News Agency of Nigeria
Korea reiterates commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria

Korea reiterates commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria

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By Priscilla Osaje

The Republic of Korea has reiterated its commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly in economic cooperation, security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Mr Kim Pankyu, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, said this at a news conference to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria, in Abuja..

Pankyu said that since his assumption of office as Korea ambassador to Nigeria, the relationship between Korea and Nigeria had grown significantly.

He said that both countries have kept a stronger synergy in strengthening the cultural affinity they both shared.

According to him, Korean embassy business operations in Nigeria have an essential  favourable investment environment.

“During some meetings, many Nigerian government officers also recognised the importance of investment-friendly policies.

“Measures such as tariff and tax incentives will attract more investment from Korean companies benefiting both economies,” he said.

The ambassador said that one of the most notable milestones was the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit in June, where they facilitated high level discussions between Korea and Nigeria.

He said such high-level discussions resulted in meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Industry and Trade, and Minister of Tourism for the benefits of both countries.

“The Nigerian delegation participating in the Korea-Africa Business Summit and various forums in ICT, was a major step in strengthening Korea’s engagement with African countries, fostering inclusiveness and cooperation.

“This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nigeria. We are committed to further strengthen our ties, particularly in economic cooperation, security and people-to-people exchanges.

“Nigeria remains Korea’s most important trade and investment partner in Africa, it accounts for 10 per cent of Korea-Africa trade and over 70 per  cent of Korean project contracts in South Africa,” he said.

The ambassador said that in 2021, Korean bilateral trade increased by 38.6 per cent, reaching over 2.2 billion GBP an hour in Baku, South Korea and Antarctica.

He said that such was a meaningful addition to their partnership, which made their partnership truly important as 2.2 billion U.S. dollars reflecting their strong economic partnership.

“At the corporate level for example, Korean biotech company SD Biosensors HIV rapid test kit has been approved for packaging in Nigeria.

“This year, up to 15 million kits will be procured, looking ahead; I believe there is room for even great cooperation in trade and investment.

“Both countries are working closely to conclude key agreements as early as possible.

“The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and the Trade and Investment Promotion and other MOU will mark a new chapter in our economic relations,” he said.

“With 40 years of experience in military and security affairs, I am committed to enhancing our security collaboration,”he  said.

He restated Korea`s commitment to increase support for capacity building in the Nigerian military and security sectors.

“We hope to finalise defence industry cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that have been under discussion for some time.

“We also have an opportunity to work with other Korean and other Nigerian companies to establish new military and security differences.

“Beyond the Economy and Security Partnership, the Korean Embassy actively supports cultural and development initiatives through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean Cultural Center”, he added.

He explained that some weeks ago, the Korean-Nigerian Information Access Centre was opened in Abuja, supporting Nigeria’s digital capacity-building efforts.

“I also had the pleasure of attending the ‘Korean Day’ event at the American International School Abuja, where students enjoyed Korean culture and cuisine.

“KOICA and Nigeria are also conducting a project to promote digital governance and multimedia learning in primary schools worth 13 million and 10 million U.S. dollars.

“Large-scale projects are to come in the next few years, the contributions and collaborations demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship between Korea and Nigeria.

“As ambassador, I will continue working to facilitate our longstanding partnership for the years ahead,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Appraising the ‘Borno Model’ in combating insurgency

Appraising the ‘Borno Model’ in combating insurgency

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By Yakubu Uba, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

The ‘Borno Model’, introduced in 2021 by Gov. Babagana Zulum’s administration, is a non-kinetic approach that offers insurgents willing to renounce violence the opportunity to surrender to the military.

The model primarily relies on dialogue to persuade Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters to lay down their arms at designated reception centres and embrace peace.

“This is a community-driven initiative geared towards a win-win situation; both parties stand to gain from the model,” said Retired Brig.-Gen Abdullahi Ishaq, Special Adviser on Security to Gov. Zulum, during a presentation on the initiative.

On July 5, 2021, the first group of nine insurgents, accompanied by their 11 wives and 12 children, surrendered and were brought to Maiduguri.

This marked the beginning of a mass surrender, with over 100,000 individuals laying down their arms within a few months.

