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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He said that in the past one year, one of the leading policy measures it implemented was the transition from the repealed Customs and Excise Act of 2004 to the newly signed Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.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)
MAA/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

June 19, 2024
Imo: Ex-IMSU VC builds clinic, offers free medical services to natives

Picture showing some patients at the free healthcare services provided by a former Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University (IMSU), Prof. Peter Akah, at Umunyem-Umuebele Village in Okporo Community, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo on Wednesday.
Healthcare
By Peter Okolie
Orlu (Imo), June 19, 2024 (NAN) A former Acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Peter Akah, on Wednesday, organised free healthcare services to at least 1,000 natives of Okporo Community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.
Akah, a professor of Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who hails from the community, also inaugurated a Clinic in the area.
In a speech at the event, he said that the project was initiated to address the health challenges of the vulnerable members of Umunyem-Umuebele
Village in Okporo Community, mainly the aged, women and children.
He expressed concern over the “alarming rate of deaths in his community” because the villagers could not afford medical treatment.
“Things have been hard generally. Sincerely, if I had 20 calls in a day, 18 of them ask for money to buy drugs, not even food.
“I know how much it is to pay for consultancy, let alone hospital bills and I can imagine what people in the village go through,” Akah said.
According to him, many of the villagers are moving around with high level of malaria and typhoid, prostate cancer, diabetes and partial stroke without proper medical attention.
“We discovered numerous cases of ulcer because people can no longer feed or are rationing their foods,” he said.
Akah said that the outreach also offered free HIV and COVID-19 tests for those who wished to be screened, while drugs were given to those diagnosed with different aliments.
“I felt the need to give back to my community by providing somewhere they can get access to healthcare effectively,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the President of the town’s union, Chief John Egolu, thanked Akah for the kind gesture, especially in establishing a clinic in the area.
“A visit to the facility shows that there are beds and full theatre for surgery and there is a promise that more equipment would be brought, subsequently.
“This vision of our dear son, Prof. Akah, is that which will in no small measure help our people, especially by getting healthcare services closer to them,” Egolu, represented by Mr Chinemerem Iyiagu, said.
Also, a 67-year-old stroke patient, Mr Charles Okechukwu, while thanking Akah for the gesture, described him as “God sent to help the less privileged in the community.”
“We have never seen this type of medical care in our village,” he further said.
Another stroke patient, Mr Thomas Mbagwu, 75, who said that he had been down with the ailment for over four years, expressed delight over the medical mission.
He prayed God to grant Akah long life and good health to sustain the gesture in the community.
Another beneficiary of the health mission, Mrs Fidelia Ibemike, 89, said the health facility had brought healthcare services closer to the people.
Ibemike said that the facility would reduce the sufferings usually encountered in traveling to other communities for medical treatment.
According to her, many aged persons have died in their homes in this community because they lacked the money to seek medical attention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OPC/OIF/USO
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

June 19, 2024
Average 5kg cooking gas price stood at N7,418.45 in May- NBS
Average 5kg cooking gas price stood at N7,418.45 in May- NBS
Gas
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The average price of 5kg cooking gas increased from N6,521.58 recorded in April 2024 to N7,418.45 in May 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for May 2024 released on Wednesday in Abuja.
The report said the May price represented a 13.75 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in April 2024.
The NBS said the average price of 5kg cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 70.12 per cent from N4,360.69 recorded in May 2023 to N7,418.45 in May 2024.
On state profile analysis, the report showed that Benue recorded the highest average price at N8,012.03 , followed by Enugu at NN7,926.21, and Ondo at N7,857.53.
It said on the other hand, Yobe recorded the lowest price at N5,842.31 followed by Jigawa and Katsina at N6,521.81, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price of 5kg cooking gas at N7,680.87 , followed by the South-West at N6,593.93.
“The North-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N7,071.84,” the NBS said.
Also, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas declined by 0.07 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N15,637.74 in April 2024 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.
The report said the average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 63.85 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N9,537.89 May 2023 to N15,627.40 in May 2024.
State profile analysis showed that Zamfara recorded the highest average retail price of N18,369.33, followed by Bayelsa at N17,772.21 and Abia at N17,538.02.
On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price was recorded in Bauchi at N13,076.43, followed by Ebonyi and Taraba at N13,788.09 and N13,860.3, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price of 12.5kg cooking gas at N16,310.02 , followed by the North-West at N15,991.13.
The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,010.62(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OKE/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 19, 2024
Adequate healthcare, crucial to support survivors of sexual violence – UN
Adequate healthcare, crucial to support survivors of sexual violence – UN
Violence
By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The United Nations on Wednesday commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, highlighting the vital role hospital’s play in helping survivors heal.
The UN General Assembly, in June 2015, proclaimed June 19 each year as the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, in order to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence.
Also, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in his message to mark the Day, reiterated that protecting healthcare facilities was a “fundamental tenet” of international humanitarian law, which governed the conduct of war.
“But attacks on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and the targeting of healthcare workers, can severely limit access to medical care and psychosocial support for survivors,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-term impact on women and girls, as well as men and boys.
“Women and girls who experience sexual violence may become pregnant from rape and require immediate sexual and reproductive healthcare.
“Men and boys may be at risk of increased isolation if they cannot access appropriate care.”
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA), in a separate message, emphasised the devastating impacts of sexual violence, particularly in conflicts, noting that the voices of women and girl survivors “remain mutated” in decisions on peace and security or humanitarian assistance, isolating them from solutions.
“Life-saving gender-based violence services, which address the needs, rights and wishes of survivors, continue to be insufficient across countries engaged in conflicts,” the agency said.
“Survivors as well as women and girls more generally, must be engaged as leaders of humanitarian-response programming, as they are best placed to create solutions for the challenges they face,” UNFPA added, calling for greater funding for protection and support programmes.
Sexual violence in conflicts is a war crime and perpetrators must be held to account, the sexual and reproductive health agency said.
Few cases of conflict-related sexual violence are reported and even fewer investigated or prosecuted.
“Sexual violence destroys lives and violates human rights. It must not be ‘normalised’ as something that is destined to happen, something that cannot be stopped.
“We must work together to end this horror, not allow it to endlessly repeat,’’ Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, said.
Civilians, especially vulnerable groups, are under increased threat of sexual violence and other abuses globally amid a multiplication of wars and crises that have forced a record 117 million people to flee their homes and communities.
Attacks on civilian infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, and their use for military purposes have further deprived survivors of critical services, posing challenges for safe reporting and response.
“Hospitals and other healthcare facilities should be beacons of safety and healing for all those injured in conflict, including the survivors of sexual violence.
“On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, let us pledge to eliminate this scourge, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting hospitals and healthcare facilities during conflict,” Guterres said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that June 19 also marks the adoption in 2008 of Security Council resolution 1820 Security Council resolution, which condemned sexual violence as a tactic of war and an impediment to peace.
In New York, a special event was hosted by the offices of the UN special envoys on children and armed conflict and on sexual violence in conflict, along with the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN.
Discussions focused on attacks against healthcare in conflict-affected areas, with nations reiterating their commitment to addressing conflict-related sexual violence and supporting survivors through a dedicated trust fund.
A microsite was also produced, featuring key messages and important resources alongside a virtual exhibition on a survivor’s journey. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
CIA/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 19, 2024
Gov. Otti appoints new Chief Press Secretary
Appointment
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, June 19, 2024(NAN) Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has appointed Mr Ukoha Ukoha as his new Chief Press Secretary.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture ,Mr Okey Kanu, stated this on Wednesday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Kanu said: ”Gov. Alex Otti in a bid to rejig the media ecosystem of his administration has approved the appointment of a new Chief Press Secretary and his name is Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
”Mr Ukoha brings a lot of experience in advocacy and media management and of course his flair for writing to his new job.
”Gentlemen of the press you will be working with the new Chief Press Secretary in the days ahead.”
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
INA/MAM/DOE
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Dianabasi Effiong
June 19, 2024
Kerosene price stood at N1,450.35 in May – NBS
Kerosene price stood at N1,450.35 in May – NBS
Kerosene
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the average retail price of a litre of kerosene increased from N1,439.64 recorded in April 2024 to N1,450.35 in May 2024.
The Bureau said this in its Kerosene Price Watch for May 2024, released in Abuja on Wednesday.
It said the May price of N1,450.35 represented a 0.74 per cent increase compared to what was obtained in April 2024 at N1,439.64
The report said the average price per litre of kerosene increased on a year-on-year basis by 20.26 per cent from N1,206.05 recorded in May 2023 to N1,450.35 in May 2024.
On state profile analysis, the report showed that Benue recorded the highest average price of N1,790.92, followed by Kaduna at N1,769.65 and Cross River at N1,722.94.
“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Katsina at N1,230.81, followed by Kwara at N1,260.07 and Jigawa at N1,263.91.”
The NBS said the analysis further showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price per litre of Kerosene at N1,534.12, followed by the South-West at N1,488.97.
It said the North-East recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N1,408.41.
The report said the average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in May 2024, was N5,196.69, indicating a 0.43 per cent increase from the N5,174.23 in April 2024.
“On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 23.49 per cent from N4,208.27 recorded in May 2023.
On state profile analysis, it showed that Kano recorded the highest average retail price at N6,900.28, followed by Adamawa at N6,295.63 and Yobe at N6,140.17.
On the other hand, the report said Kwara recorded the lowest price at N4,235.42, followed by Delta and Akwa Ibom at N4,320.39 and N4,362.81, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the North-East recorded the highest average price per gallon of Kerosene at N5,951.06, followed by the North- West at N5,560.03
.
“The North-Central recorded the lowest average price per gallon of kerosene at N4,659.73 ,” the NBS said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OKE/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 19, 2024
Market union to address high cost of commodities

Market union to address high cost of commodities

Cost

By Olatunde Ajayi

Ibadan, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) says it will collaborate with other market stakeholders to address high cost of food and other commodities in Nigeria.
NUMTEN’s National President, James Ogu, said this on Wednesday, when the union paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives in Ibadan.
According to Ogu, many traders now hide under increase in the pump price of petroleum, high dollar to naira exchange rate, tax and dues to arbitrarily increase prices of food and other essential commodities in the market.
Also speaking, NUMTEN’s Chairman in Oyo State, Ola Makinde, said that the union would collaborate with relevant government agencies, departments and other critical market stakeholders to establish a centre in each zone, where issues could be reported and properly addressed.

According to him, part of the aims and objectives of the NUMTEN is to defend integrity and independence of the market traders in Nigeria, by putting an end to activities of unregistered associations or groups exploiting traders in Nigeria.

“We are working to ensure cooperation between the union and other market bodies, to maintain highest standard, etiquettes and discipline among market traders,” he said.

On his part, the Oyo State Secretary of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adebayo Aribatise, said that NLC, as mother of all unions in Nigeria, recognised NUMTEN and was in solidarity with its activities across markets in Nigeria.
Aribatise said that NLC in the state had the mandate of ensuring that all unions that want to operate in the state complied with the rules and regulations laid down by the state government to achieve its goals.
In his response, the Commissioner for Trade Industry Investment and Cooperatives, Demola Ojo, said that the current administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to improve ease of doing business in the state.
Ojo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Bunmi Babalola, said that Gov. Seyi Makinde’s led administration had addressed issue of tax multiplicity on food commodities and improved access to cheaper food, through various initiatives.
He said that the government had identified and was working with 12 market clusters that housed different traders associations in the state, to achieve harmony among traders.
The commissioner, while charging NUMTEN to carry out membership drive through provision of adequate welfare initiatives, said that the government would not impose one association or union on another.
He said that the government was ready to partner NUMTEN and other market bodies, to address high cost of food commodities and to improve ease of doing business in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TUN/FON/VIV
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Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Vivian Ihechu
June 19, 2024
Petrol price increased to N769.62 in May- NBS
Petrol price increased to N769.62 in May- NBS
Petrol
By Okeoghene Akubuike
Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the average retail price of a litre of petrol increased from N238.11 in May 2023 to N769.62 in May 2024.
It made the declaration in its Petrol Price Watch for May 2024 released in Abuja on Wednesday.
It stated that the May 2024 price of N769.62 represented a 223.21 per cent increase over the price of N238.11 recorded in May 2023.
“Comparing the average price value with the previous month of April, the average retail price increased by 9.75 per cent from N701.24.
“On state profiles analysis, Jigawa paid the highest average retail price of N937.50 per litre, followed by Ondo and Benue at N882.67 and N882.22, respectively.
“Conversely, Lagos, Niger and Kwara paid the lowest average retail price at N636.80, N642.16 and N645.15, respectively,’’ it stated.
Analysis by zones showed that the North-West Zone recorded the highest average retail price in May 2024 at N845.26, while the North-Central recorded the lowest price of N695.04 per litre.
The NBS also stated in its Diesel Price Watch Report for May 2024 that the average retail price was N1,403.96 per litre.
It said that the May 2024 price of N1,403.96 per litre amounted to a 66.29 per cent increase over the N844.28 per litre paid in May 2023
“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 0.78 per cent from the N1,415.06 per litre recorded in April 2024,’’ it added.
On state profile analysis, the report said the highest average price of diesel in May 2024 was recorded in Adamawa at N1709.00 per litre, followed by Sokoto at N1675.00 and Bauchi at N1657.92.
On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Niger at N1,140.20 per litre, followed by Kano at N1153.33 and Oyo at N1236.92.
In addition, the analysis by zones showed that the North-East Zone had the highest price of N1,605.91 per litre, while the South-West recorded the lowest price at N1,303.60 per litre. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OKE/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu
June 19, 2024
We have prosecuted 600 suspects in 6 months – Ondo Amotekun
We have prosecuted 600 suspects in 6 months – Ondo Amotekun
Arrest
By Muftau Ogunyemi
Akure, June 19, 2024(NAN) The Ondo State Amotekun Corps says it has arrested and prosecuted no fewer than 600 suspects in the last six months.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Amotekun Corps Commander, disclosed this while parading 48 suspects on Wednesday in Akure.
Adeleye explained that the criminal activities spread across kidnapping, stealing of cows, attempted murder, fraud and illegal counterfeiting of money.
He said that those arrested and prosecuted were involved in cultism, illegal migration, stealing of planks, burglary, arson, anti-grazing activities and vandalisation of government assets.
Adeleye said that the 48 suspects had been profiled and would soon be prosecuted in court.
“The signals we are sending to criminals is that Ondo State is not a place where they can stay.
“We want them to know that once you kidnap, you can’t get away with it. If you steal a car, you can’t get away with it; if you breaks a house, we’ll pick you; so, what’s the point doing what you know you won’t get away with.
“We’re telling criminals in the state to get out of Ondo State.
“And to the good people of Ondo State, we want to reassure you that the government of Lucky Aiyedatiwa is resolute in making the state conducive for business, social activities and all that makes the state a good one to stay.
“About 600 suspects have been prosecuted between January and June 2024.
“So, kidnapping in Ondo State has gone down by 90 percent and the remaining 10 percent, we only have them in the boarders and the extreme.
“But in all of these few occasions, we always ensure that we rescue the victims and the suspects are made to face the music. (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)
OMA/ISHO/IKU
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Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Tayo Ikujuni
June 19, 2024
Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide
Mutfwang laying foundation for a prosperous Plateau – Aide
Growth
By Patience Aliyu
Jos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, says that the governor is laying a solid foundation toward steady growth, development and prosperity.
Bere said this when Prof. Godfrey Danaan, Head of Mass Communication Department, University of Jos, visited him on Wednesday in Jos.
Bere, who said that the governor had used his first year in office to correcting the wrongs of his predecessors, noted that the choice of Mutfwang was timely for Plateau.
He added that the governor had dedicated the last one year to reorganising and resuscitating moribund sectors.
He added that the governor had initiated some innovative ideas aimed at boosting the economy and improving on the welfare of the citizens.
”We are all witnesses to the developmental strides of our governor; he has reorganised almost every sector in the state.
”The rehabilitation of dilapitated roads and completion of abandoned ones, the tremendous transformation in the transport, agriculture, health, tourism sectors, including the fight against insecurity, are all visible.
”This goes to show that the governor is delivering on his campaign promises; he has laid a solid foundation that will take Plateau to an enviable height,” he said.
Bere said that Mutfwang was committed to building a united and peaceful Plateau, adding that no policy initiated by the government is aimed at inflicting pains and hardship.
”No policy of this government is targeted at bringing hardship on the people; the urban renewal plan, for instance, is for the good of all.
”So, people must discard emotions and support this government in its bid to make Plateau the envy of other states.
”The governor will continue to pursue programmes that will better the lots of the people.
”All we need from the citizens is their prayers, support and understanding, because achieving a beautiful Plateau is possible,” he said.
Bere, who obtained his first and second degrees at the department, thanked the lecturers for the visit and the support accorded him over time.
Earlier, Danaan had said that the visit was to congratulate Bere on his appointment and advised him to live by the ethics of the journalism profession.
He also thanked Gov. Mutfwang for appointing many alumnus of the department into various positions in his government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Danaan was accompanied on the visit by other senior lecturers and staff of the department.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
PAM/AZA
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Edited by Polycarp Auta
June 19, 2024