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FG To Pay N97 Billion MDA’s Electricity Debt

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FG To Pay N97 Billion MDA’s Electricity Debt

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About N97 billion debt owed electricity companies by ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, will soon be paid by the federal government.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, said this during a meeting with officials of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, on Friday.

He said that the ministry was carrying out a careful verification of the debts in order to ascertain the exact amount, considering that the debt stretches to several years.

The minister also outlawed the procurement of transformers by electricity consumers, maintaining that it remains the duty of distribution companies, Discos.

He also charged operators in the nation’s power sector to improve investments in order to upgrade their networks.

Addressing electricity distribution companies, Fashola said: “You must continue to make distribution asset investments. Private purchase of transformers should stop.

“That is the responsibility of the distribution companies. We still have cases of people buying transformers themselves. This should not be the case.”

He charged the operators to improve customer relationship as well as close the metering gap and educate consumers on energy conservation.

“Since the distribution companies are now owned by private enterprises, you need to make it easy for people to reach you. Let us all understand that the problems we have are not technical. They are manmade,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says it is seeking investors for its $7.5 billion system expansion agenda geared at attaining 20,000MW by 2022.

A breakdown of the five-year plan shows that the TCN hopes to achieve 6,600MW by the end of 2016; 10,000MW in 2018; 13,000MW in 2020; 16,000MW for 2021 and 20,000MW by 2022.

The nation’s electricity capacity currently stands at 5,300MW.

A draft of the Nigerian Power Sector Investment Opportunities and Guidelines obtained by the media noted that investment in the sector was very attractive owing to its growth potential.

The document, however, lamented the inability of the transmission and distribution companies to effectively discharge their duties.

Parents Protest Continued Closure Of LAUTECH

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Parents Protest Continued Closure Of LAUTECH

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By Our Correspondent

Parents of students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, in Ogbomosho, Oyo state, on Friday protested against the continued closure of the school, and called on the Oyo State government to take over the university.

A student of the school who witnessed the protest said that the parents got information that there would be a meeting of the school’s management on Friday and decided to use the opportunity to express their disapproval at the myriad of issues troubling the school, which has led to students sitting at home for three months.

The protest took place around 10:00 am, with parents carrying placards bearing different messages and calling on the Abiola Ajimobi-led Oyo State government to take over the school.

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“Oyo State take over LAUTECH,” “Pay Oyo State workers with Oyo State money”, “Gbadesin (the vice chancellor, Adeniyi Gbadegesin) don’t sell Oyo State to Osun,” are some of the messages on the placards.

The vice chancellor, Adeniyi Gbadegesin, a Professor, confirmed to www.icirnigeria.org that a protest took place but said he was out of town and was only informed about it.

“I was informed that there was a protest but unfortunately, I am not in Ogbomosho. You know, one has to be there to investigate things to find out what truly happened,” Gbadegesin told our reporter on phone.

LAUTECH, jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states, has been closed down since June 13 following protests by students over the results of Student Union Government Election and also the refusal of the school chapter of the Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, to submit examinations question papers unless they were paid their outstanding salaries and other allowances.

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NIMASA Pledges Continued Partnership With Navy

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NIMASA Pledges Continued Partnership With Navy
NIMASA DG, Dakuku Peterside, poses with cadets from the Nigerian Navy during a visit to the agency's head office in Lagos
NIMASA DG, Dakuku Peterside, poses with cadets from the Nigerian Navy during a visit to the agency’s head office in Lagos

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has said that it will continue to partner with the Nigerian Navy for the security of Nigerian water ways and the optimum exploration of the nation’s marine resources.

Director General of the agency, Dakuku Peterside gave the assurance when Naval Cadets of the 66 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, visited the Agency on a study visit.

He assured the Cadets that the symbiotic relationship that exists between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy will be sustained, adding that their visit to NIMASA is a step in the right direction as they will always have reason to interact with the Maritime Administration upon commissioning.

Peterside praised the gallantry and bravery of Officers and Ratings of the Nigerian Navy, which he described as one of the best Naval Forces in the world.

The DG commended the young Cadets for choosing to serve and protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

He said: “You have chosen a very noble course as brave men and women, only the brave will chose to enlist in our military.

“As courageous men and women, you have offered to make all forms of sacrifices first for the good of our country and for all of us your country men and women so that we can move about freely; most importantly so that the territorial integrity of our nation will be protected,” he added.

The Naval Cadets were led on the visit by Alfred Oride, a Naval Commander, and the visit was aimed at familiarizing them with NIMASA’s activities as they relate to the Nigerian Navy.

Dangote To Begin Coal Mining In Kogi State

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Dangote To Begin Coal Mining In Kogi State
Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote
Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote

Dangote Cement has disclosed its plan to start mining coal at Ankpa, Kogi State, in November this year.

The company said that due to acute gas shortage in the country, following disruptions of supply by militants in the Niger Delta region, it had switched its plant lines to coal to minimise cost.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Onne van der Weijde, said that disruption to gas supply had deteriorated, adding: “These are challenging times for Nigeria and Dangote Cement but we are taking strong actions that will position the company for continuing success.

“Our coal mining initiative will benefit both the company and the Nigerian economy by reducing the need for foreign exchange and helping us to both protect existing jobs and create new ones.

The company said that many of its production lines were now capable of running entirely on coal, hoping that this development would eliminate the company’s dependence on gas supplies, imported coal and, more significantly, LPFO.

However, environmental experts say there are numerous damaging environmental impacts of coal that occur through its mining, preparation, combustion, waste storage, and transport.

According to research published on sourcewatch.org “Air pollution from coal-fired power plants includes sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM), and heavy metals, leading to smog, acid rain, toxins in the environment, and numerous respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular effects.”

The pollution from coal mines is mainly due to emissions of particulate matter and gases including methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), as well as carbon monoxide (CO).

The research also found that “Coal dust stirred up during the mining process, as well as released during coal transport, can cause severe and potentially deadly respiratory problems.”

Police Mobilize To Foil Attacks During Sallah

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Police Mobilize To Foil Attacks During Sallah

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Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Ibrahim Idris, has assured Nigerians of adequate security during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration scheduled to hold on September 12 just as he ordered deployment of policemen to vulnerable communities and spots.

This is following the reported threats of terrorist attacks in some states of the federation; a development that led to the postponement of the Governorship election in Edo state.

Consequently, the IGP has ordered massive deployment of Police personnel across the country to curb such plans.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

The statement read: “In order to ensure adequate security and guarantee utmost protection of life and property during the celebration and throughout the public holidays, the Inspector General of Police has directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zonal commands and all the Commissioners of Police in the state commands to deploy adequate personnel to cover all the Eid-El-Kabir praying grounds, recreation centres, public places, public infrastructures and utilities, and other points and venues where celebration will take place.

“Similarly, the Police Commanders are directed to collaborate with sister agencies, cultivate intelligence, interface with community leaders to monitor the activities of undesirable elements in the society who may take undue advantage of the public holidays to cause mischief and disturb public peace.”

Awunah also stated that “Sustained surveillance and special attention will be paid to flash/vulnerable points and other identifiable hot spots to prevent criminalities during the Sallah celebration and beyond.”

He said the Police is confident that the operational strategies being executed for the Sallah festivities will guarantee a peaceful and hitch free Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

The FPRO conveyed the IGP’s commendation to officers and men of the police for their “dedication and commitment in ensuring that security and peace prevail throughout the Country despite the enormous challenges.”

“The IGP therefore wishes the Muslim faithful and all Nigerians a happy celebration. He however implores them to be vigilant and continue to support the Police to prevent crimes in their localities,” the statement concluded.

FG Proposes N6.5 Trillion Budget For 2017

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FG Proposes N6.5 Trillion Budget For 2017
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo-Udoma and his Minister of State counterpart, Zainab Ahmed
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo-Udoma and his Minister of State counterpart, Zainab Ahmed

The Federal Government is proposing the sum of N6.5 trillion for the 2017 fiscal year, according to a report by Voice of Nigeria.