In an interview earlier this year, the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that over 250,000 people had surrendered as a result of the non-kinetic approach.

Last week, Gov. Zulum briefed a Sahel security think tank, the Alliance of Sahel Institute for Security Studies, alongside members of the Norwegian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

He revealed that the number of surrendered individuals had exceeded 300,000.

However, it is important for the public to recognise that not all those who surrendered were combatants.

They include a mix of fighters, non-combatants, and their families.

Among them are farmers, women, and children who had been held captive by the insurgents, including some of the Chibok girls, who are classified as rescued victims.

The Borno Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, noted that the model aligns with the UN framework for handling individuals exiting terrorist organisations.

He explained that it follows a structured process known as Disarmament, Demobilisation, De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration (DDDRRR).

The Borno Model draws inspiration from the United Nations-backed initiatives in Sierra Leone and Liberia, which were introduced to curb widespread violence in those countries.

Similarly, the Borno Model has gained international recognition, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for UN support in managing the mass surrender.

“It has gained international recognition as one of the most effective non-kinetic actions in recent times.

“Gov. Zulum was at the UN House in Abuja to sign a joint memorandum of understanding for UN support in managing the mass defection,” Ishaq stated.

The model was adopted following a stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri, which included security agencies, civil society organisations, international bodies, and traditional and religious leaders.

This decision came after the military had technically defeated the insurgents.

Zulum stressed that after a decade of conflict and massive destruction, Borno’s people saw no reason to continue the war when peace was possible through dialogue.

“We need to review the pros, cons, and implications of the surrender in order to agree on a framework that is well thought out, we are in a very difficult position regarding the ongoing surrender.

“We have to choose between an endless war or cautiously accepting the surrendered terrorists.

“This is truly painful and difficult for anyone who has lost loved ones,” Zulum remarked during the historic meeting that endorsed the non-kinetic approach.

The opportunity for mass surrender arose following the death of the notorious sect leader, Abubakar Shekau.

Moreover, most extremists who founded the sect with Mohammed Yusuf and Shekau were killed by the military or died in the Boko Haram-ISWAP leadership struggle that led to Shekau’s demise.

“The death of Shekau created a significant vacuum in the command structure, which could not be filled immediately. The architects of the Borno Model capitalised on this opportunity.

“According to Ya Baana Musaid, one of the spiritual leaders of the late Mohammed Yusuf, fewer than 10 of the 300 individuals who initially started the movement with Yusuf are still alive.

“Therefore, it was easier for those implementing the Borno Model to engage in dialogue and persuade many of the forcibly conscripted members to surrender,” Ishaq explained.

Under the DDDRRR framework, the military oversees the Disarmament and Demobilisation process by collecting weapons from surrendered fighters and gathering intelligence on planted explosives.

Meanwhile, the De-radicalisation process, aimed at eliminating extremist ideologies and violent tendencies, is conducted by clerics and other experts.

Hajiya Hamsatu Allamin, Head of the community-based NGO Allamin Foundation for Peace and Development, runs a private de-radicalisation project focusing on female members of the sect.

She explained that Islamic clerics involved in de-radicalisation counter extremist narratives through superior religious arguments.

As she pointed out, Boko Haram is an ideological group that has been misled by a distorted interpretation of the Holy Quran.

Therefore, well-versed clerics are essential in correcting these misconceptions by teaching the true principles of Islam as a religion of peace.

Allamin also highlighted that many women who voluntarily joined the sect but have since been de-radicalised through her foundation are now playing a crucial role in persuading others to surrender.

“Some of these women are responsible for calling their female friends, husbands, and children in the bush to convince them to surrender,” she said.

Fatima Musa, a former Boko Haram member who has undergone de-radicalisation, shared her experience at a community dialogue meeting organised by the foundation.

She admitted that, as young people with limited religious knowledge, they had been misled.

“We were deceived in our youth through a misinterpretation of religion, only to later realise that we had gone down the wrong path.

“I regret tearing up my NCE certificate when I foolishly embraced the distorted belief that Western education was Haram (forbidden),” Fatima said.

The Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration components of the model are implemented for those who have been successfully de-radicalised.

They are trained in various skills of their choice, such as carpentry, bricklaying, welding, mechanics, soap making, and tailoring, to enable them to become self-sufficient and cater for their daily needs.

In addition, strategic communication plays a crucial role in the reintegration process by fostering reconciliation between former insurgents and their communities.

This is achieved through public confessions and appeals for forgiveness, in line with transitional justice principles.

“The Borno Ministry of Information and Internal Security engages in town hall meetings where communities freely discuss areas of concern regarding the mass surrender.

“This feedback mechanism has helped to strengthen the implementation of the Borno Model.

“The ultimate aim of the Borno Model is to reintegrate or bring together the ex-combatants and their communities so that they can live together peacefully again,” Ishaq said.

According to him, the reintegration process has been successful because it is community-driven.

“There’s no case of rejection of any person from communities because the process is community-driven.

“Community representatives participate in screening and recommending those to be reintegrated back to their communities.

“The military and DSS are always on hand to ensure that those reintegrated are not on the list of individuals declared wanted by the authorities,” Ishaq said.

The Borno Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, whose ministry plays a key role in the rehabilitation and reintegration process, emphasised that the majority of those reintegrated are not combatants.

“We do not release ex-combatants, and we have records of the whereabouts of every person released,” Gambo stated.

She further explained that, before anyone is reintegrated into their community, they must undergo an intensive three-week training programme on human rights, conducted by security and religious leaders.

Additionally, their community must be consulted and must approve their return.

So far, many proponents, including the Chief of Defence Staff, say non-kinetic approaches provide 70 per cent of lasting conflict solutions.

Musa reaffirmed the military’s commitment, stressing that mass surrender is a key chance to end the insurgency if well managed.

“I want us all to come together and treat this as a new beginning for Borno, the North-East, and Nigeria as a whole. If we succeed here, we all know that the North-Central, North-West, and other parts of the country will equally know peace,” Musa said.

He stressed the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to work in tandem to bring an end to the conflict.

For many in Borno, the approach has greatly reduced terror attacks and boosted farming, rehabilitation, and resettlement efforts.

However, they urge the government to strengthen both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle insurgents in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, and Lake Chad.

According to them, these areas continue to pose a serious threat to lasting peace.

They believe that the intelligence from surrendered insurgents provides security agencies with enough information to weaken the insurgency if properly utilised.

They also urged stakeholders, especially the military, to act on President Bola Tinubu’s directive, as announced by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, to contain major security challenges by December. (NANFeatures)

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

Nigeria risks 0bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group

Nigeria risks $110bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has warned that Nigeria could spend 110 billion dollars on food imports in 2025, if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.

Dr Godwin Atser, SAA’s Country Director, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services”.

Atser identified extension and advisory services as key to agricultural transformation, stressing that continuous spending on food imports is unsustainable.

“If we continue to do that, it means we are exporting jobs, and that will further affect our economy.

“However, if we are importing food and our productivity continues to remain low, one of the things that is going to happen is that climate change, which is one of the controls, will further worsen the situation”.

Atser called for immediate stakeholder intervention to address the existing gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, urging a shift in approach.

He noted that while there are innovations capable of transforming agriculture, the country’s extension system remains weak.

“In some states at the moment, there is no extension service at all, We have seen consistently that economies that make progress in agricultural transformation are those that place strong emphasis on technology transfer”.

Speaking on the workshop theme, Atser noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population use mobile phones, with internet penetration growing rapidly across Africa.

He stressed the need to harness these opportunities to deliver timely and high-quality information to farmers, improving their livelihoods.

“Harnessing the power of digital solutions will be a very good instrument that will help us succeed in our agricultural transformation.

“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionising how we deliver our extension and advisory services.

“It entails bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most, be it in agriculture, health, education, or business.

“Digital tools enable us to provide real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, ultimately enhancing decision-making and productivity”.

Atser also noted the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global agriculture, stating that AI-driven tools can predict various factors affecting the sector through computer-based analysis.

He emphasised that stakeholders must leverage digital tools to transform agriculture, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving agricultural productivity.

“The key to addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture and making digital solutions effective is collaboration,” Atser added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

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Security

By Veronica Dariya

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in stabilising security within the FCT and its surrounding areas.

Nizassan made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the improvement in security, especially in his community, was due to the collaborative efforts between the FCT administration and local community vigilance.

