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Politics › Southwest Commission Secures Rail Licence To Drive Regional Connectivity by Petrosonly(op): 8:24am On May 16

South West Development Commission (SWDC) has secured a provisional rail operating and track access licence from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), paving the way for SWDC-led passenger and freight rail services across existing rail corridors in Southwest and marking a major step toward strengthening regional connectivity and driving economic transformation across the region.

This licence is not for building new rail lines, but to operate passenger and freight services on existing rail corridors already connecting communities, businesses, industrial hubs and economic centres across Southwest.

The licence authorises the commission to operate on both narrow and standard gauge rail networks and support the launch of the South-West Rail, Agro-Industrial & Logistics (SW-RAIL) Platform, a regional initiative aimed at improving logistic competitiveness, unlocking agro-industrial growth, strengthening mobility and accelerating economic development across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states.

Addressing reporters in Ibadan yesterday, the Managing Director/CEO of SWDC, Dr. Charles ‘Diji’ Akinola, described the development as a major transition from planning to implementation.

“This licence is not just a document. It is the green light to rebuild the Southwest’s economic spine on rail,” he said.

“We are moving from plans to tracks, from talk to trains. Our partnership with the NRC will put freight on rails, people on trains, and opportunity back into the hands of businesses and communities across the South West,” Akinola added.

The SWDC boss says the SW-RAIL Platform is being developed as a rail-anchored economic corridor integrating freight systems, agro-logistics, industrial parks, inland logistics hubs, cold-chain infrastructure, port connectivity, passenger mobility systems, and transit-oriented developments.

According to him, Southwest remains Nigeria’s largest economic bloc, but continues to face major logistic bottlenecks, rising freight costs, congestion and supply chain inefficiencies.

He said: “The Southwest has enormous economic potential, but transportation inefficiencies continue to increase the cost of doing business. Rail provides an opportunity to address these challenges in a more integrated, scalable, and sustainable way.”

The initiative is expected to reduce logistics costs, improve freight efficiency, strengthen agricultural market access, boost export competitiveness, expand industrial activity, improve passenger mobility, and create jobs across multiple sectors.

By operating directly on NRC corridors, the SWDC aims to provide manufacturers, farmers, exporters, FMCG companies and logistics operators with a more reliable alternative to road haulage, easing pressure on major highways and reducing delays in the movement of goods and people.

The improved rail integration will strengthen connectivity between Apapa and Tin Can ports and key industrial, agricultural, and commercial hubs across the Southwest. Agricultural produce and manufactured goods will move more efficiently between production centres, markets, warehouses, and export terminals, while corridor-based economic zones are expected to stimulate investment, warehousing, agro-processing, and SME growth.

Akinola said the implementation model would be partnership-driven, pointing out that it would be open to collaboration with state governments, private investors, logistics operators, and international infrastructure partners.

The rail initiative is another SWDC’s flagship regional transformation programme following the launch of TransComs, a cluster-based development model focused on transforming rural communities into integrated economic hubs through agriculture, housing, enterprise development, logistics, and youth employment.

Together, both initiatives form part of the commission’s broader vision of building a more connected, productive, and economically integrated Southwest region under a “One Bloc Economy” framework.

https://thenationonlineng.net/southwest-commission-secures-rail-licence-to-drive-regional-connectivity/

Business › A Nigerian Listed Company Says It Cannot Reach The Investor That Owns 40% Of It by Petrosonly(op): 7:48am On Mar 07

A Nigerian listed company says it cannot reach the investor that owns 40% of it and is asking the shareholder to call back

A Nigerian salt producer listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) has issued an unusual public appeal asking its largest shareholder to contact the company after repeated attempts to reach the investor failed.

Union Dicon Salt Plc, a Nigerian listed company, has publicly appealed to its largest shareholder, Brazil’s Aims Limited, to make contact after repeated attempts failed.
Aims Limited owns 64 million shares, or about 40% of the company, giving it major influence over corporate decisions.
The appeal comes as Union Dicon works to revive operations after years of dormancy, including restarting salt and pepper production.
Despite governance uncertainties, the company’s stock has surged 141% year-to-date, highlighting investor interest amid operational revival.

Union Dicon Salt Plc said it has been unable to establish communication with Aims Limited, a Brazilian company that holds 64 million shares in the firm, about 40 per cent of its total issued share capital.

In a public notice addressed to the exchange, shareholders and the investing public, the company said it had made several attempts to reach the investor without success and was now using a formal announcement to request contact.

“That Union Dicon has been unable to communicate or reach Aims Limited for a period of time despite several efforts made to reach out to Aims Limited,” the company said.

It asked the shareholder to contact the company “immediately via its physical address at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Kirikiri Phase 2, Apapa, Lagos.”

The notice was signed by the company secretary, Alfred E. James, and filed with the exchange in line with disclosure requirements for listed companies.

A powerful shareholder
Aims Limited’s stake represents one of the largest shareholdings in the company and gives the investor considerable influence over corporate decisions.

In most listed companies, a shareholder controlling around 40 per cent of shares can significantly affect board appointments, strategic decisions and the outcome of shareholder votes at annual general meetings.

The inability to communicate with such an investor could complicate governance processes or major resolutions that require shareholder approval.

Reviving a dormant business
Union Dicon said the communication gap comes at a critical time as it attempts to revive operations after years of inactivity.

The company said its production and other business activities were previously dormant for an extended period, a situation that led the Nigerian Exchange to place the firm on its delisting watchlist, a category for companies facing possible removal from the market.

“The company has experienced a prolonged period of inactivity, during which production and other business operations were largely dormant,” the firm said.

The exchange later suspended the delisting process and granted the company two years to address the issues that triggered the notice and restore full compliance with listing rules.

According to the company, new management has since taken steps to restart operations. These include commissioning its salt and pepper production facilities after obtaining approvals from Nigeria’s food and drug regulator, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Packaging operations for Dicon Salt and Dicon Hot Pepper have also resumed, the company said.

Stock surges despite uncertainty

Despite the governance uncertainty, Union Dicon’s shares have surged this year.

The company’s stock closed at N16.60 on March 3, up from N6.90 at the start of the year, representing a gain of about 141 per cent year-to-date.

Over the past four weeks alone, the shares have climbed roughly 68 per cent, placing the company among the best performers on the exchange.

Union Dicon was established in 1984 as a joint venture between Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation and Brazil’s Aims Limited, which served as the technical partner in the salt processing venture.

Operations were temporarily shut down in 1988 before the company later merged with Union Salt Limited in 1991 to form Union Dicon Salt Plc.

The company said it remains committed to restoring normal operations and maintaining transparency as it works to reposition the business and comply with exchange rules.

Ayodeji Adegboyega

https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/union-dicon-salt-urges-brazils-aims-limited-to-contact-company-amid-revival-effort/ptrkdcl

Politics › FG Pushes $10bn Naira-Yuan Deal To Ease Dollar Pressure, Rebalance China Trade by Petrosonly(op): 1:50pm On Mar 04

FG pushes $10bn Naira-Yuan swap deal to ease dollar pressure, rebalance China trade

The federal government is in advanced talks with China to expand its existing Yuan–Naira currency swap to as much as $10 billion, a move aimed at easing pressure on the U.S. dollar, stabilising the naira and narrowing a $23 billion trade imbalance that heavily favours Beijing.

