NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Against Use Of Caro White Cream

By

-

May 22, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned Nigerians against the usage of Caro White Cream.

The Agency has alerted Nigerians on the recall of the Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion by the European Union Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products.

The cream is one of Nigeria’s most patronised skincare products due to its affordability and accessibility.

Against the guidelines of the Cosmetic Products Regulation, the skin care product contains a high concentration of Kojic acid, above a permissible maximum concentration of one percent stipulated by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

Studies have shown that kojic acid is a chemical produced from different types of fungi, with effects including treating melasma, and reducing the appearance of scars and more.

According to NAFDAC, in a statement, “High concentration of Kojic Acid is associated with potential endocrine disrupting properties,” NAFDAC stated in a public alert.

Detailing the product, the agency revealed that the manufacturer of Caro White Skin Lightening Beauty Lotion is unknown.

But the product comes labelled batch number LB2.1790.B and barcode: 6181100538892.

“Although the product is not in NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned product,” the agency said.

It noted that the authenticity and physical condition of the product should be carefully accessed while urging members of the public in possession to discontinue the sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of the product to the nearest NAFDAC office, via [email protected], E-reporting platforms available at www.nafdac.gov.ng.

BudgIT Laments As FG Jerks Up Appeal Court Building Contract Approval To N37bn From N10bn

By

James Orji

-

May 22, 2024

0

Civil society groups in the country have lamented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of N37 billion for the construction of the Court of Appeal building.

The federal government had earlier approved N10 billion for the project in the 2023 Supplementary Budget, says BudgIT, an NGO projecting accountability in government.

According Ayo Ladipo, the Head of Tracka, an accountability project of BudgIT, the contract was among the 20 different contracts approved by the Tinubu-led Federal executive Council, FEC recently.

The contracts, according to her lacked transparency and contradicts the Public Procurement Act, she said wondering how such a humungous contract was not allowed to go through the normal bidding process as required by extant laws.

Apart from BudgIT, CIJD is also among other civil groups that recently condemned the manner that the FEC approved the contracts allegedly without regard to the Act guiding contract awards in the country.

They are demanding that the details of the contractors who were awarded the projects, including their names, duration of project and contract amount be listed for public information.

Noting that only the details of three of the 20 contracts have been provided, the groups said the projects include road construction, installation of street lights and purchase of buses, amongst other projects.

Speaking, Ladipo said the secrecy in which the projects were awarded would make it difficult for citizens to hold the government accountable and for civil society bodies to “track”.

“It also makes it very difficult for you to tell what goes into the negotiations of the contracts and the final decisions or even to find out how much has been released,” she said.

She raised concern about the construction of the Court of Appeal building which was approved at a cost of N37 billion. She said N10 billion was initially budgeted for the project in the 2023 supplementary budget.

“I don’t know what procurement process allowed you to get three times of what was in the supplementary budget,” Ladipo said.

On May 15 Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Strategy issued a statement on his official ‘X’ handle highlighting the details of the FEC meeting.

Below is the statement titled “HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 13TH AND 14TH MAY, 2024”.

The Federal Executive Council concluded its meeting that started yesterday today, Tuesday May 14, 2024.

After exhaustive deliberations, the council approved a number of policies and projects that will further boost the economy, facilitate investments and promote the ease of doing business in the country. The under-listed are the major highlights:

Council supported a series of initiatives set to be launched that will revolutionize Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Housing sector through Public-Private Partnerships

The initiatives which can unlock about N2 trillion are aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing mortgage sector, meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership, fostering job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

Inspired by the 1970s era, the government envisions a future where ordinary Nigerians can access 25-year mortgages at low-interest rates to realise their dream of owning a home. By collaborating with private institutional investors, the government seeks to replicate past successes and address current challenges effectively.

This strategic partnership aims to leverage the expertise and capital of private investors to accelerate the delivery of vital projects, driving sustainable development and economic progress for all Nigerians.

FEC approved that all users of Federal airports all over the country must now pay tolls at the gates. No one is excluded. The President and Vice President of Nigeria will also pay the toll.

The council announced a ban on sand dredging 10 kms from all Federal bridges throughout the country.

Council annouced a 4-week deadline for review of visa policy to enable tourists, business people, and creative professionals visit Nigeria. The ease of doing business, the council agreed cannot materialise if prospective visitors face a herculean problem getting our country’s visa. Part of the review envisaged is that visa applicants can apply for the visa online and get one within 48 hours. Also visas may be waived for holders of visas of some countries.

The council granted approval for the supply, installation and training of operators of disabled aircraft recovery system at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The contract will cost N4.2 billion. Similar contract was awarded in 2021 for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in 2021.

Council approved Special Purpose Vehicle to be created on a PPP basis to develop 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to increase Nigeria’s internet connectivity by 60-70 percent. The SPV intends to copy the NLNG model.

Council approved a consultancy service for the reconciliation and expansion of the remittances to NITDA.

Council approved the request of the Ministry of Communications to convert the property at 324 Jackson Street, San Francisco, USA into a Nigerian Digital Technology Exchange Programme Hub. Property owned by the Nigerian government is valued at close to $7million.

The Federal Executive Council also approved the award of contract for the building of bus terminals and other transport facilities in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Terminals will be built within 15 months at Kugbo, Abuja Central Business District and Mabushi. The whole project will cost N51 billion and will be executed by Planet Projects Nigeria Limited, which did similar contracts in Lagos and Oyo states.

Council approved the award of contract to Messrs El & Matt Nigeria Limited to upgrade Kwaita-Yebu Road in Kuala Area Council of Abuja at a cost of N7.6 billion. Completion time is 18 months.

Council approved contract for the building of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division at a cost of N37.2 billion. Project will be executed by Messrs Visible Construction Limited.

The Council awarded contract at a cost of N412million for street lights on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Expressway. The job includes the procurement of 8 back-up generators, which will be powered by Compressed Natural Gas( CNG) or Solar, in line with government’s decision about migrating from fossil fuel to renewable energy. The council discussed extensively the need for this energy transition, as it is climate friendly, because of low emissions and also because it will reduce cost of transportation and inflation.

Council approved the request by Nigeria Customs Service to buy 200 Toyota Land Cruiser Buffalo V6 at a cost of N12.5 billion. All the vehicles will be CNG powered. Government also approved insurance cover for the vehicles at a cost of N522 million. The cover will be provided by NEM.

Messrs Yuan Resources Limited was awarded the concession to deploy a revenue assurance platform under PPP arrangement in the lottery and gaming sector. The concession which will be for 15 years, will be done via DFBOT option, which means Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer.

Before the Monday meeting was adjourned till Tuesday, council approved several road projects. Among them was the reconstruction of Iseyin-Okeho-Iganna Road in Oyo State.

Council approved Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway for construction, at a cost of N1.6 trillion.

Approval was granted for the award of contract for reconstruction of Koton-Karfe -Abaji Road (Abuja bound), along Abuja-Lokoja Route in Kogi state at a cost of N89 billion.

On Day 2 of the FEC meeting, approval was given for the award of contract for the equalisation of Lokoja-Benin Road, Okpela Section, Lokoja-Benin, Dualised Auchi Section -Uromi Link Road and Lokoja-Benin Road, Ekpoma Section. It was on this road that a fuel tanker fell into high water recently, with villagers having to swim to rescue the occupants of the tanker. The reconstruction will be financed by BUA Cement at a cost of N120 Billion under the tax credit scheme.

Council approved contracts to various contractors to build roads and bridges in Kaima-Tesse, Kwara State, Benin-Agbor, BeninByepass and Ngaski-Wara in Kebbi State. All the four contracts will cost N546 billion.

Messrs CCECC was awarded contract at N230 billion to build Kano Bypass. The road which is 37kms long will include bridges and several flyovers. The company has 36 months to complete the work.

The Council approved for procurement the Sokoto-Illela-Badagry superhighway, which is meant to join the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway. The road was first awarded in 1976 and then abandoned

Reps To Debate NDDC 2024 Budget Proposal, Presidency Submits Bill

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 22, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives is expected to commence sitting on this year’s budget proposal for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

This followed the receipt of the 2024 Statutory Budget Proposal of the Commission submitted by the Presidency, for consideration.

The budget proposal, which was transmitted to the Green Chamber via a letter from President Bola Tinubu, dated May 20, 2024, was read on the floor of parliament, on Tuesday.

Reading the accompanying letter addressed to Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who was presiding, noted that the action was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).

According to the spokesman for the green chamber, Akin Rotimi Jnr, “As contained in the communication, the budget proposal has been prepared on the basis of NDDC’s revenue and expenditure forecasts, which is aligned with the fiscal and developmental policies of the Federal Government.

“President Tinubu stated in the letter to the House that the proposal aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and takes into consideration, the 2024 – 2026 Economic Recovery Growth Plan, as well as key assumptions of the 2024 Appropriation Act of the Federal Government.”

He further highlighted that the NDDC through its budget proposal, is prioritizing improvement in security, job creation, youth and women empowerment, social welfare, education infrastructure, and increased productivity in agriculture, in order to contribute to the economic growth of the Niger Delta region and the country’s development at large.

“While I trust that the House of Representatives will in their expeditious manner consider and approve the 2024 Statutory Budget Proposal of the NDDC, please accept Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration and regards.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu, thereafter referred the proposal to the House Committee on NDDC for further legislative action.

Relief For Abure As Peter Obi Finally Endorses Him, Visits LP Headquarters, As National Chairman Sues For Peace

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 21, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has finally endorsed the leadership of the party led by Barrister Julius Abure.

Obi’s endorsement was given on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, during a solidarity visit to the National Headquarters of the Party in Abuja. He was accompanied by a number of Party stalwarts.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Obiora Ifoh, quoted Obi as also urging aggrieved Party faithful to put the survival of Nigeria and Nigerians above all other considerations.

According to the statement ,the Labour Party National leader, said he was at the National Secretariat to see the National Chairman, and pledged to ensure that all warring sides are once again united .

He used the visit to re- emphasise his conviction that the problems of Nigeria are rooted in human capital development indices such as food security, education, health and water .

” For now, let us talk about how we are going to survive till then ( 2027) because, we politicians always focus on the next elections and not about human beings. For me, let the people survive first, before we can talk about the next elections.

“Let us focus on Nigeria ,and see that Nigeria works, and if Nigeria is working ,Labour Party will work . But if Nigeria fails ,Labour Party fails.” Obi stated .

Addressing party members that came with Obi, the LP National Chairman, Abure, expressed the appreciation of the National Working Committee, NWC, for the visit, and noted that “It is high time the varying groups of dissent voices over the Nnewi Convention came together and set all their personal interests aside and work for a Party that would make a good show in the next elections.

“I want to say this very clearly. The National Convention has come and gone. All those who are still angry over the Nnewi convention, we want to appeal to them that they should all come together to work with us to build the party for a new Nigeria that has a vision.

“I believe very strongly that personal interests should be put aside, so as to pursue a new Nigeria that will work for all” Abure appealed.

Peter Obi Donates N10m To School Of Nursing, Bishop Commends His Support to Society

By

The Source

-

May 21, 2024

0

Peter Obi at College of Nursing Sciences

The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese and Proprietor of the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has praised the firm commitment to societal development shown by the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, who, he said, has continued to advance the cause of humanity both in and outside public office.

Bishop Ezeokafor made these remarks at the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukw, Anambra state when Mr. Obi visited the College and supported them with the sum of N10m for the training of more nurses and for the upgrading of their infrastructures.

Ezeokafor revealed that Obi has remained consistent in his support for societal growth. He stated that Obi’s record of investment in societal development remains unbroken. He appreciated Obi for always going out of his way to ensure the development of the nation.

In her address, the Head of the Department at the College of Nursing, Mr. Mary-Michael Ezenwuba recounted past contributions from Mr. Peter Obi, including the donation of two coaster buses, an 18-seater bus, the construction of a two-story administrative building, a two-story hostel, and numerous cheques for ongoing improvements. She emphasized that Obi’s support has been unwavering from before his tenure as governor to the present. She also highlighted additional areas where they would, like Oliver Twist, gratefully seek further assistance from Mr. Obi.

In his response, Obi reiterated his firm commitment to building a better society through investment in critical areas of human development, namely education, health, and poverty alleviation.

“I have remained consistent in my advocacy for more aggressive investments in the critical areas of education and health, especially for the training of nurses, who are at the heart of our health sector. Different health organizations have continued to warn about the impending shortage of nurses on the global level. By investing in the training of nurses, we will be able to produce enough qualified nurses to fill the gaps created by the shortage,” Obi said.

Addressing the nursing students, Obi encouraged them to remain committed to their nursing education. He described nursing as a noble profession that cares for the well-being of people, nurtures the health of all, and heals the wounds, pains, and infirmities of the sick and weak in society.

In his words, “I remind you, my dear nursing students, that nursing is a noble profession in which you will find fulfillment by serving society. I wish you well and urge you to continue to work hard as nurses as we unite our efforts in building a New Nigeria.”

Obi in a brief remarks lauded the proprietor of the College, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, and the management and staff of the College for their dedication and hard work in investing in the future of nurses and, by extension, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s health sector.

“Through many decades of producing qualified nurses and midwives, the College of Nursing Sciences, Adazi-Nnukwu, has contributed immeasurably to the growth of our health sector and the development of our human infrastructure.

“By your labors and sacrifices, you have continued to produce well-trained nurses who make positive impacts both within the nation and in the international health sector,” Obi enthused.

Absent Yourself From Work On Mondays, Forfeit Your Salary, Imo Govt Warns Civil Servants

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 21, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Government has warned that it will no longer tolerate civil servants in the State who absent themselves from work on account of the Indigenous People of Biafra-proclaimed Mondays-sit-at-home order in the Southeast region.

IPOB had, in the wake of the arrest, detention and prosecution of its leader, Nnamdi Leader, imposed a sit-at-home order in the South-east every Monday to protest his ordeal, and pressurise the Federal Government into releasing him. But the order had no positive effect on Kanu’s situation, as the FG ignored it. Instead, it brought untold hardship, violence, death, pain, sorrow, and the economy of the region to its knees.

Appreciating what the order has done to the region it said it is protecting, and under so much pressure from concerned South-easterners, IPOB suspended the ritual, and restricted it to only the days Kanu would appear in Court.

However, a group led by a self-proclaimed disciple of Kanu, Simon Ekpa, has since continued to enforce the order in defiance of both the stand of IPOB and Kanu. Both IPOB and Kanu have since declared him a rogue but he has continued and even promoted himself above Kanu.

Taking advantage of the order, many people, including civil servants refuse to go to work and enjoy every Monday as a work-free day It is gradually killing the Civil Service.

Based on this, the Imo State Government, like other South-east Governments, especially Anambra and Enugu, has decided to finally put a stop to it.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the State Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, directed that any member of the State workforce that absents themselves from their duty posts on account of the observation of the sit-at -home order should not be paid at the end of the month.

Furthermore, the statement noted that the State Government will, henceforth, treat such absenteeism as a direct confrontation with duly constituted authorities in the State .

Reads the statement, “The Government of Imo State has observed with dismay that some civil servants, for inexplicable reasons, absent themselves from duties especially on Mondays .

“This is totally unacceptable, moreover since such civil servants neither obtained permission nor have authorization of their superiors to abstain from duty, thereby making their conducts illegal and unprofessional.

“Consequently, the Government will henceforth view such rascally conduct as a direct challenge to its authority, which will attract sanctions.

Going forward, His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, has directed that any civil servant who absents himself /herself from duty on Mondays and or any other days for that matter, will lose his/ her salary in addition to other punishments that may be recommended against him/her.”

To ensure a strict implementation of the policy, the state Government has directed all Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Parastatals and other relevant officials to closely monitor the work attendance rate of staffers under them.

“Don’t Test Our Resolve”, Customs Warn Smugglers, Seizes Three Billion Naira Worth Of Donkey products

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

May 21, 2024

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a bold move to crackdown on the importation, exportation, and general trading in animals classified as endangered species, the Federal Operation Unit, FOU, Zone B, Kaduna, on Tuesday May 21, 2024, announced the seizure of over three billion Naira worth of donkey and other products.

The Comptroller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, who made the disclosure at a press briefing in Kaduna said the products which were intercepted along Sokoto/Gusau road in Zamfara were being exported by those he described as unscrupulous elements with no regard for the lives and preservation of endangered species like donkey which is nearing extinction.

He said: “On April 25, 2024, operatives of the Unit, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted one (1) truck with registration number GGE 526XL along Sokoto/Gusau Road in Zamfara State conveying illicit goods which were brought to Kaduna for further examination.

“Upon careful examination, the truck was discovered to be conveying 750 sacks of donkey bones. The DPV for the donkey bones was estimated at two billion ,three hundred and sixty three million, five hundred thousand Naira (N 2,363,500,000)

“It will interest you to know that one (1) suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure . Again, on May 5, 2024, the operatives of the Unit intercepted Two Canter Trucks carrying dried donkey meat along Kontagora-Tegina road in Niger state.

“After 100% physical examinations, the trucks were found to contain 860 sacks of dried donkey meat . Three suspects were also arrested in connection with the seizure.

“The above illegal trading clearly contravenes Section 55 (1) paragraph c and i (1) of the NCS Act 2023, which says that ‘imports and exports shall, where applicable, be subject to prohibitions and restrictions relating to the protection of the health and life of humans, animals,or plants; controlled goods imported or exported in line with relevant international laws ,conventions on international Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES),” Shauibu stated

The Comptroller noted that Government is deeply concerned that the unpatriotic and illegal activities of some people, particularly smugglers are driving donkeys considered as a rare animal into complete extinction.

Comptroller Shuaibu emphasised that Nigeria being a signatory to the international convention on the protection of rare animal species is under obligation to prevent the endangering of these. species.

“Therefore ,the Unit ,and in deed the Nigerian Customs Service, will not, and cannot fold their hands and allow this illegal trade to continue to take place.”

The Comptroller said the Unit between April 17 and May 17 2024 made seizures worth over three billion Naira, adding that the feat was made possible by the officers and men of the Unit.

“Let me, at this point, say that the officers and men of the Unit are focused, committed, and prepared to continue to carry out their assignments with utmost sense of courtesy and unwavering professionalism .

“Those who wish to try our resolve should have a rethink as we shall be unsparing in implementing the laws and policy directives of the Federal Government as directed by the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management.

Anti- Smuggling initiatives are fast going beyond old traditional physical measures

“The NCS has sharpened its skills in intelligence- gathering through improved information technology kits”, Shuaibu noted .

CBN Shatters Expectations, Hikes Interest Rate Again

By

James Orji

-

May 21, 2024

0

Nigeria’s Central Bank Governor Yemi Cardoso has shattered the expectations of financial sector experts who predicted a possible retention of the interest rate at 24. 75 percent.

The magazine reported that the CBN governor told the Financial Times last week that the rate will remain high until “inflation comes down,”

The CBN “will continue to do what has to be done to ensure that inflation comes down.

“Let’s face it: for a long period of time, the CBN did not embrace orthodox monetary policies.

“We want to go back to using an orthodox method, and it will take us to where we want to go,” he stated ahead the MPC meeting.

During the ongoing Monetary Policy Meeting, MPC, meeting in Abuja, the Cardoso-led CBN raised the rate by 150 basis point from 24.75 percent to 26.25 percent.

The MPC had during its last meeting in April raised the benchmark monetary rate by 200 basic points from 22. 75 percent.

“The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) held its 295th meeting on the 20th and 21st of May 2024 to review recent economic and financial developments and assess risks to the outlook,” the CBN Governor said on Tuesday.

“Decisions of the MPC. The committee’s decisions are as follows: 1. Raise the MPR by 150 basis points to 26. 25 per cent from 24.75 per cent,” he further stated, indicating that the CBN under him has raised the rate for a third consecutive time since Cardoso came to office last year.

The decision to hike the rate has come as a huge surprise to analysts in the financial and business sectors of the economy, who had predicted that the last rate will be retained because of the suggestion that higher interest rate is strangulating investment.

“When interest rate is high investors are discouraged to borrow from banks and non -financial institutions to set up businesses. Besides, the MPC rate is the benchmark considering that the lending institutions have their own rates for investors who needs capital to set up,” Deji Roberts, a financial expert said.

What this means, he said, is that investment “will slow down at a very critical moment that the country’s economy needs local and foreign capital to boost production.”

