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NPA Presents Licences To 5 Export Processing Terminal Operators

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NPA Presents Licences To 5 Export Processing Terminal Operators

The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA), Thursday, presented operational licenses to five Export Processing Terminal, EPT, operators.

The licenced terminals are Messrs. Diamondstar Port & Terminals Ltd; Messrs. Esslibra Terminal; Messrs. Sundial Global Trade & Service Ltd; Messrs. Bellington Cargo Ltd and Messrs. Tenzik Energy Ltd.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, said the terminals were to support ongoing efforts to create the enabling environment that would scale up the nation’s export development initiative.

The public presentation of the licences is coming just a few days after the Authority formally inaugurated the Lilypond Export Processing Terminal.

The MD said the exercise was a testament of the port’s unflinching resolve to transform Nigeria’s export potentials into actualities.

He stressed that the need for the Export Processing Terminals was underscored by the limitations of current port facilities in the Lagos area which were operating beyond their ‘’as built capacity’’ for cargo handling.

According to him, the EPTs were therefore holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States to help exporters prepare their arrival at port terminals in view of the traffic management challenges that were visible in Lagos.

He disclosed that the procedure for licensing the terminals commenced in April 2021 “when we released public notice No. 4152 for Expression of Interest for the Certificate of Export Processing Terminal to Service Lagos Ports Complex and Tincan Island Port Complex.”

He noted that at the close of the advertorial on May 24, 2021, not less than 30 companies had expressed interest.

“The inspection committee and the Project Delivery Team (PDT) following a thorough engagement including a presentation by prospective companies arrived at a list of Ten (10) companies which were subsequently granted approval to join the Lilypond Export Processing Terminal.

“Today, only five (5) out of a total of Eleven (11) Companies have met our stringent conditions and would be granted formal certification. The remaining six (6) who hold provisional licenses would, unfortunately, be dropped at the end of this month if they fail to meet our standards to allow us to consider other applicants on our waiting list.

“This journey has not been easy but we have insisted on ensuring that only venture capitalists willing to deploy appropriate resources can make the cup,” he maintained.

Koko stated that the NPA had also used this project to encourage local content in the export value chain and “we are proud of that. We will offer all support policy-wise to ensure the growth and stability of the terminals.

“This initiative signposts the Nigerian Ports Authority’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Agro-Export and the Federal Government of Nigeria’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil export to non-oil exports.

“We are also currently working to integrate the CBN NXP to the e-call up regime and have progressed on discussion to operationalize same using the electronic call-up as the gateway.

“The integration of the barge and train movements will complete the circle and we look forward to work in collaboration with Nigerian Customs to achieve this.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority is not unaware of the existence of export warehouses handling manufactured products. We are working with the Export Command of the Nigerian Customs Service to bring up seamless modalities that will govern this aspect of the project.”

He disclosed that movement of Agro Export boxes arriving at the ports from Lagos and Ogun states shall only be allowed into the ports from any of the Export Processing Terminals.

“For export containers arriving from the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) located across the country, the Authority is committed to receiving them subject to compliance with the traffic management put in place by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority,” he said.

He enjoined terminal operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to have first-hand knowledge of the procedure to ensure the success of the Federal Government National Action Plan on Agro – Export development in the country.  You have a responsibility to ensure strict compliance in this regard.

Nigeria, Cameroon Deepen Trade Ties, Commission Link Bridge

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The Source
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Nigeria and Cameroon Border

By Ayodele Oni

Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon have inaugurated the newly constructed border bridge linking both countries and a joint border post for seamless trade and migration between the two countries.

President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and President Paul Biya of Cameroon, performed the joint inauguration of the 1.5 km Ekok/Mfum Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP) at Mfun, Cross River State.

Performing the ceremony, the Presidents said the link bridge project will deepen socio-economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cameroon, while the Joint Border Post will not only strengthen the existing cordial relations but also enhance the volume of economic activities in the region, as well as movement of persons, goods and services with countries along the corridors.

A statement by media aide to Minister of state for transportation, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that President Buhari, was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zuberu Dada.

He noted that the development will provide a veritable synergy between inter-country regions to combat the teeming security challenges bedeviling the countries along region.

“It will also serve as a vital link between the Western and Southern African regions. The Federal Republic of Nigeria also expects that this Joint Border Post and bridge will enhance security patrol and facilitate effective cooperation in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon.

“It is also our hope that it will complement the efforts of the Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region.”

Buhari also commended the development partners, African Development Bank ( AfDB) and World Bank for providing the funds and support given to Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to help Nigeria and Cameroon to complete the project in record time.

On his part, President Biya of Cameroon,  who was represented by his Minister for Public Works, Emmanuel Nganuo Djours, stated that, “the construction of the bridge over Cross River is part of the Transport Facilitation Program on the Bamenda – Manfe – Abakaliki – Enugu – corridors.

The corridor covers 441 metres of road that will facilitate trade and strengthen relations between Cameroon and Nigeria”.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who expressed delight over the completion of the project, added that the bridge will play a significant role in networking several cities across Africa.

“What is most important is that this bridge connects Nigeria and Cameroon. It is the beginning of a trans-African connection.

“We are not just trying to connect Nigeria and Cameroon; we are trying to connect Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya and this is the significance of this bridge.”

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, who hailed the roles of international development partners and the Minister for Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, in the project, stressed that inter-governmental agencies of both countries, such as Customs, Immigration and others can work in synergy to promote mutual benefits and healthy coexistence between both nations.

“The main objective of this project is for  better trade facilitation between both countries by combining customs clearance and other activities in one place to achieve economics of scale, simplify customs procedures and increase cooperation and coordination of controls amongst others.

“It is my hope that as border officials work together in cooperation, the ties that bind our countries will further be  strengthened to the benefit of all.

“Also, it is hoped that the comfort of the new facility will enable the officials work together in peace and harmony, resulting in the prosperity of the people of the region.”

2023: Nollywood Actors Throw Weight Behind Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

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The Source
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Nollywood Actors

By Akinwale Kasali

Members of Nigeria’s Make Believe Industry, Nollywood, Yoruba Genre, have supported the Candidature of All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Party’s Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu.

The Actors who visited the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said that having weighed their options and looking at the antecedents of Tinubu while in the saddle as Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and the giant strides the State experienced, they have no doubt that he would replicate same if he becomes the President of the Country in 2023.

Team Leader of the Group, veteran actor, Saheed Balogun, said that over 60 of them in the Industry came together to preach the Tinubu gospel, having in mind that he is the right man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari, having shown over the years that he has the leadership qualities to give Nigerians the a good life.

He added that Governor Sanwo Olu is working on Tinubu’s template and roadmap in making Lagos State a Mega City and a force to reckon with.

Responding, Obasa urged the Nollywood actors, producers and entertainers of like minds not to relent in their efforts to ensure victory for Tinubu.

He thanked the group of social influencers for their efforts to ensure a successful presidential election victory for Tinubu, and further tasked them to sustain the relationship that exists between them and the State Government.

“Our task is to involve people, enlighten them and make them see reasons why they should continue, particularly here in Lagos, to support the APC. They have always supported APC and we want them to continue.

“To us, every vote is an investment because every single vote counts,” Obasa said while commending the group for assisting in mobilising and enlightening the electorate.”

The Speaker advised the group not to take to social media violence, but instead embrace dialogue, truthful analysis and explanations in the course of the members’ activities.

He described social media as a platform to meet and intimate the youth on the workings of Government, which some may not be aware of.

“For example, while some young people on social media decry unavailability of sufficient school chairs in primary schools, the government already projected for enough chairs for anticipated school children and is overwhelmed with the influx of more people to Lagos State, a number that can never be determined,” he said adding that this applies to all sectors of the state.

Also speaking, another actor, Damola Olatunji noted that Tinubu laid the foundation that successive governments latched on to put Lagos in an enviable position among states.

Outlining some of the group’s activities, the actor said they hope to influence thoughts on social media, carry out door-to-door engagements and organise a town-hall meeting.

ASUU, FG Set To Lock Horns Again

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Adamu Adamu

The Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, is set to lock horns with the federal government again barely a month after it called off its month-long strike.

The development is coming a few hours after the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu said he had failed to turn around the education sector.

The minister has been variously criticized for being among the federal government officials who allowed the ASUU strike to drag for too long.

The university teachers went back to work in October more than eight months after they abandoned their work in February this year due to a disagreement with the federal government over salaries and allowances.

But on Wednesday the union said the payment of half salary to the returnee lecturers for the month of October may force them to take another drastic action.

Speaking on the issue, the National Vice President of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, described the development as “insulting, humiliating and embarrassing” to the lecturers who have not received their salary for several months. Recall that Emmanuel Osodeke, the president of the union had last month said many lecturers were finding it difficult to go back to work because of lack of transportation fare.

The lecturers have now decided to withhold the results of their students if their salaries are not fully paid.

For instance, the Gombe State University chapter of ASUU, said it will withhold the examination results of students and will discontinue the supervision of undergraduates and postgraduates projects should the government fail to release the withheld salaries for members of the union for the period while they were on strike.

According to a statement signed by the branch chairman, Suleiman Jauro, the lecturers said they had no other option than to proceed on this line of action.

“The Congress of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Gombe State University branch, at its meeting held today, Wednesday 2nd November 2022, received the report of the engagements between the branch’s leadership and the University administration over the release of the withheld salaries.

“After exhaustive deliberations, the Congress, therefore, resolved that given the University administration’s refusal to release the August and September salaries, members shall not submit the results of the first Semester examination for the 2021/2022 session; Not continue with the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate projects allocated prior to the commencement of the strike action,” the statement said.

ASUU had agreed to return to work last month after a deal brokered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Breaking: CBN: Emefiele Earns More Than Buhari

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0

The chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mohammed Bello Shehu has disclosed that the salary of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor is bigger than that of the president of Nigeria.

The RMFAC boss spoke in light of the recent backlash it received from Nigerians following its decision to review upward the salaries of the president, vice president, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the federation, CJN.

Responding to the planned increase, for instance, the Inter-party Advisory Council, IPAC, and Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, said the decision came at the wrong time.

Also, Transparency International, TI, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, and the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, said it was absurd to increase the salaries of these officials who are already earning bogus pay packages at the time the country is going through a serious economic crisis.

The CSOs stated: “It is not timely. They have a huge amount of money they are taking. We need to reduce it. The president, Vice President, Senate President Speaker, and other judicial officers, have a huge amount of money as salary with pension and allowances”

The Revenue boss spoke on Friday on Channels television, adding that some chief executives of federal government agencies receive a bigger salary than the nation’s leader.

He mentioned the Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, Managing Directors of the NPA, and NIMASA others Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS  amongst others, as some chief executives of federal government agencies who receive a bigger pay package than the president of the country.

He said,” I believe that no chief executive should earn more than the president of the country”, adding that the salary of these appointees must be less than the salary of the president and commander-in-chief of the country.

The RMAFC chairman had last month said there’s a need to pay fair, credible remuneration to the affected officers.

He said; “The salaries of members of the House is even worse but because they claim they are independent they packaged all sorts of allowances.

“There is a need for that review. I have seen a magistrate that earns N150,000 a month. That is a magistrate, somebody who passes judgment. Ask around, it will shock you, they are all over Nigeria, they don’t have housing, they don’t have transportation, they have very difficult conditions of service.

“I think it’s about time this is reviewed for national good because we have to be able to take care of judicial officers apart from the ministers and permanent secretaries.

“We have a middle-level worker in NNPC, in CBN who earns more than a judge, that’s the reality. In some places like the NCC, no one even knows. Anybody working in NCC will never disclose their salary to you.”

“The salary of a serving minister is N500,000, housing allowance is 200 percent of the basic. I know of a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, when he left, his gratuity was N500 million. That is a lifetime pension”.

Rivers: Again, Wike Strikes, Revokes Senator’s Land Allocation

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The Source
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Nyesom Wike and Senator Lee Maeba

By  Charles Igbo

Senator Lee Maeba has been visited by Governor Nyesom Wike’s wrath.

Senator Maeba is one of the high profile Rivers Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders blacklisted by Wike for hobnobing with the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, a man Wike is at loggerheads with since he lost the Presidential ticket to him and, also, lost out in Atiku’s pick of a running mate. Atiku chose the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa in Wike’s stead.

Wike had sworn to deal with any Rivers PDP member who  associates with Atiku. Maebe is one of them. And he was the first to tell the public that Wike had removed all of them – a Supreme Court-sacked former Governor of the State, Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, former Minister for Transportation, Dr Abike Sekibo and many more – from all party and Government positions they held before.

On November 2, 2022, Wike visited  Senator Maeba with another punishment. He revoked the land allocated to Maeba.

The revocation letter to Maeba, signed by the Ag. Director/HOD Acquisition, Valuation and Compensation of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Ochiagha Onyebuchi, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, gave no reason for the revocation.

The letter reads: “I am directed to inform you that your allocation at Plot 20A Golf Course Layout, Old GRA, Porthacourt, has been canceled as shown on the attached Rivers State Official Gazette No.22, Volume 58, dated 20th September, 2022.

“Please accept the warm regards of the Permanent Secretary.”

Last month, the Rivers State Government, acting on a motion by the House of Assembly, de-recognised Omehia as a former Governor. Omehia was not only stripped of all entitlements and privileges, including a State honours award, he was asked to refund about N690m paid to him by the State Government as pension and other things.

Not a few people insist that the Assembly acted on the behest of Wike.

Senator Maeba had not said a word over the revocation of the plot at the time of filing this report, but followers of PDP politics in the State say Governor Wike is on a vengeance mission.

2023: Acrimonious Campaign, Hate Speeches: Nigerian Politicians Lack Understanding Of Democratic Governance – CNPP

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The Source
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Chief Willy Ezugwu

Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has called for a better understanding of politics in a democratic society like Nigeria, saying that hate speeches and acrimonious political campaigns are major signs that Nigerian politicians are yet to recover from many years of military dictatorship in the country.

The CNPP, in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, noted the continued militarisation of the Nigerian political space, and the obvious lack of tolerance for opposing political views, among candidates and their supporters, are wrong political values most politicians politicians inherited from the military in 1999.

According to the umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country, “Nigerian democracy should have advanced beyond the narrow understanding of the essence of democracy.”

The CNPP observed that “until politicians understand that it is the electorates that decides the fate of every candidate or political party in an election, the key gains of democratic governance will remain elusive in the country while Nigerians on the streets will continue to bear the unfortunate brunts of bad governance due to elimination of competitions in the Nigerian the political arena.

“It is worrisome that in this time and age in Nigeria’s democratic experience that ruling parties would deny opposition access to public places for their campaign rallies.

“For instance, recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) cried fowl in Delta State in 2017 when it was denied access to campaign venue in Aniocha South while in 2019, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had to put on hold its scheduled presidential mega rally about 24 hours to the campaign date after it was refused access to the venue of the rally.

“Ahead of the recent concluded Osun State governorship election campaign, the state chapter of the opposition PDP lamented that it was denied access to spacious facilities for its mega rally in July 2022.

“In the build up to the current 2023 general election campaigns, state governments have been accused of employing various methods to stifle the electioneering activities of opposition political parties and their candidates.

“Some Labour Party supporters recently alleged that the Nasarawa State Government denied them access to the stadium in Lafia, the state capital, during the flag-off of the party’s presidential campaign.

“Such primitive and obsolete politics of acrimony should not find its way into the 2023 general elections.

“We are aware that such practice has been condemned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The electoral umpire had threatened to penalise states in which such incidents were recorded.

“We therefore strongly condemn such practice and call on INEC to ensure that states found culpable are punished in accordance with the relevant provisions of the law.

“INEC should enforce Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which makes it very clear that state apparatus, including the media, shall not be employed to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate at any election.

“The CNPP would consider any denial of access to campaign venues by any agent of the state and federal government as a deliberate effort to prevent other political parties from campaigning in their domains, contrary to the law.

“The CNPP then calls on all security agencies, in collaboration with INEC, to monitor hate speeches and acrimonious campaigns practices and ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice as part of efforts to ensure a violent-free 2023 general elections”, the CNPP said.

Imo, Show Of Force: Army Begins Operation Golden Dawn II; Uzodimma tells Imo People To Cooperate

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma Launches Operation Golden Dawn II

Ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has told Imo indigenes and residents alike to cooperate with the security agencies deployed to the State to keep the peace and maintain law and order.

Governor Uzodimma spoke on Thursday at the 82 Army Division in Orlu while formally flagging off this year’s Exercise Golden Dawn II of the Nigerian Army which will last from November 4, 2022 to January 4, 2023.

The Governor said the operation became necessary because the yuletide is a period that all “our beloved brothers and sisters far and near come home to celebrate the festive period with us.”

“It is, therefore, the time that we need to put all security measures in place so as to have uninterrupted celebrations,” the Governor said adding that,”this exercise will go a long way in improving the security situation in our State  and entire geo-political zone, giving our people a sense of security and encouraging our brothers and sisters to come home without fear.”

Governor Uzodimma said we do not have any other home than Imo State, “that is why we have invested a lot in security architecture of the State.”

He regretted that “Imo State today is being faced with various security issues ranging from armed banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery,  illegal oil bunkering among others,” noting that the security situation in the State did not start now and that the situation is fast improving.

The Governor appealed to those involved in any form of criminality in the State to have a rethink and do a detour as doing so will benefit them more than delving into acts they may not know the greater implications to their future and to the society.

Governor Uzodimma further assured the security agencies that his government will continue to support them within available resources and capacity to discharge their constitutional obligations to the citizens of Nigeria in particular and the Nation at large.

In his remarks while welcoming the Governor, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Brig. General S. Suileman, said the Exercise was started last year and that Thursday’s flag-off is the second edition in the series.

Suileman said relative peace was achieved in Imo last year with the operation and that this year’s own will be an improvement on the maiden edition.

He thanked the Governor for all the support that made the 2021 operation a success and solicited similar support for this year’s event.

It was also an opportunity for the Army leadership to give an insight into what the security situation in Imo has been since last year the exercise was conceived and what the current situation is today and how they intend to reduce to the barest minimum cases of violent crimes in Imo and adjoining states.

The high point of the event was the inspection of the facilities within the Division in readiness for the operation.

Egere, FEDPOLY Lecturer, Abducted

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The Source
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Sam Egere

By Charles Igbo

A prominent Imo State son, Engr. Sam Egere, has been abducted by gunmen.

Egere, a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Olu Owerri, a pressure group, was abducted on Sunday, October 30, 2022,  very close to his Ahiazu Mbaise residence.

A statement issued by Olu Owerri, signed by its President-General, Chief Martin Opara, lamented what it described as the brutal manner in which Egere was abducted, and asked for his immediate and unconditional release.

There has been no official statement from either the Imo State Police Command or the Federal Polytechnic. It is not known if his abductors have made contacts for ransom money.

Ghali Na’Abba, Former Speaker, House Of Representatives, Returns To PDP

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The Source
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Former Speaker, Ghali Umar Na'Abba,

By Gideon Njoku

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Umar Ghali Na’Abba has made a surprise return to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Na’Abba’s return was heralded with a courtesy call by him on the National Chairman of the Party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.

Na’Abba was the Speaker of the House of Representatives during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term in office. Both men had a rocky relationship with Na’Abba acting, almost, like an opposition party member. Both were of the PDP.

It was during Na’Abba’s Speakership that bags of “Ghana Must Go”, filled with money, were displayed on the floor of the House, allegedly, from Obasanjo to influence some members of the House to support him for a third term in office. The plan fell flat.

However, since then, Na’Abba disappeared, literally, from the political scene. He never won any other election.

He was to dump the PDP later and decamped to the All Progressives Congress, APC. That did not improve his lot in politics as he still was unable to win any elective office.

It is to be seen if the return of the Kano-born politician to the PDP will brighten his political path. Many people are, however, of the opinion that he has lost electoral value.

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