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Intervene Now Before Kano Royal Throne Crisis Escalates – Nigerian Patriots Urge Tinubu

May 24, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Against the backdrop of the reinstatement of Muhammad Sanusi as the Emir of Kano, on Thursday May 23, 2024, by the State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, protesters on Friday, May 24 stormed the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly with a call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the Royalty crisis from further escalating.

This is even as Governor Yusuf, despite a restraining order from a Federal High Court sitting in Kano on Friday, presented Emir Sanusi with his reinstatement letter.

The presentation of the letter of reinstatement which took place at a short, but colourful ceremony at the State’s seat of power, marked the formal recognition of Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano by the kano State authorities.

The protesters whose messages were contained in their various placards, noted that they were worried that the brewing crisis associated with the struggle for the soul of Kano Royal Stool, if not contained, has the potentials to snowball into big national problem.

The leader of the protesters and Convener of the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria CPN, Abdullahi Muhammed Saleh ,said Governor Yusuf, by instigating the hurried amendment of the Emirates laws, as well as dissolving existing traditional leaderships across the state, has elevated his abuse of power to a new height.

” A lot has been going wrong in the state ,but the Concerned Patriots of Nigeria,had thought it best to allow Kano to sort out its thorny issues .

“However, Thursday’s brash actions of Governor Yusuf of Kano state, who sacked five Emirs to reinstall Malam Muhammad Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano has awoken us to the urgency of raising the alarm about the destructive excesses of the State Governor

“Since being sworn into office, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.has a string of loutish acts that run like a hardened criminal’s rap sheet, all in the name of rubbishing his predecessor in office.

“He started with a demolition spree that has served to impoverish the people whose lives he took an oath to improve .Thus he proved himself to be anti-people .

“The Government then attempted to destroy the structures of political parties in the state .The impish fanaticism with which he pursued this illicit mission saw him intrude in to structures of political parties ,including hiring some charlatans who purportedly suspended the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who is interestingly his predecessor .Thus ,proving himself to be anti- democratic.

“This latest stunt of sacking five Emirs to install his acolyte was achieved by manipulating the Kano State House of Assembly which he has successfully turned into a rubber stamp for endorsing his illegal acts .

“He has eroded the autonomy guaranteed by the separation of powers as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is inconceivable that any right thinking person will descend low to the point of manipulating traditional institution for political gains.

“The humiliation meted out to the five Emirs was most unbecoming and we have cause to believe that Governor Abba Yusuf has set the stage for using the traditional institution as ancient and esteemed as that of Kano for a political seesaw will continue since his successor will revert to the five Emirates .The Kano Governor has thus proven himself to be the anti traditional leader .”the CPN noted.

The group has, therefore, urged the Kano State Governor to quickly retrace his steps, concentrate on delivering good governance to the people, and save the state from falling in the abyss .

The Concerned Patriots also lampooned the State Legislators for lending themselves to acts capable of undermining their state.

” They ( law makers ) have cemented their place as a conclave of shame to have reverted into a mere rubber stamp for the megalomaniac tantrums of the State Governor.” the CPN stated

Oyo SUBEB Rallies LG Chairmen For Collaboration In Primary Education

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board,( SUBEB), has mapped out synergy with newly sworn in local government chairmen in the state on way forward on the basic education sector.

Chairman of the board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, appealed to the 33 Local Government Chairmen to look into ways of collaborating with the board to enhance the basic-education sector.

In his congratulatory message to the new Chairmen, who were sworn-in on Friday, noted that collaboration will promote efficient and effective learning in public primary schools in the State.

Adeniran stated that his personal discussion with most of them showed that there is hope to further boost the basic education sector in Oyo State.

The SUBEB boss described the Local Government Chairmen as vital in influencing their constituents to embrace government policies and programmes in the education sector.

He added that swearing-in of the Chairmen, who are key stakeholders, is very timely, as the Board will ensure seamless partnership in all Local government areas.

Adeniran attributed their success in the last poll, to the good record of Governor Seyi Makinde, which proceeded the polls.

He therefore urged them to take a cue from the Governor and the ruling party in the State, by enacting policies that will enhance development at the grassroots.

“It is a sign of good things to come. I congratulate the newly sworn-in Chairmen, and I appeal for a better collaboration with all of them.

“Your victories were made possible by the good leadership in the State and the unending development, that the masses have fallen in love with. I urge you to take a cue from Mr. Governor and leave lasting legacies in your various LGAs.”

APC Governorship Primary Election: Senator Ibrahim Silent On Next Action As Afenifere Leader, Fasoranti Brokers Peace

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo Southern Senatorial District and governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State has refused to give any commitment on the court case instituted to challenge the outcome of the party’s primary.

Ibrahim had on Friday honoured the invitation extended to him by the leader of Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Oba Olu Falae in Akure to appeal to him to drop the suit.

The 98-year-old Yoruba leader had written a letter to the senator, who is currently in court over the governorship primary election of the APC inviting him for a reconciliatory meeting.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, at a closed-door meeting with the Afenifere leader and former Minister of Finance, Oba Olu Falae, at Pa Fasoranti’s residence, was prevailed upon to withdraw the court case and allow peace to reign.

The nonagenarian was said to have appealed to Senator Ibrahim to accept the reconciliatory move by the Governor and the APC.

Appreciating the elder statesmen, Senator Ibrahim, who, among other aspirants, did not vote in the governorship primary of the party, told the elders that Governor Aiyedatiwa did not have roadmap for reconciliation.

The meeting, which was also attended by Senator Tayo Alasoadura and other prominent stakeholders in the state, appears not to have achieved its aim as the senator did not promise Pa Fasoranti and others that he would back down on the legal tussle.

The Governor Usman Ododo-led Governorship Primary Election Committee had failed to distribute election materials at the distribution center at Ijapo Estate, Akure, but still went ahead to declare Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the election.

Senator had approached the court with evidence including true certified copies of reports of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) officials who monitored the primary election.

He is praying the court to either declare a rerun of the party’s governorship primary or exclude his party from the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in the State.

“Dickson Akoh Was Expelled From UNIABUJA, He Cannot Be Appointed Council Member, Jigawa University”, Group Alleges

Akinwale Kasali

May 24, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A Pan Arewa Group under the aegis of Jigawa Conscience Alliance has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of Dickson Akoh as member of the Governing Board of Federal University of Technology, Babura, Jigawa State.

The Group frowned bitterly at his appointment alleging that Akoh was expelled from the University of Abuja, UNIABUJA for Examination Malpractice. They, therefore, queried how he could be appointed as a member of the University Governing Council.

A statement issued by the Group’s National Chairman, Hon. Abdulahi Shehu-Dutse, stated that Akoh was a Student in the Sociology Department, and was caught to be involved in Examination Malpractice.

Shehu-Dutse added that Akoh was tried by the Institution’s Disciplinary Committee, and was allegedly found guilty, prompting his expulsion by the University Senate.

According to him, “President Tinubu should, as a matter of urgent national interest, withdraw the appointment of Mr Dickson Ameh Akoh, into the governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Babura.

“This man who was a Master’s Degree Sociology student in University of Abuja was caught engaging in Malpractice in Course SOC 804.”

“The Senate of the University of Abuja, during its 179th regular meeting on 27th October, 2021, considered the report of the Central examination misconduct committee and approved his expulsion with immediate effect. Yet this same character continues to claim that he has a Master’s degree from the same university and parades himself with a procured Honourary Doctorate degree

“The expulsion letter of the school to Mr Akoh Dickson was dated 5th November, 2021 and Signed by Deputy Registrar Alkassim M . Umar; For the Registar. The Expulsion Letter’s Reference Number is UA/R/ACA/16494018”

He noted that “even Mr Dickson Akoh knows that he cannot be appointed into the board of a Nursery School talk less of a University of technology on whose shoulders lies the destiny of many in Jigawa and across the country”

He went further to explain that “since the announcement of the shameful appointment of Mr Akoh we have been inundated with calls from many stakeholders across Jigawa and Kano states as well as the University of Abuja. They wondered why such horrible mistake would be made by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of education , Professor Tahir Mamman”

Shehu-Dutse pointed out that: “We are fully aware that prior to his expulsion from The University of Abuja, This same Mr Akoh sued the university and its Vice Chancellor to an Abuja court . The case, Suit No is CV/035/2020. The judgement was delivered on 26th November, 2020. The suit brought by Mr Akoh was thrown out for lack of Merit by the respected Honourable Justice A I Kutigi

“He further added that indigenes of Jigawa State have reposed so much respect and confidence in that the president Tinubu’s administration and also the Minister of Education, urging them to swiftly attend to this issue by withdrawing Akoh’s appointment to “save the future of the students and the institution.

