Lilian Okoro - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Lilian Okoro
Nov, Mon, 2023

Diabetes: Need to educate citizens on best lifestyles, nutritional habits

334 total views today

An Analysis by Lilian U. Okoro, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The World Diabetes Day is celebrated on Nov. 14 every year to highlight the prevalence of diabetes and its impact, and to educate people on lifestyle habits that could curb its prevalence.

The World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations day in 2006 after it was established by the International Diabetes Federation in 1991, with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

In Nigeria, WHO estimates cases of diabetes to be 4.3 per cent with its prevalence attributed majorly to lifestyle changes caused by urbanisation.

The disease is also linked to industries that produce unhealthy diets, sugar-sweetened drinks, tobacco use as well as harmful use of alcohol and lack of exercise.

Diabetes is a non-communicable disease associated with increased level of glucose due to inadequate supply of insulin (known as Type 1 diabetes) or inability to use insulin efficiently (known as Type 2 diabetes).

Though the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown, the probable causes are genetics and environmental factors (such as exposure to viruses). On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is largely linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Diabetes remained a risk factor for most of the health conditions including cancer, blood pressure, erectile dysfunction and impotency.

In Nigeria, many people are believed to be living with diabetes and the country’s diabetes prevalence rate is one of the highest in Africa.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, and it is projected that by the year 2030 over 500 million adults will be affected by DM.

A Medical Imaging Scientist, Dr Livinus Abonyi, said the increase could be as a result of urbanisation and aging of the population.

He explained that DM increased with advancing age, saying that this could be because aging was often accompanied by decline in lean body mass and increase in body fat, particularly visceral adiposity (overweight), which may contribute to the development of insulin resistance.

Abonyi, who heads the Department of Radiography, University of Lagos, said the prevalence of DM was still lower in rural areas than urban communities due to the sophisticated lifestyle practiced in the urban cities.

Abonyi, who said diabetes could be hereditary in nature, identified corruption, greed and lack of regulation as major contributory factors of the disease burden in Nigeria.

According to him, some few agencies of government responsible for these regulatory functions are crippled by corruption, while individuals involved in the production of such substandard products are driven by greed.

He said producers of substandard products did not have conscience, love or regards for the effect the products might have on their fellow citizens that fell victim to their inordinate quest for wealth.

“No sane nation leaves her citizens to consume all kinds of food and drug products without effective regulation.

“In Nigeria, all kinds of drinks, noodles and food products are in circulation and freely consumed by the citizens without proper quality assurance and approval for consumption.

“Aside the hereditary nature of diabetes, self-medication is another factor that is promoting high incidence of diabetes in Nigeria; there is a wide pervading attitude of self-medication in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, an average Nigerian prescribes one type of drug or the other to the next neighbour, colleague or relation who complains of any illness, without proper investigation or diagnosis.

“The effect of this attitude applies to even to fetuses, growing children and adults.

“No doubt, this attitude affects major organs of the body which helps the body in carrying out its metabolic functions effectively. These organs begin to fail early in life leading to diabetes,” Abonyi said.

The medical imaging scientist further lamented that many Nigerian citizens were reckless in their eating habit in the bid to demonstrate affluence and class.

According to him, their nutritional habit is based on personal want instead of personal need.

“Many Nigerians eat wrongly. They eat whatever they like in quantity and quality without recourse to the long time health implications.

“People eat as a ‘status symbol.’ This attitude accounts for high incidence of childhood obesity among the children of the rich and middle class in Nigeria,” Abonyi added.

On the remedial measures in curbing the incidence of diabetes among the Nigerian population, Abonyi advised that the Nigerian leadership and the citizens had to do away with corruption.

He said genuine declaration of war against corruption has to be instituted and examplarily demonstrated by government leaders.

This, he said, would go a long way to strengthen regulations, build trust in the system and reduce criminality of production or importation of fake substandard goods.

Abonyi also said efforts should be made by the government agencies, non-governmental bodies, public health experts, health care practitioners, associations and the media in educating citizens on the best nutritional habits and practices.

“Corruption kills citizens if the citizens do not t kill corruption in their system. Citizens should learn to surrender themselves to experts in registered hospitals when sick.

“In order to make this practicable, the current National Health Insurance Act should come into full operation; this act has made health insurance compulsory for everyone,” Abonyi said.

On her part, Dr Bolanle Okunowo, an Endocrinologist with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), urged Nigerians to cultivate healthy eating habit.

Okunowo, also a consultant physician, said people should reduce the intake of refined diet and increase the intake of diet high in fiber.

According to her, there is also need to reduce high caloric diet which can lead to obesity causing insulin resistance.

The endocrinologist stressed the need for regular medical checkup, saying that if a routine checkup showed prediabetes, it could be reverted to normal glucose with the help of good medical advice and treatment.

“Exercise regularly and avoid sedentary lifestyle. Avoid smoking and reduce or avoid alcohol use including energy drinks,” Okunowo said.

On the role the government could play in reducing the burden of diabetes among the populace, Okunowo suggested that the government should increase tax on high sugar/energy drinks and reduce tax on low or no sugar drinks to discourage intake of high caloric drinks.

She also suggested the need for health education using various social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Podcast, radio and television.

“There should be spacious playing grounds in schools to encourage exercise and adequate physical activity. This would help to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity.

“Similarly, there’s need for availability of affordable health care system to encourage early screening for diabetes mellitus and treatment for those living with DM,” Okunowo said. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Salif Atojoko

Administrators urge govts to prioritise health workers’ conditions of service

Lilian Okoro
Nov, Thu, 2023

General News , Health

Administrators urge govts to prioritise health workers’ conditions of service

262 total views today

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN) has called on government at all levels to prioritise the welfare and conditions of service of Nigerian health workers to enhance their performance.

Mrs Rosemary Archibong, the National President of IHSAN, made the call at the 37th National Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Institute on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was: “Advancing The Health Care Management System In Nigeria”.

Archibong said there was need to improve on the holistic conditions of service of the health workers as most of the health facilities across the country were in deplorable state.

She said there had not been adequate funding for the health sector; which was responsible for poor maintenance of the health equipment as well as the poor working environment in the health sector.

According to her, it is a plea to the government to look into the conditions of service of the health workers with the view to improving them.

She reiterated commitment of the Institute to train and retrain health service administrators to sharpen their skills for enhanced deliverables.

“There is need for overall good working environment for health workers.

“We call on the Federal and State governments to actualise and sustain attractive conditions of service for all health professionals, including the hospital administrators.

“We appeal to government to be more sensitive in handling problems in the health sector.

“The institute shall not renege on its mandate to train and retrain health service administrators to sharpen their skills for enhanced deliverables,” Archibong said.

Mr Adeyinka Antwi, Director of Administration, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, called for harmonisation of the salary system of the health sector such that the only difference would be the allowances.

Antwi, also the Chairman of IHSAN, Lagos Chapter, said that the salary harmonisation was paramount to put an end to the incessant industrial strike in the health sector.

“All we need is a good working environment in the health sector.

“Harmonisation of the salary structure is necessary because it will go a long way to address the issue of incessant industrial strike in the health sector.

“There should concerted effort to ensure that roles are well defined in the health sector.

“The overlapping roles in the health sector administration and management has posed a great challenge,” Antwi said.

Dr Adedamola Dada, Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre Ebute Meta, said there was need for promotion of universal health coverage in order to advance the healthcare management system in Nigeria.

Dada, also the Keynote Speaker at the conference, said that availability, accessibility and security of the drugs through health insurance were paramount to actualising the Universal Health Coverage.

According to him, there is need for the country to invest in and maintain robust healthcare infrastructure that can meet the growing demands of the population, saying that adequate equipment, well-trained staff and efficient logistics are essential.

“To advance the healthcare management system in Nigeria, we must focus on several critical areas; we must continually strive to enhance the quality of care, embrace technology and modern practices.

“There is need to make healthcare services more accessible, especially in rural and under-served areas. Tele medicine and community health program can play a significant role in achieving this.

“In view of the fact that government alone cannot fund health, there is a need to support private initiatives through appropriate legislation and funding,” he said.

Dada enjoined the health service administrators to be more proactive in their service delivery.

“As health services administrators, your role is indispensable in translating policy into practice and driving change.

“Let us continue to collaborate, innovate and inspire one another as we embark on this journey of advancing the healthcare management system in Nigeria,” Dada said.

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, called for the collaborative effort of all stakeholders to advancing the healthcare management system in Nigeria.

Owoeye said there was need for stakeholders in the health sector to consolidate on the gains after COVID-19, saying that every federal hospitals across the country now have Intensive Care Unit as a result of the pandemic.

“We need to consolidate on the gains after COVID-19, because after the pandemic, all government hospitals across the country now has Intensive Care Unit and a Molecular Laboratory.

“So, the health sector need not to relent, but to improve on these gains and advance the healthcare delivery system.

“There is need to train and retrain the health workers, provide adequate funding for research in order to promote self reliance of the Nigerian health system,” Owoeye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Lilian Okoro
Nov, Thu, 2023

Politics

Sanwo-Olu seeks support for infrastructure at AIF

147 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is seeking support to boost infrastructure development to make Lagos a working megacity.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the High-level Mayoral Event on “Leveraging Cities and Municipalities for National Development” , at the ongoing 2023 AIF Market Place in Marrakesh, Morocco on Thursday.

According to him, the state already has a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and requires investment to create a destination for Africans.

“We have cleaned up our regulatory environment and opened our doors to ensure all red tapes have been removed.

“We have a one-stop shop in which investors can come in and tick all the boxes on how to settle into the system.

“So, you don’t have to runaround and begin to beat your head on navigating the space.

“Once the regulatory and judicial environment is clear, what it means is for the investment to come.

“We need investments in transport infrastructure and rail; we are building a rail system that can carry millions of people daily.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the rail corridor is meant to move between 5, 000 to 6, 000 passengers .

“The numbers are real and will speak to your return on investment.”

“We need investments on our waterways, building new water ferry terminals that will move people to different parts of the city; we need investment to build another airport.

“We need to build a regional airport that will serve not only the region in the country but the West African region, so the numbers are clear, and we have done all the feasibility to make it work,” he said.

The governor said there were also opportunities in the creative industry, as the state was working on building the biggest film city worth about 400 to 500 million dollars.

He said the state was building institutions for Africa’s creative industry, museums and theatre to keep African art and monuments, encourage Africans and make Africa a destination.

“And we can do this. Let us see Lagos as a small Africa where all of us can come, work, and play.

“You know we already have the biggest refinery and port, so we want all of it to work together

According to Sanwo-Olu, the state is looking for investments domiciled in local currency to de-risk foreign exchange.

“It will deepen our local currency and also help us de-risk foreign currency interest rates and all of it. So, indeed, it is a lot of money,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Farouk Saleh, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metro Capital Advisory Group, reiterated the need to localise infrastructure ingredients on the continent.

Saleh, while speaking on ways of unlocking the potential of global manufacturing, called for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on the continent.

According to him, his group is building a city to create jobs for our teaming youths, thus dissuading the “Japa” syndrome.

On challenges being faced by .. manufacturers in Nigeria, he said they were not insurmountable, especially with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He, however, urged the Nigerian government and other governments on the continent to look into the issues of regulations, power, and forex for African manufacturers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lilian Okoro
Nov, Tue, 2023

General News , Politics

We’ll enhance professionalism in Lagos civil service – Sanwo-Olu

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L-R: President and Chairman of Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mr Olusegun Mojeed receiving a plaque from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday.

By Florence Onuegbu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, on Tuesday, reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing professionalism among civil and public servants in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said during a courtesy visit by Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), led by Chairman of its Governing Council, Mr Olusegun Mojeed, at the Lagos House, Marina.

He said that his administration would continue to partner with CIPM to ensure professionalism in the human resources cadre of the civil servants in the state.

”I am not unaware that Lagos State public service sees the benefit of what the institute (CIPM) brings to the professional cadre in the human resources axis of the civil service.

”Having served as Commissioner for Establishment, Pensions and Training at one point, I have been an advocate of the need to put a professional trend in all of the possible cadres we have in the service.

”I am happy that that the trajectory has continued and we will continue to see a lot of civil and public servants taking the professional examinations of the institute.

”I think the CIPM certification is apt and proper, as it helps to put professionalism as a proper cardinal of the civil service so that the human resources cadre does not become an all-comer cadre,” the governor said.

On the institute’s 55^th anniversary holding in Abuja, Sanwo-Olu, who is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, said CIPM had taken its pride of place among the committee of institutes in the private and public sectors.

Speaking earlier, Mojeed commended the governor for good governance and impressive performance in the last four-and-a-half years.

”Lagos has recorded major milestones and witnessed laudable projects that are aimed at easing the burden of an average ‘Lagosian’ and bringing progress and prosperity to the people for a greater Lagos,” he said.

Mojeed said that CIPM would like to take the partnership with the state government to the next level.

He, therefore, sought Sanwo-Olu’s support for the recognition and inclusion of the CIPM certifications in the state’s scheme of service. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Mon, 2023

Economy/Business

Nigeria, Germany sign MoU on solid minerals exploration

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Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and GeoScan GmbH of Berlin, Germany, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on solid mineral development.

Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this known at a news conference after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Alake said that the significant agreement was formalised on Sunday during the visit of German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, to Abuja.

He said the partnership with GeoScan GmbH would help Nigeria fully explore its solid mineral resources, which could make a substantial contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He added that the development would align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of positioning solid minerals as a significant economic driver alongside petroleum.

He said the MoU is expected to advance solid minerals exploration, exploitation, and judicious use of revenue accruing to the Federal Government.

The minister said GeoScan GmBH possesses cutting-edge technology capable of exploring mineral deposits up to 10,000 metres below the surface, which is a remarkable advancement in the field of mineral exploration.

Alake, who emphasised the cost-effectiveness of the proprietary technology, said it was 80 per cent cheaper than current exploration processes and three times faster in locating underground deposits.

“The gathering of geodata is very expensive. Now this particular technology, which is top notch, is 80 per cent cheaper than current processes in the world,” Alake said.

Given Nigeria’s vast and unexplored mineral landscape, estimated to be worth US$ 700 billion, the Minister noted that the MoU with GeoScan GmbH presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria.

‘”We constitute about 0.02 per cent of the global mining budget. With the US$700 billion estimation of our solid minerals deposit, we still have over 90 per cent of the entire landscape of Nigeria unexplored.

‘”And because it’s an expensive business, that underscores the significance of a landmark that we recorded on Sunday with the GeoScan GmbH, supported also by the German chancellor and our President.”

He said no kobo was commited on the part of Nigeria, adding that the company would establish its technology and plant in the country.

“Movement around the country will enable us to further explore all the other mineral deposits that we have,” he said.

He pointed out that many critical minerals, essential for the production of electric vehicles, batteries, and other advanced technological equipment, are abundant in Nigeria.

He added that these resources play a crucial role in the global shift toward clean and green energy, aligning with the global trend of addressing climate change. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Mon, 2023

Economy/Business

Nigeria adopts IMO guidelines on biofouling to preserve waterways

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Dr Bashir Jamoh, Director General, NIMASA middle with other dignitaries at the training.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Federal Government has adopted the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) guidelines to prevent the menace caused by ship biofouling in waterways.

Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said this at NIMASA and the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCC) Africa Biofouling Management Training on Monday in Lagos.

The training on transfer of enviromentally sound technologies (Test Biofouling) projects for partnering countries had the theme: ‘The Place of Technology in the Management of Marine Biofouling.

Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals on wet surfaces that have a mechanical function, causing structural or other functional deficiencies.

IMO guidelines for the control and management of ship’s biofouling is an international instrument aimed at addressing and maintaining the efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability of maritime operations as well as prevent the spread of invasive species in waterways.

According to Jamoh, biofouling poses a huge threat to Nigeria’s transition to the Blue Economy due to its environmental burdens.

He listed such burden as low productivity, biodiversity, lower resilience to climate change and economic burdens (financial loss due to low productivity), huge prevention and control cost, among others.

Jamoh added that biofouling increases the hydrodynamic drag of ships which results in increased fuel consumption, reduced speed and maneuverability.

“Shipping is at the crux of global trading and the economy with about 90 per cent of world trade and commerce is facilitated through shipping.

“Studies, however, revealed that ships serve as channel for transportation of harmful non-indigenous Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS).

“These organisms attached themselves to the outer surface and niche areas of a ship, and then translocated from one ecoregion to another.

“The process by which these organisms attached themselves to the ship and other surfaces is referred to as biofouling,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s economy relies heavily on international trade with shipping being a key component of import and export activities.

This, he said, had inevitably exposed the nation to threats of the IAS transfer into our territorial waters.

Jamoh added that technological advancements had led to some innovative solutions by experts to aid the control and mitigate the impact of biofouling.

He, however, said that some of these technologies exhibit complexity in the course of their application.

“This workshop on test biofouling project is an initiative of IMO in close partnership with the MTCC to assist developing countries advance their knowledge about and facilitate the implementation of IMO Biofouling Guidelines owing to the complexity of biofouling management and the technologies available.

“This session will involve showcasing the newest technologies, their application including cost-effective practices and related benefits for the environment and efficiency of shipping,” he said.

He stressed that the importance of protecting and conserving the seas, oceans and their inhabitants cannot be overemphasised.

Also, Ms Lydia Ngugi, Head MTCC Africa, said the aim and mandate of the MTCC was to build capacity for climate change mitigation in the shipping and maritime industry in Africa.

“We are here to deliberate and have technical workshop on the test biofouling programme that they are running in conjunction with partnering countries and Nigeria is one of them. We have representatives from Comoros and Somalia.

“With regards to technology, IMO has in place the biofouling guidelines and its aim is to ensure that there is sustainable development world over especially in the shipping industry and this is linked to the United Nations Development Goals.

“With regards to the scope, we all know that a healthy ocean is good for the entire environment as well as the shipping industry,” Ngugi said.

Dr Jose Matheickal, Director, Department of Partnerships and Projects, IMO, said Nigeria had contributed significantly to IMO’s previous policies.

Matheickal also urged Nigeria to follow suit with biofouling guidelines.

“The event is very meaningful and serves as a platform for information sharing and there is the need for collaboration and coordination from stakeholders,” he said.

Commenting, Ms Funmi Folorunso, the President, African Shipowners Association, urged all the stakeholders to take biofouling very serious.

Folorunso noted that biofouling works against shipowners that fly African flags, stressing that the outcome of the meeting would centre on ways to mitigate its effect.

Dr Oma Ofodile, Deputy Director, Marine Environment Management Department, NIMASA and MTCC Africa Focal Point, urged all participants not to be left behind on the IMO call for zero emissions by 2050.

“NIMASA has done a lot to reduce emissions and the training is one of the ways to close the gap of emission from vessels,” Ofodile said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Mon, 2023

Politics

Bilateral relations with Germany will deepen domestic production – Sanwo-Olu

167 total views today

L-R: Mr Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, Republic of Germany and Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Deputy Gov.

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says Nigeria’s bilateral relations with the Germany will boost Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), deepen domestic production and strengthen the non-oil sector.

Sanwo-Olu made the remarks at the German-Nigerian Business Conference organised by the German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, and the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce on Monday in Lagos.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said, “as a leading economy in Europe, Nigeria has a lot of lessons to learn from Germany’s industrialisation trajectory.

“We seek to reverse our infrastructural deficit, build capacity across various production value-chains and develop our economy.

“Our administration has been very deliberate about implementing strategic policies and intentional in our goal to attract investments into the state.”

He said the state government’s objective, through the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, was to foster an enabling environment by initiating and implementing policies that promote ease of doing business.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the state government would continue to support business success through sustainable practices and inclusive economy.

He said that Lagos remained a top receiving state for both FDIs and domestic investments.

He stressed that Lagos was not only open and ready for business, but prepared to provide all the necessary policy support that would strengthen ease of doing business.

On his part, Mr Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor, Republic of Germany, said Germany was keen on expanding all existing bilateral relationships with Nigeria.

Scholz said they were ready to partner with Lagos State in the fields of energy and climate.

He, however, stressed the need for a stable, reliable and environmentally friendly power sector for economic growth and development.

Scholz promised to join hands in changing the stereotypes about Nigeria.

The chancellor said he was in Nigeria to increase trade and industrial investment between both countries, improve local value creation and sustainable manufacturing industry to create quality jobs and upgrade infrastructure.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Igbuan Okasiabor, the President, Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce, said the Nigerian-German partnership had grown stronger over the years, creating various opportunities for businesses in both countries.

According to Okasiabor, partnership between both countries will strengthen facilitate trade, and spark innovation that will drive both economies.

“This conference serves as a catalyst for building stronger and more prosperous relationships,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Fri, 2023

Health

Group seeks opportunity for PWDs to unleash potential

157 total views today

The Group displaying placards with different descriptions suggesting inclusion of PWDs

By Lilian U. Okoro

The Star Children Development Initiative (SCDI) has urged Nigerians to accept and give People with Disabilities (PWDs) the opportunity to unleash their potential.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative, Mrs Grace Alexander, gave the advice at a press conference heralding the 10th anniversary of the SCDI and a book launch on Friday in Lagos.

The book titled: “Living with the Unexpected; Cultivating Joy in Mixed of Multiple Challenges,” was written by Alexander.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the SCDI along with other people with disabilities displayed placards with different descriptions suggesting inclusion of PWDs in the society.

Alexander, who described disability as a way of life, said people with disabilites have suffered neglect, discrimination and abandonment from the Nigerian society.

According to her, it is time the government and society at large totally begin to include people with disabilites in all spheres of life.

She said, “Disability as a way of life; everybody must not be the same. That a person has developmental disability or is physically/visually impaired does not make him/her a less human.

“The society should begin to realise that every living being is a human and as such deserves equal rights.

“Over 30 million people with disabilites according to research are being left behind. If the society should accommodate and support these group of people to achieve their potential; their contributions will make great impact in the nation’s economic growth and development”.

Dr Efeoluwa Akintunde, the Deputy Chairman, SCDI, called for full implementation of the Disability Law to promote recognition and rights of people with disability.

Akintunde said people with disabilites were still left behind in Nigeria because the law protecting their rights; signed about five years ago had not been implemented.

According to him, disability can happen to anyone irrespective of the achievements in life, saying that people with disabilities should be given equal rights and opportunities with others in the society.

Mrs Rose Mordi, the President, Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria (DSFN), called for a change in the narrative of how the society perceives and address people with disability.

Mordi said people with intellectual and developmental disability (Down syndrome) had been excluded from the society.

According to her, other disabilities like the visually, hearing or physically impaired are given the opportunity to partake in government/societal activities in terms of employment, education and otherwise.

“Some physically and visually impaired individuals have been given some sort of job employment opportunities, but the young adults with Down syndrome have not been given any of such opportunities.

“People with Down Syndrome are well talented and should be given the opportunity to go to school, trained and be employed so as to be independent of their parents; while contributing to the economic growth of the country,” Mordi said.

The Project Coordinate, Iyaniwura Children Care Foundation, Mrs Matilda Otitoloju, identified cultural belief as a barrier to inclusion of people with disabilities in the country.

Otitoloju said people still believe that those with disabilities were demonic and as such a taboo to associate with them.

According to her, there is a need for massive sensitisation about disability to educate Nigerians particularly those in the rural communities about their rights.

She added that the sensitisation was necessary to break the stigmatisation associated with disability in the society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Fri, 2023

Economy/Business

Experts highlight bottlenecks affecting Nigeria’s Maritime Single Window

179 total views today

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Maritime stakeholders have highlighted political will, legal framework and basic technological skills as core issues that must be addressed for Nigeria to embrace the Maritime Single Window (MSW) system.

They added that the MSW regime would make the country’s ports more efficient and competitive.

They said this at the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) October 2023 virtual breakfast meeting on Friday.

The breakfast meeting had the theme: “Maritime Single Window: Navigating Path to Efficiency and Competence.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWiFT) Project is a collaboration between the International Maritime Organisation and Singapore.

It is aimed to develop the MSW system to allow importers and exporters the facility to lodge their clearance documents online at a single point and required permission, if any, from other regulatory agencies is obtained online without the trader having to approach participating government agencies.

NAN reports that from Jan. 1 2024, it will be compulsory for ports around the world to operate the MSW for the electronic exchange of information required on ships arrival, stay and departure at a port.

Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), noted that a robust implementation of the MSW would put the country’s maritime sector at the forefront of regional and continental trade.

Bello-Koko represented by Mr Charles Okaga, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, added that the implementation would create a significant leap in the country’s ranking on the global index of Ease of Doing Business.

Bello-Koko said that the Nigerian government must provided the needed infrastructure to support the MSW system.

“The Nigerian government needs to provide training and support to stakeholders on how to use the MSW system. This can be done through workshops, webinars, and online resources.

“There is the need to develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the MSW implementation and how to use the system, which can be done through social media, and traditional media outlets.

“Government should sustain the current practice of electronic payments for businesses and government transactions. This will help to reduce corruption and fraud, and make it easier for businesses to comply with the MSW requirements.

“There is a need to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the MSW system to identify and address any gap and this can be done through surveys, focus groups, and other data collection methods,” he said.

Also speaking, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, Controller in charge of Tincan Island Port Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), noted that in adopting the MSW system, Nigeria must take cognisance of peculiarity in port administration.

Nnadi said the country must adopt a system that suits its environment due to mistrust and limited capacity.

According to Nnadi, due to issue of mistrust, whatever the country wants to adopt should suit our environment while it considers the limited capacity that exists.

“One of the important thing to address before adopting the MSW is seperating regulation from revenue collection. The many sprinter groups we have dwell more on revenue generation than regulating,” he said.

Nnadi said the NCS was ready for the MSW regime following its transition from the Automated Systems for Customs Data to Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System 1 and 11 and the trade modernisation project.

Also, Mr Cajetan Agu, Director, Consumers Affairs, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), said that the MSW system was long overdue.

Agu, however, emphasised on the need for the political will to make it happen.

According to him, the purpose of single window is to remove human to human contact.

He stressed that the challenges inhibiting its adoption must be tackled before it comes on board.

“There is the need to ensure that the port access road is accessible, scanners are used in the port and there should be an improvement in our multi-modal means of cargo evacuation,” he said.

The former Director, Commercial Shipping, NSC, Mrs Dabney Shall-Holma, expressed concerns over lack of an enabling law to back sharing of data.

Shall-Holma called on the National Assembly to address the issue urgently.

According to her, a lot of cybercrime and insecurity occurs online and the need for a legal instrument.

“In single window, we are scaling to create the share value for all and so we need trading and capacity development and policy focus.

“Unless we get to that, every other weak link will not be added, as we cannot bring in anybody that will tamper with the process and infiltrate the integrity of the system,” she said.

Earlier, Alhaji Aminu Umar, the President, NCS, in his opening remark called for the active participation of all stakeholders in the industry for successful implementation of the MSW system.

Umar said the MSW would facilitate seamless operations, ensure transparent maritime environment, foster customs clearance and increase the country’s competitiveness in global trade. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lilian Okoro
Oct, Fri, 2023

Economy/Business

AfDB’s investments in Nigeria hits $4bn, says official

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(L-R) Mr Lamin Barrow, Director-General, AfDB

By Lucy Ogalue

The African Development Bank(AfDB) says its portfolio in Nigeria is one of the largest among the Regional Member Countries (RMCs), with a total commitment value of 4.4 billion dollars.

Mr Lamin Barrow, Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of AfDB said this during the Joint Country Portfolio Performance Review (CPPR) Workshop on Friday in Abuja.

Barrow said this comprised of 48 operations fairly evenly distributed between public and private sector operations.

According to the director-general, some of the portfolio performance metrics have improved since the 2022 CPPR Workshop.

He said: ”In particular, operations flagged for implementation challenges decreased from 36 per cent in January to 32 per cent in September.

“’This is a result of collective efforts from Federal Ministry of Finance, the Executing Agencies and the Bank to reduce start-up and implementation delays.

” Indeed, the time taken to meet loan effectiveness and first disbursement conditions tend to be excessive. Let me acknowledge the unprecedented recent development with the FEC approval of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.”

Barrow said that the share of start-up delays had been reduced from 32 per cent of flagged operations in June to 28 per cent in October.

He said it was expected to reach eight per cent by end of 2023 with timely and targeted actions for some projects.
He noted that in spite of the progress, the Bank was yet to hit its target for flagged operations of 20 per cent.
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‘Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, annual disbursements have gradually increased; from UA 93 million in 2021 to UA 143 million in 2022 and projected to reach UA165 million by end December.

”Fiduciary compliance has also improved with progress observed in the submission rate of audited financial statements by the Executing/Implementing Agencies for Financial Years 2021 and 2022.
‘
‘In the area of Environmental and Social Safeguards, the enhanced collaboration between the Bank and Ministry of Environment has facilitated the disclosure of safeguard instruments.

” Especially Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) projects in a timely manner,” he said.

Barrow commended the President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the bold reforms initiated to address macro-economic imbalances and structural issues in the economy.

He said these reforms, particularly removal of fuel subsidies and unification of exchange rates, would help reignite higher economic growth trajectory, despite the short-term pains to the population.

The director-general therefore expressed hope that the meeting would accelerate delivery of results on the ground for the people of Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Director of the International Economic Relations Department (IERD), Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Stanley George, commended AfDB’s partnership towards achieving Nigeria’s national development priorities.

George decried some of the challenges preventing seamless Implementations of the portfolio, while hoping that the workshop would provide the platform that would address them.

He listed some of the challenges to include long Implementation period, low disbursement rate, poor communication with the various MDAs and issues of ineligible expenditures.

‘Today’s meeting therefore is to present implementation progress, discuss some of these challenges, the opportunities that are there for us to move the portfolio in the desired direction.

”And how best we can foster maximum development impact to move Nigeria forward through these complementary efforts.

“The portfolio of over 4billion dollar is a loan to be paid by our children and grandchildren. The least we can do for them is to ensure that these projects are Implemented in a timely manner.

” So that the outcomes will improve the quality of life of the people.Outcome orientation should be the watchword,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza