NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

Nigeria Customs explains 4% FOB levy suspension

226 total views today

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

The Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command held a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday to explain the four per cent Free On Board (FOB) collection and its suspension.

 

Customs Area Comptroller, Dalhatu Abubakar, said that the new revenue law benefits all stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and customs agents.

 

He explained that the FOB collection had been temporarily suspended due to the termination of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) contract with service providers.

 

Abubakar assured that the NCS would resume direct collection of the four per cent FOB once the suspension is lifted.

 

“The FOB collection suspension is due to the termination of our contract with service providers.

 

“We are engaging stakeholders during this period to raise awareness about the levy’s importance,” Abubakar said.

 

The Comptroller noted that the suspension aligns with the NCS’s efforts to transition to direct levy collection by the service.

 

He added that the suspension period would enable the NCS to educate stakeholders on the necessity of the four per cent FOB, legally backed by Section 18 (1) of the NCS Act (2023).

 

“Our aim today is to discuss the ongoing FOB suspension.

 

“This engagement is ongoing, and we will invite you again in the coming weeks to further explain the levy’s purpose and significance,” Abubakar stated.

 

The Comptroller explained that the four per cent FOB, also known as the Financial Customs Service Operation (FCSO), is essential for NCS operations and stakeholder interactions.

 

According to Abubakar, the levy is legally mandated and vital for smooth customs operations.

 

Stakeholders at the meeting were educated on the benefits and legal basis of the FOB, while some expressed concerns about the additional financial burden. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

General News

NOA, stakeholders engage on security, tax reform bills

248 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Niger has engaged stakeholders to discuss the nationwide sensitisation on security, tax reform bills and get-rich-quick syndrome.

 

The Director General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the meeting was a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical issues affecting the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.

 

Issa-Onilu was represented at the meeting on Monday by Mrs Onuoha Uchenna, Assistant Director, Finance and Account of the agency.

 

He said that the campaign focused on World HIV/AIDS day, security awareness, discouraging get-rich-quick syndrome, world human rights day, and tax reform bills.

 

“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,” he said.

 

He said the government had intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide as well as ensure antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS.

 

He added that government has also partnered with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.

 

On security awareness, Issa-Onilu said the government was strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.

 

He also emphasised the need for citizens to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and opportunities provided through government initiatives.

 

The NOA boss further explained that the government was implementing reforms to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

 

He called on stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify the messages and extend their reach.

 

In his welcome address, Malam Yahaya Gbongbo, the state Director of NOA, said the agency launched the campaign on Nov. 6 in Niger to make people understand that security was everyone’s business.

 

He noted that NOA’s mandate was to communicate government programmes and policies to the people, adding that the agency was committed to doing that especially at the grassroots.

 

In his remarks, Mr Eze Pampas, Eze Ndigbo of Minna and Chairman, Resident Community Traditional Leaders Association in Niger, lauded NOA for its sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting national development and unity.

 

He attributed the prevalence of get-rich-quick syndrome among Nigerians especially the youths to injustice, corruption, and unemployment in the country.

 

Also Malam Bala Musa, Deputy Director in NOA in Niger, said the issue of tax reform bills has been a contentious issue and urged Nigerians to study the bill and understand its benefits.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Oil & Gas , Politics

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice

737 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman, Proponent Council, National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), has called on stakeholders to build a democracy that will deliver peace, prosperity and justice for citizens.

He made the call at the opening of Nigeria Democracy Week 2024, tagged: “Quarter of a Century of Sustained Democracy in Nigeria’s 64 Years of Statehood”, in Abuja.

Akor said that the occasion was a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment to the ideals that had shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations that have brought us to this significant milestone.

“Democracy, as we know, is not just a system of governance; it is a collective effort that demands our continuous dedication to equity, justice and inclusivity.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, let us remember that the true measure of democracy is not in the number of years it endures but in the lives it transforms.

“Let us commit ourselves to building a democracy that delivers peace, prosperity and justice for all Nigerians,” he said.

Akor called on the country’s leaders to prioritise transparency, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in its institutions but in the trust that citizens place in their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Steering Board of NDSG, Morgan Okwoche, said the most significant achievements of Nigeria’s democracy had been the peaceful transition of power between administrations, particularly across party lines.

Okwoche, however, identified some challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including insecurity, economic inequality, civic apathy, insurgency in the north-east, banditry and communal insecurity.

“These issues have disrupted governance and have also eroded economic development,” he said.

Okwoche called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and the vision of a united, inclusive and thriving Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the past 25 years of uninterrupted democracy represented a triumph for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu.

He said that the uninterrupted democracy was a statement of an enduring commitment to the principle of governance, the rule of law and the freedom that underpinned democratic systems.

“For the Nigerian Police Force, this period has underscored our vital roles as custodians of peace and security, which are fundamental to the success of any democracy,” he said.

Similarly, the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, said that there were no fewer than 83,000 inmates in 265 custodial centres across the country.

Nababa, who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ope Fatinikun, added that there were also a total of 53,000 awaiting trials.

“Democracy has given the NCS space to operate. Democracy has been a good journey so far,” he remarked. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Oil & Gas

NNPC Ltd pledges collaboration with sports stakeholders to revamp football

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By Emmanuella Anokam

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has pledged to work closely with stakeholders in the sports sector to develop and commercialise sports, especially football, in Nigeria.

Mr Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Ltd., made the pledge on Thursday while receiving a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), the International Management Group (IMG) and the Afrosport Network, at the NNPC Towers.

Kyari, while addressing the delegation led by Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of NSC, said NNPC Ltd. was ready to be part of the initiative to revamp the nation’s football.

Kyari, in a statement by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd. expressed delight that the company was identified as a critical partner in the journey of making the country’s football sector work again.

“NNPC will be a prime partner in the journey to bring back value to our football, to reshape it, re-engineer it and bring happiness to our people,” Kyari stated.

He identified football as a tool of immense value that could bring untold benefits to the Nigerian economy and to the NNPC Ltd., as a company.

Speaking earlier, Dikko said football was fundamental to the economies of the best footballing countries in the world.

He added that President Bola Tinubu had already demanded immediate action to revamp the game.

He said that the multiplier effects of football were enormous and could facilitate the revamping of related industries across the value chain.

Dikko noted that IMG, which promotes the English Premier League, was invited as a technical partner to leverage their experience in the sport.

It would be recalled that NNPC Ltd. once had a football club, the NNPC FC, based in Warri, Delta, which played in the Division One of the then Nigeria National League before it was disbanded in 1989. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

0Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

Environment

Adoption of conflict sensitive climate action crucial for  lasting peace – Stakeholders 

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By Angela Atabo/Emmanuel Oloniruha

Stakeholders in the peace-building, humanitarian and development space have emphasised the need to integrate climate sensitive approaches into resolving conflicts in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders unanimously agreed to this approach at the inaugural meeting of Nigeria Conflict Sensitivity and Climate Adaptation Facility (NC-SAF) on Thursday in Abuja.

NAN also reports that the meeting was organised by International Alert, with support from Irish Aid.

According to the stakeholders, climate-sensitive conflict action prioritises understanding and addresses the interconnections between climate change and conflicts.

They stated that by adopting climate-sensitive adaptation, Nigeria could mitigate climate-related conflicts, promote sustainable peace and development as well as enhance sustainable peace in vulnerable communities.

The Country Director for International Alert, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, said the meeting brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss the existential issues of insecurity facing Nigeria.

According to Nyulaku-Bemshima, Irish Aid is supporting International Alert to implement the “Powering Peace Through Climate Actions.”

This, he said, was because climate change was impacting communities, drying up grazing areas, making farming difficult and affecting food security, with productivity going down.

“As a result, the competition between occupational groups, such as headers and farmers, is increasing, becoming more intense and escalating conflicts in different parts of the country.

“Most conflicts in Nigeria are resource-based conflicts and so by that, we need to look at the issue of conflict and insecurity from a climate lens.

“This is because if we fail to do that, then the very drivers of the insecurity that we see will continue to fester,” he said.

Nyulaku-Bemshima said the banditry and insecurity in the north-west zone was impacting communities being influenced by climate change issues.

He said that most headers were moving south in search of grazing areas, thus creating tensions in those areas, such as the farmer-header conflicts.

According to him, the crises are being driven by climate change, thus necessitating the need to ask critical questions around insecurity and humanitarian development.

He said that a joint strategy would be required to address those issues at the national, state and community levels.

He called for conflict-sensitive policy-making to recognise the drivers of conflicts and respond to them.

Also speaking, Mr Dapo Oyewole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, commended International Alert for the initiative.

He said that the Federal Government was committed to tackling the effects of climate change, which he described as a “global problem”.

He said that it required a holistic approach by government, civil society, international development community, and the citizens to find lasting solutions.

“Climate change tops the President Bola Tinubu administration’s agenda, with efforts focused on creating an enabling environment for prosperity, peace and security,” he said.

Oyewole said to tackle climate change, government had set up initiatives and interventions to bring critical stakeholders together by providing resources to chat the way forward.

Dr Kimaris Toogood, Peace and Development Advisor, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, stressed the importance of recognising the role conflict sensitive approach played in the work of climate peace and security.

“By that I mean that the root of addressing and responding to climate change and conflict induced by climate change comes from understanding the root causes.

“It is only if we diagnose or understand the conflict correctly that our response will be able to be accurate, sustainable and resilient,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economy/Business

Building collapse: FG tasks stakeholders on solutions

318 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has urged stakeholders in the building and construction sector to find lasting solutions to incessant building collapses across the country.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Enoh gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja at the National Conference on the Building/Construction sector.

The theme of the event is: “Adherence to Standard Practices: Bedrock of Sustainable Development in the Building/Construction Sector organised by Standards Organisation of Nigeria ( SON).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country has recorded several incidences of building collapses in recent times.

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild said Lagos State recorded the highest cases with more 351 buildings caving in the last 50 years.

The report showed that the 351 collapsed buildings in Lagos represented 55.28 per cent of the total of 635 recorded cases across the country during this period.

The Minister of State said: “I am aware of the several efforts by some on this matter. My mandate to you on this crucial matter, is to ensure safer, more reliable structures.

“This forum affords me a chance to relate with relevant stakeholders in the industry, to unite and collaborate for the common purpose of safety.

“I encourage everyone to focus more on the areas of pre-construction, construction and post-construction regulatory and enforcement framework in the promotion of public awareness, and capacity building enhancement”.

Enoh reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration to the security of lives and property of citizens.

“Putting a stop to the unending incidents of building and construction collapses is paramount and I believe adhering to strictly agreed standard practices will be a contribution to the priority of the administration.

“I look forward to very robust engagements and discussions, and hope that the outcome of this will be very enabling and very useful to getting this sector, the building and construction sector right”, he said.

Earlier, the SON Director – General, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke decried the non awareness of Industry stakeholders to the standards required for safe, durable and sustainable buildings in spite of numerous sensitisation.

“This knowledge gap exists not only among construction workers but also among suppliers and building professionals.

“Training and education are essential to bring everyone up to par with international best practices, but that may not be all there is.

“In the same way, our growing population requires a rapid increase in affordable housing, which brings with it the challenge of meeting demand without compromising on quality.

“Innovative materials, construction techniques and designs must be developed and standardised to meet this demand while maintaining quality and safety, “he said

He expressed the commitment of SON to promoting safe practices, ensuring quality and sustainable development via its initiatives.

“SON has worked closely and will continue to do so with industry experts and practitioners to develop and update standards for construction materials, techniques and safety protocols, ” Okeke said..

Meanwhile, the President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, emphasised the importance of standards in building construction.

“The building industry is peculiar in the sense that there are codes and standards that govern activities from design to completion of projects.

“The efforts of the SON in the development/ domestication of codes and standards in collaboration with stakeholders must not go unnoticed but we need to do more.

“Nigeria is situated in sub-Saharan Africa with its inherent weather conditions different from that of the temperate and other regions hence the need for local codes and standards that addresses these peculiarities,” he said.

He urged the utilisation of initiatives such as the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) that covered building materials such as Cement, Glass, Steel, and Blocks among .

The COREN president said there was nothing wrong with the adaptation of foreign codes and standards, such as the British Standards and Eurocodes.

He, however, said that adaptation of such needed to address the local conditions and peculiarities in the country.

According to Abubakar, the adherence to standard practice, therefore, requires a robust monitoring framework, effective regulation and diligent enforcement where necessary. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Economy/Business

Stakeholders harp on harnessing Nigerian’s non-oil export for economic dev’t

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By Lucy Ogalue

Some stakeholders have urged Nigerians to leverage available opportunities to increase non-oil exports for economic growth and development.

The Stakeholders spoke at the Nigerian Exporters Hub (NEXHUB) Abuja Export Conference 2024 in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was “Navigating the Future of Non-oil exports”.

The event was organised to mark the NEXHUB Abuja Subscribers’ inaugural shipment of 10 containers to China.

The products to be shipped include Cassia tora, sesame seeds, ginger and mica (solid mineral).

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasised the need for the country to leverage on its numerous resources to grow its economy.

Uzoka-Anite, represented by Mr Dafang sule, Director, Federal Produce Inspection Service at the ministry, said that there was the need to develop and export all resources in the country.

She commended Zeenab Foods Limited,  a food processing and agro-commodity trading company, for  its efforts in promoting exports.

“This is the time to export, we need to take advantage of the moment. And the Federal Government has continued to ensure ease of doing business in Nigeria.

“We are urging Nigerians to play their part, give this administration a helping hand , just as Zeenab is doing today so we can make Nigeria better for us all,”she said.

Mr Dele Oye, President Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), said that  there was the urgent need for an organised solid mineral market system.

“The lack of a structured market has been identified as a significant barrier to the sector’s growth.

“Unlike Ghana, where a government office efficiently processes mineral sales, Nigeria’s informal market leaves many miners without immediate access to cash.

“This system leads to long delays, with miners sometimes waiting decades to monetise their resources,” he said.

Oye said that NACCIMA was collaborating with NEXHUB to establish a more robust framework for mineral trading, thus processing basic minerals like mica locally before exporting.

“This initiative not only ensures compliance with government regulations,  it also aims to stimulate local economies by providing miners with quick access to cash.

