NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Russia prepared to provide necessary military assistance to Nigeria
Defence/Security

Russia prepared to provide necessary military assistance to Nigeria

250 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Andrey Belousov, has expressed the preparedness of Russia to provide the necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Belousov gave the assurance when the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, paid him a courtesy visit in Moscow.

The Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the visit was aimed at reiterating Nigeria’s solidarity with the Federation on its 80th Victory Day Commemoration, in honour of Russian heroes who paid the ultimate price during World War II.

He added that the visit was highly rewarding, as it enabled the CDS to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to military cooperation with the Russian Federation.

According to him, it also provided an opportunity for the CDS to outline the operational needs of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which Russia could potentially support.

“The Russian Defence Minister expressed appreciation for the visit and noted that, in line with the Military Technical cooperation, Russia was prepared to provide the necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“He also stated the outcomes of subsequent engagements, such as the meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Gusau said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NPA denies corruption allegations, defends procurement process
Economy/Business

NPA denies corruption allegations, defends procurement process

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By Aisha Cole
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has denied allegations of corruption, insisting that misapplication of budgetary provisions is impossible under its strict regulatory framework.

NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said this in Lagos.

Onyemekara stated that the Authority’s budget and spending undergo close monitoring by the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy, the Budget Office, and the National Assembly.

He explained that dredging at the Warri Escravos Channel was necessary due to worsening conditions threatening maritime navigation and national oil and gas operations.

The dredging contract followed the emergency procurement procedure in the Procurement Act 2007, countering claims made in some online reports.

Onyemekara said online publications alleging multi-billion-naira corruption within the Authority were false and baseless.

He affirmed that the NPA operates transparently, with financial activities fully supervised by federal bodies, making misapplication of funds implausible.

“The marine craft procurement process was lawfully executed in response to urgent national energy security needs, involving offshore operations to support domestic crude oil sales,” he said.

He described claims of withholding documents for over a year as untenable, citing civil service rules on processing timelines.

Allegations about transactions at NPA’s London Office were also dismissed, with Onyemekara confirming no such activities ever took place.

He attributed increased 2024 revenues to foreign exchange gains, since port charges are internationally benchmarked in foreign currency.

Onyemekara clarified that revocations of third-party contracts were conducted within legal frameworks and honouring existing agreements.

According to him, staff promotions, including new General Manager appointments, addressed age-related stagnation and followed proper internal procedures.

He said staff morale is high, backed by in-house union commendations for resolving long-standing promotion issues and conducting 2024 promotion exams.

“To boost competitiveness and cargo throughput, the Authority secured Federal Executive Council approval for the Port Modernisation Programme,” he said.

He urged media outlets to verify reports directly with the Authority, which, according to him, remains open to constructive dialogue.

He said, “The Abubakar Dantsoho-led management reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigerian ports through infrastructure and equipment upgrades.”

Onyemekara noted that the Port Community System is nearing completion, supporting the rollout of the Federal Government’s National Single Window Project. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
Media figures urge BBC to air Gaza medics’ documentary
Foreign

Media figures urge BBC to air Gaza medics’ documentary

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More than 600 prominent figures from the film, media and cultural industries on Monday criticised the BBC’s bias in reporting.

It, however, urged the British broadcaster to air the delayed Gaza documentary on the plight of medics in Gaza.

The open letter, addressed to BBC Director-General Tim Davie, calls for the release of Gaza Medics under Fire, which documents the experiences of Palestinian health workers operating under Israeli bombardment.

Signatories include Oscar-winning U.S. actor Susan Sarandon, comedian Frankie Boyle, and Lindsey Hilsum, an English television journalist and writer.

According to the letter, 130 anonymous individuals also signed, including more than a dozen BBC staffers.

“We write to you again with deep concern about the censorship of Palestinian voices this time, medics operating in unimaginable conditions in Gaza,” said the letter.

The signatories accused the BBC of demonstrating bias in its reporting on Gaza and expressed concern about the broadcaster’s balance and impartiality.