Joseph Tegbe, Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership, told BusinessDay in Abuja that the government is seeking to renew and scale up the current $2.5 billion swap arrangement to allow businesses transact directly in yuan, reducing reliance on the dollar for bilateral trade.

According to him, the existing swap line, though initially underutilised, is being renewed and expanded, with proposals to increase it to $10 billion.

Joseph Tegbe explained that such a mechanism would allow Nigerian businesses to transact directly in Yuan, avoiding the current need to convert Naira to dollars and then to Yuan, which places additional strain on dollar demand.

“We are in discussions with China to establish a truly workable Yuan–Naira swap arrangement. We already have about a $2.5 billion swap line, and although progress slowed toward the end of last year, we are now looking to renew and expand it.

“What this means for the economy is simple: a Nigerian business should be able to pay in naira into his local bank account here and receive yuan in China directly to do his/her business. Currently, traders convert naira to dollars, and then dollars to yuan, which increases demand for the U.S. dollar. But someone trading with China does not need dollars — they need yuan. If transactions move directly between naira and yuan, it will significantly reduce pressure on the dollar–naira exchange rate,” he said.

He noted that for the swap to be effective, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves must be at a comfortable level, a goal being addressed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of broader efforts to stabilise the currency and facilitate smoother bilateral trade.

“Our foreign exchange reserves must also be at a comfortable level for the swap to function effectively. Without sufficient reserves, the arrangement cannot deliver its full benefits. That is why we are strengthening our FX position and renewing the agreement.

Businesses have told us the current threshold is insufficient, so we are working to increase it to the equivalent of $10 billion,” Tegbe said.”

The Yuan–Naira swap was first introduced in 2018 under the then-CBN governor Godwin Emefiele and governor Yi Gang of the People’s Bank of China.

The three-year $2.5 billion agreement, equivalent to N720 billion or 16 billion Yuan, allows the two countries to exchange principal and interest in local currencies, reducing reliance on the dollar and facilitating bilateral trade.

Trade between the two countries remains heavily skewed in China’s favour, with Nigeria’s trade volume currently standing at about $23 billion, making China Nigeria’s largest trading partner. Of that figure, only about $2 billion represents Nigerian exports to China, while more than $20 billion accounts for imports from China, underscoring a significant trade imbalance.

These imports are largely electronics, machinery, textiles, and industrial equipment critical for Nigeria’s manufacturing and technology sectors.

Tegbe also told BusinessDay that Nigeria is also fast-tracking export protocols to take full advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, set to take effect in May 2026.

“Products like hides, skins, cashew, and aquatic products such as crabs and shrimps, which are often exported informally, will now enter China legally under zero duty,” he said.

Beyond trade, Nigeria is pursuing equity-based partnerships with Chinese firms. Notable initiatives, the DG highlighted include China Harbour Engineering Company’s $1 billion investment in the Lekki Deep Sea Port and large-scale developmental projects in agriculture, steel, and poultry.

https://businessday.ng/news/article/fg-pushes-10bn-naira-yuan-swap-deal-to-ease-dollar-pressure-rebalance-china-trade/

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Politics › Muslims Will Not Recognise Any Election Conducted By Amupitan – Sharia Council by Petrosonly(op): 8:45pm On Jan 28

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has renewed its call for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that his continued stay in office poses a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The Council said muslims across the country would not recognise or legitimise any election conducted under the leadership of an INEC chairman whose integrity is under such a cloud.

President of the Council, Sheikh Bashir Umar, made the call on Wednesday during the Council’s 2026 Annual Pre-Ramadan Lecture and General Assembly in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme “Nigeria’s Future: Faith, Justice, and Leadership,” Umar said the Council’s demand was anchored on what he said is the INEC chairman’s questionable antecedents, particularly a legal brief he authored which alleged the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed the claim.

“This is not the first time the Council is taking this position. In the legal brief he personally sent, he sought to establish the existence of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, a position that is in direct conflict with the official stance of the Federal Government, which has categorically stated that no such genocide exists", the cleric said.

Umar said the position taken by the INEC chairman at that time amounted to divisive propaganda and raised serious concerns about his neutrality as the head of Nigeria’s electoral umpire.

“For an umpire in a democratic process, you must have someone whose integrity is not compromised and who is clearly unbiased. As far as we are concerned, his integrity has been compromised. The honourable thing for him to do is to resign. If he does not, the government should dismiss or retire him.

He clarified that while the Council itself is an advocacy body and not directly involved in litigation, it is aware that other groups have approached courts of competent jurisdiction to challenge the chairman’s appointment and continued stay in office.

"The Council must remain resolute in this demand and has clearly stated that the Ummah will not recognise or legitimise any election presided over by a character with questionable integrity, as democratic credibility must never be compromised", he added.

The council used the forum to express concerns over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poor budget implementation, alleged imbalance in federal appointments, and attempts to undermine Muslims’ constitutional right to practise Shari’ah in Muslim-majority states.

It also rejected narratives of a Christian genocide in Nigeria, adding that such claims fuel division and threaten national cohesion.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological funds and member representing Kaura-Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Aminu Sani Jaji, said the timing of the Pre-Ramadan lecture was critical given the country’s security and socio-political challenges.

Jaji said Ramadan remained a period of deep spiritual reflection for Muslims, adding that guidance from religious scholars was essential at a time when Nigeria was facing insecurity and heightened religious and political tensions.

He warned that unverified claims and divisive narratives, including allegations of religious persecution, could worsen national cohesion if not responsibly addressed.

Referring to Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a country of particular concern, Jaji described claims of a “Christian genocide” as misleading, stressing that Nigeria remained a secular state.

On his part, the Madakin Zazzau, Mal. Muhammadu Munir Ja’afaru, said since its establishment of the council, it has served as a credible, principled, and courageous voice of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

“It has consistently demonstrated concern not only for religious matters but also for the broader wellbeing, unity, and development of our nation.

"The Council has distinguished itself through strategic engagements, providing guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, defending constitutional rights, promoting peaceful coexistence, advocating justice, and constructively engaging government and society on critical national issues", he said.

https://guardian.ng/news/muslims-will-not-recognise-any-election-conducted-by-amupitan-sharia-council/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web

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Sports › Hakeem Olajuwon's Sons Abdullah & Abdulrahman Represent Jordan In FIBA Asia Cup by Petrosonly(op): 12:31pm On Aug 09, 2025

Sports
Hakeem Olajuwon's sons Abdullah and Abdulrahman represent Jordan in FIBA Asia Cup
Published August 8, 2025 8:20pm

The sons of Hakeem Olajuwon, FIBA Hall of Famer and former NBA Most Valuable Player, are continuing their father's legacy in the ongoing 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

Abdullah and Abdulrahman Olajuwon are donning the colors of Jordan, the country where they were born, as they make their debut in the Asian tournament.

Abdullah, 21, has already posted averages of 10 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 assists in Jordan's past two games. Abdulrahman, meanwhile, 19 years old, has been playing limited minutes for the squad.

Hakeem flew to Saudi Arabia to watch his sons play.

In an update on the FIBA website, he said he is proud of his sons' stint with Jordan.

"I'm just so happy for them because they have the opportunity to play for the national team. It's a great game, totally. They will gain a lot of experience," said the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inductee.

Abdullah also played for the University of Detroit Mercy in the United States.

"I've been wanting to do this since, like, ’23," he said in a FIBA website report. "So, yeah, it's been a couple of years. I've been waiting."

Jordan is among the four teams in Group C, along with China, India, and Saudi Arabia.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/955291/hakeem-olajuwon-s-sons-abdullah-and-abdulrahman-represent-jordan-in-fiba-asia-cup/story/

Sports › Re: Super Falcons Beat Morocco 3–2 To Lift WAFCON Trophy by Petrosonly: 11:28pm On Jul 26, 2025

Congratulations to the girls!!!
Mission X achieved.
That's some good news.

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Politics › NNPCL Reduces Fuel Pump Price by Petrosonly(op): 7:32pm On May 31, 2025

NNPCL reduces fuel pump price

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit, PMS.

DAILY POST correspondent who went round NNPCL filling stations at Kubwa Expressway, Central Business District, and Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, on Saturday gathered that the state-owned oil firm has slashed its petrol price to N895 per litre from N910. This showed that NNPCL reduced its fuel pump by N15.

Reacting to the petrol price cut, a motorist, Muhammad Ibrahim, said the development is expected as it would avail Nigerians more competitive prices.

“It is long expected because other filling stations have reduced their petrol prices,” he told DAILY POST.

The latest NNPCL retail price drop comes days after Dangote Refinery and its partners slashed their fuel price to N875 and N895 in Lagos and Abuja.

DAILY POST reports that other filling stations had reduced their petrol pump prices to between N900 and N910 per litre.

Earlier, the spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said marketers are now competing favourably with NNPCL following the liberalisation of the country’s downstream oil and gas sector.

He further noted that NNPCL is encouraging monopoly over controversies surrounding the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries.

https://dailypost.ng/2025/05/31/nnpcl-reduces-fuel-pump-price/

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Politics › APM Terminals Apapa Hits Highest Export Volumes In One Month by Petrosonly(op): 9:37am On May 12, 2025

May 11, 2025

APM Terminals Apapa hits highest export volumes in one month

By Godwin Oritse

APM Terminals Apapa has recorded its highest volume of Nigerian exports in one month since inception in 2006. This was made known in a press statement made available to the media on Sunday.

The terminal had in April 2025, handled 8, 687 TEUs of export cargo, an over 30% rise as against 6,606 TEUs recorded in April 2024.

Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, stated that the positive trend of shows consistent growth in Nigeria’s export volumes over recent years.
He emphasized that this development significantly benefits Nigeria’s trade balance, noting, “It’s advantageous for Nigerian shippers when ships depart our ports fully loaded with exports. Preventing ships from leaving empty positively influences the overall cost of shipments into Nigeria.”

Attributing this upward trajectory to strategic enhancements implemented at the terminal, he said, “Our aim aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of transforming Nigeria into an export-driven economy. To support this, we launched a new rail service in February to expedite the movement of goods from the hinterland to Apapa port. Additionally, we’ve expanded our yard capacity for exports and introduced dedicated truck lanes to streamline the process, reducing the time exports spend in the terminal and ensuring timely ship departures.”

Expressing gratitude for collaborative efforts, Knudsen praised the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Railway Corporation, and other key agencies. “Their unwavering support enables us to focus on delivering top-tier services to our customers,” he stated.

In the last four years, APM Terminals Apapa has recorded a steady rise in export volumes. In 2022, the terminal handled 53, 807 TEUs of exports. This number rose to 70, 432 TEUs in 2023 and 77, 631 TEUs in 2024.

A leading global container terminal operator and a subsidiary of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, APM Terminals Apapa is Nigeria’s largest container terminal. Since taking over the concession of the Apapa terminal, APM Terminals Apapa has invested in significant upgrades and expansions to increase efficiency, capacity, and productivity, making it a key player in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

© 2025 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/apm-terminals-apapa-hits-highest-export-volumes-in-one-month/

Politics › NMCN Directs Institutions To Accept Arabic, Islamic Certificates As Alt by Petrosonly(op): 4:34pm On Apr 17, 2025

NMCN directs institutions to Accept Arabic, Islamic certificates as alternatives to WAEC, NECO for nursing programmes

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, NMCN, has reportedly issued a fresh directive reinforcing the acceptance of the Senior Arabic and Islamic Secondary School Certificate Examination, SAISSCE, as a valid entry qualification into nursing programmes.

According to Sahara Reporters, the circular, sent to various stakeholders including commissioners of health, vice chancellors, provosts, directors of nursing services, and university teaching hospitals, underlines the Council’s commitment to inclusivity in nursing education.

The paper reported that it obtained the memo on Wednesday, signed by Ndagi Alhassan, the acting Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The Council emphasized that SAISSCE stands alongside other officially recognized certificates, such as the WAEC and NECO SSCE, for admission purposes.

“Please ensure that candidates presenting the SAISSCE are given due consideration for admission based on the specific requirements of the programme.

This is consistent with the Federal Government’s approvals and the National Council on Education, NCE’s approval of the SAISSCE in February 2011 at its 57th meeting in Sokoto, Nigeria.”

“Ensure compliance with this directive and bring the content of this circular to the attention of all concerned.”

“Thank you for your cooperation with the Council in promoting and maintaining excellence in nursing education and practice in Nigeria in line with global best practice,” part of the memo read

https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/16/nmcn-directs-institutions-to-accept-arabic-islamic-certificates-as-alternatives-to-waec-neco-for-nursing-programmes/

Politics › WACT-APM Terminals Launches Weekly Direct Shipping Service To Onne Port. by Petrosonly(op): 7:39pm On Feb 17, 2025

The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has announced the launch of the Europe Afrique 4 (EURAF4) service, providing weekly direct shipping to Onne Port in Rivers State to enhance international trade.

The service was inaugurated with the arrival of the containership MV LETO at Onne Port. EURAF4 aims to improve connectivity, reduce transit times, and offer comprehensive cargo-handling solutions for trade between Nigeria, Europe, and Asia.

According to its providers, the introduction of EURAF4 is in response to the growing demand for efficient and reliable shipping solutions. The service is expected to benefit Nigerian importers and exporters through streamlined logistics, cost savings, and improved supply chain efficiency.

Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, described the launch as a testament to the confidence in WACT-APM Terminals and the strength of the Nigerian economy. He also commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other stakeholders for their support in making the service operational.

“This launch is a strong vote of confidence from CMA CGM in the world-class capabilities WACT-APM Terminals has developed over the years. We have invested over $115 million in upgrading the terminal with Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes, an expanded yard, and cutting-edge IT infrastructure,” Klinke stated.

“We are fully committed to servicing your business at the highest level. More importantly, we can support your growth in the East Nigerian market. This milestone not only strengthens international business confidence but also encourages shipping lines to inject additional capacity into the region. With these enhanced capabilities, we anticipate increased trade volumes, which will, in turn, drive further economic growth in Eastern Nigeria,” Klinke added.

Head of Operations of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Fanick Atchai, reinforced this commitment, stating, “Our promise is simple: we commit to excellent service delivery for all our customers. With the best people, processes, and equipment in place, we ensure reduced port stay, safe operations, and top-notch cargo handling.”

Managing director of CMA CGM Nigeria, Hinelder Ferreira, also gave kudos to all stakeholders at the port for the successful berthing of MV LETO.

According to him: “Today, with the arrival of MV LETO, we mark the first call for the EURAF4 service, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the Eastern port. As a group, we pledge to enhance service quality, reduce transit times, and ensure competitive rates. This service will significantly improve connectivity between Europe, Asia, and Onne, strengthening both import and export trade routes,” Ferreira said.

The port manager of Onne Port, Raymond Abdulraham, described the new service as a significant milestone for the port.

“The more vessels we have, the more revenue we generate for the country. The arrival of MV LETO is a proud moment for Onne Port, and we are delighted to receive her,” he said.

Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, who was represented at the launch by Assistant Comptroller Martin Okpokpo, also commended WACT-APM Terminals and CMA CGM for their role in expanding shipping services and facilitating trade at the port.

The launch event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigeria Immigration Service, importers, exporters, and the freight forwarding community.

TAGS:
WACT-APM TERMINALS

https://thenationonlineng.net/wact-apm-terminals-launches-weekly-direct-shipping-service-to-onne-port/

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Foreign Affairs › Ivory Coast Says French Troops To Leave West African Nation by Petrosonly(op): 12:15pm On Jan 01, 2025

Ivory Coast has announced that French troops will withdraw from the West African nation, further reducing the military influence of the former colonial power in the region.

In an end-of-year address, Ivory Coast's President, Alassane Ouattara, said the move was a reflection of the modernisation of the country's armed forces.

Separately, Senegal, which last month announced France would have to close its military bases on its territory, confirmed the withdrawal would be completed by the end of 2025.

Ivory Coast is home to the biggest remaining contingent of French troops in West Africa.

There are some 600 French military personnel in the country with 350 in Senegal.

"We have decided in a concerted manner to withdraw French forces from the Ivory Coast," President Ouattara said.

He added that the military infantry battalion of Port Bouét that is run by the French army would be handed over to Ivorian troops.

France, whose colonial rule in West Africa ended in the 1960s, has already pulled its soldiers out of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following military coups in those countries and growing anti-French sentiment.

The government of Chad - a key Western ally in the fight against Islamic militants in the region - abruptly ended its defence co-operation pact with France in November.

Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye said: "I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for co-operation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025."

Faye was elected in March on a promise to deliver sovereignty and end dependence on foreign countries.

France will retain a small presence in Gabon.

Military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia since kicking out French troops from their countries.

Russia then deployed mercenaries across the Sahel to help them fight off jihadist insurgents.

There are indications that France has now got fewer than 2,000 troops in Djibouti and Gabon.

Political watchers believe that France has been making efforts to revive its waning political and military influence in Africa.

The former political power now appears to be devising a new military strategy of downscaling military ties - a measure that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence on the continent.

For more than three decades after its independence from France, Ivory Coast (also known by its French name, Côte d'Ivoire) was known for its religious and ethnic harmony, as well as its well-developed economy.

The Western African country was hailed as a model of stability. But an armed rebellion in 2002 split the nation in two. Peace deals alternated with renewed violence as the country slowly edged its way towards a political resolution of the conflict.

Despite the instability, Ivory Coast is the world's largest exporter of cocoa beans, and its citizens enjoy a relatively high level of income compared with other countries in the region

https://bbc.com/news/articles/c5y7zz99jlxo

Politics › Inside Multi-billion Naira Zamfara Gold Mining Factory by Petrosonly(op): 7:34pm On Sep 02, 2023

2nd September 2023

By
Maiharaji Altine
Kindly share this story:

Nuraddeen Auwalu, in his mid-40s, is not your typical middle-aged taxi driver from one of the communities in Anka, Zamfara State. Never mind that he’s gradually perfecting the act of converting his old Honda Accord 2005 model for commercial purposes within the town so that he can get some extra fast cash to cater to the needs of his family.

The hustler that he is just won’t let him slow down, especially in his bid to swim against the tide of the economic crunch hitting hard across the country; a situation which had him also register as a casual contract worker in a mining company on the outskirts of the town.

His trip from the town under the guise of being a taxi driver to the mining company usually takes him at least an hour and he does this every day except when the company is on holiday.

Aside from his disguise as a taxi driver, Auwalu also has excellent skills in riding motorcycles. But not many people know that he has a motorcycle or that he rides this motorcycle to the mining site through some unconventional paths that lead to the company.

This he does for two reasons. While his parked car in the house gives him an alibi before neighbours and other residents that he is in the house or nearby, the bike readily becomes useful to navigate these unconventional routes because of the activities of bandits, who monitor both human and vehicular movements along the major roads in the area.

This crafty lifestyle is not peculiar to Auwalu. Such is the situation in Zamafara State where many road users, including motorists, are apprehensive and have totally abandoned the roads because of bandits operating indiscriminately across the state.

From Mayanchi Junction, which is about 40 kilometres to the mining company, every road user has to be on the alert because of the prowling bandits in the area.

Neighbouring Katsina State is not exempted from this kind of ordeal. In January 2022, two persons were killed and five others wounded when bandits attacked a gold mining and processing site.

The site, located in Bakin Korama community, Magama Jibia border town in Jibia Local Government Area of the state, was also where 11 miners were abducted by hoodlums during an attack that prompted the Katsina State Government to direct those interested in mining the mineral resources in the state to formally apply for proper profiling.

The dangerous trip
Saturday PUNCH visited one of the biggest mining sites in Anka, Zamfara State, to have firsthand observation of their operation.

The visit was facilitated by a former Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Usman Nagoggo, who led a few other journalists on the trip.

Before the dreadful journey began, many of the already accredited members on the trip contemplated going considering the insecurity in the state, especially in the very notorious Anka LGA, where thousands of people have either been killed or kidnapped. In fact, at the very last minute to take off, three of the crew members threw in the towel and withdrew.

Aware of the reservations of the remaining crew members who wanted to take a cue from those who wouldn’t continue the journey, Nagoggo, for the umpteenth time, counselled against panic and assured that arrangement was in place for the safety of the group.

To strengthen the faith of the team shortly before the journey took off from the Government House, Gusau, around 7am following an earlier advisory by the then police spokesperson, SP Mohammed Shehu, urging all to converge on the venue, the former CP and his entourage arrived in 16 Hilux vehicles bearing heavily armed police mobile officers.

Once the trip took off, the eerie silence that permeated the air-conditioned vehicles did not help matters as the occupants, in spite of the cooling system, exuded sweat with their hearts in their mouths like men being led to the slabs for slaughter.

The palpable fear and intensity of heartbeats increased once the team approached the Mayanchi Junction, which is only about 40 kilometres to one of the gold mining sites. Nagoggo disembarked from his vehicle and had a brief discussion with the police team, excluding the journalists from the talk.

After the conversation, the journey moved deeper into Anka town, where the mining site was. But another drama ensued when the police boss directed the convoy to make a U-turn and follow a bush path. This latest move erupted a volcano of questions, as Nagoggo maintained his “no cause for alarm” stance.

The gold mining factory
After a few more minutes’ drive, we were faced by a mighty building in the forest with heavily armed security personnel guarding it.

The guards appeared as though they were expecting our arrival. A detachment of security personnel who were mainly from the Nigeria Police Force opened the heavily fortified main entrance gate.

Pronto, the convoy drove in, as the well-armed police operatives in our team kept stern watch over the perimeter fence and other adjoining areas.

A quick scrutiny of the vast land and mining site revealed the high-level mining activities going on within the property.

From the outside, it’s hard to tell that such enormous work was going on inside.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the buildings within the inner environment are usually very conducive because of the high-tech facilities and equipment deployed in mining activities, which cost thousands of dollars.

Other facilities in the fenced building consist of a well-equipped clinic, pipe-borne water, a standard restaurant and good bedroom accommodation. The imposing pillars of the building make it nearly impossible for intruders to access it except from the main gate.

Once we alighted from our vehicles, we were expecting to see natives and indigenes around. Our team was in awe when we were introduced to a man whom we suspected to be from the Eastern part of the country, James Udoji.

When he came out of his office, he told us to follow him to inspect the site, as he conducted us around the large expanse of space where the company sat, ensuring that at every opportunity, he assured us of our safety as he also rightly observed that some of us were not at ease.

The tour came to a climax when he took us to where gold was being processed and packaged for onward transportation to other locations. This reporter beheld in amazement the breathtaking and alluring sight of the Zamfara gold bars.

The site worker, Auwalu, said in contrast to the apprehensive mood that pervaded outside, once inside the mining company, he joined his colleagues to work at ease because of tight security.

“Everybody does his portion of the job, which includes processing and packaging metals and minerals, especially the highly-priced gold,” he added.

He said, “The workers feel comfortable and secure doing the job because of the security provided by the owner of the company, even as the whole mining process remains a shrouded trade secret to the workers and the company managers.

“What is only known is that the job includes separating raw gold from other items through thorough washing and flushing. The gold and other earth items excavated would initially be taken to streams where the raw gold is separated from the other items. It is after the separation that the gold is packaged and prepared for delivery to buyers.”

Security experts say Zamfara is being hit by banditry because of the abundant gold deposits in the state, which is believed to be more than 40 per cent of the gold deposits in Nigeria.

Like the proverbial sugar that attracts ants, terrorist activities are more prevalent at mining locations and routes like Anka, Maru, Bungudu, Gusau, Tsafe, Maradun, Shinkafi and Bukkuyum council areas due to the large quantity of gold in the communities.

But this rare gift of nature, which should be a source of blessing, has turned into a curse for the inhabitants of these areas, who have lost thousands of their loved ones and many have been maimed, raped, tortured and made to suffer the worst of human degradation.

To worsen the plight of the indigenes, natives and residents of these areas, thousands of them have abandoned their communities due to persistent attacks by bandits.

‘I am Wazobia’
Despite these security challenges, there are thousands of both legal and illegal gold miners going about their work without any hindrance or attacks. One of them is Udoji.

In an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH during the visit to his company, Udoji disclosed that he was operating on 35 hectares of land.

Asked how he survives the onslaught of bandits and terrorists, he narrated his various experiences to our correspondent even as he maintained that the Zamfara gold mining fields belong to all Nigerians.

“I am Chief Sir James Udoji, an indigene of Anambra State. I have been in Zamfara State for almost four years now. When I came here, I observed there were several mineral resources.

“We realised the need for investors to come here and invest and with the support of the community, the state, and the local government, the sky will be their limit because I came to Zamfara State with good intentions, and I have come to stay,” he said.

Saturday PUNCH wondered if he was really benefiting from the mining activities due to security challenges.

He said, “Actually, the security here is not friendly, but I know that with time, all will be well. I thank God we have not witnessed any sad incident in this company. I have been investing so much here. The community will benefit, the state will benefit, and the entire nation will benefit. I am here really for business, and I believe that with the support of the government, I will achieve what I am here for.”

On the insinuation that the mining company belonged to a former governor, a serving senator or a wealthy Zamfara indigene, Udoji replied with a deep-throated laughter.

“But can’t you notice that I cannot even speak in Hausa? How would you explain this? I am from Anambra State, but I am Wazobia. I have investments in the west, Ogun State, which is where this company has its headquarters. Now, I am in the North in Zamfara State, investing in a huge project of mining. I am from the East, where I also have some investments. So, anywhere we are is home. Inasmuch as I cannot speak Hausa, one day I will learn it,” he added.

He explained that his company had made a lot of investments in the community, including construction of roads.

“When we came in, this mining site could not be accessed by road. We constructed the road for almost 12 months. The company is now accessible and with this development, the community is happy. The people are praying for our success,” he added.

The businessman denied that the state government gave him the operating licence for mining, saying he got it from the Federal Government.

“I pay royalty to the Federal Government yearly. The current ban on mining by the Zamfara State Government is biting hard. In fact, I am currently losing a lot due to the ban because there haven’t been any serious activities on the about 35 hectares of mining fields we occupy.

“We plead that the government should have a rethink of this ban because the government and the people of Zamfara State stand to benefit a lot from our activities,” he added.

Udoji said more than 300 workers were in his employ, adding that he planned to recruit 2,000 more when “construction is finished.”

He said, “I know what is happening as far as mining is concerned, and as I said earlier, anybody has the right to apply for a licence from the Federal Government and start a business here.

“Now that I’m here and doing my business unhindered, I can go back to my people in the South, especially the Southern Governors, and explain to them the true situation of mining activities in Zamfara State.”

https://punchng.com/inside-multi-billion-naira-zamfara-gold-mining-factory/?amp

1 Like

Politics › JUST IN: Youths Protest Naira, Fuel Scarcity In Oyo 3rd February 2023 by Petrosonly(op): 1:51pm On Feb 03, 2023

Protesters in Ibadan
By
Idowu Abdullahi

Barely 22 days to the general elections, youths in their numbers stormed the streets of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday, to protest the current state of the nation.

Nigerians have been contending with fuel, new naira notes scarcity and erratic power supply for weeks across the nation.

Dissatisfied with the situation, the youths, armed with several placards, stormed the Iwo Road area of the state on Friday morning to register their grievances.

Details shortly…

https://punchng.com/just-in-youths-protest-naira-fuel-scarcity-in-oyo/?amp

Sports › Re: NPFL: Continental Ticket, Survival Battle Take Centre Stage On Final Day by Petrosonly: 8:03pm On Jul 17, 2022

Mide1data:
Kastina united, heartland owerri, kano pillars, mfm all got relegated.

Shooting stars got away from relegation by just a little margin, thank God sha they did not travel back to NNL.

Happy for shooting stars.

Sports › Re: Falconet Qualify For U20 World Cup In Costa Rica (video) by Petrosonly: 7:18pm On Mar 27, 2022

Great!

1 Like

Nairaland General › AMCON Appoints Self As Manager Over All Assets Of IEDM, Owners Of Ibadan Disco by Petrosonly(op): 5:24pm On Oct 21, 2021

AMCON appoints self as Manager over all assets of IEDM, owners of Ibadan Disco

Abiola Odutola Abiola Odutola

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has appointed itself as receiver/manager over all assets of the Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, core investor in Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

This was confirmed in a public notice, which was published by AMCON across national dailies recently and seen by Nairametrics.

AMCON said it will act through its Nominee, Mr Osayaba Giwa-Osagie SAN, over the entire undertakings, assets, goodwill of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, including their shares and interests in related companies and entities, monies kept in any bank in Nigeria.

What AMCON is saying
AMCON stated, “Take notice that AMCON has pursuant to Section 48 and 61 of AMCON Act 2010 been appointed Receiver/Manager over all the Assets of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited as stipulated in the instruments executed in favour of AMCON by virtue of the Loan Purchase and Limited Servicing Agreement executed with Polaris Bank Limited dated 30th November 2018 and a Notice of Appointment of the Receiver/Manager dated August 6th, 2021, which was duly stamped by the Commissioner for Stamp Duties.

“In circumstance, AMCON has appointed itself as the Receiver/Manager and will act through its Nominee, Mr Osayaba Giwa-Osagie SAN, over the entire undertakings, assets, goodwills of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited, including their shares and interests in related companies and entities, monies kept in any bank in Nigeria.”

In case you missed it
Last June, Justice Daniel Osiaigor of the Federal High Court, Lagos restrained Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Ltd and Polaris Bank from tampering with funds standing to their credit totalling $6,759,000 (approximately N2.8 billion) or its equivalent in any currency in 25 banks, the Debt Management Office (DMO), and Federal Ministry of Finance.

The Judge, who made the interim order of Mareva Injunction, also held that it would subsist pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice filed against the firm and Polaris Bank by the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The interim order followed UBA’s June 29 application filed and argued by its counsel, Temilolu Adamolekun, who appeared with Gbenga Akinde-Peters, supported by an affidavit sworn to by Anike Isinguzo and exhibits attached.

NERC also took action
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had, vide its Order No. NERC/181/2018 of June 19th 2018, suspended the Board of Directors and other key management staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on account of the company’s default in the recovery of an inappropriate shareholder loan of N6 billion granted to Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Group (IEDMG) Ltd by the utility company.

IEDMG is the core investor in IEBDC, following the privatisation of electricity distribution companies by the Federal Government.

The loan was granted by IBEDC from funds released to all DisCos by the CBN under the Nigeria Electricity Market Stabilisation Funds (NEMSF) for the purpose of improving the networks and reducing aggregate technical, commercial and collection losses.

What you should know
The Commission had earlier fined IBEDC a sum of N50 million on the 18th of September 2017 for non-compliance with Order No. NERC/173/2017, directing the company to fully recover the outstanding sum of N5.7 billion being the balance of the loan granted by the utility to IEDMG.

Politics › Re: Governor Masari Builds Mosque On Roundabout In Katsina (Picture) by Petrosonly: 10:56am On Oct 04, 2021

Won't that building disrupt visibility at the roundabout?

9 Likes

Autos › Re: Awoof Corolla Matrix 2007 by Petrosonly: 2:57am On Aug 21, 2020

Location please?

Education › Proprietress To Pay N25m To Pupil Made Blind By Flogging by Petrosonly(op): 7:17am On Mar 28, 2019

Justice Yetunde Idowu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, on Wednesday, ordered the proprietress of Cendom International Nursery and Primary School, Olodi-Apapa, Uche Owen, to pay N25m as damages to a five-year-old pupil of the school, Destiny Kalu after he was flogged for owing the school fee.

Destiny, through his father, Inyima Kalu, had in 2013 sued Owen and his class teacher, Uduak Sam, for inflicting severe injuries on his right eye through flogging over the non-payment of his school fee.

According to his statement of claim, on June 20, 2011, Owen came to his classroom and flogged all the pupils who had yet to pay their school fees.

Destiny added that while being flogged, his right eye was covered in blood and he was left in tears for several hours unattended to.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Destiny was subsequently rushed to the Ajeromi General Hospital, Lagos, where he was treated and later referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba.

It was gathered that the right eye was operated on without success at LUTH and the doctor’s report revealed that it was permanently damaged and could not perceive light as a result of severe damage.

Following the permanent injury sustained by Destiny, his father demanded N30m as compensation from the school.

READ ALSO: Suspected Fulani gunmen kill ex-air force man, driver in Edo

However, in her statement to the police, Uduak admitted flogging the pupil on the instructions of Owen, while the proprietress denied being responsible for the injuries sustained by Destiny.

Delivering her judgment on Wednesday, Justice Idowu held the two defendants liable for the permanent injury sustained by the pupil and ordered the school owner to pay N25m to the victim as compensation.

https://punchng.com/proprietress-to-pay-n25m-to-pupil-made-blind-by-flogging/

Politics › EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Keyamo Receives N450million From NNPC For Media And Publicity by Petrosonly(op): 7:37am On Oct 27, 2018

EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Keyamo receives N450million from NNPC for Media and Publicity -LeadersNG

A source close to top APC Chieftain, Alhaji Nasiru Danu (The Dan Amarna of Dutse & Director of Logistics, Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organisation) who is also an NNPC major marketer has told LeadersNG that the NNPC has given Festus Keyamo, SAN (Director of Strategic Communications & official Spokesperson of PMB Presidential Campaign) the sum of N450million initial payment for the full commencement of media and publicity for the Buhari campaign.

The source has told LeadersNG that this is part payment for the Directorate of Media and Publicity which Mr. Keyamo heads. The source said Keyamo gave the NNPC GMD, Maikanti Baru a budget of N7.5billion to cover money for Tv ads, social media ads, payment of social media influencers nationwide, payment of media owners, editors, columnists and notable journalists in the country under the subheading of PR and other expenses.

This newspaper had promised to publish details of how Festus Keyamo, Director of Strategic Communications & official Spokesperson of Buhari Presidential Campaign was mobilized by the Group Managing Director of the State’s owned oil firm, the NNPC through one of his major oil marketer, Alhaji Nasir Danu who is also the Director of Logistics and Mobilization.

A source close to Mr. Danu narrated to LeadersNG on how Festus Keyamo met the oil mogul two months ago to discuss the need on how the directorate can take over the narrative and help project the president whose public image has been negatively battered.

Keyamo, LeadersNG understands also intimated Alhaji Danu on the growing disenchantment among media owners, Newspaper editors, online influencers who have vowed to carry negative news about the administration due to lack of sponsorship, undue interference in their activities by the NBC and other government regulators.

“My Director, the Media Owners, Influencers and editors are angry with oga (President Buhari) and there is an urgent need for us to appease them and win them back to our side as the campaign for 2019 begins. It will be suicidal on our part to have these men against us. Something urgent needs to be done”. – Keyamo was quoted at telling Alhaji Danu during the meeting.

Alhaji Danu, according to sources, placed a call to the NNPC GMD to begin the funding of the media campaign of the president. Danu scheduled a meeting between the GMD and Keyamo and the latter made similar presentation of the proposal for the media office, situation room and other needs of the Directorate to the GMD.

The GMD assured Danu and Keyamo of their cooperation with the Campaign Organization and promised that the corporation will look into the proposal and come up with a robust plan on how to fund the office and also get many beneficiaries of contracts from the NNPC and other agencies under it to lend support inorder to avoid the mistakes of the former administration in which monies were taken directly from government coffers to fund the campaign.

The GMD according to our source present at the meeting, told Danu to instruct all the contributors to make their donations to the campaign organization in cash.

Danu is a front man for NNPC and he recently got Crude OIL lifting contract from the NNPC. The contract LeadersNG learnt is a back door channel that NNPC will use to help fund the campaign organization of the President.

NNPC is not only mandated to fund the Media directorate of the campaign, it also has a mandate of sponsoring other directorates and sub committees within the campaign organization.

LeadersNG also gathered that Mr. Danu also enjoys close ties with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari. He is the link man between the President’s wife and many oil contractors who seek favour from Aisha Buhari.

You would recall that in 2017, LeadersNG had exclusively reported that Cronies of President Muhammadu Buhari with no experience in the Oil and Gas sector have found their way into the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the sale of Nigerian crude for 2017/2018.

The NNPC had done everything during the bidding process to accommodate the President’s interest, his wife, Chief of Staff and other Senior members of his kitchen cabinet.

The NNPC, had recently released the names of 39 bidders for the sale and purchase of Nigerian crude, which include 18 Nigerian companies and 11 International Traders. Also, five foreign refineries, three National Oil Companies (NOCs) and two NNPC trading arms were selected.

According to Africa Energy Intelligence, “while the majority of 18 local trading chosen by NNPC to sell its crude know the ropes a few have no experience of this type of contract,” – these are the Buhari men enlisted in the oil business to protect the President’s interest.

AEI reported in its last issue (Aei 785), that “several traders appeared for the first time on a list of companies winning cargoes from NNPC in 2017-18.”

The AEI report exposing Buhari’s greenhorns-oil-mafia and the Buhari favourites. Some of the newest trading companies hadn’t won an allocation until president Muhammadu Buhari took office. This was the case of Setana Energy which was incorporated and is headed by Edward Edozian, cousin of Louis Edozian, Permanent Secretary at the energy ministry. Setana is also present in Ivory Coast where it is represented by Foungniguetene Silue, founder of the local trading concern Sigma Energy.

Another firm appearing on NNPC’s list for the 1st time, Cassiva Energy, is run by businessman Alhaji Nasir Danu, who’s very close to the Nigerian leader. He was the number two man in the Muhammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organization in 2011 and currently the Director of Logistics and Mobilization of Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organization.

Though Keyamo has gotten the first part payment of N450M from the NNPC through Nasir Danu, he is yet to disburse the money and continues to tell members of the directorate that he has not been mobilized.

A member of the directorate who spoke to LeadersNG on a condition of anonymity said, Keyamo is a greedy man who looks after his own interest.

“Many of us in this directorate are hungry. What he keeps telling us everyday is that there is no money but we have on a good authority that he has been mobilized and he collects money from different people to run the day-to-day activities of the organisation.”

“If he claims he has not been mobilized, where does he get the money he spends on frivolities and setting up the situation room from? Where are all the bags containing cash that people are bringing to to him?”. The source told LeadersNG

Politics › US- We Don't Have A Criminal Case Against Atiku by Petrosonly(op): 4:55pm On Oct 08, 2018

The United States Department of Justice has denied having any record that indicates that Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has a pending lawsuit in the US.

In an email to our correspondent on Friday, a spokesperson for the US DOJ, Peter Carr said, “Thank you for reaching out to us. I have checked the public court records, and they do not show cases filed against a defendant named Atiku Abubakar.”

This was stated as a response to SUNDAY PUNCH’s request for information on whether Abubakar is wanted in the US in connection with any issue of money laundering.

The mail also asked the department to confirm whether Abubakar has been banned from entering the US and if there is any court case against him concerning the Halliburton scandal which resulted in the conviction of a US lawmaker, William Jefferson.

Asked if it is true that the ex-vice president (now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress) was banned from entering the US, the American official said the issue was confidential.

He said, “Visa issues are confidential under section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If your question is specifically about entry – not about visas per se – I would refer you to the US Customs and Border Protection.”

Last week, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, had implied that Abubakar was avoiding a visit to the US because he might be charged with a case of money laundering.

He reacted to Abubakar’s interview which he granted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s quarterly publication, Zero Tolerance, where he had accused the Kaduna governor of corruption by offering him Transcorp’s shares.

Copyright PUNCH.

https://punchng.com/dont-criminal-case-atiku-us/

Business › Re: Cocoa Sector Anticipates A $290, 000 Tons Rebound For The 2017-18 Mid-crop by Petrosonly: 7:53am On Apr 18, 2018

fa4dmike:
Th money they will still loot and use for politics. How did Nigeria get to this stage.

The money doesn't go into federation account though.

It's good news to the farmers and (more good news) for the middle men.

1 Like

Foreign Affairs › Re: Jacob Zuma Resigns As South African President! by Petrosonly: 10:37pm On Feb 14, 2018

Either that or an impeachment

Investment › SEC Extends Deadline For Free E-dividend Registration To February 28 Read More by Petrosonly(op): 5:54am On Jan 19, 2018

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has extended the deadline for the free electronic dividend (e-dividend) registration to February 28, 2018. The floor of Stock exchange The commission said in a statement to Vanguard yesterday that the further extension was part of its developmental and an effort to encourage more shareholders to key into the initiative. According to SEC, the review of the progress in the e-dividend registration exercise, after the December 31, 2017 deadline, showed that there was still a great influx of shareholders desirous of mandating their bank accounts for payment of dividends electronically. “In light of the foregoing, the SEC, as part of its developmental role, has extended the period for the free e-dividend registration exercise till February 28, 2018, to encourage more shareholders mandate their bank accounts. “Accordingly, shareholders that are yet to register should continue to approach their banks or registrars to mandate their accounts for the collection of their dividends electronically, including unclaimed dividends, not exceeding 12 years of issue” the SEC stated. Recall that the SEC had announced that the e-dividend registration exercise would continue seamlessly in spite of the expiration of the initial December 31st 2017 deadline. Acting Director General of SEC, Dr. Abdul Zubair, who made the announcement at a press briefing recently, enjoined all the investors who were yet to register to key in. He said “Such investors should continue to approach their banks or registrars, as usual to seamlessly mandate their bank accounts for the collection of their dividends electronically, including unclaimed dividends, not exceeding 12 years of issue. Zubair also announced an extension of the forbearance window for multiple accounts consolidation to March 31, 2018. He said: “With a view to encouraging many more investors to consolidate their multiple subscriptions into one account, the SEC wishes to announce an extension of the forbearance for multiple accounts till 31st March, 2018. “Accordingly, investors that bought shares of the same company during public offers, using different names, are allowed till 31st March, 2018 to continue to approach their stockbrokers or registrars to regularize their shareholdings, in line with SEC rules on customer identification. Thereafter, all shares not regularized shall be transferred, on trust, to the Capital Market Development Fund”.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/sec-extends-deadline-free-e-dividend-registration-february-28/

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Politics › Nigerian Railway To Maradi In Niger Republic? No Way! by Petrosonly(op): 1:47am On Jan 08, 2018

For some reasons unknown to me, Nigerians are no longer paying attention to things that matter about the way they are being ruled. They no longer pay attention to some of the things their rulers say. Otherwise, a strange item in President Muhammadu Buhari’s New Year Day speech should have brought millions of Nigerians to the streets in angry protests. When first I listened to the President making that speech I could not believe my ears. So I had to wait until the mainstream media published the full text of the speech, and there it was in cold print: “Negotiations are also advanced for the construction of other railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibia to Maradi”. Maradi is the third largest city in Niger Republic with a predominant Hausa/Fulani population. It is about an hour’s drive through a bumpy road from Jibia, the border town near Buhari’s hometown, Daura, in Katsina State. When I went to cover the 2007 presidential election in which Buhari ran on the All Nigerian People’s Party, ANPP, in 2007 and the late President Umaru Yar’ Adua of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, I had joined a team of journalists that went to Daura to visit Buhari for an interview. We also monitored the election in Jibia, which is a border town with Niger. I realised how easy it was for people from the two countries to cross the rickety border post manned by a man dressed virtually in rags. He only smiled when we decided to set foot on Niger Republic soil. Indeed, it may interest Nigerians to know that Daura Emirate stretches deep into Maradi and Zinder Departments in Niger Republic. During the 2015 election, there were reports of thousands of people from Niger Republic crossing the porous borders to vote in an election that was none of the business of their country. In the far North Nigerian electoral officials hardly ask questions about the eligibility of voters. That is why you see millions of under-aged voters voting, and at the end the polls are declared “free and fair”. Once Buhari achieved his life’s ambition of matching Olusegun Obasanjo’s feat as a former military ruler who became an elected President of Nigeria, his visit to Niger Republic became the first of the 22 foreign trips he made within 11 months before he was slowed down by ill-health. He was received by the President and people of Niger like a triumphant son back from the battlefield. Niger Republic President, Mahamadou Issoufou, gave him a white horse and a golden sword. In fact, Issoufou, in 2016, emblazoned Buhari’s photograph beside his own on vehicles during political campaigns. I went into all this to let you know that the planned new Nigerian railway network from Kano through Daura and Jibia to Maradi in Niger Republic is a selfish project that has nothing to do with other Nigerians like you and me. Even though a president’s oath of office indicates: “….that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conducts or my official decisions…”, Nigerian presidents and governors brazenly disregard their oaths of office and oaths of allegiance and divert the state’s or nation’s resources to their pockets, and after that, to massively develop the infrastructures of their hometowns no matter how remote such places are. For me, if Buhari had merely sought to connect his hometown, Daura, and even Jibia to the new national railway network, I would not have minded it too much, though it violates the principle of economic viability and bankability, which the largely borrowed funds will emphasise in order that we repay the debts in good time. The same logic that led the British colonialists to pass the Eastern rail line through Eha Amufu in today’s Enugu State and terminate it at Nguru in today’s Yobe State and pass the Western line through Kaura Namoda in today’s Zamfara State can also be adduced to extend the new rail network through Daura to Jibia, even if a president did not hail from there. The offensive aspect is extending the railway 55 kilometres into a foreign land just because the President considers the region as part of his hometown. When the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, was called upon by critics of this unviable extension of our railway to defend it, his response was vacuous and of very little use as a justification. By the way, the proposed new rail addition from Kano through Kazaure, Daura and Jibia to Maradi covers a whopping distance of 806 kilometres, which is more than the distance from Lagos to Abuja (779km) and Lagos to Calabar (770km). It is important for Nigerians to know the scale of the rail line and the amount of borrowed and oil money we are going to dump on this aspect of the project just to gratify the personal whims of the President. Hear the Minister: “We realised that we had competitors for our landlocked neighbours, competitors like Ghana, Togo and even Benin Republic. Our landlocked neighbours are importing through these countries because we don’t have rail lines that go to them. So, to address the situation Mr President approved a rail line that will go to Maradi in Niger. But that rail line which will come from Kano to Maradi in Niger must pass through some cities. So the rail line passes through Kazaure, and then Daura before proceeding to Jibia and then Maradi”. The questions the President and the Minister should answer are: Did “our competitors” like Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic build rail lines into Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali and thus stole the “competition” from Nigeria? The answer, obviously, is no. Secondly, why don’t we also extend the favour to Chad and Burkina Faso if indeed we need their patronage? Thirdly, what “competition” is Amaechi referring to? How much do Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic make from imports that our landlocked neighbours route through their countries that makes it enviable which Nigeria should scramble to snatch? It would be a different ball game if Nigeria and Niger Republic signed a memorandum of understanding to share the cost of the rail line, each country taking the financial responsibility to build the lines that run through their respective territorial jurisdictions. One thing Nigerians must never forget is that we are borrowing heavily from China, Europe and the Breton-Wood institutions to build our standard gauge railway network. Repayment for the loans which outlay is not available to me at this moment will span decades. Most of us will be gone from the surface of the earth while the repayment will devolve to our children and possibly their children. This is why we must never keep silent when the ruling party and leaders so brazenly violate the nation’s interests and abuse their offices by throwing projects from these loans into unviable remote hamlets, including hamlets in a foreign country that happens to be a part of their hometown. I am very sure that our National Assembly, especially the very responsive Senate, will thoroughly examine this railway plan and its funding and protect the interests of all Nigerians, including those of their future generations. Sanitising the implementation of this railway plan will be a prime opportunity to prove that this country belongs to all of us. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to take what belongs to all of us for himself and his kinsmen alone. We are in a democracy, not a military autocracy. Even if we must accommodate Daura and Jibia to make Buhari happy, the rail line must NEVER be extended an inch into a foreign soil

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/01/nigerian-railway-maradi-niger-republic-no-way/

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Politics › Nigerian Railway To Maradi In Niger Republic? No Way! by Petrosonly(op): 1:09am On Jan 08, 2018

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Family › Re: Mother Who Had Accident, Broken Leg, Breastfeeding Her Baby At The Scene by Petrosonly: 5:54pm On Dec 24, 2017

Mind blowing!

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Properties › Re: See The New Outrageous Kano State Property Tax (pics) by Petrosonly: 7:16am On Oct 09, 2017

A government that didn't provide proper roads to the said properties is now demanding for huge tax...which will invariably get passed onto the tenants anyway shocked

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Car Talk › Re: Bajaj Is About To Buy Ducati by Petrosonly: 7:16am On Jul 29, 2017

I guess that will be a great leap for Bajaj...if the sale goes through

Celebrities › Re: Regina Askia Is Officially A U.S Citizen by Petrosonly: 12:23pm On Jul 08, 2017

Good for her!

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Politics › Osinbajo Makes New Appointment. by Petrosonly(op): 6:56pm On May 27, 2017

Osinbajo makes first appointments ON MAY 27, 20177:07 PMIN NEWSCOMMENTS By Omeiza Ajayi ABUJA – In what appeared a further test of his powers as acting president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday appointed a new Director General for the National Pension Commission PENCOM. The new appointee, Mr Funso Doherty whose appointment is subject to senate confirmation replaces Mal. Dikko Aliyu AbdulRahman who has now been appointed as Chairman, Governing Board of the Bank of Industry (BoI).

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/osinbajo-makes-first-appointments/

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