Nigeria needs 3.9m toilets to tackle open defecation -UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said Nigeria needs to build no fewer than 3.9 million toilets annually to meet the ending open defecation practice by 2025. UNICEF Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Dr. Jane Bevan, said this on Monday at the opening of a two-day Maiden Toilet Business Owners Conference in Abuja. Bevan said that current toilet construction in the country stood between 180,000– 200,000 toilets annually, describing it as inadequate. She said the conference was timely as toilet business owners were key to ending open defecation challenges in Nigeria. According to her, there is a need to do things differently by creating demand for toilets. The private sector could play a huge role in sustainability and strengthening sanitation markets in the country. Bevan, quoting the 2021 WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping on Nigeria’s sanitation status, said 48 million people practice open defecation, while 95 million were without access to basic sanitation services. “About 1.3 percent of GDP or N455 billion is lost annually due to poor access to sanitation – health, health care savings, and productivity. “Every dollar invested in water and sanitation results in economic benefits ranging from 3 dollars to 34 dollars. “Nigeria cannot continue business as usual or it will miss the target of 2025 and 2030. There is a need to strengthen and scale up proven strategies to reach the country’s goals. “The private sector must work closely with all tiers of government and communities to actively create sustainable solutions to address the sanitation needs of unserved and underserved communities and help grow capital investment and human capital.’’ Dr Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, expressed optimism that Toilet Business Owners (TBOs) would complement government’s effort towards realisation of the objective of ending open defecation in Nigeria. According to her, Nigeria is ready for business and the market is expansive for quicker and bigger returns on investment as long as we are prepared to think outside the box. The permanent secretary noted that the outcome of the conference would reinforce other existing initiatives in achieving the national and global goals for the water, sanitation and hygiene sub-sector. “TBOs are part of the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) that would help in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. “This is particularly noteworthy in Nigeria where the SMEs have contributed approximately 48 percent to the national GDP over the last five years as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). “Moreover, the SMEs in Nigeria accounted for 96 per cent of all businesses in the country and employed 57.7 million people, representing 84.02 percent of the workforce in 2016. “I am therefore confident that with this level of SME participation in the economy, this conference will equip the participants with a better appreciation of the potentials of these enterprises for the Sanitation Sector.” Earlier, Mr. Chukwuma Nnana, Executive Director, of Toilet Pride Initiative, said one of the biggest challenges in realizing an open defecation-free environment was the lack of enabling environment for these sanitation businesses to thrive. Nnana, who is also the convener of the conference, said that TBOs and sanitation entrepreneurs were yet to be mobilised to their full potential. The conference was designed to showcase and create awareness on the contributions of private sanitation enterprises in scaling up sanitation service delivery in Nigeria.
Tax Audit: FCT-IRS, CITN train 200 officers
The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) is training another batch of 200 personnel. This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Mustapha Sumaila, the FCT-IRS Head of Corporate Communications, in Abuja. Sumaila said the training, which was focused on Tax Audit and Investigation, was conducted in line with the mandate of the service. According to him, FCT-IRS is established to ensure a steady increase in revenue generation in the FCT. The Acting Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Haruna Abdullahi, according to Sumaila, said capacity building remained a priority. Abdullahi said he would do everything possible to uphold it as it is one of the core objectives of the service. He said the training could not have come at a better time, adding that efforts are geared at harmonizing all revenue sources. He further said all would be done to centralise collection to the FCT-IRS, stressing that there is a need to have a skilled and equipped workforce to drive the process. The acting chairman said the training would bring the total of trained personnel to 400, adding that 200 personnel were trained in 2022. Abdullahi said tax officials required technical and verbal skills to effectively audit and interact with taxpayers, especially high-network individuals, and politically exposed persons. “The responsibility of the service is critical to the success of the FCT administration. “As such, skillful tax men are needed to rapidly grow the tax net especially now that expectations are high on revenue generating agencies,” he said. The Director, Human Capital Management and Development, FCT-IRS, Mr Umar Jada, said the service would continue to partner with professional bodies like CITN. He said FCT-IRS always prioritised training and retraining of staff to improve service delivery, and achieve set goals and objectives of the service.
China strengthens bilateral ties with Nigeria, visits Lagos with 3 ships
In a bid to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, the Chinese Navy Escort Task Group (ETG) 162, comprising MSL Destroyer NANNING, MSL Frigate SANYA, and Supply Ship WEISHANHU, on Sunday, visited Nigeria. The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chi Jian Chun, said that the visitation of the Chinese envoy, scheduled for July 2 to 6, would also enhance maritime security within the West African sub-region. The MSL Destroyer NANNING, made the port call at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Berth 21, while the other two ships remained at anchorage. Chun said that the delegation from China was big with more than 700 people and three ships to Nigeria. “The visit is to further deepen the relationship the two countries have with one another and also seek to strengthen and improve our relationship and cooperation with each other. “This visit demonstrates the harmony and symphony between Nigeria and China,” he said. The ambassador said that China and Nigeria would continue to work together and promote peace and harmony while also seeking ways to make contributions to the international community. “I believe that this visit will deepen the cooperation between both countries military sector so that we can work together to overcome obstacles. “We will continue to do more things to facilitate and promote the relationship between the two countries,” Chun said. Also, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, said the visitation would further help to cement the relationship between the two countries. This is “especially between the Nigerian Navy and the Chinese Navy as well as the military. This will help us fight crimes, especially in the Gulf of Guinea. “During their period of stay, our men will be interacting, we will be having some sporting activities, exchange of momentous and gifts. “We will also discuss the future of both navies, especially on how we can benefit from each other,” Akpan said. The FOC added that the term called ‘sea riders’ enabled some of the Nigerian Navy personnel onboard the Chinese ship and they could also have some of their own men onboard our ship. “This helps to foster friendship across the horizon,” Akpan said. The Chinese nationals resident in Lagos came out in their numbers to welcome the Chinese envoy at the NPA. There was also a rich display of the culture of the Chinese people which could be seen in the colourful display of their synchronised dance routine at the port.
Win 2023 World Cup, First Lady tasks Falcons in send-forth dinner
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has tasked the Super Falcons to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals holding in Australia and New Zealand. She gave the charge in Abuja on Saturday while hosting the team to a dinner ahead of its departure on Sunday for the tournament which starts July 20 and ends August 20. Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by Dr Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader, said that Nigeria’s appearance at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup must be for the noble purpose of bringing the coveted cup home. Drumming support for the Super Falcons, she pointed out that football was a major unifier in the country, urging the team to work hard so as to match the expectations of Nigerians. “It is important that you remain committed by playing together as a team; no one should think that she’s better player than the other. “It is only when you play as a team that you can record success. It is my expectation that this time, you will surpass your previous efforts. “I am sure that 99.9 per cent of Nigerians will stay glued to their television sets to watch you. Please try your best to bring the cup home.” While expressing her faith in the ability and pedigree of the team to excel at the mundial, the first lady promised to receive the team herself when they bring the cup home. Earlier, the President of Nigeria Football Federations (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua, had thanked the Federal Government for supporting the team. “Football remains the biggest unifier across the world; it has helped to shore up our national image while helping to reduce criminal tendencies among the youth. “I want to encourage the coaches to be more committed because you will be accountable for the outing.” Among dignitaries that attended the dinner were Mr Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo, top sports administrators and members of the diplomatic corps. The Nigerian national female soccer team is one out of only seven national teams that have featured in each of the competition since it debuted in 1991.
ECOWAS solidly behind Nigeria’s policies, says President Embalo
The Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS) says it is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria as the true giant of Africa. President of Guinea- Buissau and Chairman Authority ECOWAS Head of State and Government, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, said this during a private visit to Tinubu on Saturday in Lagos. He said that the economic steps so far taken would not only be for the good of Nigeria but the entire West African sub-region. Addressing newsmen after the visit, Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy to the President, Mr. Dele Alake said the visit was strictly private. “It was a meeting between two African brother-presidents and it was very cordial. Of course, the visiting president appreciated the steps taken by President Bola Tinubu within the last month. “He said he is ready to cooperate with Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu at all times just as the rest of the world have commended him over his recent policies. “They also spoke of the ECOWAS head of government meeting which is imminently coming up and also spoke on other areas of cooperation,” he said. The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dele Alake, among others. The Guinea-Bissau leader has left after the over three hours private meeting.
UTME: CIEPUK partners varsities, NAPSP to award scholarships to outstanding students
The Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom (CIEPUK) is set to partner several institutions and the National Association of Private School Proprietors’ (NAPSP) to award scholarship to outstanding students in the just concluded 2023 JAMB/UTME examinations. Prof. Marcel Ezenwoye, the National President of CIEPUK, said the gesture was a way of rewarding excellence and encouraging hardworking students in the country. He said it was also in line with the Federal Government’s policies on inclusive, affordable and accessible education under the able watch of President Bola Tinubu and his vice Shettima. “CIEPUK is partnering several universities both within and outside the country to offer 50 percent scholarship to JAMB/UME students, so that for a semester, they pay N60,000 as tuition fees, N30,000 for hostel and N5,000 as medical fees. “CIEPUK therefore invites Jambites and other admission seekers for categorised scholarship to enable them study the course of their choice in any of our collaborating public and private Universities and polytechnics in Nigeria and overseas, for 2023/2024 academic session. “The list of tertiary institutions involved in the scholarship programme include; Hipdet University, Cameroon, Gideon Robert University, Lusaka, Zambia, St. Monica University, Cameroon, Paul University, Awka, Tansian University, Umunya Anambra State and Maduka University, Enugu State. “Others are Covenant Polytechnic, Owerri, Temple Gate Polytechnic, Aba and Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja,” he said. Ezenwoye explained that the 50 percent scholarship would cover part of the student’s tuition, hostel and other fees throughout their four-year period in which they are expected to study in the University of their choice. He added that other students with lower scores would also enjoy the 50 percent scholarship in the university of their choice, provided they apply between now and August 30. The don added that CIEPUK was also partnering NAPSP in the scholarship programme. He said this was in recognition of the invaluable role that NAPSP play in moulding the future of these youths. “We therefore cordially invite all school owners/principals to partner with us in giving them quality higher education and a secured future devoid of strike, cultism, gangsterism and other forms of vices that characterise our educational institutions today. “CIEPUK, hereby offers 20 students each registered NAPSP members our 50 percent scholarship to all the incoming students in the 2023/2024 academic session. “Admission forms are already on sale and first scholarship/admission screening interview holds on August 30th, 2023 at the Old Registrar’s office, Paul University, Awka at 12 noon prompt. “You can go to our website www.ciepuk.org.uk to confirm the courses we offer as well as call 08069030670, 07030808907 or visit CIEPUK Educators House, 39A First Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja, for more information.
NNPCL, marketers, others involved in fuel subsidy scam –Yuguda
*Says Buhari can’t claim ignorance of the whole issue Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda has said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), petroleum markers and other are involved in the fuel subsidy scam the country has suffered in so many years. Yuguda, who blamed the lack of a political will on the part of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s, said Buhari had before becoming President in 2015 described subsidy as a scam yet he did nothing to end it. Yuguda, who said this on ChannelsTV on Monday in Abuja, insisted that the subsidy regime was a scam that was perpetuated by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with marketers and other stakeholders. He said: “I am sad to let Nigerians know what I saw; we came across situations where subsidy was claimed on pipelines that never existed. “We were subsidizing West Africa, we were bringing in this fuel at an elevated cost and then half of it was exported out by the same group that is supposed to supply this fuel in Nigeria. Are the security doing their jobs, are other security agencies that are supposed to sanction those that are taking our fuel out of Nigeria doing their jobs? “Secondly, when I chaired that committee on subsidy that uncovered the scam, I told you that subsidy was being paid on pipelines that never pumped products. In fact, forms were just filled and subsidies are paid, and to whom are they paid? – to the marketers. “Those that claim to pump the products and those that are in the subsidy scam, they just fill papers, invoices and they claim subsidy on it. They have no heart, these people, they are just heartless,” Yuguda said. Yuguda, who is the Chairman of the APC Forum, a professional think-tank, said that the subsidy racket “was a sophisticated gang up and those that should act are also part of it. President Buhari cannot claim ignorance of the whole issue,” he added. Recently, after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ex-militant leader, Asari Dokubo had said: “I also want to say that oil theft is encouraged by the military. The Army and the Navy intimidate the (Nigeria Security and) Civil Defence (Corps) who are by status the people who are supposed to guard these pipelines. They receive a lot of money from NNPCL and the IOCs and just across the corner, you will see a houseboat. “We have seen that situation. You have a situation that is completely different. The government thought they could run the economy through borrowing. This is the time as a matter of necessity. “If Mr President can have the will to go after all those government officials that were responsible for hemorrhaging the economy, 70-80 per cent of what they have taken out of Nigeria should be brought back into Nigeria. Would he continue printing money like the way that they’ve been doing through Ways and Means. “Government cannot continue to borrow from the CBN to fund activities, it’s not possible. There is a limit to which you can borrow,” he explained.
Subsidy: FG provides solar alternative power to Nigerians
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad on Friday, said the Federal Government is providing solar energy alternatives to Nigerians in a bid to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on businesses and households. Ahmad, who was speaking after the inspection of REA’s Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) project in Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo, said the Federal Government, through REA, is setting up alternative solar energy systems to cater to electricity-underserved Nigerians. He also explained that the concept of the EEI project was to provide alternative and clean solar energy to Nigerians, so as to reduce or abolish the use of carbon monoxide petrol-powered generators. “We came to our Zonal office in Osun and we decided to do a short inspection of the Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) that we have in Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo. “We came to see the progress of the work and we are very happy with what we have seen here today. “The concept is to see how we can work with the market association and most importantly, work with the state government to scale up solar power supply to the whole market,” he said. He said the construction of the solar system at the Ayegbaju Market is about 95 percent completed and that the power generation of the system is targeted at 30kwp. He said at the pilot phase now, the solar power electricity is being test run on 48 shops and that in the long run, it would be extended to all the shops in the market. He said with the interaction he had with the leadership of the market, shop owners are interested in the solar power project, as an alternative power source to run their operations/shops. “What we have seen is the tremendous interest of the market people in the solar energy alternative, especially using it to replace petrol generators, in the face of subsidy removal,” he said. He said as a follow up to the inspection and interaction with the market people, he would meet and work with developers, Osun State Government and even the market association, to draw a roadmap of how the project would be sustained and scaled up to cover the entire market. He said with the solar system initiative, REA has been able to demonstrate a concept of solar power generation and supply, and that they can now bring in and work with other stakeholders to scale it up to the demand of Nigerians who are unserved and undeserved with electricity. “Over 148 sites have been audited directly by REA,” saying “support from partners, such as E-guide and Rockefeller Foundation, will enhance the Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI) project. “It is from these sites that Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo, and Abubakar Gumi Market, Kaduna, were selected to deliver the next phase of EEI projects,” he said. He said they are taking into account the lessons learned from phase zero and one of the project initiatives and would use it as a model for sustainable and collaborative projects with state governments and Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos). “Once the solar system construction is completed, the State Governments or DisCos, developers, and REA will be able to sit with the Market Associations to sign a multilateral agreement which ensures the long-term viability of the project while ensuring energy access to the markets. “These projects will also provide the much-needed relief to businesses in these markets by reducing their dependence on petrol generators while increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources,” he said.
Nigeria, India partner to block illicit drug flow
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Narcotics Control Bureau of India have agreed to collaborate to block the traffic of illicit drugs between Nigeria and India. The Director Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, said in a statement that the two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the Chairman of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who signed the MoU on behalf of the agency, said the move represented a robust partnership in efforts to exterminate incidences of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries. He said, “this bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large.” According to him, the MOU constitutes a fundamental step towards positioning the two countries, India and Nigeria, at the forefront of confronting and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks. “This is with brazen capabilities of outmaneuvering legitimate drug law enforcement. “With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world is working assiduously to curb the menace. “They also know that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances,” he said. Marwa said the governments of both countries remained committed to eradicating the problem posed by illicit substances, notably synthetic opioids and Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS) which posed a potent threat to our citizens. He acknowledged the courage exhibited by the two agencies in the course of past meetings that culminated in the MoU. The NDLEA boss stressed that the partnership would impact greatly on efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals and related matters between the two countries. The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian delegation, Ambassador Shri Balasubramanian, signed on behalf of his country. Balasubramanian said the negative impact of drugs on global financial and political systems was enormous, and that proceeds of drug trafficking were often directed towards terrorism financing. The Indian high commissioner observed that drug trafficking did not only affect the health of the individual that consumed it but equally the economy of the country as well as national security. He advised that both countries should take advantage of their similar demographic advantage to address substance use problems. He added that the liberal trade relations and educational advantages enjoyed by both countries had been negatively applied to further criminal drug trade. “I urge that all hands must be on deck to ensure that merchants of death do not succeed in their evil trade,” he said. Balasubramanian pledged the commitment of the Indian government to ensure the enforcement of the provisions of the MoU.