News Agency of Nigeria
FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items
Food Security

FG intensifies moves to further crash prices of food items

Food

By Kingsley Okoye

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a Federal Executive Council committee to further crash prices of food items across the country.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi stated  this on Wednesday in Abuja, while presenting a paper at a one- day capacity building workshop for journalists covering the Senate.

Abdullahi said the president’s order would be enforced to further crash prices of food items by ensuring the safe passage of products through various routes across the country.

He emphasised that the committee’s action was aimed at realising Tinubu’s vision on food sovereignty.

According to Abdullahi, the Federal Government was fully committed to addressing the high prices of transportation of farm produce in the country.

He said, “I can say it on good authority to you that the president has given a matching order with a federal executive council committee already handling it.

” On how we are going to promote safe passage of agricultural foods and commodities across our various routes in the country.

“We are aware, and I’m sure as media, you are also aware, there are routes through which commodities are taken before they are delivered.

“If you know the amount of money that is being spent, you can now understand why those commodities have to be expensive at the point of delivery.

” So, we are working very hard,we are doing quite a lot. But I’ve just given you a snippet because I’m here, and I felt we should look at that.”

Abdullahi explained that the vision for food sovereignty was within the ambit of food security and food sufficiency which encompassed availability of food, accessibility as well as affordability, and in right nutritional content on a sustainable basis.

According to him, other programmes such as the ‘Farmer Soil Health Scheme and Cooperative Reform’ were also awaiting implementation .

” We are having what you call the Farmer Soil Health Scheme. And that is ready for launch,we are just waiting for the date.

“Mr President has shown tremendous interest in the cooperative sector as a veritable tool for resource mobilisation, for economic activity generation and to improve the livelihood of members.

“And you know the principle of cooperative is clear, is democratic, yet it is also very productive. And so we are reforming this.

” There is a number of things we are doing there and I will urge you, as a press corps, to consider forming a cooperative,” he said .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, with the theme: “Parliamentary Reporting : Issues , Challenges and Responsibilities also had as resource person the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs Sen.Yemi Adaramodu.

Other resource persons included Sen. Ita Enang and Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Bashir Rabe Mani

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister
Business

Nigeria targets 25% industrial growth by 2035 – Minister

 
Growth

By Desmond Ejibas

Federal Government says Nigeria has projected a significant rise in industrial contribution to GDP, targeting 25 per cent growth between 2025 and 2035 under a newly validated strategic framework.

Sen. John Owan, Minister of State for Industry, made the remark during a panel session at the ongoing Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Milan, Italy.

The session was themed “Powering Growth and Prosperity in High Potential Economies Through Widened Access to Affordable, Reliable and Flexible Energy.”

Owan said the framework marked a turning point in Nigeria’s industrial policy, describing it as one of the most profound achievements of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

“For the first time in decades, Nigeria has a strategic industrial framework. We are determined to grow our economy,” he said.

He explained that the country’s current industrial contribution to GDP stood at about 10 per cent, with plans to raise it to 25 per cent by 2035.

The policy, he added, signaled Nigeria’s shift from a resource-based economy to a productive, competitive and innovative one.

Owan noted that President Bola Tinubu had been a strong advocate of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a tool for powering industries and driving economic growth.

He said that Nigeria’s large population and vibrant youth base positioned it as a key player in Africa’s industrial future.

“Nigeria is ready. Africa is the new frontier, and we are reforming to meet global expectations,” he said.

The minister praised President Tinubu’s reform-minded leadership, citing decisive actions taken on his first day in office, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonisation of exchange rates.

He said those bold steps had helped stabilise the economy, with businesses able to access foreign exchange through official channels.

According to him, Tinubu has also been promoting Nigeria as an investment destination during his global engagements.

“There is no better time in our history than now. Nigeria is open and ready for business.

“The global community should engage with Nigeria and Africa due to the continent’s readiness for transformation,” Owan said.

He further described Nigeria as ‘more of a gas-based country than an oil country,’ stressing that energy policy is grounded in available resources and long-term development goals.

He noted, however, that infrastructure gaps had led to significant gas flaring, urging international partnerships to help the country achieve energy sufficiency.

On his part, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy at NNPC Limited, emphasised that gas was central to Nigeria’s economic strategy.

He said that the Tinubu administration had been leveraging gas to deliver improved outcomes for Nigerians.

“Nigeria has over 210.5 trillion cubic feet of gas. We must optimise its development,” he said.

Ogunleye said NNPC was revising the gas master plan to position Nigeria as a sustainable global supplier, noting that projects such as the Train 7 LNG expansion would boost output by 30 per cent.

He added that clarity was being provided on gas sources for potential Train 8 and Train 9 expansions.

The NNPCL executive further highlighted the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline project which, he said, was being developed in partnership with Morocco to connect 16 African economies and strengthen Nigeria’s role as a dependable gas supplier.

Domestically, Ogunleye said NNPC had begun supporting gas-based industries to generate jobs and meet investor needs, citing renewed interest from global firms in deep-water gas developments.

“Companies like Petrol Brass, returning as fiscal incentives, have created a competitive landscape.

“This is the best time to invest in Nigeria because the opportunities are vast and the environment is ready,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gastech conference is one of the world’s largest gatherings, drawing global leaders and investors to discuss sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector
Business

FG: Nigeria on path to sustainable power sector

Power
By Constance Athekame
The Federal Government says Nigeria is on the path to achieving a sustainable power sector and ensuring reliable electricity supply for its citizens.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating a two-storey building comprising five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).

Adelabu, who congratulated NAPTIN and the power sector said that the country was moving in the right direction, and would soon attain sustainability in the sector.

The minister noted that the Tinubu-led government was not only committed to the development of the sector but was also converting vision into action.

According to him, Nigerians are already reaping the fruits yielding from the sector adding that: “this administration has witnessed the highest generation of power ever in the history of this country.

“We have seen the highest transmission, stable transmission infrastructure and we have seen improvements in our distribution infrastructure.

“In no time we are going to witness a country where there is 24-7 uninterrupted power supply; this is possible as we have seen the signs,’’ he said.

Adelabu also said that federal government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health care centres, institutions, offices, and communities.

According to him, this administration believes that without power, no critical sector can operate optimally.

“This is why the president has chosen power sector as a key driver of other critical sectors in the economy, education, health, aviation and all other sectors.

“This is why we must focus on making this power sector work,’’ he said.

The power minister listed ways to attain sustainability in the sector to include the development of local capacity, such as human capacity to operate an effective industry with less reliance on foreign expertise.

“Another thing we need to add is to develop local content in all segments of the power sector value chain, be it in generation, transmission, distribution,’’ he said.

He said: “Nigeria has what it takes to start manufacturing its own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries.

“We have the brains. We have the people. So, we must be self-reliant, we must be sustainable, and I believe that we are very close to achieving this,’’ he added.

Adelabu said that the inauguration of the projects underscored government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled-workforce capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The Director-General of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, while providing overview of the project, said that it represented the commitment to transform the power sector.

Nagode said that the building was not just an edifice, but would lay the foundation for a brighter future filled with possibilities.

Nagode commended the EU and French Government’s support through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) which provided funding and technical support for the project.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Kevin Okunzuwa

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others
Defence/Security

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others

Collaboration

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Army on intelligence sharing and organisation of periodic workshops for security agencies.

The Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Ann Oladayo, an Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oladayo listed other areas for collaboration to include security cover for special operations, training and retraining of drivers and vehicles safety.

She said this when she led other senior officers of the corps to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa.

According to her, the visit is in a bid to promote the FRSC 2025 Strategic goal two as a lead agency in traffic management and administration in the country.

”The corps will like to bring our professionalism to help in training your new Army recruits in driving. We will also want to engage some of your retiring officers, who intend taking driving as a profession.”

Responding, the GOC said that though, the responsibilities of the Nigerian Army was enormous, it has been able to stabilise security in both states.

Mijinyawa said that the Army was currently collaborating with other security agencies like FRSC, the Police, Customs and others to ensure safety and security of lives.

He pledged the Army’s continuous support and collaboration with the FRSC to ensure safety and security.

In a related development, the FRSC ZCO also visited the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Correctional Service; Zone A, Lagos, ACG Ope Fatinikun, where inter-agencies collaboration and synergy were also discussed.

During the interactive session, questions bothering on stigmatisation of ex-convicts, drivers’ license acquisition, and management of road traffic offenders charged to correctional facilities were addressed. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

Power outage due to collapse of national grid—AEDC
Business

Power outage due to collapse of national grid—AEDC

Grid

By Constance Athekame

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), on Wednesday said that the the national grid collapsed at about 11.23 a.m.

The company made this known on its verified twitter handle in Abuja.

It said; ”please be informed that the power outage currently being experienced is due to a loss of supply from the national grid at about 11:23 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to the company, the outage affected electricity supply across its franchise areas.

“Be rest assured we are working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure power is restored once the grid is stabilised.

”Thank you for your patience and understanding,” it said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

COA/EEE

========

Edited by Ese E. Ekama -Williams

C’ River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG chairman’s suspension by 3 months
Politics

C’ River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG chairman’s suspension by 3 months

Suspension
The Cross River House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms Theresa Ushie by 90 days.

Mr Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Assembly, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters,  Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The house had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr Egbung Obama before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Mr Davies Etta, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, said that the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in Nov. 2024. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/Jane-Frances Oraka

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West
General News

NELFUND: FG disburses N2bn to students across North-West

FG

By Abbas Bamalli

The Federal Government says it has disbursed N2.086 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to students of higher institutions across the North-West.

Alhaji Mukhtar Lawal-Tsagem, Director, National Orientation Agency, Katsina State Directorate, disclosed this in Katsina on Tuesday, while highlighting the achievement of President Bola Tinubu.

Lawal-Tsagem, who disclosed this at a one-day sensitisation programme, said that the funds were disbursed to about 20,919 students of higher institutions across the North-West States.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise, premised on the North-West milestones, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

According to him, the Federal Government has made its presence felt at least in the zone at least in the areas of agriculture and security.

Lawal-Tsagem said,  “In Kebbi, wheat farmers in 12 local government areas were supported via the NAGAP programme.

”Ginger Farmers in Kaduna State received N1.6bn support.

“The N2bn Yawuri Water Scheme is one of the infrastructural projects of the Federal Government in the region.

“NELFUND programme where students of higher institutions in the country receive interest free loans that will help them pay school fees and cater for their studies needs.”

The director hinted that one of the major functions of the ministry was to keep the general public informed about the government programmes, activities and policies as well as mobilising them to support and appreciate the same.

Adamu Muhammed, a lecturer at the Department of Public Administration, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, in a paper presentation, said the region should continue to be grateful to the present administration for its laudable project.

“I want to call on them to cultivate goodwill with him and his government so that the region can continue to reap the benefits of this goodwill.

“Reaping the dividends of democracy and for them to also show competitive citizenship.

“It’s not every problem you run to the federal government, you have the local government, state assembly/National assembly members, and the states, but you cannot join your hands together and do it.

“And it is a problem. You have people representing the popular masses at the grassroots being given hundreds of millions every year and they are squandering the money doing nothing”, he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

IHS, UNICEF partners donate Oxygen plant to Kano Govt
Health

IHS, UNICEF partners donate Oxygen plant to Kano Govt

Plant

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with IHS Nigeria, Canada and Norway Governments on Tuesday inaugurated and handed over a medical Oxygen plant to the Kano State Government at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital.

Mr Dapo Otunla, Vice President of IHS Nigeria, who represented the Chief Executive Officer of the company, said the facility was part of a nationwide project to strengthen oxygen supply for hospitals.

He said the plant, equipped with an advanced pressure swing absorption system, would provide critical life-saving interventions for newborns and children suffering from respiratory illnesses.

“What we witnessed today is the product of a partnership we announced with UNICEF in 2022 to strengthen oxygen supply for the treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19, and other hypoxia disorders, particularly among newborns and pregnant women.

“The programme has seen to the installation of nine oxygen plants across Nigeria in Rivers, Bauchi, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Cross River, Yobe and Kano States,” Otunla said.

According to him, the plants became operational in March 2024 and have so far produced more than 103,000 litres of medical oxygen, serving an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 patients monthly.

He explained that beyond the infrastructure, the programme also built capacity by training healthcare workers to administer oxygen therapy safely and efficiently.

“For us at IHS Nigeria, sustainability and societal impact are at the very core of our DNA.

“This initiative not only strengthens healthcare systems but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing SDG 3 – good health and wellbeing,” Otunla said.

He also recalled that IHS Nigeria had recently refurbished the vandalised Digital Park in Kano, describing the oxygen plant project as another testament to the company’s commitment to improving lives.

Earlier, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Mrs Wafaa Sa’eed, commended IHS Nigeria, the Governments of Canada and Norway, and other partners for their support.

Saeed described oxygen as “a life-saving matter” and said the project would greatly benefit children and patients in need of critical care.

“This project is fantastic, not only because of its health impact, but also because it runs on solar energy.

“At a time when climate change and high fuel costs are challenges, the solarisation makes it more sustainable,” she said.

The UNICEF representative lauded the Kano State Government for its leadership and commitment to health and education, stressing that human capital development remained the foundation of prosperity.

She assured that UNICEF and its partners would continue to work with governments to expand the initiative to more states.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran,  commended UNICEF and partners for the gesture.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aminu Bashir, he also restated the commitment of the state government to improving healthcare delivery.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Police rescue kidnapped Egyptian in Oyo State
Defence/Security

Police rescue kidnapped Egyptian in Oyo State

Rescue

By Suleiman Shehu

The police command in Oyo State has rescued an Egyptian, who was kidnapped in the early hours of Sept. 8 in Ibadan.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, CSP Adewale Osifeso confirmed the rescue of the victim in a statement on Tuesday.

Osifeso said the Egyptian was kidnapped at Alomaja area of Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan .

Osifeso said the safe rescue of the victim without payment of ransom was a testament to the outstanding and dedicated efforts of officers and inter-agency collaboration.

He said that the directive and coordinated rescue initiative of the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, resulted in prompt rescue of the victim.

“Through careful planning, intelligence analysis, and a swift response, the combined teams successfully located the abducted individual after an extensive search of the forests and border areas between Ogun and Oyo states .

“The rescue operation achieved the safe return of the victim without any ransom being exchanged,” he said.

Osifeso said the victim would be reunited with his family after undergoing all necessary medical interventions at the Police Hospital, Eleyele, Ibadan.

He encouraged members of the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the Police through emergency contacts.

The PPRO said that ensuring public safety was the command’s utmost priority and that the police were committed to maintaining a peaceful Oyo State for all. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Court remands man over alleged threat to mother’s life
Judiciary

Court remands man over alleged threat to mother’s life

By Patience Omoha

Threat

A Wuse Magistrate Court, Abuja, on Tuesday remanded a 27-year old man, Chidera Njoku, at a correctional centre for allegedly threatening his mother’s life.

The defendant, who lives at Kabusa Village, Abuja, is facing a six-count charge of threat to life, assault, theft, extortion, mischief and criminal intimidation to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, C. C. Okafor, told the court that the defendant’s mother, Mrs Ngozi Njoku, reported the matter at the Kabusa Police Station on Aug. 21.

Okafor said that the defendant stole some items belonging to his mother, and conducted himself in a manner that threatened the lives of both his mother and sister.

He listed a cell phone valued N140,000, 10kg gas cylinder, five liters of oil and six bags of charcoal as some of the items that were stolen by the defendant.

The prosecutor said that when confronted by his sister, the defendant reacted violently and beat her up.

“He used a motor engine belt on his sister and inflicted serious injuries on her. He also threatened to kill his mother if she refused to give him N200,000,” he said.

The Magistrate, Ekpenyong Inyang, ordered the defendant to be remanded at a correctional centre, and adjourned the matter to Oct. 6.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

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