On the other hand, sources in the CBN said the decision to further hike interest rate was taken to roll back soaring inflation.

There has been suggestion that the prices of goods and commodities are gradually moderating to the monetary regulations after several months of continuous rise in their prices.

But this is still very premature, according to experts, who insist that the prices of commodities, particularly essential household’s goods are still exceptionally high in the market.

The Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, NBS, put the headline inflation rate in the country at over 33.96 percent for the month of April.

Kano Assembly’s Move To Merge Five Emirate Councils, Triggers Rumours Of Sanusi’s Return As Emir

By

Ayodele Oni

-

May 21, 2024

0

By Ayodele Oni

In conformity with a pledge by the present administration in Kano State to review some policies and actions of the immediate past administration led by Umar Ganduje, the State House of Assembly is set to review some laws associated with Kano Emirate Council.

The Assembly, during plenary on Tuesday, presided by the Speaker, Jibril Falgore, agreed to recall the Kano State Emirate Council law 2019 and Kano State Emirate amendment law 2023 for amendment.

This followed a motion for urgent and public importance moved by the Majority Leader of the Assembly and also a member representing Dala Constituency, Lawan Hussaini.

The Majority Leader sought the approval of the Lawmakers to call the laws for amendment, and was seconded by member representing Dawakin Kudu Constituency Shu’aibu Rabi’u.

This law was first amended in 2019 amidst tension between the then-Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and deposed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi.

The amendment led to the fragmentation of the Emirate into five distinct Emirates, namely Rano, Karaye, Gaya, and Bichi, with the appointment of First Class Emirs to head these newly established Regions.

This reorganization ultimately resulted in the deposition of Emir Sanusi.

The recent electoral victory of Governor Abba Yusuf, who campaigned on the promise to restore the traditional Emirate system, has revived rumour on efforts to reinstate Emir Sanusi.

One month before Governor Yusuf took office, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), the ruling party in Kano, indicated that the issue of the Emirates would be revisited.

During a public statement, Kwankwaso emphasized the party’s commitment to reviewing the changes made to the emirate structure:

“We campaigned and we are well-known in Nigeria, especially in Kano. What we showed the people is by God’s grace all the good projects we started when we were in government. This governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf and his team will pick up from where we left off.”

Kwankwaso further noted the complexities of the situation, acknowledging that the division of the emirates would also be subject to review.

“Those who God made leaders will now decide on the next step and decision to take. They will review it and determine what is the right thing to be done.

“Apart from the issue of changing the emir, the emirates have now been divided into five. All of that will be reviewed too.”

He expressed confidence that Governor Yusuf would address these challenges effectively:

“We are confident God will give the Governor the wisdom to come and resolve the challenges planted in the state so that everyone will live peacefully in the State.”

Port Harcourt Refinery “99 Percent” Ready, Says IPMAN

By

James Orji

-

May 21, 2024

0

Heineken-Lokpobiri Minister of State For Petroleum

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has assured that the Port Harcourt refinery may begin production in July this year.

Ukadike Chinedu, the Spokesman of the Association told journalists that the management of the refinery has assured them that it’s ready to take off.

The 210,000 barrel per day refinery, when fully operational, is expected to reduce gasoline importation into the country.

But many assurances by governments in the past that the refinery would become operational had ended in disappointment.

Speaking, Chinedu stated that the refinery is now “99 percent” complete, and expected to begin production in two months.

He explained that the refinery would also reduce the price of fuel in the country when it eventually rolls into production, adding that there’s no room for further delay.

According to him, ……..”the MD told us that the refinery was almost ready and by the end of July, they would start producing. It has been turned into a new one they changed all the armoured cable to brand new and everything there is almost like a brand-new refinery.”

“The turnaround on maintenance is very massive and the job is being done day and night. All hands are on deck to make sure that they meet that target. By ending of July the refinery should be ready.

“What we want is competition. I am very sure that with the two refineries, the price of petrol will be reduced. Dangote is coming soon and the Port Harcourt refinery is almost ready too and that is very good. We need that competition for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has also promised to ensure that the Kaduna refinery bounces back to work as part of the petroleum sector reform, even though many Nigerians have doubts considering that such assurance in the past have failed.