NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Make MSMEs funds revolving to grow sector- NASME president urges FG

Make MSMEs funds revolving to grow sector- NASME president urges FG

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) has called for the institutionalisation of intervention funds as revolving schemes to ensure sustainable financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

Dr Abdulrashid Yerima, President of NASME, made the call during a panel discussion at the ongoing 2025 MSME Forum in Abuja.

Yerima said that the practice of disbursing intervention funds as one-off measures was not sufficient to address the long-term challenges faced by MSMEs, especially in a volatile economic environment.

“What we are advocating for is a revolving fund mechanism. Intervention funds should not be one-time disbursements.

“They should be structured in a way that ensures continuity, so that when one group benefits and repays, another group can also access the same opportunity,” he said.

Yerima said that government intervention through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and other platforms had positively impacted businesses in the past.

He, however, said that there was the need to scale up and sustain such efforts through long-term planning.

The NASME president also called for a national MSME financing framework that aligned with Nigeria’s industrial, trade, and youth employment strategies.

He said that donor funds and public resources should be leveraged to de-risk private capital, allowing blended finance models that could attract more private sector participation in MSME funding.

According to him, the newly established Credit Guarantee Company is a welcome development and comes at a critical time for small businesses.

“The credit guarantee scheme is essential, especially as MSMEs are considered high-risk by conventional lenders.

“We believe that with appropriate support, these businesses can thrive and repay loans, making the fund sustainable,” he said.

He also urged financial institutions such as BOI and the Credit Corp to simplify their loan requirements and ensure that MSMEs were adequately prepared to access available financial products.

Yerima emphasised the need for targeted support to critical sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and services, stressing the interconnectedness of these industries in building a resilient economy.

He called on the government to subsidise and capitalise MSME funds, ensure low interest rates around three per cent, and invest in capacity building to improve loan repayment and business sustainability.

On regional cooperation, Yerima advocated for the development of cross-border financing tools to support MSME trade across Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We are engaging with other SME associations across ECOWAS and beyond to ensure that African MSMEs are not left behind in the drive for regional integration and trade,” he said.

The Executive Director of Operations at Credicorp, Mrs Nike Kolawale, reiterated the importance of collaboration between state-level MSME leaders and Credicorp to drive grassroots engagement.

Kolawale said that Credicorp was working to establish a robust national credit rating and verification infrastructure to support small businesses and ensure transparency in credit administration.

“There will be a central credit system for the entire country. It will take time, but we are determined to get there,” she said.

Mr Peter Shivute, Executive Director for MSME Development and Export Promotion, Namibia Investment and Development Board, said that unity among African economies would ensure real progress in trade and development.

Shivute reflected on historical and political ties between African countries, citing past collaborations between Namibia and Nigeria as a foundation for stronger economic integration today.

“If we do not leverage ourselves together, just like these three institutions on this stage are committing to work together, we will not get anywhere,” he said.

Shivute highlighted Namibia’s natural advantages in solar energy and emerging industries such as hydrogen.

He emphasised the need for regional economies to pool resources and industrialise strategically.

He called for smarter trade policies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including the development of local manufacturing hubs to process imported components and reduce overreliance on foreign markets.

“We must build 50 per cent of the components locally, create jobs, and still export under the trade frameworks.

“Those products are coming anyway, it is up to us whether we produce them or not,” he stated.

Shivute also urged the continent to adopt modern technologies in traditional sectors like agriculture and finance, adding that Nigeria remained a model for digital innovation in Africa.

“The promise of AfCFTA is real, but it needs aggressive execution.

“The bureaucracy will always be there, but unless we are bold about our goals, we will not get results,” he said.

Mrs Ogo Akabogu, Divisional Head of North Central, BOI. also expressed the bank’s commitment to the growth of the sector.

Akabogu said that BOI was exploring ways of shortening the turnaround time of assessing its loans for the betterment of small business owners. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

AfCFTA: Cardoso calls for greater cohesion among African countries

AfCFTA: Cardoso calls for greater cohesion among African countries

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

Mr Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), says fostering greater strategic cohesion among African countries will secure Africa’s future.

Cardoso said this at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) 32nd Annual Meetings(AAM2025) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said this should be done by accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) treaty,  deepening regional integration, and building robust engagement with the African diaspora.

“To secure the future that we envision, we must foster greater strategic cohesion among African member states, “he said.

Cardoso commended the African Executive Panel for their work in redefining the meaning of diaspora and forming partnerships with the African diaspora which include the Caribbean.

He emphasised the importance of Afreximbank in promoting African trade and economic development.

Cardoso noted that the bank had emerged as a trusted partner, a convener of ambition, and a catalyst for change, shaping strategy, enabling execution, and elevating African agencies across the globe.

He noted that  Nigeria had received approximately 52 billion dollars in trade and project financing over the past decade, mirroring both the size of the Nigerian economy and the depth of engagement with Afreximbank.

The Governor highlighted the bank’s impressive financial results, including its expansion from an initial capital base of 750 million dollars to over 40 billion dollars as of 2024.

He also commended the bank’s crisis preparedness, strategic foresight, and clear communication, which have enabled it to navigate challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.

“The celebration of Afreximbank’s 32 years of resilient growth and transformation is a testament to its commitment to promoting African economic development and its potential to shape the continent’s future.”

Cardoso said it was important to recognise the challenges facing the continent which include rising trade protectionism, global economic fragmentation, and shifting geopolitical dynamics

“These. not only undermining Africa’s developmental prospects, they are also threatening the coherence of the international ecosystem.”

Looking to the future, the governor called for even greater ambition and clarity of purpose.

He emphasised the need for green growth, digital transformation, food and energy sovereignty, and a dynamic private sector that drives opportunity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity at scale.

“Afreximbank has helped us dream big. Now it is time to deliver big. Let us commit to building the resilient institutions our people need.

“Our economies will expire, and our continent will serve,  let us live here today not only inspired by the past, but united in the work that lies ahead.”

Cardoso announced the introduction of two financial products, the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account and the Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, designed to serve Nigerians living abroad.

He said they would also provide a secure and efficient platform for managing funds and investing in the Nigerian financial markets.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings, which has the theme “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment, and fostering innovation. (NAN)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Nigeria’s emerging tax regime responsive to taxpayers’ concerns- Minister

Nigeria’s emerging tax regime responsive to taxpayers’ concerns- Minister

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By Kadiri Abdulrahman

Nigeria is building a tax administration that will be effective in revenue mobilisation and also responsive to challenges faced by tax payers.

The Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite said this on Tuesday in Abuja, at the TaxADR Roundtable, with the theme “unlocking Revenue and Strengthening Dispute Resolution: A Roadmap to Tax ADR in Nigeria”.

The minister was represented by Mrs Ndidi Chineyolum, a director in the ministry.

According to her, Nigerians are living in a time when the imperatives of economic reform, inclusive growth and sustainable public finance demand more innovative and operative approach.

She said that collaboration in the resolution of tax disputes captured the essence of what is required to build an efficient tax administration.

“It speaks directly to the fundamental values that underpin a modern progressive tax system, mutual trust between taxpayers and the authority, procedural fairness in enforcement and administrative efficacy in resolving disputes.

“More than just a slogan, this theme challenges us to reflect on how we can bridge the gap in understanding, reduce adversarial interactions and foster a culture of dialogue and accountability.

“It underscores the need for us all, especially the government, and other stakeholders to create a system where disputes are resolved not through prolonged confrontation, but through seizing and raising a timely consensus,” she said.

The minister said that as a nation striving to broaden its non-oil revenue base, tax compliance remained both a strategic priority and an existing challenge.

“With the global shift away from commodity dependence, Nigeria must strengthen its domestic revenue capacity to sustain national development.

“Over the past decade, the landscape of tax disputes has become increasingly complex, both in volume and in nature of issues arising from a growing business model and regulatory framework.

“The adversarial nature of traditional litigation often results in prolonged resolution timings, escalating legal expenses and strained relationships between taxpayers and revenue authorities,” she said.

She said that the situation not only delayed revenue collection, but also brought in a climate of uncertainty and tension within the tax equity play.

“Such friction undermines more than just revenue modernisation.

“It weakens investor confidence, erodes public trust, disrupts the foundation of a stable and predictable fiscal environment ” she said.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said that it was imperative for Nigeria, like any other country to expand its revenue base through taxation.

Fagbegbi, who was represented by Oloyede Hussein, Special Adviser to the President on Arbitration, Drafting and Resolution, said it was important to enhance compliance and build public trust in the country’s tax systems.

“But we must not do so through coercion or confrontation, but by fostering a tax culture rooted in fairness, dialogue and accountability.

“This is where the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) comes in.

“In international context, ADR has long been recognised for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ability to preserve relationships. These are the very values we must infuse into our tax system,” he said.

He urged taxpayers to always expect these arguments to arise, they can explore dialogue and a commitment to resolution over conflict.

“This roundtable offers us an opportunity to learn from the international best practices,” he said.

Mr Lateef Yusuff, the Founder and Convener of the TaxADR roundtable said that the gathering brought together stakeholders from across governments, the private sector, academia and the international community.

Yusuff said that the purpose was to consider how best to embed ADR into Nigeria’s tax landscape.

“This roundtable is especially timely, coming on the heels of several landmark developments ” he said.

He cited the recent reform of Nigeria’s tax legislation, the enactment of the Arbitration and Mediation Act and the National ADR policy as instances of such landmark developments.

“Together these developments provide a strong legal and policy foundation for the integration of ADR into Nigeria’s tax system, ” he said.

Anita Erinne, the Coordinating Secretary. Tax Appeal Tribunal, expressed the readiness of the committee to improving access to justice in tax disputes.

Delivering a keynote address on new tax reforms and the role of ADR, Erinne said that tax disputes affected the bottom line of government, and also the livelihoods of citizens and the fortunes of businesses.

“We will encourage collaborative tax administration. We will now contribute a great deal to the rule of law, economic stability and national development.

“I also recognise the fundamental role of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in championing a more responsive and modern tax system.

“The FIRS has shown willingness to engage in reforms, and I commend the Executive Chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, for sharing this vision and supporting the implementations of tax ADR in Nigeria,” she said.

Erinne said that Nigeria was undergoing a digital transformation of its tax system.

According to her, the tax rate is currently at about 13 per cent.

“A tax system is built on both taxation and collaborative action, flexibilities in efficiency and public responsibility,” she said. (NAN)

Edited Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG revenue hits N6.9trn in Q1

FG revenue hits N6.9trn in Q1

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By Nana Musa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, says Federal Government revenue rose to N6.9 trillion in the first quarter.

Edun made this known on Monday during the Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s priorities for the second quarter, held in Abuja.

He stated that the figure was higher than the N5.2 trillion recorded in the previous quarter, marking a 40 per cent increase.

According to him, increased transparency and openness in revenue collection and remittance contributed significantly to the improved earnings.

“In the first quarter of 2025, we realised N6.9 trillion, which is up from N5.2 trillion in the same period last year,” he said.

He explained that the 40 per cent increase was largely due to recent adjustments, including those related to the exchange rate.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to block financial leakages and use automation and technology to boost revenue collection.

He noted that fiscal discipline had improved, with debt service to revenue ratio dropping to 60 per cent from a previous high of 150 per cent.

“As of now, there is no resort to ways and means. Debt service to revenue stands at around 60 per cent by end of 2024,” he added.

He stressed government’s commitment to transparency, particularly in ensuring consistency of fiscal data across official platforms.

“If you check the Accountant-General’s website, figures may differ in presentation but align with Budget Office data when reviewed,” Edun said.

He emphasised the importance of data integrity, saying credible fiscal figures are critical to accountability in public finance.

Edun said that the enabling environment created by the government had attracted major investments into Nigeria’s economy.

He cited Shell’s recent $5.5 billion investment commitment in oil production, noting increased investor confidence due to policy stability.

“This third phase aims to drive investment in agriculture, manufacturing and services to boost productivity,” he said.

He added that such investment would help grow the economy, generate jobs, and ultimately reduce poverty across the country.

According to him, the economy is now moving in the right direction, with clear signs of positive change.

“Real GDP growth is on a steady path, but 3.4 or even 3.8 per cent is not the ultimate target,” he said.

He stressed that the President’s goal is to achieve sustainable GDP growth of about seven per cent annually.

Such growth, he said, would surpass population growth and help lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

The minister also emphasised the importance of curbing inflation, stating: “We are on the right trajectory.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang, said MOFI manages public wealth for optimal returns.

Represented by Director Tajudeen Ahmed, he said MOFI aims to generate revenue to support Nigeria’s budgetary needs and secure future generations.

He revealed that assets under management had risen to N38 trillion from just 20 company accounts reviewed so far.

“We expect the figure to rise significantly as we complete reviews of all portfolio companies,” he said.

Takang outlined MOFI’s three key pillars, starting with enhanced visibility of federal government assets and their respective values.

The second pillar is professionalising portfolio companies to ensure proper management and increased value creation.

“Many of these companies are poorly managed. We must improve their governance and performance,” he noted.

The third pillar involves capital mobilisation, attracting investors with guarantees and de-risked opportunities in Nigeria.

“Investors are assured of good returns on their investments in Nigeria,” Takang said.

He also announced the creation of a National Asset Register accessible on the Finance Ministry and MOFI websites.

“This register will detail asset values, locations, and ownership – a major milestone for transparency,” he said.

Takang added that significant progress had been made in building the online asset register. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Equity market opens bullish with N279bn gain

Equity market opens bullish with N279bn gain

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By Taiye Olayemi
The Nigerian stock market opened bullish on Monday, leading to N279 billion gains for investors and sustaining the previous week’s gain.
The positive performance was driven by increased investors interest in large capitalised stocks like Beta Glass, Champion Breweries, FTN Cocoa Processors and 43 other stocks.
Specifically, the market capitalisation, which opened at N74.533 trillion, added 279 billion or 0.37 per cent to close at N74.812 trillion.
The All-Share Index also gained 0.37 per cent or 441.43 points, to settle at 118,579.65 against 118,138.22 recorded on Friday.
Meanwhile, the market breadth also closed positive with 46 gainers and 22 losers.
Beta Glass led the gainers’ chart, increasing by 10 per cent, setting at N303.60 while Champion Breweries also rose by 10 per cent, finishing at N9.02 per share.
FTN Cocoa Processors soared by 10 per cent, ending the session at N3.08 and Neimeth International Pharmaceutical gained by 10 per cent, closing at N4.07 per share
Also, Presco Plc climbed by 10 per cent, settling at N1,210 per share.
On the others side, Julius Berger fell by 7.48 per cent, closing at N117.50 while Chams Holding dropped by 5.09 per cent, settling at N2.05 per share.
Secure Electronic Technology declined by five per cent, finishing at 57k and Multiverse Mining shed by 4.66 per cent, ending the session at N9.20 per share.
Similarly, Red Star Express lost by 3.85 per cent, closing at N7.50 per share.
A total of 653.66 million shares worth N21.33 billion were exchanged across 22,206 transactions.
This is compared to 522.81 million shares worth N19.68 billion that was traded across 17,706 deals.
Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank topped the activity chart with 141.71 million shares worth N2.66 billion.
Zenith Bank followed with 46.26 million shares valued at N2.35 billion while Nigerian Breweries transacted 38.09 million shares worth N2.21 billion.
FTN Cocoa Processors traded 37.98 million shares valued at N115.90 million while Access Corporation sold 37.93 million shares worth N843.74 million. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
SEREC urges FG to impose taxes on unreturned container in ports

SEREC urges FG to impose taxes on unreturned container in ports

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By Diana Omueza

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has urged the Federal Government to impose taxes on empty unreturned containers especially rickety ones to decongest the ports.

Mr Eugene Nweke, Head Researcher at SEREC, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.

Nweke said that imposition of taxes or fees on empty unreturned containers was in line with global shipping laws and practices to reduce container dumping, enhance safe environment and boost revenue.

“Today shipping companies charge the Nigeria Shippers in the average of ₦10,000 per day for demurrage after the third period.

“Several countries have implemented taxes or fees on unreturned containers after a specified period.

“Germany, France and the UK have implemented container detention fees or demurrage charges for unreturned containers.

“The United States has a similar system with container shipping lines charging detention fees for containers held beyond the allowed free time.

“Imagine if the government places a demurrage tax on percentage basis, to every unreturned empty container in our ports, how much revenue government will generate from that window alone?

Nweke said that based on research, revenues that could be realised from unreturned container taxes could revive the ports, modernise it and ensure proper maintenance.

He said that without the implementation of these shipping laws, Nigeria would continue to entertain containers littering its ports and with huge financial implications.

Nweke noted that the health and environmental hazards unreturned empty containers pose to the environment were much.

According to him, abandoned containers pose environmental and health hazards, particularly if they are rickety or unseaworthy.

“To mitigate these, it is reasonable for Nigeria to consider implementing these taxes and fees for prompt return of empty containers and reduce the financial burden on shipping lines.

“We have proposed the need for the establishment of a strategic container return system, jointly coordinated or administered by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), among others,” he said.

He encouraged Nigerian businesses to boost exports to balance the number of empty containers and reduce the financial burden on shipping lines.

Nweke also advised the government to invest in better port infrastructure and management systems to streamline container handling, reduce congestion and enhance tracking and return logistics.

He recommended the establishment of an effective container return systems to minimise the number of empty containers left in our ports and reduce storage costs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

2030: Kebbi ready for trn economy under Renewed Hope Agenda – Idris

2030: Kebbi ready for $1trn economy under Renewed Hope Agenda – Idris

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By Ibrahim Bello
Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi says the state is ready for Nigeria’s ambition to have a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Idris made the statement when he received a delegation from Brazil, who visited him as part of Nigeria- Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism at Government House, Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
“Nigeria’s ambition to have a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030 under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President can only be achieved through collaborations like this and Kebbi is ever ready to play its part as a subnational government under my leadership.
“I have assembled in this room the highest level of policy and decision-making body in the state to ensure that all questions are answered and all avenues for collaboration are explored,” he said.
On collaboration with Brazil, Idris noted that there were similarities and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil that bound the two as a people of a shared common heritage.
This, he said, made the dialogue mechanism and field visit a welcome initiative that would drive them towards their collective aspirations.
“Our economic ambition in Nigeria at large and Kebbi in particular means that we recognise Brazil not only as a partner in progress but as a strategic partner from which a lot of lessons can be learned.
“The recent growth and successes recorded in the Brazilian Economy bear testament to what can be achieved when a country looks inward with a determination to succeed backed by a patriotic and hardworking population.
“Indeed, we in Kebbi have that spirit and we intend to emulate, as a subnational government, many of the successes we have seen in Brazil,” he said.
According to the governor, the state’s agribusiness credentials are known to the world, and it is part of the government’s policy to continue to support the agricultural sector.
“In that regard, there is a lot to be learned from Brazil. The successes in agri-energy are ambitions, we and Brazilian collaboration is key to this aspiration,” he revealed.
The governor urged the delegation and private sector players to take advantage of the many opportunities that abound in the state for the mutual benefit of their people and countries.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice Minister of Brazilian Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply, Mr Cleber Oleveira, who led the delegation, explained that the aim of the visit was to expand collaboration with Nigeria and Kebbi in particular.
Oleveira noted that his country sought collaboration across key sectors like trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and cultural exchange.
On his part, Alhaji Faruk Gumel, the Managing Director of WACOT rice mill, who is the Tropical General Investments Group, recalled that in Nov. 2024, he was part of the President Bola Tinubu’s delegation to Brazil.
“We saw a country where local governments have airports. There were flights connecting one local government to another, because of agriculture.
“The country witnesses four to five harvests in a year, and it achieved everything in 20 years.
“If we push hard with the already Nigerians’ determination, we can do it in five years,” Gumel opined. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Lawal
Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD

Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD

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By Yunus Yusuf

Mr Fatai Quadri, Group Managing Director of Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd.,(ADNL), says Nigeria possesses the inherent capacity to effectively manage fugitive emissions within its borders.

 

He said this during the inauguration ceremony and  media facility tour of the company in Lagos on Monday.

 

Quadri emphasised the critical need to cultivate local expertise and infrastructure to address the challenges posed by Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and fugitive emissions, particularly those escaping from industrial equipment and facilities.

 

Quadri said that fugitive emissions, which are often unintentional leaks of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, represent a significant yet addressable environmental concern in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and industrial sectors.

 

He stressed that, with proper investment in technology, training, and regulation, Nigeria could become a leader in emission monitoring and mitigation across West Africa.

“There is no need to rely solely on foreign interventions.

 

“We have the technical talent and innovation potential to manage these emissions right here in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Highlighting the company’s role in advancing sustainable environmental practices, Quadri called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia to develop a robust local capacity for fugitive emission detection and management.

 

He also urged policymakers to create enabling laws and incentives that support indigenous solutions.

 

“What we need now is commitment, both from government and industry players, to prioritise environmental integrity through locally driven solutions,” he added.

 

He said that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) guidelines on GHG emissions are aimed at reducing environmental and social impact, caused by the emissions of components of natural gas including methane and other compounds.

 

The expert explained that embracing cleaner technology would help to mitigate carbon output, especially carbon soot being emitted by a fuel engine, contributing majorly to environmental pollution and health hazards.

 

”As it is now, we are supposed to be winding down on all diesel-powered engines in the country, based on the GHG emissions statement.

 

”Nigerian government had already pledged that by 2030 we are going to cut down our methane emissions, stop flaring completely and also do away with carbon soot formation, a bye-product from diesel-fired engines.

 

”We have to do away with all these things because they normally absorb infrared radiation that comes from the outer space.

 

“Once they absorb it, they keep the earth warmer than what is anticipated and that’s the effect on the climate change,’’ he said.

 

Quadri explained that in view of high cost of diesel and the abundance of an alternative energy (gas) in the country, there was need to be economically wise and encourage usage of CNG.

 

”However, staring us in our face is a solution of an alternative that all of us are supposed to come out and really agitate to see how this can be implemented as soon as possible to reduce impact, ” he said.

 

He added that in the bid to promote cleaner and affordable energy in the country, the Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., a leading oil and gas company, would soon begin conversion of diesel-powered engines to CNG in the country.

He said that Nigeria signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in Sept. 2016; and, consequently, began the implementation of several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from all sectors of the economy.

 

“As part of Nigeria’s commitment on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, in 2021, it committed to reducing GHG emissions by 47 per cent in 2030, conditional on international support.

 

The pledge followed the signing into law of the country’s first climate bill after the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, having set an ambitious global net zero targets by 2060.

 

To achieve Nigeria’s emission reduction targets of the NDCs, the key abatement measures are: elimination of routine gas flaring (100 per cent gas flaring eliminated by 2030) and fugitive emissions/leakages control (60 per cent Methane Reduction by 2030).

 

These measures were established under the NUPRC operators’ guidelines on the actions and mechanisms for the management of fugitive methane/GHG emissions from the upstream oil and gas operations.

 

He said that the company had invested between 17 million dollars and 18 million dollars in infrastructures and equipments to enhance Green- House emission control.

 

Quadri said that the company had selected 13 Nigerians from six geopolitical zones to undergo a “train-the-trainers” course on greenhouse gas (GHG)/fugitive emission detection and quantification, using the EyeCGas 2.0 Optical Gas Imaging Camera.

 

Also, Mr Mubarak Abdul, Chief Operating Officer of ADNL, advised the Federal Government to actively encourage indigenous companies to enhance local capacity in environmental management.

 

Abdul urged both the government and oil and gas companies to engage the services of in-country companies like Alfa Designs Ltd. to address the nation’s emission challenges.

 

He also highlighted ADNL’s partnership with OPTGAL Optronics Manufacturer in Israel to detect and address gas leakages in facilities, noting their extensive work with major companies in Nigeria.

 

According to him, they include Chevron, NNPCL, ND Western, and Seplat.

 

Miss Louisa Kpohearor, one of the trainers, commended Alfa Designs training and certification programmes, which aim to further retrain more Nigerians.

 

She confirmed that they were now verified in Optical Gas Imaging and are capable of conducting investigations and surveys in any oil and gas facility.

 

Miss Oghobi Sandra, another OGI trainer, emphasised that the training provided by Alfa Designs demonstrates their status as the only authorised and certified trainers for detecting gas leakages in facilities.

 

ADNL is an indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Installation, Commissioning & Asset Integrity Management (EPICA) Company, incorporated on July 20, 2006.

 

The company is dedicated to continuously identifying and exceeding client needs in technical expertise through total service delivery.

 

lt also focuses on clear communication, superior performance, talent, teamwork, professional integrity, and cost-effective solutions for its private, government, and energy engineering clients.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Professor, who sells vegetables, advises youths on small businesses

Professor, who sells vegetables, advises youths on small businesses

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By Zubairu Idris

Prof. Nasir Hassan-Wagini of Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, who produces and sells vegetables, has advised students and youths to key into small businesses rather than wait for white-collar jobs.

 

Hassan-Wagini gave the advice on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina state, where he sells the produce.

 

The professor said he was born by a farmer, grew up as a farmer, and went into produce businesses at an early stage of life.

 

He said that his story became popular after he was promoted to the rank of professor.

 

“My call to the NCE, Diploma and degree graduates is that they should feel free and start small businesses in their communities instead of staying idle.

 

“I’m a professor of plant resources at UMYU, I want youths and students to look at me, know my rank and position, and I still engage in small business of this nature.

 

“That may clear their minds because they feel shame and too big to go into such type of small businesses.

 

“What matters is what you are contributing to the society. So, stop staying at home doing nothing when you did not get job, start with small businesses like this one.

 

“Our youths should stop going to other places looking for job, they should get into farming and other small businesses to become self-reliant.

 

“Self-reliance is key to successful life. Try to merge your education with vocational skills for your own good,” he said.

 

One of his neighbours in the market, Malam Uzairu, said that they enjoy staying with the professor in the market.

 

He described the professor as trustworthy, humble and kind in his interaction with people.

 

“We respect him and he respect us. In fact, he is a nice person who knows how to relate with all categories of people,” he said.

 

NAN reports that the price of a 100 kg bag of onion in the market cost N65,000 and above depending on its quality.

 

A 100 kg bag of dried red pepper sells at N115,000 and above, 100 kg bag of dried tomatoes, N60,000 and above, while 50 kg bag of fresh hot pepper, N100,000 and above.

 

NAN was told that in the next few months, farmers would start harvesting fresh tomatoes, red pepper, onions, among others.

 

NAN also reports that security in the area has improved, and has allowed for business activities to thrive.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Mining: FG backs establishment of plant with 0m FDI projection

Mining: FG backs establishment of plant with $400m FDI projection

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By Martha Agas

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has announced the Federal Government’s support for the construction of a plant in Nasarawa State.

Alake, through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the plant was projected to generate more than 10,000 jobs nationwide, adding that it has a projection of 400million dollars in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

According to him, the project is Africa’s largest rare earth and critical minerals plan, which will be funded by a private organisation, Hasetins Commodities Limited.

The minister lauded the funders for the move, noting that it aligns with the value addition campaign of President Bola Tinubu’s administration for in-country processing and beneficiation of minerals.

He said that the move was also a confirmation of the capacity of adopting mineral processing as a strategy in creating job opportunities.

“Hasetins hopes to add 12,000 metric tonnes to its current 6,000 metric tonnes installed capacity as preparations for the forthcoming groundbreaking of the additional facility gathers momentum,” he said.

He described the move as a significant milestone in efforts to spur investor confidence in the mining sector.

He said that the firm would promote skills transfer and boost the contributions of the solid minerals sector to the economy.

“I applaud the company for its strategic foresight and patriotic investment in a 400 million dollars rare earth metals plant,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the management of Hasetins, in a recent statement, said that the company’s model was adopting early-stage beneficiation for the plant.

This is by pre-separating metals locally, generating immediate income for artisanal miners alongside training, provision of protective equipment and broader community engagement.

Hasetins Commodities Ltd specialises in producing critical metals essential for high-tech applications and defence systems, including rare earth metals and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs). (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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