₦airaland Forum

Codepain:
they would sabotage it and blame FG
the best thing any Govt can do for now is to Ignore South East Completely
until there is a mentality reset.

Blame Britain, Blame Lord Lugard, Blame FG, Blame APC
zero accountability

Gjrich:
Nigerian Port Authority Transforms Eastern Ports To Become Nigeria’s Next Maritime Hub

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is sustaining the drive in transforming the Eastern Ports of Nigeria into a new maritime hub.

The transformation is expected to turn the assets as pivotal drivers of economic growth and regional development.

Despite facing longstanding challenges such as poor infrastructure, security concerns, shallow port drafts, and inadequate equipment, these ports hold enormous potential.

Currently, over 30 per cent of imports that arrive through Southwest ports are transported eastward, underscoring the need to strengthen local port capacity to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Historically overshadowed by Lagos, Eastern ports like Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri, and Calabar have remained underutilized despite their proximity to key industrial zones and resource corridors. They currently handle less than a third of their capacity, but with targeted investments and improvements in road and rail connectivity, they can handle up to 35 percent of Nigeria’s maritime business and create over two million jobs.

Under the leadership of NPA’s Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, a vigorous campaign to reposition these ports is underway. Key initiatives include dredging to deepen channel drafts, expanding terminal capacity through public-private partnerships, and modernizing infrastructure to welcome larger vessels. The recent call of the Nigerian-owned MV Ocean Dragon at Onne is a strong symbol of this “Nigeria First” policy aimed at boosting intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.

Strategic partnerships with global shipping lines like Hapag-Lloyd, 24-hour customs operations, and tariff incentives have contributed to increased traffic and exports from the Eastern ports. Investments totaling over $1 billion are driving infrastructure upgrades, including road network integration and advanced marine safety equipment. Enhanced security patrols have reduced piracy risks, further ensuring the safety and reliability of shipping routes.

The ongoing improvements are expected to yield significant economic dividends for the Southeast region.
Industrial hubs in Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi stand to benefit from better access to ports, reducing logistics costs and transit times. Port Harcourt is poised to become the Gulf of Guinea’s offshore logistics leader, while Calabar and Warri strengthen regional connectivity with Central and West Africa.

By aligning with the federal government’s economic diversification and “Nigeria First” policies, the NPA’s multifaceted strategy is positioning Eastern ports as vital engines of Nigeria’s blue economy. With continued infrastructure development, security enhancements, and private sector engagement, the Eastern maritime corridor is set to play a central role in Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape and regional trade integration.

fergie001:
The event took place in Abuja, not in Edo.

The Chronicles of a Legend!

Chivisee:
Winning jagaban was because tinubu yoruba Christian youths thought obi was genuine, different and has the quality of a president but now that his true colour as a pretender and religious jingoist character has been exposed! He will not see 1/4 of the votes he saw in the last election in Lagos! BOOKMARK THIS PAGE! go and ask his son GBAREBO RODED !

It was a pleasure and a deep honour to accompany His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi, to the book launch held in honour of the esteemed Esama of Benin.

The event was a momentous celebration of legacy, wisdom, and contribution to the Nigerian story. It was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the values our party stands for service, humility, and nation-building.

Following the ceremony, I had the privilege of spending quality time with HE Peter Obi and Senator Darlington, where we engaged in meaningful discussions about the future of our great party. Our conversation reaffirmed our collective commitment to building a stronger, more people-focused Labour Party, guided by transparency, inclusiveness, and vision.

As we move forward, I remain confident in our unity and the shared resolve to deliver on the hopes of millions of Nigerians looking to us for transformative leadership.

Senator Nenadi Usman
Interim National Chairman
Labour Party (LP)

The Niger State Government has taken the Federal Government to the Supreme Court to challenge its omission as a beneficiary of the 13 per cent derivation.

The state, in the originating summons it filed through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, listed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as the sole defendant in the case.

The plaintiff, among other things, urged the apex court to determine whether Niger State does not qualify to be classified among the states that produce natural resources and therefore is entitled to 13 per cent derivation within the meaning of 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It further prayed the court to interpret and apply section 232 (1) & (2) of the Constitution to compel its inclusion by FG, in line with the Enactment of Allocation of Revenue (Federation Account, etc.) Act, 2004.

The state alleged a failure to include remittances from proceeds of fiscal revenue generated and accrued through Hydroelectric Power dams within its territory, which it argued formed part of the resources it contributes to the overall electricity generation to the national grid since 1968.

According to the plaintiff, it hosts four major hydroelectricity dams: Kainji Dam, Jebba Dam, Shiroro Dam and Zungeru Dam, which serve as a power house for electricity supply to various states in the country.

It argued that through these power stations, FG extended electricity supply to the Republics of Benin, Togo and Niger.

The state said its decision to list the AGF as the sole defendant in the matter was because he statutorily offers oversight legal advice function and represents the Federal Government, including the Accountant-General of the Federation.

It noted that the Accountant-General has the constitutional role of preparing the nation’s financial statements from collection and receipts of income, fees, rentals and taxes, and payments from the federation account.

“That the attorney general at all times is charged with legally advising and representing the Auditor-General of the Federation and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission that oversees revenue accruing to, and disbursement of such funds from the Federation Account,” it argued.

It accused the defendant of failing to properly advise the President, especially on how to ensure equitable distribution of resources in conformity with current realities, particularly with the enormous fiscal revenue generated by Niger State.

The plaintiff stressed that it is a purely agrarian state as its inhabitants are subsistence farmers whose produce is enjoyed across the state and beyond.

It contended that as a result of the large expanse of the land occupied by the dams, a large population of its citizens and residents are denied the opportunity of engaging in agricultural activities.

Niger state maintained that it has continued to host the dams that were established since 1968, decrying that despite its contributions in terms of revenue, it has been a victim of incessant and continuous flooding.

“This has resulted in wanton loss of human lives and livestock as well as destruction of properties, leading unavoidably to displacement of many residents from their homes,” it averred.

More so, the plaintiff claimed that the Physicochemical/Microbiological Impact Assessment Report it conducted showed a high level of degradation in the affected areas.

“This represents an impending danger that looms large in the horizon for the state over the coming years if urgent stringent environment protection measures are not taken.

“To the chagrin, detriment, continuous exploitation and utter impoverishment of the people of Niger State, the defendant continuously and continually whisked off profits from the state.

“The federal government should not be only concerned about benefiting from the dams located in the territory of the state without a care for its people,” the plaintiff added.

More so, the plaintiff said it was unfortunate that the office of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, had no information on the volume of electricity by megawatts, generated by the dams since 1968 and 2019, except for those of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

It said the NBS computation of the volume of electricity by megawatts generated into the national grid from 2020 – 2023, was: “The sum total megawatt generated in 2020 is equal to 2,232,706.27, 2021 equal to 2,632,348.00, 2022 equal to 2,830,002.96 and in 2023 equal to 2,658,612.96.”

“These dams have generated fiscal revenue which has been controlled by the federal government and have been indisputably redistributed equally amongst the constituent states without considering the host (Niger State) since 1968 till date,” Ndarani, SAN, added.

He said the plaintiff, its citizens and residents suffered continuous exploitation, neglect and ravaging floods due to the power generating activities of FG and its agencies.

Consequently, the plaintiff prayed the apex court to intervene and order its inclusion in the 13 per cent derivation.

Meantime, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.

A two-time member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Council, Abduljabbar Rufai, has revealed that the party is in active talks with former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to bring him back ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rufai made this known while speaking with journalists in Abuja, explaining that the move is part of the PDP’s wider strategy to unite its members and strengthen its position against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described Obi’s possible return as a ‘strategic’ step that could improve the PDP’s chances, especially in the Southeast and South-South regions where Obi enjoys strong support.

“Leaders of the PDP recently visited Peter Obi, and we believe his return to the PDP, a party he once called home, would be highly strategic and impactful.

“Looking at the 2023 polls, it’s clear that Peter Obi garnered the majority of his votes from the Southeast, which has traditionally been a stronghold of the PDP. If we can bring him back, it would be a game-changer for the party and a boost to our electoral prospects,” he said.

Rufai admitted that the PDP is facing internal issues but expressed confidence that they can be resolved.

“We are now 16 or 17 months away from the general election, and before the end of this year, Insha’Allah, we aim to reconcile with every aggrieved member of the party. Efforts are being made to align the party and appease those with grievances,” he said.

He pointed to the PDP’s strong national presence and track record, contrasting it with the APC’s alleged weaknesses.

“The PDP, as the most structured party in Nigeria since 1999, and arguably in West Africa, has a legacy, history, and presence in every local government, ward, and state across the country.

“This cannot be said for the APC or any other political party. We remain hopeful as we approach the November 2025 convention, where we will elect a new National Working Committee to steer the party towards victory in the 2027 elections,” he said.

Rufai also commented on the APC’s internal tensions, especially ongoing speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu might drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027. He warned that such a move could cost the APC support in the Northeast.

“President Tinubu is undoubtedly a strategic politician, but there are speculations that he might replace Shettima. If he does, he risks losing the entire Northeast.

“In the 2023 elections, the APC won only one state in the Northeast, Borno, the home state of Vice President Shettima. Removing him from the ticket would effectively cede the region. This would present a significant opportunity for the PDP to capitalize on those regions,” Rufai said.

As part of the PDP’s youth mobilisation plan, Rufai announced his intention to run for the position of National Youth Leader at the party’s next convention. He said his focus would be on empowering young members and opening up the political space to the next generation.

“My aspiration to serve as the National Youth Leader of the PDP is rooted in conviction, not mere ambition. I believe I have what it takes to rekindle the spirit and reignite the energy within the party, particularly among its youth wing. My leadership will focus on instilling confidence in the young members of the PDP, ensuring they see that they have someone who genuinely has their interests at heart,” he declared.

He also shared plans to partner with international youth-focused groups, support the entry of more young people into governance, and maintain an open-door policy for all young PDP members.

Infoguy666:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qypJno4yW6k?si=yQbZw6ou2rQUZNmi

Professor Jerry Gana, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has revealed that the party is making efforts to bring former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi back into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections, Daily Watch Nigeria reports.

Speaking on Focus Nigeria, a programme aired on AIT on Friday, Gana confirmed that a PDP delegation has already been set up to reach out to Obi, who left the party in May 2022 to join the Labour Party (LP).

Obi exited the PDP just days before its presidential primaries, citing “recent developments in the party” that he said did not align with his vision for governance and national development.

He later emerged as the LP’s presidential candidate and came third in the 2023 presidential election behind PDP’s Atiku Abubakar.

Asked if the PDP had formally contacted Obi about a possible return, Gana replied, “Why not?”

He further disclosed that he is personally leading the reconciliation and re-integration efforts, not only targeting Obi but also other former PDP stalwarts.

“He [Obi] is not the only person. We are also moving to other persons. But I don’t want to announce until we really get there,” Gana added.

Reflecting on the 2023 election, Gana stated that if he were in Atiku Abubakar’s position, he would have stepped down and supported Obi’s candidacy.

“I have a very solid platform. I can now go back to these people and say the platform you were complaining about is now set, proper, and ready to move. I know many of them would respond,” he said.

Gana also claimed that the internal crisis that plagued the PDP before and after the last election has now been resolved, presenting the party as a “credible alternative” to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) come 2027.

He criticised the APC-led federal government over the worsening economic hardship in the country, saying soaring commodity prices and increasing poverty have left many Nigerians struggling to survive.

https://dailywatch.ng/pdp-wants-peter-obi-back-says-founding-member-jerry-gana/

franchasng:
Let's be factual here.


I speak truth, only but the truth no matter what, I don't care cos nobody feeds me and nobody pays me. So my allegiance is to God, to humanity and to my conscience.


What is the truth as it stands now?


The truth is that Peter Obi cannot win Bola Tinubu an incumbent President of Nigeria in a typical Nigerian Presidential election that is usually marred by rigging, thuggery and election result manipulation.

Peter Obi cannot win Bola Tinubu an incumbent President in 2027 because 2027 Presidential election is not going to be about voting alone, its it's going to be beyond voting. After you have voted, what next? Can you protect your vote and result against an incumbent President's rigging mercenaries that will be sponsored by the state? The answer is NO! Peter Obi that I know personally is a man of peace like Goodluck Jonathan, he cannot put up the physical fight needed to counter Bola Tinubu's rigging mercenaries.


And Igbos too are too exposed, refined, polished and republican in nature to put up the physical fight needed to stop or counter Bola Tinubu's rigging mercenaries as an incumbent President.


So what's my suggestion?


To win Bola Tinubu in 2027, opposition must stay fully united, how? Atiku/Obi ticket is the only way to get the opposition to stay fully united and committed to win Tinubu at the polls and to protect the votes and result after the polls, anything less will give Tinubu a chance to rig himself into office again.


With Atiku/Obi ticket, Northwest, Northeast and Southeast will be completely locked down for them.


The battlefield will then be in Southsouth and Northcentral.