News Agency of Nigeria
BPP tasks regional commissions’ boards on due process
Economy/Business

BPP tasks regional commissions’ boards on due process

By Lucy Ogalue

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr Adebowale Adedokun, has tasked chairmen and members of the newly inaugurated regional development commissions to uphold due process in procurement.

 

He gave the charge in a statement by the bureau’s Head of Public Relations, Zira Nagga, in Abuja on Friday.

 

Adedokun spoke at a retreat by the Ministry of Regional Development for chairmen and members of the boards of the South-South, South-west, and North-Central Development Commissions.

 

He said the lack of due process had undermined Nigeria’s development objectives for years, emphasising that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had mandated the BPP to ensure procurement was no longer transactional.

 

The BPP boss urged the boards to familiarise themselves with the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007 and other extant regulations, warning that both chairmen and members were liable for procurement decisions.

 

Citing Section 20 of the Act, Adedokun said that accounting officers overseeing procurement were also legally responsible for any breaches, whether committed directly or by subordinates.

 

The BPP boss reminded the boards that true development went beyond providing token items like tricycles and sewing machines.

 

According to him, it entails delivering transformative projects such as interconnected rail systems, durable roads, iconic hospitals and educational institutions.

 

Adedokun said his office would deploy electronic monitoring solutions to track projects across the regions from Abuja, while reiterating that procurement must follow prior budgetary appropriation and open competitive bidding.

 

He said that the guiding principles of procurement were transparency, promotion of competition, efficiency, value for money, and fitness for purpose, warning that evaluation criteria must never be altered.

 

Adedokun also urged the new boards to view the transformation of their regions as a burden they must bear, build legacies for the future, and make the President proud of their appointments.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Over 1.9m Nigerians applied for paramilitary recruitment- Board
Defence/Security

Over 1.9m Nigerians applied for paramilitary recruitment- Board

Recruitment

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has revealed that a total of 1.91 million job seekers has applied for various positions in the paramilitary agencies in the current exercise.

This was revealed in a data made available on the board’s recruitment website, https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng/ on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that before the commencement of the online application, the board had revealed that no fewer than 30,000 applicants would be recruited into the agencies.

According to the statistics, the state with the highest applicants was Kogi: 116,243, followed by Kaduna and Benue with 114,599 and 110,644 respectively.

“Kano 89,421; Niger: 79,567; Kwara: 78,467; Katsina: 76,917; Nasarawa: 76,677; Adamawa: 68,381; Oyo: 67,255; Plateau: 63,450; Osun: 62,399; Borno: 56,955; Ondo: 53,963, Akwa-Ibom: 52,531; Bauchi: 52,159, Imo: 48,301.

“Taraba: 45,188; Gombe: 45,074, Jigawa: 44,468, Ogun: 42,070, Enugu: 41,291; Yobe: 38,169; Kebbi: 34,612, Edo: 33,581; Anambra: 32,933; Ekiti: 32,719, Cross River: 32,226, Abia: 31,716

“Sokoto: 31,155; Federal Capital Territory: 30,320, Zamfara: 29,282; Delta: 27,980, Ebonyi: 23,617; Rivers: 22,217, Lagos: 14,221 and Bayelsa: 11,680”.

According to the board, shortlisted candidates would be contacted soon, with further instructions.

“Please, monitor your email and text messages in the coming weeks, for notifications,” the board stated.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idowu Ariwodola/Ismail Abdulaziz

Let national interest guide you, Oyetola charges NIMASA board
Economy/Business

Let national interest guide you, Oyetola charges NIMASA board

 

By Diana Omueza

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has charged the inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to be guided by national interest.

Oyetola gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the board.

He said that the new board was part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to reform institutions, enhance trade facilitation, and unlock the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the board is chaired by Mr Yusuf Abubakar, while other members include Mr Babatunde Bombata, Mr Emmanuel Igbinosun, and Rear-Admiral Patrick Nwatu.

Other members are Mr Yinusa Yakubu, Mr Fidelis Lorkoso, Ms Iroghama Blessing-Ogbeifun, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Mr Chudi Offodie, Mr Fatai Taye-Adeyemi and Mr Jibril Abba.

