Month: June 2024

The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd, will empower 2,500 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with technical skills.

According to Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the General Manager of the project, this is in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

Ogunshola said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.

It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases, with phase one covering year one to six; phase two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20 years .

The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by NCS Board, and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify , and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

According to the manager, the training aims to empower the personnel with the requisite skills to operate state-of-the art technolog
y that will be deployed to automate trade processes.

‘More than 2,500 NCS personnel will be trained by the first quarter of 2025,

in line with the project’s capacity building framework.

‘ This will cover strategy, management and technical training, as well as direct skills and knowledge transfer.

‘TMP has jointly designed, developed and deployed all technology systems and platforms for the project. This ensures that NCS has complete knowledge of all technology software, hardware and services from inception,’ he said.

He said that the company was developing a software known as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), to be deployed to monitor all stages of transactions by traders and other processes.

According to him, the revenue cluster of the new system has been released and is currently undergoing user acceptance tests to facilitate the smooth integration of other stakolders in to the system.

‘TMP has signed and is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.

‘TMP invested 2.5 million dollars to retrofit the NCS Project Management Office, a one-story building donated by NCS to the project.

‘TMP, upon handover of the Project Management Office (PMO) by NCS, renovated the space to world class standard, with latest-in-class technology, including a Modernisation Hub and teleconference facilities.

‘The PMO is now host to about 100 professionals daily, drawn from NCS and TMP and its partners, working on the delivery of Phase 1 of the project,’ he said.

NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government during the life of the concession.

The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has frowned at the increasing sale of adulterated and contaminated foods in the markets.

The Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, said in Abuja on Thursday, that some traders were engaging in various forms of adulteration without minding the health implications on consumers.

Abdullahi said this at a one-day sensitisation for traders, farmers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the public on forceful ripening of fruits, adulterated palm oil, contaminated meat and grains.

Abdullahi said the move was to ensure a healthier society in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the Acts that established the Commission gave them powers to evacuate fake and adulterated products from the markets to avoid purchase by consumers.

According to him, we have to renew the hope of our people to be alive and healthy first.

‘We have allowed the love of money to supercede everything that we do.

‘We
will go the markets to sensitise the traders, educate the public and sellers that adulterated and fake products are not allowed in the markets and if they see any, they have somewhere to report.

‘We are going to markets in the states, the grassroots, farms to find out the sharp practices going on and to ensure we get a healthier society in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We have to ensure that the goods in the markets are according to the standard that they should be,’ he said.

Mr Femi Stephen from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described adulteration as the addition of substandard substances that had same properties with the food stuff which they are mixed.

On adulteration of palm oil, Stephen said they are being adulterated with dye, lard (animal fat from pork) and transformer oil (paraffin).

Stephen said that adulteration had been linked to various health challenges.

He listed some health issues linked to adulteration to abdominal pain, nausea, brain damage, sto
mach disorder, cardiac arrest, liver disease and breathing difficulties.

Stephen urged farmers to seek experts’ guidance in the application of pesticides to avoid poisoning.

Dr Promise Ogbonna from the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said that forceful ripening of fruits was detrimental to health.

Ogbonna said that calcium carbide used for forceful ripening of fruits were arsenic and phosphorus which had been said to be carcinogenic.

Dr Edozie Ugwu, the Vice-President, North Central, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), commended the FCCPC for the sensitisation.

Ugwu said that many Nigerians had lost their vital body organs to the adulteration of food.

He said the market associations would collaborate with the Commission and other government agencies to ensure that the law penalised any trader found wanting in the practice.

‘What we intend doing is to take this back and sensitise our traders on the importance of avoiding these adulterated foods.

‘We plea
d that this be extended to various markets,’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that various market associations including market women associations and members of Food and Hygiene Association of Nigeria were present at the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

First Bank of Nigeria has partnered with the International Women’s Society (IWS) to empower over 250 widows, in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries at the event, tagged ‘IWS Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme’, received various essential tools, equipment and grants on Wednesday in Lagos.

