Dangote Refinery is Nigeria’s economy game changer- Buhari

*First Refined Petroleum Products to Hit Market End of July The new Dangote Refinery will mark a turning pointin Nigeria’s economic fortunes, President Muhammadu Buhari said Monday when inaugurating the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, the largest petrochemical company in the world. The company is expected to make Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and have a surplus for export. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the president described the feat as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s economy and a game changer for the downstream petroleum products market in Africa. The event was attended by Heads of State of Ghana, Togo, Niger and Senegal and a representative of the President of Chad. Buhari said: “This mega industry we are commissioning today is a clear example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported and when an enabling environment is created for investments and for businesses to thrive. ‘‘I am confident that my successor, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will sustain the improvement in our economic and business environment and strengthen the framework of our public-private partnership policies to accelerate the pace of our economic growth and development. ‘‘I am happy to leave our economy in very competent hands.’’ The president, who commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s leadership in executing the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, urged other entrepreneurs to emulate his example in driving economic growth and realizing Nigeria’s economic potential. He stressed the need for African countries to come together, integrate their economies, eliminate trade barriers, and rally their populations to achieve Agenda 2063, for the continent’s prosperity. ‘‘I urge and encourage our other great entrepreneurs to emulate this iconic Nigerian industrialist and join the Government in accelerating our growth in order to realize our country’s globally recognized economic potential. ‘‘When I travel around Africa and meet and engage my brother Heads of State (and I am delighted some of their Excellences are here) I often sense a quiet expectation that our country is blessed with resources and human capacity to lead Africa’s rise to economic prosperity and the attainment of Agenda 2063 – ‘The Africa we all want.’ ‘‘But to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063, Africa must come together – we must integrate our economies, eliminate barriers to trade and energize our youthful population to scale up our production capacity. ‘‘We must create necessary conditions for our private sector to grow and partner with the public sector to accelerate economic growth across the continent. ‘‘We must not allow outside powers to use some of our leaders to destabilize our economic and political trajectory,’’ he said. Buhari acknowledged the visionary investments made by the Dangote Group in transforming Nigeria’s economy through involvement in critical industries such as cement and fertilizer. He noted that investment in these sectors had played a crucial role in shifting Nigeria from heavy import dependence to becoming a net exporter. The president acknowledged that Nigeria’s economy has faced significant challenges over the years, including deficits in economic infrastructure and insurgency. He added that the country also faced external crises such as the global financial crisis, collapse of oil prices, massive disruptions caused by COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war. ‘‘The consequence of these challenges constitute a severe strain on our economy, limiting Government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to huge borrowings. ‘‘Our Government, therefore, took the decision to focus attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments not only in infrastructure but also in all critical sectors. ‘‘We recognize that without the active participation of the private sector and a strong commitment to public private partnership, our economy would continue to remain severely challenged and our economic growth impeded. ‘‘Government therefore, will and should continue to provide an enabling environment and encourage innovative public private partnerships in all sectors of our economy,’’ he said. Buhari emphasized the administration’s commitment to this approach, citing Executive Order 007 of 2019 which facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of many roads by private sector investors using a Tax-credit scheme. ‘‘It is my hope that the succeeding Administration will continue to apply such innovative schemes in partnership with the private sector to accelerate the provision of critical infrastructure, in particular roads, power, and gas pipelines,’’ he said. In his remark, Dangote said that the refinery fulfills the group’s corporate vision of promoting self-sufficiency and global competitiveness. ”We have built a Refinery with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (plus 900,000 tonnes of polypropylene) in a single train – which is the largest in the world. We have selected the best plants and equipment and the latest technologies from across the world. ”Our products slate is designed to meet the highest quality standards and high-value products including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), Aviation Turbine Kerosine (ATK); all of Euro V Standards that will enable us not only meet our Country’s demand but also to become a key player in the African and global market. ”Our coastal location and offshore loading and offloading (SPM) facilities with a capacity to receive all our crude oil supplies and evacuate up to 75% of our liquid products give us direct access to the rest of Africa and the global market for exports. “In addition, 80 percent of our production can be discharged through trucks nationwide.” He disclosed that the huge investment of over $18.5 billion in the industry was prompted by the company’s desire to support and contribute to transforming Nigeria’s economy and reposition the country as a respected emerging economy in the world. According to him, apart from ensuring consistent supply of high-quality fuels for the transportation sector, the refinery will provide essential raw materials to a wide range of manufacturing sectors, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, packaging, construction, and more. He further stated that the refinery’s operation and related businesses would generate a substantial number of job opportunities. He stated that the downstream supply and distribution of its products would