The minister said that the board was expected to deepen governance of the agency and ensure Nigeria was well positioned to harness significant economic opportunities from shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.

“This bold initiative aims to provide dedicated focus and strategic leadership in the development, regulation, and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.

“I must emphasise that the decisions and policies of this board must be guided by national interest and directed towards the betterment of Nigeria and the advancement of our economy.

“As board members, your role is to provide strategic direction; while your duty is to guide, question and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and national service which this administration is fully committed to.

“You are to support the management team of NIMASA while holding them to the highest standards of performance,” he said.

The minister stressed that the primary responsibility of the board was to provide oversight and strategic direction, not to micromanage.

He reiterated the non-executive nature of the governing board and cautioned against interference in the day-to-day management of the agencies.

Oyetola assured that the ministry would actively support the board and ensured that NIMASA got the necessary institutional backing and conducive environment to carry out its functions effectively.

Earlier, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the establishment of the board was to reposition the Agency for greater efficiency, impact, and alignment with national economic objectives.

“With your appointment, a great deal of trust has been placed in your collective capacity to provide policy direction, oversight, and strategic guidance,” he said.

Responding, Abubakar, thanked Tinubu and Oyetola for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work in total alignment with the policy trust.

He also promised that the board would work in synergy with the management to foster transparency, accountability and efficiency of the agency.

“The task is clear, and the board is fully aware and prepared, we are resolute and committed to oversight of NIMASA and we will work with the management to foster transparency and enhance performance,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Deborah Coker

NIWA board must respect governance boundaries – Minister
Economy/Business

NIWA board must respect governance boundaries – Minister

By Diana Omueza

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the Governing Board of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to maintain clear boundaries between governance and management for operational integrity and efficiency.

Oyetola said this during the inauguration of the 11-member board on Wednesday in Abuja.

The minister said that the board was to provide key policy guidance to the management, according to existing rules and regulations, without interfering with day-to-day management affairs or operational execution.

“This inauguration marks a critical step in our collective efforts to strengthen the governance structures of our maritime institutions and position the sector for greater national impact.

“It is essential to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the managing director and the management team.

“This is clearly stipulated in Part IV, Section 14(2) of the NIWA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007,” he said.

Oyetola enjoined the board to engage with NIWA management constructively, with professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

He emphasised that institutional harmony was vital and could only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.

Responding, Mr Musa Adar, the Board Chairman, appreciated the minister and President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged to introduce innovative ways to tackle issues affecting Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Adar said the board would capitalise on improvements in key areas, with the collective support of the management, to enhance safety and security.

“This will involve upgrading infrastructure, investing in modern recreational aids, and strengthening partnerships with relevant agencies to combat piracy and other threats hindering water transportation in our inland waterways.

“By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of accidents, protect human lives and properties, and ensure that our waterways are used sustainably and responsibly to enhance economic growth,” he said.

Members of the board include Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Mr Hussaini Shettima; Mr Jeminiwa Adewale; Dr Ndidi Ozegbe; Dr. Sadiq Z. Abubakar.

Others are Mr Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Oye; Mr.Jerome Angwunwe, and Hoplyn Ayu. (NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Ayodeji Alabi

New date, website for paramilitary recruitment
Defence/Security

New date, website for paramilitary recruitment

Kelechi Ogunleye

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) says the recruitment portal for application into any of the paramilitary agencies will be opened on July 14.

 

The new date was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

The board also urged prospective applicants to apply online through: https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, emphasising that the application remained free.

 

“This application does not attract any payment and any inconvenience caused by this change is highly regretted,” Jubril apologised.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recruitment portal was initially scheduled to open on Thursday through https://recruitment.cdcfib.org.

 

The paramilitary agencies are: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Federal Fire Service (FFS).(NAN)(ww.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Board opens portal for paramilitary recruitment
Defence/Security

Board opens portal for paramilitary recruitment

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) has called on qualified candidates to apply for full-time employment into the various paramilitary agencies from Thursday.

This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, on Monday in Abuja.

He urged applicants interested in being employed into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Fire Service to apply online through the board’s portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.org.

“Applications should be submitted online within three weeks from the date of this  publication and note that the application is absolutely free,” he said.

He emphasised that applicants must apply to only one of the four agencies of their choice as multiple applications will automatically call for disqualification.

He added that vacancies were available for the positions of Superintendent, Inspectorate and Assistant cadres.

“For Superintendent of Corrections (CONMESS 09), which is applicable to only NCoS, applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in medicine and surgery.

“For Assistant Superintendent I (CONPASS 09), applicable to FFS only, applicants must be holders of  Degree in Law or a BSc in any of the following: Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Water or any related field.

“For Assistant Superintendent II (CONPASS 8), applicable to NSCDC, FFS and NIS, applicants must possess a BSc or Higher National Diploma,” Jubril said.

The Secretary further stated that for the position of Inspector (CONHESS 06), applicants must be registered nurses or midwives, adding that the position was only available for NCoS, NSCDC and FFS.

“For Assistant Inspector (CONPASS 06), applicants must be holders of National Diploma or NCE in any related field.

“For Assistant II (CONPASS 04), General duty, applicants must be holders of GVE, Ordinary level, SSCE/NECO or other equivalent with a minimum of five credits in not more than two sittings.

“For Assistant III (general duty), applicants must be holders of GCE, O level, SSCE/NECO or other equivalent with a minimum of four credits in not more than two sittings,” he said.

Jubril further stated that the mandatory requirements for the recruitment exercise are Nigerian nationality, requisite qualifications, and medical fitness.

Others, he said, are free of conviction or financial fraud records, between ages 18 and 35 among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ismail Abdulaziz

New FMBN Board  chairman pledges to revitalise housing finance
Metro

New FMBN Board  chairman pledges to revitalise housing finance

By Angela Atabo

The new Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN),Board, Dr Nasir Gawuna, has promised to revitalise the bank and expand housing finance access for Nigerians.

Assuming office on Monday in Abuja, Gawuna pledged to align his efforts with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve financing and accessibility.

He stressed the need to raise public awareness about the bank’s role in addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit.

“Do Nigerians really know what FMBN is or what the laws governing it entail? We must make the bank visible and known to the people.

“The law establishing FMBN states that anyone above 18 earning up to N3,000 is eligible to be a contributor,” he said.

Gawuna highlighted the importance of reviewing some policies and laws governing the bank to ensure optimal performance and benefits for Nigerians.

“We live in a time of rapid change, great challenges, and immense opportunities. Our organisation is uniquely positioned to respond with innovation, resilience, and purpose,” he added.

As Board Chairman, he said his priority would be to promote a culture of collaboration, encouraging diverse perspectives, open dialogue, and bold thinking.

“We will listen carefully, act responsibly, and lead courageously to make a positive impact in the housing sector in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He also emphasised improving staff welfare to help deliver the bank’s mandate. “There is no reason we cannot improve the lives of our employees,” he said.

Earlier, FMBN Managing Director and CEO Shehu Osidi, welcomed the new chairman and lauded the executive management’s progress.

He noted the bank’s support for the Renewed Hope Housing programme, including providing a N100 billion off-taker guarantee to mobilise funding nationwide.

Osidi added that additional funding of N19.9 billion had been advanced for the Karsana project, alongside N27 billion for the Renewed Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, aimed at delivering 1,500 housing units.

He thanked President Tinubu for entrusting the bank with the responsibility and expressed optimism about the future of FMBN.

“The inauguration of the new Board marks a new chapter of partnership and progress. Together, we will accelerate the delivery of affordable housing in Nigeria,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Shuaib Sadiq/Abiemwense Moru

Minister tasks ITF board  to address industries’ needs
Economy/Business

Minister tasks ITF board  to address industries’ needs

By Vivian Emoni

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, has urged the newly inaugurated board of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), to implement programmes that would address industries’ need in the country.

Enoh said this while inaugurating the Governing Board of the ITF on Thursday in Abuja.

He urged the board to develop and implement training programmes that would address the current and future needs of various industries in the country.

“Secondly, I expect the board to foster partnerships with industry, the academia and other stakeholders to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the training programmes.

”Then finally, I expect that the board is going to ensure that the ITF resources are utilise efficiently and effectively to maximise impact, ” he said.

The minister said that President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda involved diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

He said that the entire world was in an era where technology and digitisation had become the imperative.

“Leadership of the board can get the ITF to run those kinds of training programmes that can actually respond to the need,” he said.