“We are sure that this academically bankrupt man would destroy both the foundation and principles of the institution of learning.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his directive the recent appointment in Federal Universities governing boards by reviewed. We are excited when Mr Bayo Onanuga Issued the statement. The first person to exit that list is Mr Dickson Akoh for expulsion and examination malpractice”

In his final words: “We have gone to the institution and court and gathered all necessary documents on the is matter. Professor Tahir Mamman we know cannot tolerate this as Director-General of The Nigerian Law school and we believe he should not tolerate same now”

Akoh is yet to respond or refute the claim of the Pan Arewa Group as at the filing in of this report.

“Abians Are In A Hurry To Have An Airport Of Their Own”, Gov Tells FG

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 24, 2024

Suleiman Anyalewechi.

The Abia State Government has expressed its readiness to compliment the efforts of the Federal Government to give the State a befitting airport .

Governor Alex Otti, who gave the assurance while receiving a Federal Government delegation which was on an inspection tour of the site for the construction of an airstrip for the State on Wednesday May 22, 2024, noted that even though the 2024 Federal budget captured it as an airstrip, the Abia State Government has decided to partner with the Federal Authorities to upscale it to a full airport.

In a press release issued on Thursday, May 23, by his Media Aide, Kazie Uko, the Abia State Governor added that there is no major difference between an airstrip and full airport.

“First of all, I will like to thank the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for consenting to set up an airstrip in Abia and for also including it in the 2024 budget as approved.

“Even if the money there may not complete it, but a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. So, we are grateful to him.

“We want to, also, say a big thank you to my friend and brother, the Hon. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo for all what he has been doing to ensure that this becomes a reality .

“We are always on the line discussing, coming up with ideas on how to fast track this project.

“I want to thank you (the delegation team), for, also, joining us to be in a hurry to deliver this project. Once we had agreed ,we started looking for suitable land because that is the most important in an airport project.

“There were a few places that were mapped out earlier, but when we went on physical inspection, we found out that some of these places do not have enough space, or are not properly located for the airport.

“One other important thing about airport is location ,.So we now zeroed in on the place that you are looking at ,at the moment . We did not just only identify that location, we went the extra mile of identifying the owners of the land because it is a large parcel of land. We have started engaging with them.” Governor stated.

The Abia state Government assured the Federal Government delegation of its readiness to see to the actualization of the airport project in record time,noting that Abians are in a hurry to have an airport of their own.

He promised that the State Government will lead from “the build up to the construction of the airport to its very completion and if any thing gets delayed ,then it is because it is coming from the centre. But for us we are in a hurry”.

Governor Otti, informed that in its determination to see the airport project through, the State Government has entered into an understanding and partnership with Access Bank Plc with a view to ensuring that lack of finance does not stall the project.

“I have suggested to the CEO of Access Bank that the team needs to sit down with him so that we can have them on board early enough.

“Our attitude is not to borrow until it becomes absolutely necessary. If they had also gotten involved in one and delivered it, then we can learn from them the mistakes they made in those ones and then build on the good things that we can pick up ” the Governor noted .

The Head of the Federal Government team Dr Emmanuel Mmeribeole who is, also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, said they are in the State to inspect and ensure that land and location approved for the project are in alignment with regulatory requirements for the siting of an airport .

He assured of the commitment of the Federal Government to deliver the project in record time, hence the visit by the team made up of all the representatives of all the various Aviation Agencies responsible for approvals and supervision of airports in the country to meet required standards.

OPINION: Soyinka as Okonkwo In “Things Fall Apart”

The Source

May 24, 2024

By Val. Obienyem

Prof. Wole Soyinka is a distinguished Nigerian whose contributions to literature and politics are globally recognized. However, despite his achievements, he sometimes fails to heed that each profession, especially in his writings, has the moral obligation to be understood or keep quiet.

I read Soyinka’s comments about Mr. Peter Obi with a heavy heart, troubled by the magnitude of his errors. How can somebody say Obi was not qualified to contest the Presidency? Anyone in Nigeria who does not understand or pretends not to understand that the Obidient movement is a spontaneous response to the country’s problems is out of touch with reality. With the prevailing situation in the country, more of similar movements will surely emerge. Who is happy with Nigeria as it presently is? It is a sort of we-they group, made up of the oppressed and oppressors. Obidients are the oppressed Nigerians, which we thought Soyinka would have sealed his activism by identifying with.

During the lead-up to the 2023 Presidential election, Soyinka criticized Obi’s running mate, Sen. Yusuf Datti, and proposed a debate with him or any designated representative. In response, some of us arranged for Prof. Okey Ikechukwu to serve as the delegate for that purpose. Our rationale was straightforward: Ikechukwu, renowned for his civil discourse, would convey the essential points without resorting to provocative language. Even when his statements deliver a decisive impact(Knock-out-blow), they do not leave behind a trail of hostility.

This scenario reminded me of a symposium during my seminary days. We invited the elderly Mr. Sylvester Udunni to deliver the keynote address. Our teachers, led by Mr. Collins Okeke (now a priest), were eager to challenge him with their fresh philosophical insights, being newly minted from philosophical studies and eager to showcase their erudition. However, after Mr. Udunni finished his paper, he excused himself and left before any discussion began. The philosophical pundits were left with Mr. Borbert Oguegbu (Wasky of Nollywood) to spar with. We thoroughly enjoyed the lively debate and applauded the arguments like sturdy blows at the Olympics. However, Ikechukwu is a seasoned speaker and would take on anyone, however acclaimed, in an intellectual joust.

When we presented our debate plans to Mr. Obi, he laughed and asked if Prof. Okey Ikechukwu was aware of the arrangement. Misunderstanding his concern, I assured him that contacting Ikechukwu would not be a problem. Obi then expressed doubt that Ikechukwu would accept the debate under such circumstances.

Obi calmly explained, “Val, if your father called you stupid and challenged you to a debate, would you accept? It is highly disrespectful to debate Soyinka—not only because of his societal achievements but also because of his age.”

Obi’s remarks about Soyinka were insightful, reflecting his reverence for both the man and old age. Having met with Soyinka several times, Soyinka should have a good understanding of his character by now. If Soyinka opposes people like Obi becoming president, it implies he believes the position should remain in the hands of brigands.

Part of the reason Okonkwo killed Ikemefuna, who called him father, was his fear of appearing cowardly. Why is Soyinka so determined to undermine Obi?

Cocoa Production: Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Promises Support For New Generation Farmers

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of efforts to sustain its position as highest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged members of the state cocoa council to involve youths in its activities as the government is interested in supporting new generation of farmers.

The governor promised that his administration will work towards enhancing production of Cocoa to boost the economy of the State.

According to him, government will ensure that Ondo retains the status of the highest cocoa producer in the country by supporting cocoa farmers to push their products to the international market to earn foreign exchange.

The Governor gave the assertion while playing host to the members of the Ondo State Cocoa Council led by the Chairman, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, in his office, in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa, who commended the leaders and members of the Council on their activities, said before the discovery of oil, cocoa was the mainstay of the economy, especially in the Southwest region of the country.

“We will support you and other stakeholders to increase our cocoa production, most especially the one that has to do with growing cocoa outside the forests in which if measures are not taken will affect the quality of our products in International market.

“Whatsoever measures we need to take, I promise we will look at them together to make sure the problem is resolved and our product remains the best in the International market.”

The Governor reiterated the determination of his administration towards the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads to enhance the productivity of farmers and produce marketers in the State.

Chairman Ondo State Cocoa Council, Dr. Olusegun Awolumate, said Ondo State has the comparative advantage among equals which has consistently served as major revenue driver to its economic growth.

Dr. Awolumate stated that the Council is in partnership with the Ondo office of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the establishment of Cocoa Agropreneurs’ Mentorship Programme (CAMP) to attract and retain successor generation of youthful Cocoa farmers.

He disclosed that about 50 students of Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) and Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) are currently involved in the pilot stage of the programme.

“Show Audacity, Catch Up And Overtake”- Fmr Defence Minister To Governor Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

May 24, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A former Defence Minister, Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, has advised opposition in Ondo State to give Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a break to enable his administration make its mark in the development of the State.

The Senior Lawyer in a statement in Akure on Friday stated that “We urge the minor and relatively opposing political crowd to allow you to breathe. This is the time to stand for progress and development in Ondo state.

“On your part please show audacity. Lead!. Plan to catch up and overtake. And thereafter you shall hand over to our children.”

He advised Aiyedatiwa not to allow the trap of divisiveness, distraction and lack of focus, which has been foisted on previous governors in the state by the usual and omnipresent negative forces of regression since 1999, to affect him in giving the state developmental road map.

Kayode who said he was writing as a stakeholder in Ondo state project said “A few weeks ago, I issued a sober congratulatory message to my brother and friend and APC leader, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“I exhorted him about avoiding and not being caught up in the trap of divisiveness, distraction and lack of focus which has been foisted on previous governors in our state by the usual and omnipresent negative forces of regression since 1999.

“Please set up a small youthful team to plan for the development of Ondo state, now. Don’t wait till after the election. Don’t wait till you win. Of course, you will win.

“Hangers-on, praise singers, boot-lickers, alagbaka-clowns, and fine Baras will shroud your horizon and not allow you to see the challenges facing the state and the great opportunities for the future.

“We all know the usual forces in our state that really don’t care a hoot about the development of the state. But Ondo State remains bigger than every narrow individual ambition.

“And this happened to your predecessors notwithstanding their desire for the progress of the state. We made this point earlier. And we make it again.

“We urge the minor and relatively opposing political crowd to allow you to breathe. This is the time to stand for progress and development in Ondo state.

“On your part please show audacity. Lead!. Plan to catch up and overtake. And thereafter you shall hand over to our children.”

DISCOURSE: The Need To Implement Presidential Order On Reduction Of Security Agencies In Nigerian Ports

James Orji

May 24, 2024

By Lucky Amiwero

We hereby bring to the attention of the Federal Government, the lengthy and cumbersome procedures in the Port, and the need for the implementation and enforcement of the Executive order on the reduction of security agents and a one-stop-shop process as provided in the Port (related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No.61 of 26th May 1999.

The National Facilitation committee (FAL) of (IMO), which the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) was a member of the Federal Government committee, facilitated the emerges of the Port (Related offences, Etc.,)(Amendment Act No.61 of 1999 to ease the port of cumbersome and lengthy procedures.

(1) As a result of conflicting interpretation of the 1999 Budget Speech on Port Reforms announced by the then Head of state, General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, the Honorable Minister of Transport issued clarification of the authorized Agents who are to be in the Port and perform examination reference no MT.206/S.70/VOL.1V OF 20 January 1999, which is attached and marked appendix 1

(2) Subsequently, the secretary to the Government of the Federation, clarified, the agencies that are to be in the port in reference ECD/P/32/S.1/37 OF 28TH January 1999, the only agencies authorized to be at the point of examination of Cargo and clearance of Import

Copy of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is attached and marked appendix 2.

(3) The Managing director of Nigeria Port Authority, through directive issued out Memo, reference RE:- implementation and enforcement of policy measures enunciated in the 1999 budget speech of the head of state, commander-in chief of the armed forces of the federal republic of Nigeria, general, Abdulsalami Abubarkar of 3rd of March 1999 reference, md/25/Cir./51 of 1 February 1999

Copy of the Memo from the Managing director is attached and marked

Appendix 3

(4) Further clarification was made by, the Managing Director on the examination of Cargo, which was clarified that is the primary responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service, who can invite, any other Agency as considered necessary to participate, the Nigerian Police is to be invited on request, and are to protect the Cargo and personnel so to have a peaceful operation in the port

Copy of the Managing Director memorandum dated 5th October 2000 is attached and marked appendix 4

Various Circulars and Memo on the reduction of security Agents, from the Head of State, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Honorable Minister of Transport, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Facilitation Committee of (FAL/IMO), facilitate directive in to the enactment of the Act, tagged, Port (Related offences, etc) Amendment) Act No.61 of 1999

THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT ENACTMENT OF THE PORT RELATED OFFENCES, ETC) (ADMENDMENT ACT NO.61 OF 1999

The Government in a bid to reduce the number of Security Agents in the Ports issued out circular that was never obeyed, which prompted the Federal Government under General Abdulsalami Abubakar to enact Act No. 61 of 1999.

It was facilitated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee of National Facilitation (FAL/IMO) in line with FAL/IMO convention to Facilitate Maritime Traffic by simplifying, Minimizing and Harmonizing processes and procedure in the arrival, stay and departure of ship and cargo and the application of World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) World Customs Organization Kyoto Convention on the Harmonization and Simplification of Customs procedure

The National Facilitation Committee (FAL/IMO) midwifed the process of the Port (Related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No. 61 of 1999, in which National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) served as a member.

Copy of the National Facilitation FAL/IMO Committee letter of appointment is attached and marked appendix 5,

PORT (RELATED OFFENCE, ETC) (ADMENDMENT) ACT NO 61 FOR THE REDUCTION OF SECURITY AGENTS AND ONE-STOP-SHOP PROCESS IN THE PORT

The Port (related offences, Etc.) (Amendment) Act No.61 of 1999, was enacted for the purpose of reducing the number of Security Agents entering the Port and participating in the Examination of goods and also to have a one-stop-shop process in the Port

NUMBER OF AGENCIES ALLOWED INTO THE PORT AND TO BE INVOLVED IN EXAMINATION AND THE CLEARANCE OF GOODS

The number of Security agents that are allowed to be in the Port is as contained and stated in the under listed provision:

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law or enactment, including the Customs and Excise Management Act, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act of 1999 and the Federal Airport Authority Act 1996, it shall be unlawful for any person, not being a duly authorized officer or agent of any of the following namely

(a)The Nigeria Customs Service

(b)The Nigeria ports Authority

(c)The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria

(d)The Nigerian Immigration Service

(e)The Port Police; and inspection agents

(f)Licensed Customs Agents (LCA) Section 1-(1A) of the Act:

To do any of the acts or things mentioned in subsection (2) of this Section, Not allowed to enter the Port

CUSTOMS AS THE LEAD AGENCY AND ONE-STOP- SHOP PROVISION IN THE PORT (RELATED OFFENCES, ETC) (ADMENDMENT ACT NO. 61 OF 1999

The provision of Section (1A) of the Act Provide for LEAD AGENCY AND A ONE -STOP-SHOP process under the control of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

The provision states, without prejudice to the provision of subsection (1) of this section, the Nigeria Customs Service may if it considers it appropriate, by written notification, require the presence of any other relevant agency of the Federal Government in the course of the administration of the Customs and Excise Laws with respect to importation or exportation of goods in any port.

WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO BE ISSUED BY THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE IF THE PRESENCE OF ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENTS IS REQUIRED

Section (1B) clearly states, Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1a) of the Section and unless otherwise requested by written notification by the Nigeria Customs Service, it shall be unlawful for any person, not being a duly authorized officer or agent of the Nigeria Customs Service, the appointed Inspection Agents or any other person as may be authorized by law or instrument to that effect, to be concerned with or be involved with the actual process of examination and clearance of goods in any port

Copy of Port(related Offences, Etc)(Admendment) No. 61 1999 is attached and marked appendix 6

As member of the National Facilitation Committee of International Maritime Organization(IMO/FAL) Member presidential Task Force to Reform Customs, Member Presidential Committee on Realization 48 hours Clearance of goods from Nigerian Ports, Member Presidential Committee on Destination Inspection,, Member Import Clearance Procedures and Implementation of Fiscal policies, Member Task force on the review of levies, charges and rates at the port, Member special committee on action-plan for clearing cargo backlog at Lagos port:

We implore the Federal Government to act and address the lengthy, cumbersome procedures and Costly process in our Ports System by implementing the Port (Related offences, Etc., (Amendment) Act , so as to free the Port from bottle neck s and make our port a preferred Port within the sub-region.

Amiwero is the President. National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents

FBN Holdings: “We Surpassed Stakeholders Expectations”-GMD; ₦359bn PBT

James Orji

May 24, 2024

The Group managing Director of First bank Holdings Plc, the parent company of First Bank has declared that the group surpassed stakeholders’ expectations in the 2023 Financial year.

Okonkwo was reacting to the Group last year’s Financial report ending December 2023 submitted to the Nigeria Exchange, NGX, and other regulators in the country.

“We are committed to further enhancing revenue and profitability by leveraging technology, strengthening our value proposition, refining our governance model, and maximising operational efficiencies. In the face of the increasingly competitive environment, we maintain a forward-looking approach, with a clear aim to build a sustainable institution. Our disciplined execution of strategic initiatives positions the Group for improved profitability, excellence in performance, and surpassing stakeholders’ expectations,” he said.

He’s right considering that gross earnings grew 95.7 percent year- on -year, yoy, to N1.6 trillion, while profit before tax, PBT increased by 127.3 percent year-on-year, yoy, to N358.9 billion.

The group has been able to sustain its performance trajectory despite the challenging macroeconomic landscape, analysts say.

Group financial review

Gross earnings grew by 95.7 percent to ₦1.6 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦815.2 billion). This was driven by a 74 percent y-o-y growth in interest income to ₦960.3 billion (Dec 2022: ₦551.9 billion), which represents 60.2 percent of gross earnings. The growth in interest income was underpinned by the strong rate environment which resulted in an increase in earning yields to 10.7 percent from 8.8 percent in the prior year. Likewise, net interest margin improved to 6.1 percent from 5.8 percent in 2022.

Relatedly and in line with the focus of driving transaction-based offerings, non-interest income grew 153.6 percent y-o-y to ₦601.7 billion. This includes trading and mark to market income of N382.7 billion. Excluding this, non-interest revenue was up 52.4 percent y-o-y to ₦219.0 billion (Dec 2022: ₦143.7 billion). This was primarily driven by 63.8 percent y-o-y growth in net fee and commission income – underscoring the strength of our core banking and related offerings.

The underlying drivers of fees and commission were led by electronic banking fees (+20.4 percent) to ₦66.3 billion, Letters of credit commission and fees (+278.4 percent) to ₦60.6 billion, Account maintenance fees (+12.3 percent) to ₦22.3 billion, and funds transfer and intermediation fees (+204.9 percent) to ₦20.6 billion. Excluding trading and mark to market income, Net fees and commission continue to drive transaction-based income, contributing 88.2 percent (2022: 82.1 percent) to non-interest income, propelled by further improving transaction volumes while optimizing digital products offerings and delivery models.

Operating income increased by 91.5 percent on account of strong earnings that offset the growth in operating expenses. As a result, the cost to income ratio improved to 49.1 percent (Dec 2022: 61.7 percent). Cost management continues to remain a key priority as we focus on further improving efficiency.

Deposit from customers increased by 49.7 percent to ₦10.7 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦7.1 trillion). Deposits continues to comprise low-cost funds, with current and savings accounts making up 92.1 percent (for FirstBank of Nigeria) of total deposits from 91.9 percent in the prior year. However, given the high interest rate environment and the increase in monetary policy rate, cost of funds increased to 3.7 percent (Dec 2022: 2.3 percent).

Customer acquisition drive has also been enhanced through a growing adoption across digital platforms and greater penetration of the unbanked segments through the agency banking network, further boosting financial inclusion drive.

Total assets grew by 60.1 percent to ₦16.9 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦10.6 trillion) on the back of a 67.8 percent y-o-y increase in customer loans and 20.5 percent y-o-y growth in investment securities, thus enhancing our earning capabilities and overall asset position.

Gross loans improved by 68.8 percent to ₦6.6 trillion (Dec 2022: ₦3.9 trillion) due to growth in lending and benefiting from the increase in foreign currency loans following devaluation of the currency. Despite the volatile business environment, NPL ratio remained well within the regulatory threshold at 4.7 percent, while coverage ratio further improved from 80.5 percent in 2022 to a solid at 91.7 percent, thereby sustaining the overall strong asset quality profile of the portfolio – this remains a top priority.

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