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Amid Crisis, Rivers House Of Assembly Elects New Speaker

By
The Source
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Victor Oko-Jumbo - Speaker

By Charles Igbo

For the third time, the Rivers State House of Assembly has elected a new Speaker.

The new Speaker, Honourable Victor Oko-Jumbo, an ally of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was elected on Wednesday,  allegedly, by a three-man Assembly, amidst the messy political crisis which has engulfed the State.

Elected on Wednesday, Jumbo represents Bonny State Constituency in the House of Assembly.

His election is a new twist to the political crisis in the State, which ante was raised on Tuesday following an order by the Acting State Chairman of  the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tony Okocha, to 23 members of the Assembly loyal to the immediate past Governor of  the State, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to start impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.

Okocha, whose position in the APC is a subject of litigation gave the order to the Assembly members whose membership of the Assembly is, also, a subject of litigation, because, according to him, Fubara is not keeping to the controversial peace deal between the Fubara and Wike, brokered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

In response to Fubara’s order, Assembly Members loyal to Governor Fubara, elected Jumbo as the new Speaker, and said he replaces Hon. Edison Ehie, the second Speaker, elected at the beginning of the crisis when the Assembly first wanted to impeach the Governor, and completely ignored the existence of the first Speaker, still presiding,  Honourable Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule was reinstated as the Speaker after President Tinubu’s intervention.

The reinstatement caused Ehie’s resignation from the Office and membership of the Assembly. He was subsequently appointed the Chief of Staff to the Governor.

The order by Okocha for Fubara’s impeachment by the 23 members loyal to Wike who, instructively, said they have dumped the PDP and decamped to the APC, has triggered reactions like claps of thunder.

From Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Rivers State Elders Forum, Rivers Youth Organizations, the warning is: there will be chaos in the State if an impeachment process is started against Fubara.

In its own reaction, the Rivers State Government has dared the Assembly members to, and warned it will be resisted.

The National Leadership of the PDP has, also, warned against any such move, while a group of 60 PDP  members of the House of Representatives, under the leadership of Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has urged: “It’s time to use Magistrate Court to declare/arrest the (Rivers) group of 27 parading as Lawmakers wanted for impersonation.”

Fmr Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, Daughter, Son-In-Law Dragged To Court Today By EFCC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hadi Sirika

By Akinwale Kasali

Hadi Sirika, the immediate past Aviation Minister will appear in Court today, Thursday, May 9, 2024, over allegations of corruption while he was in office.

The former Minister was slammed with xharges bordering on Corruption by anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In what seems like a family affair, he is being prosecuted alongside his daughter, Fatima, and son-in-law, Jamaica Sule Hamma and their company, Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd. The four will be prosecuted  at a Federal High Court Abuja.

The EFCC  slammed six charges against the former minister, his daughter and son-in-law, who are employees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission as well as their company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited for alleged diversion of public funds meant for aviation projects.

The charges read: “That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation. between April, 2022 and March, 2023, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Tianaero Nigeria Limited whose alter ego, Prof. Gabriel Tilmann is your Associate by using your position to influence the award to them, the Consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air start-up and extension on of same for the sum of N1.326,731,470.97 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same section.

“That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation, on or about 18th August, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did use your position to confer unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma are your daughter and son-in-law respectively, by using your position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1.498,300,750.00 and you thereby. committed an offence contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same section.

“Count 3 : That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation and in such capacity as a public officer on or about 18 the of August, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court entrusted with certain property to wit the sum of N1.498,300,750.00 committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property by being dishonestly connected with the illegal award of contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport, to and for the benefit of Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma, your daughter and son-in-law respectively and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532, Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same section.

“Count 4: That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation and Fatima Hadi Sirika while being a public servant and an employee of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and Jalal Sule Hamma while being a public servant and an employee of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on or about 18 of August, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly hold indirectly private interests in the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.00 awarded to Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd, whose alter ego, Fatima Hadi Sirika and Jalal Sule Hamma , which contract was awarded on account of public service and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 12 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same section.

“Count 5: That you Fatima Hadi Sirika, Jalal Sule Hamma and Al Buraq Global Investment Ltd between 2022 and 2023 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, had possession of an aggregate sum of N1,310,142,051.16,  which sum you knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal conducts of Hadi Abubakar Sirika, who was the Minister of Aviation at the time (to wit use of office or position for gratification in respect of the said amount), and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same section.

“Count 6: That you Hadi Abubakar Sirika, while being the Minister of Aviation and in such capacity as a public officer between April, 2022 and March 2023, in Abuja: within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court entrusted with certain property to wit, the sum of N1,326,731,470.97, committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property by being dishonestly connected with the illegal award of the Consultancy contract for the Nigerian Air Start-up and extension of same to and for the benefit of Tianaero Nigeria Limited whose alter ego is Prof. Gabriel Tilmann, your Associate and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532, Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same section.”

The suspects are expected to plead not guilty to the charges.

It would be recalled that Sirika was investigated by the EFCC over the failed Nigeria Air and the contracts for the Katsina Airport and later freed him temporarily on administrative bail.

Imo 2028: Why Ihedioha Spurned Entreaties To Join APC

By
The Source
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By Enyinnaya Ubochi,  Owerri

But for his determination to sweep back to power in 2028, former Imo State Governor,  Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha would have effortlessly berthed in the All Progressives Congress, APC after his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party,  PDP, the party on which platform he became the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and later went ahead to win, according to the declaration of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the 2019 Imo gubernatorial election.

His stay in office, however, came to an abrupt end on January 14, 2020, following the Supreme Court’s  declaration of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the rightful winner of the election.

Impeccable party sources told this Magazine that when some State and National Leaders of the APC realised Ihedioha’s utter disillusionment with the PDP,  they started putting intense pressure on him to defect to the ruling party.

However, several factors militated against any such consideration by the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Firstly, Governor Uzodinma has at several fora indicated his intention not only to work towards producing a successor from Owerri zone( Imo East Senatorial) but also specifically from any of the three Owerri Local Government areas that make up the Imo State capital.

The implication here is that though his Mbaise nation which comprises  three Local Government Areas is part of the Imo East Senatorial District just as the three Owerri Council Areas,  Ihedioha will be micro-zoned out by the Imo APC for the 2028 gubernatorial ticket of the party in favour of an Owerri aspirant should he defect to the party.

Realising this clog in the wheel of his come-back bid,  Ihedioha, who spent only seven months in office before being swept out of power by the Supreme stoutly spurned entreaties by the APC leaders to join the party.

Though the next gubernatorial election in the state is four years away when the second and final term in office of the incumbent,  Governor Uzodinma will elapse, Ihedioha’s exit from the PDP and the subsequent massive haemorrhage it caused in the party has triggered subtle campaigns for the exalted office.

The depletion of Imo PDP following Ihedioha’s resignation from the party, this Magazine has been told, rankled and confounded both the APC and the rump of PDP in the state. Several chieftains of both parties in the State confided their anxieties in The Source.

Said a PDP chieftain: “Truth be told, His Excellency, Rt Hon.Ihedioha’s resignation from our party and the sheer number of party faithful that left with him has greatly depleted Imo PDP and I doubt if we can ever recover from this massive haemorrhage.

“Unless magic happens, 2028 will be scary for the PDP because any party His Excellency and his supporters eventually pitch their tent with will surely be a potent force to contend with”

A former APC House of Assembly aspirant who craved anonymity described Iheodioha as “a hurricane threatening to severely disable APC and PDP in Imo”.

Lamenting his party’s inability to successfully woo the former Governor to its fold and the possible consequences of that, the former aspirant said: “I have it on good authority that the movement Ihedioha is building is a hybrid political structure comprising thousands of APC and PDP foot soldiers and leaders.

“I’m aware that in the coming days, and particularly by 2027, several APC and PDP leaders will join Ihedioha in this movement to return him to office in 2028.

His Excellency,  Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is an asset, he commands tremendous goodwill in Imo and this is why I’m surprised that the state and national leadership of APC did not go the extra mile to bring him into our fold,  including conceding the party’s 2028 Imo guber ticket to him”.

Meanwhile,  though the former Governor is yet to make a formal pronouncement as to his next destination, the Labour Party is widely speculated as the party he is headed to.

President Tinubu’s Ministers Are Incompetent, Not Knowledgeable – Senator Jimoh Ibrahim

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Jimoh Ibrahim

By Adesina Soyooye

The Senator who represents Ondo South in the 10th Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, has dismissed some Ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet as incompetent. To him, the President does not have a Grade A Cabinet. He dismissed the Cabinet as “too cold”. And has, therefore, asked the him to dissolve his Cabinet snd save the strategies he has to move Nigeria forward.

Ibrahim made this appeal to the President when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Asked by the anchor, Seun Okinbaloye, what he thinks about the performance of the President who will be one year in office on May 29, 2024, Ibrahim pounced on the Ministers. “Dissolve your Cabinet”, he advised the President, and drop especially, those who have allegations of corruption against them so the President does not carry their burden.

Ibrahim, a Governorship Aspirant, who is in Court to  challenge the outcome of the just concluded All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Primary in Ondo State told the President: “You have to dissolve the Cabinet. You have to come up with knowledgeable people. The Cabinet is too cold.”

He said not only are the current crop of Ministers not good for the country, they are not knowledgeable, which is why, he explained, the economy is tottering a year after the President was sworn-in.

On the presence, in the President’s Cabinet, of some  Ministers accused, allegedly, of corruption, he said the President needs to drop them. “You need to drop them. If you fail to do that, you will be carrying their burdens and that will be terrible for our country”, he told the President.

He, however, acknowledged that President Tinubu has a “fantastic strategy” to lift the country, but said the strategy is on a faulty structure.

“The structure has arrested the strategy.  Do you think the current system can carry the strategy?”

President Tinubu was sworn into office on May 29, 2023.

House Of Reps Constitutes Panel To Intervene In Petrol Distribution

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has constituted a panel to engage relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the supply chain of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS) popularly known as petrol, in the country.

The panel is headed by the house Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen,  disclosed this on Wednesday

when the national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) visited him at his office in Abuja.

He said the parliament would intervene on the issues between the Federal Government and petroleum marketers, especially regarding allocation and debt.

Speaker Abbas noted that the House appreciated IPMAN, especially due to the critical roles marketers play  in the economy, ensuring energy supply, particularly in the wake of the bad road and insecurity across the country.

The speaker pointed out that he was aware of the difficulties being faced by IPMAN concerning price fluctuations, urging them to be patient as the current government meant well for the association.

He also stated the challenge concerning allocation of PMS supply by the national oil firm, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, formerly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

“The House, I assure you, will take the necessary steps,” the Speaker stated, adding that all the stakeholders in the sector would be invited on the issues.

Speaker Abbas also announced that the issue of the over N200bn non-payment by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to members of IPMAN would be sorted out soon.

“We want to plead with you to please slow down; to please soft pedal on your planned strike,” Speaker Abbas said, while assuring the association that the House would step into the matter.

“The issue of industrial action should be suspended. It should be the last resort.”

The President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, earlier in his address, decried the alleged abuse of the petrol sharing formula by the NNPC.

Shettima noted that the original allocation formula was for IPMAN to have 50 percent, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria to receive 30 percent, while the NNPC was to retain 20 percent.

He stated that IPMAN, with the over 150,000 outlets owned by its members, was capable of ensuring adequate supplies to the nooks and crannies of the country.

The IPMAN president also alleged that the NMDPRA owed the association’s members about N200bn, which he pleaded with the Speaker to intervene.

Kano Retirees To Receive Entitlements As Gov. Yusuf Approves Release Of Additional Funds

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Determined to ensure a sustainable and conducive living environment for retirees, Kano state Governor, Abba Yusuf has approved  additional N5 billion as second installment of pension and gratuity to retired workers in the state.

Sanusi  Tofa, spokesman for Governor  Yusuf announced this in a statement on Thursday after the  State Executive Council meeting in, Kano.

The statement added that “It is worth noting that last year, the government disbursed six billion naira to settle outstanding payments for thousands of retirees, who had not received their entitlements during the previous eight years of the immediate past administration.

Yusuf emphasized that these payments were made to support retirees, as many had endured years of waiting without receiving their rightful dues despite their dedicated service to the state during their working years.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of civil servants and retirees in the state.”

Governor Yusuf also discussed the preparations for clearing drainages in the Kano metropolis in anticipation of the rainy season and instructed the interim management officers of local governments to make similar arrangements.

A high-powered committee, led by the Deputy Governor, has been set up to oversee the desilting of drainages across all 44 local governments to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

He earnestly urged the people of the state to be patient as the government works tirelessly to address the challenges of water scarcity in Kano, despite mechanical issues and inconsistent power supply that hinder the smooth operation of the state Water Board.

The governor expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support to his administration and assured them of his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises to enhance the  well-being of the State.

Enugu State Passes Bill To Regulate Herders’ Activities

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State House of Assembly, has moved to halt the incessant cases of Farmers/Herders skirmishes in the state ,which has resulted in wanton killings and destruction of properties in the last few years .

The State’s Legislative Body on Wednesday May 8  ,okayed the bill seeking the establishment of a regulatory Agency for the activities of farmers and herders alike through an effective management of both Government and privately owned ranches in the State .

Before the passage of the bill, Hon Clifford Obe,representing Igbo Eze North state Constituency II expressed the optimism that the law and the Agency when fully operational will curb the lingering cases of farmers/herders clashes in the State.

The State law maker blamed the scarcity of food items and its attendant problems of hunger on low agricultural output occasioned by constant feuds and clashes between farmers and herders .

Hon Obe lamented that many farmers have over the years been prevented from accessing their farm lands owing to increased cases of encroachment by some criminal elements ,adding that the situation has led to an astronomical rise in rural- urban migration.

” The bill will help people not to be afraid ,as it seeks to make compulsory for herders to register when ever they enter any community.

It will reduce crime and how cattle mess up our cities and rural communities,because there will be an agency on the ground to guide and regulate herders.

Above all, the state Government would be able to collect tax from the herders ,who before now were not paying any tax.

Also speaking ,member representing Udi South state Constituency,Hon Okechukwu Aneke ,while reassuring otherwise apprehensive people of the good intentions of the piece of legislation, ,noted that herders are integral part of the residents of the state .

He called on the people to be accommodating and learn how to co-exist with the herders and others as the herders have come to stay.

Further ,explaining the crux of the bill, Hon Aneke ,asserted that the agency when in operation will control the herders and their activities.

This is even as he claimed that those attacking, killing and destroying communities are not genuine herders .

“The Agency when established, will have a  designated area where cattle and their herders will be stationed .Any herder who is found in our bushes and not in the designated place will be treated as an intruder and or kidnapper”Hon Aneke stated .

The duo of Harrison Ogara,and Chima Obieze separately called on the people not to stand on the way of genuine persons desirous of conducting their lawful business in the state.

They however warned that all potential business  operators ,including herders should conduct their activities within the confines of extant laws .

They insisted that the bill ,above all other aims ,will enthrone a regime of peace in Enugu state communities .

IGP Celebrates PCRC @ 40

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) is 40 years old, as a body which ensures smooth relationship between the public and the police force.

The PCRC has been an invaluable and critical partner to the Police fostering mutual trust, understanding, and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.

Over the past four decades, the PCRC has played a pivotal role in promoting community-oriented policing, enhancing public safety, and advancing the shared goals of peace and security.

The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode  Egbetokun has extended warm felicitations to the  Committee as it celebrates with  series of commemorative events, including a Dinner/Gala Night and a Grand Finale.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi in a press statement said the IGP commends the dedication of the PCRC members, volunteers, and stakeholders, who have worked tirelessly to strengthen police-community relations and build safer communities across the country under the leadership of Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan.

“Their efforts have not only improved the effectiveness of our policing, but have also promoted harmony, unity, and social cohesion.

“As the PCRC celebrates this significant milestone, the Inspector General of Police assures that the Force will continually work hand-in-hand with the Committee and other community stakeholders to address emerging challenges, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.”

Truce, As Nigeria Army Withdraws From Delta Community

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Soliders on Patrol

By Ayodele Oni

After about two months occupation of Okuama community in Delta state by Nigeria Army personnel, over killing of 17 military officers, a truce has been reached as the military agreed to withdraw from the community.

The Nigerian Army agreed with the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori to withdraw military personnel from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli South local government area of the State.

The Nigerian Army agreed to withdraw military presence from Okuama following discussions between Governor Oborevwori and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

Oborevwori disclosed in a press release on Wednesday that the Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama with effect from Wednesday.

The community in Ewu kingdom has been under military siege following the March 14 killing of 17 soldiers, including a Lieutenant-Colonel, two Majors and a Captain, from  the 181 Amphibious Battalion.

The press release reads in full: “My dear good people of Delta State, I have the pleasure to announce to you that we have achieved a breakthrough in the deadlock at Okuama.

“After my discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja on Monday the 6th May, the Nigerian Army has agreed to withdraw its officers and men from Okuama with effect from today.

“With this development, the people of Okuama can now safely return to their homes and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“I want to express my deep and profound gratitude to Mr President, the COAS, and the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army for their understanding and cooperation.

“In my engagements with them, they demonstrated the highest level of concern and care for the plight of the displaced persons. To God be the glory that we have achieved a peaceful resolution of the crisis

“I also extend my gratitude to members of the National Assembly, distinguished Nigerians, our traditional rulers, and other leaders of thought who stood with us in our travails. Your words of encouragement and prayers are greatly appreciated.

“Let me assure all Deltans and residents in the state that this administration is irrevocably committed to enhanced peace and security in the State as contained in our MORE agenda.

“It is also pertinent to point out that matters of security are better handled with tact, wisdom, and patience; it is not meant to be a subject of daily media polemics as some are won’t to suggest.

“As the people of Okuama start the process of returning to their homes, I pledge the commitment of the Delta State Government to make that process smooth and seamless. We shall render all the necessary assistance they need to enable them settle down quickly and joyfully.

“It is my prayer and belief that NEVER AGAIN would Delta experience the kind of tragedy that happened in Okuama.

“Security, as we all know, is a shared responsibility. So, we will continue to count on the support and cooperation of every citizen to ensure that our state remains safe and peaceful. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless Delta State. God bless us all”.

Third Northern Dry Port Kicks Off As President Tinubu, Commissions Funtua Inland Dry Port

By
The Source
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Funtua Dry Port

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The third operational Inland Dry Port ,IDP  in the Northern region of the country, the Funtua Inland Dry Port, will, on Thursday May 9, 2024, come on steam, as President  Bola Tinubu is set to perform the  official commissioning .

A statement issued on Wednesday May 8, by the Spokesperson for the progenitors of the landmark project, the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Rebecca Adamu,noted that the NSC Executive Secretary Bar Pius Ukeyima Akutah has expressed the optimism that the Funtua  Inland Dry port holds the potential to rijig the economy, create numerous job opportunities ,decongest activities at the country’s various seaports ,and improve considerably the revenue profile of Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary is also of the strong belief that the Funtua IDP will bring shipping,port and other related services closer to importers, exporters and others within the international trade chain .

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has concluded plans to officially commission the much anticipated Funtua Inland Dry Port on Thursday 9th, May 2024.

“The Funtua Inland Dry port will be Commissioned by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR,at Funtua IDP project Site Katsina state at 11 am prompt.

“The Commissioning ceremony will feature key dignitaries ,Government officials ,and industry stakeholders .This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s commitment towards facilitating trade in Nigeria .

“It is also in line with the performance bond signed by the Hon. Minister of Marine &Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“It is worthy to note that this initiative is part of the Council’s performance Indicator KPI to deliver the Funtua Inland Dry Port project before the end of the 1st Quarter 2024,” Part of the statement reads.

The Source reports that former president Muhammadu Buhari had  early last year ,declared the Funtua Inland Dry Port ,a port of Origin and Destination ,thus paving the way for importers and exporters alike to officially consign their cargo from the port to any part of the globe

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