Enoh said that the inauguration marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive to bridge workforce skill gaps and align talent development with industry demands.

He emphasised the critical role of the ITF in preparing Nigeria’s workforce for a highly competitive global economy.

He tasked the board to advocate for technology-driven training programmes, industry-academia partnerships, and strategic resource utilisation to accelerate progress.

“As this board is inaugurated today, I charge you with the responsibility of staring ITF toward achieving its mandates.

“I believe that your expertise, experience and dedication will continue to be instrumental in terms of your ability.

“So you are meant to contribute and to help in terms of the delivery of the mandates of the ITF,” he said.

Speaking, the Chairman of the board, Mr Hamma Alikumo, said the board would ensure that it achieved the mandates of the ITF.

Alikuma thanked the president, the minister and other members of the board for the success of the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Kadiri Abdulrahman

FG inaugurates governing board to strengthen sugar council
Economy/Business

FG inaugurates governing board to strengthen sugar council

By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government has inaugurated a Governing Board for the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), to strengthen and enhance its activities.

Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, while inaugurating the Governing Board of the NSDC in Abuja on Thursday, said that the council should intensify efforts in its activities, to achieve its mandates and goals.

The minister said that the inauguration of the board would help to strengthen the council and enhance its activities.

He urged the board to work assiduously to ensure that within the next three months, they would be able to achieve good results.

“I mean urgent work needs to be done.

“We need to be committed and work together to ensure we strengthen the growth of the council.

“As the reporting minister, I must be ready to brief the President on the level of steps that have been taken to make sure that we are able to achieve the goals and mandates of the council.

“We must ensure that we make progress and ensure that the purpose of the inaugurating the board is achieved respectively,” he said.

The minister also urged the board to be committed to ensuring effective implementation of the brownfield backward integration projects.

“We must ensure that the sites are being worked upon. We should identify if there are sites that are fertile enough for the growing of sugarcane.

“If they are not, the council will provide guidance to know the land that is available.

“We must all be committed to doing the work, to make sure that we progress,’’ he said.

The minister reminded the council of how competitive the market was.

“We are competing with countries like Brazil that have been in this business for upwards of several years.

“So, our competitors are our seedlings that we are planting.

“We are not just talking about producing in-country, but the cost effectiveness of that production is important because of the competition that we are all involved in,’’ he said.

Responding, Chairman of the board, Sen. Surajudeen Basiru, thanked the minister and the President for the opportunity given to him and other members of the board.

Basiru said that the board would work hard to offer good performance and ensure the council’s achieve its goals and mandates.

“We have been given three months to make sure we deliver and bring a positive result.

“We will try our best to ensure that we don’t disappoint the minister and Nigerians at large,’’ he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

New NNPCL board indicates Tinubu’s vision and pro-business mindset- TMSG
General News

New NNPCL board indicates Tinubu’s vision and pro-business mindset- TMSG

 

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the composition of the new board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s pro-business mindset on the oil industry.

 

In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, the group noted that only a President with a wealth of experience and rich private sector background could come up with such a team of industry experts to take NNPCL to great heights.

 

“For us, the appointment of Engineer Bashir Ojulari, who, until now, was Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company and Engineer Musa Kida as the non-executive Chairman of the 11-man board, signposts a new dawn at the NNPCL.

 

“Although this is not the first time the corporation would have an outsider in charge, it is the first time the board will be entirely populated by industry experts.

 

“We are simply elated that no single politician is on the board which for us is a demonstration of President Tinubu’s readiness to ensure professionalism in deference to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

 

“We totally agree with the President that the board’s restructuring is crucial for ‘enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification’.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is none of the President’s appointees on the NNPCL board who is not a technocrat with deep insider knowledge of the oil and gas sector.

 

“We are glad that these are people who are used to setting and meeting targets; hence, President Tinubu’s immediate action plan of conducting a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives will not look like a big task.”

 

It said the group look forward to the NNPCL meeting the target set by the Tinubu administration of raising oil production to two million barrels per day as well as a daily gas production of 8 billion cubic feet in 2027.

 

The group added that it would not be out of place to expect the new NNPCL to perform feats similar to that of global giants, Aramco, and Petrobras, as well as compete with them on the international stage.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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