Nigeria Set to Commence Gas Supply to South Africa by 2024
Nigeria, a significant player in the global energy sector, has announced plans to initiate gas supply to South Africa in the first quarter of 2024. This development was revealed by David Ige, the Executive of Riverside LNG, a prominent Nigerian-based energy company, during a recent interview held in Abuja. Highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations, Ige stated that substantial discussions on energy collaboration have been initiated. Earlier this year, Riverside LNG solidified a gas-export partnership with Johannes Schuetze Energy Import AG of Germany, indicating a broader expansion of its market reach. “We’d probably close out another segment of the market very early in the year, an off-take for South Africa,” Ige stated, pointing out the evolving gas market spanning approximately 3,000 nautical miles from Nigeria, covering southern Africa, western Africa, northwest Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Nigeria, recognized for its vast energy resources, boasts 202 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of untapped proven gas reserves, as confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Plateau massacre: Death toll hits 150, over 6,000 displaced
Death toll from the attacks launched on 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State, from Saturday night to early Monday morning rose to 155 yesterday; while over 6,000 people are said to have been displaced. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) condemned the attacks and called for a change in military tactics. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, Director, Publicity and Advocacy/Spokesperson, NEF, in a statement, said: “NEF expresses concern over the inability of the military to prevent the Christmas Eve killings, despite claiming to have promptly responded to 36 distress calls from different locations in Plateau State in the 48 hours leading up to Christmas. This highlights the Forum’s growing suspicions regarding the efficacy and sufficiency of the government’s operational methods. “NEF questions whether the strategies employed by the government are flawed or grossly inadequate, given the audacious regularity and ease with which the attackers operate across the northern region. “NEF is also deeply concerned about the recent security incident in Ruwan Dorawa village, Zamfara State that unfolded on the same Christmas Eve resulting in the loss of two innocent lives and the abduction of over 25 individuals, predominantly children and women, including the wife of the village head. “In light of this incident and the escalating security challenges faced by the region, NEF urgently demands a comprehensive investigation into the reported security lapse in Ruwan Dorawa village. The findings of this inquiry must be made public, and those responsible for the security breach must be held accountable to ensure justice for the victims and prevent such incidents from reoccurring,” the statement said. The Forum also called upon the relevant authorities to give immediate attention to the several administrative and judicial commissions of inquiry reports concerning security incidents in Plateau, Kaduna and other conflict areas in the North. It further called “For a reassessment of the current strategies deployed by the government, as they have proved ineffective and inefficient in curbing the escalating violence. NEF strongly condemns this devastating act and expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this heinous crime.” Kwara State governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the attacks on Plateau villages as shocking and sad. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor asked the security agencies to get to the root of the incident. He condolled with the people and government of Plateau, especially the bereaved families. He said, “Nothing justifies the violence visited on innocent people” and urged the security agencies to get to the roots of the incident and bring perpetrators to book. He prayed to God to give comfort to all the affected families and appealed to everyone on the Plateau to do everything to avoid “A cycle of violence, which only inflicts generational pains and underdevelopment”. Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum described the attacks as reprehensible and heinous. Its chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deepest condolences to the affected families and communities as well as the government and people of Plateau State. In a statement by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, he said it was “Reprehensible and disheartening to hear the loss of over 100 hundred lives and destruction of properties that occurred during these attacks, especially during a time when residents were preparing to celebrate the festive season. “Such acts of violence are not only cowardly but also run counter to the spirit of unity and coexistence that our region upholds. “We must all prioritise peace and harmonious living in our communities. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence and solidarity regardless of our differences. “We must unite in our commitment to peace and security, and stand firm against all forms of violence and division,” the governor warned in the statement. Yahaya commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his leadership and responsible handling of the situation in the aftermath of the attacks and assured him that the northern governors stood united in solidarity with him in the face of adversity and would work together towards lasting peace in Plateau State. He commended the security agencies operating in the area, and implored them to redouble their efforts in safeguarding the lives and property of the people, harping on urgent need for increased vigilance and swift action to ensure the safety of all citizens. He also urged members of the communities to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the security agencies for immediate intervention. Meanwhile, the governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang, said 64 communities in the state had been displaced by terrorists occupying the areas and some schools. Speaking on Channels Television yesterday, Mutfwang highlighted the immense burden placed on the state by the continuous displacement of citizens due to terrorist activities. He said, “When people are dislocated from their villages and they have to run for shelter, now we are struggling to provide shelter for these people that have been displaced and dislocated from their communities. “If they stay away from those communities for a sustained period of time, the terrorists would come in. As I am talking to you today (Tuesday), in Riyom Local Government, in Barkin Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for almost a number of years now. “We have not less than 64 communities that have been displaced and their lands have been taken over by these terrorists.” The governor condemned the perceived inaction under the previous administration, stating that residents felt the terrorists were given official government backing. He emphasised that the current occupation of schools did not happen overnight, with some having been seized for as long as five years. “Under the last regime, the feeling among people in Plateau State particularly the victims of these terrorist attacks was that it looked as if the terrorists were given official government backing to be able to terrorise them because little or nothing was done to repel these attacks. “I can tell you these schools
Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Predicted to Surpass $20 Billion in 2023, World Bank Reports
The World Bank’s recent Migration and Development Brief forecasts a significant upsurge in diaspora remittances flowing into Nigeria to surpass a staggering $20 billion by year-end, 2023. This surge reflects a broader trend of a 1.9% increase in total remittances within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The report, unveiled this month, outlines projections indicating that remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa will rise from $53 billion in 2022 to $54 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it anticipates a continued upward trajectory, reaching $55 billion by 2024. The tempered growth in 2023 is attributed to the sluggish pace of expansion in high-income economies, where a significant number of Sub-Saharan African migrants earn their livelihoods. Nigeria, serving as the recipient of 38% of remittance flows to the region, experienced a marginal uptick of approximately two percent. Similarly, other key beneficiaries such as Ghana and Kenya registered estimated gains of 5.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The report also highlights the influence of fixed exchange rates and capital controls, diverting remittances away from official channels towards unofficial ones. Looking ahead to 2024, the projections indicate a 2.5% increase in remittance flows to the region. Notably, remittances from the United States have exhibited stability, while the euro area’s recovery remains hampered, with output lingering 2.2% below pre-pandemic projections. The World Bank’s findings underscore the resilience and substantial contribution of Diaspora remittances to the economic landscape of Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, albeit in the face of ongoing challenges in global economic recovery.
Vice President Shettima, Governors Visit Tinubu In Lagos
Vice President Kashim Shettima made an official visit to President Bola Tinubu at his private residence in Lagos State. This visit, occurring just a day after the Christmas Day celebrations, signifies a strategic engagement between the two prominent political figures. President Tinubu had recently arrived in Lagos from Abuja, intending to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in his home state. In a show of respect and solidarity, members of the Nigerian Governors Forum also paid homage to President Tinubu at his Lagos residence, echoing the visit made earlier by Vice President Shettima.
