was able to negotiate the cost of the manpower training from 128 million dollar to 75 million dollar, thereby saving the country a whopping 53 million dollar.

Earlier, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, FCT Administration disclosed that the ARMT project was awarded in 2007 and had a trial operation from Sept. 2018 to March 2020.

He said that COVID-19 pandemic affected the continuous trial operation, coupled with massive vandalism of key components, which halted the trial operation.

Elechi said that the ARMT system has 12 diesel multiple units each, with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers.

He added that each train was designed to run a minimum of 14 trips per day, and transport approximately 9,800 passengers per day.

‘The two Lots, that is Lot 1
A from Idu Station to Gbazango and Lot 3, from Metro Station to Airport, will operate two trains each simultaneously every day.

‘This brings a total daily passenger count to 39,200 commuters and 980,000 commuters in 25 operational days in a month,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday in Abuja, inaugurated the Southern Parkway project.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, in the statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the project would serve as a critical artery connecting major areas within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the inauguration, Tinubu described infrastructure development as an enabler of economic growth and prosperity, stating that his administration would sustain investments in critical sectors for the welfare of citizens.

The president commended Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, for his diligence and courageous efforts, noting the recent infrastructural developments in the city.

‘I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within the FCT but symbolizes our collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress.

‘By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion but will also enhance
mobility for residents and visitors to the FCT.

‘The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development as we strive to build a world-class Capital City.

Tinubu unveils Southern Parkway project in Abuja

‘The needs of our citizens are paramount in our thoughts and actions. By making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed,’ the president said.

Explaining the significant features of the project, Wike said that the road consists of 12 lanes in total.

‘Your Excellency to bring the level of development of the Southern Parkway on par with the Northern Parkway, this project was awarded in December 2010 to Setraco Nigeria Limited at the contract sum of N16.2 billion.

‘It was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices. But this was done before this administration came in.

‘The scope of work is made up of two main carriage ways of four lanes each and two service carriage ways of t
wo lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

‘It also includes the construction of four interchanges, a total of eight bridges in addition to the position of associated underground engineering facilities.

‘I am happy to inform Your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,’ the minister said.

Tinubu unveils Southern Parkway project in Abuja

Wike said the completion of the project would enhance traffic circulation around the city centre, reducing delays and travel time.

According to him, it will also accelerate the development of the Southern Axis of the city, bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and other Nigerians.

‘The Federal Capital Territory Administration and FCT residents appreciate Mr. President’s support and laudable achievements.

‘It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolve that this very important road be named Bola Ahmed Tinubu way,’ the minister said
.

The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, explained that the Parkway System forms an integral part of the network of roads in the transportation master plan of the FCT.

‘It dissects the two development corridors and is planned to function as a freeway to optimize vehicular movement between the developed sectors and the Central Area.

‘Within the Central Area, the Parkway System encloses the cultural axis. In the Northern Development Corridor, it is known as the Northern Parkway (A9).

‘It begins at the city centre around the Inner Northern Expressway, near the National Mosque and the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre intersection.

”It traverses Phases 1 to 4 in the north of the city, ending at the Outer Northern Expressway Junction, near the Dei Dei area, for those familiar with Abuja. It covers a total length of 25 kilometres.

‘In the Southern Development Corridor, the Parkway System starts from the City Centre at its intersection with the Inner Southern Expressway.

‘It
passes through Phases 1 to 4 of the south of the city and ends at the Inner Southern Expressway near Kuje, located in Phase 4, spanning a total length of about 27 kilometres,’ Ahmad said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria