Afonne Emmanuel - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Coordinating Director of the Executive Secretary’s Department, Mrs Jane Onwumere who represented the Executive Secretary of NEITI at the event

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

NEITI, stakeholders meet to review 2023 Nigeria extractive industries report

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is engaging with stakeholders to review and validate the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, said this at a Stakeholder’s Consultation/Validation Meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was centred on the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of the Nigeria Extractive Industries, which covers the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Orji, represented by a Director in NEITI, Mrs Jane Onwumere, said that stakeholders engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process was important.

“The global EITI requirement of 1.5 under its 2023 standard mandates all implementing countries, including Nigeria, to document their review of the impacts and outcomes of the EITI implementation in an APR.

“This can also be done through other means as may be agreed by Multi-Stakeholders Group (MSG).

“It requires that all stakeholders, companies, government and civil society involved in the EITI process, including those not on the MSG, should participate in reviewing the impact of EITI implementation.

“They are required to also provide feedback and have their views reflected in the annual progress report.”

Orji said the programme, therefore, aimed to reflect the stakeholders’ views in the 2023 APR of the NEI in line with the requirements of the global EITI.

He said the event served as an opportunity to evaluate and celebrate the progress, milestones, and achievements recorded in Nigeria’s extractive sectors in the year under review.

Orji called on stakeholders to share their contributions to the sector to enable NEITI to report and celebrate them through the instrumentality of the global EITI.

According to him, the APR is not solely the business of the NEITI Secretariat but a collective effort by all parties working towards achieving EITI objectives in Nigeria.

“While we acknowledge that there are still many issues to be addressed in the sectors, we must document, report, and celebrate our efforts and progress.

“Addressing those issues will build trust, earn citizens/investors’ confidence, and attract the desired investment into our extractive sectors and economy.”

Also speaking, a former member of the EITI International Board, Mrs Faith Nwadishi, decried the regular dissolution of the board by successive governments.

Nwadishi said,” the fact that each time a new government comes into office, it dissolves the EITI Board in the country is a concern.

“This is because it can lead to the country’s suspension from the international body, but we are lucky that the Board was eventually put together.

“I am sure that if the NEITI Board had not been put together, the EITI International Board meeting happening right now in Geneva would have been a serious concern.

“We had a similar issue in 2016. Therefore, we must understand the role of the Board.”

Nwadishi, while commenting on the draft report, also observed that not many Civil Society reports had been captured in the APR.

She urged them to send their reports, saying it was why it is a country work plan comprising inputs of all stakeholders, civil societies, government, and companies.

NAN reports that the meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from companies, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other entities involved in the EITI process.

The participants contributed and expressed their concerns, which the NEITI pledged to address accordingly. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

NNPC Ltd’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr Bala Wunti (2nd from right) and Managing Director/Chief Executive, TotalEnergies Upstream Companies in Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer (3rd from right) signing a Final Investment Decision (FID) agreement on the Ubeta Field Development Project at the NNPC Towers in Abuja. Watching keenly are the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; GCEO NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari; Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Verheijen and Senior Vice President for Africa, Mike Sangster

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

General News

NNPC Ltd.-TotalEnergies JV announces $550m FID on Ubeta field dev’t project

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The NNPC Ltd.-TotalEnergies Joint Venture (JV) has announced a 550 million dollars Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.

This was announced on Thursday at the signing ceremony held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers, Abuja.

The milestone is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Executive Order on Oil and Gas Reforms, aimed at improving the investment climate and positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the Oil and Gas sector in Africa.

The Ubeta field was discovered in 1964, in the North-West of Port Harcourt in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.

Once on stream, it will produce about 350 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScf/day) of gas and 10,000 BBLS/day of associated liquids.

It will tap into the vast gas reserves and contribute towards securing gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited said the milestone was a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production.

Kyari expressed appreciation to the president for providing the appropriate fiscal environment and facilitating a conducive operational environment as a major enabler in achieving this success.

The GCEO, while appreciating the industry stakeholders for their continuous support, lauded the Federal Government’s Presidential Executive Orders for Fostering Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.

