NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Why we staggered our online verification- PTAD

Why we staggered our online verification- PTAD

212 total views today
By Francis Onyeukwu
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says staggering “I am Alive Confirmation Solution” for pensioners’ verification is to avoid network failure.
Dr Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary, PTAD, gave the explanation at the South-East Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Awka.
Ejikeme said the agency came up with the “I Am Alive Confirmation Solution”,  to transit from manual to automated system of verification.
According to her, for efficient and effective delivery, and prevention a heavy traffic on the website, PTAD has staggered the use of the Confirmation Solution as follows.
“Police Pensioners (April 14 to October 13, 2023), Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pensioners (June 1 to December 31), Civil Service Pensioners ( July 1 to January 31, 2024) and Parastatals Pensioners; August 1 to February 28, 2024”, she said.
She urged pensioners to note the scheduled dates as they concern their respective departments.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by pensioners and Stakeholders from Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra.
Ejikeme, who reviewed the activities of the agency since she took over four years ago, said PTAD had achieved a lot in 10 years of its establishment.
“No pensioner who is alive should be left out of this very critical and important exercise that would determine a pensioner’s eligibility to continue to receive pension.
“Our resolve is to ensure that no eligible pensioner is left out. PTAD wishes to inform all our pensioners in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, that a survey is being carried out by the Directorate to ascertain the number of pensioners in those countries,” she said.
She advised pensioners living in those countries to visit the PTAD website and take part in the survey, saying “they should log on to our website – www.ptad.gov.ng to access the link for the survey”.
Chief Godwin Abumisi, President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), commended the transformational leadership of PTAD, saying that pensioners are better treated now than before.
Abumisi particularly praised the “I Am Alive Confirmation Solution” initiative by PTAD, noting that the policy has reduced the sufferings of pensioners.
Mrs Nneka Obiamulu, a director in the agency, said there was a lot of mistrust and aggression in the way pensioners related with pension managers, but said that much has improved.
She noted that the huge debt owed pensioners due to challenges in the verification and profiling of pensioners before the establishment of the agency have been resolved.
“We have visited more than 800 pensioners who are incapacitated in their homes and hospitals and our plans is to continue to improve,” she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BOR implementation: CAC to strike off non-compliant companies

BOR implementation: CAC to strike off non-compliant companies

239 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) says it will soon commence the striking off of companies that fail to comply with the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR) implementation.

The CAC Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja on the sidelines of its training workshop for stakeholders on the use of BOR.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BOR is a public register of the true ownership and control of Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) in Nigeria.

With the Register, any person can easily ascertain who owns what in Nigerian Companies and LLPs.

This is crucial in combating corruption, illicit financial flows and other forms of criminality under the cover of Companies and LLPs. It also promotes transparency in the conduct of business in Nigeria.

Abubakar said: ”Well, they have to comply because the commission will have zero tolerance for non compliance.

”Apart from the penalty, we are compiling a list of companies that are not up to date in an audit and very soon we are going to strike them off from the register.

”And the consequence of striking-off from the register is, any asset or any property you hold in the name of that company will be vested with the government.

”This is because it is like a lost property until you go to court to ask for the name to be reinstated.

”For as long as that company remains struck off, you will not be able to access your funds in the bank, you will not be able to do any contract, you will not be able to enter into any business relationship.”

Abubakar said that the commission would soon remove the first 100,000 companies and after one month the next 100,000 would follow.

”And these are companies that are not up to date that have not filed annual returns in the last ten years.

”Also, because of the requirements that you must give notice to these companies before striking them-off, this will be done between now and the end of July,” he said.

Abubakar said that the implementation of the register would also help in attracting investments into the country.

”So, it will go a long way in promoting investment because it will ensure transparency and support the anti-corruption initiative of the government,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Mark Longyen/Bashir Rabe Mani

Money lenders back FG’s sanitisation of Digital Lending Space

Money lenders back FG’s sanitisation of Digital Lending Space

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Money Lenders Association (MLA) in Nigeria, has extolled efforts by Federal Government to sanitise the digital lending space via its move to delist any loan application that harassed Nigerians.

Mr Gbemi Adelekan, President, MLA, made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the development in Lagos on Friday.

NAN recalls that the Federal Government through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it would ask Google to permanently delete such loan apps from its app store.

Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said the commission was ready to permanently shut down the activities of these apps in response to the continued harassment of Nigerians by digital lenders.

The MLA president said the association condemned in its entirety, the unprofessional act of harassment perpetrated by some unscrupulous lending organisations which were not MLA members.

He lauded the intervention of FCCPC in streamlining and sanitising the digital lending space to reduce and eliminate activities of some lenders operating in an unethical manner.

“We are proud of the efforts of the FCCPC in this regard which has indeed attracted global recognition.

“The association actively collaborates with regulators and the state government to foster a better understanding of the money lending industry and address the practical challenges faced by our members in their daily operations.

“As part of our commitment to ethical practices, all members of our association adhere to a comprehensive code of practice which facilitates self-monitoring of activities to ensure compliance with state regulations to promote trust and confidence in our operations.

“In addition, we have been actively involved in educating the public about the precautions ought to be taken when applying for loans online.

“Members of the public are hereby advised to only patronise licensed money lenders for their short-term loan needs,” he said.

NAN also reports that MLA is a non-profit organisation duly incorporated under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to unite all credit companies operating under the Money Lenders Licence.

The association works toward the advancement of the money lending industry, safeguarding the interests of the public and customers involved in the money lending business. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Edith Bolokor/Chioma Ugboma

DMO, CSL return securities issuance awareness to Lagos, woo retail investors

DMO, CSL return securities issuance awareness to Lagos, woo retail investors

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Debt Management Office (DMO), on Thursday urged investors to take advantage of the FGN savings bond offered at a minimum of N5,000.

The DMO made the call during the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) Securities Awareness Programme held in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness programme was organised in collaboration with CSL Stockbrokers Limited, the stockbroking firm for the Federal Government.

NAN reports that the awareness programme, which started in Lagos in March, 2022, had also been taken to Enugu, Ibadan, Kano, Yola, Umuahuia, Gombe, Osogbo, Port Harcourt and Benin.

Patience Oniha, Director-General of the DMO, said that the FGN Savings Bond was structured to satisfy retail investors, who can invest as little as N5,000.

Oniha, who was represented by Mr Oladele Afolabi, Director, Portfolio Management, DMO, said that the saving bonds was risk-free and fully backed by the Federal Government.

She said that there was the need to invest in instruments with good earning returns and high standing safety as a means to contribute to the development of the country.

She added that the event presented a platform to better understand investment instruments and provide guidance on how to invest.

According to the Director-General, investment in FGN Savings Bonds is not just for merchant banks and stockbrokers, but also for individuals.

“It is very important to consider the advantages of saving and I use this medium to advise against investing in Ponzi schemes that are with huge risks and lacked backings.

“While there are other saving instruments the Federal Government provides, this particular one affords the opportunity to retail or small investors to take advantage of.

“This also means government is standing strongly behind the instruments irrespective of the minimum amount of 5,000, and is as strong as other bonds running into billions.

“The FGN Savings Bonds can also be used as a collateral to access credit facilities in other banks,” she said.

Mr Richard Akinmoladun, Head, Property Trading, CSL Stockbrokers Limited, said the event was to create awareness for retail investors on the special quality of bonds.

Akinmoladun said that the programme would also help sensitise prospective investors on investment in securities.

He said that investment in these bonds would provide funding support for the Federal Government, needed to drive some infrastructural development in the country.

According to him, the purpose of FGN Securities is to raise capital to finance deficits in the FGN’s budget.

“It also helps to raise funds to execute critical infrastructural projects, and contribute to the development of the domestic financial markets.

“It also enhances the savings and investment opportunities of the populace, thereby promoting financial inclusion and attracting foreign investors into the domestic financial markets,” he said.

He listed the benefits of these investments to include safety, visible collateral, diversification of investment portfolio, steady income, and liquidity.

“The FGN Savings Bond is a fixed income security that is targeted at retail investors with guaranteed quarterly interest payments.

“A large chunk of assets in the portfolio of pension asset managers where is invested in FGN bonds due to the safety that the instruments provides.

“It is important to state that the interest rates, rental income and principal repayments on FGN Securities would be received in full and on time” he said.

Mrs Ifeoma Ukunna, Head, Retail Business, CSL, urged investors to diversify their asset classes to guide against risks attached to investment portfolios.

She stated that the advantage of the FGN Savings Bonds was its stable and fantastic yield with very low risks.

She added that the bond has a specific objective to guide against Nigerians falling into investing in Ponzi schemes.

“The FGN saving bonds yields a fantastic return with very low risk, but the returns outweighs some of the instruments in the asset classes.

“If your rented property and other investment instruments is not yielding good incomes, the FGN savings bond is a good way to keep afloat.

“Individuals looking to invest should note that all banks are investment agents for the FGN Savings Bonds and they can also take advantage of brokers online platforms to begin the process,” she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Sadiya Hamza

FG reiterates commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure economy through PPP

FG reiterates commitment to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure economy through PPP

232 total views today

 

By Okeoghene Akubuike

 

The Federal Government says it remains committed to the success of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure economy and national development.

Mr Michael Ohiani, Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), said this at the second 2023 Public-Private Partnership Consultative Forum (3PUCF) Meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was hosted and sponsored by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI).

MOFI is a corporation vested with the responsibility to manage all federal government investments and assets aimed at unlocking value from the assets managed to drive economic development.

Ohiani said since the inception of the ICRC in 2010, a total of 103 PPP projects had been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He said the projects would bring in private capital investments of almost N11 trillion (approximately 24 billion dollars ) and projected revenue of over three trillion naira ( approximately 38 billion dollars) for the country.

Ohiani listed some projects which had received FEC approval since the last (3PUCF) Meeting held in April 2023 including the Lagos-Ibadan Rail E-Ticketing Concession and the Warri-Itakpe Rail E-Ticketing Concession.

He said others included the 40MW Kashimbilla Hydropower Project, the establishment of the Aviation Leasing Company Concession, and the expansion and development of Snake Island Multipurpose Sea Port.

“Others are on the street park and pay in the FCT, Concession of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the development of Senior Police Officer’s quarters at Ikeja, Lagos.

“Publishing and Marketing of Court Appeal (specialised) Law Report, NIWA Business Processes (E-NIWA), Electronic E-Call Up System at Onne Port and the 700 MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant. ”

Ohiani reiterated the commission’s commitment to continue to build PPP capacity across Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the nation as a whole through the Nigeria Institute of Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnership.

The Chief Executive Officer of MOFI, Dr Armstrong Katang, said there was a need to optimise Federal Government-owned assets by providing visibility over what the government owned.

Katang said the partnership between ICRC and MOFI would enable MOFI to maximise value from federal government-owned assets managed by the ICRC.

“We need to work together to ensure the government’s interests are represented and effected correctly in every PPP transaction. That is why MOFI and the ICRC must work together. ”

He said the National Assets Register (NAR), which would be inaugurated soon, would capture all the assets and investments of the federal government in a single window.

According to him, the NAR is a tool that will enhance strategic oversight and management of the nation’s public wealth.

Katang said the benefits of the NAR included an information database, assets classification, debt management, and assets valuation.

He said the assets that would be captured in the registrar included corporate, financial, fixed, intangible, oil and gas, and solid minerals assets.

“I call on all stakeholders to ensure we have visibility over what we own to keep track and learn from concessions we have gone into and correct any mistakes made,” he said.

Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) and Chairman of the meeting, said Nigeria needed to be at par with other countries regarding PPP projects and initiatives.

Yemi-Esan, represented by Mrs Agalasi Ehigie, Director, Infrastructure Management Department, Office of the HCSF, said this was necessary because PPP brought development to the nation.

“It is time to expand our horizon and see how we can put in our best in helping our country move forward because we know that PPP brings a lot of benefits.

“There are also challenges but as we go through the journey, we know we will get better by the day, ” she said.

NAN reports that the forum provides a platform for PPP departments in MDAs and stakeholders to share ideas, success stories, and challenges on their PPP projects to drive economic growth in Nigeria. (NAN )(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

CBN takes eNaira awareness to Uniabuja, calls for partnership

CBN takes eNaira awareness to Uniabuja, calls for partnership

119 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Thursday took awareness of its digital currency, eNaira, to the student community in the University of Abuja.

According to Mr Joseph Angaye, Deputy Director, Risk Management Department, who led the CBN team, said the visit was to enlighten the university community about the eNaira project.

Angaye said that apex bank had been engaging tertiary institutions across the country on the digital currency project, to ensure that it was adopted as a means of financial transactions and for payment.

“The eNaira is Nigeria’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) that has evolved since its inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021.

“The CBDC is a new concept globally, and Nigeria is one one of the early countries to adopt it,” he said.

He said that the eNaira had so much benefit, but was not a replacement for the existing payment system.

He added that the digital currency was introduced to deepen the payment system; to address some inherent challenges in the existing payment infrastructure and to complement it.

“The eNaira will help promote financial inclusion, to reduce pressure in the infrastructure,” he said.

The Vice-chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Ahmed Modibo, said that the university was ready to partner with the CBN.

Modibo, who was represented by Prof. Aisha Maikudi, Deputy Vice-chancellor, Academics, however, urged the apex bank to always consider University of Abuja first in its intervention programmes for tertiary institutions.

He also called on the CBN to help resolve the school’s challenges with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which restricts it from accessing research grants from foreign donors.

“We are in the knowledge industry which requires serious funding, and if we are not able to access research grants to complement government subvention, it will set us back, ” he said.

The vice-chancellor also urged the CBN to urgently complete and inaugurate its intervention projects on the campus for the use of staff and students. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Tinubu’s request of N500bn for palliatives to Nigerians commendable – expert

Tinubu’s request of N500bn for palliatives to Nigerians commendable – expert

187 total views today

By Kadiri Abdulrahman

A financial expert, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, has described as commendable, President Bola Tinubu’s request for legislative approval of N500 billion as palliatives to cushion removal of petrol subsidy.

Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He urged the National Assembly to give the request favourable consideration as speedily as possible.

He advised the Federal Government to consider non-cash palliatives.

According to him, although the nature of the palliatives was not indicated, as much as possible, the government should look into the direction of non-cash palliatives in the utilisation of such funds.

“Reports say Nigeria has also secured 800 million dollars from the World Bank as a soft loan to cushion the impact of subsidy removal, expected to be distributed as cash to about 10 million households.

“That will amount to N600 billion, assuming I & E average rate of N750 applied to the World Bank’s facility. That should give N1.1 trillion.

“One way to ensure that the money reaches the grassroots is to divide it by 774, which translates to about N1.4 billion, and transfer this sum to each Local Government Areas (LGAs).

“That will be consistent with the principle of maximum social benefit in public expenditure,” Uwaleke said.

He.added that an optimal way to ameliorate suffering is through sustainable jobs.

“So, this money can be utilised as initial capital to establish massive skill acquisition centres in every LGA.

“The construction of these centres will generate huge job opportunities in the LGAs and help to reverse rural-urban migration.

“The management of the funds will be done by the communities themselves using traditional and religious institutions.

“In the area of mass transit schemes, the government should partner the private sector to address the challenge,” he said. .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, wrote to the National Assembly seeking an amendment to the 2022 supplementary appropriation Act.

He.said ttga the amendment.woul.allow the Federal Government to source N500 billion for palliative to cushion the effect of petrol subsidy removal.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who read the president’s letter during plenary on Wednesday, said the money would be sourced from the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act of N819.5 billion. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Anti-corruption: CAC trains stakeholders on use of beneficial ownership register

Anti-corruption: CAC trains stakeholders on use of beneficial ownership register

177 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), has embarked on training of some stakeholders in Abuja on the effective use of the Beneficial Ownership Register (BOR).

The CAC Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar, on Wednesday expressed the hope that participants would after the training be able to query the data base to access information.

“The workshop is meant to train stakeholders on how to access information in the register.

“You can see that we have representatives from the EFCC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU), Code of Conduct Bureau, the ICPC, the National Insurance Commission, and all other key stakeholders and the media.

“To learn how the register operates to access information, and how to query the data base.

“Either by the use of the name of the beneficial owner, the entity or the entity number as well as the format for applying to register as a user for the organisation,” Abubakar said.

He said if an organisation required an Application Programming Interface (API) integration of the CAC, there was a link it could use to enter the details of the officer.

“The commission will seamlessly create access for them to access information in real time.

“So this is why we are here and you can hear from the feedback. People are already using the register since its inauguration in May.

“We are hoping that it will assist them in their work because this register is not just for our benefit. It is for the benefit of Nigeria,” he said.

According to Abubakar, the essence of the register is to actually support the work of our investigation, law enforcement agencies, media and the civil societies.

On penalties, he said: “what the law says is, if you are a beneficial owner of any company, or a limited liability partnership, you must disclose the information to the company within 30 days of qualifying as a beneficial owner.

“And the company has to file this information with the CAC within seven days.

“Default in making this filing with the CAC attracts a daily default penalty which depends on the nature of the company and the penalty will run until the filing is made.

“So, if you are in default for one year, you will have a default penalty which is about N10,000 for every day for as long as the default lasts.

“So, this is what we are explaining that it helps to actually comply, don’t wait to accumulate penalty for yourself because the penalty cannot be waved,” Abubarka added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the BOR is an anti-corruption initiative of the commission.

Aside the penalty, the CAC has vowed to strike out companies that refused to comply with implementation of the initiative soon. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Automotive council begins training for youths on Automobile in Ekiti

Automotive council begins training for youths on Automobile in Ekiti

216 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), has begun training of the first auto technicians in its newly equipped Automotive Training Centre in Ekiti state.

The NADDC Director-General, Mr Jelani Aliyu, in a statement on Wednesday said the training was being done in collaboration with Lanre Shittu Motors for youths in Ekiti State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five -day training aims at equipping participants with skills of international standards.

Aliyu said NADDC conceived the establishment of Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) across the six geo-political zones to ensure skill development and international best practices in the automotive sector of the country.

The director-general, represented by the Director, Industrial Infrastructure Department of the Council, Dr Nua Omisanya, said the training was aimed at redefining the nation’s auto industry.

According to Aliyu, the training will also provide jobs while strengthening the skills among technicians.

“This will in turn ensure prompt and efficient repairs and maintenance of vehicles while ensuring the safety of the mechanics, vehicles and environment,” he said.

He urged the auto technicians to make adequate use of the opportunity provided by the state-of-the art equipment installed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

He also called on the participants to ensure they acquired the modern technical skills required in the automotive sector.

“Over 30,000 youths have so far been trained in these programmes which are usually conducted periodically.

“Therefore, today marks another milestone in the Nigerian automotive industry because this specialised training is aimed at skills upgrade and capacity building for the selected auto technicians/youths in Ekiti State.

“The training will enable them to cope with the task of repairs and maintenance in the ever-dynamic automotive industry,” he said.

The director-general expressed the council’s gratitude to Ekiti State government and Lanre Shittu Motors for the partnership.

He enjoined other relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the council to drive the local auto industry to its well-deserved place globally.

The Ekiti State government, represented by the Special Adviser, Investment, Trade and Industry, Omotayo Adeola and the Workshop Manager, Lanre Shittu Motors, Akinyemi Akanni, commended the efforts of NADDC.

They assured of continuous support for more developmental strides in the industry.

NAN recalls that the NADDC state-of-the art Automotive Training Centre in Ado-Ekiti was officially commissioned in May and is presently functional for the benefit of Ekiti youths. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Hajara Leman/Ese E. Eniola Williams

Port Harcourt Custodial Centre begins production of organic fertiliser

Port Harcourt Custodial Centre begins production of organic fertiliser

259 total views today

 

 

By Augusta Uchediunor

 

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, has expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertilisers produced at the biofertiliser factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers.

The commendation comes after construction of the factory within six months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

Nababa gave the commendation during a working visit to the Biofertiliser factory at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, a statement by SC Juliet Ofoni , Command Public Relation Officer,Rivers, said on Wednesday.

The visit was to inspect and evaluate the biofertiliser factory and to collect samples for test in as many Correctional Farm Centres as possible.

It was also to procure same as off-takers for use in farms such as Elele Correction Farm Centre, Port-Harcourt.

The Controller General of Corrections (CGC) was represented by Deputy Controller General of Corrections, in the Inmates Training and Productivity (ITP) Directorate, Sylvester Nwakuche.

 

 


Port Harcourt custodial centre begins production of organic fertiliser

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of granulated organic fertiliser produced after construction of the factory within 6 months of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd.

He called on investors to exploit the Public Private Partnership (PPP) window to maximise profit margins by investing on agro – allied ventures in the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He further urged the Biofil Technology to ensure that the best was utilised of the five-year test run tenure given in the MOU, noting that the packaging should carry the NCoS symbol to amplify the essence of partnership involved.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections, in charge of Rivers State Command, Felix Lawrence, welcomed the CGC and his entourage to the state.

He appreciated the CGC for approving the construction of the renewable energy system in the centre.

According to him, the area was messed with rodents and waste litters, but is now a clean and safe working environment because of the value-added processing of biogas and biofertiliser from inmates’ humongous waste matters.

He also congratulated the untiring supervising officers and men of the state command assigned to the factory for avoiding ineptitude and redundancy leading to the marked success of the production in the factory.

 

The Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, visits Biofertilizer Factory in the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

Contributing, CC Raymond Jatau, stated that similar projects were being approved by the CGC across the country for improvement of sanitation, hygiene and enhancement of inmates training and rehabilitation

According to him, the sustainability of the project is the main purpose of the visit of the CGC through the high-power delegation to the site.

He stated that the Nigerian Correctional Officers Wives Association (NICOWA) would be involved in the distribution of the product once the Service procure the quantity its budget could accommodate.

In his brief, the Director of Biofil Technology Nigeria Ltd., Mr Ibikun Taiwo, appreciated the visit and stated that the MoU ab initio indicated that NCoS would be the sole off-taker.

He said they would buy the produce at a reduced price to preserve land from further degradation suffered due to use of inorganic fertilisers.

He promised that for now, 20 inmates would be trained on how to produce biofertilisers within six, to prepare them for re-integration.

On the benefits of the biofertiliser, he said: “ The bio-fertiliser option for NCoS has enormous advantages.

“They include the treatment of waste matter generated in custodial centres and the involvement of retirees in the business of biofertiliser sales.

“The bio fertilisers are purely organic and are safe to be used in all types of farms across the country for production of Organic Foods for healthy living.’’

According to him, the sewage is the main raw material for the adoption of a climate smart agricultural practice in the Correctional Service.

In an interview with the fact finding committee, an inmate in the production line confirmed that production capacity was about 500 bags of 50kg per day using a staff strength of 20 with 15 Inmates and five instructors working for less than six hours daily.

He said that higher production volume would have been achieved if three shifts were possible on site.

The site supervisor, SC O Clifford  said: “Inmates undergo formal training daily by working in the factory to enable them re- integrate properly into the society after they regain their freedom.

“ MoU is designed to enable inmates earn daily, which would be a source for support for their families and dependents outside the Custodial Centres.

“Efforts are on top gear to certificate qualified inmates to work with BTNL fertiliser firms when they eventually get discharged out of custody.

“Furthermore, records show that the Nigerian Correctional Service commissioned the public – private partnership in Biogas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas operated kitchen at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt in November 2020.

“And today it has graduated to the level of production of Bio- Fertilizers and gas for renewable energy option of the smart agric technology.

The statement said that those who were present at inspection visit included Assistant Controller General CN Ogwude, incharge of  Agriculture and  Controller of Corrections, DA Kupan incharge of Planning, Research and Statistics.

Also, the Controller of Corrections, RY Jatau from Works and Logistics and Deputy Controller of Corrections, KN Abubakar from Procurement unit.

The Incharge Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Port-Harcourt, Deputy Controller of Corrections, EO Etim gave the vote of thanks and wished the committee safe trip back to Abuja. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

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