The Federal Government has terminated the contract for Section 1 of the Kano-Maiduguri road project awarded to Dantata & Sawoe Ltd since 2007. 

The termination, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said was due to the expiration of the contract’s time frame, highlighting the government’s push to ensure that long-standing infrastructure projects meet their intended deadlines and deliver value for money.

The government also assured Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed of immediate intervention to repair a flood-damaged section of the Kano-Maiduguri federal road within the State. 

The road was recently severed by floodwaters following a heavy downpour, leaving the local Malori-Guskuri community in Katagun Local Government Area cut off and severely impacting their livelihoods.

Speaking during a performance review meeting on road projects under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme held on August 9, 2024, in Abuja with representatives from Dangote Group of Companies, BUA Group of Companies, and Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd, the Minister revealed the government’s intent to revisit and revise the liability period for all federal projects to guarantee durability and optimal value for public funds.

According to a statement on Saturday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media Uchenna Orji, the Minister emphasised the importance of accelerating the completion of critical infrastructure projects, particularly those funded under the Tax Credit Scheme, which includes major roadways vital to the nation’s economy. 

“Going forward, there will be a clear agreement on milestone completion timelines for ongoing projects under the Tax Credit Scheme.

“My position as the Minister of Works is that everybody must take responsibility. We will no longer fold our hands and allow the projects we have awarded and even reviewed to continue to linger,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the President’s commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerians due to poor road conditions, expressing that the government will not tolerate delays in completing vital infrastructure projects. 

“Nigerians are suffering on these roads, and President Bola Tinubu is doing everything possible, giving the road sector special attention. It would be a failure on our part to allow contractors to delay these projects while ignoring the people’s suffering,” he stressed.

Calling for greater dedication from all parties involved, including funding partners, the Minister urged Nigerians to remain patient, emphasizing the importance of partnership and patriotism in supporting the President’s vision for national development. 

“We must all play our part to support the President’s divine vision to retake our country,” the Minister urged.

The Minister cited several ongoing projects under the Tax Credit Scheme that have experienced delays due to outdated pricing structures. 

The affected projects are under review to expedite their completion, he said, listing Dangote Group, BUA Group, Mainstream Energy Solutions as well as MTN Nigeria as the entities involved in the tax credit scheme with various projects across the country.

Dangote – the 35 km Apapa-Owonronshoki Expressway in Lagos State, the 38 km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualization, the 49.577km Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road, Borno State, the construction of Nnamdi Azikiwe road (western bypass) in Kaduna State, the 49.153 km Bama – Banki road in Borno State, the reconstruction of 105km Obelle-Ilaro-Papalanto-Shagamu Road dualization, the reconstruction of 54.239km Deep Seaport in Lagos State, the 65.5 km Afikpo-Okigwe road in Ebonyi and Imo States being procured and the 53.7km of side lanes for the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos State being procured; 

BUA – the 20 km of roads in each of the three sections of Lokoja – Benin Highway, the 17.6km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road( more 3 km to be included at the Kano axis), the 132.5km Kano-Kongollam in Kano, Jigawa, and Kastina States, the 130km Bode Sadu – Kaiama road, 42km Eyenkorin-Offa road, the 73km Lafiaji-Bacita road and the 37km Okuta-Kenu road all in Kwara State;

Mainstream – the 76.586km Malando – Ngasike – Wara road in Kebbi State, the 45.13km Sabon Gari – Yuni – Auna Road In Magami LGA of Niger State and the asphalt overlay of Mokwa-Nasarawa road in Niger State.

MTN – the dualization of 107km Enugu- Onitsha road. 

To address the flood damage in Bauchi State, the Minister directed a technical team from the Ministry of Works to assess the damage and propose an emergency solution to restore access and alleviate the hardships faced by the affected communities. 

“It’s unfortunate that when a job is completed by contractors, we don’t even enjoy the road for five years before we’re back to square one. This is why I’ve been advocating against the one-year liability period; poorly executed jobs can last a year, but not five,” he said. 

He also directed Mothercart Ltd, the original contractor for the damaged section, to join the assessment team and determine why the road failed.

The Minister commended efforts of Dangote Plc on the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, the Lekki-Deep Seaport road, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe road in Kaduna while also praising BUA for their work on the Lokoja-Benin Highway at Ekpoma, 

While urging Mainstream Energy Solutions to accelerate their efforts on their respective projects, as the government pushes for the swift completion of the critical infrastructure projects, Umahi assured that the government remains committed to ensuring that Nigerians see tangible benefits from the investments, ensuring that the nation’s roads are safe, reliable, to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

[TheNation]

There was pandemonium in the Ibule Soro Community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State as some members of the state police command allegedly entered the town and disrupted the annual New Yam Festival celebration.

The New Yam Festival is celebrated annually to mark the beginning of the yam-eating season.

During the celebration, some policemen allegedly arrived at the venue and began shooting sporadically to disperse the crowd and prevent the continuation of the festivities.

It was reported that many residents were injured as they fled for safety, and both social and economic activities in the area were paralysed following the police’s alleged intervention.

A community member, who identified himself only as Ayo, said on Saturday that the police had disrupted the peace the community had been enjoying.

“There has been a serious crisis in Ibule Soro since yesterday. The situation was beyond my control as the police invaded us, shooting sporadically and terrorising the entire community. Teargas were used, severely affecting both the elderly and the younger generation. Many people ended up in the hospital because of this action.”

However, when contacted on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, denied that the police had invaded the community but explained that the police intervened to prevent a breakdown of law and order due to internal strife.

“The people of Ibule have been experiencing an internal crisis for some time. The command had previously invited the warring parties to lay down their arms and embrace peace, advising those aggrieved to seek legal redress in court.

“Unfortunately, the crisis escalated yesterday (Friday), so the police had to step in to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the community,” the PPRO stated.

It was, however, reported that members of the community were divided over the festival’s celebration. The disagreement was between two factional groups in the community. The two groups disagreed on the date set for the celebration.

The town’s monarch, Oba Oluleke Ogunlade, had scheduled the New Yam Festival for 25 August to coincide with the first anniversary of his coronation. However, this did not sit well with members of the anti-Oba Ogunlade group, who chose to hold their New Yam Festival on Friday, claiming it was the traditional date for the celebration in the town.

[Punch]

The Nigerian contingent has officially wrapped up their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with no medals, despite the participation of 88 athletes in 12 different sports.

Team Nigeria’s performance mirrored the country’s disappointing showing at the 2012 London Olympics, where the team also failed to win a medal.

The Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, described the team’s performance as a “disaster” and vowed to prevent a repeat of such results in the future.

Despite Nigeria not winning any medals, athletes of Nigerian descent secured medals at the Games.

Here are five athletes of Nigerian origin who won medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Yemisi Ogunleye

Germany’s Yemisi Ogunleye grabbed the gold medal in the women’s shot put at the Paris Olympics on Friday, throwing her winning 20.00m with her final attempt.

With her victory, Ogunleye became the first German to win the shot put event in 28 years, since the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Ogunleye was born in Germany to a Nigerian father from Ekiti and a German mother.

After her win, Ogunleye acknowledged her diverse background in a video trending on social media and sang a Yoruba gospel song.

Annette Echikunwoke

Echikunwoke is the only athlete to have represented Nigeria in this list but opted to represent the United States after her disqualification at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She missed out on competing in the hammer throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics because the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) failed to conduct the required drug tests for athletes. 

The 28-year-old, who holds the African record in the hammer throwing event, won an Olympic silver medal in women’s hammer throw.

Commenting on the feat, Washington Post quoted her as saying, “I’m happy it’s happening now. Everything happens for a reason, even if it’s bad or good or ugly. But this is beautiful.” 

Samu Omorodion

Born in Melilia, Spain,  to Nigerian parents, the 20-year-old forward is set to sign for Premier League side, Chelsea, from Atletico Madrid, according to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Omorodion was part of the Spanish side that defeated host, France, 5-3 in extra time to win Olympic gold in men’s football.

He scored just once in the competition, in a 2-1 loss to Egypt in the group stage.

Salwa Eid Naser

The Nigerian-born sprinter won silver for Bahrain in the 400m women’s event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She crossed the finish line in 48.53 seconds, trailing Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who set a new Olympic record with a time of 48.17 seconds.

The 26-year-old formerly known as Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu was born in Onitsha, Anambra.

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich’s new signing Olise was part of the French team that won silver in men’s football.

Olise was born in England to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother.

His younger brother, Richard, plays for Chelsea FC in England.

[Vanguard]

Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president, has called on Nigerians to take a collective stance in supporting the Dangote refinery project, warning against any attempts to impede its progress.

Abubakar’s statement comes amid a conflict between the refinery and Nigerian regulatory authorities.

