NEWS MIRROR

By Favour & Akinola  Nigeria participated in the recently concluded African-Russian Summit in Petersburg, Russia, in order to see to the completion of the Aj aokuta Steel Complex and also revive of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Vice President, Kashim Shettima has said. He said the country attended the summit in order to discuss to access possible growth plans for her economy, assuring the Nigerian community in Russia of the readiness of administration of  President Bola Tinubu to grow its economy.  Shettima said : “Be rest assured that in the next 9 to 12 months there will be a swift change in the fortunes of Nigeria. I am talking with all sense of certainty and responsibility because I believe in the capacity and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The government, Shettima said, was committed to repositioning the economy, adding, “We are here for the Africa-Russia Summit, but we are also here fundamentally to pursue the completion of the Aja

Ousted Niger's President, Bazoun  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade   Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS yesterday ( Sunday) in Abuja, ordered the immediate release and reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum as the legitimate head of government of the Republic of Niger.  In a communique at the end of the Extraordinary Summit on Socio-Political Situation in the Republic of Niger read by the President, ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, the leaders also rejected any form of purported resignation by President Bazoum and declared him as the only recognised and elected President by ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community. ‘‘In this regard, only official acts of President Bazoum or his duly-mandated officials will be recognized by ECOWAS,’’ they said. The leaders expressed strong condemnation of the attempted overthrow of constitutional order in Niger, and the illegal detention of President Bazoum, as well as members of his family and government. They

DSS Arrests Ex-Minister, Sirika  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Department of State Service ( DSS) has picked up the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika for questioning. The agency arrested Sirika, following the recent “launch” of Nigeria Air, a deployment, which generated wide controversy in the country.  Sirika who was grilled for hours, arrived the DSS headquarters in Abuja in a Range Rover SUV, for questioning.  The interogation followed the admission of the acting managing director of Nigeria Air, Captain Dapo  Olumide,  that the  plane that was unveiled   as  Nigeria Air was a chartered aircraft from Ethiopian Airlines. Olumide told the Senate Committee on Aviation that the aircraft was used to unveil the Nigeria Air logo  but that it was  not yet operational. Sirika, at the twilight of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, launched Nigeria Air which was widely criticised as a scam The plane that was unveiled was confirmed to be over 10 years o

By Favour & Akinola Ajibade President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Jim Obazee as the Special Investigator of the  ( CBN) and other related entities. The CBN  entities are Nigeria Incentive- Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Exports( NIRSAL Plc), NIRSAL MFB , Nigeria-Export-Import Bank Bank( NEXIM), Bank of Industry ( BoI), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Others are Nigeria Security, Printing and Minting Company ( NSPMC), Bank of Agriculture ( BOA), Assets Management Company of Nigeria ( AMCON) , Infrastructure Commodity of Nigeria ( INFRACO), Nigerian Commodity Exchange ( NCX) and Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria ( FMBN). Obazee's appointment, could be e described as the rejected stone that eventually became the head of the cornerstone as he was once sacked as the head of FRC 

The Suspects  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) says three people have been arrested in connection with stealing of cables around its headquarters.  The agency, in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said that the people were nabbed by the officials of the Aviation Security's Crime Investigation and Intelligence (CII) Unit and the Joint Military Task Force (JMTF). According to the statement, two of the suspects were caught around  03: 52hes, while digging and cutting electric cables connecting the international wing of the airport to the domestic wing. The third suspect, it said, serves as a link between the other two and buyers at Arena Market, Oshodi was apprehended at exactly 05: 56hr at Hajj & Cargo Terminal, following confessions made by the two other suspects. " Investigations have shown that one of the suspects was convicted and sentenced to 2

By Favour & Akinola Ajibade Egbin Power Plant has emerged champions at the fifth edition of  Saharalympics Games, organised by the Sahara Group, an energy conglomerate with special interest in generation, distribution and allied areas. The firm, in a statement made available to the News Mirror recently, said Egbin for the second clinched the highest gold medals in many sporting activities at the event. It said that the games were keenly contested by five entities namely Asharami Energy, Ikeja Electric, Egbin Power, Asharami Synergy and Sahara Group Limited. Speaking at the finals held at the University of Lagos Sports Complex, the Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, said   team work, dedication and consistency, combined together gave Egbin the much needed victory. Bounour said" Our emergence as Champions in this 5 th  edition of Saharalympic has shown that Egbin is on top of its performances in  job and sport.  Adding that: “This victory is dedic

