Author: Martha Agas

Trade Modernisation Project as tool to combat trade-related corruption
Trade Modernisation Project as tool to combat trade-related corruption
By Martha Agas
Generally, one menace countries seeking to facilitate ease of doing business to generate revenue, especially through direct foreign investment, face, is corruption along the chain of service delivery.
Analysts have, thus, argue that the first step to boost international trade is to deal with corruption and other sharp practices that could hurt investors’ confidence.
They have always emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and the need to establish deep trust, particularly in global trade.
Analysts believe that a deep trust in the trade operations processes will encourage and attract investors to the country, with their activities boosting the country’s economic profile and facilitating implementation of more developmental projects.
Even though the World Bank’s Annual Ease of Doing Business Report states that Nigeria has greatly improved in the ease of doing business, ranking 131 out of 190 countries in 2020, stakeholders still observe that there are many factors impeding business operations in the country.
They say top on the list is corruption, with public officials often accused of often taking advantage of administrative bureaucracies to force trade operators to give bribes to expedite the lengthy chain of procedures.
The say that the labyrinthine bureaucracy, lack of transparency and inefficiency have continuously created fertile ground for corrupt practices.
Similarly, reports by LEAP and NOI polls indicate that 85 per cent of Nigerians believe that the prevalence of corruption in the country is responsible for the difficulty in the ease of doing business.
Stakeholders have noted that corruption is impeding trade operations at land borders and sea ports accross the country, while business operators are reported to constantly complain on dealing with too many government agencies and illegal clearing agents, who make corrupt demands or arbitrary fees during port calls.
Even though the Trade Policy of Nigeria(TPN) 2023 to 2027, hinges on government’s commitment to an open and transparent trade policy, and is described as a significant effort to promote trade as a tool for economic growth and development, achieving this goal requires deliberate efforts to address constraints such as corruption.
To salvage the situation, trade modernisation offers a beacon of hope in the fight to address the menace.
By leveraging technology, streamlining processes, and enhancing transparency, Nigeria can significantly reduce the opportunities for corruption and create a more efficient and fair trade environment.
It is in line with this that the Public Private Patnership (PPP) of Trade Modernisation Project, which has three phases, was embarked upon in 2022.
The project is a 20-year concesssion, with the execution agreement signed on May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project(TMP) Ltd.
The TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS. It seeks to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.
It is aimed at making it easy to obtain export and import clearances. It will also ease the payment of duties and the release of goods.
In summary, it is a long-term rescue plan aimed at ensuring predictable and transparent processes and procedures for imports, exports and transit trade.
The project will deploy a software described as the Unified Customs Management system(UCMS), allowing trade operators the advantage of monitoring all stages of their transactions.
According to the Head of Business Processes for the project, Mr Usman Abba, the system is an improvement over the current system, with enhanced features that use Artificial Intelligence(AI) to assist in the classification and validation of documents or data that is being uploaded.
He also mentioned that it includes third-party sources for verifying documents, which simplifies the work of customs officers in terms of registration and document processing.
In time past, stakeholders had sought such a rescue plan.
In 2020, for instance, Dr Muda Yusuf, the former Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need for Nigeria to transit to automated processes.
At a webinar on corruption in the cargo clearance at the Nigeria port, he said that delays and the cost of border trade operations could be reduced if manual processes were automated.
The General Manager of TMP Ltd, Ahmed Ogunshola, while throwing more light on the project, said recently that it creates a foundation for improving NCS’ services, which include improving revenue generation, facilitating trade development and minimising corruption in trade facilitation.
Experts have noted that such digital systems help to reduce human interaction, thereby by minimising opportunities for corrupt practices, and increasing transparency in customs operations.
A tech expert, Ibrahim Yahaya, has said that if properly implemented, TMP would unify custom activities and management, and effectively combat corrupt practices within the system.
He added that it would also help ensure transparency and efficiency in the discharge of NCS’ activities, especially in verifying the issuance of fake customs duties documents.
“Mostly, we see a lot of fake customs duties documents, while the mode of production and issuance is obsolete.
“ Traditionally, it makes it easy for people to manipulate, but automation will help in addressing that; it will improve efficiency.
“I belive that there is AI in the system. It will help to predict an estimated target for government revenue, and if there is any deficiency. it would address it,” he said.
Stakeholders say that the TMP is a beacon to combat corruption in trade operations, and they are excited that the UCMS is to be inaugurated so that they start reaping the benefits.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Master Mariners, Capt.Tajudeen Alao, believes that TMP will facilitate quicker cargo clearance at the nation’s ports, boost Internally Generated Revenue and enhance the country’s global visibility.
With the backlog of clearances being a concern for operators due to extended clearing times, resulting in increased cost, TMP managers say that 200 containers can be scanned within an hour using the gantry scanner, which the project will deploy.
This is in addition to helping traders comprehensively monitor all processes and avoid falling prey to agents extorting them even after customs clearance.
An ex-ray of the process indicates that it is transparent as it gives traders full visibility in the system to know the specific documents being worked upon, who is handling them, the amount required for customs charges, the causes of any other delays in the transaction, and how to follow up to address them.
With its clear features, analysts believe that TMP will address the agitation by stakeholders for the reduction of desks that importers pass through – for several weeks – to clear their goods, which has become a window to indulge in corrupt practices.
Simply put, the time allotted to assess documents uploaded to the system could be shortened by half with the deployment of the new system.
“It is a complex coming together of different aspects in terms of being efficient, which includes human efficiency, system efficiency in terms of hardware and software,” a key player at the Lagos port recently observed, while craving anonymity.
“We have made significant progress with respect to the deliverables of the project,” he added.
To curb leakages in revenue collection and drive trade reforms, transparency in creating a trustworthy trade environment is crucial, analysts say.
They also point out that corruption at various stages of the trade process can significantly increase costs and deter both domestic and foreign businesses from engaging in trade activities.
While stakeholders are receptive to the gains of the TMP, even though it is still at its first phase, observers hope that the implementation will be smooth and not follow the typical scenario of many initiatives that were full of errors, hitches, and not sustained.
It is hoped that the PPP would increase revenue accruals as the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for Nigeria with the concessionaire investing 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period.(NANFeatures)
*** If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria.
June 30, 2024
Tinubu and the Ajaokuta steel company completion challenge
Tinubu and the Ajaokuta steel company completion challenge

By Martha Agas, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd (ASCL), as the name implies, is located in Ajaokuta, in the north central state of Kogi. It sits on 24,000 hectares of land and was established in 1979 by the government of President Shehu Shagari.
It was meant to drive Nigeria’s modernity through industrialisation. The steel plant is not just a rolling mill but an integrated iron and steel plant with about 43 units.
By design, it has four rolling mills: the Billet Mills, the Light section Mill (LSM), the Wire Rod Mill and the Medium section and Structural Mill.
They are all envisaged to facilitate numerous socio economic benefits to the country and enhance the nation’s productive capacity through its integration with other industrial sectors.
This is in addition to serving as a means of saving and earning foreign exchange.
Besides supplying materials for infrastructure development, the plant is expected to produce 10,000 direct jobs in its first phase. The multiplier effect is projected to generate an additional 500,000 indirect jobs.
Before the Shagari administration was ousted by the junta in1983, it was 84 per cent completed and by 1994, it was 98 per cent completed.
However, the project could not continue due to a lack of funds, mismanagement and legal battles.
Unfortunately, what was meant to be Nigeria`s pride, 40 years later, remains in a comatose as efforts by past governments to complete its construction and resuscitate the then functional parts yielded no result.
While previous efforts and promises to resuscitate the plant may seems cliché, President Bola Tinubu`s assured that a significant difference would be seen before his tenure expires.
This aligns with his vision of the renewed hope agenda which has economic diversification as one of its major flanks.
The target is to grow the economy of Nigeria to more than one trillion dollars by the end of its first term.
When Tinubu took the helm of the nation`s affairs on May 29, 2023, he promised to remodel Nigeria`s economy to bolster growth and development.
He also said that his industrial policy would utilise the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency.
To achieve this feat, he embarked on reforms and initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the economy and promoting industrialisation in Nigeria.
However, for this to happen, the iron and steel industry must be priortised and fully developed because of its crucial role in achieving this feat.
The president emphasised the importance of a revitalised steel industry, as a catalyst for robust economic growth and a gateway to immense opportunities for Nigeria’s vast pool of talented entrepreneurs.
In line with this, the president established the Ministry of Steel Development in August 2023, to champion the vision and work on the improvement of all steel and metallic resources in the country for economic growth.
The ministry`s mandates include to resuscitate the Ajaokuta steel company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) Itakpe, and also to revive the steel industry.
