News Agency of Nigeria
Chairman tasks new CEOs to leveraging expertise for delivery
General News

Chairman tasks new CEOs to leveraging expertise for delivery

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By Jessica Dogo

The Chairman, Uniccon Group, Dr Chuks Ekwueme has tasked newly appointed Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to leverage their expertise and social currencies to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The General Manager of the group, Mr Kehinde Ake, who said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, added that the CEOs were appointed at the Uniccon subsidiary offices.

Ake quoted the Chairman as saying that the appointees of its Chuksprime Organics, SmartAfri Labs and Baba Sky Technologies subsidiaries were Mr Chris Ebosie, Mr Eval Esege and Mr Ronald Ajiboye accordingly.

He said the appointments were critical to repositioning the Group’s subsidiaries for market traction and more impact in the technology space.

Ekwueme said that they were appointed based on their great expertise and specialty.

He said: “The choice of Chris to lead Chuksprime was an easy one, given his great expertise and management experience across several industries and stake in creating the blockchain technology and managerial prowess.

“On Ajiboye, I could not have made a better choice given his foothold in UAV-drone research, development, marketing and networking in the UAV space.”

The chairman said that Chuksprime was an agro export company focused on the sourcing, processing, and export of Natural and organic agro commodities.

He said Smartafri Labs was a blockchain hub for the NFT marketplace, utility tokens and the metaverse. It drives African creatives, and creation and incorporates its cultures into the specialised niche.

According to Ekwueme, Baba Sky Technologies engages in the research, development, deployment and commercialisation of customised military, surveillance, agro and use-case UAV-drone.

In response, the new executives thanked the chairman for the confidence reposed in them and promised to exceed expectations with the cooperation of management and members of staff. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FG to make Ajaokuta free trade zone to attract FDI
General News

FG to make Ajaokuta free trade zone to attract FDI

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The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu has revealed the Federal Government plan to make the Ajaokuta environ a Free Trade Zone to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and to diversify the economy of the country.

Abubakar-Audu disclosed this at his maiden visit to the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCOL) on Wednesday, as he took a tour of the complex.

He also pledged his commitment to ensure the production of steel from the multi-billion dollar investment project of the Federal Government under a three-year plan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was accompanied on the trip by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mary Ogbe, Staff of the Ministry, and some foreign investors

Abubakar-Audu said that the visit was aimed at getting a first-hand knowledge of the problems stopping production in the company in a bid to proffering solutions.

He said that President Bola Tinubu had also taken interest in the resuscitation of Ajaokuta Steel Complex by appointing him as the pioneer Minister to show the world the importance of Steel Development to Industrialization.

He further stated that Ajaokuta Steel Company if gotten right would create over 500,000 jobs which would be enough to lift Nigerians out of poverty.

“We want to thank President Bola  Tinubu for having the vision to create a Steel Development Ministry

”Over the past 40 years, we had the largest Steel Plant in Nigeria and one of the largest West Africa which has not functioned.

”But the President knows that in order to industrialize Nigeria, we have to get the steel industry working,” he said.

According to him, in line with the key point agenda of ‘Renewed Hope’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some of the key elements are job creation, diversification of the economy and to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

”If we are able to revitalize Ajaokuta, it will help us achieve this. This key point agenda will also help us eradicate poverty.

“To achieve this, we have put together two documents. A three-year plan for the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company which will have a Small and Medium Term Plan.

“Part of the things is the roadmap to designate the 24,000 hectares land of Ajaokuta an Industrial Park, to create a Free Trade Zone that will further attract Foreign Direct Investment,” he said.

He said that his job was to ensure that all those typical issues that held the plant from producing be resolved.

”And by the first term of this administration, if we are able to produce some sheet of steel, it will be a significant achievement.

“I have taken an extensive tour of the complex and plants, and there are lots of opportunities that if we are able to unlock we will be able to create over 500,000 jobs, which ill benefit kogites a bit more importantly, Nigerians.

”This will also guarantee that everyone benefits from the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “ Audu said.

Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar-Audu during the visit to Ajaokuta Complex on Tuesday 

 

Audu said that he was on the tour with potential foreign investors and experts who have shown. Interest in bringing FDI to unlock these potentials.

Different investors given different components also worked in resuscitating moribund steel plants in other countries.

The Minister said that the investors will carry out an advanced technical audit of the steel complex and its facilities so see what more is to be done.

“I am being accompanied here today by investors who are ready to put their expertise to ensure that this steel company works.

“We have the Russians, Americans, Arabs and Chinese who are showing interest. They have come to show their desire to carry out an advanced technical audit to see what needs to be completed.

“After my findings from here, we will forward everything to Mr President for his approval,” Audu said.

Audu said that in addition to the three-year plan, there was a five-year plan which would also see to ensuring the production of steel in other parts of the country.

Mr Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, Sole Administration and Chief Executive Officer, thanked Mr President for reviving the hope of Nigerians by making Ajaokuta a priority again.

Abdul-Akaba also commended Audu for his great vision and plans in reviving the company, noting that Ajaokuta is a land of vast opportunities.

“Unlike the thinking of so many people, Ajaokuta is not obsolete but only requires the right attention to get the multi-billion dollar running again.

“All we have to do as staff is to join hands with the visions of the President and also key into the plans of the Minister,” Abdul-Alkaba said.

Mr Jalil Hkoodshoev, a Foreign Investor from Novostal-M Company in Russia, lauded the initiatives of Mr. President in reviving the company.

Hkoodshoev noted that with what they had seen on ground, they were e very interested in investing in the company.

He added that the resuscitation of the company would be a big impact not only to Nigeria but the entire West Africa, and the African region in general.

“I assisted His Excellency with this trip to Ajaokuta, I am mesmerized about the size of the plant.

”It is amazing and I think that the initiatives that have been taken by His Excellency, the President of Nigeria will have a big impact not only for Nigeria but all the sub-region and all of Africa.

“I hope that in the next couple of years, we can participate also as partners of the government for this project, and for the steel business,” Hkoodshoev said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Military Court fixes date for judgment in multi-billion naira case against General
Defence/Security

Military Court fixes date for judgment in multi-billion naira case against General

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army Special Court Martial sitting in Abuja, has fixed Oct. 10 for judgment in a case of stealing, forgery, misappropriation and conspiracy brought against a Major General.

The accused, Maj.-Gen. Umaru Muhammed, was the erstwhile Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL).

He is facing an 18-count charge brought against him by the Nigerian Army.

The President of the Court, Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said on  Wednesday that in the course of the trial, the accused had pleaded not guilty and presented two witnesses.

He said that the prosecution on the other hand called 24 witnesses.

He stated that count one of the charge was brought under section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Act Cap c38 law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, punishable under section 390 (7) of the Act.

Myam added that the charge was also brought pursuant to section 114 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 2004.

He said that the court found the defendant guilty of stealing 1.04 million U.S. dollars between May 7, 2019, and June 24, 2021, while serving as GMD of NAPL.

The court president added that the accused was found guilty of instructing one Maj. Usman and one other, now at large, to collect money from ship owners in dollars.

Myam however said Muhammed was not found guilty on count 7, which borders on criminal conspiracy to forge a document in connivance with one Yusuf Abdulahi.

He was however found guilty of forgery as related to count 8 and 9, of stealing $430, 800, the president of the court said.

The court also found the general guilty of conspiracy to forge document, and selling the company’s property while no longer serving at NAPL for N200 million.

It also found him guilty of dishonestly taking N74 million from the company’s account on Aug. 22, 2019.

On counts 14  15,  16, and 18, which bordered on criminal misappropriation, the court said the accused could not account for N2.5 billion belonging to the company.

On count 17, in which the general was accused of withdrawing N750 million from the company’s account, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove their allegation beyond reasonable doubt.

The president said the court will deliver judgment on the matter, on Tuesday, Oct. 10. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

COAS announces speedy take-off of army battalion in Taraba
Defence/Security

COAS announces speedy take-off of army battalion in Taraba

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Wednesday assured of a speedy take-off of the newly-established 114 Battalion in Wukari, Taraba to tackle insecurity in the state.

Lagbaja gave the assurance in Abuja when he received visiting Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba at the Army headquarters.

He said the move was part of efforts to enhance the operation and activities of the 6 Brigade of the army and expand the frontiers of peace and stability in the state.

The COAS also promised to ensure provision of more combat enablers for the 6 Brigade and the garrison to enhance their operations and activities.

“I will ensure the quick take-off of 114 Battalion in Taraba such that we have more troops on ground.

“The units and formations will be working with the state government, especially in applying non-kinetic measures that have already been adopted by the governor.

“We will ensure that we have peace in Taraba.

“The battalion designated in the order of battle, is currently established and conducting operations in the Northeast, in Borno.

“Looking beyond that, we will ensure the take-off of the rear unit of the 114 battalion in Taraba.

“So, as we get the next set of recruits from depot, we will muster some force and bring them to Taraba to facilitate the take-off of the rear unit of the battalion,” he said.

Lagbaja commended the governor for his readiness to provide more support for the 6 Brigade to ensure the reign of peace and stability in Taraba.

He said Army headquarters would work to ensure that whatever support was provided worked optimally for the overall peace of the state.

According to him, Taraba can be a springboard to facilitate peace and security in the entire northeast of Nigeria.

“I pledge the readiness, willingness and availability of the army to work with the state to further entrench peace and stability in Taraba and from there move to other parts of the Northeast,’’ he said.

Earlier, Gov. Kefas said his visit was to further solicit the support and collaboration of the army to address insecurity in Taraba. He commended the efforts of the army in stabilising the state so far.

Kefas noted that the security challenges confronting Taraba were unique considering its location as it shares borders with Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Gombe and Bauchi states.

He said the intention of the government was to prioritise and dominate the vast ungoverned spaces within its borders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.

The governor pledged the readiness of the government to provide more support for the army, considering the limited presence of the Navy and the Air Force in Taraba.

Kefas added that Taraba was also willing to assist in the take-off of the new battalion with the provision of land and infrastructure. (NAN) (www.nannews.Ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

 

OFAB partners senior editors to improve science communication
Agriculture

OFAB partners senior editors to improve science communication

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By Bukola Adewumi

The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa, Nigeria Chapter, has engaged editors in the Nigeria media industry in an interactive session aimed at enhancing accurate science communication.

The interaction, which held in Lagos, was supported by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and hosted under the auspices of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

Ms. Sarah Melah, Information Officer for OFAB, in a statement said the workshop was to equip editors with a comprehensive understanding of Agricultural Biotechnology and Biosafety.

She said the goal was to ensure that decisions regarding Genetically Modified (GM) crops were rooted in evidence-based science, and policymakers’ choices were effectively conveyed to the public.

On her part, Mrs Iweajunwa  Ogochukwu, Head of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology and Biotech Awareness Unit, outlined the objectives, which was to keep the participants informed.

According to her, the workshop is to ensure participants stay updated on agricultural biotech developments.

She said that it would also correct misconceptions related to the safety of biotechnology.

Ogochukwu said it would also enhance the capacity of participants for more informed editorial decision-making regarding agricultural biotech matters.

Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General, NABDA, emphasised on the importance of public understanding and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology.

He said that it was a collective responsibility to provide accurate and fair information to Nigerians in order to enable them to make informed decisions about biotechnology applications.

Mustapha highlighted the media’s crucial role as a bridge connecting complex scientific discoveries with the broader society, translating technical language into understandable terms, and fostering informed discussions.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department, NABDA, drew attention to Nigeria’s vulnerability to climate change and its detrimental impact on agricultural production.

She underscored biotechnology’s potential to address challenges posed by climate change, such as heat, floods, and droughts.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

CSOs float network to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria
Politics

CSOs float network to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria

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By Angela Atabo

Two Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA) and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) on Wednesday floated a platform to combat illicit financial flows in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the platform known as the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows(IFF) and Taxation (APNIFFT) was aimed at combating illicit financial flows in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, CISLAC, said that the platform being coordinated by TJNA provided a platform for African members of parliaments to join efforts and chart a pan-African roadmap to tackle the challenges of IFFs and tax injustices.

“This is because IFFs and tax injustices have continued to drain the much-needed domestic resources to propel Africa’s development objectives as outlined in the African Union Agenda 2063,” he said.

He said that the inauguration of the Nigerian caucus would provide a coordinated structure that would enable members to collectively drive legislative interventions to curb IFFs and promote Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM).

“IFFs threatens economic stability and development and Africa has been on the receiving end of the effects for a long time, like many countries of the continent, Nigeria with its large market and population is faced with its large share of this act of corruption.

“It is estimated that about 90 billion dollars is lost annually to illicit financial flows in Africa, enabled by trade mis-invoicing, tax evasion among others, and Nigeria alone reportedly accounts for 20 per cent of this figure,” he said.

Rafsanjani said that with already dwindling resources for Africa to sufficiently fund its development needs and the struggle to mobilise domestic resources, IFFs had led to even more excessive losses from the continent.

He said that this was making African countries poorer and poorer and undermining economic growth and development efforts in African countries by reducing the funds available for public services, infrastructure, and poverty reduction.

“In all honesty, the global north can do better if it truly desires to empower Africa and self-fund its development. Rather than promote Africa’s dependence on foreign aid, the West can start to truly help by halting, punishing, and repatriating illicit outflows from Africa.

“But Africa cannot afford to fold its hands and wait for the West to fight her battle. Africa must take the battle against IFFs very seriously.

” It is in this light that initiatives like APNIFFT and other efforts on the continent to combat IFFs must be appreciated and supported to succeed,” he said.

Ms Ndidi Ashu, the Lead Monitoring Evaluation and Knowledge Management, TJNA, said the network was committed to promoting accountability and progressive taxation in Africa.

Ashu said the network worked in alignment with the African Union Agenda 2063 through key thematic areas comprising tax and international financial architecture, tax and investments tax and natural resources governance and tax and equity.

“We collaborate with leading researchers, policymakers, campaigners and CSOs to drive comprehensive change in tax policies, challenge detrimental investment practices, enhance international tax transparency, and restore African countries favouriety over natural resources,” she said.

Ashu said that APNIFFT had been inaugurated in 43 countries so far and would continue to partner with members of parliaments across the continent to address IFFs and domestic resource mobilisation challenges.

Ms Josephine Drabo, the West Africa Regional Coordinator, APNIFFT, said IFFs was detrimental to African countries’ continent and damaging.

Drabo said the concept of APNIFFT identified the importance of continental collaboration and networking, as well as the strategic roles of parliamentarians in championing the campaign against IFFs.

“Illicit financial flows is like a snake in the ocean and we need several hands on-board to be able to catch it,” she said

Dr Khanyisele Tshabalala, Chairperson, APNIFFT, said the amount lost in IFFs if curtailed would aid in building a developed continent and countries, adding that the aim was to have APNIFFT in all the African countries to build a sustainable economy for the continent.

“The fight against IFFs has to translate into the daily lives of every citizen in the continent.

“People are protesting it, amazing the kind of messages they send, we can’t buy bread, we can’t buy milk, the economy is hard, we lost our houses, times are hard for Africans.

“That is why this is crucial and it is time to rise and address it,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Fiscal Commission to engage stakeholders on implementation of FRA
Sports

Fiscal Commission to engage stakeholders on implementation of FRA

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By Victor Okoye

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) said it will hold a Stakeholders dialogue, on the implementation of sections of the Fiscal Responsibility Act that relates to lending by banks to governments and public institutions.

Mr Bede Anyanwu, FRC’s Head of Strategic Communications who stated this is in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said the event would hold in Lagos on Saturday.

Anyanwu said that the event is expected to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including banking institutions, government representatives, economists, academics and experts in fiscal governance.

He said that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA), was Nigeria’s foremost legal framework for the promotion, monitoring and enforcement of fiscal discipline in the federation.

He said that the FRA stipulates that lending by banks to governments or their agencies in contravention of certain provisions of the Act shall be unlawful.

“Hence, the commission aims at using the Stakeholder Dialogue to refresh the attention of stakeholders to this provision of the Act.

“It also seeks to engender stakeholder agreement on ways to enhance compliance, and thereby improve the nation’s debt management practices,” Anyanwu said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

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(Edited by Joseph Edeh)

UNGA 2023: When Tinubu wooed the world
Features

UNGA 2023: When Tinubu wooed the world

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By Cecilia Ologunagba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

For over 63 years, Nigeria has actively participated in the UN General Assembly as one of the prominent Member States of the global body.

The General Assembly is the main policy making and representative organ of the UN.

It is composed of representatives of the 193 Member States and other entities which meet in sessions dedicated to discussions on current issues of critical importance to the international community.

The Assembly is also said to be the largest networking gathering, where Member States take advantage of the massive turnout to engage in bilateral and multilateral meetings as well as side events, among others.

Ending the war in Ukraine, promoting climate action and ramping up efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) topped the agenda of the High Level Week.

This year, the Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, joined other world leaders to contribute to the global discourse, highlighting the achievements of his country in contributing to global peace, prosperity and sustainability.

Tinubu, who was sworn in as 16th President of Nigeria on May 29, in his inaugural speech to the Assembly, urged UN member States to demonstrate more commitment to the crackdown against terror financing.

He also urged them to show commitment to curb economic sabotage, and illicit mineral and arms smuggling in the developing world.

The president said his aggressive economic development diplomatic push for new investment has been demonstrably effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready, adding that the ease of doing business was not the major challenge to large scale investment.

“The question is not whether Nigeria is open for business. The question is how much of the world is truly open to doing business with Nigeria and Africa in an equal, mutually beneficial manner.

‘’Direct investment in critical industries, opening their ports to a wider range and larger quantity of quality African exports, and meaningful debt relief are important aspects of the cooperation we desire,” the Tinubu said.

Demonstrating his push for investment, Tinubu met with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of Angola João Lourenço.

He also had audience with, President of Union of Comotros, Azali Assoumani, King of Jordan, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, and the Secretary-General  of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Mr. Hissein Taha, on the sidelines of the session.

The Nigerian leaders also met with the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, and with business community in the U.S. as well as Nigerians living in the U.S, among others.

Discussing with his South African counterpart, Ramaphosa on stronger economic and regional ties, Tinubu said South African Mining industries had a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector.

‘’Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications. We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area.

“We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries,” the President said.

Ramaphosa agreed that the two countries have much more wealth to create together in close and intentional partnership, with each nation leveraging each other’s respective strengths.

Also, meeting with Taha, Tinubu reiterated that the Islamic world has a strategic role to play in the sustenance of peace and development in Africa, and across the globe.

‘’I am ready to collaborate with you. Your effort in supporting agricultural growth and food security through the provision of resources from Islamic banks has been most commendable and our region is appreciative.

‘’I am determined to work with you in uplifting Nigerians and Africans,” the President said.

Meanwhile, at Nigeria-U.S. Executive Business Roundtable, Tinubu assured prospective investors of his administration’s determination to adopt necessary fiscal and regulatory measures toward the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He said that was the reason behind his bringing successful Nigerian industrialists and public officials to share their experiences and operational plans, respectively.

Tinubu said this was in addition to all he had done to boost the confidence of the global investment community in Nigeria, by reforming the fiscal, monetary, regulatory and tax policy environment.

Boosting the confidence of global investment, the Nigerian leader rang bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ) in New York.

Tinubu, while performing the task, was in company of some Nigerian business leaders and officials of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

The President also used the opportunity, presented by the historic moment, to advance his foreign investment push in front of financial markets at the famous stock exchange.

Also meeting with Nigerians in the diaspora, Tinubu assured then that Nigeria is home for business opportunities and that they should contribute their quota by investing in the country.

According to him, change of mind is important in achieving success in all their endeavours.

In addition to Tinubu’s participation, the Nigerian delegation also participated in other high-level events such as High-level dialogue on Financing for Development; High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

The delegation attended Climate Ambition Summit, convened by the Secretary-General; the Ministerial meeting of the Summit of the Future; High-level meeting of the Universal Health Coverage,.

Also, the delegation participated in High-level meeting of the on the fight Against Tuberculosis.

The Minister of State for Environment, Kunle Salako, who was part of the president’s entourage, spoke on the efforts to mitigate the impact of Climate Change, noting the decision by Tinubu’s administration to remove fuel subsidy.

According to him, removal of fuel subsidy has reduced the country’s consumption rate by about 33 per cent.

“I had highlighted this development in some of the meetings I attended or represented the President and at the meeting of Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change and at the meeting of Commonwealth Ministers of Environment and Climate.

“Nigeria participated in the meeting of Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change where I represented President to pass a resolution to adopt the Nairobi Declaration for final vetting by the meeting of AU.

“I also represented the president at the first meeting of Commonwealth Ministers of Environment and Climate.

“During the meeting the ministers decided to approach the 28th Conference of Parties in Dubai come late November to early December with common front of pushing for better financing for climate action’’, he said.

While commending the president on his maiden outing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris said Tinubu’s the outing showed that Nigeria is back to the fold of great nations.

“It appears that the world is welcoming Nigeria back to its fold. So much is happening, and Nigeria is being expected to lead the way. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has just done that.

“Nigeria is becoming a very important nation once again, taking its rightful place, President Bola Tinubu didn’t speak for Nigeria, but for the rest of Africa,” said the minister.

Idris described the president’s outing as fantastic because it demonstrated the leadership position he has taken in Africa, being the ECOWAS President. (NANFeatures)

**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria

FG gives two-week timeline for passport issuance
Defence/Security , General News

FG gives two-week timeline for passport issuance

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By Yahaya Isah

The Federal Government on Wednesday announced a two-week timeline for the issuance of passports, saying the era when Nigerians waited for months to get their passports was over.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the timeline in Abuja while briefing newsmen on his earlier directive to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to clear more than 204,000 backlogs of passport applications.

The minister apologised to Nigerians that clearance of the backlog had spilled into three weeks, as opposed to the earlier two weeks deadline he gave.

Tunji-Ojo lauded officers and men of the NIS for efforts made so far and charged them to work round-the-clock and on public holidays and weekends to achieve his directive.

He said while the procurement of visas was a privilege, acquisition of a passport was the right of every Nigerian.

He also expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu not to increase the cost of passport issuance in spite of foreign exchange volatility.

“On Sept. 7, we made a promise to sort out the backlogs in two weeks, but we made it in three weeks and I sincerely want to apologise to Nigerians for that.

“The `Renewed Hope’ administration of President Bola Tinubu is one that matches its words with actions.

“The issue of passport must be a right and not a privilege. Visa is a privilege but passport is a right,’’ the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that with that new development, the Federal Government had been able to hand over the rights of Nigerians to them.

“For us, we are sure that if it can work at the NIS, it can work anywhere else. Nigeria is undergoing a process.

“We inherited 204,332 enrolments without passport issuance.

“We gave a marching order because the president is also on our necks to bring solutions and succour to Nigerians,’’ he said.

He explained that after strategic meetings with NIS officials and with service providers, the service was able to increase printing machines in passport offices from two to four at no cost.

“The NIS personnel were running three shifts, working round-the-clock to ensure that the backlogs were cleared and to ensure that never again would the issue of backlogs resurface.

“We want to ensure that nobody waits for more than two weeks to get his or her passport.

“As of Oct. 1, we had cleared all the 204,332 backlogs and from records produced by the NIS, passports already collected were 91,981. Outstanding, but available are 112,351 passports,’’ Tunji-Ojo said.

The minister pleaded with Nigerians to endeavour to collect their passports, adding that Nigerians should not give money to a third party to process passport applications, no matter the circumstance.

“If there is any passport office where you have done your biometrics and it does not give you your passport, please complain through telephone number 0802 375 3414, preferably SMS and Whatsapp. Or email aa-ajiboye@yahoo.com

“The attitude of a very negligible fraction of NIS officers will not cast aspersions on the work of the majority of good officers,’’ he stressed.

The minister said also that he had perused all contracts and agreements the ministry and its agencies entered into with service providers.

He promised that in the next couple of months, passport applicants would be able to upload their passport photographs via NIS portal, rather than going to passport offices for such registration.

According to him, applicants would only be required to visit the passport offices for their biometrics enrolment.

“Hopefully by December, people will not need to go to passport offices to take pictures.

“This is 2023. People will be able to upload their passport photographs online with specifications. That is what is done for visa applications; we are advancing in that direction.

“Also, your supporting documents should be uploaded online so that when you go to the passport office, it will just be for biometrics and within five minutes you are done,’’ he explained.

The minister said the new steps were designed to end the era when passport applicants spent whole days at passport offices.

Tunji-Ojo added that in the new system, the passport office would be able to process more than 400 applications daily, a departure from the past.

“These are some of the innovations we are bringing. While we know what the exchange rate is, we are not increasing passport fees.

“The present administration understands the needs of the people. As a person, I do not want anybody to go and stay in a passport office for more than 10 minutes,” Tunji-Ojo told newsmen. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen/Alli Hakeem

INEC to transmit Bayelsa guber poll results manually
Politics

INEC to transmit Bayelsa guber poll results manually

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By Shedrack Frank

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it plans to transmit results of the Nov.11 Bayelsa governorship election manually.

The state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr Obo Effanga, stated this in Yenagoa on Wednesday, during an interactive section with religious leaders and faith based organisations.

Effanga said that INEC was ready to conduct free, fair and credible election and only voters accredited by BVAS would be allowed to vote.

“Immediately you are given the ballot paper you can start voting.

“We are in the fourth week of collection of PVCs and it will end on Oct. 11. Those who have not collected their cards should go to INEC office in their local government areas,” he said.
Effanga urged the stakeholders to advise their candidates to be peaceful.

“Religious leaders should take the message to their congregation and politicians who are also Church members,’’ he said.

He said that 16 political parties had fielded candidates for the election.

Rev. Joseph Belema, one of the religious leaders commended INEC, stressing that free, fair and credible election was a way forward for electing good leaders.

He called on the candidates not to see election as a do or die affair, adding that only one person would be elected.(NAN)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Ali Baba-Inuwa

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