This was contained in a budget call circular issued by the office of the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The circular noted that the budget proposal was in accordance with the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.

It said the aggregate Federal Government retained revenue for the 2017 fiscal year was projected at N4.1 billion, while the aggregate expenditure level was projected to be N6.9 billion.

“This aggregate expenditure is made up of statutory transfers of N370.7 billion, Debt Service of N1.63 billion, Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure of N2.56 billion and Capital expenditure of N1.76 billion,” the circular read.

“The N1.63 billion in respect of Debt Service is made up of N1.47 billion for domestic debt; N159.6 billion for foreign debt and N177.4 billion for sinking fund to retire maturing loans.”

It said the capital expenditure would be guided strictly by the justification and critical nature of such programmes and budgets.

It also said the N1.76 billion set aside for critical capital expenditure includes N150 billion for Special Intervention Programme, N200 billion for Capital Supplementation and N1.41 billion for MDAs capital expenditure

“Additionally, the Federal Government intends to incur recurrent expenditure of N350 billion on the Special Intervention Programmes, bringing the total to N500 billion,” it said.

The document also directed all MDAs to prepare the budget based on the 2017-2019 MTEF.

According to the circular, the budget preparation should take into consideration the policies and strategies contained in the document as it outlines the development priorities of the Federal Government.

It also noted that the annual budget would continue to be prepared using the Zero-Based Budgeting approach and in line with the government’s policy thrust.

The circular discouraged the practice of regular incremental budget adjustments, each project was to be carefully scrutinised before resources were allocated and that the ZBB process places emphasis on actual needs and not wants.

It said: “Therefore, all MDAs are to carefully scrutinise and justify their projects and programmes for which resources are to be allocated in line with the immediate needs of the country and government’s development priorities.”

The priorities were grouped into six broad pillars to reflect the 26 policy priority programmes of the Government.

It listed the pillars to be economic reforms/growth, social development, critical infrastructure, states/regional development, governance, security and environment.

The Federal Executive Council on August 24 approved the 2017-2019 MTEF and FSP.

The budget call circular is in line with the 2017 budget preparation calendar signalling the commencement of MDAs’ preparation of their 2017 budgets.

Troops Destroy 74 Illegal Refineries

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Troops Destroy 74 Illegal Refineries
One of the illegal refineries later destroyed by the army
One of the illegal refineries later destroyed by the army

Troops of 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army participating in “Operation CROCODILE SMILE”, an operation aimed at curtailing the activities of militants in the Niger Delta region, have destroyed 74 illegal refineries in the last two days and dismantled camps used by suspected kidnappers and militants in Rivers and Bayelsa states.

According to a statement on Friday army spokesperson, Sani Usman, a Colonel, special equipment, including swamp buggies, were deployed to aid the operation.

“On Wednesday, 7th September 2016 troops of Sub-Sector Bravo in response to a tip off on the presence of suspected kidnappers at Akupoku community, carried out a raid at the location. But no arrest was made as the kidnappers have fled the area.

One of the supposed kidnappers' den set ablaze by men of the Nigerian Army
One of the supposed kidnappers’ den set ablaze by men of the Nigerian Army

“However, the team also raided Ke community, at the verge of the Atlantic ocean where they discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery,” Usman said, adding that three large cooking pots, ostensibly used to refine the crude, and 20 tanks filled with refined Automated Gas Oil, AGO, were destroyed.

The army said its men also found and destroyed another illegal refinery at Bile, including 12 large refining cooking pots.

“The troops exercising along Abonnema axis were also informed of the presence of suspected kidnappers at Abakrikri Fishing Pot, they swung into action and carried out cordon and search operation, however, no contact or arrest was made.

“The troops of 130 Battalion also raided suspected kidnappers camp at Awukiri. Although no contact was made, the troops recovered an AK-47 rifle empty magazine, 6 face masks, 1 machete and several empty shells of expended ammunitions,” the statement added.

Operation Crocodile Smile, the army said, is not only meant to clear militants and miscreants from the creeks of the Niger Delta, it also has humanitarian component.

According to Usman: “The Medical unit of 2 Brigade has been dispensing free medical service at Twon Brass in Bayelsa State. The troops would continue their field training exercise, while the humanitarian assistance will continue with provision of educational materials and free medical assistance to the host communities this Friday.”

FG Kick-Starts Water Project In Jonathan’s Hometown

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FG Kick-Starts Water Project In Jonathan’s Hometown

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Otuoke, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s hometown, is among communities that would benefit from the Central Ogbia Regional Water Supply Project in Bayelsa State being undertaking by the Federal Government.

Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, who inaugurated the project, said 13 communities, including Otuoke, would benefit from the N5.9 billion project.

Adamu pledged federal government’s commitment to completing all abandoned water projects in order to improve the livelihood of citizens.

He noted that the recently launched roadmap on water resources underscores the need for short and long term strategies for effective and efficient delivery of water to the people.

The minister said: “The project we are inaugurating today is among the high priority projects for water supply.

“This project commissioning, therefore, further demonstrates that the Buhari administration is committed to completing all viable projects that have positive impact on the lives of our people without any political sentiments.”

He called on the host communities to take ownership of the water project by maintaining it for improvement of livelihood and reducing water borne diseases.

Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Serena Dokubo, commended the Federal Government and called for more of such projects in other communities.

Dokubo added that the state would also continue to embark on projects that would impact on the lives of the people.

Ben Murray-Bruce, the Senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial district, noted that the water project would save lives and boost the people’s living standards.

“A lot of children die from consumption of unclean water, a lot fall sick, you have to spend more to take them to the hospital to get cured,’’ Murray-Bruce said.

About 130,000 people are expected to benefit from the N5.9billion project.

Former-President Jonathan has been criticised for failing to provide potable water to his hometown and neighbouring communities despite being in power, either as deputy governor, governor, vice president or president, for 16 years.

INEC Makes U-Turn, Postpones Edo Election

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INEC Makes U-Turn, Postpones Edo Election

INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has agreed to shift the Edo State governorship election by two weeks.

The decision to postpone the election was reached at a security meeting held in Benin, the Edo State capital on Thursday evening.

Nick Dazang, spokesman for the commission, confirmed to journalists that the election would now hold on a new date no less than two weeks from Saturday.

“We have now decided to shift the election forward for another two weeks,” Mr. Dazang said. “We would announce a new date within the next 24 hours.”

Sources said the electoral body decided to reverse itself when the Police and DSS said they could not guarantee the safety of INEC staff during the election.

“The SSS and the police clearly said they can’t guarantee the security of INEC’s personnel and materials,” the source said.

Political analysts say the governorship contest will be majorly between the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Godwin Obaseki, and his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, counterpart, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The PDP National Caretaker Committee led by Ahmed Makarfi, had condemned the Police and the DSS for suggesting that the election be postponed, saying that APC may have ‘read the situation’ and was afraid it would lose at the polls.

 

World Bank To Inject $500m Into Basic Education In Nigeria

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World Bank To Inject $500m Into Basic Education In Nigeria
The $500 Million intervention will cater for Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa States
The $500 Million intervention will cater for Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto States

The World Bank has set aside 500 million dollars as grant to fund basic education in five states of the country for five years.

Helen Okoro, the Information Officer of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

She credited the information to Olatunde Adekola, Head, World Bank International Reconstruction and Development team.

Okoro explained that the fund was for the Global Partnership for Education, GPE, which was established to improve access to quality education at the basic level in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto and Katsina states.

“Five hundred million dollars has been set aside as Global Partnership for Education (GPE)/ Nigerian Partnership for Education Project (NIPEP) to fund education in the five beneficiary states of Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Sokoto,’’ she said.

Okoro quoted Adekola as commending the Federal Government for the NIPEP project and saying that it was the first time government was focusing on strategies aimed at moving the basic education sub-sector forward.

She said the 2.5 billion dollars credit that the Federal Government requested from the World Bank to finance the 2016 budget could only be released after fulfilling certain conditions.

Okoro also quoted the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hamid Bobboyi, as assuring the World Bank of the government’s commitment to reposition basic education delivery in Nigeria.

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