Nizassan said that this partnership had been instrumental in addressing issues like kidnapping and other security threats in the area.

“Before his assumption as Minister of the FCT, some of the communities here were major flashpoints for kidnapping and other crimes.

“The FCT Minister’s collaboration with the community has helped us address these challenges effectively,” Nizassan said.

He also acknowledged the minister’s support, noting that resources, including operational vehicles, had been deployed to aid local vigilantes.

Since his enthronement in May 2024, Nizassan emphasised that he had taken steps to maintain security and tackle theft and burglary in the area.

He explained that one such measure include discussions with scavengers about their role in criminal activities, such as purchasing stolen goods or participating in theft.

In addition, Nizassan said that intelligence officers had been integrated into known criminal hideouts, providing crucial information to security agencies.

“If there is actionable intelligence, it will definitely help address the issue of crime prevention and response,” he said.

He also mentioned that criminal hotspots such as Pai-junction, Mamu, Yangoji, Gada-biyu, and Kwaita were identified as areas frequented by kidnappers’ informants, who often disguise themselves as petty traders.

Nizassan affirmed that his ongoing collaboration with security agencies had significantly reduced kidnapping activities in the region.

He stressed on the importance of continued efforts to ensure the security of life and property in the community.(NAN)

Edited Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry

Lawmaker pledges collaboration with security agencies to tackle banditry

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By Naomi Sharang

Sen. Muntari Dandutse (APC, Katsina South) has pledged collaboration with security agencies to address banditry and other security issues in Katsina and the North-West zone.

Dandutse made the commitment during an inspection of a Police Area Command project in Funtua on Saturday.

Dandutse emphasised that the presence of the police area command would significantly reduce insecurity, boost the local economy, and ultimately improve the region’s overall development.

“This command we are trying to do is with the support of all the sister security agencies. We are going to face them squarely even in their hideout.

“We cannot allow criminal and disgruntled elements to be taking away people’s lives and their properties. Living in peace is the greatest key to any success in this country,” he said.

Dandutse, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on North West Development Commission (NWDC) strongly condemned any form of support for criminal activities.

He emphasised that no responsible government would tolerate the maiming and killing of innocent citizens.

Dandutse who is also Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TetFund reiterated the government’s resolve to confront criminal elements head-on, promising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.

“So, we cannot afford to allow this thing to continue. We are going to foster it with all kinetic and non-kinetic approach to ensure that we make it,” he said.

The lawmaker advised bandits and criminal elements to abandon their criminal activities and reintegrate into society.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s skills acquisition programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, encouraging Nigerians to take advantage of these opportunities to improve their livelihoods in spite of the current global economic challenges.

“We have a lot of windows in this country. There are lots of skills acquisition which the president is trying to foster for Nigerians so that they can be on their own in spite of the challenges we have in the economy

“This economic problem is a global challenge. It’s not a Nigerian problem alone.

“We have to be very serious, resolute and wake up from our slumber to ensure that we have a sustainable economy in this country,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Sadiya Hamza

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed security agencies to monitor the influx of people that could pose security threats into FCT.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting, which was chaired by Wike, was attended by the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT.

Disu said that the minister has directed the security agencies to set up a committee to effectively monitor the influx of “Almajiris” and suspicious individuals into the territory.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

He said that the members of the committee would include all security operatives in the FCT, namely the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He explained that the committee would work with the chairmen of the area councils to identify Almajiri schools where children were brought to learn.

He added that the committee was also expected to profile the school owners and the content of the training.

The commissioner said that the committee would work with the owners of the school, particularly to find out from them what the government could do for them.

The steps, according to him, will ensure the safety of the children, the schools and the host communities.

Disu explained that the move was part of FCT Administration’s proactive measures in addressing security concerns in the territory.

He said that the committee was giving two weeks to report back to the minister.

He said that clearance operation was ongoing across the FCT, adding that five persons, suspecting could post security threats in the territory have been arrested and were being investigated.

