₦airaland Forum

kettykin:
North central should have been taken to lokoja or jos

The Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) shared this development on Wednesday through its official X account.
“President Bola Tinubu has decided to split the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria–Kaduna State, into six campuses to ensure efficiency, national coverage, and smooth operations,” the post stated.

The Grimaldi Group announced on Tuesday the launch of a groundbreaking direct shipping service connecting Shanghai, China, to Lagos, Nigeria. This service eliminates the need for trans-shipments, setting a new benchmark for speed and efficiency in maritime logistics.

The Managing Director of Grimaldi Agency Nigeria and PTML Terminal, Mr. Ascanio Russo, disclosed this development in Lagos.

Speaking about the new service, Russo highlighted its exceptional advantages, emphasizing its unmatched speed and efficiency. He noted that the direct route would take just 27 days to transport cargo from Shanghai to Lagos—an industry-leading transit time.

“This is the fastest transit time in the industry. No transshipment, no delays! Nigerian importers can now ship their goods with ease and confidence, knowing their cargo will arrive directly and on time,” Russo stated.

The service is tailored to accommodate a wide range of cargo, including containers, cars, vans, trucks, heavy equipment, general cargo, and project cargo, ensuring flexibility for various shipping needs.

Russo explained that the service is designed to maximize value for Nigerian importers and exporters by offering competitive freight rates while maintaining Grimaldi’s reputation for reliability.

“With this direct shipping service, we are addressing one of the key challenges faced by Nigerian importers—unnecessary delays caused by transshipments through other ports. This direct route reduces costs, eliminates risks, and simplifies logistics for businesses in Nigeria. It is a game-changer for trade between China and Nigeria,” Russo said.

He assured users of the service that they would benefit from Grimaldi’s PTML Terminal at Tin Can Island Port, which offers streamlined handling, priority processing, and top-tier service.


“We are providing seamless, stress-free shipping solutions through our PTML Terminal, which remains the preferred logistics hub in West Africa. Our customers can rely on us for unmatched efficiency and reliability,” Russo added.

The launch of this service reinforces the strategic importance of the PTML Terminal as a premier logistics and transshipment hub in West Africa.

The Grimaldi Group recently inaugurated the new monthly service with the maiden voyage of the Great Cotonou, a state-of-the-art G5-class ro-ro multipurpose vessel. This cutting-edge ship features advanced technology for efficient cargo handling and reduced environmental impact.

“This new service reflects Grimaldi’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Russo remarked. “We are proud to be a trusted partner for Nigerian businesses and remain dedicated to providing world-class shipping solutions.”

Nigerian importers and exporters have praised the initiative, noting that the direct shipping route will save time and reduce overall business costs. The Grimaldi Group’s effort is expected to boost trade between China and Nigeria, strengthening economic ties and driving growth in both regions.

With competitive freight rates, unparalleled transit times, and comprehensive cargo-handling solutions, the Grimaldi Group’s direct service is set to redefine shipping standards and create new opportunities for businesses across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has approved $20,000 foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs and cooks, among other benefits, as a retirement package for service chiefs and generals, which the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors faulted, The PUNCH reports.

According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 14, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package.

The vehicle would be replaced every four years and maintained by the military. This is in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup.

The retired generals will also enjoy a range of other luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.

While those who retire as lieutenant generals and their equivalents will enjoy international and local medical treatment worth up to $20,000 annually, the benefits for the CDS and the service chiefs were not specified, but it is believed that theirs would be significantly higher.

In addition, they will be assigned a special assistant or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly, with escorts provided as necessary by relevant military units.

Also, each retiring service chief will also be provided with five domestic aides, comprising two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener, along with an aide-de-camp or security officer.

The HTCOS read:

“Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.

‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers).

“Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.

The document stated, “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.
“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents.

The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank. Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”

The Federal Government also approved for major generals and brigadier generals a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.

One-star officers are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.

The HTCOS further read,

“For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.
“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.

“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000 per annum.’’

Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.

The board member representing South East zone in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Dr. Kenneth Ugbala has said that President Bola Tinubu has given the agency a marching order to ensure that all the roads across the country are maintained.

Dr. Ugbala who dismissed insinuations that the South East roads are not receiving the needed attention compared to that of the Northern region insisted that roads in the South East region have been receiving good attention under President Bola Tinubu.

He stated this in his Okoffia hometown, Ezza South local government area of Ebonyi State while interacting with journalists.

“The President has given us a marching order to make sure that all the roads in the nation are being attended to. Our idea is that there should be an aggressiveness in attending to that responsibility.

“If you watch from Abakaliki to Enugu you see that there is maintenance going on by FEMA. The insinuation that the South East zone was being neglected in road construction by the federal government is false and malicious.”

He noted that the Enugu-Onitsha road was under construction, including the 9th mile/ Gboko/Makurdi road and some other roads within the zone benefiting from the coastal road projects of the Tinubu administration.

Ugbala opined that the president accommodated many roads in the zone in this year’s budget.

“The nation is just like a basket, and there is food. Everybody is scrambling for more. But even if that had ever been in practice before we came on board, I know that the Southeast roads are receiving good attention. We are benefiting from the coastal road too, the ring road.

“These are things that have never happened to us. From Enugu to Onitsha is under construction. From Gboko to Makurdi coming to 9th miles is under construction.

“So, I think Southeast, if ever we are neglected, I don’t think that the present administration is neglecting us. All we need is to exercise patience with our president and of course the Minister for Works. We are going to get the best of this administration. That is why we call on our people to continue to support”, he stated.

Ugbala, a former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), advocated for a maintenance culture on road projects to ensure durability.

“We are aware that as a nation we need to work very seriously on our maintenance culture. Because the best is not only to build roads, the best is to maintain the roads. When you build roads and they are not maintained, you find out that we are losing everything we have.

“You can see maintenance going on from Abakaliki to Afikpo. We are still attending to it. Eight places need urgent attention. If you go across Abia to Enugu State and parts of Anambra, in fact, all the Southeast states are receiving attention.

“This year we want to improve what we have been doing. A lot of roads have been accommodated in the budget.

Our resources may not be enough in line with our demands, but we are concerned in making sure that there is transparency. We place value for money for what we do. It is not easy battling with the contractors”.

helinues:
I talked about it immediately after the chart. Now it's becoming reality.

And there are still more pending deals like that

helinues:
Good

The Brazil $2.5bn deal already secured.

More FDI for Nigeria.

Instead of borrowing unnecessarily, attract investors

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, on Sunday, said more local jobs are expected in the coming year as a result of Saudi Arabia’s drive to ramp up investment in key sectors of the economy.

Edun said this follows Saudi Arabia’s SALIC International Investment Company’s acquisition of a 35.43 per cent stake in Olam Agri Holdings for $1.24bn

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy affirmed this after meeting President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi home in Lagos.

The deal, which closed on December 23, 2024, values Olam Agri Holdings at $3.5bn.

Olam Group will retain a majority stake of 64.57 per cent in the agricultural unit in a deal first announced in March 2022.

Edun, accompanied by his counterpart in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, had led a delegation to Saudi Arabia to follow up on various investment pledges made to Nigeria by Saudi businesses in the past few visits.

He said this visit resulted in a $1.2bn investment by the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company in Olam.

This investment, he argued, is expected to increase FOREX inflow, and jobs and boost the economy.

Edun explained, “I’d say what we have brought back is investment. What we have brought back is foreign exchange. We have brought jobs for Nigerians.

“If you look at the demographics of Saudi Arabia, to the extent that they are investing abroad, they are not going to be exporting their people. They’re not like some of the other big, populous countries of Asia.

“So clearly, where they invest is in jobs for Nigerians. So that’s the simplest way I would put it. Of course, the Olam transaction was a long time in the works. You all know that the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company has, just around December 23, increased its investment in Olam by a $1.2bn additional investment.

“So it is that type of transaction that Mr president has taken the steps of stabilising the Nigerian macroeconomic environment to encourage such and to attract such and of course, that is an example of the success of the strategy followed by Mr President.”

He said the delegation was in the Middle East to “follow up on the economic diplomacy, the incisive, robust and exhaustive economic diplomacy that Mr President has carried out around the world.”

For his part, the Budget Minister referred to the cordial relationship between the Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammadu Bin Salman and Tinubu as a key factor in the multilateral progress.

He said, “I don’t know how you evaluate achievements because once your President is respected in a country, that is an achievement. Some of you were there when Mr. President first visited Saudi Arabia. At the Business Council meeting, the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia compared our President with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

“I think that is profound because they don’t do those things just for the optics; they are very serious about those equivalents.

“In this visit where we met the Minister of Finance, Minister of Economy and Planning, Minister of Energy, as well as other deputy and vice ministers, you can see clearly that the Saudis are seeing in President Tinubu is somebody who is changing his society as they did theirs. So they appreciate our President, who is facing a greater challenge, yet he took on those reforms. For me, that is the number one achievement for our country.”

Regarding the 2025 budget, Bagudu said Nigerians should expect a better economy with lower inflation, more employment opportunities, and more business support.

“We have turned the bend; we have made the tough choices; we have seen the worst we could see, which is not unexpected.

“That is why social protection was improved. So what we are expecting to see in 2025 is a better economy, lower inflation, more employment opportunities, more support for businesses, more infrastructure development, more funding of security and better security, and all those priority areas, including human capital development, education and health.

“We’re sure to see more in that direction, and the quality of life will get better,” he explained.

helinues:
Niger I meant

helinues:
Something is wrong with the Nigeria military leader with his baseless accusations

Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.

The Nigerian government has refuted allegations made by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the head of state in Niger Republic, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to establish a military base in its northern region to monitor Niger, Chad, and other neighbouring countries.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the accusations as baseless and untrue.

“Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases,” Ribadu stated.

Ribadu said the revelation made by Tiani came as a shock and surprise to them.

He clarified that Nigeria remains committed to fostering peaceful relations with Niger and would not support or engage in any actions that could destabilize the region.

In the five-minute interview obtained by SaharaReporters, Ribadu reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability and cooperation.
He urged for a focus on constructive dialogue rather than unfounded accusations.

The claims by General Tiani come amid heightened security tensions, with accusations that France is planning to establish a terrorist operational centre in Gaba, a forested area in Sokoto State, Nigeria, following the recent coup in Niger.

Nigeria has played a central role in efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to resolve the crisis peacefully.

Ribadu said, "Nigeria has no issues with instability or unrest with our neighbouring countries. We coexist peacefully with Cameroon, Chad, and Benin Republic. How, then, can someone claim we are having problems with the Niger Republic?

When asked about General Tiani's allegation that France is financing the Nigerian government to establish a military base in the North for a potential invasion of Niger at will, Ribadu reiterated that such claims are unfounded and lack credibility.

Ribadu said, "Where did this come from? How could anyone claim that Nigeria would allow a foreign country to establish a military base here to cause havoc or instability for the people of Niger?

"Where would this happen? Nigeria has never had any agenda to permit foreign countries to come into our territory and set up military bases.”

"The British, who colonised Nigeria, have never attempted to bring their military into the country to establish a base," he added.

"America has tried their best to establish a military base in Nigeria, but the Nigerian government declined their request. After our refusal, they went to Niger, and the Nigerien government accepted their proposal. However, the Nigerien government later realised their mistake and expelled them.”

He continued, "France, on the other hand, ensures that they establish military bases in almost all the countries they colonised. But Nigeria has never agreed to such arrangements with them to establish a military base in our country.

"We never agreed with them to launch anything, even for a day, let alone something that would disrupt peace or cause havoc in Niger. Where would this occur? However, we would never do such a thing.”

"But now, if Niger's military is fighting with France, they cannot force us to join their fight. Nigeria is not at war with any country, and we have never fought any country in the world. Nigeria will never engage in warfare, and we will never allow any external forces to disrupt the peace and harmony of neighbouring countries," Ribadu said.

Ribadu stated that the Niger junta leader mentioned some places in Nigeria, indicating a deep knowledge of the country.

He named specific locations, and we are calling on journalists and residents of those communities to investigate for Allah's sake.

"Please verify if there are any foreign visitors in these areas, let alone connections to France," he said.

"We want to assure the people of Niger that the Nigerian government will never allow any harm to come to them.

"We have been combating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, IPOB, and militants in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country. By God’s grace, we have always emerged victorious.

"Nigeria’s neighbouring countries must understand that anything that happens in Nigeria will inevitably affect them as well. The Niger government needs to recognise that Nigeria is not their problem.”

Ribadu further explained that terrorists are the real issue. The problems caused by terrorists in Niger Republic are the same problems they are causing in Nigeria.

"We need to unite and fight these terrorists together. The people of Niger must understand that we are one big family, and any injury to one will inevitably affect the others," Ribadu said.

He explained that it is unfounded for anyone to claim that the Nigerian government is aiding terrorists, especially when Nigeria itself is grappling with insecurity.

He urged Niger's leaders to reconsider their stance and conduct thorough investigations.
He also warned that if Niger replaces France with other foreign entities or missionaries, they may inadvertently create future problems for themselves.

"They should not allow countries opposing France to establish military bases in Niger. Any nation that comes as a friend today might become a problem for them tomorrow," Ribadu stated.

He cited an earlier instance where the Nigerian government advised Niger against permitting the establishment of an American military base. Ribadu said despite the warning, Niger allowed it, only to later regret the decision.

"We are now appealing to Niger to avoid relying on external forces. Nigeria is your family. Let us work together," Ribadu urged.

He further called on Niger to rejoin the joint task force established with Nigeria, Chad, and other nations to combat Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

He stressed that Niger's withdrawal weakened collective efforts and could escalate security challenges.

Beuberry:
Nuke all terrorists and janjaweèds day and night.
May the efforts of our military men not be in vain, amen.


Thank you Mr Femi. Hope you don't like women cos most Yorubas bearing Femi lives women and they have round moustache or bear-bear.

psucc:
What do you call heavy? I hope you know that the directive to "arrest" is still in force in the north while the SE has "shoot at sight" command. If you want to know, check that any victory announced in the north is mostly audio with blurry images while those in the SE has clear and crisp pics.

We have 2 nations in one viz North and South on one hand; and
Rich and Poor on the other

At least 15 banditry kingpins were killed by military operatives or rival bandits in 2024. Yet, the war on banditry may linger, taking the dimension of the more than a decade-long insurgency in the North-east.

Those killed include Halilu Sububu, a wealthy criminal figure connected to Sahelian jihadists. Nigerian soldiers killed him and some of his foot soldiers in a joint operation with local vigilantes in September.

Also killed this year were Sani Dangote, Boderi Isyaku, Buharin Yadi , Sani Black and other bandit leaders . These terrorists led their men to terrorise communities and hinder farming activities in Kaduna, Sokoto, Katsina and Niger states.

Their deaths, according to analysts and researchers, were a significant achievement for the military.

Killing the Bandits’ King — The most significant blow against bandits in 2024

The killing of Mr Sububu unsettled the bandits, especially in the North-west. Born into a family of bandits in Maniya, Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State, Mr Sububu was also an arms supplier,
illegal gold miner and godfather of terrorists in the region, including Bello Turji and Dogo Gide.

His close ties with French-speaking jihadists in the Sahel region of West Africa — Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Senegal, up to Libya in North Africa — enhanced his gunrunning and gold mining businesses.

He was believed to have supplied weapons to terrorists operating in Maradun, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Bakura, Isa, and Sabon Birnin in Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Locals close to the late terror kingpin said he stockpiled weapons, motorcycles, and other valuables in his houses, especially in Sububu and Rudani.

Murtala Ahmad-Rufa’i, a researcher on banditry in northern Nigeria, wrote that Mr Sububu “greatly influenced” over 46 out of more than 80 bandit camps across the North-west region.

Mr Sububu was among 43 terrorists in the region the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared wanted in March. Others include Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, Boka, Ado Aliero, Dan Bokkolo, Labi Yadi, Nagala, Saidu Idris, Sani Gurgu, Kachalla Rugga, Messrs Turji and Gide.

“The fall of Halilu was a major landmark in the fight against armed banditry in the Northwest,” Mr Ahmad-Rufa’i wrote. “A large number of bandits, including his boys, are now demoralised, psychologically weakened by the death of their father, mentor, mediator, arms supplier and supporter.”

It was gathered that the military took away Mr Sububu’s phones after killing him. Had the phones not been confiscated, his followers could have used them to link up with his foreign partners in Libya, Burkina Faso and Mali.

However, the death of Mr Sububu resulted in a leadership struggle between his lieutenants — Najaja and Dullu. According to experts, this infighting will further destabilise the late bandit kingpin’s powerful camp. However, none of his lieutenants can wear his shoes as a well-connected bandit leader and trainer.

The only person who can match Mr Sububu is Shehu Rekep, one of his close allies. However, according to sources privy to the situation, Mr Rekep, who speaks more than three languages, has abandoned banditry and fled the country.


IED attacks in the North-west. Why the military must tackle it

The death of Mr Sububu was one of three or more factors that unsettled the banditry industry this year. This is so because the arms supply chain has broken, forcing surviving bandit leaders, especially Mr Gide’s camp, to resort to Improvised Explosives Devices (IED) attacks as recently seen here and here.

Other factors include military offensives and peace deals in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, and Birnin Gwari in Kaduna. In addition, rivalry clashes disrupted the banditry industry during the year, claiming Sani Dangote and others.

Although the police claimed that the IED attacks in Zamfara were staged by Lakurawa, a jihadist group that has existed in the North-west since 2018, a source with firsthand knowledge of the attacks said they were executed by supporters of the late Ali Kawaje, who joined Mr Gide’s camp after Mr Kwaje’s death.

The source, who pleaded anonymity because he works closely with the military, said Mr Gide’s camp is now fabricating IEDs.

“This showed that they are now out of weapons as their major supplier has been killed,” he said, adding that resorting to the use of IEDs is a setback for the terrorists but a worry for the military.

“The military must identify the materials being used in making these IEDs and those specialised in it within the Dogo Gide’s camp,” he added.

It is believed that the late Kawaje and his boys were introduced to IEDs-making by the jihadists with whom they staged the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in 2022.

The use of IEDs by terrorists is not a common phenomenon in the North-west. It is, however, part of the guerilla warfare strategy by jihadists in the North-east and North-central.

According to the Explosive Violence Monitor 2023 report by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), IED attacks caused the most civilian casualties in 2023, killing 141 in 37 incidents. These fatalities were attributed to Boko Haram and its rival group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Arguing that the use of IEDs is problematic for local bandits, some observers and conflict journalists said jihadists might have infiltrated the region to stage the IED attacks independently or collaborate with the bandits to set the deadly traps.

While the military is expected to tackle the use of IEDs by these terrorists, it is also important that it conducts holistic kinetic operations against the terrorists.

“It will be too ambitious to believe that the war against banditry can be won by simply killing kingpins,” a Zamafara-based expert who asked not to be named for security reasons said.

“Military offensive should be conducted holistically alongside peace and mediation efforts between the communities and bandits’ leaders.”
The expert believes that the killing of terrorism bigwigs sometimes leads to more trouble for society.

“We’ve seen that with Buhari Tsoho or Buharin Daji who was killed by one of his subordinates, Dogo Gide. His group got divided, and several bigwigs formed a separate group.

Even the recent killing of Halilu Sububu led to the creation of several groups under Sububu. We now know that there is Mati, there is Babuga, there is Najaja. Most of these bandits’ leaders were answerable to Sububu,”[b] he added.

[b]He advised that apart from targeting the top leaders, security agents also “need to pay attention to the younger or junior ones.”