INSTANT NEWS

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently made a significant announcement regarding the future of electricity subsidies in Nigeria. In a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, Adelabu emphasized that the country can no longer sustain the practice of subsidizing electricity.

According to Adelabu, Nigeria must transition to a more sustainable tariff model to address its mounting debt to generating companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers. Currently, the country owes approximately 1.3 trillion naira to GenCos and 1.3 billion dollars to gas companies.

During the press conference, Adelabu revealed that only 450 billion naira was allocated for electricity subsidy in the current year's budget, falling far short of the required funds. The ministry estimates a need for over two trillion naira to maintain subsidy levels.

Furthermore, Adelabu announced a significant policy change, allowing states to independently generate power. This move marks a shift towards decentralization in the power sector.

The minister's statements underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to transition towards a cost-effective tariff system and address its outstanding debts. As the country embarks on this transition, stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments in the power sector to understand the implications for consumers and the broader energy landscape.

Access Holding Plc has officially announced the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe. Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary, made this disclosure in a statement released on Sunday, revealing that Wigwe, along with his wife and son, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in the United States on Friday, February 9, 2024.

In the statement, the bank expressed profound sadness at the loss, highlighting Wigwe's pivotal role as a driving force with a larger-than-life personality within the organization. The Board of Directors mourned the loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, acknowledging his significant contributions to Access Bank Plc since he joined the organization in 2002.

Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, reflected on Wigwe's legacy, praising his intellect, personal qualities, and extensive business experience, which greatly benefited the Access Family. The statement also mentioned the forthcoming appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the company's policy, expressing confidence in the Access Group's ability to continue building on Dr. Wigwe's legacy of growth and operational excellence.

Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, United States. Herbert Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, hailed from Rivers state and passed away at the age of 58.

According to United States authorities, preliminary investigations into the tragic helicopter crash resulting in the demise of Access Holding Plc's Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and others, suggest wintry weather conditions as a contributing factor.

During a media briefing held Saturday (3 am Nigerian time, Sunday), Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed that officials were at the crash site to collect time-sensitive evidence. Graham noted witness reports indicating rain and wintry mix conditions at the time of the accident.

Graham further disclosed that the helicopter lacked a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, as it was not mandated to have such recording devices.

Regarding passenger details, Graham mentioned a lack of specific information, indicating that any names would be released through the coroner's office, although a timeframe was not specified.

In the wake of the tragedy, Access Bank issued a statement on Sunday confirming the passing of Herbert Wigwe and his family members.

Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank and the founder of Wigwe University, has tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in California, United States.

Wigwe, who also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, was reportedly traveling with his wife, son, and three other passengers. The helicopter was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near the border between Nevada and California on Friday night.

The US government has confirmed that there were no survivors among the six individuals aboard the helicopter. The crash occurred around 10:00 pm local time near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community approximately 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County.

Mara Rodriguez, a public information officer with the department, stated that officials from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were alerted to the downed aircraft at 10:12 pm local time. The crash site was identified east of Interstate 15, near Halloran Springs Road.

While The New York Times has verified the incident, the names of the passengers have not been disclosed. As of now, no official statement has been released regarding the tragic event.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government inaugurated four Reform Task Teams with the goal of expediting the realization of presidential objectives for the housing sector in Nigeria. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, stressed the importance of unlocking the sector's massive potential for fostering inclusive economic growth.

The four committees introduced are the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team, the Land Reform Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. Minister Dangiwa challenged these committees to diligently work and present their recommendations within an eight-week timeframe. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms addressing systemic issues hindering development and removing legal impediments in the housing sector.

Dangiwa highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to revitalizing the housing sector, citing the demerger from the Ministry of Works and the establishment of the task teams as significant steps toward realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector.

The Housing Institutions Reform Task Team aims to create a robust framework for optimizing housing agencies under the ministry's supervision, delivering decent and affordable homes to Nigerians. The Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team will ensure collaborative efforts among housing agencies for efficient housing delivery. The Land Reform Task Team focuses on developing a blueprint for sustainable land administration reforms, promoting easy and cost-effective land access. The Building Materials Manufacturing Hub Task Team will assess the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector, identifying challenges and opportunities.

Dangiwa assured the committees of the government's support and resources to fulfill their responsibilities within the specified timeline. He urged the Federal Housing Authority to intensify operations with government support and encouraged the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide mortgages, enabling more Nigerians to own homes.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of these task teams in addressing multifaceted challenges in effective housing delivery. The chairmen and members of the committees were selected for their proven integrity and competence. The appointed chairmen include Adedeji Adesemoye for the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime for the Land Reform Task Team, Nuhu Wya for the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis for the Multi-Agency Project Task Team.

Nigerians expressed their approval on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu took a decisive step to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%. This move aims to curb excessive spending on travel.

The austerity measures extend to all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both. President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the details, emphasizing the president's commitment to cutting costs.

On international trips, President Tinubu directed that only 20 individuals accompany him, reduced to five for the First Lady. The Vice President's entourage on official international trips is also limited to five, with the same restriction for the Vice President's wife.

This decision follows criticism of the Tinubu administration for sponsoring over a thousand delegates to COP28 in Dubai, with reports suggesting significant spending. Many Nigerians commended the president for this move, urging governors to follow suit to reduce recurrent expenditure.

Despite some skepticism, there was widespread appreciation for the cost-cutting initiative, with citizens lauding President Tinubu's leadership by example. The spokesperson emphasized that the president is determined to bring prudence and sanity to the management of public resources.

Further details include limits on staff members accompanying officials on domestic and international trips. Ministers and agency heads now face restrictions on the number of individuals allowed to travel with them. The president's spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the directive and warned against defying it. This initiative reflects Tinubu's commitment to aligning government prudence with the expectations of Nigerian citizens.

The United Kingdom government recently unveiled a comprehensive list of licensed companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled workers seeking relocation. This information, updated on January 12, 2024, showcases 99,856 approved companies, signaling a substantial increase from the 68,630 recorded in January 2023.

Diverse sectors, including technology, commerce, education, media, advertising, and engineering, are represented among the approved companies. The skilled worker route caters to various categories such as charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility, senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons.

The UK government, through its official website, provides a detailed document listing worker and temporary worker sponsors. This document specifies the types of workers these sponsors are licensed to support and their respective sponsorship ratings. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the companies' websites for available job opportunities.

Some noteworthy companies on the approved list include RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station, IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited), AboutCare Hastings Ltd, £ ESS Ltd, Architect UK Ltd, Home Accommodation Services Ltd, Ur Eaz Ltd, Infiniti Limited, Brunswick Stores Limited, Plus Care Ltd, 003 Ltd, 0086 Ltd, 00Nation Limited, 01 Accounting Services Ltd, 012 Global Ltd, 023 Ltd, 0xA Technologies Ltd, 1 Ace Training Limited, 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited, 1 and 5 Tech Ltd, and 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others.

It is important to note that while the UK offers various visa programs for foreigners, the implementation of a visa ban on dependents commenced on January 1, 2024. Interested individuals are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and explore opportunities on the official websites of the approved sponsoring companies.

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Afrobeat singer, Mohbad, expresses dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death. In an interview with Trust TV, Joseph reveals his concerns about the ongoing investigation, stating, "I am not satisfied with the police investigation. A lot of things have been said outside which are not really right."

One particular area of dissatisfaction for Joseph is the lack of follow-up by the police after he carried Mohbad's body to the station. He expected them to search his son's house or provide the police autopsy report, which hasn't been provided. Joseph emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, urging the police to question people who were living with Mohbad and explore their phones for relevant information about the incident.

Expressing his concerns, Joseph emphasizes the quest for justice and the importance of expediting the investigation. He appeals to the government to put more effort into ensuring a transparent and satisfactory resolution to the case.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day. The aftermath saw Naira Marley, the pioneer of Marlian Records, and Sam Larry facing police questioning. Both were arrested, arraigned, and released on bail, while a nurse who administered injections to Mohbad became a prime suspect.

Responding to public outcry, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a forensic investigation into the singer's death. The Lagos State Police Command formed a 10-man team, including a pathologist, to exhume Mohbad's corpse and conduct a comprehensive investigation. The Lagos Coroner Court confirmed that the external body autopsy was completed, but the toxicology test, vital for determining the cause of death, is being conducted in the United States.

Despite expectations, the autopsy report has not been made available to the police. As calls for transparency persist, the police spokesman in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has not provided an update on the investigation. The grieving father, Joseph Aloba, continues to seek justice and a clearer resolution surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad's untimely death.

In the aftermath of the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, the ministry's Permanent Secretary, has assumed the responsibilities of the ministry. This transition aligns with the directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who suspended Betta Edu on Monday, citing alleged payments of public funds into private accounts.

The assumption of responsibilities by Enitan occurred following the reception of a letter to that effect from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night. President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, instructed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The President further directed Edu to fully cooperate with investigating authorities during their inquiry. Additionally, a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance has been tasked by the President to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programs. The aim is to reform relevant institutions and programs, addressing institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and regaining lost public confidence in the initiative.

Traders in the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex within Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, faced significant losses after the complex was demolished on Sunday. The demolition, supervised by armed security personnel, commenced around 12 am, catching shop owners by surprise. Tayo Shittu, Chairman of the Computer Dealer Association in Computer Village, expressed dismay at the lack of prior notice and emphasized the impact on over 300 shops and more than 1,000 occupants. Shop owners reported the loss of valuable goods, and the demolition raised concerns about job losses and the livelihoods of those affected.

The traders had previously sought intervention from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun amid rumors of impending demolition. Despite the traders’ efforts, the complex was demolished, and the Lagos State Government clarified via its official social media handle that it had no involvement in the action. The statement from the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, attributed ownership of the structure to the Police Officers' Wives Association, emphasizing that they ordered the demolition.

The incident triggered criticism from traders and questions about due process, especially given the lack of prior engagement and the impact on businesses. The Lagos State Task Force spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyanka, did not have detailed information on the incident. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, while emphasizing the planned demolition in a prior statement, did not provide updates on the situation. The demolition raises broader concerns about property rights, due process, and the welfare of those affected.

Dear Compatriots,

It gives me immense joy to welcome each and everyone of you – young and old- to this brand new year 2024. We must lift up our hands to Almighty God, in gratitude, for His grace and benevolence to our country and our lives in the year 2023 that has just gone by.

Though the past year was a very challenging one, it was eventful in so many ways. For our country, it was a transition year that saw a peaceful, orderly and successful transfer of power from one administration to another, marking yet another remarkable step in our 24 years of unbroken democracy.It was a year, you the gracious people of this blessed nation, entrusted your faith in me with a clear mandate to make our country better, to revamp our economy, restore security within our borders, revitalise our floundering industrial sector, boost agricultural production, increase national productivity and set our country on an irreversible path towards national greatness that we and future generations will forever be proud of.

The task of building a better nation and making sure we have a Nigeria society that cares for all her citizens is the reason I ran to become your President. It was the core of my Renewed Hope campaign message on the basis of which you voted me as President.

Everything I have done in office, every decision I have taken and every trip I have undertaken outside the shores of our land, since I assumed office on 29 May 2023, have been done in the best interest of our country.

Over the past seven months of our administration, I have taken some difficult and yet necessary decisions to save our country from fiscal catastrophe. One of those decisions was the removal of fuel subsidy which had become an unsustainable financial burden on our country for more than four decades. Another was the removal of the chokehold of few people on our foreign exchange system that benefited only the rich and the most powerful among us. Without doubt, these two decisions brought some discomfort to individuals, families and businesses.

I am well aware that for some time now the conversations and debates have centred on the rising cost of living, high inflation which is now above 28% and the unacceptable high under-employment rate.

From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main-streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day to provide for themselves and their families.

I am not oblivious to the expressed and sometimes unexpressed frustrations of my fellow citizens. I know for a fact that some of our compatriots are even asking if this is how our administration wants to renew their hope.

Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter. The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this new year 2024, each and everyone of us will commit to be better citizens.

Silently, we have worked to free captives from abductors. While we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.

Having laid the groundwork of our economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, we are now poised to accelerate the pace of our service delivery across sectors.

Just this past December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and I agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that will ultimately deliver reliable supply of electricity to our homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018.

Other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of our transmission lines and optimise the integrity of our National grid are ongoing across the country.My administration recognises that no meaningful economic transformation can happen without steady electricity supply. In 2024, we are moving a step further in our quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream.

To ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, we will step up our plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops. We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme.

In this new year, we will race against time to ensure all the fiscal and tax policies reforms we need to put in place are codified and simplified to ensure the business environment does not destroy value. On every foreign trip I have embarked on, my message to investors and other business people has been the same. Nigeria is ready and open for business.

I will fight every obstacle that impedes business competitiveness in Nigeria and I will not hesitate to remove any clog hindering our path to making Nigeria a destination of choice for local and foreign investments.

In my 2024 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, I listed my administration’s 8 priority areas to include national defence and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction and social security. Because we take our development agenda very seriously, our 2024 budget reflects the premium we placed on achieving our governance objectives.

We will work diligently to make sure every Nigerian feels the impact of their government. The economic aspirations and the material well-being of the poor, the most vulnerable and the working people shall not be neglected. It is in this spirit that we are going to implement a new national living wage for our industrious workers this new year. It is not only good economics to do this, it is also a morally and politically correct thing to do.

I took an oath to serve this country and give my best at all times. Like I said in the past, no excuse for poor performance from any of my appointees will be good enough.

It is the reason I put in place a Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring and Delivery Unit in the Presidency to make sure that governance output improves the living condition of our people.

We have set the parameters for evaluation. Within the first quarter of this new year, Ministers and Heads of Agencies with a future in this administration that I lead will continue to show themselves.

Fellow Nigerians, my major ambition in government as a Senator in the aborted Third Republic, as Governor of Lagos State for eight years and now as the President of this blessed country is to build a fair and equitable society and close the widening inequality. While I believe the rich should enjoy their legitimately-earned wealth, our minimum bargain must be that, any Nigerian that works hard and diligent enough will have a chance to get ahead in life. I must add that because God didn’t create us with equal talents and strengths, I can not guarantee that we will have equal outcomes when we work hard. But my government, in this new year 2024 and beyond, will work to give every Nigerian equal opportunity to strive and to thrive.For the new year to yield all its good benefits to us as individuals and collectively as a people we must be prepared to play our part. The job of building a prosperous nation is not the job of the President, Governors, Ministers, Lawmakers and government officials alone. Our destinies are connected as members of this household of Nigeria. Our language, creed, ethnicity and religious beliefs even when they are not same should never make us work at cross purposes.

In this new year, let us resolve that as joint-heirs to the Nigerian Commonwealth, we will work for the peace, progress and stability of our country. I extend this call to my political opponents in the last election. Election is over. It’s time for all of us to work together for the sake of our country.

We must let the light each of us carries – men and women, young and old – shine bright and brighter to illuminate our path to a glorious dawn.

I wish all of us a happy and prosperous year 2024.

May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced modifications to the registration fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the year 2024. As per the official statement from JAMB, the revised fees for UTME registration now stand at N7,700, inclusive of a mock examination, and N6,200 for UTME registration without the mock examination. This marks an increase from the previous cost of N5,700 for the JAMB form without a mock exam and N6,700 for the application form inclusive of a mock exam. Additionally, foreign candidates applying for the JAMB form will incur a fee of $30.

JAMB is set to provide a detailed breakdown of these fees when the registration details are released on or before January 15, 2024. Alongside the adjustments in UTME registration fees, JAMB has disclosed the registration period for the sale of Direct Entry (DE) application documents in 2024. The sale of Direct Entry application documents is scheduled to kick off on February 28, 2024, and will conclude on March 28, 2024.

As the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway, JAMB advises prospective candidates to stay informed about official announcements and guidelines to ensure a seamless registration process. Detailed guidelines on profile code generation will be provided closer to the registration commencement date on January 15, 2024.

In an official statement on its X page, JAMB stated, “This is to inform all prospective 2024 UTME/DE candidates that the creation of Profiles for registration has officially started, while the sale of application documents will commence on Monday 15th January 2024. You are to please take note of the following important dates for the coming UTME/DE exercise.”

President Bola Tinubu has given his approval for public universities currently under the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to exit the payment platform. The Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, revealed this development shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Tinubu.

Providing further clarification on this presidential directive, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris explained, "Today, the universities and other tertiary institutions have gotten a very big relief from the integrated payroll and personnel information system." He emphasized that the clamor for exemption from IPPIS by university authorities and other tertiary institutions has been addressed.

The Federal Executive Council has officially approved the removal of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education from the IPPIS. Going forward, these institutions, as highlighted by the Minister of Education, will manage the payment of their personnel independently, marking a significant shift from reliance on the IPPIS system. This decision is expected to offer more autonomy to universities and other tertiary institutions in handling their financial processes.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly stated his willingness to testify on behalf of Nigeria in the $2.3 billion disputed Mambilla power contract involving former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye. The disagreement has led to a legal battle at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, where Sunrise Power and Nigeria are entangled in a contractual dispute.

Sunrise Power claims to have been awarded a $6 billion contract in May 2003 by the government during Obasanjo's presidency. This contract was for the construction, operation, and transfer of the Mambilla power project. The company alleges that the Federal Government of Nigeria breached the contract and is seeking compensation of $2.3 billion. Sunrise Power contends that it had incurred significant expenses on financial and legal consultants before the contract was canceled.

Contrarily, the Nigerian government, in its defense, has raised allegations of fraud and corruption involving public officials in the awarding of the Mambilla power contract. In response to these developments, Obasanjo, through a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, expressed his readiness to testify on behalf of the Nigerian government "in any form." This revelation adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Mambilla power project.

Protesters surged onto the premises of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, responding to the Sunday bombing of a village in Kaduna State. Occupying the entrance gate for over two hours, the demonstrators called for justice for the victims and issued a challenge to the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, urging him to fulfill his responsibilities or step down.

An air strike intended to target terrorists inadvertently struck civilians during a religious celebration in Tudun Biri on Sunday night. Amnesty International officials, upon visiting the affected villages, confirmed an increase in the death toll, which now stands at 120.

Addressing the media, Nasir Ishaku, the leader of the protesters representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria, North West Zone, and Arewa Youth Movement, demanded justice for the victims. He expressed concern over the escalating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, and criticized the perceived incompetence of Minister Badaru, calling for his resignation. Ishaku highlighted the ongoing challenges, including the loss of armed forces members, the captivity of university students, and the overall deterioration of security in the country.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, northern governors, and other prominent Nigerians are urging a thorough investigation into the drone attack on a Kaduna village on Sunday. Tinubu, expressing condolences and grief over the tragic incident, has ordered an immediate inquiry, emphasizing the need for calm while authorities investigate the mishap. The National Emergency Agency has confirmed at least 85 casualties from the drone attack, and the president has directed comprehensive medical attention for survivors while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

In addition to Tinubu's call for an investigation, the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the accidental bombing, emphasizing the importance of executing the fight against banditry and terrorism with the highest level of professionalism to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and assured support for the affected families and the community.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have also condemned the "horrific armed drone attack" on a religious gathering, calling for a full investigation, compensation for victims, and transparency. ACF expressed concern about the operation in a densely populated area, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation and full compensation for the victims.

JNI, in utter disbelief about the military's actions, called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Both ACF and JNI implored Allah’s mercy upon the departed souls and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed grief over the incident, highlighting the increasing concern about miscalculated airstrikes during internal security operations. He called for counter-insurgency strategies to protect civilians from such tragic incidents and urged a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, pledged to ensure that victims of the mishap are not abandoned to fate and expressed condolences to the people of Kaduna State and the affected community.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sam Ogbuku, revealed that the Federal Government owes the commission a substantial sum exceeding N2 trillion. Ogbuku disclosed this during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, led by Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake. He clarified that this amount represents the cumulative 15% of the allocation owed to the commission from the nine states constituting the Niger Delta region since the year 2000. Despite the approval of the agency's annual budgets in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the funds have yet to be remitted to the commission.

Addressing the committee, Ogbuku emphasized the discrepancy between the allocated 15% and the actual funds received by the NDDC. He highlighted the challenges faced by the commission, even after the removal of fuel subsidies and the increase in state allocations. Ogbuku estimated that, from 2000 to the present day, the commission is owed over N2 trillion based on what should be rightfully due to the NDDC. Furthermore, he expressed concern about the delay in handing over the approved budgets for 2021, 2022, and 2023, urging the committee to expedite the process.

Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the commission's board, conveyed the commitment to collaborate in repositioning the commission for the benefit of oil-producing states and Nigeria as a whole. Committee Chairman Erhiatake assured that the issues raised by the NDDC would be promptly addressed, emphasizing the importance of synergy in implementing policies for the overall well-being of Nigerians, particularly those in the Niger Delta region. He pledged the committee's cooperation with the board and promised to investigate the delay in transmitting the budget to the commission.

Dr. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director of Bank of Industry Limited, Nigeria (BOI), has expressed the institution's commitment to partnering with modular refineries to address economic challenges in the country. During a facility visit to Waltersmith Refinery in Imo State, he emphasized BOI's dedication to supporting initiatives that contribute value to Nigeria's economy. Olusi highlighted the established partnership between BOI, the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMB), and Waltersmith to promote local content production and address economic issues, including inflation.

BOI's strategic vision for localizing production aims to take control of Nigeria's energy sources. Olusi stated that advanced talks are underway for financing agreements to support the growth of modular refineries, with a particular focus on Waltersmith. The collaboration aims to contribute to managing inflation and fostering economic development.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, who accompanied Olusi on the visit, advocated for the presence of more active modular refineries in the country. He emphasized that supporting such refineries is crucial in addressing energy, oil, and gas challenges. The federal government, Lokpobiri added, is willing to provide funding and necessary assistance to active modular refineries to encourage increased productivity.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, revealed plans on Wednesday to introduce a policy and enforcement measures aimed at limiting the number of agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four. This initiative aligns with previous efforts under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, where NPA expelled seven out of the 14 agencies at the nation's sea ports. The goal is to streamline operations, reduce red tape, and enhance the ease of doing business in various sectors of the economy.

During the just-concluded Ministerial retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos, Bello-Koko emphasized the need to address the return of previously expelled agencies to the ports, which has hindered the smooth facilitation of trade. The proposal to limit the number of operating agencies is expected to expedite cargo delivery to importers' warehouses, ultimately reducing costs and improving overall efficiency at the nation's ports.

At the retreat, Bello-Koko outlined NPA's ambitious port modernization program, intending to rehabilitate deteriorating port infrastructure at key locations like TinCan, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years. The comprehensive plan also includes enhancing cargo handling equipment and reducing cargo turnaround time to remain competitive within the region.

To unlock new opportunities, the NPA is considering the completion of new port developments in locations such as Badagry, Ibom, Ondo, and Bonny in the shortest possible time frame. Additionally, the NPA is actively focusing on critical enablers for trade facilitation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between various government agencies, including Customs, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Works.

In line with its broader strategy, the NPA aims to strengthen blue governance and transform port operations through the implementation of key initiatives such as the National Single Window, Port Community System, International Cargo Tracking Note, and Vessel Tracking System. These efforts contribute to the overall transformation and sustainability of blue economy investments in Nigeria.