“It has repeatedly delayed the broadcast of Gaza, Medics under Fire, a documentary made by Oscar-nominated, Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmakers, including Ben de Pear, Karim Shah and Ramita Navai,” the letter said.

The documentary details attacks on Palestinian health workers and hospitals in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli attacks which have killed nearly 53,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023. (AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji

Alfa Designs to deploy CNG cascades to spur availability
Oil & Gas

Alfa Designs to deploy CNG cascades to spur availability

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By Emmanuella Anokam

Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., a leading oil and gas company, says it is set to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cascade to proximity areas to spur its availability in the country.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Quadri Fatai, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

CNG cascade is a system of interconnected, high-pressure gas cylinders used for storing and transporting CNG.

It is essentially a series of cylinders arranged in a way that allows for efficient storage and dispensing of CNG.

NAN reports that motorists have raised concern and complained bitterly about the unavailability of CNG and constant queues at refilling stations in the country.

Speaking with NAN, Fatai said the company was working out modalities to ensure that issues responsible for CNG unavailability were adequately addressed, adding that the proximity of having CNG around should be considered.

The expert said it had procured the first batch of 10 CNG cascades, which would be deployed soon after certification.

He said it was currently engaging the Standards Organisation of Nigeria third party inspection company for inspection, certification and licence issuance for the cylinders.

In order to ease distribution to different areas of proximity, he said it would also deploy a 100 per cent CNG-powered truck with a self-loader for distribution/dispensation of CNG.

“We are deploying about 450kg capacity CNG cascade (a storage facility) at designated places, which will allow CNG to be filled and stored in it with total weight at three tonnes.

“We are also coming with 100 per cent CNG-powered truck vehicle with self loader for distribution and dispensation.

“The idea is for the cascade to be filled and deployed at various fuel refilling partners’ outlets, where motorists can access to refill their vehicles.

“Once the inspection and certification of the cylinders are completed, the next thing is to ship them to Nigeria and do clearing,’’ he added.

He described logistics and limited infrastructure as the major factors behind unavailability of CNG, adding that the logistics involved in handling CNG projects are quite a lot.

“And in order for you to understand the fundamental principle of these factors, I will need to quickly make a simple narrative between Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and the CNG.

“It is easier to deploy LPG than to deploy CNG, because the LPG operates at almost 35 bar pressure, while CNG is operating between 200 to 300 bar.

“The pressure is the function of the thickness or weight of the material. So, what it means is that the LPG cylinder will always be lighter in weight compared to the weight of the CNG cylinder,” he said.

The expert said that the company was coming up with a lot of packages and initiatives to ease or solve the logistic issues to enable availability of CNG in the country.

He said to ease CNG deployment across the country, necessary logistics should be provided to handle the weight of the CNG and bring it in a compatible shape.

He further underscored the need to encourage companies that would like to build mother station infrastructure, to gradually extend the pipeline network of gas distribution.

He said concern had been raised on the safety, economic benefits and global regulations and compliance of CNG conversion, including factors bothering its logistics and usage.

According to him, to foster safety, the Nigeria Institute of Standards and SON are supposed to be checking continuously the integrity of the LPG and CNG cylinders.

He decried the fact that because of the price associated with CNG kits and cylinders, quacks are already locally fabricating the cylinders, toying with explosive things.

“The destructive power of a four-bar gas cylinder is almost equivalent to one grenade (an explosive military weapon),’’ he warned. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

PDP inaugurates 39 new BoT members
Politics

PDP inaugurates 39 new BoT members

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday inaugurated 39 new members of its Board of Trustees (BoT).

The BoT Chairman, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, while inaugurating the new members at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, said that they were nominees of states and zones.

Wabara said that the nomination of the new members was based on their dedication, experience and unwavering loyalty to the party.

He described the occasion as not only a celebration of a new beginning, but also a reaffirmation of collective commitment to the values and principles of PDP.

The BoT chairman urged the new members to consider their appointments as a call to service and uphold the integrity, unity and vision of the party as they strived for a prosperous and democratic country.

