By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, says Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) are draining the country’s foreign reserves and revenue.

Owasanoye said this on Thursday at a one-day hybrid sensitisation workshop on the published “Guidelines for Private Sector Response to Illicit Financial Flow (IFF) Vulnerabilities in Nigeria” organised by the Commission in Abuja.

According to him, the illicit financial flows have resulted in exchange rate depreciation, inflation and increase in cost of servicing external debts.

“It is negatively impacting the cost of imported goods like petroleum, with its attendant radical consequences on the daily livelihood experience of ordinary citizens,” he said.

Owasanoye, therefore called for diverse measures to tackle the menace in all its forms, to improve Nigeria’s quest for domestic revenue increase, relative to the size of its economy.

He gave assurance that the Commission would continue to focus on practical measures to enhance Nigeria’s ability to stem IFFs and reduce capital flight.

According to him, it will also enhance the country’s capacity for domestic resource mobilisation by identifying vulnerabilities and other weaknesses in the systems and processes of agencies as well as institutions within the public and private sector.

He said it would also help in advising reforms, to mitigate losses.

Owasanoye said that the workshop was necessitated by the need to get the feedback of the private sector constituency on any possible challenges towards implementation of the recommendations in the guidelines.

He added that a similar platform would be created for public officers and other stakeholders to discuss the Guidelines for Negotiation of Contracts and Agreements.

The Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Mr Zacch Adedeji, in his remarks said that the government would strengthen the country’s fight against illicit financial flows.

Adedeji noted with concern that IFFs had significantly eroded domestic revenues and hampered government’s efforts to mobilise resources.

This, he said was threatening the economic stability and sustainable development of the country.

“In Nigeria and across the African continent, we continue to suffer various forms of IFFs, including tax evasion and other harmful tax practices including the illegal export of foreign exchange and abusive transfer pricing.

“Others are trade mis-pricing, mis-invoicing of services, illegal exploitation and under-invoicing of natural resources, organised crimes, and corruption,” he added.

He emphasised that stemming illicit financial flows would address its negative impact on global development agenda as well as governance challenge.

Mrs Lola Adekanye, Programme Director (Africa), Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), gave an overview of the published guidelines, while Mrs Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary, Oando Plc, outlined the private sector response to the guidelines. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has tasked personnel  to maintain professionalism in all their activities, especially in project implementation and monitoring.

Abubakar said this at a one-Day Workshop on Site and Project Management for Project Officers of NAF on Thursday in Abuja.

The CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Information and Communication System (NAF), AVM Ibikunle Daramola, said that every personnel was a potential project supervisor.

He said that the workshop was geared towards enhancing standardisation and planning procedures in the execution of NAF projects.

Abubakar said the worlshop was also a fulfillment of his Command Philosophy to transform the Nigerian Air Force into an agile and resilient force that effectively meets the air power demands of national security in all operational environment.

According to him, his philosophy was predicated on two out of the key enablers namely, ‘Deliberate Training and Mission-Oriented Force Development as well as Proactive Logistics Support and Strong Maintenance Culture’.

He said that project officers responsible for managing various construction projects within the NAF were critical, adding that enhancing operational capabilities through infrastructure development was crucial to NAF.

The CAS said a pressing concern in NAF was the issue of failing construction projects and imperative to ensure value for money.

“It is essential that officers approach every project with the utmost dedication, professionalism, and diligence, ensuring that we deliver quality infrastructure within budget and on time.

“Failing construction projects can have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of wasted resources, but also in terms of compromised operational readiness and the public’s perception of our service.

“As project officers, you are the driving force behind these initiatives, and your expertise and leadership play a pivotal role in determining their success.

“Remember, each successful project contributes to the overall readiness and capabilities of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Your dedication and commitment are therefore, vital to mission success, and I have full confidence in your ability to manage these projects effectively and efficiently if you would use your training and set guidelines in our project execution templates,” he said.

The CAS urged all personnel to make best use of the opportunity and ensure that the knowledge gained was brought to bear in the conduct of all projects.

“Let   me   remind all   of   us   that   the   task   of   nation building is a collective responsibility especially as   the nation   faces   several   security   challenges.

“It is no doubt that the theme of the workshop ‘Mastering Fundamentals of Site and Project Management towards Successful and Effective Project Delivery to the NAF’ is apt.

“Hence, professionalism must remain our watchword as we must continue to give our best anywhere we find ourselves,” he added.

The Coordinator, Project Implementation Monitoring Team, AVM Babatunde Phillips, said the ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively was of paramount importance in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment challenged by resources.

Phillips said the workshop would provide the officers the opportunity to brainstorm and interact on the state of affairs of NAF projects, review their conduct while also planning procedures and standardisation in the execution of their projects.

He said there was need for an avenue to sensitise selected officers of the works specialty and project supervisors on the necessity to harmonise standards for the execution of projects in NAF.

“The theme, “Mastering Fundamentals of Site and Project Management towards Successful and Effective Project Delivery to the Nigerian Air Force” highlights the core principles that form the bedrock of successful project delivery,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Bayo Sekoni

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to replace worn-out tyres and wipers in order to prevent avoidable crashes during the rainy season.

The FRSC spokesman, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Bisi Kazeem, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He also advised that drivers should always note the preliminaries (Pre-vehicle Use Checks) and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition.

“Motorists are advised to ensure that before embarking on a journey during the rainy season, they should ascertain that the windows and windshields are clean.

“This is to be observed on the outside and the inside, and routinely check the headlights, brake lights, turn signals and tail lights, ” he said.

According to him, the wind shield wiper and blades should also be checked for proper functioning. The lights should be on during the day and at night, whenever rain starts dropping.

“Motorists are also advised to reduce their speed during this time and apply the “common sense speed limit”.

“This is particularly because the road surface is often slippery, drivers are also admonished to ensure that their tyres have adequate grip on the road.

“This is because, the car tyres are amongst the most crucial elements, and the only part that is in connection to the road that is why the tyre traction is the grip of the vehicle on the road, and it is very very essential, ” he said.

Kazeem also appealed to motorists to shun negative attitudes and habits like drunk driving, smoking of hemp and cannabis, dangerous driving, overloading, exceeding speed limits or use of phones while driving.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dauda Biu, has ordered immediate clampdown on all old and rickety vehicles across the country.

Biu gave the directives in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Thursday in Abuja.

The FRSC Corps Marshal said the directives became necessary due to a trending video of an old car with three worn out tyres plying the highway in Sagamu, Ogun State.

He, however, ordered immediate clampdown of the vehicle and arrest of the owner as the act could endanger the lives and property of the public.

According to him, the attention of the Corps was drawn to the trending video of the old vehicle with mechanical issues plying the expressway.

“The vehicle with registration number, Lagos AA07AG was not only old but was plying the highway with just three worn out tyres.

“The personnel of the agency are directed to be on the lookout for the car and other unstable vehicles plying major roads in Nigeria.

“The operation will be conducted nationwide, and severe punishment awaits the owner and anyone using such vehicles,” he said.

Biu said that the new order was part of a continued effort by the FRSC to reduce the occurrence of road accidents on Nigerian roads.

He said that all Sector Commanders and Zonal Commanding officers of FRSC were to begin enforcing the new order with immediate effect.

“As a matter of fact, FRSC officials are now authorised to arrest and prosecute anyone who operates rickety vehicles on Nigerian roads.

“The officials are also allowed to impound such vehicles and tow them to the nearby FRSC office, ” he said.

The FRSC boss appealed to the public to work with the corps and report when such vehicles were sighted, to ensure the safety of lives and property. (NAN)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa with the Acting Chief  Medical Director 44 Army Reference Hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu on Wednesday

By Mohammed Tijjani
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa on Wednesday visited soldiers wounded during a recent military operation in the country.
The soldiers are receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
The CDS said the visit was to encourage the personnel, appreciate their sacrifices to the nation and see how they are recuperating.
He assured them that their sacrifices to the nation will not go in vain.
Musa noted that such visit would aid their recuperation and give them a true feeling that they are not alone.

The CDS with the acting Chief  Medical Director 44 Army Reference Hospital, Col. Stephen Onuchukwu on Wednesday.
Musa said that the Defence Headquarters would
ensure that they get the best treatment.
“Even if it will take us taking them abroad for treatment or other surgeries that cannot be done here, we will do that,” he added.
He expressed delight with the hospital environment and the professional manner with which the doctors, nurses and other personnel were handling patients in the hospital.
The CDS restated his commitment in giving priority to the welfare of troops.
“Without them, nothing can be done in the fight against insecurity and criminality. We are therefore together with them and praying for their quick recovery,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CDS was taken round by the Acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Col Stephen Onuchukwu.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has urged troops of the Nigerian Army to remain resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees and restore sanity in troubled areas across the country.

Lagbaja gave the charge on Wednesday during an assessment visit to Niger State following troops’ encounter with insurgents in Zungeru general area where some gallant troops paid the supreme price.

The statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Wednesday said the COAS arrived Mina, Niger state capital, late night on Tuesday.

Nwachukwu said that Lagbaja immediately  moved to Forward Operating Base Erena in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state, where he was briefed on the current security situation by the General Officer Commanding I Division, Maj.-Gen. Bamidele Alabi.

Addressing troops, the COAS urged them to rally together and be more resolute in bringing the nation’s adversaries to their knees and restore sanity in troubled areas.

He said that the fight against insurgents and bandits was a just cause in defence of Nigeria and Nigerians.

According to him, protecting lives and defending your nation are the noblest service anyone can offer.

“You are therefore in the noble profession of arms and must not allow your morale to dwindle. We must defeat the adversaries of our people and take back every inch of space where they are hibernating in our land,” he said.

Lagbaja assured the troops of his commitment to them and their families the best in terms of welfare within the available resources, adding that welfare was topmost in the pillars of his command philosophy.

He directed the immediate reinforcement of the troops with additional combat enablers to enhance their operational effectiveness. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza