FEATURES
Ndume said he taught in the polytechnic for 20 years before joining politics.
He spoke on Channels TV’s Politics Today while faulting those against his stance on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
Ndume said people see him as ignorant because he wears Agbada.
The lawmaker said despite schooling in Nigeria and the United States, while two of his daughters are married to Yoruba men, some people still consider him ignorant.
He said: “I’m 65 years old. I schooled in Nigeria and in America. Because I’m wearing Agbada and because I’m from Borno State, some people call me ignorant. I taught in polytechnics for 20 years before I joined politics. I married two of my daughters to Yoruba men.”
On Thursday, there was an uproar and a shouting match on the floor of the Senate over the tax reform bills.
Ndume had kicked against the bills, identifying timing as one of the elements drawing antagonism to the proposed bills.
He said introducing such a bill at the moment was bad timing, noting the current perception of the present administration by the populace.
Port Harcourt Refinery: Oil business not selling cement, sugar – Fani-Kayode tackles Dangote
AFOLABI
The former Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tackled critics of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited upon the recent revival of Port Harcourt Refinery.
This comes as he alleged that some elements within the private sector in the oil and gas industry want to undermine and understate the revitalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Fani-Kayode made this known in a statement on his official X handle on Thursday, noting that the oil business is not the same thing as selling sugar, spaghetti, and cement, tackling Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Refinery.
His comments come amid claims against the viability of Port Harcourt Refinery after NNPCL announced that the plant has begun trucking out petroleum products on Tuesday.
Recall that Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday alleged that Port Harcourt Refinery trucked out old stock, not freshly refined petroleum products.
However, Fani-Kayode fingered some elements in the private sector of the industry as responsible for the campaign of calumny to discredit the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of Port Harcourt Refinery after years of being in comatose.
He stressed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is a great victory for Nigeria.
According to him, what Nigerians need is for NNPCL refineries to flourish, and the same for Dangote Refinery and others.
He said, “The resurrection of the PH refinery is one of the most encouraging things that has happened in the petroleum sector for many years, and the credit for this must go to the President and the GMD of NNPC.
“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector who are new in the field are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria.
“The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”.
He added: “NNPC will go from strength to strength, and once its other refineries are working as well, Nigerians will have cause to smile again. Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish too. That should be our goal and not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.
“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari. His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity, and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”.
DAILY POST recalls that on Tuesday the NNPCL announced the commencement of petroleum product production at the Port Harcourt Refinery.
President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and attracting investment in critical economic sectors.
This high-profile visit comes as 2024 half-year foreign trade data highlights France as Nigeria’s sixth-largest trading partner, with total trade volumes at N4.4 trillion.
Notably, exports to France stood at N3.4 trillion, making it Nigeria’s largest single-country export destination and second only to Africa as a region.
In a high-profile meeting at the historic Palais des L’Elysée, President Tinubu and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, explored avenues to strengthen their economic and diplomatic ties.
Tinubu outlined an ambitious agenda focusing on key areas of collaboration, aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s untapped potential and fostering mutual prosperity.
Nairametrics research highlights the ten key areas of economic partnership President Tinubu sought to strengthen during his visit to France, aimed at fostering mutual growth and unlocking Nigeria’s vast economic potential.
1. Agricultural Development and Food Security
President Tinubu called for French investment to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, emphasizing food security as a top priority. He noted:
“The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country. It is our responsibility to put together a food security program for the private sector to come and invest in the country.”
Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a catalyst for foreign investments in agriculture. He assured:
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.”
Nigeria’s financial services sector recorded a GDP growth rate of 30.83% in the third quarter of 2024 boosting overall GDP growth rate to 3.46%
2. Solid Minerals Exploration
The President invited French investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s underdeveloped solid minerals sector. He emphasized de-risking the sector for easier investment:
“We should de-risk the opportunities in the solid minerals. We have the potentials and we have agreed on a deeper and deeper relationship.”
An agreement was signed during the visit, signaling increased French commitment to the sector.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s mining sector is set to become a key driver of economic diversification and growth.
- The administration aims to modernize the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act to attract global investors, ensure environmental sustainability, and improve community welfare.
- Key initiatives include developing infrastructure to support mining operations, combating illegal mining through a dedicated Mining Marshal Corps, and fostering human capital development through training and research programs.
- To boost foreign investment, incentives like tax waivers and security reforms have been introduced, alongside efforts to mandate local mineral processing and revoke dormant licenses.
3. Youth Development and Training
Tinubu stressed the importance of equipping Nigeria’s youthful population with skills through French-backed training initiatives. He stated:
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business. We have a vibrant youth population that is educated and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development.”
Tinubu requested specific programs aimed at building the entrepreneurial capacities of Nigerian youths.
4. Energy Transition
The President urged French companies to collaborate with Nigeria in its drive toward cleaner energy solutions while maximizing existing resources.
- While not directly quoted in this sector, Tinubu’s broader remarks about foreign investments in critical areas aligned with Nigeria’s energy priorities.
- Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s energy transition plan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 while ensuring economic growth and energy access.
- The strategy focuses on decarbonizing key sectors: power, cooking, oil and gas, transport, and industry.
- Initiatives include increasing renewable energy contributions, promoting clean cooking technologies, and adopting natural gas as a transitional fuel.
The government is also investing in infrastructure, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, to provide affordable alternatives to petrol and reduce transportation costs. International partnerships, like the agreement with Germany on wind energy development, support these efforts.
5. Blue Economy and Fisheries
Tinubu highlighted the opportunities in Nigeria’s untapped blue economy, particularly in fisheries, citing Lagos as an example of effective resource management:
“In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.”
He encouraged French investors to explore these prospects, assuring:
“We want to assure the French investment community that Nigeria is open for business. It shall be easy in, and easy out.”
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is prioritizing the development of its blue economy to stimulate economic growth and sustainability.
- The administration is focusing on enhancing maritime security through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, which has significantly reduced piracy in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.
- Collaborations with regional partners aim to address maritime insecurity comprehensively.
6. Security Cooperation
Acknowledging global security challenges, Tinubu called for collaborative measures to combat terrorism and reduce migration pressures. He stated:
“Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner with France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration.”
7. Education and Child Welfare
Tinubu emphasized the importance of child education and welfare as a cornerstone for national development. He noted:
“A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st century, no child should go to bed hungry.”
Proposing solutions, he said:
“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn. The more educated the children are, the better it is for us.”
8. Defense and Technology
In discussions on defense, Tinubu sought advanced technology solutions to address security threats and enhance Nigeria’s defense capabilities. He emphasized the shared responsibility of governments to ensure regional stability.
9. Support for Creative Industries
President Macron praised Nigeria’s creative industries as a growth engine and pledged France’s support. Tinubu encouraged deeper collaboration in promoting Nigerian art, music, and film globally, as part of broader youth-focused initiatives.
10. Trade and Investment Ease
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to business and reassured potential French investors of a friendly operating environment:
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better.”
He emphasized ongoing reforms to simplify trade and encourage foreign direct investment, stating:
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business.”
Macron’s Commitment to Strengthened Ties
President Emmanuel Macron described Tinubu’s visit as a landmark in bilateral relations, applauding his leadership and vision:
“You are the great leader of the great country in Africa. We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country.”
Macron pledged to expand cooperation, especially in solid minerals and youth development, emphasizing that global challenges require collaborative solutions:
“We have confidence that you, Mr. President, will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role.”
[Nairametrics]
The operational capacity of the recently rehabilitated Port Harcourt Refining Company faced significant scrutiny on Thursday.
Allegations surfaced that petroleum products loaded from the facility on Tuesday were not newly refined but were, instead, products stored in its tanks for over three years.
This situation has reignited skepticism surrounding the refinery, which has experienced repeated delays and missed deadlines, with seven failed attempts to resume operations.
Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, claimed during a Thursday interview that the refinery’s 60,000 barrels per day capacity is far from being fully operational, contradicting the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) assertions.
The Alesa community, located in Eleme, Rivers State, hosts the Port Harcourt refinery.
Mgbere alleged that only six trucks of petroleum products were loaded on Tuesday, despite NNPCL’s claim that 200 trucks would be dispatched daily.
He further highlighted that the ceremony marking the plant’s reopening was largely symbolic, stating that full operations had not commenced.
Industry experts have called on NNPCL to substantiate its claims by selling products directly to oil marketers. However, NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye declined to respond to inquiries on the matter.
The refinery resumed operations on Tuesday after years of inactivity. NNPCL stated that the revamped complex of the old refinery operates at 70% of its installed capacity, producing diesel, Pour Fuel Oil, and other petroleum products. According to NNPCL, the facility is expected to release 200 trucks of petrol daily into the Nigerian market.
However, Mgbere described the reopening event as a superficial showcase, adding that not all units of the old complex are functional. He insisted that what was presented to the public does not reflect the reality on the ground.
Mgbere further criticized the refinery’s automation claims, stating that inefficiencies remain evident.
He also accused the contractor of incompetence, pointing out that the project was heavily reliant on subcontractors, many of whom lacked the required equipment.
He said, “The Port Harcourt refinery, and by extension, the Port Harcourt depot, happens to be the mainstay of the Alesa community economy. The economic activities emanating from the operations of these depots mean a lot to us as a community people, but as it were, now, I don’t think it’s a cause for celebration yet because what we are having in the media space is different from what we have on the ground.
“I can tell you on authority as a community person, that what happened on Tuesday was just a mere show at the Port Harcourt depot. A mere show in the sense that the Port Harcourt refinery, we call it area five, that is the old refinery, is merely in skeletal operation. When I say skeletal, I mean that some units of the refinery were brought up and are running, but not the entire unit of the old refinery is functional, as we speak.
“I will give them the credit that at least they have started something, but not to say, according to the Head of Corporate Communication, Femi Soneye, like it is in the media that they are already producing 1.4m barrels per day. That’s not the case. That’s not true. I don’t want to use the word lie, but as an agency that is holding the oil industry in trust for Nigerians, they shouldn’t put out information that is not true.”
He argued that “the true picture of what happened on Tuesday is that the NNPC has been under pressure to televise to Nigerians that everything is okay and that the old refinery has started functioning.
“I can tell you that the MD or the CEO of the refinery, was in Port Harcourt since Monday; the other MDs were also in Port Harcourt. The MD of Port Harcourt refinery and those heading the operations department didn’t sleep through the night of Monday to Tuesday because of the whole event they had on Tuesday.
“What is the true picture? The Old Port Harcourt refinery is built with its utilities, different from the new complex. The tank farm that is servicing the Old Port Harcourt refinery has a different loading gantry at the depot.”
Continuing, he said, “The party they had on Tuesday was held at the new loading gantry that is directly connected to the new refinery. And so, how does that work? It is impossible. The feedstock storage facility for the old refinery had some stock, old stock that has been there for over three years.
“And so what they did was to release that stock, and then loaded six trucks and then televised it to Nigerians that it is the production from the old refinery. That’s not true. And so I like Nigerians to know the truth, but they don’t need to believe me, because Nigerians, no matter how you paint the true pictures to them, they get sentimental. They get tribalistic. They want to whip some sentiment and all that the product that was loaded. But let it be on record that it was only six trucks that they used to calibrate the new loading gantry. The product was not a new refined product from the old refinery.”
Energy experts echoed Mgbere’s concerns, urging NNPCL to disclose the source of its feedstock and the state of its distillation points.
Bala Zaka, an energy consultant, questioned why products were being stored rather than immediately released to the market, arguing that such practices increase costs unnecessarily.
He said in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, “Generally, when a company produces a product regardless of the type or time, whether it is biscuit or toilet rolls. The first thing you do immediately when products come out of production is to send them to the market. You send them out to customers.
“There is a concept in accounting called the Just In Time concept, when you apply this, there is no provision for a storage warehouse or depot. You would want to save the cost of storage. That simply means as the products are coming out of production, oil marketers are waiting to evacuate them, which is good for the facility and the industry because you won’t pay for storage.
“So when dealers are waiting for an organization to release their products and state their price and it is the organization that is holding back, then something questionable is there. There is something suspicious because ordinarily, you need to save costs of storage.
“Also, we have Nigerians who are practicing petroleum engineers and last week, we had our Annual General Meeting. I can tell you that there was no mention of the refinery at all. There is no way technicians or engineers who are sure it has been put into order or reached completion would not have hinted to us at the meeting that the refinery would soon come on stream. That is very strange. It is just like having a pregnant woman giving birth without anyone seeing the pregnancy. You can’t hide the progression.”
The petroleum engineer added, “Fitting a refinery, trying to test it, and supplying initial feedstock can’t go without being noticed by anyone. How many people saw tankers, rail lines, or pipelines delivering crude to the refinery? If it is from an oil well, which oil wells are within that axis? NNPCL should tell us where it got its feedstock and for how long will the crude oil supply continue. They should also reveal the agreement signed with the crude oil supplying company.”
Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed cautious optimism.
IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, stated that independent marketers would wait until the end of the week before drawing conclusions about the refinery’s performance.
“Well, we are delighted that the refinery that had suffered multiple postponements has commenced. We are very happy about it. The mechanical and technical aspects of the refinery are what we don’t know.
“You can also notice that there is a kind of community problem based on the contract because the guy also contradicted himself talking about contracts and other things. So, these issues, we don’t want to dabble into.
“But we are ready to load petroleum products once NNPC reviews its price and is willing to sell to us. Now, they are only servicing their stations. So, our boys are ready. Our offices have been cleaned up. And we are waiting for product directives,” Ukadike said.
He added that IPMAN would wait till the end of Friday before making comments.
“We will comment on this issue if, by the end of Friday, loading does not continue consistently. We will have to comment on this issue then. But for now, I don’t think any independent marketer will have anything against the refinery and the opening of the rest of them.
“These allegations are too serious to be called a joke. I don’t want to preempt anything for now. I have to reserve my comment. But I also want to let you know that at the working stage of that refinery, we had a pathfinding visitation with the National President of IPMAN when the MD of the refinery conducted us around and showed the tremendous efforts they have put in and those things they have changed to make the refinery come on stream.
“So, I will not believe that all those things are a mirage. I pray that they are not a mirage because it will still take us back to the mono source of petroleum products, which is not healthy for deregulation,” he stated.
In response to the criticism, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) defended the refinery’s operations. PETROAN’s Publicity Secretary, Joseph Obele, asserted that the old Port Harcourt refinery is functional, producing refined petroleum products at 70% capacity. He encouraged doubters to verify these claims through a facility tour.
Obele emphasized that the facility currently refines 60,000 barrels per day, while the new refinery, with a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day, remains under rehabilitation. He also revealed that the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources recently visited the refinery and confirmed its operational status.
Separately, the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) reported significant progress in PMS distribution from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, highlighting over 251 million liters of PMS loaded in the past 10 weeks. MEMAN Executive Secretary Clement Isong noted that vessel transportation has improved efficiency, making the Dangote Refinery a preferred supply source.
[NaijaNews]
Popular gospel musician, Osinachi Kalu, known professionally as Sinach has been dragged to the court by music producer, Michael Oluwole over alleged copyright infringement.
Oluwole, better known as Maye, sued Sinach for N5 billion over ‘Way Maker’, her 2016 hit song.
In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye is seeking a declaration that he is an author and co-owner of the song, demanding general damages of N5 billion for cumulative infringement of his rights.
While denying the producer’s claims, Sinach, who claimed the sole authorship of the song, noted that she has achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ song.
The trial, which began at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday November 27, 2024, was adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025.
[Leadership]
In the world of fencing, 16-year-old Inkosi Brou’s dream of becoming a professional athlete is gradually becoming a reality, as evident in previous performances in a sport he first encountered through a profound moment of inspiration and childhood imagination.
Though his name might be new to many, his story is a reflection of passion, perseverance, and the dedicated journey of a young fencer whose dreams are as sharp as his blade.
Growing up in the USA with Nigerian roots, Inkosi’s love for swords began long before he even knew what fencing was.
As a young child, he could often be found in his backyard or living room, wielding makeshift swords fashioned from cardboard, plastic, and whatever materials he could scavenge. These homemade creations were his playthings, his companions in countless imaginary battles, and his earliest introduction to the art of swordsmanship.
It was not until he was eight years old that Inkosi’s playful fascination with swords found its true calling. The catalyst for this transformation was none other than Ibtihaj Muhammad, a trailblazing fencer who represented the USA in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Watching Muhammad’s grace and skill on the international stage was a turning point for Inkosi. The young boy was captivated by the sport, its elegance, and the strategic precision it required. His admiration quickly turned into determination; he begged his mother to find a local fencing studio.
The search led to a studio where Inkosi borrowed his first saber and mask. The moment he donned the gear and felt the weight of the saber in his hand, it was clear: he had found his true passion. The studio became his sanctuary, and the sport, his new playground.
“I have always loved playing with swords. As a child I made swords out of cardboard, plastic, and anything I could find at home. I did not know anything about the sport of fencing until I watched Peter Westbrook Fencing alumna, Ibtihaj Muhammad, compete in the 2016 Olympic games in Rio De Janeiro. I was 8 years old and literally begged my mom to find the nearest fencing studio to our home. The day I stepped into that studio and borrowed my first saber and mask – I knew I had found home,” Inkosi recalled.
Today, Inkosi represents Nigeria on the fencing circuit, balancing his training and competitions with the demands of school and growing up. His journey from a young enthusiast crafting cardboard swords to a competitive fencer has been marked by dedication and hard work.
He trains rigorously, honing his skills and strategy, with the goal of one day competing on the world stage and making his mark in the sport he loves.
Inkosi’s story is a testament to the power of inspiration and the transformative nature of pursuing one’s passions.
From the humble beginnings of homemade swords to the disciplined world of fencing, his journey embodies the spirit of determination and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to sharpen his skills and chase his dreams, the fencing community watches with anticipation, eager to see where Inkosi’s remarkable journey will lead next.
However, Inkosi believes he has what it takes to make it to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“My goals are to qualify for the LA2028 Olympics for Nigeria, and fence at a division 1 level at an elite Ivy League University, studying engineering and business. I train intensively four times a week with two different Olympians at the Peter Westbrook Foundation. I incorporate mental and physical work into my training, as well as open bouting and conditioning. With my intensive training schedule, along with my study habits, I believe I can achieve all my goals,” he said.
The grandson of the former Director General of The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), late Prof. Dora Akunyili, added: “Personally, making the 2028 Olympics for Nigeria is my biggest goal. This season, I reached the quarter-finals of both the Zonal Olympic Qualifiers and Senior African Championships, a major milestone in my fencing career, as they were my first senior international tournaments ever. Despite losing to make the semi-finals of the Olympic Qualifiers by 1 point, 15-14, I think my accomplishment outlines a clear path to my goals in the next 4 years, which is to fence at a Division 1 level at an elite Ivy League University and compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles for Nigeria. I also earned a silver medal at the FIE Satellite Senior World Cup, which was a major milestone for Nigerian fencing.”
[DailyTrust]
The Senator representing Borno South at the senate, Ali Ndume, has frowned at the rushed passage of the tax reform bills, saying that the hurry by the presidency and some lawmakers to pass the bills looks suspicious.
The tax reform bills which passed for second reading at the Senate on Thursday have triggered controversies since it was sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu, with Ndume maintaining strongest opposition against the bills.
The National Economic Council also advised President Tinubu to withdraw the bills, but the President said he preferred that they go through the processes.
The lawmaker, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, maintained his position and insisted that it is better for the Presidency to take the advice of the National Economic Council to withdraw the bill.
“It is not that I am totally saying that we should throw away the baby with the bath water, but since the governors who are our leaders, the National Economic Council and many individuals have said that it is not that we should throw away the bills, no.
“Withdraw the bill, do more consultations and then bring the bill again. Why are they in a hurry,” Ndume queried.
Backing up his claim that there is a rush to pass the tax reform bills, Ndume gave an instance of the Petrol Industry Bill which he said is more important than the tax bill, adding that it took years before it was passed.
He recalled that the PIB was introduced to the National Assembly when he was in the House of Representatives, but wasn’t passed until years later when he had moved to the Senate.
The Senator said one of his grouses with the tax reform bills is the timing, noting that such bills shouldn’t be introduced when Nigerians are struggling to survive.
According to him, the opposition to the bills by him and some others is not because people do not want to pay taxes, but the wrong timing.
“I disagree with the timing because Nigerians are struggling to survive. Our forefathers were paying tax, in the North we pay taxes.
“So, it is not like we are running away from tax, we pay taxes, every responsible Nigerian will want to pay tax, but the timing is wrong,” he said.
Ndume, who said the best time to present the bills is when there is no hunger, likened the bills to giving someone something with a right hand and taking it back with the left hand.
He added that his opposition of the bills is because he does not want Tinubu to fail contrary to some insinuations that it is to hurt the President.
[DailyPost]
- Tinubu pledges skills development for out-of-schoolchildren
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education and security.
Tinubu made the pledgeduring a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
The two leaders later addressed a joint news conference.
The President, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also emphasised his administration’s commitment to skill acquisition training for Nigerians, especially children who have “been out of school for years”.
Tinubu highlighted the vast and largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He called on international investors to capitalise on opportunities in the sector.
“The French—Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another country,” said the President.
Tinubu described Nigeria’s financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises.
He said: “Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better.”
The President said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that would directly impact Nigerians.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” Tinubu said.
He implored the French government to extend to Nigeria, trainings that would develop its youth population.
“Furthermore, we should de-risk the opportunities in the solid minerals. We have the potential and we have agreed on a deeper and deeper relationship,” the President added.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria, like most African nations, has been preoccupied with tackling food insecurity.
He said: “A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st century, no child should go to bed hungry.
“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn. The more educated the children are, the better it is for us.”
President Tinubu said the blue economy in Nigeria also provides a huge opportunity for investment, with unexplored potential in fishery.
“In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic Ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.
“We want to assure the French investment community that Nigeria is open for business. It shall be easy in and easy out,” he stated.
Tinubu outlined plans to significantly reduce the number of out-of-school children through innovative return-to-class initiatives and skills development programmes.
“To bridge the gap for some who are of age, and have been out of school for a while, we will encourage skills development,” he stated.
The President told Macron and his wife, Brigitte, that Nigeria’s developmental potential hinges on a well-educated populace.
He said although “insecurity in some parts of the country makes it hard for children to return to school, we are gradually re-populating the classrooms.”
“We need skills development to bridge the gaps,” the President added.
He also highlighted efforts by his administration to enhance security across the country.
“With some more efforts, we will be able to get some level of stability. We had a very good harvest this year and as soon as more farmers can go back to the farm, we will have more stability in harvest and supply,” Tinubu said.
On global security, the President noted that there was a need for collective responsibility to fight terrorism.
“Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner with France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration,” he said.
President Macron acknowledged the state visit by Tinubu, saying it will herald deeper bilateral relationships between the two countries.
He emphasised collaborative growth in creative industries and youth-focused initiatives.
Macron acknowledged Nigeria’s vast growth potential and the importance of investing in educational initiatives.
He reflected on his formative experiences during his six-month internship at the French Embassy in Nigeria.
Macron also noted that global humanitarian challenges could only be solved with governments working together.
He said: “We have confidence that you, Mr. President, will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role.
“I will seek your leadership to work as partners of progress. You are the great leader of the great country in Africa.
“We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country. We will work together for collective, global success,” he said.
The French leader assured that he would encourage more investments in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Both countries signed an agreement after Solid Minerals Development Minister Dele Alake made a presentation on the sector’s potential.
President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were welcomed with full honours at Hotel Les Invalides and Palais De l’Élysée by Macron and his wife, Brigitte.
[TheNation]
The remaining states yet to implement the N70,000 minimum wage for workers are making last-minute moves to ensure the Nigeria Labour Congress does not embark on strike on Monday, December 1, The PUNCH has learnt.
The states yet to approve the monthly wage are Katsina, Cross River and Zamfara, after the Imo State Government sanctioned the implementation of the N70,000 wage on Tuesday.
It means 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory have now complied with the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
Many states agreed to pay above the N70,000 starting point with Lagos and Rivers offering the highest pay with N85,000.
Lagos also announced that its workers could smile to the bank with up to N100,000 monthly from the first quarter of 2025.
Workers in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Oyo and Niger will earn N80,000 while Delta and Ogun states approved N77,000.
Ebonyi, Osun, Benue and Kebbi states approved N75,000; Ondo, N73,000; Kogi and Kaduna, N72,000; Kano and Gombe, N71,000.
Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, Borno, Edo, Kwara, Nasarawa, Taraba, Ekiti, Bauchi, Yobe, Imo and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, all settled for N70,000.
But despite the NLC’s warnings, trio Katsina, Zamfara and Cross River have yet to implement the new wage, which could lead to a shutdown of activities in the affected states from Monday.
On Monday, labour unions in Cross River, who are demanding a new wage of N70,000 from the state government, directed state civil servants to embark on a two-day warning strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
The warning strike was signed by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.
This followed a staged walkout from a scheduled meeting held on November 18 with state government officials, who formed members of the wage implementation committee at the office of the state’s Head of Service, Innocent Eteng, in Calabar, the state capital.
According to the labour leaders, last week, when the committee sat for the first time, the meeting ended in a stalemate when they perceived delayed tactics by the government to postpone the meeting to January.
The state’s civil servants said they were utterly disappointed when Governor Bassey Otu announced a new minimum wage of N40,000 on May 1, during the International Workers Day celebration at the U.J Essueine Stadium in Calabar.
Otu said that due to the state’s lean resources, caused by the statutory federal allocation aggravated by the unfavourable state Gross Domestic Product, the new minimum wage of N40,000 would be in line with realities rather than sentiments.
While giving instances of Edo, Lagos, Rivers and other governors, the workers said they were of high hope before the unexpected announcement of N40,000.
The strike action, which was signed by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, was set to commence from November 24 midnight to 26, 2024.
‘No going back’
The Cross River State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Gregory Ulayi, toild The PUNCH that the union would embark on an indefinite strike if the state government failed to implement the new minimum wage for the workers.
He noted that the two-day warning strike was embarked upon by workers in the state between Monday and Tuesday, which he described as a call to action to the government.
Ulayi said that after the two-day warning strike, all workers were mandated to return to work as they waited to hear from the state government.
“If the government does not negotiate and do the needful, we will embark on a total strike because it is a directive across the country,” Ulayi told The PUNCH
However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otu, Nsa Gill, told our correspondent that the state government had set up a committee to negotiate with the labour leaders, as part of last-ditch efforts to prevent the looming strike on Monday.
He said that despite the nationwide deadline for the implementation of the minimum wage, the Otu-led government was working to ensure payment of a minimum wage of N70,000 or even above.
“The state government has a negotiating team and they are at work. Though, they are yet to reach an agreement as at today (Thursday). The government is ready to pay the N70,000 new minimum wage, if not beyond,” he stated.
“We recognise the fact that there is a national deadline from the labour union, which is slated for December 1, 2024, for all the states to pay the new minimum wage.
“We are trying to see how to build a stronger economic foundation that can make us pay a living wage to our civil servants. Until the team finishes the negotiation, the amount will not be announced. Right now, they are still on the negotiation table for an amicable resolution.”
Katsina State is also likely to face labour’s wrath after its failure to implement the compulsory new wage bill for the state workers.
Multiple sources in the NLC secretariat in Katsina, the state capital, told our correspondent on Thursday that the state was yet to approve the payment.
Last month, The PUNCH reported that the Katsina State Government inaugurated a 15-member committee to guide the implementation of a new minimum wage of N70,000.
Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal, while inaugurating the committee, said the government was aware of the hardship being faced by civil servants in the state.
“You are all aware that His Excellency, the Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, has set up a committee to implement the N70,000 minimum wage consequential adjustment to all categories of workers in the state.
“This includes the state civil servants, the Local Government employees and other categories of workers. The government is aware of the hardship being encountered by the civil servants,” he stated.
Led by Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, the committee was given three weeks to present strategies and recommendations, including the consequential adjustments for all categories of workers.
The committee includes prominent state officials such as the Head of Civil Service, Falalu Bawale; the state Commissioners for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Others are the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labor Matters; as well as representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, among others.
However, the latest reports suggest the committee has not been able to approve the wage.
“Katsina State is yet to implement the new minimum wage though the state has set up a committee in that regard,” a top NLC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, told The PUNCH.
“Negotiation between the labour unions and the government committee members are still ongoing. Anything can happen between now and in four days to come (as at Thursday), which is the December 1 deadline.”
Meanwhile, the Zamfara state Government says it has concluded arrangements for the implementation of the new minimum wage adding that it had been talking with the labour leaders in the state.
Speaking to The PUNCH, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communications, Mustafa Jafaru Kaura, said the state government would implement the new wage as soon as possible.
He said, “The state government has already set up a committee to work out modalities for the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000.”
He stated that the state government wanted to know the exact number of its civil servants and the amount involved before settling the new wage.
Kaura added, “The committee has gone far in its assignment and I am telling you that as soon as the committee finishes its assignment, Governor Lawal will surely implement the new wage.”
Kaura stated that members of the committee included labour leaders and other stakeholders who were given the responsibility to work out the modalities on how best to implement the new wage.
He stressed that the state government would never fail the civil servants, adding that “Governor Dauda Lawal is one of the civil servants’ friendly governors in the country.”
“Zamfara workers will never be left out in terms of the new minimum wage,” he added.
“I want you to remember that when he assumed office as the Governor of the state, he met the state’s civil servants collecting N18,000 as minimum wage.”
“He quickly directed the state’s ministry of finance to start implementing the N30,000 minimum wage which was done.’’
“So, I am assuring you that, the Governor will soon implement the new minimum wage for N70,000,” Kaura said.
Earlier in November, Governor Lawal reiterated his government’s resolve to pay the minimum wage after working out all necessary modalities.
He said, “We have to know what comes in, the number of our workforce, and what we will pay as minimum wage,” adding, “The welfare of my workforce has been my priority since I assumed office.”
“When we came on board, for four months workers of the state had not been paid their salaries, and the first thing I did was to pay the workers.
“Today, as from the 25th of every month, I make sure that workers are paid. So, in other words, I spend about N5bn on wages every month. I paid my workers. I improved the salaries of local government staff as well as paid pensioners.
“So every month, I boost the state’s economy. If you go around, you will see how small traders are making brisk business from the goods they display in markets and streets.”
Commenting on the backlog of pension arrears he inherited from previous administrations, he said that out of the N13bn pension liabilities, he was able to settle over N11bn.
[Punch]
•Solicits more investment in food security, sold minerals, others
President Bola Tinubu, Friday, at the prestigious Palais des L’Élysée, told France President, Emmanuel Macron, that a starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and that in the 21st century no child should go to bed hungry.
President Tinubu at a high-profile meeting with President Macron also affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” he said.
The President implored the French government to extend to Nigeria trainings that will develop the youthful population.
“Furthermore, we should de-risk the opportunities in the solid minerals. We have the potentials and we have agreed on a deeper and deeper relationship,” the President added.
President Tinubu noted that Nigeria, like most African nations, had been preoccupied with tackling issues of food security.
“A starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and in the 21st Century no child should go to bed hungry,” he told the French President, and his delegation.
“If an African child is given a glass of milk in a class, there will be no problem in getting him to return and stay in school to learn. The more educated the children are, the better it is for us,” he said.
On security, the President said: “Nigeria is a partner in progress. We are ready to partner France so that we can have security operations that will stop the challenge of migration.”
President Tinubu said the blue economy in Nigeria also provides a huge opportunity for investment, with unexplored potentials in fishery.
“In Lagos, we have tamed the Atlantic ocean. For us, fishery is an important aspect of investment.
“We want to assure the French investment community that Nigeria is open for business. It shall be easy in, and easy out,” the President noted.
President Macron acknowledged President Tinubu’s state visit as a milestone heralding deeper bilateral relationships, particularly emphasizing collaborative growth in creative industries and youth-focused initiatives.
The French President noted that the global humanitarian challenges could only be solved with governments working together.
“We have confidence that you, Mr President will reinforce our relationship with Nigeria, and it will cover the West Coast region, with ECOWAS playing the leading role.
“I will seek your leadership to work as partners of progress. You are the great leader of the great country in Africa.
“We appreciate your visionary leadership and energy in transforming the economy of your country. We will work together for collective, global success,” he said.
President Macron had earlier assured that he would encourage more investments in the solid minerals sector, with the signing of an agreement, during a political meeting where the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, made a presentation on the potentials.
Earlier, President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu were welcomed with full honours at Hotel Les Invalides and Palais De l’Élysée by President Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron.
[Vanguard]
More...
As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's state visit to France, the Chairman of UBA Group, Tony Elumelu in the presence of President Tinubu and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, signed a landmark business cooperation agreement with the French Finance Minister, Antoine Armand. The agreement is a significant indication of support by the French Government for the development of UBA's full banking operations in France.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Tony Elumelu, the Chairman of UBA Group commented: "This partnership reinforces our commitment to seamless international banking services for our customers, not just across the 11 Francophone African countries we serve, but Africa as a whole; and French and European customers transacting with Africa. Expanding into France is a natural progression, with Paris serving as our European Union hub, as we continue to bring Africa and the world together, through innovative financial solutions. Paris will join London, New York and Dubai, as a critical component of our unique global network."
United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says political action for social change in developing countries must go beyond protests.
Osinbajo spoke on Thursday during the technology, new media, citizens and governance conference, which took place in Gbagada, Lagos.
The conference, with the theme: ‘Technology: The Present and Future of Political Action in Africa’, was organised by Enough is Enough (EiE) in partnership with BudgIT.
In his keynote address titled: ‘Technology as a Catalyst for Political Action in Africa’, Osinbajo underlined how young Africans deployed social media to organise protests in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia.
Osinbajo said it is important for social media platforms to regulate themselves, as any government-imposed regulation could be seen as an attempt to suppress free speech.
“Social media is really empowering for all and it is non-discriminatory — the weak, the strong, the treacherous, the mischievous and haters of every kind — have cover to speak their minds, speak truth to power, and insult,” he said.
“I think it is a critical medium but we must find ways of self regulation. In developing countries with fragile economies and widespread poverty, we don’t have the luxury of political action for its own sake.
“There is a sense of power and excitement that comes with protest. Political action must go beyond protests and the euphoria that it brings.
“It must lead to some measurable and tangible results otherwise it becomes counter-productive.
“In poor societies, every day of protest is valuable. It means that millions of informal workers and traders make a huge sacrifice because they earn on a daily basis.
“Political action must lead somewhere. It must move a step closer to resolving the issue that cripples our society.”
‘POLITICAL POWER NECESSARY FOR LASTING CHANGE’
Osinbajo added that political participation is necessary for the kind of holistic change required in developing societies.
The former vice-president said meaningful change cannot be achieved if the popular notion of “don’t get your hands dirty in politics” is maintained.
“In a democratic society where the objective of political action is to make substantial and structural change, this may only be possible within the context of partisan politics,” he said.
“I’m sure there are many people who may not agree with that. Yes, we can be effective as pressure groups and some level of change is possible by advocacy action.
“But the truth is that for the depth of change that is required in developing countries, political power is required.
“The puritan stance of the elite, which of course includes those in the civil societies, is that we should not get our hands dirty in politics. This will not achieve change at a scale in any important area of concern.
“If we take the position of don’t get your hands dirty or don’t get into politics, we can’t achieve change at the scale that is required, especially in our society.”
Osinbajo added that he was able to carry out far-reaching reforms in the justice system after his appointment as attorney-general of Lagos in 1999.
He said before the Alliance for Democracy (AD) won the 1999 election in Lagos, he made little progress in his clamour for justice reforms as a university lecturer.
The British government earned over N68 billion processing visas for Nigerian nationals between June 2023 to the same month in 2024.
According to Marc Owen, director of visa, status and information services at UK visas and immigration, at least 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigeria were processed in the period under review.
Owen spoke at the launch of Africa’s biggest UK visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos.
“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” the British High Commission in Lagos quoted Owen as saying in a statement.
“I’m delighted to be here in person as we celebrate this important moment together with our customers and partners.”
Although Owen did not specify if certain classes of visas had more applications, a standard UK visitor visa for six months costs $150.
This means the UK realised over $34 million from the 225,000 Nigerian applicants. In naira, this would amount to N68 billion.
Visa application fees are non-refundable even if processing turns out unsuccessful.
NIGERIA RECORDED HIGH REJECTIONS
Earlier this year, data from the British government showed that Nigeria was among five countries that saw a rise in study visa rejection rates in the second half of 2023.
In Q4 2022, Nigeria saw one in 31 applications rejected, while in Q4 2023, around one in eight were declined.
Vietnam, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia also saw high visa rejection rates, albeit at smaller accruals.
India was the only country where declined application numbers trumped Nigeria’s.
The data showed that issuances to Nigerians were down by 63 percent when juxtaposed with the last three months of 2022.
The increase in rejections came amid tightened visa restrictions for immigrants in the UK.
The British government said changes to policies on dependent visas stirred negative sentiments in both countries, following tweaks to the graduate route post-study work visa.
Many Nigerians are now turning to the United States for succour.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, Nigeria was the seventh largest source of international students globally and the highest in Africa, with 20,029 enrollees in the US.
The enrolment figures for Nigeria amounted to a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year for the country.
‘24 killed, 1,200 arrested’ — Amnesty International releases report on #EndBadGovernance protest
AFOLABI
Amnesty International says at least 24 protesters were killed during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria.
Nigerians held a 10-day nationwide protest from August 1, against the pervasive hardship in the country.
The protest turned violent in some parts of the country with police shooting teargas at demonstrators and journalists.
There were also reported cases of looting and vandalism of public and private properties in some northern states.
In its recent report titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’ released on Thursday, Amnesty International said about 1,200 protesters were arrested during the demonstration.
The human rights organisation said the Nigerian authorities perpetrated “acts of torture and other ill-treatment against protesters”.
It added that the crackdown on the protesters “shows Nigerian authorities’ failure to respect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression”.
The organisation called on the federal government to reverse the “recurrent cycle of impunity” and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trial.
“Amnesty International has found that Nigerian authorities killed at least 24 protesters and arrested 1,200 hundreds of protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests between 1-10 August,” the report said.
“The organization also found that several #EndBadGovernance protesters have been arraigned nationwide and put through trials based on bogus charges, in a clear manifestation of the government’s unrelenting efforts to punish protesters and demonize protests.”
Speaking during the presentation of the report in Kano, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s country director, said two children and 20 young persons were among those killed during the protest.
Sanusi explained that Nigerians witnessed “high level of lawlessness” with police firing live ammunition at close range at protesters.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the human rights allegation, and ensure effective remedies for victims and their families.
“Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” Sanusi said.
“The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria.
“President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials.”