Flood: NEMA partners with NiMET, NIHSA on early warning alerts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has partnered with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to downscale early warning flood alerts to the 36 states and the FCT. The Director-General, NEMA, Mr Mustapha Ahmed, said this in his speech at the Mid-term review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015 – 2030, held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Manzo Ezekiel, Head, Press Unit, NEMA, in Abuja. Ahmed said that following the 2022 flood disaster experience, the Federal Government had also set up a presidential committee to develop a comprehensive action plan on flood prevention in the country. The director-general said that the inclusive approach was in tandem with the declaration of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who in 2022 said that every person on earth should be protected using early warning systems. “In line with target G of the SFDRR on delivering an early warning to all Nigerians, NEMA in collaboration with the Nigerian National Space Development Agency (NASDA) is working assiduously to increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems. “And disaster risk information in an inclusive manner through both conventional and non-conventional communications channels including the social media,” he said. The director-general also explained how the country had made appreciable efforts at actualising the four priorities and seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. He, however, requested that the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) supports the country with technical assistance for capacity building and training on early warning, forecast, hazard risk analysis and dissemination to the public, post disaster needs assessment among others.

Atiku, Obi and search for the ‘stolen’ mandate

Nigeria, in its first and most successful democratic journey, is warming up to May 29, a day termed Democracy Day, for yet another transition from one dispensation of government to another. Events leading to this day, as they concern the election of new leaders that will pilot the affairs of the nation for the next four years, were shrouded with a grave sense of trepidation, basically due to the anxiety created by the do-or-die attitude of Nigerian politicians.  It has always been the hope of the nation to get it right with a process devoid of electoral malpractices, rigging, and other encumbrances to free, fair and credible elections. Long before the February 25, 2023, Presidential election, there was fear amongst Nigerians about whether the election would be free, fair, and credible. Or if indeed, the election would be one that would engender quality representation and good governance.  Presently, Nigerians are divided over the conduct of the elections. While some believe the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did a good job with the way the election was conducted and a winner declared, others see the election as a sham and an embarrassment to the country before the international community. Before the election, INEC had promised Nigerians that it will do its best to give the country credible polls. The electoral body promised to end electoral malpractices and rigging during the election. However, just as it is in the past elections, many were of the view that the 2023 election was of no marked difference from previous flawed exercises as it was alleged to be characterized by huggery, rigging and all forms of electoral malpractices. In fact, a section of the foreign mission observers described the election as everything but free and fair. Four days after the election was conducted, precisely on March 1, 2023, INEC, through its Chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, who served as the chief collation officer of the federation, in the dead of the night declared Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), winner of the election with 8,794,726 votes, ahead of Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 6,984,520 votes, and Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), who secured 6,101,533 votes. Shortly after the election was conducted and results announced, political parties and their candidates have been pointing accusing fingers at one another. Consequently, candidates of the PDP and that of LP, Abubakar and Obi, have respectively approach the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, to challenge the declaration of Tinubu, as the president-elect. According to them, the process failed to comply with the Electoral Act 2022, which assured Nigerians of credible elections with the introduction of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System BVAS. To substantiate their claims of a stolen mandate as well as to be grounded for their defence, the Petitioners applied and obtained the order of court to inspect the materials used by INEC to conduct the elections, but INEC brought a fresh motion seeking for an order to reconfigure the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, a move that was opposed by Obi and Abubakar. Further, Atiku and Obi respectively, approached the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) for an order allowing live broadcast of the day-to-day proceedings PEPC hearing. Specifically, they are praying the court for “An order Directing the Court’s Registry and the parties on modalities for admission of Media Practitioners and their Equipment into the courtroom.” Moving the motion, Counsel to Atiku, Chief Chris Uche SAN, argued that the request is of national importance and public interest. He submitted that citizens and voters in the 36 States of the Federation including FCT Abuja, who voted and participated in the said election; and the International Community has the right to follow the workings of Nigeria’s Electoral Process. However, as the time of filing this report, the tribunal headed by Justice Haruna Tsamani has reserved ruling on that application for a date to be committed to the parties. Currently at the tribunal, the ongoing pre-hearing where the parties are to regularize their processes to determine tenable documents during the full-blown hearing of the petitions has seen two petitioners, Action Peoples Party (APP) and Action Alliance (AA) withdrawn from the legal fireworks against the president-elect. In the meantime, LP, alongside other parties in the suit pending at PEPC are still struggling to regularize their processes to determine which documents to tender in court or not.  Respondents claimed that the Petitioner, Obi’s legal team, walked out of the meeting held to regulate their processes as ordered by the court.  They further revealed that the party refused to pay the sum of N1.5million as demanded by Sokoto state to obtain the certified true copies of the documents requested. However, Obi’s lead counsel, Dr Levy Uzoukwu SAN, denied the allegation of walked-out, but assured of total compliance and the readiness to pay the statutory amount for the documents. Responding, Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd respondents, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, also accused the INEC of frustrating their efforts to regularize their proceeding  He submitted that five times, they had written to the electoral empire and five times they refused to respond to them. “We are yet to receive about 70% of the documents the INEC was supposed to send to us. For example, in Rivers state were the Resident Electoral Commission REC boldly told us they do not have any Form EC8A. We requested they put in writing.”  Political watchers have averred that going by the outcome of previous presidential election petition cases, one would say Abubakar and Obi’s petitions were dead on arrival. But Nigerians, especially, those who massively voted for Obi known as Obi-dients and Atiku are hopeful, and of the opinion that the search for justice for their candidates would not be in vain. It will be recalled that some of the reports of the foreign mission election observers were damning. The European Union in its report said the election lacks transparency.  “The EU observation mission said the elections were

Maritime Safety: FG launches enforcement boats, others

The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has inaugurated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) enforcement boats, ferries, clinics, and administrative buildings to boost the maritime domain. Sambo, during the inauguration in Lagos, said that the projects were part of the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance and institutionalized policies for an economic renaissance. He added that the projects reinforce the Federal Government’s commitment to achieve and sustain safe, secure shipping and cleaner oceans. “The projects will also enhance maritime capacity in line with the best global practices towards Nigeria’s economic development,” he said. Sambo said the inaugurated five state-of-the-art enforcement platforms would ensure strict compliance and adherence with the extant laws governing the operations of Nigeria’s maritime domain. “These platforms will give NIMASA the much-needed tools required to function as a maritime administration in line with the protocols and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation. “Additionally, we shall be commissioning four staff ferries meant to increase the overall efficiency and productivity of the staff of the agency. “This is to create a more conducive means of transportation to and from official assignments, thereby bypassing the hassles that are associated with the operational terrain of the ports,” he said. Other projects inaugurated by the minister include five new patrol/security boats, five refurbished search and rescue/pollution control boats, four staff ferries, a search and rescue clinic, and an administrative building. Sambo said that as the supervisory ministry, it would continue to give support to NIMASA to ensure the growth of maritime in Nigeria. Earlier, Dr Bashir Jamoh, the Director-General of NIMASA, in his address said the new assets and building showed the Federal Government’s relentless and persistent commitment in the fight against maritime crime aimed at strengthening the Blue Economy. Jamoh said that the Blue Economy was pivotal to the growth and development of the maritime and the nation in General. He urged the officers that would be assigned to utilise the boats to bear in mind that they are national assets and to make the best use of them by ensuring proper maintenance.

Gov Inuwa’s new 4-year term, sign of greater things for Gombe  

Gombe State’s ascendancy to preeminence in the national and international political terrain under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is quite remarkable and historic. The remarkable successes recorded by the Inuwa administration reflect a determination to create a new Gombe with limitless opportunities, thereby remaking the socio-economic and infact political fabric of the people towards a shared journey of good governance, prosperity and possibilities. At every event or fora these days, Gombe State enjoys a prime of place, especially when the issues of good governance constitute the subject matter. Just recently, specifically at the farewell dinner organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), in honor of outgoing governors, Inuwa was accosted by the media and asked to share his views on governance, policies and development. Of course true to his character he didn’t disappoint.  He emphasised the need for leaders to remain focused and not to allow distraction of any sort or form, maintaining that “it is the leaders that guide and control the movement and we should therefore be on the positive side to direct and help the people through our policies and programmes”. Speaking on his ‘magic wand’ that saw to the incredible transformation of Gombe State in less than 4 years of his stewardship, Governor Inuwa said, ” We thank God we didn’t go in blindfolded.  We went with a clear mission and vision, and Ahamdulillah we’ve been able to cultivate the grounds on which we are able to impact positively on the lives of our people through the projects and programmes we’re executing”. The governor said sheer determination, hardwork and the passion to deliver good services to the people were largely responsible for the giant strides being witnessed in Gombe State under his stewardship. Gombe has transformed into a beacon of accelerated growth and development, firmly establishing itself as the benchmark for progress. Step by step, it is attaining the position we envisioned for it. This remarkable achievement is a direct outcome of the Governor’s unwavering determination and vision to forge a legacy that  propels the state towards becoming one of the top ten strongest economies in the country. The pervading optimism in Gombe State is now giving the people a shared hope for a brighter tomorrow. The power of leadership and vision have reshaped our collective being, now dwelling more on the big picture of what Gombe State can be if we believe in ourselves and do the right things in a focused manner as we follow resolutely the development trajectory carefully drawn and being executed to fully harness our potentials. In the true spirit of our renaissance, therefore, I am sure everyone who has followed the enviable turnaround in education, healthcare delivery, infrastructural development, agriculture and human capital development in the state will agree with the realities of a new era of excellence. Let’s start with the cosmopolitanism posture of Inuwa. Gombe, the state capital, like most of the other towns around the state, has now grown phenomenally big into a modern city with mind-blowing infrastructure and amenities as envisioned. The state is certainly making history. The educational status of Gombe which was at the base among the 36 states of Nigeria, with secondary school students’ success ratio of 29 percent, is now at 87 percent. Thanks to Inuwa’s intervention through the state of emergency on education.  Just this year, the Inuwa-led administration pumped over N4 billion into the sector and declared an end to the state of emergency owing to the successes recorded. Last year, the Dan Majen Gombe was on the podium at the United Kingdom’s renowned Royal Institute of International Affairs known as Chatham House. The Chatham House is a political turf of World Leaders. Inuwa was found worthy of being called upon to showcase the good works he has been doing in Gombe State’s health sector. His brilliance in Chatham House is still reverberating in Nigeria’s political circles. On security matters, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Ahmed Baba, at the first Security Summit organized by Gombe State adjudged the Jewel State as a state to emulate in terms of peace and balanced security status. From all indications, the next four years will come with so much improvement in the quality of life of the people. This is a major point of considerable effect on why government exists and what should really matter in our evaluation of leadership as a harbinger of change. From this standpoint, it is clear that the Inuwa Yahaya administration is strategically building a new Gombe State that is innovative, competitive and prosperous. The Gombe people are witnesses to the massive building of schools, upgrade of boarding schools and equipping them, enhanced investment in constructing many roads through his flagship project, the network 11-100 and economic sense of boosting agriculture, building and equipping various hospitals, revitalization of healthcare centres statewide, providing water for all, solid empowerment to unleash the creative energy of our people in business. A ground breaking idea of establishing the Gombe Industrial Park which ultimately will attract a cluster of multiple industries that will create thousands of good jobs is fantastic. During Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s initial term, he achieved a remarkable transformation of Gombe state, leaving no critical sector untouched. His dedication ensured the state’s continued prosperity. As he prepares to begin his second term in a few days, we eagerly anticipate an even more aggressive focus on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other vital areas of growth and development. Inded the future of Gombe State is very positive and one is inclined to believe convincingly that the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration has done exceedingly well in its first term and the pervading optimism is now giving the people a shared hope for a brighter tomorrow as the  Governor sets to be inaugurated for another four year term. *Misilli is the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe

Buhari sacks FAAN MD, Yadudu

The Federal Government has removed the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, (FAAN) Capt. Rabiu Yadudu. Yadudu was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 and was relieved of his appointment at the weekend along with five other directors of the agency. Meanwhile, Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed has been appointed as the new managing director for the FAAN and he is expected to resume duty next week. The new FAAN boss was until his appointment, the Regional General Manager, North Central, Airport Manager Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was appointed as the Chairman, Aviation Roadmap Implementation Committee in January 2022 by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, a position he effectively combined with his office as the General Manager, Special Duties at FAAN. Sources say similar exercise will be carried out in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and other agencies . Also a gale of resignation of senior personnel has hit the apex civil aviation regulatory: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The mass resignation, industry sources hinted, is predicated on underhand moves by the Ministry of Aviation to alter the rules to enable the controversial national carrier – Nigeria Air take – off before May 29, 2023. The source hinted that the Ministry of Aviation is putting the NCAA under pressure to waive some aspects of regulation to see the controversial carrier airborne before the administration signs out in less than nine days. Investigations revealed that key personnel have thrown in the towel over pressure to be influenced to act in an unprofessional manner to issue approvals that will birth the controversial carrier. The directorate , experts say, is key to issuing the relevant certificates – Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC), that will qualify the controversial

Nigeria Correctional Service gets new DCGs

Six Assistant Controllers-General of Correction (ACGs) have been promoted to the rank of Deputy-Controllers General of Corrections (DCGs). The promotions were effected in the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Service Boards (CDCFIB) The Spokesman, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Assistant Controller of Corrections, Mr Abubakar Umar, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. Umar named the promoted superior officers as Adbullahi Magaji, Ahmadu Adamu, Timothy Tinuoye, Marylaurene Melchizedek, Jerome Akinrujomu and Joseph Usendiah. He said the newly promoted DCGs were decorated with their new ranks by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, alongside their spouses. He reported Aregbesola as congratulating them on their new positions, urging them to redouble efforts to meet the mandates of the service. He reiterated that the Federal Government and generality of Nigerians expected them to bring their expertise and experiences to bear, to improve the fortunes of correctional administration in Nigeria. The promoted DCGs have since been deployed to head various directorates of the service. Section 1 (3a) of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 provides a minimum of eight Deputy Controllers-General of Corrections, one of whom shall be responsible for the newly established non-custodial service directorate. 

Turkish Embassy strengthens ties with Nigeria, holds cuisine week 

The Embassy of Turkey in a bid to strengthen ties with Nigeria has organised a week-long event, where both countries can learn more about each other’s culture through food. Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar at the Inaugural gala of the Cuisine Week at the weekend in Abuja, said that varieties of Turkish meals would be on the menu of the Frazer suites, Abuja all week. Bayraktar said that one of the symbols of Turkish culture, which has always been famous for its hospitality was Turkish Cuisine which symbolises the spirit of community and solidarity.  “This is the second of the Turkish Cuisine week that will be held since last year and it was initiated by our first lady, Mrs Emine Erdogan. “And the aim of this gathering is to show about the Turkish culture to other cultures.  “During this week, the hotel, the chefs will prepare different varieties of food from different parts of Turkey. “This year it is more from the Hatay region because of the earthquake that we just had on Feb. 6. He disclosed that one aspect of culture was the food, the cuisine of Turkey. “As everybody knows jollof rice all around the world is a Nigerian dish, of course Turks have many dishes like that that is worldwide known. “Which is why we have gathered friends and foreign mission colleagues to enjoy the food and see what we can cheer about our culture,” Bayraktar said. He said that following positive reports on tasty Turkish meals from Nigerians who have visited Turkey, he would engage with Nigeria’s Ministry of Culture to jointly organize a food fair in both countries.  “On food fair, we could do something like that. I need to talk to the Ministry of Culture, I believe it will be a good opportunity. “I know that a lot of people that go from Nigeria to turkey, they said they loved the food and enjoyed a lot of restaurants that they have gone to. Mr Dele Oye, Chairman, Nigerian-Turkey Business Council commended the exquisite event. He said that introducing a person to the food and culture of a country was the smartest way to strengthening business relations. “I will tell you that once you eat someone’s food, you will definitely do business with that country. “If you look at the Chinese Principle, they make sure all of us know about their food before they even came out with the business, that will make it a lot easier. “When you go for business meetings you will feel comfortable to do business in a comfortable environment,” Oye said. Highlights of the event was when the Ambassador made “Pide” a popular cuisine called Turkish Pizza for guests in the kitchen. Those present at the event include Nigerian government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps including the Chinese, Indians, Mexicans, Ambassadors to Nigeria among others.

May 29: FG to cordon off Federal Secretariat

Ahead of the 2023 Presidential Inauguration/Swearing-in Ceremony on Monday, May 29, access to the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off from 2pm on Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29. NIGERIAN ANCHOR reports that the ceremony will take place at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja. The notice was contained in a circular was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, for the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Friday, May 19. According to the circular, access for officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed until Tuesday, May 30, when work is expected to resume. “As you may be aware, the Presidential Transition Council (PTC) has unveiled the activities marking the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. The Inauguration Parade and Swearing-in of President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is the climax of the Programme, will take place on Monday, 29th May 2023 at the Eagle Square, Central Business District, Abuja. “In line with the security arrangements for the event, the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I, II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be cordoned off by security operatives from 2.00pm on Friday, 26th May 2023 to Monday, 29th May 2023. “Accordingly, officers and intending visitors to the affected areas will not be allowed access till Tuesday, 30th May, 2023, when work will resume in earnest. “Kindly bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned,” it read. The title of the circular is ‘Cordoning off the Federal Secretariat Complexes Phases I. II, III and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2023 Presidential Inauguration/Swearing-in Ceremony’, and it was copied to the relevant offices. They include: the Chief of Staff to the President, C-in-C; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; Office of the Vice President; Honourable Ministers/Ministers of State; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Others are: Clerk of the National Assembly, Chief Registrar. Supreme Court of Nigeria, Permanent Secretaries, National Security Adviser, Special Advisers/Senior Special Assistants, Service Chiefs/Inspector-General-of Police; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria; Chairman, Federal Character Commission; Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission and Chairman, Police Service Commission. It was also copied to the Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau; Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal; Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation & Fiscal Commission; Chairman, National Population Commission; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service; Head of Service of the Federation; Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; Secretary, National Judicial Council; Auditor-General of the Federation; Accountant-General for the Federation. Surveyor-General of the Federation and Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals/Agencies.

NDLEA raids drug joints nationwide, arrests 534

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has commenced a nationwide raid of drug joints ahead of the May 29 inauguration of a new government in the country. According to the Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, 534 drug suspects have been arrested during the operation, code-named Operation Mop Up. Babafemi said in a statement on Friday that the operation was to remove enablers of crime and violence in the form of illicit substances and those who deal in them. This, he said, was with a view to ensuring peaceful inauguration of new administrations at national and sub-national levels on May 29. “Not less than 534 suspects have been arrested in the first few days of the commencement of the operation. “However, tons of illicit drugs were recovered across the states and the Federal Capital Territory. “This includes cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, cannabis sativa and various new psychoactive substances among others. “Top on the list of the states with high arrests and seizures are Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Rivers, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Osun, Benue and Plateau,’’ he said. Babafemi quoted the Chairman, retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending all officers and men involved in the exercise for their professionalism and adherence to standard operating procedure. Marwa said “I am impressed by the level of compliance with the directive to all our commands and formations. “Which is to dismantle all drug joints within their areas of responsibility, mop up all illicit substances in such locations and arrest all those culpable. “This will in no small measure take out of the equation, enablers of crime and violence. “This includes illicit drugs, their dealers and all those relying on mind-altering substances to disrupt the May 29 inauguration ceremonies across the states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said. The NDLEA boss charged them to continue with the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers “until the last gram of illicit drug is taken out of the streets and communities” across Nigeria.