News Agency of Nigeria
Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria
Culture & Tourism

Culture: China reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Nigeria

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By Sarafina Christopher and Mercy Eletta

Li Xuda, the Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria, says there is a strong commitment to strengthen the people to people relationship between China and Nigeria.

Li said this at the 2024 Mid-Autumn festival organised by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre on Saturday in Abuja.

Li, who is also the Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, said the Festival was one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture that had been celebrated for over 3,000 years.

He said that the festival was not just about the moon as it embodied the values of family, unity and cultural appreciation which would be fostered between China and Nigeria.

According to Li, the festival serves as a bridge; enabling cultural exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding.

“By celebrating this festival in Nigeria, we are not only sharing our traditions but also inviting Nigerians to partake in our rich culture,” he said.

Li also noted that the festival was often celebrated annually on the 15th of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually in Sept. or Oct. when the moon was very full and bigger in size.

Mr Michael Olubode, a Nigerian recipient of a dining voucher valued at N1 million, extended his gratitude to the Chinese Government for the undertaking.

He conveyed his heartfelt wishes for a joyous and bountiful Mid-Autumn celebration.

Presentation of gifts to some attendees.

NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the distribution of electronic devices, TV boxes, dining vouchers, health products, among others to Nigerians and Chinese participants to commemorate the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival.

The event also featured a Chinese chef, who educated both Nigerian and Chinese attendees on crafting mooncakes.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Customs boss tasks new management on mentorship
Business

Customs boss tasks new management on mentorship

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By Martha Agas

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has tasked the newly confirmed Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCG) and Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACG) on mentoring the service’s personnel.

Adeniyi made the call during the investiture of the officers at the service headquarters on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS’s Board, during its 60th regular meeting on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of two DCGs and five ACGs to join the management team.

The appointments were made in response to the statutory retirement of senior officers and are fully aligned with the Federal Character Policy, as outlined in Section 14(4) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The C-G said that the newly decorated officers have shown competence, diligence, and commitment in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities assigned to them.

According to Adeniyi, the qualities demonstrate their exceptional ability to mentor younger officers in the service.

“So there is going to be a rich depth of people that can give you (NCS personnel) inspiration for what you do.

“They will provide mentorship and guidance for the younger generation of officers that are coming.

“We are in a period when we should begin to identify, nurture, and cultivate those that will form the future leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service, and we must therefore put our emphasis on merit,” he said.

He urged the newly promoted officers not to relent in their efforts to perform their constitutional duties, as their new positions come with higher obligations and responsibilities.

He expressed confidence that, due to their pedigrees and selection on merit, they will effectively carry out the critical roles of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling.

“It is expected that they will justify the confidence that we have reposed in them.

“Therefore, the virtues of commitment, of dedication, of discipline, and, most importantly, exemplary conduct, are expected from all of you.

“I want you to continue to use merit or to depend on merit to drive your operations,” he said.

The C-G thanked the spouses of the officers for their support in enabling the officers to accomplish great feats in the service.

He urged them to offer more support and understanding, as the new responsibilities would require greater commitment.

Responding on behalf of the newly decorated officers, DCG Olaniyi Alajogun assured the C-G of their commitment to duties.

He acknowledged the CGs fairness and equity in the various appointments, particularly adhering to seniority and reflecting federal character.

NAN reports that the senior officers decorated were Olaniyi Alajogun, DCG in charge of Enforcement, Investigation, and Inspection; and Kikelomo Adeola, DCG to head the new Information Communication Technology Modernisation unit.

Timi Bomodi, ACG to oversee Enforcement Investigation and Inspection; Babatunde Makinde, ACG in charge of Human Resources and Development.

Others are Odaudu Salefu, ACG, in charge of Doctrine and Coordination at the Training and Doctrine Command, and Isah Umar, ACG, in charge of Headquarters. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Anglican Church gets new archdeaconry in Abuja
Religious

Anglican Church gets new archdeaconry in Abuja

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By Emmanuel Afonne

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Kubwa, has inaugurated a new archdeaconry in Abuja to further propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, who inaugurated the new archdeaconry (Kubwa North Archdeaconry) with headquarters at the Church of Transfiguration, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, said that the parish deserved its new status.

The new archdeaconry–Kubwa North–with Venerable Emeka Anyaora, as the Archdeacon, comprised six local churches in the area.

They are St. James Gbazango, Kubwa, Church of Epiphany Gbazango Extension, Kubwa, St. John’s Kagini, All Saints Church Guida, Emmanuel Church Kaba and St. Philip’s Church, Jibi.

Akamisoko said the inauguration of the Kubwa North Archdeaconry would bring evangelism closer to the people.

“It is a plus to the diocese; it is also a growth and with this, we now have 18 archdeaconries in the diocese, and this is one of them.

“God will continue to help them to grow and excel in mission, evangelism and other aspects of human relationship as well as work in the diocese.

“We encourage our members to work hard and show commitment so as to attract God’s blessing.

“Anyone that is not committed to the things of God is doing himself harm; those that are committed will be blessed.

“So, I urge everyone to be committed because it can’t go unrewarded.’’

According to the Bishop, the economic challenges in the country are man-made, as God did not design Nigeria to be so.

He urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the service of God, no matter the economic challenges.

“God did not put us where we are; with the right leadership, dedication, commitment from leaders and followers, we will get out of this.

“Nigerian leaders must be courageous; have human feelings and think about the people.

“The cost of living is getting high; cost of fuel is also going higher and higher.

“God has blessed this country with all the resources that are available; so, we have no reason to be where we are,” he said.

Director of Administration, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable Adamu Sabo, said the inauguration would galvanise and encourage expansion in the house of God.

“I was the first Parish Priest of this church and I am happy with what has happened,” Sabo said.

Chairman, Clergy Association, Kubwa Diocese, Venerable James Lamja, said that the Kubwa Anglican Diocese was growing from strength to strength.

“I am excited and we thank God for the developmental strides of the bishop.

“From here, the diocese will be going higher; from 17 archdeaconries, we are now 20, with an additional three new archdeaconries.

“This is the beginning of good things to come in this diocese; this is bringing administration to the grassroots and connecting with the diocese,” he said.

Mr Edwin Nwoko, Chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee, said that the creation of the new archdeaconry would translate to the spiritual expansion of the Church and service to humanity.

He urged members of the archdeaconry to be committed to God’s work.

“We thank God for a successful event and our people are happy.

“We expect spiritual and membership growth as well as prosperity among the people and we expect people coming here to know God.

“We had a short time to plan this, but the members were united and they cooperated among themselves to achieve the result we got,” Nwoko said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Infrastructure devt. : ICRC to issue certificates in 7 days— D-G
Business

Infrastructure devt. : ICRC to issue certificates in 7 days— D-G

393 total views today

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) says it will henceforth issue Outline Business Case (OBC) Certificate of Compliance and Full Business Case (FBC) Certificate of Compliance within seven days.

This follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu to the commission’s Director General, Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, “to accelerate investment in national infrastructure through innovative mobilisation of private-sector funding.”

In a statement signed by Ifeanyi Nwoko, Acting Head of Media and Publicity, ICRC, in Abuja on Monday, the commission said it had streamlined its approval processes to issue the certificates.

Nwoko said that the move aimed to accelerate the turnaround time for approvals by the commission.

He quoted Ewalefoh as saying, “in line with President Tinubu’s charge and the Renewed Hope Agenda, we have updated our approval processes.

“This process aims to issue either the OBC or FBC to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that meet the requirements within seven days.

“This is part of the current administration’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure development, bridge infrastructure gaps, and stimulate the economy through private sector investment in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.”

He said by streamlining its processes, the commission was not compromising its stringent approval steps or key requirements.

“Therefore, only business cases that are viable, bankable, offer value for money, and meet all other requirements will be approved.

“The ICRC cannot achieve this alone; I urge all chief executives of MDAs to match our momentum and align with the President’s charge to accelerate infrastructure development.

“This will ensure that PPP projects are delivered within record time without being stalled.

“The commission is ready to partner and collaborate with all MDAs to achieve this.”

Nwoko said the ICRC was established to regulate the Federal Government’s PPP initiatives, address Nigeria’s physical infrastructure deficit and promote economic development.

The statement said an FBC is a comprehensive document outlining the detailed investment plan, capital and operating costs, benefits, risks framework, and negotiated financials associated with a PPP project.

It is prepared and submitted by the MDA to obtain the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) approval, as required by Section 2(2) of the ICRC Establishment Act.

“This formed the basis for secure funding, approvals, or partnerships.

“In contrast, the OBC is less detailed than the FBC but provides a determination of project viability and bankability, offering a solid foundation for the project’s overall strategy and direction.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Stakeholders urge unified action to scaled-up climate finance for Africa
Environment

Stakeholders urge unified action to scaled-up climate finance for Africa

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By Muhyideen Jimoh
Stakeholders have called for a unified action to secure scaled-up climate finance for Africa.
The stakeholders spoke at the 12th Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-XII) in Abidjan.
The conference served as a crucial platform for African leaders, policymakers, and experts to address the urgent climate challenges ahead of the upcoming COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The theme of the conference is, “Financing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Africa”.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Environment, Jacques Konan, said that the theme resonates deeply as Africa continues to grapple with the disproportionate impact of climate change.
Konan said that this was in spite of it contributing less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Combating climate change is the greatest challenge humanity has faced in the last century.
“There is need for adequate financing to support Africa’s adaptation efforts, which is critical to mitigating the continent’s vulnerability to climate-related impacts,” Konan said.
Hanan Morsy, Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), highlighted the ongoing shortfall in global climate finance.
“Despite the 2009 pledge of 100 billion dollars annually, only a fraction of the estimated 1.3 trillion dollars needed to support global climate resilience has been mobilised,” she said.
Morsy called for innovative financing mechanisms to avoid exacerbating Africa’s debt burden, suggesting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be leveraged to channel investments into the efforts.
Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, emphasised the immense financial requirements for Africa’s climate commitments.
According to Sacko, African countries will need approximately three trillion dollars to fully implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.
She urged the continent to unite and speak with one voice at COP 29, stressing the importance of securing grants over loans or debt, to finance impactful climate projects.
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, Anthony Nyong, stressed the need for recognition and compensation for Africa’s contributions to global mitigation efforts.
“Our priority must be fostering climate-resilient development while balancing adaptation with climate-informed investments.
“Achieving this goal hinges on securing adequate financing, technology transfer, and capacity building,” Nyong said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that CCDA-XII aims to catalyse bold actions and commitments that will address Africa’s immediate climate challenges.
It is also meant to secure a prosperous and sustainable future for generations to come.
The conference, convened by a coalition of partnerships known as ClimDev-Africa, including the African Union Commission, the ECA, and the AfDB was hosted by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited  by Kadiri Abdulrahman
FG tasks investors on proper utilisation of NCDMB intervention funds
Oil & Gas

FG tasks investors on proper utilisation of NCDMB intervention funds

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has tasked investors in the country to utilise the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) intervention funds for the purpose they were meant for.

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), made this known on Thursday during a facility tour of Amal Tech Limited, located at Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister who was on the tour with some officials of the ministry was conducted round the company’s facility by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shehu Abdullahi.

Lokpobiri, who was proud of the company’s proficiency, expressed commitment towards strengthening its partnership with the NCDMB because of the value it had added to the Nigerian economy.

“I use this opportunity to tell other people who are in partnership with NCDMB to use the funds that they have been able to get at single digit for the purpose the investments were made.

“It is surprising to hear that between the investments and the loans, the NCDMB in the last few years has spent over half a billion dollars,’’ he said.

The minister, who was amazed that Amal Tech Ltd. got the least amount in terms of what NCDMB invested, promised to grant the company any support it needed for showing capacity in managing funds and creating value.

He thanked the Amal CEO for choosing to domesticate his knowledge/expertise in different sectors of the economy to create employment, contrary to some Nigerians who chose to take their expertise outside.

“As rightly said, this company started with a small idea of a smoke and leak detector production, and now you have expanded to manufacturing meters, Point of Sale (POS) machines and pipeline cellulose.

“I believe that in the next few years, you will do amazing things. The least we can do is to strengthen our support for you, so that you can do more, not just for the Nigerian economy but for the entire world,’’ he said.

The minister also promised to work with the company to spur more engagements, particularly by deploying its technology on the pipeline surveillance to assist in curbing oil theft.

Lokpobiri said that its facility and services would be strategic to achieve the objective of reducing the infractions on the pipelines which was affecting the country’s overall production.

“We have the capacity to produce 2 million barrels per day (bpd) or more and it is our ambition to ensure that we do 2mbpd or more by the end of 2024.”

The minister expressed delight that as a serving senator in 2010, he was among those who basically conceived and passed the bill for the NCDMB to be created to support local industries.

He promised to assist the company to market its products and services in the West African sub region and in other locations where Nigeria’s affiliations reached such as the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO).

Abdullahi, while responding, thanked the minister for the financial support his company had received.

He said that the gesture demonstrated the government’s willingness to drive local content for the good of the economy.

Abdullahi said that he was looking forward to more partnership as promised by the minister.

He said the company which was commissioned in 2023 rely solely on local resources for its production to enhance local content, give value to the Nigerian market and save money for the Nigerian economy to thrive.

Among its technologies include a wireless alarm transmission, a technology driven approach to pipeline monitoring and GIS-Based Pipeline Monitoring which allows for the visualisation of pipeline routes and potential issues on a map with clear overview.

Others are Operator Training Simulation, Drone Monitoring and Surveillance for aerial views of the pipelines especially in remote areas, Control and Command System and Distribution, Acoustic Sensing and Seismic Technology and Sensor Integration.

The products also include pipeline monitoring components, three-in-one devices with Wi-Fi, gas leak and smoke detector, smart metres, water heater, fire alarm panel and POS machines that accept payment offline with other functionalities, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Poor implementation of anti graft laws fuel Nigeria’s corruption – Group
General News

Poor implementation of anti graft laws fuel Nigeria’s corruption – Group

443 total views today

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) has identified poor implementation of anti graft laws as a major challenge in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The Executive Director, CeFTPI, Dr Umar Yakubu said this  at a Criminal Justice Cohort Post-IACC Engagement Workshop organised by MacArthur Foundation, on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the workshop became necessary to review decisions reached at the international anti corruption conference held in Lithuania in June concerning the fight against corruption.

“We agreed to develop a mechanism for monitoring implementation of all the anti corruption instruments and coordinates in various countries including Nigeria.’’

According to him, the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the media are the major partners in achieving the task of monitoring the government and its institutions responsible for fighting corruption.

“So, that is where CSOs and the media can come in and monitor to ensure that the government is implementing all the commitments it has made.

Yakubu said Nigeria had made all the laws necessary to fight corruption but found it difficult to implement them.

He, therefore, urged the government to step up the fight against corruption to save the country from economic collapse.

“When things are new, there is resistance to change and some of them are legal-based which means that laws must be changed but the most challenging is implementation.

“We don’t have a problem with our laws but the problem of implementation.

“So, what we did in Lithuania was to develop a mechanism for monitoring implementation of all the anti-corruption instruments and all the anti-corruption coordinates we have in Nigeria.

“That is why we are having this post-conference meeting to discuss the implementation; we as CSO and the media should start to implement the recommendations of the conference.’’

He also alleged that procurement in various offices had become a conduit pipe for syphoning funds, adding that transparency had become the greatest tool for curbing procurement fraud.

He stressed the need to pressure the three tiers of government to ensure that all procurement processes are conducted transparently.

“We are talking about enhancing procurement processes to reduce corruption, monitoring climate finance, electoral integrity of people we vote into office and the level of integrity they should have.

“We are also talking about illicit financial flows and the level of assets that were stolen from the country and the continent to other jurisdictions, to see how we can enhance our democracy.

“Under the EITI agreement, procurement processes should be proactively disclosed, meaning that one doesn’t need Freedom of Information Act to get any information.

“For instance, in the extractive sector, when the government proactively discloses how many barrels of crude oil we are producing and how many we are selling and the production sharing contract, there will be no need for investigative journalism.

“Developed countries do better than us because the level of citizen engagement is very high.

“It is not about the media and CSOs; when citizens are aware and demand accountability, you will find out that the institutions will be responsible because citizens trigger responsibility in the government,” Yakubu said.

Earlier, Prof. Muhammad Ladan, Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), urged every head of an institution to take charge of finances to be able to check corruption in the system.

Ladan said that any abuse of power created an element of corruption.

“The level of corruption in the system has left those that are principled without any choice of being corrupted.

“From that conference in Lithuania, we were told to go and repackage the anti-corruption fight based on their context and peculiarity.

“The declaration has one key takeaway – that we must enhance the capacity of the citizens to participate in governance.

“You can find this particular declaration clause in the Nigerian Constitution, Section 24, Subsection 2, paragraph C of the Constitution provides for citizens to participate in governance.

“So, what we need is to translate this provision into actual practice which includes the fight against corruption at all levels including the private sector,” Ladan said.

Also, Mrs Nkemdilim Okereke, Programme Officer, Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, advocated for the inclusion of persons with disabilities while forming a mechanism for reporting of corruption.

“So, civil societies and other stakeholders, in all their interventions should ensure that feedback and preferences from the marginalised population (women, young people and persons with disability) are incorporated in their interventions,” she said.

Okereke said that the fight against corruption in Nigeria should not be left for a particular group but for all the citizens. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Members of now-defunct APC women campaign council seek recognition in Tinubu’s government
Politics

Members of now-defunct APC women campaign council seek recognition in Tinubu’s government

512 total views today

By Dorcas Jonah

Members of the now-defunct All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Council want President Bola Tinubu to appoint some of them into positions of authority to ensure inclusivity in his government.

Elizabeth Otunbalogun, spokesperson of the group, told newsmen in Abuja that their being given appointment was necessary as a matter of fairness and also to foster trust in the people.

“The 2023 elections may have come and gone and we in the APC are beneficiaries as a party, but as women of the defunct Campaign Council, we are not beneficiaries.

“We are very sad with the shift in appointments by President Tinubu which has ignored us.

“We demand that the President look into the defunct APC Campaign Council and pick women to fill the 18 per cent deficit in the appointments made so far.

“This will ensure a correction of the anomaly in future appointments for women participation in governance in Nigeria,” she said.

Otunbalogun further said the defunct APC Women Campaign Council had pivotal persons that worked for the emergence of the President in 2023.

She said the women made themselves available through various groups and associations to galvanise support for the actualisation of the aspirations of President Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The group spokesperson also wondered why their members were not appointed, in spite of their efforts to ensure victory for the APC.

“We went all out for the party and the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

“What is our sin? What did we do wrong to warrant this level of ignominy?

“We are asking these questions because our research team has made scary findings on the level of abandonment suffered by members of the defunct Campaign Council,” she said.

Otunbalogun noted that President Tinubu had raised the hopes of women on May 29 in 2023.

”This was when he promised to increase our participation in governance to at least 35 per cent of all governmental positions.

“That promise as we expected was in line with the National Gender Policy (NGP) of 2006.

“This statement peaked the various assurances which the President and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, gave to the group before the elections.

“So, for him to commit to it in his inaugural speech was indeed pleasing to us as Nigerian women who worked for the party,” she said.

Otunbalogun pointed out that the appointment so far made by the President appeared not to represent this goal.

She said the cumulative appointments by the President since May 2023 stood at 12 per cent.

This, Otunbalogun said, does not reflect 50 per cent of the 35 per cent of the NGP of 2006 on inclusion.

”It fell flat of the expectations from us all.”

She then appealed to the President to reconsider his appointments to ensure that members of the defunct APC Women Campaign Council were adequately rewarded for their efforts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Africa Energy Bank: FG committed to meeting Sept. deadline
Oil & Gas

Africa Energy Bank: FG committed to meeting Sept. deadline

699 total views today

By Emmanuella Anokam

The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to meet the September deadline set out for the commencement of the African Energy Bank (AEB).

Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when Dr Omar Ibrahim, Secretary-General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) visited him.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria, on July 4, was granted the hosting right for the Africa Energy Bank after beating Ghana, Benin Republic, Algeria, South Africa and Cote D’Ivoire in a keenly contested bidding.

To ensure the bank’s operationalisation, APPO Secretary-General called on African oil-producing member countries to contribute their subscription fees of 83 million dollars, aiming for the bank’s inauguration in September 2024.

Lokpobiri said it was working assiduously to resolve the issues bordering on the host country agreement, the headquarters building and the balance of the subscription.

“We are working very seriously to fulfill all the things we have signed up to do before the end of September, so that the bank can actually start off.

“We want to emphatically state that Nigeria is committed to meeting her obligations as a host country. We are working day and night to ensure that we meet the September deadline,” he said.

He said the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Nicholas Ella, and him, had been meeting daily, while the permanent secretary had been spearheading the technical team to ensure that everything was done within the time frame.

He commended Ibrahim for the excellent job he had done for APPO, adding that since his assumption as the Secretary-General, APPO had been rebranded and grown exponentially to its current level.

“And we Nigerian are very proud of you, not just as our ambassador, but as an ambassador of Africa.

“Anytime you speak, the rest of the world listens because of your depth of knowledge and the way you have been rated globally as far as the energy community is concerned,” he said.

The minister, while urging him to join in building the bank to a strong level before exiting as the Secretary-General, said he supported all the countries, though criteria was clearly spelt out but Nigeria won squarely.

Earlier, the Secretary-General, who was on his first visit to Nigeria after it won the AEB hosting right, commended the ministry for its efforts toward the establishment of the Bank, an initiative of the APPO and Afreximbank.

“There are issues. One is the host country agreement, second is the headquarters preparing it and the third is to make up the difference between what Nigeria pledged and what Nigeria has paid so far.

“Everybody is looking up to Nigeria. Ministers of other countries are asking me, when are you moving? When are we starting,” he said.

He then appealed to the Federal Government to conform with its promise to APPO which informed the decision to give Nigeria the hosting right.

“As a Nigerian, I am very happy, pleased and very proud of what you have done. I want to make it very clear, Nigeria won and won fair and square.

“And I want to say that really Nigeria should be proud of its team in APPO, the minister, the permanent secretary and consultants.

“You have earned the respect of your colleagues. And I want this to be sustained,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Unaccredited training consultants risk 6-month imprisonment – CMD
General News

Unaccredited training consultants risk 6-month imprisonment – CMD

525 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Centre for Management Development (CMD) says any individual who operates consulting training, without accreditation is liable to six months of imprisonment or a fine of N250,000 or both.

Mrs Modinat Olusoji, CMD’s acting Director-General (D-G), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that unaccredited corporate entities engaging in management development training are equally liable.

’They are in their own case liable to a fine of N1 million.”

She said the newly-amended Establishment Act of the Centre makes provision for the sanctions and empowers the body to enforce the law.

NAN reports that CMD and the Nigerian Council for Management Development (NCMD) were established in 1973 .

They are to regulate management consultancy training through the accreditation and registration of management trainers, training firms and institutions.

The 1973 Establishment Act was amended in 2022 and statutorily empowers the bodies to sanction unaccredited trainers and firms.

Olusoji said that the centre had put machinery in place for the implementation of the amended act on sanctioning unaccredited management training centres in the country.

She said the centre was also carrying out a campaign to sensitise stakeholders to the development.

“We are using every form of advocacy, including our accredited trainers, to be our ambassadors wherever they go.

“We are also trying to put some other activities in place to ensure that those unaccredited gets accredited because we don’t want to just go in the way of enforcing sanctions.

“We want to educate them on the consequences, so that they can voluntarily come forward to be accredited,” the acting D-G said.

Olusoji added: “Another thing we have done is to educate Nigerians on the need to patronise only accredited trainers and management consultants.

“If you want to know whether a firm is accredited or not, just ask for its accreditation number or the name, go to our website and carry out a check”.

The D-G underscored the need for standardisation in management training and urged stakeholders to work together to sanitise the environment and ensure that investment in the sector yields satisfactory result.

She added that the centre’s mandates were derived from the need for human capacity development, provision of services in the area of management training, research, consultancy and education.

This, she said, would ensure improvement of performance and productivity in all sections of the economy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

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