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  • Tariff increase: Tribunal fines Multichoice N150m, free subscription for contempt

    Fine

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) on Friday slammed N150 million fine against Multichoice Nig. Ltd. for disobeying its order on subscription rates hike for DStv and Gotv packages.

    The tribunal, sitting in Abuja, also ordered the PayTv operator to give one month free subscription to all its Nigerian subscribers on the DStv and Gotv platforms, for flouting its order.

    The three-member tribunal chaired by Thomas Okosun in a ruling, found Multichoice culpable of contempt, by flouting its earlier order restraining the PayTv operator from implementing hike in its subscription rates for DStv and GOtv.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CCPT had, on April 29, restrained MultiChoice from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1.

    The tribunal gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.

    Onifade, a legal practitioner and subscriber had approached the tribunal contending that the 8-day notice given by Multichoice for a price hike was insufficient.

    Respondents in the case were MultiChoice and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

    He urged the tribunal to restrain Multichoice  from implementing the tariff hike from May 1 as planned, pending the hearing determination of the petition.

    The tribunal granted the ex-parte motion of the applicant and stopped the PayTv operator from going ahead with the price increase in the interim.

    However, in defiance of the tribunal’s order, MultiChoice hiked its subscription rates for DStv and Gotv packages on the scheduled date (May 1).

    Following the price hike, Onifade, on May 7, commenced contempt proceedings against Mr Mohammed Sani, Manager of Abuja office of MultiChoice Nigeria Ltd, over alleged disobedience to the order made by the CCPT.

    The Notice of Consequence of Disobedience to Order of Court (Form 48) marked: CCPT/OP/02/2024 dated and filed on May 7 by Onifade, warned Sani against disregard to the tribunal order.

    MultiChoice, through its lawyer, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, filed a preliminary objection praying the tribunal to decline jurisdiction in the suit.

    Onigbanjo argued that such price dispute case had been decided before, in favour of his client.

    Onifade, in his response, urged the tribunal to discountenance the company’s objection and direct it to pay the sum of N10 billion or any amount the panel might deem fit in the circumstance for deliberately disobeying and failure to comply with the interim order.

    The lawyer argued that the issue he brought did not border on price regulation or increase.

    He explained that what he placed before the court was whether the company gave adequate notice in respect of the May 1 subscription price increase.

    “It is our submission that the 8-days notice issued by Multichoice Nigeria Ltd is insufficient in law.

    “A monthly subscriber should be given at least a month,” he said, praying the tribunal to dismiss the preliminary objection for being a waste of time of the court.

    Delivering the ruling, the Thomas Okosun-led tribunal agreed with Onifade’s submission, prompting the panel to affirm its jurisdiction and rule against the company.

    The tribunal subsequently fixed July 3 for hearing of the substantive suit of the claimant.(NAN)(www.namnews.ng)

    TOA/ROT.

    ========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

  • Deploy modern equipment to rescue trapped miners in Niger – Residents

     

    Miners

    By Rita Iliya

    Minna, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Galadima-Kogo, have appealed to the Federal Government to deploy modern equipment for the rescue of miners trapped in a pit in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that a mining site collapsed on Monday in Galadima- kogo village, Shiroro Council Area of Niger, killing one person and trapping several others.

    Mr Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson of the  Police Command in Niger, confirmed that 20 people were initially trapped in the mining pit but six had been rescued alive.

    Some of the residents of  the area in separate interview with NAN on Friday expressed worry over the pace of the rescue operation.

    Abubakar Sani, said that the pace of the rescue operation was slow because of the obsolete equipment being used.

    “When we noticed that the equipment being used to dig the ground were not effective, we had to mobilise local miners to use their local tools to dig the ground.

    “The pit is very deep, in fact it is as deep as three electricity poles and the area is rocky.

    “The soil is soft due to rainfall, so in order to avert another disaster, the locals were asked to stop the rescue operation,” he said.

    He called on the Federal Government to deploy specialised equipment to the mining site, saying that some of the trapped miners might still be alive.

    Another resident, Samson Felix, said that government should always match words with actions by deploying experts and  specialised equipment to rescue the  trapped miners.

    He disclosed that his friend is one of trapped miners, adding that consistent bandit attacks pushed most of them to engage in mining activities.

    “Many of our people, out of fear, can no longer go to farm because bandits don’t allow us to farm anymore; they attack us daily on our farmlands.

    “To sustain ourselves, some of our people decided to go into mining since the bandits are focused on farmers and not miners,”he said.

    According to him, the use of excavator for rescue operation was not advisable as it may cause injuries to the trapped victims.

    Contacted, Malam Habibu Wushishi, Director Media and Strategy, Niger Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the locals were asked to stop rescue operation to avert another disaster.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RIS/KOO/IU

    ==========

    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa / Isaac Ukpoju

  • 4 vessels to berth at Lekki Deep Sea Port

    4 vessels to berth at Lekki Deep Sea Port

    Vessel

    By Aisha Cole

    Lagos, June 7, 2024(NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on Friday, said four ships were expected to berth at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

    NPA, in its “Daily Shipping Position”, said four expected vessels would berth with bulk clinker, Fue oil, diesel and aviation fuel.

    It stated that three of the vessels would berth with containers,  while one vessel is expected to berth with diesel.

    A total of 17 vessels expected to berth at Lagos ports on Friday adding that three of the vessels would berth with containers of different goods.

    “Two vessels will Berth with fresh fish.

    “The remaining 11 vessels are berthing with bulk wheat, pellet, general cargos, bulk salt, bulk gypsum and towing machine,” it said. (NAN).

    AIC /AWA
    ========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Veritas Kapital earns N2.33bn profit in 2023

    Dr Adaobi Nwakuche, Managing Director/CEO, Veritas Kapital Assurance
    Profit
    By Rukayat Adeyemi
    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc. has recorded an increase in its Profit After Tax(PAT) from N193.93 million in year 2022 to N2.33 billion for the financial year ended Dec.31, 2023.
    The insurance company revealed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.
    The company, having complied its financial statement with the IFRS 17-standard, recorded monumental year-on-year growth of N2.14 billion to set a new benchmark in the industry.
    The insurer stated that its net insurance and investment results soared by an 163 per cent, leaping from N1.46 billion in the previous year to N3.84 billion in 2023.
    The underwriter’s revenue also rose by 41 per cent, from N5.05 billion in 2022 to N7.10 billion in 2023, representing N2.06 billion increase.
    Commenting, Dr Adaobi Nwakuche, Managing Director/CEO of Veritas Kapital Assurance, expressed profound satisfaction with the company’s astronomical financial achievements.
    Nwakuche attributed the phenomenal success of the firm to strategic business decisions of judicious underwriting and investments,which generated substantial returns.
    She noted that this exceptional financial performance underscores the insurance firm’s unwavering commitment to enhancing shareholder value and revolutionising its business offerings to deliver an unparalleled customer experience.
    “The impressive growth in our financial metrics underscores our strategic focus on sustainable growth and value creation for our stakeholders.
    “Our commitment to smart underwriting and investments has yielded significant returns, reinforcing our position as a leading insurance provider in Nigeria,” she said.
    According to her, as part of the insurer’s strong financial performance, its group’s total assets increased from N17.25 billion in 2022 to N24.64 billion in 2023, indicating 43 per cent growth.
    The managing director stated that the underwriter’s shareholders’ funds also grew by 31 per cent, from N12.46 billion in 2022 to N16.37 billion in 2023.
    Nwakuche noted that Veritas Kapital’s remarkable financial performance in year 2023 demonstrated its resilience in navigating challenging economic conditions.
    She added that the company’s steadfast dedication to delivering value and ensuring the security of its customers’ interests solidifies its position as a dominant force in the Nigerian insurance industry.
    The managing director said: “As Veritas Kapital continues to build on its formidable financial foundation, clients and stakeholders can confidently rely on its financial strength and unwavering commitment to excellence.
    “The company’s dedication to providing comprehensive insurance solutions makes it a trusted partner in safeguarding its customers’ and stakeholders’ interests.
    “This extraordinary performance not only highlights Veritas Kapital’s financial triumphs but also serves as an inspirational beacon of strategic vision and resilience in the face of economic adversity,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    RUKY/VIV
    ====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Commercial driver docked for alleged assault

    Commercial driver docked for alleged assault

    Assault

    By Ngozi Njoku

    Ikeja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A 27-year-old driver, Chinedu John, was on Friday, arraigned in an Ikeja  Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly causing bodily harm to his colleague, using a handset to hit him on the eye.

    The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault and bodily harm.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Innocent Odugbo told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 14,  at CBM Park Adealu , Iyana Ipaja , Lagos.

    Odugbo said that the defendant and another at large, used a handset to hit  Bright Osondu`s eye   over an undisclosed argument and misunderstanding between them (drivers).

    He said that the defendant also inflicted injuries on the complainant`s right eyes which has caused damage to the right eye.

    According to him, the offences contravened Sections 170, 246, and  411 of the Criminal Law of  Lagos State, 2015.

    The Chief Magistrate, Miss M.F Onamusi , granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

    Onamusi said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and one must be a blood relative.

    She said the sureties must also provide evidence of LARASA utility bill.

    Onamusi  adjourned the case until June 13, for mention. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    NG/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Ukraine, Moldova to begin EU membership talks

    Ukraine, Moldova to begin EU Membership talks

    Membership

    Brussels, June 7, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The European Commission on Friday told EU ambassadors that Ukraine and Moldova have met the conditions to begin talks on joining the European Union.

    We consider that all the steps have been met by the two countries, a commission spokeswoman told reporters on Friday.

    Now the decision is in the hands of the member states.

    EU leaders had agreed to open talks with the two countries in December, on grounds that they met certain conditions, such as fighting corruption.

    In a closed-door meeting, the commission told ambassadors for the 27 EU member states that these conditions had been met.

    However, all member states still have to unanimously agree on a plan for the conduct of the talks before they can begin in practice

    Kiev had applied for EU membership in February 2022, after Russia escalated the long-running conflict in eastern Ukraine by launching a full-scale invasion of the country.

    Moldova, where the pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria had been a persistent security concern since a war in the early 1990s was asked to join a month later.

    Georgia, which fought a war with Russia in 2008, also applied in March 2022.

    While, EU leaders formally recognized Ukraine and Moldova as candidate for membership one year ago, in June 2023.

    The Commission had granted candidate status to Georgia in December 2023, at the same time as agreeing to open talks with Ukraine and Moldova.

    The other official candidates are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

     

  • Man, 33, arraigned for allegedly stealing car worth N2m

    Man, 33, arraigned for allegedly stealing car worth N2m

    Arraignment
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 7, 2024 (NAN) A man, David Oluwole, 33, was on Friday arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Corolla valued at N2 million.

    Oluwole, whose address was not provided, was charged with stealing.

    He pleaded not guilty, when the charge was read to him.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence at about 3.00 am on May 10 at Ologunero area of Ibadan.

    She alleged that the defendant stole the car belonging to one Oyewole Akinlolu without his consent.

    She said the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two reliable sureties in like sum.

    She thereafter adjourned the case to July 7 for hearing. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    CC/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

  • NGO urges collaboration to address menstrual hygiene management

    NGO calls for collaboration initiatives to address menstrual hygiene management

    Hygiene

    By Safia Abdulrahman
    Bwari (FCT), June 7, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO),
    Wonder Woman, has called for increased collaboration by stakehoders to address
    menstrual hygiene issues among secondary school students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The group’s Vice President, Anne Dirkling, made the call during sensitisation workshop at the Federal Government Girls’ Collage Bwari, FCT, on Friday.

    She said it is normal to sensitise young girls to understand menstrual health hygiene and to normalise as a natural growth pattern for the female.

    She acknowledged the struggles of girls and women in Nigeria who faced period stigma in the society, which is why the NGO came up with the sensitisation workshop.

    She added that the project in support of the French Embassy in Nigeria provided a platform for girls to learn about puberty and adolescence in a safe, open environment.

    “We have containers across the town for people to drop plastic waste, and in exchange, we distribute reusable sanitary pads and soaps,” she said.

    According to her, the plastic are not used to make pads but gather, sell to bottle recycling companies and use the funds to purchase menstrual hygiene kits for vulnerable girls and women in the society.

    “The Plastic Pads Project is conducted in partnership with other parts and Bwari Area Council by placing containers around town to collect recyclable waste.

    “The proceeds are used to provide sanitary hygiene kits, reusable pads, and soap to girls in the community,” Dirkling said.

    She emphasised the importance of normalising menstruation where girls could openly discuss and understand menstrual health, noting that “this would be possible by encouraging conversations and providing necessary products.

    “The initiative aims to empower girls, reduce school absenteeism, and ensure they remain confident and focused on their education.”