The items distributed were sewing machines, freezers, coolers, hair dryers, cake mixers, industrial cooking gas, generators, and freezers to help the widows establish and sustain their businesses.

Ms Lande Atere, Chief Customer Experience Officer of First Bank, said that the financial institution had been partnering with IWS for over a decade.

According to her, the bank has been empowering women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funding and skills acquisition.

‘As an organisation that strategically prioritises financial inclusion, we will continue to support IWS in creating entrepreneurial opportunities and promoting self-relia
nce and vocational skills among women,’ Atere stated.

Mrs Adebanke Adeola, Chairperson of the International Women’s Society (IWS) Widows Trust Fund (WTF), appreciated First Bank for supporting the society in empowering and feasting with the widows.

Adeola mentioned that the bank provided Point of Sale (PoS) machines to improve the benefiting widows’ access to financial services and income generation opportunities.

Also, some beneficiaries would receive extra working capital through the generosity of the financial institution and other sponsors.

‘This partnership, along with generous sponsorships from other companies and individuals, enables us to continue our mission and expand our impact.

‘The programme, organised yearly, aims to help widows achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency,’ Adeola said. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Adm. Ayodeji Olugbode says the Nigerian Navy is fully equipped to produce up-to-date navigational charts and hydrographical data for the development of the nation’s blue economy.

Olugbode, who is also the Hydrographer of the Navy and Chief Executive Officer, National Hydrographic Agency, said this while briefing newsmen on the 2024 World Hydrography Day Celebration on Friday in Abuja.

He said the theme for the 2024 World Hydrography Day is ‘Hydrographic Information: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Sustainability in Marine Activities.’

Olugbode said the Nigerian navy had since the acquisition of its OCEA-built vessel, OSV 190 ‘NNS LANA, delivered in 2021 and recent OSV 115, had been able to boost Nigeria’s hydrographical data.

He said that Nigeria no longer rely on foreign charts, adding that the navy had over the years, developed capability in house and could rapidly get data updated.

According to him, we don’t need to wait for anybody to validate our data anym
ore and we no longer need to send data abroad for validation.

Olugbode said the field of hydrography was crucial for safe navigation, marine resource management, and environmental protection.

‘This year, we continue this journey by focusing on the significance of accurate and up-to-date hydrographic data in ensuring safe navigation, optimising operational efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices in the maritime industry.

‘This theme resonates deeply with the core principles of hydrography. Safety is paramount for all maritime stakeholders, and it hinges on accurate hydrographic data.

‘This data allows seafarers to navigate confidently, mitigating risks associated with navigation hazards and ensuring the safety of lives and property at sea.

‘For example, our surveys have been crucial in planning and constructing new ports, such as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, transforming our trade landscape and enhancing our capacity to handle increased cargo volumes,” he said.

The hydrographer said that the navy ha
d also been working with key stakeholders to ensure that its products were properly utilised, to sustain the nation’s blue economy.

He said the 2024 celebration would commence on June 14 to June 19, featuring awareness lectures on hydrography to selected secondary schools in Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.

The lectures, according to him, is aimed at inspiring young minds to consider careers in hydrography, ensuring we have the human capacity to provide quality hydrographic services to Nigeria’s policymakers and mariners alike.

He added that there would be a one-day seminar to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration on the critical role of hydrographic data in promoting maritime safety and sustainable practices.

‘Additionally, we will introduce the Catalogue of Nigerian Charts, enhancing accessibility to maritime resources, cataloging existing charts, and detailing future productions.

‘This ensures that the maritime community has updated information for timely and effective decision-making.

‘
The activities lined up for the 2024 World Hydrography Day celebration aim to create awareness and elicit the right response for the sustainable management of hydrographic information.

‘These efforts will harness the full potential of hydrographic data for the benefit of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, supporting maritime safety and fostering economic development,” he added (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders say technological innovation, substantial investments, and effective policy frameworks are critical to securing Africa’s sustainable energy future.

The stakeholders spoke at the Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) 2024, held in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit’s theme is ‘Igniting the Future: Driving Sustainability in Africa’s Energy Landscape through Gas Technology and Innovation’.

Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, said technology and innovation played a pivotal role in reshaping Africa’s energy sector.

Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, the Executive Vice-President Gas, Power and New Energy, NNPC Ltd, represented Kyari.

‘There is no doubt that technology and innovation remain key levers for growth and development, as can be seen in the drastic transformation of our industry,’ Kyari said.

He elaborated on NNPC’s strategic focus on research and technological advancements, underscoring the establishment of a dedicated entity for rese
arch, technology, and innovation (RTI).

He said; ‘the NNPC’s initiatives have led to significant progress, particularly in seismic mapping and multivariate analysis for evaluating source rock potential.

‘Indeed, today, the RTI is the hub of the NNPC due to the great emphasis on research and innovation.

‘I am urging the participants to embrace the challenge of providing customised solutions aligned with the priorities of the African energy sector.”

Kyari expressed NNPC’s commitment to leveraging gas technology and innovation to enhance sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.

‘NNPC is pleased and proud to have this veritable summit join it in its quest to ignite the future and increase sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape,’ he said.

Similarly, Madam Amina Benkhadra, the Director-General of Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), said there was an urgent need for major investments and innovative technologies to address Africa’s escalating energy demands.

‘To unlock Africa
‘s energy future, we must develop major infrastructure projects and mobilise international investments.

‘And the continent has strong potential in driving sustainable growth through gas and renewable energy.’

According to Benkhadra, Africa will require over 100 billion dollars annually in the power sector by 2030, with total investments reaching up to’ three trillion dollars by 2050 to satisfy its increasing electricity demand.

The ONHYM director-general said gas remained the backbone of the global energy transition.

She recalled the African Atlantic Project, a strategic gas pipeline initiative that Morocco and Nigeria inaugurated as a key effort towards enhancing energy security and economic integration across West Africa.

Benkhadra then restated the importance of cooperation on the continent to ensure sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.

‘We must develop specific cooperation between African countries and other stakeholders worldwide.

‘There is a need for deeper regional cooperation and public
-private partnerships to drive investment on the continent.

‘Morocco is committed to strengthening energy partnerships across Africa. We are dedicated to increasing and reinforcing our specific cooperation with all the African Sub-Saharan countries, especially in West Africa,’ Benkhadra said.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by his Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Ella, said effective policy frameworks and capacity building were crucial in fostering a thriving African gas sector.

‘Our policies must be forward-looking, adaptable, and inclusive. They should address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African context.

‘Such policies are essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and the equitable distribution of benefits within the gas sector,” he said.

According to the minister, there is a need for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the sector.

‘Capacity building must be at the forefront of our agenda. This involves investing in edu
cation and training programmes, promoting technical and vocational education, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

‘The role of entrepreneurship and innovation is also underscored, with a call for support for entrepreneurs developing sustainable business models within the gas sector.

‘By aligning our policies with global sustainability goals, we can position Africa as a leader in the global transition to a low-carbon economy,’ Ekpo said.

The minister lauded the Africa Gas Innovation Summit 2024 as a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy future.b

‘ By embracing gas technology and innovation, shaping effective policy frameworks, unlocking financing avenues, nurturing capacity building, and cultivating entrepreneurship, we can ignite the future and drive sustainability in Africa’s energy landscape.”

The Summit Chairman, Olalekan Ogunleye, said technology and innovation were key to exploring the resources that would enable Africa to transit
ion to gas.

He said: ‘let us key to this, not just for economic or global trends but for our community and development.

‘So our quest should be supported, and we (NNPC and Nigeria) will support every effort Africa makes to ensure we explore this resource.

‘Innovation and technology require huge funding, but we can source this by embarking on a short-mid-long term plan.

‘And I am optimistic that this summit will provide an opportunity to synergies on how we can explore these resources, and I hope we find direction to this at the end of the day.”

NAN reports that the two-day summit was attended by government officials, partners, and key stakeholders in the energy sector on the continent.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria