Gov. Alia warns Obi, others Against Unapproved Visit to Benue

The Governor of Benue State, Nigeria, Hyacinth Alia, on 14th April 2025, issued a warning, stating he could not ensure the safety of any individual or group arriving in the state without his prior knowledge.

The Governor advised those contemplating such visits to rethink their plans for their own safety and well-being.

Additionally, the governor emphasized that anyone intending to visit the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state must obtain prior approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) before proceeding with their visit. The press release came after the the Presidential contestant under the auspices of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections in Nigeria and the erstwhile governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, reportedly sought the attention of the governor over his scheduled visit to the Benue State, but his efforts to reach Gov. Alia proved abortive.

The warning released by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, under the title “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”

Additionally, the governor emphasized that anyone intending to visit the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in the state must obtain prior approval from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) before proceeding with their visit.

Part of the statement read: “The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, wishes to inform the public that he is not expecting any August visitor to the state today.

“He is currently engaged in high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state. “Therefore, he strongly advises against any group or high-profile individual(s) attempting to enter the state for any kind of visit that may generate political assemblies without prior approval.

“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed. “Also the public is to note that all individuals or groups intending to visit IDPs in Benue State must first seek and obtain written permission from Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA.

“We urge security agents and the public to take note of this announcement and maintain peace and order in the state.”

FN Blog

Ojulari Replaces Kyari As NNPC Boss

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has sacked the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

Tinubu also dissolved its board, removing the Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure.

This latest development was disclosed on 2nd April 2025 from the State House, Abuja. According to the Press Release, Tinubu invoked his powers under section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to carry out the sweeping reconstitution, citing the need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPCL”.

Hence, Tinubu approved a new 11-man board, which has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive Chairman.

It's noteworthy that Engr. Ojulari is the erstwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (SPDC).

The statement said, “Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Isa Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board by President Tinubu. “Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones. They are Bello Rabiu, North West, Yusuf Usman, North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas( NLNG), who represents North Central.

“President Tinubu appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East. “Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Said Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources”.

The statement further mentioned that all the appointments take effect from April 2, 2025.

2 Dead, 4 Missing in Spanish Mine Accident

At least two miners reportedly died on Monday, 31st March 2025 and four were missing in an accident in a mine in the northern Spanish region of Asturias, the regional emergency service said.

The emergency service said another three people had been injured due to a machine malfunction inside the mine in Degana at 9:32 a.m. (0732 GMT) local time.

Three helicopters and two ambulances have been sent to the scene of the incident.

Reports earlier revealed there had been an explosion in the mine and that several people were trapped.

Samsung co-CEO, Jong-hee Dies of Cardiac Arrest

The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics Company, Han Jong-hee has died of a heart attack. This was announced by the Management of the South-Korean tech giant on 25th March 2025.

This development has reportedly left the newly-appointed boss Jun Young-hyun solely in charge of the company as it revamps its underperforming chip business and navigates trade uncertainties.

Young-hyun was appointed barely a week ago at the Samsung’s Annual Shareholders Meeting, following his promotion in 2024, to lead its semiconductor division.

Jong-hee, 63, became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea's biggest company in 2022 and was also in charge of its consumer electronics and mobile devices division.

Samsung said in a stock exchange filing that Young-hyun would be the sole CEO of the company after Jong-hee's death.

Samsung shares were down 0.5% in line with the broader South Korean market (.KS11), opens new tab.

The world's biggest memory chipmaker has been suffering from weak earnings and a sagging share price in recent quarters after falling behind rivals in advanced memory chips and contract chip manufacturing, which have enjoyed strong demand from AI projects.

Samsung has also ceded its smartphone market crown to Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab.

Jong-hee, who was also a board member, passed on at a hospital on March 25 while being treated for cardiac arrest.

Samsung has not yet decided on a successor, its spokesperson disclosed during the announcement.

It's noteworthy that the company has traditionally had a co-CEO structure that divides oversight of its consumer and chips divisions.

Jong-hee joined Samsung nearly 40 years ago and built his career in its television business.

It's being speculated that Jong-hee was the key figure behind making Samsung’s TV business influential on a global scale.

Hence, with his sudden passing, it could yield a long-term impact on its business strategy, particularly in areas like marketing.

Burundi's President Says Rwanda Plans to Attack his Country

The Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye has claimed that he had seen "credible intelligence" that Rwanda plans to attack his country.

Ndayishimiye also stated, while responding to questions on the BBC news, that Rwanda had tried to launch a coup a decade ago in Burundi, akin to what it's currently doing in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda has already hit back via its President, Paul Kagame, calling the president's comments "surprising" and insisting that the two neighbours are co-operating on security plans for their shared border, which has been shut for over a year.

Despite extensive United Nations (UN) evidence, Rwanda has always denied arming and backing the M23 rebel group, which has recently seized large parts of eastern DR Congo alongside Rwandan troops.

Rwanda has also denied links to the resurgent Red Tabara rebel group, which President Ndayishimiye says is a proxy force similar to the M23 and is being supported by Rwanda to destabilise Burundi.

"They would say it's an internal problem when it's Rwanda that's the problem. We know that President Paul Kagame has a plan to attack Burundi," Ndayishimiye added.

"Burundians will not accept to be killed as Congolese are being killed. Burundian people are fighters.

"But now we don't have any plans to attack Rwanda. We want to resolve that problem by dialogue."

At the heart of Ndayishimiye's comments was a call for peace and the full implementation of an agreement between the two nations - a peace deal that had been signed in previous years - but according to Burundi, had not been honoured by Rwanda.

"The people who did the 2015 coup were organized by Rwanda, and then they ran away. Rwanda organised them - it went to recruit the youth in Mahama camp. It trained them, it gave them arms, it financed them. They are living in the hand of Rwanda," he alleges further.

"If Rwanda accepts to hand over the troops and bring them to justice, the problem would be finished."

Namibia Swears-in First Female President, Nandi-Ndaitwah

Namibia has sworn in its first woman president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on 21st March 2025.

With her election, Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, became one of the few women to lead an African nation in a ceremony attended by Heads of State from several countries on the continent, including Angola, South Africa, and Tanzania.

She won elections that extended the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power. It could be recalled that the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) mounted a strong challenge but secured only 25.5 percent of the presidential vote.

According to data, unemployment is prevalent in Namibia among the young population, with 44 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds unemployed in 2023 in a country of just three million people.

“We will increase investment in the development of infrastructure to open investment opportunities, enhance economic productivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said in her first address as Namibian President.

Namibia is one of the world’s leading uranium producers and is also rich in diamonds, but it has a high disparity between the rich and the poor.

UK's Heathrow Airport Shuts Down Over Fire Outbreak

Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom (UK) has announced it would be closed on Friday, March 21, 2025, after a serious fire outbreak at a nearby electrical substation wiped out power, disrupting flight schedules around the world.

The London Fire Brigade said around 70 firefighters were tackling the blaze in the west of London, which caused a mass power outage at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest and the world’s fifth-busiest airport.

Huge orange flames and plumes of smoke could reportedly be seen shooting into the sky.

About 150 people were evacuated from nearby buildings and thousands of properties were without power.

The fire brigade said the cause of the fire was not known yet.

“To maintain the safety of our passengers and colleagues, Heathrow will be closed until 23h59 on 21 March,” Heathrow Airport said in a post on X, adding that passengers were advised not to travel to the airport.

According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, at least 120 inbound flights to Heathrow were having to divert to other airports, while 1,351 flights had been due to land and take off at Heathrow of Friday.

Industry experts said tourism, travel, and trade would be further disrupted around the world, as flights will be cancelled or delayed due to aircraft being out of position.

British Airways had 341 flights scheduled to land at Heathrow on Friday.

“This will clearly have a significant impact on our operation and our customers, and we are working as quickly as possible to update them on their travel options for the next 24 hours and beyond,” it said.

The fire forced planes to divert around the world, Reuters reported.

Qantas Airways sent its flight from Perth to Paris, a United Airlines New York flight headed to Shannon, Ireland and a United Airlines flight from San Francisco was due to land in Washington D.C. rather than London.

Some flights from the U.S. were turning around mid-air and returning to their initial point of departure.

Heathrow is one of the major hubs of the world. This is going to disrupt airlines’ operations around the world,” said Ian Petchenik, spokesman for FlightRadar24.

A Heathrow spokesperson disclosed that there was no clarity on when power would be restored, and they expected significant disruption over the coming days.

Heathrow, and London’s other major airports, have been hit by outages in the past in recent years, most recently by an automated gate failure and an air traffic system meltdown, both in 2023.

Sudan Bans Imports from Kenya Over War Dispute

Sudan has stopped all imports from Kenya after accusing the Kenyan government of supporting a paramilitary group involved in the country’s ongoing war.

The move comes after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and several Sudanese political groups signed an agreement in Kenya on February 22, 2025 to form a parallel government opposing Sudanese authorities.

Sudan’s leaders reportedly opposed this, hence accused Kenya of helping the RSF take political control. The Sudanese government announced the ban on March 13, saying it was a response to Kenya hosting meetings of the RSF and its allies.

Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Supplies, Omar Ahmed Mohamed Ali, signed the order, which applies to all goods coming from Kenya by land, sea, and air.

The government said the ban is necessary to protect Sudan’s national security and would remain in place until further notice. Relevant officials were told to enforce the ban immediately.

Sudan relies on Kenya for many imports, including tea, food, and medicine. The trade ban is likely to affect businesses in both countries. Two days before the agreement was signed, Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya in protest. But Kenya has defended itself, saying it only hosted the meetings to help find a peaceful solution to Sudan’s ongoing war, with support from the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU).

It could be recalled that a civil war between two major rival factions of the military government of Sudan began during the Ramadan period on April 15, 2023. The two opponent factions consist of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its allies.

More than 20,000 people have thus far lost their lives, and 14 million forced to flee their homes, according to the UN reports. Some studies suggest the real death toll could be much higher, possibly around 130,000.

The fighting has now spread to most parts of Sudan, and the situation is getting worse by the day.

The UN and other international groups have warned that millions of people are at risk of starvation as food supplies run out.

U.S Plans Travel Ban on 43 Countries

President Donald Trump of the United States (U.S) has disclosed plans to impose a travel ban on 43 countries across the globe. According to a report on 15th March 2025 an internal memo had a list of a total of 43 countries divided into three groups: red, orange, and yellow. Although the list has yet to be approved by the Trump administration, it comprised several African countries. The Red group consists of 11 countries - Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Bhutan, Venezuela, North Korea, Yemen, and Somalia - whose nationals would indefinitely be barred from entering the U.S. The Orange group comprises 10 countries whose visas would be sharply restricted. They include Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Pakistan, Laos, Turkmenistan, Haiti, and Eritrea. The countries in the Yellow group, which were 22 in number, comprising many black nations, were given 60 days to address concerns. The nations on the 22-country yellow list included Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe. However, a U.S official told disclosed that there could be changes on the list and that it was yet to be approved by the administration, including the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio The proposal is part of an immigration crackdown that President Trump launched at the start of his second term in January, 2025. You would recall that, on assumption to duty, Trump reiterated his commitment to repatriate individuals who were illicitly living in the U.S.

Renaissance Energy Acquires Shell Petroleum Company

The Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, a leading consortium of Nigerian oil firms, has eventually acquired the Shell Petroleum Development Company, of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

This latest development was disclosed to the public after the former completed the processes involving the acquisition of the latter in a $2.4 billion deal.

According to the Management of the newly acquired oil entity, the SPDC had been renamed to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited after 46 years of operation in Nigeria.

The company’s spokesperson, Tony Okonedo, said: ”Going forward, SPDC will be renamed as Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.”

Reacting to the complete acquisition of Shell, the Managing Director/CEO of Renaissance lauded the Nigerian government for giving the approval for Shell’s acquisition.

“We are extremely proud to have completed this strategic acquisition.

“The Renaissance’s vision is to be “Africa’s leading oil and gas company, enabling energy security and industrialisation in a sustainable manner.

“We and our shareholder companies are therefore pleased that the federal government has given the green light for this milestone acquisition in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act,” he said.

Trump Launches App for Self-Deportation of Illegal Immigrants

The administration of President Donald Trump of the United States (US) has rolled out a new mobile app, called CBP Home, that is aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants in the US to leave the country of their own volition. This is targeted to reduce the number of people residing in the country without legal status.

The app, developed by the US' Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is designed to allow undocumented individuals to self-report their intent to depart from the country, providing them with a process that may help them avoid arrest, detention, and harsher immigration penalties.

The CBP Home app was announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 10. Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem described the initiative as a way to streamline the voluntary departure process for undocumented immigrants, offering them an alternative to forced deportation.

The app is positioned as a tool for individuals who wish to leave the U.S. on their own terms while potentially preserving the option to return legally in the future. Noem stated, “If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return.”

The CBP Home app replaces CBP One, a mobile app that was originally introduced under the Joe Biden administration for immigration-related services.

Initially, CBP One was designed to assist commercial trucking companies in scheduling cargo inspections, but its functionality was later expanded to allow migrants in Mexico to schedule appointments to seek entry at legal border crossings. Under this system, migrants could request asylum or other forms of legal entry through an official appointment process.

However, CBP One faced a lot of criticism from Republican lawmakers and immigration enforcement advocates, who argued that it facilitated mass migration without sufficient oversight. Critics claimed that the app essentially allowed migrants to enter the US without proper vetting, leading to concerns over national security and border control.

Upon taking office, President Trump ordered the shutdown of CBP One, effectively canceling pending appointments for thousands of migrants and leaving many uncertain about their next steps.

The CBP Home app is intended to provide an accessible, structured way for undocumented immigrants to begin the voluntary departure process. Through the app, individuals can register their intent to leave, possibly allowing them to avoid detention and future immigration penalties.

The administration views self-deportation as a cost-saving measure, as it reduces the burden on immigration courts, detention centers, and enforcement agencies.

Acting CBP Commissioner, Pete Flores described the app as a means to encourage undocumented individuals to leave before they are forcibly removed. He said "By using CBP Home, individuals may have an opportunity to depart on their own terms, which could potentially make it easier for them to apply for legal entry at a later date, depending on their immigration history."

However, the administration has not provided specific details on whether using the app would grant any leniency in future immigration proceedings, but officials have framed it as a less punitive alternative to formal deportation.

Unsurprisingly, the CBP Home app has sparked debate, and some have questioned whether the app will actually lead to a significant number of voluntary departures, since it is likely that undocumented immigrants who have lived in the US for years will be unwilling to leave unless faced with imminent deportation.

More so, immigrant rights groups argued that self-deportation policies often create a climate of fear within immigrant communities.

Court Stops FCCPC from Sanctioning MultiChoice Over Tariff Hike

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, restrained the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, from sanctioning MultiChoice Nigeria Limited following its recent increase in the DStv and GOtv subscription rates.

Justice James Omotosho gave the order after an ex-parte motion moved by Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, counsel to MultiChoice.

Justice Omotosho, in the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/379/2025, ordered FCCPC not to take “any administrative steps” against the pay-Tv company.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCCPC had summoned MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd to provide explanations regarding the March 1 price review of its packages. The commission directed the company’s chief executive officer to appear for an investigative hearing on Feb. 27, raising concerns over frequent price hikes, potential market dominance abuse and anti-competitive practices within the pay-TV industry.

The FCCPC also issued a stern warning, stating that failure to justify the price adjustment or comply with fair market principles would lead to regulatory sanctions.

However in the ex parte motion filed by MultiChoice’s legal team led by Onigbanjo, the company sought an order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC and its officers from carrying out the threat against it, as communicated via a letter dated March 3, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

It also sought an order restraining the commission and its officers from issuing any further directive or taking any steps capable of disrupting its business activities, pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.

“An order of interim injunction restraining the FCCPC, its agents, servants, or privies from sanctioning or penalising MultiChoice (the applicant) in any manner whatsoever in relation to its price increase pending the hearing and determination of the motion for an interlocutory injunction.” Onibanjo, in his grounds of argument, submitted that Nigeria operates a free-market economy where prices of goods and services are not regulated.

He argued that the FCCPC Act and other enabling laws do not grant the commission the authority to regulate prices or require businesses to seek approval before adjusting the cost of their services.

He added that MultiChoice had communicated its intention to increase prices via a letter dated Feb 21, 2025.

He said that the FCCPC, however, in a letter dated Feb. 27, ordered the pay-TV company to suspend its planned price increment.

The lawyer said following the development, the company filed a suit on March 3, challenging, among other things, the FCCPC’s power to regulate prices or suspend its price adjustment.

He said MultiChoice, after filing the suit, proceeded with the planned price increase.

He said despite the pending suit, the FCCPC threatened to prosecute MultiChoice via a letter dated March 3 if it failed to provide reasonable justification for disregarding the directive to suspend the price increment. In an affidavit deposed to by Gozie Onumonu, Head of Regulatory Affairs and Government Relations at MultiChoice, the company argued that its subscription rates in Nigeria are the lowest among all the countries where it operates.

“For instance, the cost of the Premium package in Nigeria is equivalent to $29.81, while the same package costs $85.11 in Kenya,” Onumonu said.

The officer maintained that MultiChoice had the legal right to operate its business, including adjusting its prices when necessary.

When the matter was called on Wednesday, Onigbanjo moved the motion, praying the court to grant their reliefs.

The judge, after hearing the lawyer’s application, restrained the FCCPC from taking any “administrative steps” against MultiChoice pending the determination of the case.

The judge equally ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter and adjourned the matter until March 27 for hearing.

Tinubu Appoints Nwakuche As Acting CG of NCoS, as Nababa Bows Out

Haliru Nababa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR as the acting Controller General (CG) of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). 

This followed the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing CG, Mr. Haliru Nababa. 

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire Service and Correctional Service Board, (CDCFIB), Mr. Ja’afaru Ahmed, on Friday, December 13, 2024. He noted that the appointment takes effect from Sunday, December 15.

Mr. Ahmed disclosed that Mr. Nwakuche’s appointment was a testament to his wealth of experience and dedication to the Service. 

He stated that Chief Tinubu charged the new NCoS boss to bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity and ensure the continued transformation of the service.

Mr. Nwakuche, who hails from Oguta LGA in Imo State and was born on November 26, 1966, until his appointment, was the Deputy Controller General of NCoS in charge of Training and Staff Development Directorate, where he played a crucial role in shaping the training and development policies of the service. 

He is a Fellow of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), as well as a well-decorated and notable officer, who holds the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Kemi Badenoch Slams Shettima Over Call To Drop Nigerian Name

Kemi Badenoch, the United Kingdom (UK)-born Conservative Party leader, has replied Vice-President, Kashim Shettima over call to drop her Nigerian name. 

It could be recalled that during her recent visit to the United States, Badenoch had described Nigeria as “a place where almost everything seemed broken.” She added that there were instability and corruption in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction during his Speech on Migration in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital city, Shettima described her comment as disrespectful. He said Badenoch might “remove the Kemi from her name if she did not feel pride in her “nation of origin.” 

He therefore Compared Badenoch with the UK’s first prime minister, of Indian descent, Mr. Rishi Sunak. He enthused that Sunak never denigrated his nation of ancestry. 

In a reply to the Vice-President, a spokesperson for Badenoch said that she “stands by what she says” and emphasized that “she is not Nigeria’s public relations representative.” 

“She leads the opposition and takes great pride in her role in this country; she speaks the truth, and she presents things as they are and will not soften her words,” he told reporters.

BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Exports Petrol to Cameroon

The Dangote refinery and Neptune Oil have jointly announced the first-ever export of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, from the refinery in Lagos State, Nigeria to Cameroon.

The Management of the Dangote refinery made this known in a statement on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

The refinery stated that the milestone, resulting from a strategic collaboration between the two companies, underscored their commitment to strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon while meeting the region’s growing energy demands.

Speaking on the development, the President and CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said: “This first export of PMS to Cameroon is a tangible demonstration of our vision for a united and energy-independent Africa.

