Buhari swears-in 7 RMAFC Commissioners

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn-in seven Federal Commissioners of the Revenue, Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) as he presides over the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Those sworn-in include Senator Ayogu Eze (Enugu State), Peter Opara (Imo), Hawa Aliyu (Jigawa) and Rakiya Haruna (Kebbi State). Others are Ismaila Agaka (Kwara), Kolawole Abimbola (Oyo) and Ayuba Ngako (Federal Capital Territory). Vice President Yemi Osinbajo also presented the report on the Health Sector Reform Committee to the President. The Committee, Chaired by the vice-president, was put in place to develop a roadmap towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in the country. Among its recommendations include improving funding of the health sector above 10 per cent. The document consists of a long term development plan for the nation that is expected to be implemented by successive administrations. The Vice-President, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan are among those attending the Council meeting. Others are Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, Justice, Abubalkar Malami, and Power, Abubakar Aliyu. Others are Ministers of Women Affairs, Pauline Talllen, Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami among others. 

CBN revokes licenses of 132 MfBs, others

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced revocation the licences of 132 Microfinance Banks, three Finance Companies and four Primary Mortgage Banks across the country. The revocation is contained in a gazetted circular signed by the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, in Abuja. According to Emefiele, the Microfinance Banks, Finance Companies and Primary Mortgage Banks listed in the gazette ”ceased to carry on, in Nigeria, the type of business for which their licences were issued for a continuous period of 6 months”. He said that they also failed to fulfil or comply with the conditions subject to which their licences were granted. “(They) failed to comply with the obligations imposed upon them by the CBN in accordance with the provisions of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, Act No. 5. “In exercise of the powers conferred on the CBN under Section 12 of BOFIA 2020, Act No.5, I hereby revoke the licences of the Microfinance Banks, Finance Companies and Primary Mortgage Banks stated,” Emefiele said. The the Finance Companies affected are HHL Invest & Trust Limited, TFS Finance Limited, and Treasures & Trust Limited. The Primary Mortgage Banks affected are Resort Savings & Loans, Safetrust Mortgage Bank, and Adamawa Savings & Loans. Some of the 132 MfBs are Atlas Microfinance Bank, Bluewhales Microfinance Bank, Everest Microfinance Bank, Igangan Microfinance Bank and Mainsail Microfinance Bank. See full list: 1. ATLAS MICROFINANCE BANK 2. BLUEWHALES MICROFINANCE BANK 3. EVEREST MICROFINANCE BANK 4. IGANGAN MICROFINANCE BANK 5. MAINSAIL MICROFINANCE BANK 6. MERIT MICROFINANCE BANK 7. MINNA MICROFINANCE BANK 8. MUSHARAKA MICROFINANCE BANK 9. NOPOV MICROFINANCE BANK 10. OHON MICROFINANCE BANK 11. PREMIUM MICROFINANCE BANK 12. ROYAL MICROFINANCE BANK 13. STATESMAN MICROFINANCE BANK 14. SUISSE MICROFINANCE BANK 15. VIBRANT MICROFINANCE BANK 16. VIRTUE MICROFINANCE BANK 17. ZAMARE MICROFINANCE BANK 18. NORTH CAPITAL MICROFINANCE BANK 19. CHIDERA MICROFINANCE BANK 20. EXCELLENT MICROFINANCE BANK 21. NI’IMA MICROFINANCE BANK 22. COSMOPOLITAN MICROFINANCE BANK 23. PROGRESSIVE LINK MICROFINANCE BANK 24. TRUST ONE (FOMERLY DESMONARCHY) 25. EKUOMBE MICROFINANCE BANK 26. FIRST INDEX MICROFINANCE BANK 27. OLA MICROFINANCE BANK 28. ULI MICROFINANCE BANK 29. VERDANT MICROFINANCE BANK 30. AGULERI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 31. APEKS MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 32. FAHIMTA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED. 33. MANNY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 34. REALITY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 35. SURBPOLITAN MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 36. ONYX MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 37. OSINA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 38. OLOFIN-OWENA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 39. ZIKADO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 40. PRUDENTIAL CO-OPERATIVE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 41. PENIEL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 42. TARABA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 43. BRASS MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 44. MICHIKA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 45. NDIAGU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 46. NORTHBRIDGE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 47. FCT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 48. OMU-ARAN MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 49. CHERISH MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 50. BIPC MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 51. DANELS GLOBAL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 52. BANCORP MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 53. MANNA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 54. MONEYWISE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 55. MERCURY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 56. NEW AGE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 57. PEARL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 58. ZAWADI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 59. SEED CAPITAL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 60. EDUEK MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 61. EKSU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 62. DAKINGARI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 63. OGOJA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 64. NWABOSI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 65. NUTURE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 66. ACTIVE POINT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED, AMOYE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 68. BOLUWADURO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 69. IYEDE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 70. MAYFAIR MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 71. CALABAR MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 72. IGHOMO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMTED 73. HACKMAN MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 74. IDESE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 75. BRIDGEWAY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 76. GRASSROOT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 77. SURELIFE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 78. TIJARAH MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 79. IC-GLOBAL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 80. EJIAMATU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 81. BRIYTH COVENANT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 82. NANKA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 83. CUB MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 84. BFL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 85. UMUNNE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 86. OROKE MICROFINANCE BANK 87. ALKALERI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 88. CROWNED EAGLE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 89. UNIFA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 90. DADINKOWA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 91. IFESOWAPO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 92. OAF MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 93. BAMA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 94. NGALA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 95. IWOAMA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 96. KADA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 97. KEFFI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 98. NUT-ENDWELL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 99. FIRST MULTIPLE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 100. SBDC MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 101. OROS CAPITAL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED, OZIZZA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED B 465 103. PRIMERA CREDIT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 104. IFEANYICHUKWU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 105. IHIOMA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 106. JOSAD MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 107. AKPO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 108. AIYEPE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 109. ABC MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 110. STAR MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 111. PURPLE MONEY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 112. UTUH MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 113. STALLION MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 114. KJL MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 115. CREDIT AFRIQUE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 116. COWRIES MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 117. LAWEBOD MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 118. MABINAS MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 119. BUSINESS SUPPORT MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 120. OGBE-AHIARA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 121. OLOFIN MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 122. OBOSI MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 123. FIYINFOLU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 124. BISHOPGATE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 125. AWKA MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED, ZIGATE MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 127. ESAN MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 128. ENUGU-UKWU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 129. ECHO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 130. ALLY MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 131. NETWORK MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED 132. AWGBU MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED. LIST OF FINANCE COMPANIES LICENCES REVOKED: 1. HHL Invest & Trust Limited 2. TFS Finance Limited 3. Treasures & Trust Limited LIST OF PRIMARY MORTGAGE BANKS LICENCES REVOKED 1. RESORT SAVINGS & LOANS 2. SAFETRUST MORTGAGE BANK 3. ADAMAWA SAVINGS & LOANS 4. KOGI SAVINGS & LOANS