On August 8, the Dangote refinery said the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been reluctant to enforce the domestic crude supply obligation (DCSO) to ensure that it receives its full crude requirement.

In response, the NUPRC denied the claim, stating that it facilitated the supply of 29 million barrels of crude oil to the refinery between January and June.

However, the Dangote refinery said it has not received the 29 million barrels of crude.

Speaking on the issue on Saturday, Atiku said the Dangote Refinery project is a significant investment that is “positioned to meet our energy and forex needs”.

The former vice-president also expressed concern over potential sabotage of the project.

He urged Nigerians to take “resolute actions” to ensure its success.

“Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus,” Abubakar wrote on X.

“This fundamental principle applies equally to investments, whether they be local or international.

“With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery, a significant private sector project positioned to meet our energy and forex needs.

“Alongside numerous fellow citizens of goodwill, I call upon all Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent us from reaping the benefits promised by this eagerly anticipated transformative endeavour.”

On June 4, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, said some international oil companies (IOCs) are struggling to supply crude to his refinery.

Speaking on Arise TV on July 15, Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive officer of the NUPRC, described the claim as “erroneous”, noting that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has provisions that guide willing buyer-willing seller transactions.

But a few days later, the management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) insisted that the IOCs were frustrating its request to purchase crude feedstock for the refinery.

[TheCable]

Key Points

• SendsPrint led by Damisi Busari acquires Nobel Financial, enhancing its U.S. presence to offer money transfer and gifting services from 16 states to African nations.
• Nobel Financial’s compliance team, led by Scott McClain, transitions to SendsPrint, ensuring strong oversight during U.S. expansion.
• The acquisition strengthens SendsPrint’s commitment to providing fast, secure, and affordable financial services to the African diaspora.

SendsPrint, a Nigerian cross border fintech startup led by Nigerian entrepreneur Damisi Busari,  has acquired Nobel Financial, a U.S.-based global remittance service provider, to enhance its footprint in the American market.

Nobel Financial, founded in 2014, offers remittance services from the U.S. to over 32 countries, including African, Latin American, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets. It also facilitates the sending of in-kind gifts such as rice to African recipients. Over the past decade, Nobel has served over a million customers worldwide.

This strategic move will enable SendsPrint to offer money transfer and gifting services across 16 states, including New Jersey, Maryland, and Georgia, to recipients in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other African countries.

SendsPrint looks to capitalize on U.S. opportunity with Nobel deal

“We recognized significant value in Nobel Financial, which underpinned this acquisition. The U.S. market presents a substantial opportunity for us, and we’re eager to bring our people-focused technology and deep understanding of African diasporas to ensure our expansion is successful,” said Damisi Busari, CEO and founder of SendsPrint.

As part of the acquisition, Nobel Financial’s Chief Compliance Officer, Scott McClain, and his team will join SendsPrint. McClain will continue his role at SendsPrint, ensuring strong oversight as the company scales its U.S. operations.

Fintech startup SendsPrint targets Africa’s growing remittance market

Established in 2022 by former Flutterwave executive Damisi Busari, SendsPrint provides a flat fee of $5 for cross-border transfers. With operations in the U.S., UK, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, the company promises swift transactions, often completed within 30 minutes, and secured by advanced measures like two-factor authentication and real-time monitoring.

Under Damisi Busari, SendsPrint is dedicated to enhancing the African diaspora experience through innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive financial services. The startup has partnered with over 3,000 retailers across Africa, including major players like Shoprite and Jumia, to facilitate gift card transfers throughout the continent.

[https://billionaires.africa]

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Whiskey Mistress, Mrs. Adenike Isi Adeeko, said she was committed to pushing boundaries, innovation, and staying at the forefront of the nightlife industry in Nigeria.

Adeeko, who spoke in a statement to mark Whiskey Mistress’ second anniversary, said looking to the future, they were excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

She said: “We are committed to pushing boundaries, innovation, and staying at the forefront of the nightlife industry.

“Our vision extends beyond just being a venue for enjoyment; we aspire to be a catalyst for transformative experiences. We will continue to listen to your feedback, adapt to your evolving preferences, and exceed your expectations.”

The nightlife industry leader further said, “As we embark on this exciting journey, we remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of service, cleanliness, and safety.”

According to the Whiskey CEO, two years ago, Whiskey Mistress opened its doors with a vision to create a space where people could come together, unwind, and enjoy extraordinary nightlife experiences.

“Right from day one, our commitment to excellence has been unwavering.

“We have meticulously crafted every detail, from our exquisite cocktails to the carefully curated music and performances that have become the heartbeat of our establishment.”

The statement read in part: “Over the past two years, Whiskey Mistress has become more than just a venue; it is a community. A place where friendships are forged, memories are made, and dreams are cultivated.

“We have embraced diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and valued.

“Our success is not just measured by the positive experiences we create, but by the smiles on their faces and the joy in their hearts.

“As we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible team behind Whiskey Mistress. To our dedicated staff, your hard work, passion, and commitment have been the driving force behind our success.

“You have gone above and beyond to ensure that every guest has an unforgettable experience. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being the heart and soul of Whiskey Mistress.

“To our loyal patrons, thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. You are the reason we strive for excellence every day. Your feedback, your laughter, and your presence have been the fuel that drives us forward.

“With your continued trust and loyalty, we promise to deliver the extraordinary experiences you have come to expect from us.”

[Leadership]

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has clarified the nagging issues surrounding some deductions in the salaries of some civil servants in the state.

Otti made the clarification at the Government House, Umuahia, on Friday night during his monthly media interaction with newsmen.

He said that the government had conducted investigations in response to the complaints by some civil servants about deductions in their salaries.

Otti said that the investigation revealed that the migration from the use of the 2018/2019 tax rate to the current tax rate in deducting the taxes from salaries was responsible for the difference.

“A lot of people who felt their salaries were being reduced, when we investigated those complaints, we found that what actually happened was that before now an old tax rate was being applied.

“The 2018/2019 tax rate was being applied and there was a 2021/2022 tax law, which of course, has come into effect.

“I find it difficult to accept that somebody is pinching salaries, then how do you even do it, because the money leaves the account of the state and hits the account of the beneficiary?

“So, at what point would somebody deduct the salaries, and if you deduct, where do you take it to?”

The governor also said that the government had investigated the complaint about salary disparity in some Local Government Areas of the state and “we found that it is not true”.

Otti also attributed the development to tax deductions, using the current rate.

He said that the government had evolved a policy that allows the payment of overtime allowance to a civil servant that performs “overtime duties”, based on the request of the government.

He said: “If you were getting paid overtime and you were getting some overtime now the government says you are not supposed to work overtime.

“Except if there is a need for that and it is the government that would ask you to do that.

“I think that is what people are mistaking for salary being deducted.”

On minimum wage, Otti said that the government had set up a committee to look into the issue as it awaited more clarifications from the Federal Government on the matter.

He said: “You know the minimum wage announcement was just about the minimum wage of N70,000.

“What that means is that every other person’s salary would go up.

“So, it is not just going to be a minimum wage for civil servants every other salary would be adjusted accordingly.”

According to him, the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress are already interfacing to work out a solution that would be practicable and within the state’s meagre resources.

Otti said that the government had placed the issue of the new minimum wage on the front burner.

(NAN)

Nigerian businessman, Tony Elumelu says the government and security agents in Nigeria should be able to tell Nigerians who steal the country’s crude oil, especially using vessels that move through the territorial waters.

Elumelu stated this in an interview published by the Financial Times on Friday.

Elumelu who dreads oil theft said the menace contributed to the divestment of international oil companies in Nigeria.

He said he discovered first-hand why international oil companies were partly divesting from onshore assets after criminal gangs began stealing crude from his pipelines.

In 2022, when things got to a point where his company had to shut down production, Elumelu took to social media, tweeting: “How can we be losing over 95 per cent of oil production to thieves? Look at the Bonny Terminal which should be receiving over 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily, instead, it receives less than 3,000 barrels, leading the operator Shell to declare force majeure. The reason Nigeria is unable to meet its OPEC production quota is not because of low investment but because of theft, pure and simple!

“Meanwhile, oil-producing countries are smiling as their foreign reserve is rising. What is Nigeria’s problem? We need to hold our leaders more accountable!”

Speaking with Financial Times, Elumelu, expressed optimism, saying, however, that oil thieves still take away 18 per cent of crude from his field.

“42,000 barrels of crude pumped out daily. Theft still takes away about 18 per cent of production, he stated.

Asked who is behind the theft, he replied, “This is oil theft, we’re not talking about stealing a bottle of Coke you can put in your pocket. The government should know, they should tell us. Look at America — Donald Trump was shot at and quickly they knew the background of who shot him. Our security agencies should tell us who is stealing our oil. You bring vessels to our territorial waters and we don’t know?”

The 61-year-old founder of Heirs Holdings recalled how the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari allegedly stopped him from acquiring an oilfield.

He disclosed that Heirs Holdings had been looking to purchase the oilfield since 2017, having raised $2.5bn to purchase a different one.

But in a twist, he claimed that former president Buhari and his late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, blocked the deal.

He said he was told Nigeria could not allow something of such strategic importance to fall into the hands of a private operator.

“This defied logic,” he added since he would have been purchasing it from a foreign company.

As one of the few Nigerians who made their fortunes outside of oil, Elumelu revealed that his decision to buy a 45 per cent stake in an oilfield three years ago when international oil companies such as Shell, Total and Eni were selling off their shallow water assets in Nigeria was to give the country energy security in the face of low power supply.

“We wanted to become a Fortune 500 company and we estimated what we needed. It’s not naira, it’s huge dollars. Energy security is crucial for a country that doesn’t produce enough electricity for its roughly 200 million citizens,” he added.

Speaking on the japa syndrome, Elumelu declared, “I support it, totally. “I don’t have a problem with people saying ‘I’m going to Canada, UK or US.’

“Joblessness is the betrayal of a generation. You’ve gone to school and come back with your dreams and aspirations and you don’t have the opportunity . For people who decide to find solutions elsewhere, no one should stop them. But for those who decide to stay, they should try to create an impact and build a legacy.”

[Punch]

The crisis rocking Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is far from over as Dangote Refinery said it is yet to receive 26 million barrels of crude allocation facilitated by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

The spokesperson of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The statement was reacting to NUPRC’s claim that it facilitated 26 million barrels of crude oil allocation to Dangote Refinery in the first quarter of 2024.

NUPRC also announced a plan to review its Domestic Crude Supply Obligation Regulations 2023.

However, Dangote Refinery said it is yet to receive the crude allocation.

“We would like to thank them for this allocation but at the same time let them know that we are yet to receive these cargoes.”

According to Dangote Refinery, NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer.

“Aside from the term supply we bilaterally negotiated with NNPC, so far NUPRC has only facilitated the purchase of one crude cargo from a domestic producer. The rest of the cargoes we have processed were purchased from international traders,” Dangote Refinery stated.

The company further urged NUPRC to facilitate the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act which accounted for domestic crude obligation.

“All we are asking for is for refineries in Nigeria to buy crude directly from the companies that produce it in Nigeria rather than from international middlemen. This is specified in the PIA,” the company added.

DAILY POST recalls that Aliko Dangote, the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, had accused NUPRC of reluctance to implement domestic supply obligations by International Oil Companies and other refiners in Nigeria.

The feud between Dangote Refinery and NUPRC is a testament that all is not well with the country’s oil and gas sector despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to sell crude to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in Naira.

The directive is yet to be implemented.

[DailyPost]

Oil refineries are the industrial behemoths that transform crude oil into a myriad of products, are crucial to the global economy.

They are complex facilities that require massive investments and advanced technology.

Here are the top 10 largest oil refineries in the world:

1. Jamnagar Refinery, India
Owner: Reliance Industries
Location: Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
Capacity: 1.24 million barrels per day (bpd)

2. Paraguana Refinery Complex, Venezuela
Owner: Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA)
Location: Paraguaná Peninsula, Venezuela
Capacity: 940,000 bpd

3. SK Energy Ulsan Complex, South Korea
Owner: SK Energy
Location: Ulsan, South Korea
Capacity: 900,000 bpd

4. Ruwais Refinery, United Arab Emirates
Owner: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Location: Ruwais, United Arab Emirates
Capacity: 827,000 bpd

5. Yeosu Refinery, South Korea
Owner: GS Caltex
Location: Yeosu, South Korea
Capacity: 840,000 bpd

6. Onsan Refinery, South Korea
Owner: S-Oil Corporation
Location: Onsan, South Korea
Capacity: 669,000 bpd

7. Dangote Refinery, Nigeria
Owner: Dangote Industries
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Capacity: 650,000 bpd

8. Galveston Bay Refinery, United States
Owner: Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Location: Texas City, Texas, United States
Capacity: 631,000 bpd

9. Beaumont Refinery, United States
Owner: ExxonMobil
Location: Beaumont, Texas, United States
Capacity: Approximately 630,000 bpd

10. Port Arthur Refinery, United States
Owner: Motiva Enterprises
Location: Port Arthur, Texas, United States
Capacity: 600,000 bpd

[TheNation]