“With this development, we are laying the foundation for a future where African resources are refined and exchanged within the continent for the benefit of our people.”

The Director and Owner of Neptune Oil, Antoine Ndzengue, stated: “This partnership with Dangote Refinery marks a turning point for Cameroon.

“By becoming the first importer of petroleum products from this world-class refinery, we are bolstering our country’s energy security and supporting local economic development. This initial supply, executed without international intermediaries, reflects our commitment to serving our markets independently and efficiently.”

The statement added that the collaboration between Dangote Refinery and Neptune Oil would not end with this first export.

“Both companies are exploring new initiatives to establish a reliable supply chain that will help stabilise fuel prices and create new economic opportunities across the region,” it noted.

BREAKING: National Grid Collapses For 12th Time in 2024

The National Grid has once again collapsed on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, leading to a total blackout across the country.

The system collapse, which is the 12th time in 2024, occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on the said date.

The Nigeria National Grid confirmed the grid collapse via a post on its X account.

“Major grid setback has occurred! Restoration to commence,” it stated.

The system collapse was also confirmed by Ikeja Electric.

A statement issued by the electricity distribution company read: “Dear esteemed customer, please be informed that we experienced a system outage today 11 December, 2024 at 01:32 p.m. affecting supply within our network.

“Restoration of supply is ongoing in collaboration with our critical stakeholders. Kindly bear with us."

Tinubu Appoints Ogunjimi As Nigeria's Acting AGF

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Nigeria’s acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF).

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement from the State House on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Onanuga noted that Ogunjimi’s appointment is effective immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the incumbent AGF, Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein.

After reaching the civil service’s statutory retirement age,Dr. Madein is retiring effective March 7, 2025.

Onanuga stated that Tinubu, in announcing Madein’s successor, ensured a seamless transition in the administration of Nigeria’s treasury and consolidated the implementation of the present administration’s treasury policy reforms.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi, saying: “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is pivotal to our nation’s treasury management operations.

“Mr Ogunjimi’s wealth of experience and notable competence will ensure the continued effectiveness of this vital institution as we advance our economic reform agenda.”

Tinubu also commended Madein for her “dedication and selfless service to the nation”.

The statement added: “As a career civil servant and the most senior director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Ogunjimi brings over 30 years of extensive experience in financial management across the public and private sectors.

“He has held significant positions, including Director of Funds at the OAGF and Director of Finance and Accounts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“A chartered accountant, certified fraud examiner, chartered stockbroker, and chartered security and investment specialist, Ogunjimi’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Accountancy and a Master’s in Finance and Accounting.”

Tinubu Appoints New NUC Boss, Others

President Bola Tinubu has appointed new heads for various MDAs, namel: the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Solid Minerals Development Fund / Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (SMDF/PAGMI), and the New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), as was announced on 6th Decembe, 2024 from the State House.

Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, a visiting professor at the NUC, is the agency's Executive Secretary.

Prof. Salisu Shehu is the Executive Secretary of the NERDC.

Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri is the National Coordinator of NEPAD.

Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the SMDF/PAGMI.

Prof. Ribadu is an expert in veterinary reproduction and has served as vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, and the Sule Lamido University, Jigawa State.

Prof. Shehu is a renowned academic in educational and human Psychology. He was instrumental in establishing the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and was the Vice-Chancellor of Al-Istiqamah University, Kano.

Jabiru Tsauri holds a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University. He is a seasoned administrator with expertise in legislative affairs, global affairs, and democratic governance and vast experience in public service.

Yazid Danfulani holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Arts and Management from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.

He has extensive experience in Banking, Computing, and Business Administration. He once worked at the Central Bank of Nigeria and was also a Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Zamfara State.

The President believes the appointees’ experience and track record will bring a new sense of commitment, progress, and positive outcomes to fulfil Nigerians’ expectations in their respective organisations.

CBN Provides Phone Numbers for Customers to Report Scarcity of Money in ATMs

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released telephone numbers for bank customers to report difficulties experienced while trying to withdraw cash over the counter or via the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

The CBN announced this through a circular released on Tuesday, 3rd December 2024.

In recent times, bank customers have experienced difficulty trying to get cash from banks’ ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) agents. This has resulted in a hike in withdrawal charges by some of the POS operators.

It could be recalled that while speaking at the recent Annual Bankers’ Dinner held in Lagos State, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso urged Nigerians to report difficulties withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs to the apex bank from December 1, 2024. The CBN, in a circular jointly signed by its acting Director of Currency Operations, Mr. Solaja Olayemi, and the acting Director of Branch Operations, Mrs. Isa-Olatinwo Aisha, provided telephone numbers to help address customers’ challenges.

The apex bank stated: “Please refer to the various engagements and interventions from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the above subject aimed at addressing efficient and optimal currency circulation in the economy. “As part of these ongoing efforts, we would like to draw your attention to the following directives and Guidelines:

“Deposit Money Banks (DMBs): DMBs are directed to ensure efficient cash disbursement to customers Over-the-Counter (OTC) and through ATMs as the CBN will intensify its oversight roles to enforce this directive and ensure compliance.

“General Public Reporting: Members of the public who are unable to obtain cash Over-the-Counter or through ATMs at DMBs, are encouraged to report these instances using the designated reporting channels and format provided below.

“This will assist CBN in addressing issues hindering the availability of cash and further improve currency circulation.”

To make a report of a bank branch or ATM not dispensing cash, the CBN said affected customers are to provide the relevant details which include, “account name/name of the DMB/amount /time and date of Incident(s) amongst others via the following dedicated channels.”

The CBN added: “Phone Call: Designated phone number(s) of the CBN branch in the state where the incident(s) occurred.

As FEC Approves N621.23bn For Road Projects

by Fred Nwaozor

Penultimate week, precisely on 27th October 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in its not unusual weekly meeting, approved N621.23 billion for reconstruction of 21 roads covering a total distance of 1,804.6 kilometres across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. It’s noteworthy that the proposed projects are to be undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through the deployment of its own tax liabilities. The development was graciously disclosed by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola while briefing the State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting held in Abuja. According to the Minister, who stated that there would be no more financing problems regarding the execution of road projects across the federation, nine among the 21 roads are in North Central, particularly Niger state. The reason is that Niger State is a major storage centre for the NNPC. He said “NNPC is doing this to facilitate the total distribution of its products across the country.”

He further gave an assurance that in the South-West, the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Agabara Junction, Ibadan to Ilorin (Oyo-Ogbomoso section) would be fixed. Three other roads are reportedly located in the North-East, two in the North-West, and two others in the South-East. The Odukpani-Itu-Ikot/Ekpene road, the minister said, had now been fully covered to resolve the problem of financing. He stated that in the South-East and South-South, there are Aba--Ikot Ekpene in Abia and Akwa Ibom States. Then the Umuahia-Ikwuamo-Ikot Ekpene road and so on. Similarly, in the North-West, it is Gada Zaima-Zuru-Gamji road, and also Zaria-Funtau-Gusau-Sokoto road. In the North-East, it is Cham, Bali Serti and Gombe-Biu roads. It could be recalled that in July this year, the FEC approved the award of a contract to Dangote Industries for the construction of five roads totalling 274.9 kilometres at the cost of N309.9 billion, reportedly advanced by the company as tax credit. In any given clime across the global community, capital projects are invariably what well-meaning citizens clamour for whenever a call to usher in good governance is raised in the public sphere. This is so, because, it is only by establishment of such projects as good road network, creation of portable water, sound health and education systems, that the governed could feel the impact of the government.

This is the sole reason the ratio between the capital and recurrent expenditures of the annual budget of a particular nation for a certain fiscal year often tends to favour the former to the detriment of the latter. It suffices to enthuse that it has become unarguable that capital expenditures usually benefit virtually the entire occupants of the concerned clime compared to recurrent expenditures that’s targeted to favour only a few. In view of these facts, successive governments all over the world that truly mean well for the governed have overtime made frantic and genuine efforts to initiate capital projects that would stand the test of time. Those who actualize this quest invariably succeed in writing their names in bold and gold. In this part of the world, particularly Nigeria, issues pertaining to governance seem to be given a different attention and interpretation by the relevant authorities. We have hitherto observed a prevalent situation whereby a certain prospective government would rigorously embark on election campaigns with the mantra to treat capital projects as priority, but would abruptly sound differently the moment it assumed duty.

This uncalled nonchalant attitude of governments at all levels has continued unabated under our nose as if the people are a set of imbeciles. Sometimes when asked for clarification by the affected citizens, the enquiry would be regarded as unimportant by the failing government. Lest we forget; on Thursday, 10th January 2019, the Federal Government (FG) led by President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sum of N100 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works, out of the proceeds of the Sovereign Sukuk fund, to finance critical road infrastructure across the country. The fund was for the construction and rehabilitation of 28 key economic road networks as captured in the 2018 budget. The FG disclosed that the road projects were located in the six geo-political zones of the country with each zone having a total allocation of N16.67bn. This signifies that the capital projects were evenly distributed among the entire regions. Speaking at the presentation of symbolic cheque to the concerned ministry, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed noted that “the funds will be released to the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing based on the framework agreed with the Trustees in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of proceeds.”

She added that “the Sukuk funding option is part of the initiatives of the government to diversify government funding sources, while also deepening the Nigerian capital market, mobilizing more savings and promoting financial inclusion.” The roads to be funded “will ease commuting, spur economic activities across the country and further close our infrastructural gap.” In his response, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing (now Ministry of Works and Housing), Mr. Babatunde Fashola stated thus, “roads are coming, those are assets that would enable business that would enable transport, movement of goods and services and assets that will last 25, 30 to 40 years. This is a good investment to make. So, for those who asked why are we borrowing, we are borrowing to build at today’s prices assets that will last us for another 30 years.” He further said “it will be more expensive to build but more importantly, where is the money going. As soon as I collect this cheque, I am going to give it to the contractors. But even, they can’t keep it; they have to give it to their suppliers because they need aggregates, they need materials and labourers but they first need suppliers.” The Minister went further to assure that the Buhari-led administration “Is committed to follow the part of greatness, build the foundation for tomorrow by investing in infrastructure. It means that for example, we have to raise money and I am very happy to learn that over 1,876 investors are already doing business because Buhari government decides to build. That is how to build an economy.”

Two years down the line, the ‘28 key roads’ as mentioned in the said contract are still reportedly undergoing rehabilitation in spite of all the assurances tendered therein. One may then begin to wonder the kind of country called Nigeria we found ourselves. In view of this omen, which has unabated been a recurring decimal in the Nigerian polity, the governed may have lost their trust in any government in power, or its allies. This is the reason the NNPC must take into cognizance that initiating a certain project is quite different from completing it, hence must consider the key steps needed to be followed towards ensuring the proposed projects are duly executed as planned. The contracts are required to be awarded to corporate bodies of proven background and antecedents. Thus, no compromise should be reached for whatever reason. The contracts ought to be implemented in line with the country’s Public Procurement Act, thus a levelling playing ground is expected to be provided among the prospective construction firms. In this regard, the memo for the proposed contracts should be made public to enable any interested firm apply for the job and due process ought to be followed afterwards in awarding the project to the deserving entities. Also, the contracts are meant to be awarded to only indigenous firms towards boosting our local content. So, the Executive Order 5 implemented by President Buhari must be adhered to.

When eventually awarded, the benefitting residents or communities should be properly made to comprehend the profile of the firms handling the respective projects with a view to making them able to alert/contact the relevant agencies whenever they observe any prank or foul play. It suffices to say that the beneficiaries must be a stakeholder in the overall implementation of the projects. As regards adequate monitoring, viable mobile teams comprising reliable personnel ought to be constituted by the concerned authority. This would enable a regular supervision as the work progresses. In the same vein, the contractors must be mandated to complete the projects within a given time frame, else, should be made to face sanctions. We are meant to acknowledge that initiating a capital project by the government is invariably the wish of the governed, but ensuring their completion remains their greatest desire. Think about it!