“The Presidential Executive Order is instrumental to us getting to this significant milestone and we are now seeing the impact of the policy,” Kyari said.

In his remarks, Mike Sangster, Senior Vice-President Africa, Exploration and Production, TotalEnergies, described Ubeta as the latest in a series of projects developed by the oil giant in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.

“I am pleased that we can unveil this new gas project which has been made possible by the Federal Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments.

“Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said Tinubu had significantly rekindled investor’s confidence in the Oil and Gas Industry, assuring Nigerians that more investments were on the way.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project was a testament to the effectiveness of government’s policies aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment in the gas sector.

Located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field will be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through an 11km buried pipeline.

Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates).

Gas from Ubeta will be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which NNPC Limited holds a 49% interest.

Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging OML58 existing gas processing facilities.

The carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig.

TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPC Limited to enhance local content, with more than 90 per cent of man-hours which will be worked locally.

The Ubeta FID justifies the effort invested by NNPC Limited, with unyielding Executive support, into tackling the underlying reasons that have plagued the attractiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to foreign investors in recent years.

The Ubeta project has a robust Nigerian Content plan and is poised to stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and create significant value for stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

President Bola Tinubu with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday in Johannesburg, South Africa

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

General News , Politics

Ramaphosa underscores need for stronger partnership between S/Africa, Nigeria

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By Salif Atojoko

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on Thursday in Johannesburg, underscored the need for a stronger partnership between Nigeria and his country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Thursday, that Ramaphosa stated this during a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Johannesburg.

He said that Ramaphosa thanked Tinubu for honouring the invitation to attend his inauguration for a second term in office.

“Thank you so much for coming for the inauguration. I was very happy to see my brother at the ceremony,” the South African President said.

President Tinubu said that Ramaphosa’s inaugural speech captured most of the challenges faced by African countries, and the need for more collaboration among leaders and citizens to provide solutions.

“I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted to listen to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration,” Tinubu said

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ramaphosa was re-elected for a second term on June 14, following an agreement for a Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

General News , Entertainment

Tinubu congratulates Onanuga on birthday

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on his birthday.

“Mr Onanuga is one of Nigeria’s finest journalists with a string of accomplishments in the media and beyond to show for his efforts,” the president said in a statement on Thursday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

“He was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria and, at various times, had to endure indignities over his progressive beliefs and pursuits.

“He co-founded The News Magazine and was the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PM News,” Tinubu added.

The president noted that Onanuga previously served as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.

He commended the ace journalist for professional excellence, and described him as a dependable and resourceful adviser.

The president wished Onanuga many more years in good health as well as renewed strength in his service to the nation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

NAN MD, Ali M Ali (middle) with some of the inductees of NIPR

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

General News

NAN MD urges journalists to protect journalism profession, check quackery

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By Ibironke Ariyo

Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has urged journalists to jealously guard the journalism profession and ensure the elimination of quackery.

Ali said this on Thursday in Abuja during the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

The NAN MD said that media quacks needed to get the right training in order to function better in the society, as Public Relations (PR) was all about professionalism.

According to him, quacks need better training to be able to get their acts together.

“In public communication, the tone of the PR man is different, especially when you engage a professional; the tone is that of reconciliation and persuasion, and not combating.

“But when you see a quack serving as a spokesman, they are always combative.

“When you become a media manager, naturally, their language and diction should be that of reconciliation, persuasion, peace and not combative nor aggression.

“My advice to all quacks is to get the right training by joining the institute; get the right education, knowledge, and the right attitude,” Ali said.

He said that quackery had not only heated-up public communication in the country but had also heightened tension.

Ali, therefore underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, in spite of the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Some of the inductees at the NIPR Diamond Anniversary Induction in Abuja on Thursday June 20, 2024

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

General News

NIPR inducts 605 new members, seeks end to quackery

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By Tosin Kolade

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has formally inducted 605 new members into the profession, emphasising the importance of professionalism and an end to quackery in Public Relations (PR) profession.

This was the focus at the Diamond Anniversary Special Induction of the institute in Abuja on Thursday.

The President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said that eliminating quackery in the PR profession was to ensure that only qualified and properly trained individuals speak for their organisations, whether government or private.

This, he said would enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the practice.

Neliaku noted that relationship was the hallmark of public relations, hence the need for the new inductees to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity.

He emphasised that members should avoid practices or behaviors that could harm the reputation of the Institute or the PR profession.

Neliaku stressed the importance of adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in all professional activities.

He urged members to respect core values and uphold the ethical principles that underpin the profession.

The NIPR boss highlighted the critical role of maintaining public trust and credibility, reminding members that their actions reflected not only on themselves but also on the entire profession.

Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice-Chairman, NIPR Governing Board, underscored the importance of the event, noting its adaptation to contemporary needs and its alignment with the institute’s diamond anniversary celebrations.

Dandaura highlighted several key aspects of 2024 Hybrid Induction Format which for the first time allowed greater participation, while reflecting modern event-hosting practices.

According to him, the Diamond Anniversary of NIPR held special significance as it coincided with the 60th anniversary of the institute which added historical weight to the proceedings.

“A total of 605 new members were inducted, with 353 joining online and 198 attending in person. This reflects the institute’s significant growth and expanded reach.

“Highlights of our anniversary celebration is a seminar on Public Relations, Value Orientation, and Economic Transformation, aimed at professional development.

“We will also be hosting a Dinner and Recognition; an evening event chaired by General Yakubu Gowon, honoring distinguished icons in the field,” Dandaura said.

He also said that the activities were designed to celebrate the NIPR’s contributions to national development over the past 60 years, while also fostering professional growth and public engagement in the field of public relations.

Mr Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), expressed delight at participating in the event and celebrating the 60th anniversary of the institute.

Ali described the occasion as a milestone and emphasised the importance of celebrating 60 years of the institute’s impactful existence.

He commended the institute for its growth and influence over the past six decades, noting its substantial contributions to shaping public communication narratives.

Ali commended everyone involved in making the celebration a success, emphasising NAN’s alignment with the NIPR in upholding factual reporting as a cornerstone of their mission.

The NAN MD underscored the agency’s commitment to maintaining credibility and authenticity in its reporting, amidst the prevalence of fake news in today’s digital age.

Alhaji Mohammed Malagi, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, noted the dual responsibility of the newly inducted members of the NIPR.

Malagi who was represented by Mr Baba Ndace, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), stressed the importance of speaking positively and forcefully about the country.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigeria, as recognised by the President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Tinubu but highlighted ongoing efforts to address the challenges.

Malagi urged the inductees not to contribute to negative narratives about the nation, asserting that while no country was perfect, Nigeria’s beauty and potential should be the focal points.

He underscored the critical role of the new NIPR members in collaborating with the Ministry of Information to restore trust in public discourse.

He mentioned that one of the ministry’s primary goals has been to rebuild public confidence in communication, fostering trust in institutions and media outlets.

Malagi called on the inductees to take pride in their nation and contribute to its positive image, stating that the NIPR is a platform for mentorship and professional growth.

Goodwill messages were given by representatives of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, President, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Mr Chris Isiguzo, Chairman, House Committee on Public Affairs, Rep. Rotimi Akintunde.

Others are the Nigerian Television Authority, Africa Independent Television among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gabriel Yough

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

Health

Asaba Specialist Hospital to establish 24-hour walk-in blood donor unit

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By Carol V. Utulu

The management of Government Specialist Hospital, Asaba has announced plans to set up a 24-hour Walk-in Blood Donor Unit in the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital (CMD), Dr Peace Ighosewe made this known on Thursday in Asaba during a blood drive campaign organised by the hospital in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plan is part of the hospital’s campaign to create more awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Ighosewe said that the management of the hospital would make the blood drive campaign a frequent exercise due to the increase in demand for blood donation by patients in the hospital.

The medical director further said that the hospital would provide easy access for willing donors and ensure the timely availability of blood for patients in need.

She noted that it had become imperative to have a walk-in blood donor unit in the hospital due to the increasing demand by people willing to donate blood.

On the blood donor campaign, Ighosewe said she was greatly impressed with the turnout of donors who thronged the hospital to make voluntary blood donations as a result of the blood drive.

She revealed that staff of the hospital, from doctors to nurses as well as members of the cleaning and security units, came out to donate in support of the lifesaving cause.

The medical director expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for providing an enabling environment for their work.

“I also commend the State Ministry of Health, led by Dr Joseph Onojaeme, for the support and commitment to the success of the blood drive.

“I commend my dedicated team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, led by the HOD, Faith Emetonjor, for the exceptional work in planning and executing the project.

“My appreciation also goes to members of the management team and organising committee and all the 46 amazing donors, particularly donors who are staff of the hospital,” Ighosewe said.

According to the CMD, the hospital is poised to revolutionise blood donation and patient care in the state, with the planned setting up of a blood donor unit.

Faith Emetonjor, the Head, Medical Laboratory Science Department of the hospital who spoke to newsmen at the event, said the blood drive was organised to celebrate old donors and encourage new people to donate.

Emetonjor reassured donors that comprehensive medical checks have been put in place to ensure their safety and blood products, with two functional blood banks.

She announced the availability of a refrigerated centrifuge in the facility, to ensure proper storage and utilisation of the units of blood donated.

A blood donor, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, a businessman who was at the event, said he felt morally obligated to donate blood.

“I brought my daughter to the hospital for immunisation unknowing to me that today is World Blood Donor Day.

“However, on getting here and seeing the blood drive, I felt it was part of my responsibility to volunteer and help save lives by donating to this cause,” he said.

Nwangwu called on Nigerians to come forward and donate blood to patients in need to save lives.

A staff of the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Mr Chukwuebuka Obidike who was one of the 46 donors, told NAN in an interview that he had been a regular donor.

“I am a frequent donor and I have been doing this for a while now. When I saw the announcement for a blood drive I decided to come and donate,” he said.

NAN reports that the Asaba Specialist Hospital is dedicated to making blood donation a quarterly moral responsibility, thereby encouraging everyone to participate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Stakeholders at the ARSO General Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

Business

Stakeholders call for education, standardisation to boost intra-Africa trade

75 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Stakeholders at the ongoing 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation have called for standardisation in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and export-oriented manufacturing across Africa.

The stakeholders said this on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO).

According to them, such measure will facilitate trade in the African region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the programme is “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century, Building a Quality Culture: One Market, One Standard.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Anite, said a symbiotic relationship existed between education, sustainable development, industrialisation, and trade in the 21st century.

The minister was represented by her Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi.

According to Anite, the ministry considers these essential for economic efficiency, trade facilitation, and tackling developmental challenges.

She said standardisation was a strategic pillar for governments, stakeholders, and the standardisation community.

“The theme points out the need to equip the African youth with relevant skills and SMEs with innovative tendencies needed for the 21st Africa’s Industrial Development and Integration Agenda.

“As provided under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), it is necessary to create awareness of the role of standardisation in sustainable development to catch up with the rest of the world.

“Standards shape our everyday lives, drive economic efficiency, facilitate trade and are the fulcrum for tackling the challenges of moving towards a more sustainable and resilient development model,” she said.

The minister called for enhanced synergy and collaboration among African nations and ARSO member states to implement the AfCFTA agreement effectively.

She reiterated the Nigerian government’s goal to rejuvenate the economy through innovative strategies in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with standardisation playing a key role.

She urged delegates to leverage on the platform to foster greater political commitment and strategic partnership to effectively implement AfCFTA and the African Union’s 2024 Year of Education.

Earlier, the Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said it was important to address the enormous challenges hindering progress on the continent.

Okeke called for concerted efforts to equip African youth with the cognitive skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex global landscape.

“Standardisation is not merely about setting guidelines; it is about fostering a quality culture that permeates every aspect of our lives.

“Stakeholders must re-commit and work collaboratively to address challenges such as out-of-school children and learning poverty rates.

“Our task is daunting yet achievable with concerted efforts and innovative approaches through the application of available technologies,” he said.

Mr Zubairu Abdullahi, representing the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, said the ministry would introduce standardisation courses in its curriculum.

According to him, this is a way of ensuring the standard of products and will also help raise consumer awareness in the country through education.

Meanwhile, the President of ARSO, Prof. Alexander Dodoo, called on African countries to use trade standards and collaborate to change the narrative for Africa.

“We have to create African solutions for African problems. If not, quality education will be meaningless.

“Our biggest challenge is our jobs; our youths are going across borders in the new slave trade because we have not created meaningful jobs for them.

“We owe it to ourselves as leaders to confront the African reality and forge a way for progress,” he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by government officials and key stakeholders in the sector on the continent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Thu, 2024

Business

FG concludes 120-day regulatory reform initiative to boost business ease

48 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), says it has concluded its 120-day Regulatory Reform Accelerator Action Plan, which will significantly improve Nigeria’s business environment.

The Special Adviser to the President on Ease of Doing Business, Jumoke Oduwole, said the reforms concentrated on eight key indicators, including reviewing and updating service level agreements.

Oduwole said others are transparency reforms, efficiency reforms, entry and exit (Airport) reforms, port operations reforms, national single window project facilitation, agro-export reforms, and manufacturing for export reforms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative is a 90-day programme, which started on Feb. 20 and terminated on May 20.

NAN also reports that the Vice President and Chair of PEBEC, Kashim Shettima, granted a 30-day extension period to enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) to intensify their reform efforts.

According to Oduwole, this is due to the sub-optimal performance of Ministries, MDAs and the sluggish completion of reform.

The extension period ends at midnight on June 19.

“These reforms operationalise earlier codified provisions in the Business Facilitation Act 2022 and directly impact the productivity and competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy.

“With the success of this final sprint, vice-president Shettima is set to host the inaugural PEBEC Townhall Meeting on June 28.

“This is where the results of the Accelerator and deepening the PEBEC’s regulatory reform mandate will be discussed.”

She said the successful implementation of these reforms marks a significant step towards making Nigeria a more business-friendly environment.

According to Oduwole, the event will bring together PEBEC Members, heads of over 50 federal government agencies and their reform teams, representatives of the organised private sector, and other stakeholders.

”PEBEC was established in July 2016 to oversee interventions to enhance Nigeria’s business climate. The council is crucial to President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point renewed hope agenda,” she said.

She said the third cohort of the council, inaugurated in November 2023, comprises 24 members from various levels and arms of government.

Oduwole said with these reforms, PEBEC aims to elevate Nigeria’s global business rankings, attract foreign investments, and drive sustainable economic growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ese E. Eniola Williams

(L-R): SERA Co-Founder, Joshua Skurla, Astronaut Victor Espanha; Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji and SERA Co-Founder, Sam Hutchison at the signing of an MoU to send the first Nigerian into space on Wednesday in Abuja

Afonne Emmanuel
Jun, Wed, 2024

Science & Tech

Nigeria, U.S. coy to launch first human spaceflight in Africa

88 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on Wednesday at the signing of the MoU in Abuja, that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.

“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.

“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,” he said.

The minister said the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA.

Adepoju said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.

He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time that Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.

“The Human Spaceflight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

“This is also coming as one of our deep space explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ he said.

Mr Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.

Skurla said that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.

Mr Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.

“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications required.

“You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you; as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.

“The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a Scientist, Mathematician or Engineer.

“This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,” he said.

He added that they chose Nigeria because the country had already indicated serious intent towards space exploration through its obvious space programmes and initiatives.

Hutchison further said that they paid attention to the country knowing that it is a country of Scientists, Engineers and most importantly entrepreneurs.

“We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they can go to space.”

Hutchison noted that the selection process would be through SERA’s platform, and that it would be open and transparent.

Dr Anne Agi, President, Learnspace Foundation, who was instrumental to executing the partnership, advocated for Nigeria to be chosen for the mission.

Agi who expressed optimism that the mission would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths noted that space had the power to inspire future generations.

“It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible.

“We are therefore thrilled to have played a part in this groundbreaking partnership and we encourage Nigerians to key in.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen, on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.

This is part of a broader SERA-led initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.

SERA, is a company from Delaware, U.S., and was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research and democratising space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world.

The SERA-NASRDA collaboration builds upon SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022, which demonstrates the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne