NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge
Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge

353 total views today

Suspension

By Martha Agas

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has suspended implementation of the four per cent charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports.

The Spokesman of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, the FOB charge is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS on Feb.5 announced that it was implementing a four per cent charge on the FOB value of imports.

Maiwada said that the move was in line with the provision of Section 18 (1) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

The announcement has received criticism from experts and stakeholders in the sector, who said the move would worsen the country’s inflation rate.

Dr Chinyere Almona, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the implementation was abrupt and lacked due consultation with stakeholders, as required by the provisions of the NCSA 2023.

The Spokesman said the suspension was sequel to ongoing consultations by Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, with stakeholders.

He said the revised implementation timeline would be announced following the conclusion of the consultation.

He explained that the suspension period would allow the service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for the sustainable funding of its modernisation initiatives.

“This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.

“The timing of this suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS).

“This presents an opportunity to review our revenue framework holistically, “ he said.

Maiwada explained that the previous funding arrangement which was repealed by the NCSA 2023, separated the one per cent CISS and the seven per cent cost of collection.

He said it created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts.

According to him, the new Act addresses the challenges by consolidating no less than four per cent of the Free-on-Board (FOB) value of imports to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.

He said the transition period would allow the service to optimise the management of these frameworks to better serve its stakeholders and the nation’s interests.

He said that NCS was already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which aims to automate trade operations and align the service with international standards.

He noted that stakeholders were already benefiting from the system, through faster clearance times and improved transparency.

He said the NCS remained committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves stakeholders while fulfilling its revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate.(NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others
Agriculture

FG unveils research council’s veterinary clinic, fish pond others

392 total views today

Veterinary

By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) veterinary clinic, fish pond and stores for improved animal, public health and reduced over reliance on importation of aquatic foods.

Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security while unveiling the projects in Abuja, described them as significant milestone in the council’s continued efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural infrastructure.

Kyari said the council’s efforts played a pivotal role in ensuring food security, enhancing the livelihoods of Nigeria farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

“The event is a testament to shared vision of a prosperous agricultural sector that is well-equipped, to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“This facilities inaugurated are not just physical structures but are symbols of collective determination to provide the necessary support and infrastructure which our farmers, researchers and agricultural stakeholders needed to thrive,” he said.

Kyari specifically said that the veterinary clinic was significant as it underscores the nation’s  commitment to improving animal health and ensuring the productivity of the livestock sector.

Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary, ARCN said the projects, which started in December 2023, would not
have been completed in due time without the visionary leadership and unwavering support of the ministry.

Sharubutu said the projects were conceived to better position the council to contribute to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to promote food security and increase visibility of the agricultural research system.

The executive secretary said that the veterinary centre comprising of a pharmacy, registry, examination room, consulting room and a surgery room was equipped with the state-of-the-art equipment for disease surveillance and control.

“The clinic is also supported with ambulatory services to address diseases beyond the confines of the centre, thereby enabling greater reach and access to veterinary services,”he said.

He commended the project management team of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES)  for supporting the council in equipping the veterinary centre.

Sharubutu said the council also establish fish production facility in order to foster a more in-house hands-on and fulfilling learning experience, research findings demonstration and technologies dissemination.

According to him, the facility is a concrete water circulatory system equipped with culture, solid waste removal and biofiltration units, as well as pump tank and ultraviolet light.

He said the projects would strengthen the council’s coordination with international research partners among others.

“The projects have been implemented in furtherance of the mandates of the council to manage, supervise and coordinate agricultural research, training and extension in the national agricultural research institutes and the federal colleges of agriculture in the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns
Metro

FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in capital city, satellite towns

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Projects

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N36.5 billion for the execution of several projects in Federal Capital City and satellite towns.

Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

Zulkiflu explained that out of the amount, 19.6 billion would be spent on the construction of multi-event sport centres and N13.9 billion on the construction of two magistrate courts.

He added that N3 billion would also be spent on the procurement and installation of a 33kv power supply and streetlight system.

The coordinator said that the committee approved the award of contract for the construction of a multi-event sport Complex in Abuja, Lot A and B.

He said that Lot A, sited at Area 3 and Area 10, Garki District, was awarded to Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd at N9.9 billion.

He added that Lot B, sited at Kafe District, behind Life Camp, was awarded to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Ltd, at N9.7 billion.

Zulkiflu said that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 months.

“The committee also approved the construction of two magistrates’ courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts, at the cost of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively.

“The projects, expected to be delivered within 15 and 18 months respectively, were initiated to improve access to justice and legal services in the FCT,” he said.

The coordinator further said that a total of N3 billion was approved for the construction of a 33kva power supply for communities from Dawaki to Bwari.

He added that the amount would also cover a contract for the provision of a solar street light system on Arab Road and U-Shape Road in the same locations.

He said that the contract, awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd would be completed in six months.

According to him, the move is to improve the security system of satellite towns. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Nigeria economy on the rise with investment opportunities- Edun
Economy/Business

Nigeria economy on the rise with investment opportunities- Edun

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Investment

By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says the country’s economy is on the rise with great investment opportunities.

Edun said this while receiving a high-level delegation from First Abu Dhabi Bank, led by the Group Head of Investment Banking, Martin Tricaud, in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation visited to discuss investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.

The minister enumerated the country’s economic transformation over the past 18 months.

He listed key reforms like market-driven pricing for foreign exchange and petroleum products, increased trade through the African Continental Free Trade  (AfCFTA), and stronger revenue from both oil and non-oil sectors.

Edun said that those measures had stabilised the economy, improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, and strengthened the trade balance.

“The progress we have made in stabilising the economy and driving growth is a testament to our administration’s commitment to economic reforms.

“We are eager to showcase these opportunities to investors and partners like the First Abu Dhabi Bank,” he said.

The Minister said that the government had put in efforts to boost food production and affordability, ensuring long-term economic resilience.

He said that the meeting marked a significant step in the country’s efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties with key partners.

“This partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank is expected to unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation, and economic development,” he said.

Tricaud commended the minister for the country’s achievement.

He said that the partnership would yield positive result for both Nigeria and United Arab Emirates (UAE). (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official
Defence/Security

100 illegal miners arrested in Jos – official

415 total views today

Mining

By Zainab Oyekan

Mr Yabilsu Dogo, Permanent Secretary, Plateau Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Mineral Development has said that no fewer than 100 illegal miners have been arrested in Jos.

Dogo made this known on Thursday in Jos in an interview  with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Dogo said that the ministry has been collaborating with the police to stop the illegal activities.

He said Illegal mining has continued to pose serious threats to both human settlements and the environment in Plateau.

He said one major immediate danger of illegal mining  was land degradation  as illegal miners dig indiscriminately, creating deep pits and tunnels that weaken the soil structure.

“You know that overtime this would lead to increased incidents of land subsidence and sinkholes, making the ground unstable for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

“We had building collapse in Jos last year, illegal mining compromises the integrity of buildings, making them susceptible to collapse, especially during heavy rains or seismic activity,” he said.

Dogo said most times illegal miners get trapped in the holes and many had lost their lives in the process.

The permanent secretary said that government revenues were lost due to unregulated mineral extraction, depriving the state of funds that could be used for development.

He however, said that to mitigate these effects, the Plateau government had  strengthened enforcement measures to promote sustainable mining practices.

Dogo said plans had been put in place to create awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and  also provide  alternative livelihoods for illegal miners. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training
Metro

Nigeria, Germany partner on youth training

415 total views today

Training

By Franca Ofili

The Federal Government has announced a partnership with Germany to launch an innovative dual vocational training programme aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with essential skills for the job market.

The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, gave this update in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with a delegation from the IHK Giessen-Friedberg Chambers of Commerce and Industry, led by Dr Matthias Leder.

Olawande emphasised the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment that empowered young people to thrive and contribute to national development.

He also highlighted the ministry’s ambitious plan to train seven million youths in critical skills over the next two years.

He added that the ministry was organising an intensive three-day skills programme across 50 revitalised Youth Centres, culminating in a central event to enhance employability and prepare youths for an increasingly competitive job market.

Leder, in his address, called the training system a potential game-changer for Nigeria, noting the mutual benefits of dual vocational training for both countries.

He explained that the Nigerian youth would receive free vocational training in Germany, and those who pass the exams would be offered jobs at participating companies.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also stressed that the initiative would promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany.

He further said the collaboration built on a relationship that began in 2005 and was solidified with the launch of the Dual Vocational Education Project in 2012. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye and Abiemwense Moru

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official
Health

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

329 total views today

Dog

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with Carter Centre, said it recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known at a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions, to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, in Awka.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World NTDs Day is marked every Jan. 30 to create awareness and support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

Obidike said the state government established three centres for the treatment of dog bite victims against rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia and Enugu-Ukwu General Hospitals.

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

The commissioner identified onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) as the NTDs in the state.

According to him, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

He said that the state had successfully eliminated two NTDs – river blindness and elephantiasis, through mass drug administration and vector control programmes.

Obidike urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

He urged residents to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, oncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

Also speaking, Mrs Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

In her remarks, Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

Akpabio assures of speedy transmission of 2025 budget for Tinubu’s assent
Economy/Business

Akpabio assures of speedy transmission of 2025 budget for Tinubu’s assent

411 total views today

Budget

By Kingsley Okoye

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured Nigerians that the 2025 budget will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent as soon as it is passed into law.

Akpabio, who gave the assurance at plenary, emphasised the senate’s commitment to ensuring a seamless budgetary process.

He commended the lawmakers for their diligence in scrutinising the budget, adding that their efforts would result in a practical financial plan for Nigeria.

“I congratulate all senators and indeed the National Assembly as a whole for the way and manner you have scrutinised the budget of 2025. At the end, we will have a workable document for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

Akpabio also lauded the lawmakers for extending the capital provisions of the 2024 budget to June 2025 to prevent government operations from being stalled

He said that efforts were re underway to transmit the 2025 budget to the president promptly.

“I also thank you for your foresight in extending the capital provisions of the 2024 budget to June so that government business does not grind to a halt.

“The constitution allows Mr President to undertake the current expenses in the 2025 budget, even up to June this year.B ut we will definitely get the budget across to him as soon as possible” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Cancer: Oncologist advises Nigerians on healthy life style
Health

Cancer: Oncologist advises Nigerians on healthy life style

366 total views today

Cancer

By Confidence Nwanesi and Kemi Akintokun

A Consultant Oncologist, Dr Ajibike Orekoya, has advised Nigerians to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of having cancer.

Orekoya, the Head of Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, gave the advice at a programme organised by the hospital to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Cancer Day is observed every Feb. 4 globally, to create awareness about the disease.

The theme for 2025 is “United by Unique”.

According to her, breast and prostrate cancers are the most common among women and men in the country, hence the need for regular checkup to ensure early detection.

The oncologist noted that women who started menstruation earlier were at s risk of having cancer, while women with family history were also at risk.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and leading cause of cancer deaths among women in low and middle-income countries.

“The World Cancer Day has been set aside globally to create awareness about different things concerning cancer care.

” The most common cancers in Nigeria among women and men are breast and prostate cancer.

”Breast cancer doesn’t have a known cause but there are different things that may increase the risk of a person having it,” he said.

Orekoya, however, urged the Federal Government to increase the number of cancer centres in the country to give patients more access to treatment

“The government, on its part, is trying but there’s still more that can be done.

“The government, has subsidised the treatment for cancer patients and we all know that cancer treatment is quite expensive.

“Patients who are under the health insurance, part of their treatment is covered:

“There’s also another programme where drugs that patients received are provided to them at a subsidised rate,” he said.

Orekoya urged the government to do more by increasing the number of cancer centres in the country and ensure access to timely treatment

” Luckily for us here, the Federal Government is building a comprehensive cancer centre  where patients will be able to have regenerative treatment, hopefully at a subsidise rate. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Audit queries: Senate decries persistent absence of FIRS, NNPCL, NCS, CBN before panel
Economy/Business , Politics

Audit queries: Senate decries persistent absence of FIRS, NNPCL, NCS, CBN before panel

435 total views today

Audit

By Kingsley Okoye

The Senate has expressed concern over persistent failure of some critical revenue generating agencies to respond to expenditure queries raised by Office of Auditor-General for the Federation, (OAGF).

It also vowed to report and recommend sack of the chief executives of such agencies to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appropriate action.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Sen. Aliyu Wadada, said these at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said there was the need for the agencies to account for the funds appropriated by the National Assembly, in line with legislative provisions that empowers the parliament to carry out oversight responsibilities.

Wadada said that the auditor-general’s report which had been submitted to the committee raised significant queries on the expenditure of some of the agencies.

He listed some of the agencies that failed to appear before the committee to answer to the audit queries to include: Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), among others.

The lawmaker said that the senate would report heads of such agencies to the president after providing them with another opportunity to answer to the queries.

“All efforts to get Nigeria Customs Service to the table to know how this happen proved abortive.

“It is important for Nigerians to know what happened under “ways and means”, why Central Bank of Nigeria debited borrower and credited borrower.

“Central Bank of Nigeria debited consolidated revenue funds account and credited treasury single account which amounted to over N30 trillion.

“Consolidated revenue funds account is government account, and the TSA is also government account.

“And in charging the interest, instead of the interest to be charged to treasury account, they went ahead again to charge the treasury account.

“They also went ahead to the treasury account and charged the consolidated revenue funds account, which now have amounted to over N6 trillion.

“There were correspondences among the committee, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Debt Management Office (DMO) because of the faulty document which they were not ready to answer and have been evasive,” he said.

Wadada said that the report of the auditor-general for the federation which queried the agencies covered 2019 till date.

He also alleged that Nigeria Satellite Communications Limited had been invited for about nine times, but failed to appear, adding that Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also fell into the category. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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