“Meanwhile, we want to enjoin all residents of the FCT to be security conscious and take note of any new person coming into their areas and report to appropriate authorities

“Everybody should be security conscious. Please let us profile people coming into our environment; we need to know them,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Adopt non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges– ACF

Adopt non-kinetic approach to addressing security challenges– ACF

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By EricJames Ochigbo

Secretary-General of Arewa Consultative Forum, Mr Murtala Aliyu, has urged the Federal Government to adopt a non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity in the north.

Aliyu stated this while featuring at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.

The ACF scribe expressed regret that the zone, which used to be a quiet and nice place to live in, had now become an epicenter of insecurity.

“From Boko Haram in the North-East to farmer-herders crisis in the North-Central and banditry in the North-West, various governments had made efforts. Though we have achieved some milestones, there is still a lot to be done about the insecurity in the country.

“In moving from one place to another, like from Funtua to Gusau, Gusau to Kauran-Namoda, Kaduna to Birni-Gwari, parts of Danbua to Maidugiri, Biu to Damaturu, pray that you are not kidnapped for ransom. There is still the risk.

“So there are still challenges in the security of the nation and government must take steps to finding solutions to it; government has mostly used the kinetic approach and I think there is a need for expansion beyond the kinetic approach.

“I know there were cases where bandits were engaged; some of them had given up and captives were released,” he said.

According to Aliyu, insecurity in the north is already affecting food production, as farmers are not allowed to go to their farms, adding that even where they farm, they have to pay some unofficial taxes which add to the prices of food.

“Free movement is affected; the confidence of community members is affected; these are some of the challenges that government needs to sit down and address,” he said.

The secretary-general said that as a socio-cultural group, the forum was marking efforts to ensure security of lives and property in the zone.

He said that ahead of the 2023 general elections, the forum met with the five leading presidential candidates and presented papers to them containing its major concerns.

Aliyu said that this papers contained actions requiring urgent attention, including security, education and poverty alleviation.

Aliyu said that the forum tasked all the candidates to prioritise the issues raised, adding that the north covers almost 80 per cent of the country’s landmark and hosts more than half of the population.

“If you have about 75 per cent of land mass submerged in insecurity and over half of the population in a tensed environment, then you are in trouble,” he said.

Although the secretary-general acknowledged that there had been great progress under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, he, howeve, said that there was still much to be done to secure the zone.

He said that the report of the forum’s security committee, headed by a former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau and a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, would be ready soon.

“We have done similar things on peace and reconciliation among communities in the north, between farmers and herders, on religious tension and so on.

“That committee is working and soon, the draft report will be ready and when we finish finetuning it, it will be out for the public,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

DICON’ll meet demands of military, other security agencies- FG

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By Muhammad Tijjani
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) would meet the demands of the military and other security agencies.

Matawalle said this at the DICON’s end-of-year celebration and Director-General’s
(D-G) Productivity Award ceremony on Friday in Kaduna.

He said that the recent assent of the DICON Act 2023 by President Bola Tinubu has paved the way for the corporation to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities.

Matawalle emphasised that the defence ministry would continue to limit procurements outside the country.

The minister said, “Any requirements of the military or other security agencies have to come to DICON for supply.

“Before now, we send our money to other countries, devalue our currency which makes the dollar go higher because we don’t have a productivity plan.

“Today, we thank God that with the leadership of the DICON’s director-general, the industry is seeing a lot of changes.”

Matawalle said that DICON would reach its peak in military and paramilitary requirements particularly in the production of arms and ammunition.

He said he earlier never believed that DICON could produce 10,000 rounds of ammunition.

“Today, DICON is able to produce so many rounds of ammunition and forward to the military.

“Our target is to produce 300 million rounds of ammunition.

“We  will also be producing other military equipments like MRAPs, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and other equipment for the military and paramilitary agencies,” he added.

Matawalle said the end-of-year celebration and  productivity award was supposed to be held annually so as to engender motivation to the staffers.

He commended the director-general, his management staff and other workers for their dedication and  hard work.

Earlier, the DICON’s boss, Maj.-Gen. Anaedi Edet, said the celebration and award were to mark the successful conclusion of the corporation’s 2024 activities and production year.

Edet said that DICON was established with the mandate to enhance the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Armed Forces by ensuring Nigeria’s self-reliance in essential military hardware.

He, however, said the mandate was not just for defence, but a strategic move to foster technological advancement and industrial development within Nigeria.