    The NGO Programme manager, Mr Kumbet Longdi, said the aim of the workshop is
    to inspire girls to take action for a period-friendly environment, thereby encouraging them to gather plastic waste in exchange for sanitary pads.

    One of the students, Blessing Efeoghene, who came overall best in the questions and answers session, commended the NGO for the initiative, saying “we will ensure that more plastic waste are gathered
    and deposited in the container given to us by the NGO.”

    Thr News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the programme, a container was launched at the school, and 150 menstrual hygiene kits distributed to the students.

    The group explored various aspects of menstruation, societal perceptions and the importance of menstrual health and hygiene through educative sessions and games with the students.

    NAN reports that menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle, indicating the absence of pregnancy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FIA/HA
    ======
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Addressing housing deficit in Nigeria through Renewed Hope Agenda

    Addressing housing deficit in Nigeria through Renewed Hope Agenda

     

    By Angela Atabo (News Agency of Nigeria)

    Housing is one of the basic needs of man. It means more than just a shelter. It is provides man with a living environment, protection, privacy and facilitating social, economic and cultural achievements.

     

    The performance of the housing sector is one of the measures by which the health of a nation is measured because of significance to the promotion of economic growth and development.

     

    Nigeria’s housing challenge has been of concern in the last three decade with different government proffering different solution towards bridging the yawning gap for the citizens.

     

    In 2010, the housing deficit was 14 million; it rose to 20 million in 2018 and in 2023 it rose to 28 million.

     

    President Bola Tinubu in his quest to ensure that Nigeria’s housing deficit is bridged; said he is determined to face the housing challenge bedeviling Nigeria with the required attention.

     

    To this end, he reeled out his vision for the housing sector under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme. This will offer affordable housing to low-income earners and other Nigerians whose income is below the medium household earnings.

     

    Tinubu took a bold step to make this vision a reality at the  ground breaking ceremony of the pilot phase of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme in Karasana, Abuja, for the construction of 50,000 houses across  Nigeria under the first phase by the end of 2024.

     

    “We aim to promote Public Private Partnership (PPP) collaborations that attract domestic, foreign, and diaspora investments.

     

    “We are resolved to facing the housing challenge with the clarity of purpose and determination that is required to break all the barriers that stand in our way of success,’’ he said

     

    In alignment with the President’s housing plan, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development initiated a vision to create an efficient housing market. Central to the ministry’s overall strategic action plan is to increase the availability of affordable housing.

     

    This is through the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Programme, National Slum upgrade programme, National Housing Programme-Sale of Homes, Creation of a National Social Housing Fund and commencement of Housing sector reforms.

     

    According to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, the government approved N126.5bn from the 2023 supplementary and 2024 budget for the housing programme as well as the slum upgrade and urban renewal.

     

    Dangiwa said, presently the Federal Government has estates in 12 states and three cities nationwide.

     

    The estates, he said, are in Katsina, Yobe, Gombe, Abia, Nasarawa, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Sokoto, Oyo, and Osun States while the cities are in Abuja, Yobe, and Lagos.

     

    He said that contractors have been mobilised and have commenced work to deliver a total of 3,500.

     

    He added that a MoU with reputable developers was signed to construct 100,000 housing units nationwide and work has commenced for 3,112 housing units under the PPP bringing the total number of housing units currently under construction to 6,612.

     

    “Under this concept, the housing units built in the Renewed Hope Cities will be sold at commercial rate while a substantial percentage will be sold at concessionary rates to low- and medium-income Nigerians who are members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

     

    “The construction of the planned 50,000 units under phase one will create 1.25 million direct and indirect construction jobs in addition to the value chain effects of purchase, supply of building materials, businesses around the construction sites.

     

    “From the Ministry’s 2024 Approved Budget, another batch of Renewed Hope Estates comprising 250-housing units each in six additional states totaling 1,500 housing units would be rolled out.

     

    “To guarantee access to these houses, the ministry unveiled a website https://renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng as the  Renewed Hope Cities and Estates web portal, where Nigerians can apply, including those in Diaspora, to ease the process of acquiring homes that we are building under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme,’’ he said

     

    He said the ministry has received about  8,925 expression of interest for the Renewed Hope Estates and Cities housing scheme that comprises of 1,294 for outright purchase, 2,408 for mortgage, 2,184 for rent-to-own and 3,039 for installment payment.

     

    Dangiwa said an Executive Bill to amend the obsolete Land Use Act 1978 that has hindered the development of the housing sector is currently being drafted.

     

    He added that other reforms include the establishment of the National Land Commission, the review of relevant laws and facilitation of necessary legislative amendments.

     

    “These includes the following: The Land Use Act, 1978, National Housing Fund (NHF) Act,1992, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN),Establishment Act, 1993, Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Act,1973 and The PenCom Act,’’ he said

     

    In the bid to make the Renewed Hope Housing programme a success, the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), is also collaborating with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) to deliver affordable housing to Nigerians.

     

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FHA, Oyetunde Ojo, said the management of FHA went on a working visit to the six geo-political zones to have access to lands for the delivery of affordable housing to Nigerians.

     

    “Once the state governments give FHA the off-takers (lands), part of the requirement was to have a mortgage bank to stand for the off takers. But that is yet to happen and that is why we are partnering with the FMBN to get funds for building the houses.

     

    “I can assure you that  lands are  now available all over the country as we speak  in 22 states, minimum of 50 hectares some 100, some 150  what is needed is finance for development.’’

     

    Also the CEO of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, said that the organisation would continue to provide mortgages in order to actualise the vision of the president in the housing sector.

     

    According to him, the mandate of FMBN is to provide homeownership, by way of mortgage financing to the lower and middle income earners in this country.

     

    “This is for Nigerian workers in the public and private sectors, but even self-employed individuals are also at liberty to contribute to the National Housing Fund and take advantage of our various loan products.

     

    He said that the FMBN was making an effort to complete all its outstanding housing estates located in different parts of the country and ensure they are taken.

     

    “Going forward, we are introducing a lot of professionalism and diligence in the identification of locations for our new projects.

     

    “The profiling and selection of potential off takers to ensure that only those with ability and capacity to repay their mortgage loans are offered mortgages is key.

     

    “We are creating easy access to our various products and our processes will be seamless for people to get their mortgages approved and get houses and a collaboration with FHA is a step in the right direction.’’

     

    Nevertheless, while experts and professional bodies like the Real Estate Developers Association (REDAN), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) among others applauds the Renewed Hope Housing agenda of the president as a step towards addressing the housing deficit; they however, said amendment of major laws is also crucial.

     

    Dr Samson Opaluwa, Chairman of CORBON, called for the review of the Builders Registration Act to ensure that only qualified professionals contribute to the nation’s growth to avoid building collapse.

     

    “This aims to enhance our regulatory capabilities, curb quackery in the building industry, and ensure that only qualified and content professionals contribute to the growth of our nation in this sector.”

     

    The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) also seeks an amendment to its acts as well as putting in place strategies to encourage private sector participation in housing supply and the use of alternative building materials and technologies to reduce construction costs.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng) (NANFeatures)

  • Cargo transport: Nigeria lost about N7bn to strike – Agents

     

     

    Cargo

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

    Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has estimated that Nigeria lost about N7 billion during the two-day workers’ nationwide strike.

     

    The strike was embarked on by Nigerian workers under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on Monday and Tuesday.

     

    The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DACAA,  Mr Ikpe Nkanang, made the disclosure in an interview wiith the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

     

    Nkanang said that about 30 tonnes of cargoes were lifted across the country’s domestic airports daily.

     

    According to him, the volume of cargoes dumped during the two-day strike could only be imagined.

    He told NAN that a lot of cargoes had been gathered and made ready for freight on Monday morning before the commencement of the strike.

     

    “For those two days, the airlines were not working,  and once the airlines are not working, cargo cannot move, and it is a great loss to all of us.

     

    “You needed to see the volume of cargo that was dumped over those two days; of course, you know we gathered cargoes during the weekend hoping that by Monday and Tuesday we would be able to send them out.

     

    “It was a colossal loss to us in the cargo world, it affected our income and, of course, the economy of the country.

     

    “For those few hours of the strike, the country lost about N7 billion across all local airports,” he said.

     

    According to him, transporting  a kilogramme of cargo costs N300.

    Nkanang urged the Federal Government to reach an agreement with the organised labour in time to avert resumption of the strike.

    NAN reports that labour unions suspended the strike on Tuesday afternoon to enable continued negotiations on a new minimum wage.

    Airport operations were grounded during the strike  as aviation unions blocked all access points to  domestic terminals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ITM/EBI/IGO

    ===========

    Edited by Benson Iziama/IjeomaPopoola