Stakeholders at a meeting in Akwa-Ibom Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Federal Government appears to be economical with the truth over claims of  payment of subsidy on electricity tariffs in Nigeria.  Stakeholders in the power sector gave this indication at the industry forum in Akwa-Ibom state recently. They said that there was no way subsidy could have existed since electricity distribution companies are profit-making organizations and are doing so to stay in business. “How can the government claim that it was subsidizing the profit-making objectives of profit-making companies, which are not even supplying commensurate energy to the people”,the group queries in a communique signed by its National Coordinators,Barrister Clifford Thomas The group advocated the need for the federal government to Nigerians the dynamics of subsidy removal in the power sector, to warrant the proposed increase in electricity tariffs. It added:”If the federal government cannot explain, we theref

 Medical Graduates  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Medical and Dental Council  of Nigeria (MDCN) says 529 foreign-trained graduates failed the examination conducted recently in order to ascertain their level of fitness for the job.  The body, in a report, which was made available to the media,said  the examination took place in Ibadan, Oyo state capital. According to the report, out of 733 graduates, who sat for the examination at the University Teaching Hospital (UCH) between July 13th  and 14th, 189 passed. Commenting on the development, the MDCN Registrar, Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, said, “ 27.4 out of 100 per cent passed the exam, adding that the result is very poor. However, the assessment is necessary because the association cannot affort to put the health of Nigerians in jeopardy; it is better we have a few doctors than have doctors that will put the health of Nigerians in danger. All hands must be on deck to put this country in the right place.” Continuing further, Sa

Adepoju  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade Nigerians in need of fresh passport are expected to wait for six weeks, while those  renewing theirs would wait for three weeks, the Acting Comptroller General,  Nigerian Immigration Service( NIS), Mrs  Caroline Adepoju has said. She, however, advised applicants to start processing passport renewal six months before it is expired.  Adepoju, who was a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme during the week, said the Service is trying to eliminate human interface in the process of passport application.  She said the agency hopes to achieve this feat, through automation of its activities, adding that the idea would help in reducing stress and delays, Nigerians experience, while applying for passports.  She said: "One thing Nigerians know about the Nigeria Immigration Service is the issuance of the Nigerian passport and we know the number of Nigerians that have applied for passports in the past two years

IPOB fighter inside the Van  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigerian Army troops  have arrested one wounded IPOB/ESN fighter, following the destruction of  their enclave in Asaba, the Delta State capital.  The army destroyed the base of IPOB last Saturday.  Also, troops,  according to Director,  Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu seized the following items: Four Motorcycles,  Double Barrel Guns, five AK 47 Magazines, 18 rounds of Live 7.62mm Special ammunition, 6 Mobile phones, two Power banks, six Boafeng Communication Radios and Chargers, an Android phone, one HP Laptop, 13 IPOB flags, one Power generating set, one Gas Cylinder, IPOB Uniforms and accoutrements as well as five improvised Beagles. Other, Nwachukwu said, are two Automated Teller Machine( ATM)  Cards and a Wrist Watch.

Merchant Bank's Chairman, Mr Oduoza   By Favour & Akinola Ajibade  Merchant Bank will transform to a  commercial one soon, if the approval of its shareholders is any to go by. This happens, as the bank' shareholders  nanimously gave their nod to transform into a commercial financial institution in order to re-positioned it for growth. At the bank's 6th Annual General Meeting in Lagos on Wednesday, its Board of Directors unveiled their plans on how to restructure it in order to become a commercial banking entity.  Speaking at the meeting,the Chairman, NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, explained that the decision to transit from a merchant to a commercial bank is a good one, as it would help the institution to improve its financial stability and foster sustainable growth across its businesses.  Oduoza said:“I am excited about the prospects of NOVA as we embark on this new growth phase. This strategic move is in line with our vision of expanding operatio

NNPCL's Headquarters in Abuja Its GMD, Mele Kolo Kyari By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)  recorded a whopping profit of N674.1 billion in 2021.  This happens, as individuals and institutions are confused about the actual amount of money, which the National Oil Company posted two years ago, previously 2021. Sources close to NNPCL in Abuja, yesterday, sis the Corporation actually made N674.1 billion in 2021,a development, which contractdited the opinions held by some notable Nigerians on the firm's activities. Speaking on the issue, one of the sources, who does not want his name mentioned, said the N674.1 billion was the highest profit ever  recorded by NNPC.  According to the source, the figure was released in order to provide Nigerians with the current and true information on the financial accounts of NNPCL and also to  educate the public on the matter for proper understanding of its operations. R

President Tinubu  By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The recent price review of premium motoring spirit from a little over N500 per litre to N617 per litre was carried out by by the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission Limited ( NNPCL) in order restore confidence in the system, Operators has said.  According to the operators, who spoke separately on the issue, there was a still a subsidy of N100 even when the Federal Government removed subsidy in May this year, adding the need to cancel it and further bring back the confidence in the industry made government to jerk up the price to N617 per litre days ago. Expectedly, there are price differentials, as marketers sell the product between N617 and N700 per litre, in order to cover the cost of transportating fuel from the depots to their stations. Speaking on the development, the Managing Director, of 11 Plc, Mr Tunji Oyebanji said that an  upward review of the price of petrol at the filling stations by NNPC was done to allay th

By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The recent surge in the petroleum motoring spirit (PMS) pump price to N617 per litre was caused by market forces, not scarcity of the product, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO),  Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari has said. While a litre of fuel sells at N617 per litre in Abuja, the product is sold at N180 per litre in Lagos. Other states have different prices for fuel, based on the cost of transportation of the product from deports to their outlets. Speaking to state house correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Aso Rock Villa, Kyari clarified that the price adjustment is not due to insufficient petrol supply. He stressed that the market regulates itself, resulting in fluctuating prices. According to him, “When you go to the market, you buy the product, you come to the market and sell it at its prevailing market price. It has nothing to do with supply. We don’t have supply issues.”

Stolen crude oil  By  Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has come up with a policy framework in order to enhance proper monitoring, transparency and accountability of crude oil taken from the country, its Chief Executive officer, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe has said.  He said the framework, which is  known as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, 2023 in line with the Petroleum Industry Act ( PIA), an initiative introduced, with a view to create a paradigm shift in oil-related revenue generation in the country. He spoke in Abuja,  during a two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference organized by HEDA Resource Centre and Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CFTI). The conference's theme: ‘Nigeria and the Fight against Corruption: Reviewing the Buhari Regime and Setting Agenda for the Tinubu Administration’.  The new policy regulation, Komolafe said, is the first of its kind since  1956

Hard times await Nigerians, as the price of bread, a staple food in virtually all household will increase by 15 per cent as from July 24th this year, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) has said.  Before now, price of bread has experienced an increase on many occasions, a development, which has seen bakers and relevant stakeholders, protesting the hike.. With the planned increase of bread in the next two weeks,  the product will become more scarce, due to the price, which is expected to jump beyond the reach of an average consumers, who are mostly poor. In a statement jointly signed by Alhaji Mansur Umar and Hon. Jude Okafor, the National President and National Secretary respectively,the association stated that the decision was agreed upon after the National Executive Council extraordinary virtual meeting. The decision, AMBCN, said  was taken due to the multifarious increases on the prices of baking materials; flour, sugar, yeast, vegetable oil,

President Tinubu seeking N500billio through Representatives By Favour & Akinola Ajibade Nigeria will spend N500illion for palliatives in order to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on petroleum products in the next few months, if all go according to plans.  This happens, as President, Bola Tinubu, requested the approval of the House of representatives for an amendment of the 2022 supplementary appropriation Act. Through the amendment, the Federal Government will be sourcing N500 billion for palliatives, with a view to lessen the pains, which subsidy removal has brought to Nigerians. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, read the president’s letter during plenary on Wednesday. Titled: “Request for the amendment of the 2022 appropriation act”, Tinubu said the money which the government is sourcing  from the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act of N819.5 billion will be used as palliatives for Nigerians. “I write to request the approval of the Hou

By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has intercepted a crude loaded vessel heading to Cameroun, a West African country and Nigeria's neighbour.  The Corporation, in a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Deen Muhammed and made available to the News Mirror, said that the vessel, which  boasts of 800,000 litres of stolen crude, was heading for  Cameroun, when it was arrested. According to him, the vessel was intercepted by Tantita Security Contractor engaged by NNPC Limited following intelligence report, which its received on July 7th, this year. The ship  named MT TURA II (IMO number: 6620462), Muhammed, said was owned by a Nigerian Registered Company, HOLAB MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED with Registration Number RC813311, was heading to Cameroun with the Cargo on board when it was apprehended at an offshore location (Latitude: 5.8197194477543235°, Longitude: 4.789002723991871°), with the Captain and

 Immigration Services' Acting CG, Carol- Wuraola  (By Favour &  Akinola Ajibade)  The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Adepoju Carol- Wura-Ola, yesterday ( Tuesday) visited Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Plant, Nnewi, Anambra State. She expressed satisfaction over the level of work going on at the factory and the huge number of employees, stating that Anambra State remains an industrial hub of great importance in Nigeria. "I'm taking a work tour of all the formations under me and Anambra is very important to me, being a hub of industry in Nigeria". The Immigration Boss added that such local manufacturing depicts great possibilities for Nigerian youths. "This great vehicle manufacturing plant is very impressive and should encourage Nigerian youths that the future of this country is very bright, especially in this dispensation". "This is very nice, you can see the number of people working here and from the lo

Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe; and Manager, Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara, receive the ‘Excellence in Energy Leadership Company of the Year 2023’ and ‘Energy Personality of the Year 2023’ awards for Seplat Energy and CEO, Mr. Roger Brown respectively, at the Excel Africa Excellence In Corporate Enterprise & Leadership Awards in Lagos on Friday Seplat Energy Plc has emerged as winner of the ‘Excellence in Energy Leadership Company of the Year 2023’ recently.  The firm, with listing in two exchanges, namely Nigerian and London Stock Exchange, was the toast of corporate players, especially investors, at the award organised by the Excel Africa Excellence in Corporate Enterprise and Leadership Awards. At the award, Seplat's  Chief Executive officer, Mr. Roger Brown was  named the ‘Energy Personality of the Year 2023’. The company was said to have delivered excellent performance for the period under review, with str

L-R: Shell’s Regional Community Health Manager, Dr Akin Fajola; Lagos State  Deputy Director for Health, Dr  Adeniran Ifeyemi; Managing Counsel, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), Mrs Lara Taiwo-Ogunbodede; SNEPCo’s Managing Director, Mrs Elohor Aiboni;  Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr. Muibi Folawiyo; Manager Stakeholder Relations, N NPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS),  Ms Julie Utang ; NUIMS Deputy Manager, External Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson; and Shell’s Social Performance and Social Investment, Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Anyim  a t the opening session of NNPC/SNEPCo “Vision First Initiative”, a free medical eye care outreach for Lagos   Island community at the Sura Primary Health Care Centre, Lagos recently.   By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigerian National Petroleum Company ( NNPC ) Limited and Shell Nigeria and Exploration Petroleum Company ( SNEPCOs) have provided free visual aids to more than

CBN's Headquarters, Abuja By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says  Cameroon, Croatia, Korea and Vietnam are some of the countries used for money laundering activities globally.  The apex regulatory banking institution further said that individuals and organisations from those countries are used to launder money, urging Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other Financial Institutions (FIs) in Nigeria to monitor financial  transactions with individuals and agencies in the above listed nations.  CBN, in a circular with reference number: FPR/AML/PUB/BOF/001/029, issued and signed by its Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department,  Chibuzo A. Efobi, stated that  Korea, Iran, and Myanmar remain on the list of high-risk jurisdictions, adding that Russia remains suspended from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The circular reads: “The attention of banks and other Financial Institutions is drawn to the outcomes of Financial Action Task F

By Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Central Bank of Nigeria,CBN says it has  refunded customers to the tune of N115.45 billion in this country. This follows decision by the apex banking regulatory body to resolve 33,437 cases  out of 35, 453 discovered in the industry. Speaking on the issue recently, Mr Elachi Samuel of the Consumer Protection Department,CBN, urged stakeholders, including farmers to make use of an alternative payment channels in order to enable it reduce problems relating to banking transactions greatly in the future.  This, Elachi said, would help in bridging the gap of Nigerians who outside banking industry and further deepening financial inclusion system in Nigeria.  While enlightening stakeholders in Abuja, he implored farmer associations to embrace the e-Naira policy which is being  implemented in the country.  He further said that the rights and responsibilities of financial consumer, particularly in chosen banks’ products, resolving failed bank trans

Gillis-Harry  Fuel Dispenser Nigeria's average daily petrol consumption has fallen by 28 per cent in the last in less than fourty days, precisely between May 29-June 4th this year), the President, Petroleum of  Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria ( PETROAN), Bills Gillis-Harry, has said.  The decline occured between the day, in which President Tinubu was innugurated and now. Citing the figures released to Reuters by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority( NMDPRA), Gillis-Harry, noted that an average daily petrol consumption, fell to 48.43 million litres in June, down from the previous average of 66.9 million,  He said, by this development, marketers have recorded downward  retail sales probably due to hike in the product pump prices. The PETROAN poss, however advised the government to   to further authenticate it’s data using a new tool developed by the Association. According to him, a framework has been developed by the

Favour & Akinola Ajibade The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) will make life more difficult for smugglers of goods into the country, NCS's Zone'A', Acting Controller, Hussein K Ejibunu, has said.  He said this yesterday,( Wednesday),   during a media parley in Lagos..  According to him, Customs will be fiercer to smugglers soon, as the agency has concluded plans to uncover them by  using intelligence-backed enforcement in the second half of the year. “We shall get recalcitrant traders and their agents arrested and prosecuted in addition to seizing their wares.At this point, members of the trading community are advised to further embrace compliance and shun any act that would place them on the wrong side of the law. “We advise them to keep themselves abreast of the import and export prohibition lists because claims of ignorance will not suffice as an excuse whenever they are caught.” he said. The Customs Controller further said the