N25,000 Cash Transfer: FG Disqualifies Nigerians Without NIN, BVN, CBN Begins Payment.


The Federal Government is reviewing and expanding the National Social Register to accommodate pensioners and ex-servicemen under its Conditional Cash Transfer scheme.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the government was also taking out dead beneficiaries from the register and would disqualify those without National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers.

It was further gathered that payments would be made directly to the beneficiaries by the Central Bank of Nigeria and not through consultants, as the first batch of bulk payments would begin next week for five million households.

The Conditional Cash Transfer scheme is part of the National Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government, which is a project created to change the lives of millions of Nigerians living in extreme poverty, upgrade their standards of living and improve the economy.

In commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Tuesday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu launched the disbursement of N25,000 to 15 million households for three months as a social safety net intervention.

The aim is to mitigate the impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal and help eradicate poverty across the country.

Providing further details on the initiative in response to inquiries by Saturday PUNCH, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Rasheed Olanrewaju, stated that the cash transfer scheme had been reviewed and expanded.

Asked if the Federal Government would use the old register used by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration to transfer the money, he stated, “We are using a verified expanded register that has pensioners and veterans, as well as other vulnerable persons who were not captured.”

Confirming the position of the minister’s media aide, the National Communications Manager, of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Jamaldeen Kabir, stated that beneficiaries who had exited the poverty line were being removed from the register.

Kabir said, “What he (Olanrewaju) told you is very correct because the register is being expanded. First of all, it has to be verified so that those who are out of the poverty line will be removed from the old register.

“Those in the register, are they still within the poverty line or have they exited the line? The expansion will also include the wives of fallen heroes and pensioners.”

On when the cash transfer would begin, Olanrewaju stated that though bulk payments would commence from next week, some of those who had been verified had already started receiving payment alerts.

“The cash transfer (scheme) has been launched and once a household is verified, they get paid. The batches begin this month, next week to be precise; however, verified people have started receiving alerts,” he stated.

Also commenting on when the cash transfer would begin, Kabir said, “Actually, when the programme was launched at the Presidential Villa three days ago, some beneficiaries were presented with some cheques.

“So, before this month ends, the beneficiaries in the first phase will receive theirs, and this phase caters to five million households. So, we are expecting those five million households to receive money in October, November and December,” Olanrewaju added.

On how many ghost recipients had been discovered, the minister’s aide stated that a lot of measures had been put in place to make the scheme credible, such as the introduction of the NIN and BVN.

“They may not be ghosts, but we have put in place many controls to make the process credible and clean. First, we looked for the NIN and BVN to match with in-person verification and biometrics. The process is from the CBN to the beneficiaries; there are no middlemen,” Olanrewaju stated.

Asked to state the number of dead recipients, he replied, “We have struck off many names following the verification. The final figure will be out in weeks; it may run into millions.

“Some are dead; some are no longer in that category (of the poor) and some could not be identified at locations given, so wait till we get the compilation ready,” he added.

Cash transfer: FG seeks fresh $400m loan to fund 15 million households
I&E window records $53.02m turnover after CBN lifts forex ban
Asked to state those involved in identity theft, he said, “All these will be determined when the final report is out. For now, we will pay those fully verified and the names will be pasted in communities.

“Fifteen million households amount to about 62 million individuals, with an average of five persons per household.”

The humanitarian ministry stated that the determination of the Federal Government to eradicate poverty was in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has poverty eradication, food security, economic growth and job creation as priorities.

At the launch of the cash transfer scheme on Tuesday, Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, enumerated various steps his administration had taken to ameliorate poverty in the country.

These, according to the President, include providing the policy framework and road map for poverty alleviation, developing humanitarian response and expanding the National Social Register to capture Nigerians living below $1.95 per day.

Other steps include restructuring the National Social Investment Programme and repositioning it for quick and efficient delivery that is transparent, as well as partnering with the World Bank Group and other development partners to implement conditional cash transfers and business grants, among others.

The ministry stated that the government was also investing N100bn in the purchase of 3,000 units of 20-seater Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses for cheaper transportation.

It further stated that there was an investment of N200bn to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmland to improve food security.

The ministry added, “The release of 2,000 metric tonnes of grains from the strategic grains reserves to households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The distribution of 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilisers and seedlings to farmers, who are committed to the nation’s food security.

“The release of N75bn to support 100,000 small and medium enterprises and start-ups. Renewed Hope Shelter Programme for the poor, refugees and internally displaced persons targeted at one million households.

“Business grants and loans for vulnerable market women, farmers and traders to expand their business, targeted at two million beneficiaries, among other interventions from various ministries through a multi-sectoral approach.”

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, recently stated that all stakeholders, including the private sector players, development partners and other nations, should support Nigeria in its drive to eliminate poverty.

She stated, “The cardinal goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is to give the poor and vulnerable Nigerians a new breath of hope, which is also in line with the SDG target”

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not relent until vulnerable Nigerians are completely pulled out of poverty by 2030.”

Edu said the conditional cash transfer was a proven way to alleviate poverty, as it would give households the financial support to start micro and small enterprises, provide basic health care and food, keep their children in school and attend to the immediate needs of the households.

She stated, “Mr. President, during the October 1, 2023, national broadcast, announced this intervention; we have gone through a thorough and rigorous process of verification for the National Social Register, giving us the lead way to begin payments.

“The beneficiaries are drawn from across all states in the country plus the Federal Capital Territory and it is being done in a transparent manner that is traceable and verifiable.

“Beyond this, the government will be providing low-cost shelter for the poor and internally displaced persons as a form of providing that cover for them.

“Several other interventions, including the rural vocational skills intervention, will be carried out on a country-wide scale. All of these are targeted at the various dimensions of poverty across the country.”

Gjrich:

Bukola Saraki Pays Off Ailing Actor Mr Ibu’s Medical Expenses.

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has cleared all the medical expenses of ailing actor, Mr John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu.

Saraki did this through his foundation, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation.

Mr Ibu had, on Wednesday, appealed to Nigerians to come to his aid, noting that he does not want his legs to be cut off, following an undisclosed ailment.

Reacting to his appeal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, on Friday, came to his rescue and settled all his medical bills.

Disclosing this on Twitter now X platform, the foundation opined: “The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr John Okafor also known as Mr Ibu, a renowned comedic icon who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades.

“When we learned of his recent health challenges and the financial burdens associated with his medical treatment, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to assist in any way we could. We promptly paid off his entire medical expenses as of Wednesday.

“We encourage everyone, who can, to come forward and assist in any capacity, whether it’s through financial contributions, moral support, or prayers. We wish him a swift and complete recovery.”

Recall that Nigeria music stars cum celebrities, Davido, P-Square and Tunde Ednut had promised to take care of Mr Ibu’s medical expenses.

Nigerians all over the world had begun to contribute money to support the ailing actor.

Awesome - Thank You Bukola Saraki, You will live long

Bukola Saraki Pays Off Ailing Actor Mr Ibu’s Medical Expenses.

Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has cleared all the medical expenses of ailing actor, Mr John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu.

Saraki did this through his foundation, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation.

Mr Ibu had, on Wednesday, appealed to Nigerians to come to his aid, noting that he does not want his legs to be cut off, following an undisclosed ailment.

Reacting to his appeal, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, on Friday, came to his rescue and settled all his medical bills.

Disclosing this on Twitter now X platform, the foundation opined: “The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation is honoured to have extended support to Mr John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu, a renowned comedic icon who has graced our screens and brought joy and laughter to countless homes over the past four decades.

“When we learned of his recent health challenges and the financial burdens associated with his medical treatment, we felt a deep sense of responsibility to assist in any way we could. We promptly paid off his entire medical expenses as of Wednesday.

“We encourage everyone, who can, to come forward and assist in any capacity, whether it’s through financial contributions, moral support, or prayers. We wish him a swift and complete recovery.”

Recall that Nigeria music stars cum celebrities, Davido, P-Square and Tunde Ednut had promised to take care of Mr Ibu’s medical expenses.

Nigerians all over the world had begun to contribute money to support the ailing actor.

Palm oil is the new oil now.

Palm oil, obtained from the fruits, can also be used in making soaps, cosmetics, candles, biofuels, and lubricating greases and in processing tinplate and coating iron plates.

It's Cheaper": Air Peace, Max Air Suggest Palm Oil As Aviation Fuel Cost N1000/L


"It's Cheaper": Air Peace, Max Air, Others Suggest Palm Oil as Aviation Fuel Cost Hits N1000/L.

1. Airline operators are asking the Nigerian government to explore the use of palm oil as aviation fuel

2. They say that the high cost of aviation fuel has made it challenging for them to operate.

3. The operators reveal that the technology for the conversion of palm oil to aviation fuel is being developed rapidly.

Airline operators have said Nigeria is mature enough to find alternatives for aviation fuel, also known as JetAI, considering the high cost of imports.

The operators called on the Nigerian government on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Abuja at a meeting on developing and using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Available Fuel, and other transparent fuel sources in Nigeria.

Airline operators ask FG to explore palm oil as alternative fuel source. Airlines currently use refined kerosene.

Captain Roland Iyayi, who spoke on behalf of Airline Operators of Nigeria, said the country is in a better place to drive alternative fuel sources for the aviation industry by exploring palm oil.

Aviation fuel is kerosene in its most purified form.
The Aviation operators are calling for alternative sources due to the sharp increase in the product's price, currently selling at N1000 per litre.
Iyayi revealed that operators in the industry are keenly following trends in the industry, especially talks around sustainable aviation fuel and its vast opportunity for Nigeria, as the main component of sustainable aviation fuel is palm oil. Iyayi said: "The technology is currently being developed at a very high rate in the UK, and Nigeria has a comparative advantage because we already have the raw materials in abundance," Iyayi, also the CEO of Topbrass Aviation Limited, stated that fuel constitutes 40% of operating costs for every airline, and with the product selling at N1000 per litre, airlines can longer cope.

Airlines complain of high-cost aviation fuel He said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should champion sustainable fuel and provide a bigger picture that the economy can grow by providing a comparative advantage.

The Topbrass Aviation Limited boss said there is available technology and raw material that Nigeria can exploit and lead the world in alternative aviation fuel. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said the partnership is the only way to allow the development and use of cleaner energy in the aviation industry. "Several technical analyses revealed that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has the greatest potential to reduce CO2 emissions from International Aviation," Keyamo said. Nigeria suspends airline over fuel contamination Cost-effective aviation fuel has recently been on the front burner for airlines in Nigeria, with the airlines stating that they subsidize passengers to keep the industry functioning. They state that the unavailability of foreign exchange has made the importation of aviation fuel challenging.

Recently, Nigeria reported a case of contaminated fuel in the industry.

Legit.ng reported that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) released an informative notice called the All Operator's Letter (AOL), notifying airline operators about fuel contamination occurrences within the aviation sector.

The NCAA took action in response to the identification of a significant amount of water found in the fuel tank of a Max Air aircraft. Consequently, all Boeing 737 aircraft in Max Air's fleet operation was temporarily halted.

NCAA directed the suspension of Parts A3 and D45 regarding the operation of Max Air's Boeing 737 aircraft type with immediate effect. Part A3 relates to the airline's Aircraft Authorisation, and D43 deals with Aircraft Listing of the Operations Specifications issued to Max Air Limited.

The development follows a recent incident of aviation fuel contamination involving a Nigerian airline, which led to its temporary suspension.

According to the regulatory agency, the offenders gained access to the airports without due diligence, stating that the combined efforts of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the NCAA led to the identification and expulsion of the culprits.

Phantom233:
Please there's nothing like ibom deep seaport, that thing is a scam used by politicians in akwaibom to loot monies over the past 20yrs . There's not a single trip of sand or a specific location for such projects to be sited except the sham ones on media spaces.

Video: Ibom Deep Seaport Update


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff1TeKh_KQw?si=RDOLuWsbB0JweiQ9

Apart from the various Deep Seaports under Construction in Nigeria.

There are (7) approved Inland Container Depots (ICDs)/ Container Freight Stations (CFSs) to be Completed soon.
which were concessioned to private sector operators by the ICD Implementation Committee of the Federal Ministry of Transport.

Rail line will be connected to inland Dry Ports from the Deep Seaport to enable importers to receive their Containers at the Inland Dry Port

7 Inland Dry Port Underway In Nigeria.

1. Isiala Ngwa, Aba- 5% Completion by Eastgate Ltd

2. Erunmu, Ibadan- 10% Completion by Catamaran Logistics Ltd

3. Heipang, Jos- 48.40% Completion by
Duncan Maritime Nig Ltd

4. Zawachiki, Kano- Completed by
Dala Inland Dry Port Ltd

5. Zamfarawa, Funtua-93.5%
Completion By Equatorial Marine Oil & Gas LTD

6. Jauri, Maiduguri-5%
Completion by Migfo Nig. Ltd

7. ICNL, Kaduna -Now in operation by Inland Container Nig Ltd (ICNL)

Nigeria first in Africa to build humanoid robot.

Omeife Humanoid, Africa first humanoid somewhere inMabushi, a crossroad area between the inner and outer district of Abuja.

Unicorn group a two year old Nigerian technology firm has built a humanoid, a 6 foot tall multilingual human-like robot called Omeife built as a female Igbo character that understands and speaks eight different languages.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig2Bkyv2Ig0?si=bQW7DiqHB3fngPDl

Top 6 Deep Seaports Currently Underway in Nigeria Worth $13 Billion, 3 More Approved

1. Lekki Deep Seaport.
Cost: $2 Billion.
Project Location: Lagos State
Project status: Ongoing
Additional works: Lekki free zone.
Promoters: Chinese Consortium 52.5%, Tolaram Group 22.5%, Lagos State Govt 20%, Nigeria Port Authority 5%.
Main Products: General Goods

2. Ibom Deep Seaport.
Cost: $4.6 Billion
Project Location: Akwa Ibom State.
Project Status: Ongoing
Additional work: 55km Ibaka highway.
Promoters: Akwa Ibom State.
Funding: Bollore Powerchina Consortium 60%, Akwa Ibom State 40%.
Main products: General Goods
Contractor: Bollore Powerchina Consortium.

3. Bonny Deep Seaport
Cost: $461 million
Project Location: Oloma, River State
Project Status: Ongoing
Additional work: Rail line to connect Eastern Railway and Ubima Industrial Park.
Promoters: CCECC
Funding: Fully funded by Concessionaire CCECC
Main products: General goods.
Contractor: CCECC

4. Bakassi Deep Seaport
Cost: $2 Billion
Project Location: Cross River State.
Project Status: Ongoing
Additional work: 274km Highway from seaport to Gaikem, Benue State border.
Promoters: Cross River State.
Funding: Cross River State, Terradyn Corporation, USA, Etc.
Main products: Solid minerals, Agri produce, General goods.
Contractor: China Harbour

5. Warri Deep Seaport
Cost: $3.9 Billion
Project Location: Warri, Delta State.
Project Status: Ongoing
Additional work: Rail line from Warri to the seaport and Rail line from Itakpe to Abuja.
Promoters: Nigerian Port Authority, CRCCI, Ministry of Transport.
Funding: Federal Govt 15%, CRCCI 10%, China Exim Bank 75%
Main products: Solid Minerals, Agric produce, General Goods
Contractor: CRCCI

6. Escravos Deep Seaport
Cost: $2.9 Billion.
Project Location: Delta State
Project Status: Ongoing
Additional work: Oil and Gas free trade zone, industrial Complex, an independent power plant, a nature conservation park, an international airport.
Promoters: Federal Govt, Delta State, MMCC.
Funding: Swiss Canal Authority of Egypt
Main products: Oil and Gas, General Goods.
Constructor: Mercury Maritime Concession Company (MMCC)

7. Ondo Deep Seaport (Approved)
8. Edo River Seaport (Approved)
9. Badagry Deep Seaport (Approved)
10. Abia Deep Seaport
(Approved)

------------------------------------------------

7 Inland Dry Port in Nigeria

Apart from the various Deep Seaports under Construction in Nigeria.

There are (7) approved Inland Container Depots (ICDs)/ Container Freight Stations (CFSs) to be Completed soon.
which were concessioned to private sector operators by the ICD Implementation Committee of the Federal Ministry of Transport.

Rail line will be connected to inland Dry Ports from the Deep Seaport to enable importers to receive their Containers at the Inland Dry Port

7 Inland Dry Port Underway In Nigeria.

1. Isiala Ngwa, Aba- 5% Completion by Eastgate Ltd

2. Erunmu, Ibadan- 10% Completion by Catamaran Logistics Ltd

3. Heipang, Jos- 48.40% Completion by
Duncan Maritime Nig Ltd

4. Zawachiki, Kano- Completed by
Dala Inland Dry Port Ltd

5. Zamfarawa, Funtua- 93.5%
Completion By Equatorial Marine Oil & Gas LTD

6. Jauri, Maiduguri- 5%
Completion by Migfo Nig. Ltd

7. ICNL, Kaduna -Now in operation by Inland Container Nig Ltd (ICNL)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAFDI63yvNQ?si=QPxz1GSy4w499Kv9

BREAKING: Drama In Senate As New EFCC Chairman Uses Akpabio As Example Of Fraud Case Under Investigation.
[b][/b]

There was a mild drama in the Senate on Wednesday during the screening of Mr Ola Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Olukoyede, had cited the name of the Senate President, as an example in his presentation on investigating a graft case. However, he suddenly stopped when he noticed the mood of lawmakers in the Chamber. “If we are investigating the Senate President for example…” Olukoyede said, prompting lawmakers to burst into laughter.

But the laughter became louder when Senator Godswill Akpabio told the EFCC Chairman-nominee not to use his name as an example in the investigation of a corruption case.

Akpabio said, “I’m very glad that the nominee wants to use the Senate President as an example. But Mr nominee, leave the Senate President for now, look at this direction (pointing at the seats of opposition lawmakers).”

Mr Olukoyede, after the loud laughter, continued his speech without mentioning anyone’s name, saying
“If you are fighting corruption, you become the enemy of everybody.”

Recall that Akpabio has a N108.1 billion alleged theft of funds case before the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC started investigation of the former Akwa Ibom governor after a petition by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong. The commission had detained Akpabio over alleged fraud, but he has consistently maintained innocence. Meanwhile, the status of the case is currently unknown.

Enrol your children in schools or go to jail – Senate bill.

The Senate has passed for first reading a bill that recommends a fine of N50,000 to parents who default in providing their children with primary and secondary school education.

The Red Chamber also recommended free meals for every child in the country.

The bill proposed by Senator Orji Kalu titled, ‘Compulsory free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, Section 2’ states that every government in Nigeria shall provide free, compulsory and universal basic education for every child of primary and junior secondary school age.”

The act further states that “Every parent shall ensure that his child or ward attends and completes his primary school education and junior secondary school education by endeavouring to send the child to primary and junior secondary schools.”

“The Act further states that stakeholders in education in a local government area shall ensure that every parent or person who has the care and custody of a child performs the duty imposed on him under section 2(2) of this Act.”

The act further noted that a parent who contravenes the earlier prescription should be liable, on the first conviction, to be reprimanded.

“On a second conviction, a fine of N2,000 or imprisonment for a term of one month or both; and on subsequent conviction, to a fine of N5,000 or imprisonment for a term of two months or to both.”

The Senate, however, in its amendment, proposed N50,000 fines, instead of the N5,000 previously stated in the Act.

The amendment states, “Section (4) (b) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N2,000 and inserting N20,000. Section (4) (c) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N5,000 and inserting N50,000.”

It added, “Section 3(2) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N10,000 and inserting N100,000.”

It stated, “A person who receives or obtains any fee contrary to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N10,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or to both.

“Every parent shall ensure that his child receives full-time education suitable to his age, ability and aptitude by regular attendance at schools.”

However, the Senate proposes, N100,000 in replacement of the N10,000.

The Senate proposed, “Section 3(2) of the Principal Act is amended by deleting N10,000 and inserting N100,000.”

Responding to this development, the Programme Coordinator for Basic Education at Reform Education, Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, noted that while the move by the lawmakers seems commendable, there should be an investigation into the additional charges by the public schools across the country.

yarimo:
Only for pictures and videos, Alex otti is a disgrace to good governernce. he can't do any meaningful projects in reality

Otti abeg do fast fast make you come become governor of Oyo State. We need you badly, brown roofs 🟤🤎 want choke us to death, come help us develop Oyo State 😎

IGOTHELLO:
The Hamas terrorists need to be wiped off the Earth's surface. Terrorists can't coexist with normal people

The Jews are also terrorist

Video:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z581dbGqr08?si=3ETqRy0wrz-6I-F2



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkANYwAC-KA?si=qUOrsVXMmsHRVGrG


https://youtube.com/shorts/To1qgu6pBWU?si=Kw215UjW0CSrBzMq

Crisis looms In Nigerian Universities As Mass Exodus Of Lecturers Travel Abroad.

Public universities may be in for tough times as lecturers continue to leave the system in droves for greener pastures abroad, thereby putting the future of Nigeria’s tertiary education in jeopardy.

The looming crisis, if not checked, would not only lead to acute shortage of teaching staff, but also affect quality of teaching in the institutions.

Already, about 50 per cent of lecturers have resigned from the various universities, while others who are yet to leave are also warming up. Factors fuelling the exodus, according to investigation, include the desire for better working conditions, career fulfillment, insecurity, poor salaries, inadequate funding, non-payment of outstanding salaries of university teachers, which accumulated during the period of strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), as well as harsh economy, among others.

Recent data gathered showed that as much as 80 per cent of the remaining workers are preparing to leave if the current situation persists.
Although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved the implementation of 35 per cent and 23 per cent of salary increment for staff of all federal tertiary institutions, the increment does not appear to dissuade many from considering alternatives.

This is as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has described the government’s gesture as a far cry from what the university lecturers were negotiating for.

In a letter dated September 14, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo U. Nta, said the federal government had issued a circular on the implementation of the adjusted salary structure.

After the eight-month strike by ASUU and government’s refusal to pay them for the period they were on strike, many lecturers relocated abroad, either to seek lecturing jobs or other vocations in foreign countries.

Investigations by The Guardian showed that the institutions, particularly University of Ibadan (UI), University of Lagos (UNILAG), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), University of Benin (UNIBEN), Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State; University of Uyo, Federal University, Otuoke; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE); Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma; and Kaduna State University (KASU), among others, have lost several lecturers, while those remaining are planning to leave as well in search of greener pastures abroad.

A lecturer in UNILAG, who pleaded anonymity, said about 70 per cent of the institution’s best lecturers have resigned from their jobs, following the government’s failure to tackle the numerous challenges confronting the sub-sector.

“Currently, more than 70 per cent of bright and promising young academics retained by the university through mentorship have all left the country for greener pastures due to the poor conditions of service in Nigeria. Those remaining are on the verge of leaving. This is unfortunate and a shame,’’ he said.

Last month, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, said five lecturers resigned from the university, and warned that the situation may worsen if issues affecting university education are not addressed.

The situation is the same at UI, as up to 75 per cent of teaching staff have resigned and gone abroad. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, at the induction ceremony for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), cited the case of a particular department, where out of 13 lecturers, nine resigned and left the country.

According to him, these lecturers were not going abroad to come back, but to stay. Adebowale, admitted that the massive exodus of professionals in Nigeria has left a great vacuum in the sub sector, describing it as one of the headaches of the Nigerian university system.

He said in time past, the VC could employ lecturers citing his appointment as lecturer, which happened within 24 hours, but the situation has changed for the worse.

“To employ a single lecturer and put the lecturer on the payroll, you have to go through seven MDAs, moving from one place to another,” he stated.
An official of the university who spoke in similar vein, said to make up for those who have left, non-teaching staff who are done with their doctoral programmes are being converted to academic cadre.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The situation on campus is worrisome, lecturers are resigning everyday, all those sent abroad for their PhDs are not coming back. The morale is low; the job is no longer attractive to lecturers. The facilities are not there, salaries are being owed and living conditions of both teaching and non-teaching staff is very poor.”

At AAUA, it was learnt that about 45 per cent of lecturers, drawn from the various departments, had already left for overseas, while many others are planning to leave.

At the University of Ilorin, an official, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that about 40 per cent of lecturers and some non-teaching staff have left the country for greener pastures.

It was also learnt that about 50 per cent of lecturers at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), and the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, had similarly resigned and relocated abroad.

An official of ASUU at the University of Uyo, Dr Happiness Uduk, confirmed that many of her colleagues had left the system. Though she did not mention the number of lecturers and professors that have left the institution, she noted that “professors and other lecturers in UniUyo who had opportunities outside have left and more are leaving the country for greener pastures.”

According to her, more than 70 per cent of bright and promising young academics retained by the university through mentorship have all left the country for greener pastures due to the poor conditions of service in Nigeria.

‘’Those remaining are on the verge of leaving. No government in the history of Nigeria has been so insensitive, brash and disrespectful of the best brains in the country than the past administration. This is unfortunate and a shame,’’ the don lamented.

An official of Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, said considering the sorry state of Nigerian universities and non-payment of eight months outstanding salaries to lecturers, many had to look for alternatives.

“It is true that lecturers are leaving the country, at FUTA, I can say about 40 per cent, if not more, have left and many are still planning to leave. These are tough times, no salary, no tools for teaching, no funding for research and the atmosphere is not even conducive for teaching or learning. If you were in their shoes and you found a better opportunity, what would you do?”

Findings at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the Kaduna State University (KASU) are not different. A staff at KASU disclosed that resignation or mass exodus of lecturers seeking greener pastures outside the country or elsewhere has become a common phenomenon among the workforce.

“The issue is not really about those that have left, but those that want to leave,” the sources said, stressing that the majority of the workers are not happy with the situation.

“The issue of brain drain is a serious development, there are so many lecturers that have moved abroad because of the way our education sector is presently,” they said.

A lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, Dr Socrates Ebo, admitted that some of his colleagues had left the university for overseas, “where things work.”

“Being a lecturer in recent times is like signing a pact with poverty. The salary is nothing to write home about,” he lamented, adding that the deductions as well as lack of infrastructural facilities are also discouraging.

In the same vein, a lecturer in the Department of Science and Mathematics Education at Benue State University, Makurdi, Dr. Garshagu Atovigba, confirmed that about 35 percent of lecturers had relocated from the institution.

He said” “If you look at the trends of salary increment from 2009 till date, it showed civil servants have been paid up to 250 per cent of their salaries, while lecturers have been the same since 2009. The government has deliberately impoverished the Nigerian lecturers, hence, there is no option left for many of us than to pursue greener pastures in other climes.”

He recalled how a Professor of Language Education left the university five years ago, and the school has not been able to get another lecturer with PhD in English/Education to replace him.

Atovigba expressed regrets that as lecturers are leaving in droves; there would be a challenge to get replacements in a long time, thus leaving the institutions without lecturers.

The development has raised concerns among stakeholders, who have expressed worry over the fate of public universities. They lamented that the mass exodus of lecturers abroad would put the future of the nation’s universities in jeopardy.

A university don, Prof Olu Ademoye, noted that despite the mass resignation of experienced and young lecturers, universities could not employ new hands to replace them because of an embargo of government policy. He said losing any of the experienced hands to foreign universities would naturally spell an unquantifiable setback for the nation’s universities.

“No one should blame whoever decides to relocate to a more conducive and friendly environment, countries where they are better welcomed, with ample opportunities to realise their potential as university lecturers and researchers.


Director, Centre for Open, Distance and e-Learning, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Musa Aibinu, described intellectual flight as “one of the greatest challenges” of the Nigerian education sector and Africa in general. He said about 23, 000 lecturers emigrate from Africa to other climes on yearly basis.

“Some go for further studies and end up not coming back; some go for greener pastures; others run away from the unfavourable conditions we have here.

“Lecturing has three components-lecturing, research and community service; the funding of research here is very low though Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is trying, but we are still far below. Again, the decay in infrastructure does not favour basic and applied research- all these factors push our lecturers abroad.’’

On his part, Professor of Adult Education, John Odu, said to retain quality professionals, the working conditions of lecturers must be improved upon.

“The university system needs help, not only because of today but also because of tomorrow.
“May I plead with the Committees of Pro-Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, Nigerian Academy of Science, other academies in the country, and every other stakeholder in Nigeria to kindly rise to the occasion so as to minimise or stop this “academic bleeding” that we are experiencing.”

“We are in trouble in Nigeria, and the Federal Government is not helping us. The younger ones who are brilliant have relocated abroad. As soon as they complete the first degree, they relocate abroad, they do well there, and they are not coming back to this country,” Odu stated.

I Witnessed First Graduation, Tinubu Was Not Among Government College’s Graduates’ – Ex-Governorship.

A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic People (PDP) in Lagos State, Babatunde Gbadamosi has reacted to the claim that President Bola Tinubu attended Government College, Lagos.
There have been some questions on the attendance of the President in the school, with claims indicating that he joined the school in 1970.

However, the said school was established in 1974, contrary to the claims that President Tinubu graduated from the school in 1970.

Gbadamosi in his reaction to the trending issue on his X account said he witnessed the first set graduation in the school.

The former governorship candidate further stated that Tinubu was not among the first set who graduated from the school in 1979.

He further stated that he was a mate with the late Jide Tinubu in the school, but it is almost impossible for him to be four years junior to Tinubu’s father.

Gbadamosi wrote, “I attended GCL from 1978 to 1981. My aunt was the Vice-Principal for at least one of those years. I can confirm that I witnessed the graduation of the first set in 1979.

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu was definitely not among them.

“By pure coincidence, the late Jide Tinubu was my classmate at Lagos State School of Basic Studies, Agidingbi, Ikeja, opposite Cadbury.

“I could not possibly have been just 4 years the junior of his father in secondary school, could I?”

BUA Group has announced a reduction of ex-factory cement price to N3,500 per bag. The current ex-factory price is N4,650, while it is being sold…

The current ex-factory price is N4,650, while it is being sold at N5,000 in the market.

In a statement on Sunday, the company announced that the new price will take effect from Monday, October 2, 2023.

The statement, titled ‘Reduce in Prices of BUA Cement’, reads: “We refer to our previous pronouncements regarding our intent to reduce cement prices upon the completion of our new lines at the end of the year, in order to spur development in the building materials and infrastructure sectors.


“As per the commitment made to reduce prices and following a periodic review of our operations for efficiency, the management of BUA Cement Plc wishes to announce and inform our esteemed customers, stakeholders, and the public that effective October 2, 2023, we have decided to bring the price reduction forward. As a result, BUA Cement would now be sold at an ex-factory* price of 3,500 Naira per bag so that Nigerians can begin to enjoy the benefits of the price reduction before the completion of our plants.

“Upon completion of the ongoing construction of our new plants, which would increase our production volumes to 17million metric tonnes per annum, BUA Cement PLC intends to review these prices further in line with our earlier pronouncements by the first quarter of 2024.

“NOTE: all pending, undelivered orders which had been paid for at the old prices will be reviewed downwards to N3500/bag in line with the new pricing from October 2, 2023. Our licensed dealers are also enjoined to ensure that end-users benefit from this reduction in ex-factory prices as we will monitor field sales to ensure compliance.”

With the crash to N3,500, the market price is expected to be between N3,850 and N4,000, according to an Abuja-based Cement dealer.

The dealer said the reduction is significant enough to be felt by the consumers as long as the manufacturer keeps to its promise and the dealers respect the new pricing regime.

Last month when he visited President Bola Tinubu at Aso Rock, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul-Samad Rabiu, told State House Correspondents that his company was set to reduce the price of cement.

Rabiu added that to support the efforts of the government to crash the price of the product, the company would add two new plants at the end of the year or early next year.

According to him, the plants to be commissioned by Tinubu, would bring BUA Cement’s total capacity to 17 million metric tons.

He said: “Let me thank His Excellency Mr. President for graciously receiving me today. I came to intimate His Excellency on the affairs of our cement business. We have two new lines of 3 million tonnes each that we will be commissioned by the end of the year.

“So I came to intimate His Excellency and also to explain to him the efforts we’re making in trying to support again the efforts of the government in bringing down the price of cement.

“With this 6 million tonnes that are commissioning by the end of the year. And by the way, His Excellency has agreed to come and commission the plants, sometimes in December or early January next year.

“So I explained to him and we want to support the efforts of the government in bringing down the price of cement. By the time these lines are commissioned, BUA Cement will to be producing about 17 million tonnes per annum. And with that, we intend to bring down the price of cement from its current level of N5000 or N5500 per bag to maybe N3000 to N3500 per bag.

“And we can only do that because we’re producing cement locally. 80% of the raw materials that we’re using to produce cement are in Nigeria. We want to support the government efforts in ensuring that the price of thess commodities are brought down.”

Governor Alex Otti has formally flagged off the 3.5-kilometre six-lane Okpara Square-Ossah Express Tower Road with a promise to extend the project to the Onuimo axis in Imo State.

Speaking while performing the exercise on Wednesday, Governor Otti promised that the road project would be executed with a standard drainage system, street lights, and others.

The Governor noted that the decision to expand the road to six lanes was to unlock the economic potential of Umuahia, the state capital as well as open up the city to greater economic opportunities.

He said that the administration has commenced payment of compensation to owners of the 130 structures marked for demolition as all the money required to pay compensation has been provided According to him, those yet to receive theirs should exercise patience as the delay could be from their financial institutions.

The Governor who said the government feels the pains of the people, added that he decided to delay the flag off until now to allow for compensation to be released to owners of affected structures.

Governor Otti while assuring that a quality 6-lane road project would be delivered, expressed the hope that the construction company Craneburg being a reputable construction firm will deliver a quality road network with a standard drainage system and solar-powered street lights.

He announced that the same project would be done on the Imo River -Umuikaa-Obikabia-Umuene-Ukaegbu road to Aba down to Ikot Ekpene road as an alternative into Akwa Ibom State to decongest Aba the commercial nerve centre.

The Commissioner for Works Engr. Dom Otumchere Oti revealed that the six-lane road will come with drainage, a sidewalk, and a stone base and will stand the taste of time.

He further said that the road would unlock the economic potential of Umuahia and thanked the residents of the area for their cooperation.

After Abia state governor Alex Otti declared that a sea port project would begin in Abia state.

the Delta State Labour Party, LP candidate for governor in the March 18 governorship election replied.

The governor made this declaration on Thursday at the South East Security Summit in Owerri, Imo state.

The governor stated that the project will kick off in Owezza , Ukwa East Local government area in Abia state

After the governor made the statement, there were lots of reactions from social media users

Reacting to the announcement made by the governor, Ken Pela said that this is what people should expect from any labour party state government

He said it is simply having a sense of purpose and not a rocket science

He wrote on his page ” This is what to expect from any Labour state government. It is simply having a sense of purpose and not rocket science”.

Bubu4Sea:
We need to break the monopoly Dangote has on Cement

Dangote is not the biggest cement producer in Nigeria

Lafarge is bigger that Dangote Cement

See the Top best cement brands in Nigeria.

1. Lafarge Africa Plc Company-
(Elephant Cement)
(UniCem Cement)
(Elephant Supaset Cement)
(Powermax Cement)

2. Dangote Group of Companies-
(Dangote Cement)

3. Bua Cement Company-
(Bua Cement)

4. Nigerbaf Building Arids Company-
(Ashaka Cement)

5. Ramco Cement Company-
(Ramco Cement)

6. Ibeto Group-
(Ibeto Cement)

7. Nigerian Cement Company-
(Nigercem Cement)

8. Eagle Cement Company-
(Eagle Cement)

Cement price will increase to N9,000 – Manufacturers warn.

Cement price: Union kicks, gives 30-day ultimatum to fix price at N1, 800
The Cement Producers Association of Nigeria, has warned that the plan of the federal government to introduce concrete roads will increase the price of cement to N9, 000.

The association issued this warning in a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman, Prince David Iweta and National Secretary Chief Reagan Ufomba, on Sunday.

The price of cement per bag currently sells at the rate of N5, 000.

The association also called on the current administration to permanently address the perennial cement price hike problem by facilitating larger participation in the cement industry, noting that Nigerians have no business buying cement for more than N5, 600 per bag.

Ufomba commended the works Minister’s position on cement-made roads but warned of dire consequences, if the supply end is not addressed properly.

The cement producers urged the government to lay more emphasis on road design that allows both cement technology and asphalt pavement to run concurrently and provide ample time for a smooth transition that allows contractors to invest in commensurate and requisite equipment and retooling.

The statement reads, “Our findings from various parts of the country show that cement sells for as high as N6000 per bag in the rainy season. Our prediction is that it will sell for over N9,000 per bag in the dry season, especially with the pronouncement of the Honourable Minister of Works on cement technology and the marching order on housing by Mr President if the government does not take proactive steps.

“While we commend the Honourable Minister’s position on cement-made roads, we warn of the dire consequences if the supply end is not properly addressed. In fact, it would amount to dereliction of duty not to intervene.

“And the time is now. To do otherwise is to continue in a worsening pipe dream that prices would suddenly drop on this essential input that will continue to drain the purse of Nigerians, render them homeless, encourage chaos between demand and supply, and worsen the infrastructure deficit it sets out to cure, and lead to an unprecedented price hike.

“We also call on the Honourable Minister of Works to lay more emphasis on the design criteria of roads that allow both cement technology and Asphalt pavement to run concurrently, in turn, will provide ample time for a smooth transition that allows contractors to invest in commensurate and requisite equipment and retooling.

“We must also as a nation regulate static and dynamic load traffic by introducing weighbridges at access points on our highways. Working in sync with contractors, and allied Ministries of Trade and Investment, Transport, Environment and Finance on realistic policy on cement is most desirable at this critical time.”

The association further requested the government to conclude the backward integration policy of the late Yar’adua administration that was already bringing availability and affordability of cement in the country.

It added, “There has been so much comment on cement and cement pricing of late. What our nation needs is cement that is available and affordable. And this cannot be achieved by mere wishes, faulty policies and programmes, without breaking the chain of monopoly and favouritisms. Nigerians are tired of waiting for a downturn in the price of cement and for decent and affordable housing.

“We call on the Tinubu government to permanently solve this perennial cement price hike problem by expanding participation in the sector with companies who have verifiable evidence of local investment, including greenfield licenses and quarrying. As a matter of fact, we call on the government to more specifically conclude the backward integration policy of the late Yar’adua administration which was already bearing availability and affordability fruits.

“As patriots, it is our view that the government reintroduces backward integration policy and the conclusion of old ones. Consequently, the government cannot be seen to approbate and reprobate by deregulating issues of petroleum products and foreign exchange on one hand and regulating on pricing of cement, essential goods and services on another. There is a need for policy harmonisation and convergence between fiscal and monetary policies.

“Finally, we call on the government to urgently intervene in the foreign exchange market, intervene in restructuring bad loans of manufacturers, and review palliative modules. The cry for elusive FDI will be drastically reduced if all manufacturing concerns are revived. The government must be decisive in the kind of economic policies it intends to foist on the people,” the statement added.

A Burkina Faso doctor has been sent to frontline for criticizing the military over insecurity.


In Burkina Faso, a Doctor Criticized the President Captain Ibrahim Traoré that he was incapable of tackling terrorism in the country.

The doctor was invited and sent to the frontline to see the reality of terrorism closely.

Do you think Nigerian Military should do the same ?

Can somebody tell Bola Tinubu to resign and save himself and Nigerians from International disgrace and embarrassment.