“Your role as members of the board is not only to guide and support the leadership of the party but also to act as a stabilising force in times of challenges and uncertainties.

“Today’s inauguration is particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria.

“The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome,” he said.

Wabara also reminded the new members that their presence on the board was not only a position of honour but a position of responsibility.

“Let us continue to work together to uphold the vision of our founding fathers and build a stronger, more inclusive and more progressive PDP,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, congratulated the new members, saying that the party would be looking forward for more members on the BoT.

Damagum, represented by the acting National Secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, assured that the National Working Committee would continue to support the board.

Speaking on the appointment, a new BoT member, Jones Onyeriri, said that the composition of the board was a reflection of the party’s strength.

“It isn’t a big problem for some people that are defecting to other parties; even Jesus Christ, at a time, had some of his disciples who defected.

“So, for me, it is a sign that we are nearer to our crown. We have taken over and still strong.

“Nobody is sabotaging the party. Please trust me on this, as anyone that is doing that is already out of the party,” Onyeriri said.

Another new BoT member, Eddy Olafeso, said that the inauguration of the board was a regeneration of the glorious past, pledging that they would work together to ensure that the party continued to function as a strong opposition with new ideas, new people and new orientation.

“With the quality of leadership and the heritage of the past, we can make Nigeria better than it is today,” he said.

Asked why he resigned his position as Vice-Chairman, South-West when he went to contest for Ondo governorship election, Olafeso said that he did that as a democrat and loyal member of the party.

“There’s no reason for me to hold the party down. If I want to go for another position, I must leave that position as directed by the constitution. Things will work better.

“Discipline is part of democracy; commitment is part of democracy. We must adjust to the way we want to act.

“I did the needful; I’m loyal to my party. I can’t take my party to court. I’ll continue to serve it and do my best to solve the problems within the party,” Olafeso said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members inaugurated included: Labaran Maku, Ibrahim Shekarau, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Samuel Ortom and Nimota Ibrahim. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/’Wale Sadeeq

Kwara Senator launches subsidised tractorisation programme
Agriculture

Kwara Senator launches subsidised tractorisation programme

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By Olayinka Owolewa

Sen. Saliu Mustapha, (Kwara Central Senatorial District) has introduced a subsidised tractorisation programme to boost mechanised farming and enhance agricultural productivity in the state.

This initiative is part of  Mustapha’s efforts aimed at boosting farming efficiency, reduce manual labour, enhance crop yields as well as drive economic growth and food security in the state.

As part of the programme on Monday, the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, distributed tractors to the four local government areas of his constituency.

This latest intervention came just a week after he distributed several units of tractors to farmer groups and cooperative societies in the state, reinforcing his commitment to grassroots development through agriculture.

The senator’s media assistant, Nasif Sholagberu, said the initiative tagged “Turaki Sagbedoba” is designed to support smallholder farmers and strengthen food production across rural communities.

“This distribution is part of the senator’s commitment to leveraging his legislative position to bring agricultural dividends directly to the people.

“It also fits in perfectly into the Renewed Hope Agriculture Development Programme of President Bola  Tinubu,” he said.

Sholagberu said that Mustapha, a first-term lawmaker, has established himself as a champion of food security and rural development in the senate.

He explained that his strategic initiatives to bring agriculture-focused interventions to his constituency are timely, given the current economic challenges and rising food prices.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chioma Ugboma

FG prioritises gender in labour reforms
General News

FG prioritises gender in labour reforms

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By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government has announced that gender mainstreaming will be a key guiding principle in its ongoing labour reforms.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Muhammad Dingyadi, made this known while delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Senior Officers’ Conference of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, on Monday in Keffi.

The conference is themed, “Reforming Labour Administration System in Nigeria.”

Dingyadi stated that integrating gender considerations into labour reforms would ensure equal access to employment opportunities for women and vulnerable groups, free from discrimination.

He added that other core principles of the reform included strengthening institutional capacity, digitising service delivery, enhancing tripartite collaboration, improving occupational safety and health coverage, and reinforcing accountability and compliance mechanisms.

Speaking further, the minister said the conference theme not only reflected the ministry’s current priorities but also aligned with the national goal of leveraging human capital for sustainable development and global competitiveness.

He noted that changing global work patterns, technological innovation, demographic shifts, climate change, and globalisation were reshaping the workplace, including how, where, and when people work.

Dingyadi emphasised the need for the ministry to adapt to the changes by building a resilient, inclusive, and transparent labour administration system that met the demands of modern Nigeria.

He described the conference as a timely opportunity to reflect, reset, and renew commitment to decent work and equitable labour practices.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Salihu Usman, highlighted the need for Nigeria to re-evaluate its labour system to keep pace with global changes.

He stressed that technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence and emerging workplace trends had transformed the world of work, and the conference presented a platform to reposition Nigeria’s labour administration accordingly. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

U-20 AFCON: Nigeria defeat Senegal in penalty shootout to reach semi-finals
Sports

U-20 AFCON: Nigeria defeat Senegal in penalty shootout to reach semi-finals

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By Victor Okoye

Nigeria held their nerve to secure a place in the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, defeating defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.

The West African giants renewed their fierce rivalry in a tense quarter-final that saw both sides create scoring chances but ultimately fail to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of pulsating action.

The Flying Eagles, unbeaten in the group stages, maintained their composure in the shootout with spot kicks expertly converted by Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.

Senegal, by contrast, faltered under pressure — Pierre Dorival’s, effort was saved, while Mame Mor Faye’s was denied, and Ousmane Konaté crashed his attempt off the crossbar.

Seydi Diouck netted Senegal’s only penalty, but it was not enough to prevent the reigning champions from exiting the tournament.

The result marks Nigeria’s eighth successive quarter-final win at the U-20 AFCON under the current format.

They now advance to the semi-finals, where they will look to maintain their record of never losing a semi-final tie in this competition.

Despite the final scoreline, both sides had moments where they could have clinched victory in open play.

Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh each forced saves from Senegal keeper Mouhamed Sissokho, while Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came agonisingly close in the 42nd minute with a header that rattled the post.

As the match wore on, fatigue set in but the determination from both camps never wavered.

Nigeria’s tactical substitutions — including the introduction of Precious Benjamin and Rickson Mendos — added attacking impetus late on.

Senegal, on their part, reshuffled to find a breakthrough with the likes of Seydi Diouck and Mame Mor Faye.

Extra time saw Nigeria press with renewed energy.

Tahir Maigana’s curling strike in the 106th minute drew a fine stop from Sissokho, while Israel Ayuma’s long-range effort two minutes later also required intervention.

Yet, despite Nigeria’s dominance in the closing stages, the deadlock remained.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who had gone largely untested in the shootout, emerged as a quiet hero.

His save against Mame Mor Faye’s spot kick proved pivotal in tilting the balance.

Senegal, who came into the tie with a strong defensive record and ambitions to retain their crown, were ultimately undone by Nigeria’s discipline and precision in the decisive moments.

The result also marked their first loss in a knockout match since 2017.

In a post-match interview, Nigeria head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his side’s resilience.

“We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties.

“I’m proud of the boys for executing under pressure,” he said.

With this result, Nigeria also earned a spot in the U-20 World Cup, scheduled for Chile from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.

With this result, Nigeria moves one step closer to a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title, while Senegal will now reflect on what could have been after a hard-fought campaign.

The victory also earned Nigeria a spot in the U-20 World Cup slated for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19. in Chile.

The four semi-finalists from the on-going U-20 AFCON automatically qualifies to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

DMO targets N300bn in series seven Sukuk issuance
Economy/Business

DMO targets N300bn in series seven Sukuk issuance

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The Debt Management Office (DMO), on Monday hosted an investor meeting for the issuance of N300 billion series seven Sovereign Sukuk issuance in Abuja.

The Director-General of the DMO, Patience Oniha, said that since inception in 2017, Sukuk had become a product of choice for non- interest investors in the capital market.

According to Oniha, the acceptance of the Sukuk is an attestation of one of the major roles of the DMO to develop the domestic capital market, while also raising funds for the Federal Government.

She said that the Federal Government had been able to raise a total of N1.09 trillion through the Sovereign Sukuk since 2017, to support infrastructure development.

The director-general said that for the seventh series, the plan was to raise N300 billion to be used to further finance capital projects.

She recalled that the first Sukuk was issued in September 2017, adding that after extensive marketing, the offer, which was for N100 billion with a tenor of seven years received a total subscription of N105.878 billion.

She said following the modest success of the first Sukuk and the achievement recorded from Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2023 when the last Sukuk was issued, the DMO had raised a total of N1.09 trillion.

“With this amount, more than 4,100 km of roads and nine bridges across the six geo-political zones in NIgeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have either been constructed or rehabilitated, ” she said.

Oniha said that the projects had brought substantial benefits, including reduced travel time improved road safety and job creation.

She said that the projects also created improved access to markets for remote farmers, increased access to public services like education and healthcare, and economic development as a whole.

“In addition to those benefits, other reasons for the sustained issuance are the fact that the Sukuk is project-tied, promotes financial inclusion and contributes to the development of the domestic financial market,” she said.

She said that the Sukuk had been well accepted as demonstrated by the level of subscription received in the past.

“Investors get fulfillment of contributing to infrastructure development, and also get a return in terms of income which is paid every six months,” Oniha said.

She said that financial advisers play a crucial role in the issuance of Sovereign Sukuk, assisting the Federal Government of Nigeria through DMO.

“Their responsibilities include advising on the structure of the Sukuk, managing the offering process, and facilitating investor participation,” she said

Attahiru Machhdo, a representative of Buraq Capital Limited, financial advisers to the transaction, said that the idea of Sovereign Sukuk was informed by the need to bridge infrastructure deficit in the country.

Machido said that the roads constructed with the proceeds of Sukuk would be effectively supervised to ensure that they meet the required standard.

“The roads must remain usable throughout the lifespan of the Sukuk ” he said.

Olalade Agboola from Greenwich Merchant Bank, a mandated Issuing House of Sukuk, said that the rental rate was 19.75 per cent.

Agboola said that the tenor of the Sukuk was seven years, adding that the rental rate would be paid bi-annually.

“The bullet payment (principal sum) will be done on maturity, ”she said.

She said that Sukuk was a direct obligation of the Federal Government. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Mining cadastre generates N10.9bn revenue in 4 months – DG
Economy/Business

Mining cadastre generates N10.9bn revenue in 4 months – DG

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By Martha Agas

The Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) says it generated N10.9bn between January and April 2025.

The Director-General of the MCO, Mr Stephen Nkom, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Head of Press of the organisation, Mrs Grace Okeke, on Sunday in Abuja.

Nkom explained that the achievement was due to the reforms introduced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, to reposition the mining sector.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had disclosed that MCO collected about N7 billion in mining fees and registered 118 new private mineral buying centres in the first quarter of 2025.

Alake said that the fees came from 955 applications for title grants of which 651 were for exploration, 270 for small-scale mining, 49 for Quarrying, and 24 for reconnaissance permits.

The MCO boss stated that the organisation was committed to promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in the mining sector.

He said the agency’s migration to the digital Electronic Mining Cadastre (eMC+) system in 2022 was a significant step toward enhancing accessibility, automation, and regulatory effectiveness.

According to Nkom, MCO is collaborating with government agencies such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Police among others to achieve the feat.

He added that MCO and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), were strengthening their collaboration to ensure that only companies properly registered and compliant with statutory requirements were allowed to operate.

According to Nkom, MCO is ready to provide comprehensive data to CAC on registered companies that are in full compliance with annual return requirements.

NAN reports that the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, recently paid a courtesy visit to the MCO’s DG where he sought for collaboration in the discharge of their duties.

Magaji said that collaboration was to ensure that companies operating in the mining sector complied with CAC regulations, including timely filing of annual returns, in order to qualify for and retain mining licences. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

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