₦airaland Forum

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged residents and people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari and governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, in the 2019 general election.

The governor made the call during Ekere’s campaign flag-off in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

“I came here today to tell you two things. First, Edo is the gateway to South-south and Akwa Ibom is the heart of South-south. For twelve years, we have been waiting in Edo State; we have been waiting for our brothers and sisters to join us.

“When some people gather together and say they are the governors of a political party in South-south, that is going to change, and you are the people that are going to make that change,” Obaseki said.

He noted that Akwa Ibom used to be the envy of other states in the South-south region when they had a governor who made a difference.

“Let me tell you something that is very important. Edo State receives one fifth of what Akwa Ibom receives from the Federal Government. When Edo gets 10 naira, Akwa Ibom gets 50 naira. Look at what we have done in two years in Edo.

“We received Paris Club Fund just like many other states; ours was small but we are not owing one kobo of pension. We are not owing one kobo of salary. So, you can do more in Akwa Ibom if you have the right person,” the governor said.

According to Obaseki, “When somebody like Akpabio who did so much for you, handed over the baton to another person for development to continue, like in a relay race, development receded with that person that received the baton.  So, what we need to do now is to pick up that baton from that person and give it to my brother, Nsima Nkere. Once you give him the baton, trust me, and with what he has done at Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akwa Ibom will run again.”

He urged residents and people of Akwa Ibom to vote for APC candidates in the 2019 general elections, noting, “I want to leave you with one word. On February 16th, go to the polls, take your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and vote for President Muhammadu Buhari. Once you vote, once President Buhari wins, all other things will be added to Akwa Ibom State.”

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/obaseki-in-akwa-ibom-campaigns-for-buhari-ekere/amp/

The continued absence of essential aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) centre or hangar for Nigeria's aviation sector remains a source of worry for stakeholders. 
The general acceptance had been that for Nigerian airlines to measure up with foreign counterparts, the federal government must play a major role as obtained in the United States of America and United Kingdom. 
Fifteen years ago, a well packaged multi-million naira Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) unit was initiated at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo. The world-class facility, the first of its kind in West Africa and Africa as a whole, was started by the Obong Victor Attah administration to provide services to airline operators and save huge foreign exchange spent on aircraft maintenance services overseas. 
However, the completion of the facility has been delayed partly due to the need to commit an operator to the facility, as stated by Governor Udom Emmanuel when he recently received a report on the assessment of the MRO project from the initiator, Obong Victor Attah.
Regrettably, the absence of a major MRO facility in the West and Central African region skyrockets the cost of maintenance for airlines in the region. 
Recent reports showed that Nigerian airlines, presidential fleet, Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Police spend an estimated $2.5 billion annually in conducting C-check and other levels of aircraft maintenance overseas. Most of the funds are expended on technical personnel, airframe maintenance, landing gear, engine overhaul and aircraft spares. 
According to stakeholders, as aeronautical engineers, airline operators and pilots, the amount would have been halved if Nigeria has major MRO facility, a leasing company, which could also supply spares and simulators for the training of pilots in the country. 
Inability to afford the high maintenance costs is responsible for the short lifespan of Nigerian carriers, which operate for average of 10 years. Also, the long time spent in taking aircrafts overseas for maintenance has forced airlines to incur losses, making it difficult for domestic airlines to survive. For instance, Arik Air and Aero Contractors started having problems after 10 years of commercial operations. Both spend up to 40 per cent of resources on fuel and 30 per cent of resources on maintenance, thus finding it very difficult to survive. 
Other major reasons Nigerian airlines go under is the delay in ferrying the aircraft overseas and the losses incurred when an aircraft is grounded, which amounts to $100,000.
Experts say airframe maintenance alone costs Nigeria $1 billion yearly at the average of $1 million per aircraft. For instance, Air Peace spends about $2.5 million on heavy checks per aircraft, and Dana Air spends about $1.2 million on C-check per aircraft. 
In this respect, there is that urgent need to have a major maintenance facility in Nigeria. The more reason the Federal Government must support the completion of the MRO facility at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo to make it operational and save Nigerian airlines and others the huge foreign exchange spent overseas on maintenance. 
If the Uyo MRO that is 70 per cent completed were available, airlines would only fly from Lagos to Uyo for maintenance. More so, if the facility is initially run by expatriates and foreigners, the expertise would be transferred to locals, save millions of foreign exchange annually and drastically reduce the maintenance costs. 
With needed support, the MRO in Uyo, apart from its initial concept, could be encouraged to start manufacturing airplanes parts as a step towards manufacturing for the long term as in Brazil. 
Granted that the Federal Government has its limitations and challenges, it would be suicidal to allow the MRO facility in Uyo to go down. It should partner the state, as initially agreed, to make the MRO functional and enhance aviation services in Nigeria and West Africa.

Source: http://www.pioneernewsonline.com/news/saving-huge-foreign-exchange-with-uyo-mro-facility

Front page: Lalasticlala

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says there will be no level crossings where moving trains and vehicles would cross paths on the new Lagos-Ibadan Standard gauge rail line.

Jerry Oche, NRC Lagos District Manager, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there would be overpass bridges or tunnels where trains would pass through on top or under instead of railway level crossing.