“The commitment to creating a transparent market is essential for reducing criminal activities associated with unregulated sales.

“By offering direct access to international markets, NACCIMA aims to eliminate third-party intermediaries and significantly diminish the risks and uncertainties that have long plagued the sector,” he said.

Oye said that NACCIMA had established 73 locations across Nigeria, employing aggregators to connect local producers with markets.

According to him, this strategy allows even those in remote areas to engage in international trade, fostering economic independence.

He called on stakeholders from various sectors, including the media, to spread awareness about these opportunities, and a new era of prosperity and equity in the solid minerals sector.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director, Zeenab Group , Dr Victor Ayemere, said that the conference was organised to sensitise exporters to bring their commodities for easy export to the trade house in China.

According to Ayemere,  who doubles as Chairman of NEXHUB, the Federal Government, through the Export Promotion Council, has set up export trade houses across the globe.

“We were the ones assigned to handle the export trade houses in China and other Far East countries.

“So, Zeenab Foods set up the Nigerian Exporters Hub to enable the exporting public to export their commodities easily to the trade house in China.

“Zeenab has chosen the part of agro export. This is a laudable project,which tells us that we can survive as a nation.

” This is the time to export; we need to take advantage of the moment. And the Federal Government has continued to ensure ease of doing business in Nigeria.

” We are urging Nigerians to play their part, give this administration a helping hand, just as Zeenab is doing today so that  we can make Nigeria better for us all,” he said.

Also, the Managing Director of NEXHUB, Mr Babatunde Faleke, urged producers to look beyond insecurity challenges to tap the  benefits of exports and increase their production.

“What we need is even more engagement, let us scale up production so that we can have more to export,” he said.

Faleke,  who said that  infrastructure and logistics remained a challenge to movement of goods, however said that  the challenge was being addressed by the government.

NAN reports that the conference was attended by government officials, heads of agencies, various stakeholders and partners.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

FRSC seeks stakeholders’ collaboration for effective nationwide traffic management

736 total views today

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for collaboration with stakeholders on effective traffic management to reduce road crashes and promote safety on Nigerian roads.

Speaking to newsmen after the inauguration of a National Road Safety Advisory Council (NARSAC) at the Presidential villa, on Friday in Abuja, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed emphasised the need for collective action.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NARSAC includes six governors, key ministers, and other stakeholders, with a focus on reducing road fatalities across the country.

Mohammed said that the corps had embarked on campaigns in motor parks and public places to promote a safe driving culture across the country.

He said that there was a need for commuters and transport unions to partner in preventing road crashes and ensuring safer travels at all cost.

According to him, road crashes have declined, but the numbers remain unacceptably high; therefore, commuters and transport unions must redouble their awareness and prevention initiatives.

“Commuters must not be quiet when any driver is endangering their lives by violating traffic rules and regulations.

“If you see something, say something. Passengers can do much in reducing road crashes and save lives but what we discover is that more often than not, passengers keep quiet.

“If you are in a bus or in a car and the driver is speeding, you owe it as a duty to raise your voice; but what we see is the opposite, passengers do not talk.

“At times, other passengers will even silence the one raising the alarm. This is unfortunate, life has no duplicate. We should all be proactive in ensuring that we mitigate road crashes.

“Attitudinal change is also crucial for road safety. Transport unions must lead by example in preventing overloading and alcohol-impaired driving,”he maintained.

The FRSC boss said that road crashes had been gradually and steadily declining in the last one month adding that the corps would continually sensitise the motoring public on the proper use of the highways to reduce crashes.

“Although we’re seeing a steady decline, road crashes and victim numbers remain unacceptably high.”

“There is still much more work to be done in terms of awareness, sensitisation and infrastructure to help in ensuring mitigation of this menace called traffic crashes on our roads.

“We will continually visit motor parks to dissuade drivers from taking alcohol or any substance capable of affecting their moods and psyches.

“We will also go to the grassroots to engage the traditional rulers and community leaders on ways to educate their people on measures to take to avoid road crashes,”he said.

The corps marshal urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to adhere to traffic rules, avoid overloading, and refrain from using phones while driving and other factors bedevilling road safety in the country.

Speaking on the newly inaugurated council, Mohammed believed that the NARSAC marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s road safety management, paving the way for the swift implementation of the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS).

The FRSC boss, who is the secretary of the advisory council described the strategy as the country’s answer to the global call for safer roads, aiming to reduce the alarming number of road crashes and fatalities in Nigeria.

“In essence, the NARSAC establishment is a crucial step towards achieving the NRSS’s objectives, which include improving road design standards, enhancing non-motorised transport initiatives, and strengthening road safety frameworks.

“With the council’s guidance, FRSC can move closer to realising its vision and mission of safer roads and reduced fatalities across the country,”he said.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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