The move is also in keeping to his campaign promise of resuscitating the Ajaokuta Steel Company by the end of his second term, aimed at creating 500,000 jobs to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
For a company that has been in comatose for 40 years, resuscitating it requires courage and political will which the Tinubu administration appears to have.
Experts estimate that a minimum of two billion dollars is required to resuscitate it.
Discussions with the original equipment builders of the steel plant, Russian company, Tyamzhpromexport (TPE) to complete the job they started 45 years ago are on-going.
Although the Chinese, Indian and Arab companies have indicated interest, to handle the job, the Russian consortium, comprising a team from Russia’s TPE/Rostec, Novostal, and Nigeria’s Proforce, are chiselling out a blueprint for the revival of the plant.
To demonstrate his commitment to the resuscitation, Tinubu appointed an indigene of Kogi, Prince Shuiabu Audu, as the Minister of Steel Development.
It is projected that his success would be a source of pride to Nigeria, and particularly to his kinsmen, whom he would not want to disappoint.
When Audu took office, he said the ministry would adopt a collegiate approach to reviving the plant by exploring all realistic means.
One of the approaches is a three-year roadmap of short and medium term plans.
Under the arrangement, due to the substantial amount involved, the units would be concessioned to investors with core competence to manage them.
At the ministerial sector update on the performance of the Tinubu`s administration, Audu said he directed that while navigating through resolving broader issues, the challenges that could be resolved in immediate term should be addressed.
In line with the directive, the minister set in motion the revival of the Light Mill Section (LSM) of the plant, projected to produce 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rods per annum.
These rods would be used for the construction of 30,000 KM of roads across the six geopolitical zones in the President`s first term.
This is part of the concrete road revolution of the renewed hope agenda of the president.
The construction is estimated to require seven million metric tonnes of iron rods over the four year period, about which Shuiabu mentioned talks have been held with the Minister of Works.
He added that Ajaokuta can produce 400,000 tonnes of it, and although it is a small amount, the president wants the company to supply some of the rods needed for Federal Government projects.
In realising this feat, the minister obtained presidential approval to raise private capital to restart the LSM.
“We are at the final stages of raising over N35 billion from a local financial institution, which is around 25 million US dollars to be able to restart the light section mill of the complex so that we can produce iron rods.
“The local financial institution has given us a final offer which I have done a cover letter and forwarded the relevant documents to the minister of finance to be able to take the financing on behalf of the federal government.
“This is through signed promissory notes that will be discounted and provided for the Ajaokuta mill to be able to get back on track in terms of the iron rods production.
“That light section mill has the capacity to produce up to 400,000 metric tonnes of iron rods per annum,“ he said.
He said that the Federal Government plans to establish Ajaokuta as a Free Trade Zone to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and to diversify the country`s economy.
“Part of the plan is to designate the 24,000 hectare land of Ajaokuta as an Industrial Park and create a Free Trade Zone to further attract Foreign Direct Investment’’, he said.
The second stage of the plant`s resuscitation involves producing military hardware.
The Federal Government has taken steps to begin the production of military hardware in the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, as the Ministries of Steel Development and Defence are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the implementation.
The plant has engineering workshops with the capacity to manufacture hardware for the military under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act.
Stakeholders observe that the move is timely, considering Nigeria`s enormous security challenges.
The minister mentioned that the Metallurgical Development Centre in Jos has the capability to provide the Lead and Zinc required to produce military hardware such as rifles, vests, helmets and bullets, among other things in the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.
While these stages are in motion, discussions have begun on reviving the 110 megawatt power plant in Ajaokuta, which can supply power not only to the plant but also to the national grid.
Due to the difficulties in securing funds to implement the plan, the minister is spearheading some initiatives for public-private partnerships.
In this framework, the asset would serve as collateral, enabling private investors to provide financing and expertise to rehabilitate the power plant.
The potential investors include Transcorp Power, Niger Delta Power Holding and Reticulated Global Engineering.
But while these efforts are on-going, there are myths surrounding the delay in the completion of the plant.
Leaders of Geregu and Ajaokuta, the company’s host communities, said in the past that the non-completion was due to mystical forces arising from the neglect of the communities.
They still live with the unfulfilled promises made to them of road construction and rehabilitation, the repair of their schools and other developmental projects. They say the gods must be pacified to make any tangible progress.
The Chairman of Geregu Community Association, Alhaji Idris Aliyu, said that the ancestors are not happy because the agreement reached when the company acquired their lands in 1976 has not been implemented.
He urged that their bad roads be fixed and schools repaired as promised.
While these claims may not be empirical, it is important that all necessary land compensation be fulfilled and basic amenities provided for the communities.
After decades of delay, will Tinubu deliver on his promise or will the long wait continue? (NAN Features)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.
June 26, 2024
Trade modernisation project to boost efficiency in Nigeria’s trade operations – expert

Trade
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) An expert, Mr Ibrahim Yahaya, an expert, says that the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) being implemented in Nigeria will boost efficiency in trade facilitation..
Yahaya said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
NAN reports that TMP is the automation of the business processes of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to simplify and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.
The project is a 20-year concession, with an execution agreement signed in May 30, 2022, between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.
It aims to streamline the process of obtaining export and import clearances, ease the payment of duties, and facilitate the release of goods.
The project would deploy a software described as the Unified Customs Management system (UCMS), where trade operators have the advantage to also monitor all stages of their transactions.
It will equip the NCS with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and facilities, to transform the service into an organisation that provides efficient services to businesses and other government agencies.
The TMP is an improvement on the current system, featuring advanced capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid in the classification and validation of uploaded documents or data.
Yahaya, the Managing Director of Paynacle Digital Services, said that TMP would help reduce corruption in customs operations and ensure transparency and efficiency in their activities.
“It will also cut the time used in document verification. TMP will speed up the process for those importing or exporting, something that used to take 20 days can now take one hour.
“I believe that with AI in the system, it will help predict government revenue, and if there is any deficiency, it will address it,” he said.
He said that the project would aid Nigeria’s budgetary system, considering that revenue generated from NCS is a crucial source of revenue for the country.
He said that for Nigeria to advance its economic diversification efforts, TMP was crucial to boosting its integrity in attracting foreign investment through international trade.
“It will help in boosting Nigeria’s integrity in international trade because the system has undergone sanitisation,” he said.
According to him, if properly implemented, TMP would unify customs activities and management, significantly curbing corrupt practices within the system.
According to him, it will also ensure transparency and efficiency in NCS activities, particularly in checking the issuance of fake customs duty documents.
“We often see a lot of fake customs duty documents, and the mode of production and issuance is obsolete.
“Traditionally, it makes it easy for people to manipulate, but automation will help address that and improve efficiency,” he said.
Yahaya urged the engagement of experts in the implementation of the project, noting that the Public-Private Partnership would help sustain the project.
“I suggest they hire experts in cybersecurity and private companies to maintain its services,” he said.
NAN reports that TMP is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.
Acess Bank Plc is the financial partner, Huawei, the lead technical partner, and CrossborderXP Ltd is the software development partner, among others.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
June 23, 2024
Food inflation: Customs to smoke out food hoarders
The Comptroller-General (C-G) of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) , Adewale Adeniyi, at a press briefing on the achievements of the agency in the past one year, on Wednesday at NCS’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Food inflation: Customs to smoke out food hoarders
Inflation
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is determined to smoke out food hoarders as part of its contribution to checking inflation, its Comptroller-General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, has stated.
“The service will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the business of food hoarders is unprofitable,” Adeniyi declared in Abuja on Wednesday at a media briefing on achievements in the past one year.
He said that the NCS recorded 1,744 cases of rice and grains seizures valued at N4.4billion, in the efforts to curb smuggling.
“These concerted efforts underscore the NCS’ commitment to protecting society and ensuring national security,’’ he said.
He said that in the past one year, one of the leading policy measures it implemented was the transition from the repealed Customs and Excise Act of 2004 to the newly signed Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
He explained that the new act strengthened the modernisation of NCS operations and promoted innovation within the service.
The C-G emphasised that the new act also formed the basis for several trade facilitation measures currently being pursued by NCS, including the recent transition from Fast Track 2.0 to the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) concept.
He highlighted that the Advanced Ruling system, which also originated from the act, represented a significant advancement in aligning NCS operations with global best practices.
“This initiative is now at an advanced stage of implementation,’’ he said.
He added that Time Release Study was also inaugurated in February to identify and address bottlenecks in the clearance process aimed at easing trade facilitation.
The C-G further noted that it decongested ports and reopened previously inaccessible access roads.
“In response to the need for dedicated terminals to process export goods, the NCS command at the Port of Lilypond was designated to handle export transactions.
“Other targeted measures to jointly facilitate trade and enhance revenue collection by the service include implementation of the presidential approval to decongest the ports area and improve logistics around the port in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“NCS also commenced 24-hour clearance at the Port of Tincan Island, Lagos, in line with the Presidential Directive to enforce 48- hour clearance of goods,’’ he said.
According to the customs boss, NCS also implemented measures to address national security concerns which include strengthening and reinforcing the Federal Operating Units to pursue, intercept, arrest and dismantle smuggling networks.
He said that new frontiers of interagency cooperation were established with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), finalising arrangements to integrate both systems to minimise the registration of smuggled vehicles.
“The service also commenced engagement with critical stakeholders like the Health Federation of Nigeria (HFN), with the support of the Federal Ministry of Finance, to facilitate the clearance of medical goods.
“This collaboration aims to ultimately reduce challenges and costs, making these services more affordable for Nigerians and specifically targeting the Presidential Priority Areas on healthcare,’’ he said.
He said that NCS was recently ranked by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) among the top five Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The assessment was conducted among 36 MDAs, with NCS achieving a perfect score of 100 per cent, marking 81.5 per cent increase from its previous average scores of 18.45 per cent between 2020 and 2022, and 18.53 per cent in 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 19, 2024
Customs records 74 % revenue growth in one year
Customs records 74 % revenue growth in one year
Revenue
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it has recorded 74 per cent increase in revenue growth in the last one year.
The Comptroller General (C-G) of the service, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, during a Press briefing on NCS’ achievements in the last one year.
Adeniyi said that the service recorded a total revenue collection of N4.49 Trillion between June 2023 and May 2024, compared to the N2.58 trillion collected during the corresponding period of the previous year.
“This achievement was underpinned by a sustained increase of 70.13 per cent in average monthly revenue collection, compared to the previous year.
“ NCS recorded an average monthly revenue collection of N343 billion, compared to the N202 billion monthly average.
“ Notably, there was a substantial 122.35 per cent increase in revenue collection during the first quarter of 2024, compared to the same period in the previous year,” he said.
The C-G said these giant strides recorded were as a result of the service’s various strategic initiatives, which included the collection of N15 billon by the Revenue Review Performance Recovery exercise.
He explained that N2.79 billion was realised from the 90-day window for the regularisation of documents of uncustomed vehicles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the NCS in March, granted a 90-day grace period for payment of import duties on improperly imported vehicles, as part of its commitment to facilitating compliance.
He added that N1.5 billion was realised from the decongestion of 1,705 overtime containers and 981 vehicles from the port.
“It is also worthy of note that on June 13, 2024, NCS recorded a daily All-Time-High of N58.5 billion in revenue collection,“ he said.
Adeniyi also noted that the NCS’ anti-smuggling efforts in the last year resulted in 63 seizures related to animal and wild life products, valued at N566 million, and seven seizures of arms and ammuition made through the ports and borders.
“ In terms of illicit drugs, a combined total of 127 cases involving narcotics and pharmaceutical products, valued at over N6 billion, were seized.
“The Service also recorded 724 seizures of 2.93 million litres of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), that wad being attempted to be smuggled out of the country,“ he said.
He explained that the illegal dealings in petroleum products had remained an issue of great concern to relevant stakeholders, adding however, that the Operation Whirlwind would continue to intercept and disrupt the activities of smugglers.
NAN reports that Operation Whirlwind was recently inaugurated by NCS to combat smuggling of petroleum products to neigbouring countries.
The C-G said as part of its effforts to ensure food security and curb the smuggling of food in and out of the country, the service recorded 1,744 cases of rice and grain seizures, valued at N4.4 billion.
“These concerted efforts underscore the NCS’s commitment to protecting society and! ensuring national security,“ Adeniyi said. (NAN (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore
June 19, 2024
Sallah: Minister urges Nigerians not to despair over current difficulties
Sallah: Minister urges Nigerians not to despair over current difficulties
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 16, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, has urged Nigerians not to despair over the current difficulties in the country.
Audu made the call in his special message to felicitate with the Muslim Faithful as they celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir.
His message was issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Lizzy Okoji, on Sunday in Abuja.
He urged Nigerians and the Muslim Faithful to use the Sallah period to reflect on the sacrifices and acts of obedience of Prophet Ibrahim.
He said that the prophet trusted in Almighty Allah (SWT) even at his most trying time, and the rewards afterwards.
He urged Nigerians to do likewise as their sacrifices and the trials being experienced in the nation would soon yield positive results.
According to the minister, Nigerians will soon be ushered into the dividends of democracy, good governance, and a better life as designed by the robust policies and bold reform programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He reminded Nigerians that the electioneering season was over, and it was time for nation-building and good governance, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious divides.
He added that the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy of Nigeria should not be taken for granted, as it has shown how formidable Nigeria can be as a nation.
“Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we must continue to stand,” he said.
The minister urged the Muslim Faithful to extend charity to their fellow Muslims and other Nigerians, who are not privileged, as stated in the teachings of peace and almsgiving of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
He assured Nigerians of his commitment to delivering on his mandate of reviving the steel industry in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said that the move was targeted at growing the economy to more than 1 trillion dollars by 2031, as well as creating millions of job opportunities for Nigerians.
“This is especially to the youths, thus making Nigeria a global investment destination, among other initiatives.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Gabriel Yough
June 16, 2024
FG warns against illegal mining operations as another tunnel collapses
FG warns against illegal mining operations as another tunnel collapses
Collapse
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 15, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has warned against illegal mining operations and cautioned land owners against the activity.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, issued the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Saturday in Abuja.
The warning was issued in the aftermath of another incident of a mine collapse in Niger, which reportedly claimed three lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collapse occurred on Thursday at Bazakwoi, a village in Adunu community, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger, where local miners were reportedly illegally mining for gold.
NAN recalls that a similar incident occurred on June 3 at Galadima Kogo, Shiroro LGA of Niger State, where more than 30 people were reportedly trapped.
According to the statement, owners of licenced units of land mined by illegal miners will lose their titles.
The minister stated that preliminary investigations showed that the collapsed mine was in an area under Exploration Licence 43113 of JURASSIC MINES Limited in Adunu Village, Paikoro Local Government Area, Niger State.
It stated that an exploration licence was given to an applicant to confirm if the site was suitable for the proposed mineral exploration, but does not authorise the applicant to engage in mining.
While addressing the ministry’s response, Alake confirmed receiving news of the accident around 4:45 pm on Thursday, where three people died in a gold mining tunnel collapse at the site.
He further stated that inquiries revealed that the miners were operating illegally.
“The ministry promptly mobilised its mine officers, who arrived at the site around 6:15 pm.
“Officials were informed that three men were killed in the accident and have since been buried.
“At the time of the visit, work had stopped at the site, and only onlookers were seen. The coordinates of the site were taken, and officials returned to Minna at about 8.30 pm.
“The owners of the company were contacted by phone, but they claimed ignorance of happenings in the site. They were then summoned to the office in the state capital,” he said.
The minister stated that he would communicate further developments as they unfold.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MAA/YGA
Edited by Gabriel Yough
June 15, 2024
Trade Modernisation Project to empower 2500 customs personnel with technical skills

Training
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Ltd, will empower 2,500 personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with technical skills.
According to Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, the General Manager of the project, this is in line with the project’s capacity building framework.
Ogunshola said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.
It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases, with phase one covering year one to six; phae two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20 years .
The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by NCS Board, and Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.
TMP is the automation of the business processses of the NCS to simplify , and enhance the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.
According to the manager, the training aims to empower the personnel with the requisite skills to operate state-of-the art technology that will be deployed to automate trade processes.
“More than 2,500 NCS personnel will be trained by the first quarter of 2025,
in line with the project’s capacity building framework.
“ This will cover strategy, management and technical training, as well as direct skills and knowledge transfer.
“TMP has jointly designed, developed and deployed all technology systems and platforms for the project. This ensures that NCS has complete knowledge of all technology software, hardware and services from inception,” he said.
He said that the company was developing a software known as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), to be deployed to monitor all stages of transactions by traders and other processes.
According to him, the revenue cluster of the new system has been released and is currently undergoing user acceptance tests to facilitate the smooth integration of other stakolders in to the system.
“TMP has signed and is implementing nine technical agreements with its technical and financial partners.
“TMP invested 2.5 million dollars to retrofit the NCS Project Management Office, a one-story building donated by NCS to the project.
“TMP, upon handover of the Project Management Office (PMO) by NCS, renovated the space to world class standard, with latest-in-class technology, including a Modernisation Hub and teleconference facilities.
“The PMO is now host to about 100 professionals daily, drawn from NCS and TMP and its partners, working on the delivery of Phase 1 of the project,” he said.
NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government during the life of the concession.
The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams
June 14, 2024
FG deploys 350 additional Mine Marshals to secure mining environment
Mine Marshals drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) during their inauguration at NSCDC Headquarters Abuja on Friday.
From L: Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Mary Ogbe and the Commandan -General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, during the inauguration of 350 additional Mine Marshals.
Mining
By Martha Agas
June 14, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government has inaugurated 350 additional Mine Marshals, as part of its efforts to address insecurity in mining environments across the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake inaugurated operative at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters, on Friday in Abuja.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, the minister said that the marshals were to checkmate the activities of illegal miners and defaulters of the nation’s mining laws.
He noted that the move was a demonstration of government’s determination to sanitise the mining sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Federal Government on March 21, inaugurated 2,220 Mine Marshals, who were specially trained as a Rapid Response Squad and deployed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).
This puts the total number of mine marshals in the country at 2,570.
Alake said that the initiative was yielding the desired results, as more than 200 suspects have been arrested, 133 being prosecuted, and two foreigners convicted for illegal operations.
He maintained that the mine marshals had recorded significant success, particularly in reducing illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.
“Today’s Passing Out Parade of the second batch will further increase our numbers, ensuring wider coverage and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the squad.
“As we integrate and improve collaboration between mining marshals and Federal Mines Officers across the country, we aim to intensify sector sanitisation and boost investor confidence.
“This will lead to increased investments and development in the mining industry,” he said.
The minister appreciated his Interior Ministry counterpart, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the NSCDC for their collaboration towards combating illegal mining in the country.
In his remarks, Dr Ahmed Audi, the Commandant-General of NSCDC, said that the new operatives completed an intensive eight-week training aimed at intensifying efforts to neutralise the operations of illegal miners nationwide.
On his part, the Minister of Interior, emphasised the need for continuous training and deployment of the marshals to ensure comprehensive coverage of Nigeria’s vast mining areas.
He added that the move would also help the country to maximise the benefits derivable from the solid minerals sector to boost its economic profile.
“This is the second batch, we have more personnel on the ground, we must continue training and deploying to protect our mining areas and ensure our nation reaps the full benefits of its solid minerals for economic development,” Tunji-Ojo said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MAA/IU
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Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
June 14, 2024
Women miners laud FG over repositioning of sector
Women miners laud FG over repositioning of sector
Minning
By Martha Agas
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) An association, Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), has lauded the efforts of President Bola Tinubu`s administration for its policies and initiatives aimed at repositioning the mining sector.
The National President of WIMIN, Dr Janet Adeyemi, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.
Adeyemi commended the efforts of the administration, particularly in facilitating the ease of doing business within its first year in the solid sector, through its policies and incentives.
“I believe that he has created more robust environment, encouraging people to come into the sectors through his declarations and pronouncements on the sector.
“You can see the President going round from country to country and then receiving visitors, and the issue that tops his agenda in most of these discussions are things to do with solid mineral development.
“The mere fact that they are committed, talking about it, and thinking to engage the public, is an indication that the government is serious on promoting the mining sector,” she said.
She said that for Nigeria to diversify its economy, it must take advantage of the abundant solid mineral resources it possessed in commercial quantities across its states, to develop its local economy.
She, however, said that even though Nigeria possessed the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition, it must have a record of proven reserves certified by a competent person or company,
She said that the move would help Nigeria access funds for its development and also attract big players to invest in the sector, boosting the country`s Gross Domestic Product.
“We keep on talking that Nigeria has the largest deposit of Bitumen, Nigeria has so many diverse minerals, but there is something in mining, you must have a proven reserve by a competent person,” she said.
According to the president, certified mining reports, in addition to attracting investors to the sector, will ensure Nigeria benefits from such partnerships, especially through value addition to its minerals.
She said that for Nigeria to reap from the solid minerals sector, it must enrich its sustainable development policies with community engagement tools, such as stakeholder mapping, social impact assessment, and community development programmes.
She added that with policies on benefit-sharing mechanisms, capacity building, partnerships with NGOs and traditional institutions, as well as collaboration between government and mining companies, Nigeria would be able to accomplish a great deal.
She lauded the efforts of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake; in ensuring the sector was gender friendly.
She acknowledged his recent support in the inauguration of the Genders Strategy for mining and steel sectors, which was a demonstration of his resolve to implement an inclusive approach for ensuring sustainable development in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MAA/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 13, 2024