“The frequency and speed of the train would not allow both the rail track and the road to meet each other, it is either train on top and the road underneath for free movement.

“We have about 13 of such over pass bridges between Lagos axis and Ogun, from Yaba, Jibowu, Mushin, Ilupeju bypass, PWD, Anifowoshe, Agege and others to Agbado in Ogun.

“For this new standard gauge rail line, there is no level crossing where the track and the road will meet each other.

“So, a situation where truck hit the train or moving train hit a truck or vehicle will not arise on the standard gauge.

“Unlike the existing narrow gauge where vehicles are crossing the tracks to the other side of the road, no such level crossing in the standard gauge,’’ Mr Oche said.

The railway boss said that the speed the train would be traveling would be faster than that of the existing narrow gauge. (NAN)

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/306936-no-railway-crossings-on-new-lagos-ibadan-standard-gauge-nrc.html

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Bump

The Cross River gubernatorial race doesnt look competitive unlike Akwa Ibom. APC is much more concerned about winning the latter. The author should have asked what he plans on doing differently from his predecessors.

Can anyone confirm Enoh's claims?

The President has gone to Cross River twice. The first was to flag off the construction of the super highway, go and find out what is happening there. It stopped immediately after that flag off.

The President was there a few months ago to commission what they called rice seedlings factory. Immediately the President left, all the machinery that were used for the show were taken out.

How much was spent to build the factory, how much has come in since it was built and commissioned.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Senator John Owan Enoh is the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for Cross River State. In this interview, Enoh, who is currently representing Cross River Central in the Senate, says about 50 per cent of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are working for him. He accuses Governor Ben Ayade of destroying the legacies of his predecessor.

There is a gentleman’s agreement in Cross River for power rotation. The South served eight years under Mr. Donald Duke, the Central served eight years under Senator Liyel Imoke. Now it is the turn of the North which is serving four years. Why should you from the Central contest this time?

I think what is going on in Cross River is because of the tragic administration we have. Cross River faces unusual situation and responses to unusual situations always require some unusualness. So I am glad you are talking about gentleman’s agreement. Beyond the kind of unusual situation that we face, there is also no time since 1999 that you had all the candidates running the governorship elections come from one zone.

When Donald Duke ran, you had people from the North running; when Liyel Imoke ran, you had people from both North and South running, so it was only because the two zones have produced governorships by 2015 that you had all the candidates coming from the North and that was the first time it was happening.

By the way, I believe, for example, that a second term is earned based on performance. I understand that the incumbent governor is harping on zoning. If zoning made you governor in 2015, by 2019, it is your performance in office that should give you back that governorship, you don’t go back to the sentiment. Virtually every Cross Riverian appreciates the fact that if this governor gets second term, the state will become irrecoverable. And I think that the politics of the state has gone beyond sentiment.

Why did you think the state is becoming irrecoverable?

Because of how terrible the present administration has governed. I can give you a few statistics. By 2015 when Liyel Imoke’s administration was leaving office, Cross River had been rated as the 11th largest economy in Nigeria. As I speak to you, the indications are terrible. The fiscal sustainability index for the country places Cross River the 36th state out of 36 states. Obudu cattle ranch, which has been the pride of Cross River and the country, was developed by Donald Duke who comes from the South; Governor Liye Imoke sustained that development. That was when you began to hear International Mountain race that attracted the world’s attention. This governor is from where the ranch is located; the ranch is today at zero level.

Cross River used to be regarded as the safest state; that is not what is happening today. Check across the country, various states have been inviting different people to commission projects. There are no projects to commission in Cross River outside for example the sham. The President has gone to Cross River twice. The first was to flag off the construction of the super highway, go and find out what is happening there. It stopped immediately after that flag off.

The President was there a few months ago to commission what they called rice seedlings factory. Immediately the President left, all the machinery that were used for the show were taken out. The garment factory is what this government has showcased the most, find out what is happening to the factory, how much was spent to build the factory, how much has come in since it was built and commissioned. My slogan for the campaign is better days are possible again because we had better days before. We need to get Cross River back to those better days.

The Minister of Niger Delta Pastor Usani Usani claims he is still the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Cross River State. What is your take?

I will be shocked if he made that kind of claim. But I will like to be as civil as possible in my response because he is my brother, we come from the same state, we are in the same party and we need to work together to be able to get our state out of the mess it is presently. But having said so, I am going to mention a few things on why it is unnecessary to make that kind of claim.I won the primary election organized by the party. The panel that came to Cross River to do the primary was unanimous in its verdict that l won. My name was sent to INEC, my name was published by INEC.

In the South-South presidential campaign rally that took place in Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), the party flag was given to me. The court judgment on the primary after he went to court to challenge the outcome of the exercise was dismissed. So, it is out of place for him to still claim he is a candidate.

Don’t you think that what is happening will affect the chances of the party in the elections?

The governorship election comes up on March 2. I believe we don’t have too much time but we still have some time to get this thing sorted out. A few days ago, I made a statement extending an olive branch to him. I am going to follow up with some personal efforts to get across to him because what our state needs today the most is a united APC because more than 80 percent of the people see salvation in the APC because of the kind of administration that we have had since 2015. So, I am positive that the party will come together, especially since close to half of those in the PDP today are going to work for my candidacy and I think we can’t afford as APC to be divided.

How did the minister respond to the olive branch you said you extended to him?

Well, there is no response from him but since after that judgment, I have received calls from a lot of his supporters because they are also coming back to reality. I am not going to say that because his supporters are calling me, I therefore don’t need to reach out to him; no, I need him and I need to speak with him and I am hoping that, at the end, the interest of our state and our party will make all of us who need to make the sacrifices do so.

What do you think gives him the confidence?

I don’t think there is anything really; I thought it was the court thing. Although, in terms of the merit of the case, nobody who had followed the matter and the primary would expect that anybody would have had any confidence to get a judgment that is otherwise because it was clear, the victory was unanimous. In fact, he didn’t take part in the primary organized by the party. He had organized his separate primary with a local committee.

What is the leadership of APC at the national level doing to resolve the crisis?

The party has set up reconciliation committees and the one for South-South visited Cross River. I think they have submitted their report. This is part of the continuous efforts of the party to try to make sure that there is harmony and peace across the states.

What role are Cross River elders in APC playing to resolve it?

They have made efforts. I proposed some weeks back that we should set up reconciliation committees at the senatorial districts to reach out and respond to this kind of situation.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/2019-most-of-the-people-of-cross-river-see-salvation-in-apc-enoh-governorship-candidate/#disqus_thread:

Front Page: Lalasticlala

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unitysheart:
This is the way forward. Providing basic education is the function of local government authorities. Only when they get the right resources due them that they can do it properly. However, I so much doubt that these local government people will not siphon the money while dropping peanuts for developing their local area.

We really have a very long way to go in this country.

Lol if they do you'll see them in streets. They dont have any sort of immunity to fall back on.

El-Rufai stated that “The total revenue allocation to all Local Governments from the Federation Account should, therefore, be determined and fixed, leaving it to the State House of Assembly to legislate on the vertical and horizontal sharing arrangement”.

I dont understand what he means by state houses of assembly determining vertical and horizontal sharing. The local governments automony amendment would cancel joint account so they have financial autonomy outside of state. I dont see why states should determine how much federal government gives local government or vice versa. Do the states give 10% of their igr to the Local governments?

the local governments allocation is fixed why shouldn't the states be?

Approved LG autonomy: Benue, Plateau, Niger, Bauchi, Sokoto, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Kwara and Ogun

Voted Against LG autonomy: Edo, Rivers and Imo

Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on the Nigerian government to grant autonomy of resources to states and local governments in the country.

El-Rufai made the plea while speaking on theme “Nigeria: Achieving National Unity Through Peaceful Restructuring” at the birthday celebration of a former governor of Osun state and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Bisi Akande.

The governor opined that “Many of the challenges that confront our country are best resolved at the sub-national level. How well our children are educated in the first nine years of schooling is down to the states and local governments.”

El-Rufai explained that “Improving health outcomes for our people, easing and widening access to primary health care, providing routine immunisation to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases, guaranteeing ante-natal care and safe delivery for pregnant women are all public services that are within the powers of states and local governments.”

The governor said devolution of powers to local and state governments would enable states and local governments to be self-sufficient and sustaining.

“The provision of extension services to farmers, construction of federal roads and aggregation centres for farm produce, are all state and local level functions, that the Federal Government can never do very well.”

“Without any doubt, the Federal Government needs to devolve more powers to the states, and the states to the local governments,” El-Rufai said.

El-Rufai stated that “The total revenue allocation to all Local Governments from the Federation Account should, therefore, be determined and fixed, leaving it to the State House of Assembly to legislate on the vertical and horizontal sharing arrangement”.

He used the occasion to support the establishment of state policing as part of the restructuring of the country’s system of government.

“As a state governor, I can testify that we simply do not have enough police officers in this country. That is why the military is involved in internal security operations in most of our states.”

“During the most recent outbreak of the violent crisis in Kaduna, the determined efforts of civilian volunteers to secure their communities helped us considerably to stabilize and normalize the situation,”

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/el-rufai-advocates-autonomy-for-states-local-governments/amp/

poiZon:
blue3k2 i think u misconstrued the actual thoughts of the govr concerning not completing akpabios project.

You're wrong I did nothing of the sort. I highlighted His quote and authors implied meaning of momuments. This is waste no matter how you look at it. If they used this cash to things schools, hospitals, or other infrastructure like the so called International airport it be better.

Lets addrrss fact the first stated owned hotel wasnt profitable for state 10 years it was open. The state paid for le Meridian name and managers and didnt get anything from it. Now if they dont plan on completing building no what? Are they going to sell uncompleted buildings. I assume they already paid name aswell.

first thetropicana we r talking abt how much was expended on the project before handover to udom?
u dont expectthe new admin to go work on project that he inherited n tagged 99percent complete on paper but on reality its far from it.
likewise the fourpoint sheraton at ikot ekpene.
akpabio said those projects were completed n he even commissioned it before handover yet he didnt put it to use since it was completed n commissioned.
i knw this thread was to ridicule udom but sane minds who read n can comprehend will understand the thoughts of udom.

We shouldnt fall into sunk cost fallacy but at same time there has to be pragmatic. As you also know government is continuum. If the buildings are complete they could probably sell it at better price. Udom didnt criticized or go after Akpabio till after fall out. Now the issues with both men are to be seen. The only losers are tac payers and people who take this clowns seriously.

The Akwa Ibom governor, Udom Emmanuel, launched his campaign manifesto on Wednesday in Uyo before a crowd of supporters at the city’s township stadium.

The event which had in attendance the governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, was televised live on the Africa Independent Television (AIT). It was also streamed live on Facebook.

Mr Emmanuel, however, told the crowd that he could not read out the manifesto because of time constraint.

He said his campaign team would set out time in future to discuss details of the manifesto with the media and the public.

“Inside it (the manifesto) people will find love, unity, and progress of Akwa Ibom, you will see development and industrialization, you will see good education, you will see healthcare services, you will see good social contract,” Mr Emmanuel said to the crowd.

“Any good manifesto would give you things that are measurable,” he added.

“Today, if I tell you when we took over the government, pass rate at WAEC was less than 60 per cent. Now, the pass rate at WAEC is about 76 per cent. I can tell you when we took over, pass rate at JAMB was less than 60 per cent. In last year JAMB, the pass rate was 81 per cent.”

The governor gave himself a pat on the back, saying he has done well in his first term in office.

He said he was standing before the people of Akwa Ibom “to re-energize, to re-instate, to also reassure and re-affirm my faith, my belief in our completion agenda”.

Governor Emmanuel, a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is running for a second term in office.

His main opponent in the March 2 election is Nsima Ekere, a former deputy governor of the state, and the managing director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Mr Ekere is of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which is the ruling party at the national level.

Akwa Ibom was generally seen as a PDP stronghold, until the defection of Governor Emmanuel’s estranged benefactor and predecessor, Godswill Akpabio, from the PDP to the APC in August last year.

Mr Akpabio, the new face of opposition politics in the oil-rich state, is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West District.

He has vowed to stop Governor Emmanuel’s re-election bid.

The senator himself is also seeking re-election.

Both the governor and the senator have been taking jabs at each other, mostly at political rallies.

Governor Emmanuel at the launch of his manifesto said “There is a difference between projects and monuments,” apparently referring to some of the signature projects constructed by Mr Akapbio when he was governor for eight years. “I did not come to complete monuments. I came to complete projects – live touching projects.”

Mr Akpabio, his political allies, and supporters have accused the governor of refusing to complete multi-million dollar projects like the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene and the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Uyo, initiated by the previous administration.

“The same people that promised you 31 industries, did they do one?” the governor added.

The governor had made the same argument about his predecessor’s projects being “monuments” when he was interviewed earlier in the morning by AIT.

“You can’t expect somebody like me who has managed resources all through my life to plunge the little resources that I have under recession into monuments,” the governor said when the interviewer told him that critics said he refused to complete some projects he inherited from his predecessor.

Onofiok Luke, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, was among the numerous politicians who canvassed for support for Governor Emmanuel at the Wednesday event.

“In 1999, they tried to disgrace the then governor, Obong Victor Attah. People who called themselves Abuja front, they fought him, they brought a candidate to challenge Obong Attah. We stood up and covered Obong Attah.

“In 2007, when Godswill Akpabio was governor, people said a lot of things against him, but we provided cover for him and ensured that he was re-elected for a second term.

“But when it is the turn of Governor Udom Emmanuel, Godswill Akpabio, whom we all protected and provided cover for, is now the person who wants to put the governor to shame.

“Akwa Ibom people, will you accept it?” Mr Luke asked the crowd.

“No,” the crowd chorused.

Mr Luke continued, “Look at that my official seat over there,” he said, pointed to where he sat close to Governor Emmanuel before he mounted the stage to speak.

“Let me ask, would it be okay for me to urinate on that seat?

“Some person would stand up from a seat, then turn round to urinate on the same seat.

“They want to remove Governor Emmanuel when he has not finished his tenure. Since God would never allow them to succeed, we all have to stand up and support the governor,” the speaker said.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/south-south-regional/306169-why-i-wont-complete-projects-initiated-by-akpabio-gov-emmanuel.html

The other puzzle is that the refinery itself did not operate up to 30 per cent of its capacity in 2018, data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

This paper reported that about 30 tankers of 33,000 litre capacity will be needed to run the power plant daily, which posed huge sustainability hurdle.

Its the current year people should at least skim through the article. This plant has alot of issues. Unless they fix the Kaduna refinery or find reliable supplier it wont operate optimally. They poorly planned this project leaving issues for next man. The rail lines are better option instead of tankers.

The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing (FMPW&H), is shopping for suppliers to procure about 1.6 million litres of diesel with N400 million budget for the eight gas turbines at the 215 megawatts (MW) Kaduna Power Plant in Kaduna State.

Daily Trust reports that at an average retail price of N200 per litre of diesel, the Federal Government could spend N320 million on the 1.6m litres of diesel for test running the plant’s turbines. The price could further crash as the purchase entails bulk and wholesale supply, not from retail station outlets.

However, figures in the 2019 budget proposal show that the ministry has earmarked N400 million for the project tagged, ‘ERGP10131430’. This figure is N80m higher than the total retail price if it is bought at fuel stations.

A procurement notice dated December 10, 2018 obtained by this paper showed that the diesel quantity being requested is meant to carry out what the ministry describes as “lube flushing” for the turbines and also to run two generators of 750KVA and 330KVA.

Upon the success of this, the turbines will be tested on hot and cold commissioning basis, the notice stated.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, had inspected the plant in November 2018 and said it was at over 80 per cent completion level. He said four of the eight turbines have been completed and ready to begin producing electricity to the national grid. But the procurement notice said the diesel was for the eight turbines.

He said: “We have also tested four of the turbines, preparatory for commissioning, so there are essentially four turbines that are ready to go.

“So, every megawatt we can deliver from this project, considering that each of the turbines is 25MW, is additional power,” Fashola noted.

The Project Manager, Rockson Engineering, the contractor, Mr. Sunny Okwedi, said although four turbines are ready for energising, they would need to wait for the Power Control Motor (PCM) to be installed and the switch yard must be ready.

“The PCM is already on site and from the discussion with our receiver managers, we are going to start the process of installation by next week,” Okwedi had explained.

 

The fuelling conundrum

Our reporter notes that the plant was originally conceived as a natural gas power plant modelled after the 10 National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP) sited mostly in southern Nigeria. As the construction continued, there was the realisation that fuel availability was a challenge as no gas pipeline currently runs to the North, except for the crude trunk line from Warri to Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC).

In 2014, the then Federal Ministry of Power, now FMPW&H, said it was retrofitting the plant to take Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) which could be sourced from KRPC if it was operational. This paper reported that about 30 tankers of 33,000 litre capacity will be needed to run the power plant daily, which posed huge sustainability hurdle.

From 2016, the turbines’ fuel source compartment were again retrofitted to either take diesel or LPFO, Daily Trust gathered when our reporter visited the plant in March 2018.

Experts in the industry are already raising sustainability questions in the supply of diesel to the power plant considering the huge quantity required to run it.

 

Link rail line coming

However, the Federal Government seems to be aware of this as the 2019 budget of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) captures the construction of a new branch line link from the KM896 of the existing rail line to the 215MW power plant at Kudenda.

The project is enclosed in the ‘ERGP13127510’ for the rehabilitation of railway track sidings, loop lines and level crossings from Lagos to Kano with a vote of N598.201m for 2019.

The link line is about 10 kilometres to the plant from the actual rail line near Rigasa which also connects to KRPC in southern Kaduna.

The other puzzle is that the refinery itself did not operate up to 30 per cent of its capacity in 2018, data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) indicated, thus posing another hurdle for the consistent supply of diesel fuel to the plant by either by rail or by road.

Source: https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/hurdles-for-kaduna-power-as-fg-seeks-n400m-diesel-to-commission-turbines.html

Key Northern Region players had argued at the Federal Executives Council detailing adverse implications of approving such a plant in the Southern part of the Country moreso in Akwa Ibom.

Im very skeptical of the author because it doesn't make sense. Innoson opperates in SE and the government has bought amoured vehicles. The also buy vehicles from proforce in SE. Its also interesting they can swtch to making civilian vehicles at drop of a hat.

On this consideration, the Investors were said to have been insisted on having the plant established in Akwa Ibom based on the fact that it is purely a Christian dominated state.

Lol what do a bunch mostly jewish or atheist investors care about religion of populace? The parts about river and deep seaport would effect bottom line.

Among the key industries that Governor Udom Emmanuel had planned to get investors to establish on assumption of office was Amoured Personnel Carrier, APC, and other Heavy Earth Moving Machines plant in Itu.  Few months after being sworn in to office, he walked the talk by carrying out the groundbreaking ceremony of the plant with pomp.
Unfortunately, while governor Emmanuel has for the past over three years been able to attract investors to establish other factories, like the Jubilee Syringe, St. Gabriel Coconut Refinery, Kings Flour Mill, Electric Metering Solutions, Greenwell Fertilizer Blending Plants,  Ibom Agricon Rice mill,  the dream of having the first automobile plant in this part of the country seemed  albeit to have been dashed.
 This was inspite of the fact that as part of showing commitment to the project, the government graciously donated land to the investors and with perimeter fencing carried out to avoid encroachment.
Investigations however, revealed that the major setback to the commencement of work at the site, that some indigenes were already sent to Israel for training was purely political. It was gathered that the application for issuance of production License by TABUL, a company with expertise in building military hardwares  such as the APC, was turned down by the Federal Government.
Key Northern Region players had argued at the Federal Executives Council detailing adverse implications of approving such a plant in the Southern part of the Country moreso in Akwa Ibom.
Some of these key influencers at the federal level were said to have later reached out to suggest to the investors that they would be guaranteed approval for License should they  relocate the plant to any part of the Northern states of the Country instead of Akwa ibom
The Israeli investors on their parts were said to have rejected the relocation idea taking into cognizance the religious empathy and leanings of the Northern part of the country.
Secondly, the investors maintained that such plant needed to be sited near a River and where there will likely be seaport.  On this consideration, the Investors were said to have been insisted on having the plant established in Akwa Ibom based on the fact that it is purely a Christian dominated state, the nearness to Itu River and the planned development of the Ibom Deep seaport.
Though  opposition party have gone to market with unfounded propaganda against the government for the inability to ensure the kick start the plant in Itu, investigations revealed that Akwa Ibom state government have been holding talks with the investors  to ensure that the automobile assembly plant became a reality as dollars seem to have stabilized at N360 from over N550 when the groundbreaking was done.
 It was gathered that as part of the move to secure the license, the investors have changed the concept from production of Military Hardware line to Civilian vehicles line that can produce cars and luxury buses with the aim of flooding  the African continent market with buses and ambulances.
Having changed the concept to civilian vehicle lines,  the Israelis government insisted on the safety of her citizens and other investors that the plant will attract noting  that to build such a sensitive factory, must have a safe city.
Safe City, it was learnt is a community- based initiative that unites law enforcement , businesses, residents and city officials through a project intended to maximize safeness and minimize theft and other crimes in the communities.
Authoritative source informed that, unknown to so many people that as part of efforts to meet the conditions of having safe city as in Abu Dbabi that has been ranked the safest city in the world, investors have for the past few months carried out surveys and mappings of locations where CCTV cameras would be installed within Uyo and its metropolis.
The investors, it was learnt will also establish a Kibut, that will serve as their residences.
It was gathered that since the condition for the establishment of the car plant was also having a Safe City, it was imperative that the two projects go together. There are several other Israelis companies that are interested in investing in the state once the Safe City project is completed. These projects, it was leant would be handled by the tripartite of Mimshac, Magal and Magavin.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, it was gathered had insisted and secured  a back to back guarantee from the investors financial institutions of funds that once the Safe City Project is completed,  the Car Assembling Project would commence immediately.
Close sources in government circles informed that most of the equipment for the commencement of work at the Assembling plant was already at the Lagos Seaport awaiting clearance. He said the most interesting part of the assembling plant was the Safe City project because, once other investors are aware of Akwa Ibom having a Safe City in Uyo, it becomes a major driver of investments into the state.
He regretted that though some people were gearing up towards making political capital of the project as a failed one, he was happy that though the process has actually taken a long time because of political consideration, the project would kick start in earnest before the end of February.

Read more https://akstrending.com/ibom-automobile-plant-how-politics-stalled-commencement-of-operations/

tiredoflife:
I don't care if its with Bill gates.
Is the gas from the Niger delta or not
How can u come down south
Use my resources
And send it to the north
And u are here bringing numbers
Did the said dangote make money from selling puff puff or by every government in power
Lets keep fooling ourselves and giving non existence history to them on how they have being so rich before Nigeria was formed
The north is taking us for jokes
While we the few I too know south defends their loots for them

The gas was offshore being exported by ExxonMobil anyway. Akwa Ibom can buy power or upgrade power plant. All you drama queens ignore the states inaction pretending this deal is unfair. Lol the state will start an airline but wont make bulk electricity deal.

What are you whining about with dangote? Did he do something illegal or not in this deal. Complaining about his cromie capitalism different issues.

darfay:
Akwa ibom is a loser on all side. Akwa ibom gas would have a multiplier effect on Kano economy while akwa ibom lingers in darkness.


Such open display of rubbish can't happen in the geographical Niger delta(delta,bayelsa,akwa ibom)

Lol you're just being a drama queen. You're saying taxes and employment is a loss? Akwa Ibom can buy power but it didnt offer. The gas was off shore to begin with. Lastly the state has its own power plant it can upgrade why are you crying?

You're doom and gloom nonsense is childish. The fact you blantly ignored the states non action and opportunities shows you just want wail and nothing more.

darfay:
The company is owned by emir sanusi o. What state are you from if you don't mind


Niger delta is doomed

Akwa Ibom. You're seem like an external pessimist. Who cares of the company is owned by him? Again you dont see big picture. The company has lots of partners like dangote Blackstone and other giant companies. Kano buying bulk electricity means certain doom in your mind only. Its not like Akwa Ibom cant buy it or upgrade their plant. They spent money to start airline afterall.

darfay:
What happened to akwa ibom states whose gas is been used for this

The gas is being paid for ExxonMobil is supplying it. The deep offshore gas was probably being exported anyway. Again again gets paid all the people working in plant work instate and pay taxes. Dont be a drama queen.

“Exxon-Mobil is also prepared to commit about $500 million to build a gas pipeline from its deep off-shore platforms to supply the gas needed for QIPP to operate

tiredoflife:
Yeah so is the gas coming from the Niger delta
Who pass u pass u
Stop trying to be half smart
How did the emir get money to own such project
Abi as CBN governor dem dey pay am in billions
Let's keep fooling ourselves down south
While they share Nigeria as a real estate

You should use Google Sanusi 2 had been wealthy a long time. Second the project is partnership betweenn multiple companies dangote and black rhino group. The financing is stated in article.

Codes151:
And we no get light

Who is we? Did you guys make an offer?

tempest01:
Decentralize this national grid nonsense. There is no light in Akwa Ibom, but we are generating enough to handle our post problems, but sending to kano.

That could be long term plan but it wont happen today. I thought the governor been boasting about 18hrs power in state. If Akwa ibom wants more power upgrade Ibom power plant.

darfay:
Please what does Akwa ibom state government and people stand to gain from this agreement

The agreement means the company is making money. Which means taxes revenue for company. The tax revenue will be used to fund state.

Edodefender:
Lies

You're woefully ignorant.

krattoss:
Is this power plant only for kano people or for Nigeria in general?

Its kano and neighbouring states. Kano is buying the power.

“To this end, we welcome the opportunity offered to us by QIPP to have guaranteed stable supply of 540MW of electricity. We trust this will support the industrialisation of Kano and perhaps even neighbouring states (like Kaduna, Jigawa and Katsina) which have significant and critical unmet requirements for electricity.

Read More at: https://leadership.ng/2019/01/08/fg-approves-kanos-540mw-electricity-project/

Fhemmmy:
Why don't they provide this before the election, all these promises and guarantees that hold no ground . . . .

The plants not built yet. How would that be possible?

Alright thats good for them. In another article it started Kano is settng up Kano State Bulk Electricity Trading Company (KBET) to buy all the power. Basically Kano and neighbouring states will get more power.

This win win solution for kano and company and Akwa Iboms economy. Akwa Ibom could've jumped on this opportunity but I'm guessing they rather upgrade the state power plant at some point.

“Honourable Minister, in order to show our commitment to the project, we shall set up Kano State Bulk Electricity Trading Company (KBET) which will buy all the power generated by QIPP from NBET in the form of a back-to-back Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Read More at: https://leadership.ng/2019/01/08/fg-approves-kanos-540mw-electricity-project/

“To this end, we welcome the opportunity offered to us by QIPP to have guaranteed stable supply of 540MW of electricity. We trust this will support the industrialisation of Kano and perhaps even neighbouring states (like Kaduna, Jigawa and Katsina) which have significant and critical unmet requirements for electricity.

Read More at: https://leadership.ng/2019/01/08/fg-approves-kanos-540mw-electricity-project/
Read More at: https://leadership.ng/2019/01/08/fg-approves-kanos-540mw-electricity-project/

FriendNG

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Finance has provided counter guarantees for a power purchase agreement (PPA) to Kano State for the purchase of electricity to be generated by the 540 megawatt (MW) Qua Iboe Power Plant (QIPP) in Akwa Ibom State
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who conveyed government’s approval, said “We are looking at this as a pilot project as this will help mitigate federal government’s plan.”

According to a statement by her media aide, Paul Ella Abechi, the ability to provide a counter guarantee would go a long way to reduce the burden on the federal government.
While soliciting the federal government’s guarantee, the Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje had in a proposal to the minister dated January 7, 2019 highlighted the understanding reached with other partners in the project.

According him, QIPP has secured the firm commitment of equity funding of $350 million from Globeleq and project finance of $850 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), OPiC and African Development Bank (AfDB) for the construction of a thermal power plant located in Qua Iboe in Akwa Ibom State with a capacity of 540MW.
He said, “This funding is conditional upon the guarantee of your Ministry for a power purchase agreement (PPA) to be executed between QIPP and the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) and further backs by a Partial Risk Guarantee issued by the World Bank.

“Exxon-Mobil is also prepared to commit about $500 million to build a gas pipeline from its deep off-shore platforms to supply the gas needed for QIPP to operate, thus bringing total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for this project alone to $1.7 billion. QIPP has also assumed completion risk of a transmission line from Ikot-Abasi to Ikot-Ekpene in order to ensure supply of power to the national grid.

“The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has given firm assurance that once power is delivered to Ikot Ekpene, TCN will be able to deliver an equivalent amount of power to Kano on a binding contractual basis for a fee. TCN will assume full liability for power delivered to the grid and not transmitted as contracted,” he said.
The TCN chief executive, Ganduje said, has further confirmed that, based on already approved funding from development partners, TCN will be technically competent to do this before QIPP starts generating power, adding that the transmission lines from Shiroro to Kaduna “and from Kaduna to Kano will be fully operational with enhanced capacity within two years from commencement of project.”

“We further understand that, the country is at risk of losing this huge investment of $1.7billion because of the reluctance of the federal government to assume additional unhedged financial risk on the power sector given the current experience with Azuru and other players,” Ganduje added in the January 7, 2019 letter to the minister.

Speaking when she received the governor in Abuja Tuesday, the minister conveyed the approval of the federal government to guarantee the power purchase bid by Kano.
She said: “Let me assure you that it is not an issue of if this project will take place but when, because we have a very huge power gap and it is more in the northern part than in the south. And when we see an opportunity like this, we have the responsibility to ensure it comes into fruition.”
“We are looking at this as a pilot project as this will help mitigate federal government’s plan. The ability to provide a counter guarantee will help a long way to reduce the burden on the federal government,” Ahmed

She added that it will help to improve the industrialisation plan, growth, employment generation for the state. I want to make a commitment that the ministry of finance will put up our best efforts to make it a success. I hope at the end of the day it will be on record that during my tenure that I contributed to the industrialisation of Kano.”

Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/08/fg-guarantees-540mw-kano-qipp-power-purchase-agreement/amp/

Speaking with Vanguard Maritime Report, Okorefe explained that NPA is aware that the present dredging is not a lasting solution but went ahead all the same because they want to score political point.

The best case scenario is use these ports till the new deep seaports like Lekki, Ibom and Badagry are ready. These high maintenance ports are just money suck. Everyone should know this current dredging isnt permanent solution.

Titogbanski:
The issue about the port is not just about dredging..it is also lowering of the pipeline to accommodate the larger ships. If this is dredge to maintain status-quo then it is not worth the salt. I still maintain that quality dredging of 91 nautical miles of a high silting river is not plausible by our standards....is there a sand-fill somewhere where the dredged material/sand was relocated?

The Warri and Delta ports issue is NOT one quick adhoc dredging that even people who use the river route have not confirmed on this thread......it is a major project.

Stop this joke please

NPA never planned on making this port behond 7.5 meters because NNPC didnt move pipelines. They didnt feel like waiting months so they just went ahead. The warri port is only going to be dredged to 7 meters. The only joker is you going on and on about project you knew nothing about. You had preconceived notions sbout scope without knowing what project goals or company handling. Again direct your questions at NPA or the company if you're actually interested.

The port has structural issues because it on the low end of the river. The will have to routine dredging stop silt build up. The former NPA MD suggesting building wall on both sides of channel to prevent that. These shouldnt be considerdd major projects its just routine work. The major works are deep sea port projects like Lekki Ibom and Badagry are.

Lol its weird people read headline them pretend they know what article is about. All these preprogrammed responses are funny. Anyway these ports are going to continue to need routine dredging to keep them at 7 meters.

They pointed out that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, are aware of this and that they were planning to build a wall on both sides of the channel before the dredging to prevent siltation.

Front page: Lalasticlala

By Godfrey Bivbere

AS the $44.861million (N16.150 billion) Warri Channel dredging contract nears completion, controversy is currently trailing the project’s contract award.

Some maritime experts, who spoke to Vanguard Maritime Report on the issue, explained that the contract will not service the port community in Warri for the long term as a result of the high siltation (rate of return of sand to the channel after dredging) level of the area.

They pointed out that the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, are aware of this and that they were planning to build a wall on both sides of the channel before the dredging to prevent siltation.

Recall that the former Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi, said then that the Authority is aware of the problem and has commenced plans to address it.

Abdullahi, who was represented at a meeting in Lagos by the then General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Emmanuel Ebubuegu, said two firms; Royal Ascony, was looking at the break waters and Ace Consulting was working on the pre-dredging.

According to NPA boss, “The study of geography tells us that at the lower course of the river, the level of sedimentation is very high. Incidentally, the ports of Warri, Calaber and Port Harcourt are all situated at the lower course of river. If you do not do something to address the hindrance properly, you will always be fighting with nature.”

Chief Executive Officer, Kamany Marine Services Limited, Charles Okorefe, faulted the contract, stating that it is politically motivated.

Speaking with Vanguard Maritime Report, Okorefe explained that NPA is aware that the present dredging is not a lasting solution but went ahead all the same because they want to score political point.

Former National Financial Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA and a Warri based Customs Broker, Val Johnbull  Oribhabo, said welcome the dredging but expressed worry whether the project will be properly done for the benefit of operators in the area.

Recall that the contract was awarded to Dredging International Services Nigeria (DISN) Limited, a subsidiary of Dredging International Services (Cyprus) Limited.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/warri-channel-dredging-contract-politically-motivated-expert/

Titogbanski:
Which company executed this major dredging work? where was it based like site office? from where did they mobilise? did they employ locals? How is it possible that they completed this dredging and nobody heard of an ongoing project?

How can people lie like this!

You're projecting just because you personally didn't hear about this months ago doesnt mean nobody did. I can betyou dont have google alerts for news on boring port projects. The company that handled project was Dredging International Services Nigeria (DISN) Limited. There's plenty of related articles about this project if you're interested.

You're point about the pipelines is also false. NPA simply didnt dredge beyond 7.5 meters to avoid the pipelines. Email the company they'll have the answers to the rest of your questions.

Wow they actually got the job done in 2 months like the said. Im impressed a government agency meets up with deadlines.

By Godfrey Bivbere

THE dredging of Warri port channel awarded at the cost of $44.861million (N16.150 billion) by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA has been completed.

This was disclosed to Vanguard Maritime Report Friday, by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Adams Jatto. He said it has been completed and vessels have started calling at the port.

Confirming the above, a Warri based Customs broker and former National Financial Secretary of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Val Orhobabhor, said he gathered that the dredging project has been completed.

Orhobabhor however stressed that through most Customs brokers popularly referred to as clearing agents in Warri have been inactive for a long time now as a result he and many others have not been going to the port.

He said though the dredging has been completed, it is not true that new vessels have been calling at the port but the same ships that have been coming before; most belonging to Julius Berger are the ones still calling at the port.

He said he expects the port to be busy soon, especially with the concessioning of the old Warri port. He however added that for the port to be busy again the concessionaire has a lot of work to do at the port because it has been idle for a long time.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/01/npa-completes-warri-port-channel-dredging/