Plateau Massacre: HURIWA Asked Tinubu To Sack Defence Chiefs, Ministers
Reactions has continued to trial the massacre of over 96 persons by gunmen that attacked 15 communities in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State on Christmas eve. According to The Police Public Relations Officer for the Plateau Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, the gunmen also destroyed 221 houses, eight vehicles and 27 motorcycles. Following the devastating incident that happened on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at about 10 pm, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to immediately overhauls the security institutions because the present heads of those institutions of national security are not committed to safeguard lives and property of the citizens of the Country. Reacting to the incident, Human rights writers association of nigeria (HURIWA), described development as an intolerable crime and manifestations of incompetence on the part is the security chiefs. Consequence to the above, the right ground called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to arrest the killers and take them to face stiff and swift justice or the President should get ready to be dragged to the International criminal court in the Hague Netherlands for permitting heinous crimes against humanity under his government. ” HURIWA recalled that France news agency has reported that armed groups have killed at least 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages, local government officials said on Monday. The group then wonder how on earth the President and the service chiefs are busy feasting in their different homes under the guise of celebrating the Christmas holiday whereas citizens are exposed to the dangerous attacks by armed terrorists. The group informed that the toll marked a sharp rise from the initial figure reported by the army Sunday evening of just 16 dead in a region plagued for several years by religious and ethnic tensions. “What is the primary duty of government constitutionally? The primary legal obligations of government in accordance with the Grund Norm of Nigeria is the preservation of the sanctity of lives of Nigerians, prevent killings of citizens and the destructions of their property and assets by armed non state actors. Why then is the president Tinubu unwilling to dismiss his non-performing security service chiefs and the DG of DSS who has overstayed his retirement time? “it is now as clear and as constant as the northern stars that the current crop of service chiefs, Defence and police ministers and the inspector General of police are absolutely and grossly incompetent and indeed lack the capacity, the will power, the patriotic zeal and the professional candour to combat and defeat the expanding frontiers of terror attacks. “it is the most shameful show of incompetence on the part of the Commander-in-Chief and his bunch of appointees holding command and ministerial positions linked to the protection of mational security, to stand by even as many as 113 persons have been confirmed killed says HURIWA even as the Saturday hostilities persisted to early hours of Monday as disclosed by Monday Kassah, head of the local government in Bokkos, Plateau State, told AFP. “Military gangs, locally called “bandits”, launched “well-coordinated” attacks in “not fewer than 20 different communities” and torched houses, Kassah said. Regrettably, HURIWA blame the incompetent service chiefs and the IGP for making it seamless for daredevil terrorists to spread their killing sprees across many states in Nigeria, the cases in Taraba and Benue states are becoming increasingly worrisome to the extent that terrorists from Cameroon enter Nigeria and kill in the two states unchallenged. The Rights group described the continuous killings by the so-called unknown gunmen in the South East, and the persistent pogroms in Benue, Taraba and Plateau carefully choreographed by Fulani irredentists and terrorists, as unforgivable crimes against humanity. “HURIWA which stated that killings are also the manifestations of the lack of any kind of coordinated approach by the armed forces of Nigeria, the police and the Department of State Services to viciously confront the terrorists unleashing mass killings all across Nigeria, “HURIWA is calling on the President who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Nigeria to take responsibility for these massive scale of failures by the armed forces and then take concrete steps to rejig the architectural formation of Nigeria’s security services by picking new sets of competent heads to coordinate the attacks against terrorists.” Meanwhile, DSP Alabo said that findings from the assessment of the incident in Bokkos revealed that the 12 villages were attacked during which more than 79 persons killed and 221 houses set ablaze. In his words; “Communities attacked in Bokkos Local Government Area include, Ndun, Ngyong, Murfet, Makundary, Tamiso, Chiang, Tahore, Gawarba, Dares, Meyenga, Darwat and Butura Kampani”. In Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, communities attacked are NTV, Hurum and Darawat. The Police spokesman further said that 27 motorcycles and eight vehicles were equally burnt down while three other communities were attacked in Barkin-Ladi in which 17 persons were killed. The police said that investigation and monitoring were ongoing, adding that further development would be communicated to the public in due course.
Tinubu Orders Manhunt Of Culprits Behind Plateau Killings
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the horrific attacks that ravaged communities in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi Local Government Areas, resulting in the tragic loss of over 115 lives. Gunmen perpetrated the onslaughts on Sunday night, targeting residents in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi LGAs, along with Mangu. Expressing his outrage, President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, labeled the attackers as “harbingers of death, inflicting immeasurable pain and anguish.” He assured that justice would be served, emphasizing that those responsible “will face the full force of the law.” The President issued direct instructions to security agencies, urging an immediate and comprehensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators. He emphasized the urgency of capturing the culprits and urged security forces to intensify efforts across the region. Furthermore, President Tinubu has directed the prompt deployment of relief resources to support survivors of these “barbaric and heartless attacks,” ensuring urgent medical care for the injured. A mass burial was conducted to honor and lay to rest those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.
Emefiele Drags CBN Investigator To Court Over Damning Allegations
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has vehemently denied allegations made against him by a Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Emefiele labeled the accusations as “satanic, baseless, defamatory, and false.” In a statement released on Sunday, Emefiele expressed his intent to initiate legal proceedings to clear his name from the damaging claims contained in the report. His legal representative, Maxwell Okpara, confirmed the authenticity of the statement, underscoring the seriousness of Emefiele’s response. The investigator’s report, which allegedly accused Emefiele of various financial misconducts, including the opening of 593 foreign bank accounts without proper authorization, stirred controversy. Notably, it claimed substantial amounts held in UK banks without proper approvals and questioned the legitimacy of the recent naira redesign. Emefiele strongly refuted these allegations, asserting that he had complied with necessary protocols, including obtaining Presidential approval, and passing on necessary documents during the investigative process. He particularly emphasized that the redesign of the naira had received explicit authorization from former President Muhammadu Buhari. Furthermore, Emefiele distanced himself from allegations of withdrawing $6.23 million from the CBN vault based on a falsified presidential directive. He maintained his lack of knowledge and involvement, challenging the investigator to make public the purported documents and his statements during the inquiry. Regarding the numerous foreign accounts allegedly opened, Emefiele categorically denied any involvement or knowledge of such activities, stressing that CBN departments held the authority for such operations within their legal mandates. Emefiele concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a transparent investigation into the accusations while emphasizing his readiness to pursue legal action to refute the defamatory claims against him.
Fubara Commends Tinubu for Intervening in Political Crisis
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has extended his gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the recent political turmoil gripping the state. In a statement on Monday, Fubara credited Tinubu’s efforts for ushering in a lasting peace amidst the crisis, emphasizing the President’s dedication to the welfare of Rivers State. “With the mantra of our administration being continuity and consolidation, we remain steadfast in delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” Governor Fubara reiterated. He expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering support received during the challenging times, both locally and internationally. Acknowledging President Tinubu’s instrumental role, Fubara highlighted the significance of Tinubu’s Presidential Peace Proclamation on December 18, 2023, as a testament to Tinubu’s commitment to fostering enduring peace within the state. “Let me also use this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for wading into the near-crisis that almost punctuated the prevailing peace in our dear State. “Indeed, by this singular effort, our dear President has demonstrated that he loves Rivers State and cherishes nothing short of a reign of perfect peace in our state with his Presidential Peace Proclamation on the 18th of December 2023”, Fubara said.
French Embassy Offers Lucrative Job Opportunities to Nigerians
The French Embassy has announced a lucrative job opportunity for Nigerians willing to work as English Language Assistants in France. The embassy is looking for English Language assistants to work in France for a 7-month period, providing an excellent chance for individuals to immerse themselves in the French language and culture. Information released on the embassy’s official website indicates that eligible candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 30 and possess at least a B1 level of proficiency in the French language. The application window for this employment opportunity opened on December 19, 2023, and is set to end on January 19, 2024. Successful applicants will not only gain professional experience but will also have the chance to travel, live, and work in France. The role requires a commitment of 12 hours of work per week, and the contract duration is seven months. Meanwhile, one of the most attractive aspects of the opportunity is the salary offered to the selected candidates. English Language assistants will receive a monthly salary of N911,000 or €1,010.67, translating to a total of N6,377,000 over the course of the fellowship. Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the embassy’s application portal to complete the application process.
President Tinubu Orders Payment of Outstanding N-Power Stipends
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate payment of overdue stipends owed to N-Power beneficiaries nationwide. This action was prompted by a report revealing that Batch ‘C’ beneficiaries hadn’t received their stipends for nine months. The beneficiaries’ outcry led by the National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries prompted the President’s intervention. They expressed frustration over the non-payment, citing financial uncertainty and despair. Following a thorough verification exercise by the Ministry, Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, confirmed the commencement of fund disbursement in line with President Tinubu’s directive. The Minister emphasized the significance of this payment for Nigerian youths during the festive season, affirming the President’s commitment to their welfare. “I ensured beneficiaries were paid before Christmas as directed by the President. Payment has begun, and beneficiaries can check their bank accounts,” Zubair stated.