VVF centre treats 15,000 patients

The Laure Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, has successfully treated 15,000 fistula survivors in the state from 1987 till date. The Coordinator of the centre, Dr Amir Imam-Yola, made this known at the commemoration of the 2023 International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) on Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano. The day was designed in 2013 by the United Nations General Assembly with a view to create greater awareness globally about obstetric fistula and intensify actions toward eradicating the problem. Every year on May 23, the global community celebrates the day, fixed by the United Nations (UN) to appreciate the struggles of women living with the condition. Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) or Obstetric Fistula, also known as fistula, is a childbirth complication which leads to abnormal opening between the bladder and the vagina, causing continuous and unremitting urinary incontinence. The condition is among the most distressing complications of gynecologic and obstetric procedures; however, it can be repaired through surgery. Some common causes of VVF are obstructed or prolonged labour, lack of prompt access to medical care, and poverty in some cases, as well as unsafe obstetric or gynecological surgery. The condition can cause discomfort, and if left untreated, it may cause serious bacterial infection, which may result to sepsis, a dangerous condition that can lead to low blood pressure, organ damage or even death. The theme of this year’s celebration is “20 years on – progress but not enough! Act now to end Fistula by 2030.’’ Imam-Yola, therefore, said “the centre provides activities such as fistula repair, advocacy, prevention of fistula activity, training, documentation and research opportunities.’’ He urged the state government to provide drugs and rehabilitation centre for fistula survivors. On his part, the Executive Director, Fistula Foundation Nigeria (FFN), Mr Isa Musa, said obstetric fistula is a public health issue in Nigeria with the country having the largest burden of untreated women and girls. He said “without treatment, fistula can severely impact a woman’s health and well-being. “We have an estimated 332,000 women awaiting treatment, compounded by annual incidence of 13,000 new cases.’’ He called on the Kano State Government to make free fistula care services a priority, especially provision for training of additional indigenous doctors and nurses on surgical management of fistula. He also urged the government to upgrade the Laure Fistula Centre with additional wards (bed capacity), saying that the centre initially had 48 beds but was now left with only 10 beds. He requested for the provision of equipment and other supplies to improve the physical, social and vocational aptitude of women affected with fistula. Musa commended Prof Idris Suleiman of AKTH, Dr Amir Imam-Yola and the team for providing continuous fistula repair services at the centre. Dr Zahra’u Muhammad-Umar, the Kano State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, said the state government had done a lot in the provision of welfare packages to survivors of fistula and in terms of their feeding, shelter, clothing and empowerment. The ministry also presented the award of excellence to the executive director of FFN and other doctors for their contributions toward ending fistula. Maryam Adam, who spoke on behalf of the survivors, said she had been struggling and managing VVF for 12 years and had done 10 surgeries. She said “My husband divorced me and married another woman, I have been going from one hospital to another in search of cure. “Before, I pass urine and faeces uncontrollably, but now I only urinate at a minimal level. There is an improvement. “I was also trained as a tailor, which helped me in getting medication and have remarried for two years despite my condition. “I thank God and thank Fistula Foundation Nigeria.’’  

NOC organises 2-day seminar for sports federations

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) said on Wednesday that it would organise a virtual seminar for presidents and leaders of sports federations. A statement issued by Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer of the NOC, said the seminar which focuses on good governance, would hold in Abuja from June 9 to June 10. Nezianya also said that the seminar would be organised under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Solidarity programme. He reported the Secretary-General of the NOC, Babatunde Popoola as emphasising the objectives of the seminar to include enhancing effective management and good governance of sports federations. ”It is also to create more integrated sport-specific systems, improve performance and utilisation of resources, as well as leverage or exploit available opportunities to reduce conflicts and reinforce greater harmony in the sports sector. “It is also to enable Sports Federations to function properly.” According to Nezianya, the seminar will be rich in content and delivery as the programme will be anchored by an international expert, Dr Donald Rukare from Uganda and an appointee of the IOC for the seminar. Nezianya also reported NOC President, Habu Gumel as saying that the benefits of the seminar would be measured by how the sports federations use the knowledge gained from the event to effectively run their federations. “We will know if they adhered to the basic principles of good governance.” The key areas to be covered in the seminar are an introduction to Sports Architecture, Leadership and Sports, Key Governance Challenges and Sports Governance. Other key areas to be covered are “Role of Presidents and Secretaries General, Management of NOC/Sports federations, Identifying Types of Sports Disputes and Resolution forums for Sports Disputes.” 

Assault: Why police released Seun Kuti on bail

Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti has been released on Tuesday night on bail, from the detention of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos. The development was confirmed by his attorney, on Tuesday night. Nigerian Anchor gathered that his release was based on the fulfilling of his bail conditions which were perfected since last Thursday but the Police still kept the afrobeat singer until Tuesday. “Yes, Ṣeun Kuti has just was released minutes ago. “His bail conditions have been perfected since last Thursday, but the police asked for an extension of his remand until today (Tuesday),” his lawyer is quoted as saying. The Chief Magistrate, Adeola Olatunbosun, had extended Kuti’s remand until Tuesday, May 23 following an application by the police. Court records show that a Sabo-Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State last week Thursday granted an application by the police for an extension of remand of Seun Kuti until Tuesday (today), to enable the police to conclude its investigation, and for the advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution. The police had told the court that the two days remand extension that was earlier granted was not enough for it to conclude its investigation. Responding to the police’ application, the magistrate said, “I will grant the extension. Matter adjourned to May 23, 2023, for DPP’s advice,” the document exclusively obtained by our correspondent on Monday revealed. Meanwhile, legal counsel to the musician, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told The PUNCH that his client’s (Seun Kuti’s) bail conditions had been met last Thursday. However, our correspondent gathered that police lawyers went to court on Thursday to get a remand extension without notifying the musician’s legal counsel. “The police lawyers came to court on Thursday without informing Seun’s lawyers. When the matter was called for mention, a young lawyer who was in court, pleaded with the magistrate to stand down the matter for about five minutes for Seun Kuti’s legal counsel, Olumide-Fusika, SAN, who had rushed down from Ikeja, to arrive. “But the magistrate refused, and extended Seun’s detention till Monday,” a source privy to the development revealed to our correspondent on Thursday. Our correspondent gathered that the lead counsel to the police, Simon Lough, SAN, moved the application, noting that the extension was to allow further investigation into the case. Kuti is charged with assaulting a police officer during an altercation on Saturday, May 13, on the Third Mainland Bridge, in Lagos. The police charged him with slapping an inspector after he drove dangerously on the bridge, and deliberately blocked a moving police vehicle. Kuti was arraigned last Tuesday, during which the Chief Magistrate earlier ordered his remand for 48 hours, and held that the defendant be admitted to bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum, at the end of the 48-hour remand. However, following a second arraignment last Thursday, the magistrate adjourned the case until May 23 for mention and directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and forward a copy to the state director of public prosecutions for advice. Reacting to the development during an interview with our correspondent, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that the musician’s bail conditions had been met, while insinuating that the court’s decision for the four days remand extension would, however, be respected. Olumide-Fusika said, “There’s no comment on the four-day extension. It’s a court decision, we’ll wait and see. “However, Ṣeun Kuti’s bail conditions have been met from our side. But since there’s a court decision extending for four days, the presiding magistrate did not sign off until after then.”

Tribunal orders Obi, Atiku to present joint petitions in 3 weeks

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has ordered the Presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) Mr. Peter Gregory Obi and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to present a joint petition against Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s February 25 presidential election victory, within three weeks. On Obi and LP petitions, the court ordered the Respondents, Bola Tinubu and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to defend the petition against them within five days.  On the part of Respondents in Atiku’s petition, the 1st Respondent (INEC) has two days to present its defense, 2nd Respondent (Tinubu) has five days, while 3rd Respondent (APC) also has five days to present its defence. The five-man panel of the court led by its Chairman, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani issued the order on Tuesday, adding that it arrived at the decision because of the limited time within which the petition must be disposed of. Further breakdown ordered that the Petitioners to present their matter from 30the May to June 23rd. INEC has two days, from 21st June to June 28 to present their defense, Tinubu has five days, from June 29 to July 6, while APC has five days, from July seven to July 16. Concluding, the court held that all pieces of evidence will be closed by July 16. Shortly after the order of the Court was handed down, Obi who was in court to witness the proceedings took permission from the court and left on the ground that they were going to prepare for the full-blown hearing of the petition. Meanwhile, the Court discountenanced Tinubu and APC’s objection for the consolidation of the applications. Consequently, the Court ordered the consolidation of the petitions so as to ensure an expeditious hearing.

Buhari to commission Customs’ N19.6bn smart corporate HQ in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to commission the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) N19.6 billion smart Corporate Headquarters. The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, made this known at a news conference in Abuja. Adeniyi, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said the building has a 12-floor tower with five floors on both wings of the tower and “bridges” linking the two wings. The chairman said construction of the building commenced in 2007 following the need to build a befitting edifice for the service. He further said that the need for more space in view of the capacity of the service also informed the construction of the building, Adeniyi said the building, having undergone redesigning and remodeling, was set for commissioning. According to him, the Commissioning would be carried out by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday. He said “His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari has conveyed his approval to commission the just completed Corporate Headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service. “We will also be expecting ministers, heads of agencies as well as the diplomatic corps. “The new headquarters of the service is a technologically friendly building, with all the facilities to monitor the different borders and commands across the country from a centralised system. “The Comptroller-General of Customs made it a priority that the building will be delivered during his tenure and that is what we are witnessing today.” The chairman said the building, sitting on approximately 25,000 square metres, was designed and constructed by indigenous firms. He said the height of the building above the ground was approximately 40 metres and one of the tallest buildings within the Business District of Maitama, Abuja. Adeniyi said the building would be serviced with modern and up-to-date mechanical and electrical services installations. The deputy comptroller-general of customs said the service was proud to state that “such an architectural masterpiece is cost efficient.” On the challenges encountered during the construction of the building, Adeniyi said there were challenges ranging from variations and adjustments in the model of the building. The Corporate Headquarters building referred to as “Customs House”, is located in Maitama, one of the high-brow areas of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The project was conceived in 2002 to provide a comfortable and conducive working environment for staff and authorised visitors to the building.

FG commissions Kajola Locomotive and Rolling Stock Assembly Plant in Ogun

*As first set of wagons roll out for freight services The Federal Government, in demonstration of its commitment to revitalize and ensure the sustainability of the ongoing railway modernization project, has commissioned the Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant in Ogun State. President Muhammadu Buhari who performed the commissioning of the project which was coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation, expressed immense pleasure over the project which was conceived and flagged off on November 8, 2019, by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo. Furthermore, the President said it will not only generate the needed employment but will boost economic opportunities for the citizenry as it will promote and develop local capacity in the assembling and manufacturing of Rolling Stock. The President who was represented by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, said the project is in compliance with the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 that stipulates “companies’ involvement in infrastructure development within the country to ensure transfer of technology to Nigeria”. It is in line with this Order that the Federal Ministry of Transportation in March 2018 signed an agreement with Messrs. China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) to facilitate the establishment of the plant with the Federal Government providing an enabling environment and necessary support in terms of Tax Waivers, Utilities (Power and Water Supply), Access Road and Rail Sidings, amongst others. According to the President, the Locomotive and Rolling Depot has the capacity to produce 500 Wagons per year of Open Wagons, Container Flat Wagons and Box Wagons, adding that the first set of Wagons assembled in Nigeria are being rolled out for freight services. “The advantage of setting up the plant is the potential to be provided by the ongoing rail projects in the country and Sub-African Region which will generate significant demand for Nigerians Rolling Stock” Buhari observed. “With the milestone achieved, we are seriously working to open the first University of Transportation in Daura, Katsina State. The intension of this University is to ensure adequate turn out of graduates, technicians, artisans, and researchers on different areas of transportation especially railway transportation to guarantee the sustainability of the massive infrastructural provision of this administration on rail transportation” the President assured. Also speaking at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, said: “There is no gainsaying that this is one of the landmark legacies of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, designed to ensure the sustainability of railway development in the country”. While assuring that the Federal Ministry of Transportation will remain committed to full implementation of the Government’s Policy on Railway Modernization and expansion of the transportation network, she disclosed that it will be done in an environmentally friendly system that engenders socio-economic development of the country. Delivering a goodwill message, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Sen. Tolulope Odebiyi, said the former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosu, should be lauded for ensuring that the assembly plant was built in the State.

Dangote refinery will address supply shortages, price hikes – IPMAN

*Calls for revival of all moribund refineries in Nigeria The new Dangote refinery will address issues of fuel shortages and price hikes in the country, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said. Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Community depot in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states, said in an interview that the 18.5 billion dollar Dangote refinery, with 650, 000 barrel production capacity which was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, will go a long way in repositioning the country’s economy.. Anyaso however envisaged an initial increase in fuel pump price, but said it would decrease in the long run. “They will buy locally, refine and sell locally and we will no longer need forex to import products but rather, it will sell refined products and earn us forex. “It is a welcome development,” he said. The IPMAN chairman urged the Federal Government to revive its four refineries and optimise their production to support what Dangote would produce, to ensure full sufficiency of the products.  He thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for signing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which encouraged private sector investment in the oil and gas industry. Anyaso cautioned against monopoly, saying it would leave Nigerians worse off if left at the mercy of one supplier. “We need more players to come in because the market is there, so there should be competition; the Federal Government should ensure a monopoly is not created. “The PIA which this administration graciously signed encourages private sector involvement, people who have the capacity should be encouraged to follow the Dangote example,” he added. Anyaso called for revitalisation and operationalisation of all moribund depots, including that of Enugu for easy distribution of petroleum products. He said this would reduce the challenges of sourcing products and drive down prices.

Dangote promises constant availability of high-quality fuels

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has promised to constantly make available high-quality fuels for Nigeria’s transportation sector. Speaking at the commissioning of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals on Monday, Dangote explained the drive behind the Group’s corporate vision. “Beyond today’s ceremony, our first goal is to ramp up production of the various products to ensure that within this year, we are able to fully satisfy the nation’s demand for quality products. “There will be constant availability of high-quality fuels for our transportation sector, the refinery will also make available to our industries vital raw materials for wide range of manufacturing. “Our Group’s corporate vision is driven by our mission to produce what we consume and to promote self-sufficiency in the basic needs of our people. “We decided on a plant designed with state-of-the-art technology and a scale in a capacity that will be a game-changer in Africa and the global market. “We have built a refinery with a capacity to process 650k barrels per day in a single train – which is the largest in the world. We have selected the best plants, equipment and the latest technologies from across the world. “Overall, we are committed to operating our plant in line with int’l best practice, recognising the importance of protecting the environment, we have adopted stringent environmental, health & safety policies,” he said at the ongoing epoch-making event. Nigerian Anchor reports that five presidents, including: President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo; President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Mohamed Bazoum of Nigeria Republic, and President Mahamat Déby of Chad are in Nigeria for the big occasion. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who will not be physically present, will, however, present his goodwill message virtually. The petroleum refinery, with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), is sitting on 2,635 hectares of land located in Dangote Industries Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, and will provide employment to over 100,000 persons. The coming on stream of the gigantic project is expected to mark Nigeria’s exit from the league of oil rich nations, but which are heavy importers of the petroleum products.