Over the decades, he said, DICON had evolved significantly to meet the dynamic needs of the armed forces.

“Initially focused on the production of small arms and ammunition, we adapted to address the increasingly complex and contemporary threats facing our nation.

“As the landscape of defence technology and industry expanded, so too did our scope, including venturing into civilian applications that leverage our technological capabilities,”he said.

Edet said the corporation had resumed productive activities in spite of the numerous challenges.

In spite of the recorded successes, he said that the corporation has continued to face significant challenges.

These, he said, include funding constraints, outdated equipment, skill gaps and the pressing need for staff training and certifications.

“Looking ahead, we are focused on securing new funding opportunities, investing in modern production lines, and prioritising the training and development of our workforce.

“With a clear vision and dedicated team, DICON is well-positioned to overcome these challenges and achieve even greater success.

“Our ‘All DICON factories must produce’ initiative reflects our commitment to technological innovation and collaboration for the security and prosperity of our nation.

“The DICON end-of-year celebration is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements, but also a call to action for all employees and stakeholders,”he said.

Edet, therefore, said the event was also a time to recognise and celebrate the exceptional staff who distinguished themselves in 2024.

He addedbthat it highlighted the hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to DICON’s successes.

He assured that DICON would remain unwavering in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

Security structure crucial to aircraft leasing – Boeing Director

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Ms Rose Lereece, Director Customer Finance, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has said that security structure is crucial  in obtaining aircraft lease.

Lereece made this known at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the director described structure as a “Stand-by Letter of Credit (SBLC),’’  serving as a security provided by a commercial bank and covered by a confirming Banking and an Insurer.

According to her, SBLC provides a short-term guarantee (immediate and irrevocable) which allows the lender or lessor to cash-in an amount to the value of six to 36 months of payments in U.S. Dollars.

Lereece said that the payments were envisioned to include both rentals and maintenance reserves.

She listed SBLC Security features to include, immediate availability and irrevocable funds, US Dollar settlement and further security in the form of confirming and or third-party insurance.

She said that others were more entities that implied more security and fees, giving lessor or lender the ability to cure and continue or severe and repossess.

“`Collateteralisation by the airline of a fraction of the agreed SBLC value may be required by the commercial banks, “ she added.

According to her, airline pays commercial banks a single rate that embeds all fees including insurance where applicable while commercial banks pay lessor in the event of an issue.

The director explained that commercial banks obtained SBLC insurance support from the confirming bank while the confirming bank obtained SBLC insurance support from the insurance provider.

She further explained that the insurer provided insurance for the confirming bank or the commercial bank

Contributing, Mr Moor Ibekwe, Boeing Sales Director Africa Region Commercial Airplanes, said that the value of the SBLC, measured in payments due, could be six to 36 months for both rental and maintenance reserves.

He explained “playout term“ as one-off or monthly according to the severity of the underlying issue.

“Continued utilisation or restoration would be at the behest of the lessor or the lender, confirming bank support needed for the lease or loan traction.

“Insurance support needed for the lease/ loan transaction while tenor is the period for which the SBLC must be available to the lessor or lender in the first five years of a 12-year lease,“ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

879 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned scavengers from operating in the territory.

The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu announced the ban while briefing newsmen after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

Disu said that the scavengers were allowed to operate only on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs.

“All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Jan. 14,” he said.

The commissioner added that the committee also banned the operation of pantaker markets for two weeks, beginning from Tuesday across the FCT.

Pantaker is a market for the sales of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances.

He explained that the two weeks suspension was to allow security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.

This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.

He said that the committee had concluded that everybody arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would be charged to court and tried for economic sabotage and if possible, attempted murder.

He noted that because the punishment for such offences was usually community service or fine, the offenders return to commit more crimes.

“The punishment given to them is so menial that we notice that we are recycling these criminals.

“The activities of the vandals are enough to kill residents of the FCT because when they remove manhole covers on the road, it can cause the death of people driving at night,” Disu said.

According to him, anybody vandalising public infrastructure is vitalising the joint property of all residents of the FCT.

“Numbers have been given out; if you see anything, say something.

“Let’s join hands to ensure that we protect all government infrastructures.” (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

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