WordPress

Blog

  • Tinubu condoles with minister over mother’s death

    Tinubu condoles with minister over mother’s death

    Condolences

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, over the passing of her mother, Hajiya Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi.

    Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said this in a statement on Thursday.

    “President Tinubu also commiserates with the Sulaiman-Danladi family, noting that losing a loved one, especially a beloved mother, is such a harrowing experience.

    “The President urges the Minister to take solace in the eternal legacies of the deceased and honour her by immortalising her exemplary service and kindness to all,” said the statement.

    The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for her family. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Panel  to conduct tests on structures near collapsed DMGS building

    Panel  to conduct tests on structures near collapsed DMGS building

     

    Tests

    By Chimezie Anaso

    Awka, June 27, 2024 (NAN) A panel of inquiry is to conduct integrity and structural tests on buildings around the collapsed Dennis Memorial Grammar School centenary building in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The panel is charged with investigation of cases of collapsed buildings in the state.

    The Chairman of the eight-man panel of inquiry, Mr Victor Meju, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday.

     

    Meju,  also the Chairman of Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter,  said that preliminary findings showed that the five-storey centenary building collapsed due to a gap between the technical engineer and the engineering team.

     

    He said the panel, which started sitting on Tuesday, had received testimonies from the various teams  involved in the construction process.

     

    The chairman said the building engineer could not interpret the technical report on the soil which recommended raft foundation of ground beams.

    According to the chairman, the building engineer did what he felt would be good.

    “Again, we discovered that the consultant was working on pro bono which is unethical, because without collecting consultancy fee, you will not be able to give the job priority and professional attention which is what played out.

     

    “The man who did the foundation was different from the man who did from the DPC to the last floor and there was a compromise of the quality control management at a time when they engaged daily pay workers due to lack of funds,” he said.

     

    Meju said that structural and integrity tests would be conducted on buildings around the collapsed one  to ascertain their safety.

     

    He said that the tests would be on soil, chemical composition of cement used, reinforcement rods and other relevant materials.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    APC/IGO

    ========

    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

     

     

  • Engender investor confidence in auto sector with NAIDP – Expert  

    Participants at the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.

     

    Auto
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Transtech Industrial Consulting, an automotive replacement parts company, has urged government to pass the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) as amended into law to engender investor confidence in the sector.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Transtech, Mr Luqmam Mamudu, made the appeal at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Auto Industry Summit on Thursday in Lagos.

    The summit organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) in collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) had the theme: ‘Developing Nigeria ‘s Economy through the Auto Industry.’

    The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the NAIDP approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2023, is aimed at enabling the exponential increase in the local production of vehicles.

    It is expected to generate one million jobs and enforce patronage of locally produced vehicles by government and companies working on government contracts.

    Mamudu, former director of NADDC, said that restriction on the inflow of used vehicles must be well managed to ensure balance between industry needs and consumer preference for Nigeria to reap automotive industry benefits.

    “The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment must negotiate with countries or regions from which these dirty vehicles originate.

    “Also, all imported used vehicles including salvage must be accompanied by certificates of integrity by originating countries,” he said.

    He also recommended that automotive suppliers parks as provided for under NAIDP must be realised and prioritised.

    Mamudu said that the zero differential between import of fully built commercial vehicles which presently stands at 10 per cent must be reviewed.

    “This was smuggled into the NAIDP programme without consultation with the industry,” he said.

    Mr Benedeth Ejindu, Board member, Nigeria Automobile Manufacturers Association, also stressed the need for the NAIDP to be signed into law to reposition the automotive industry for economic growth and development.

    According to Ejindu, there is also the need to develop and implement an automotive raw materials development and component manufacturing masterplan.
    “There is the need to revive tyre, battery, and glass manufacturing as a precursor to revamping local manufacture of welded parts (exhaust system, seat frames), elect Parts (batteries, trafficators, wiring harness).
    “Others are plastic and rubber parts such as tyres, tubes, fan blades, seat foam, oil seals,  radiator, cables, filters, brake pads/linings, windscreens, side glasses, fibre-glass parts and paints,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/JNC
    =========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Ex-UN chief, Ban Ki-moon urges leaders to secure children’s future

    Ex-UN chief, Ban Ki-moon urges leaders to secure children’s future

    Rights

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on Member States, including the Permanent Members of the Council,  to build a better, safer future for the children of the world.

    Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders, made the appeal while briefing the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York.

    He spoke after the Security Council heard powerful and personal testimony from a former child soldier, who recounted harrowing experiences of being abducted and forced to join an armed group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    He stressed that there should be no impunity for those who commit crimes against children anywhere in the world.

    “I am speaking today in my capacity as Deputy Chair of The Elders, the group of independent former leaders founded by Nelson Mandela who work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

    “The protection of innocent lives lies at the heart of all of The Elders’ endeavours. Children in armed conflict are the most innocent victims of all, and it is a universal moral obligation to protect them from harm and exploitation.

    “I commend the work by the Special Representative of the Security-General, and the report presented today which describes how acute the issue of children and armed conflict has been over the course of 2023.

    “It should be a matter of shame to every state represented here today that innocent children continue to pay such a terrible price in the multiple conflicts being waged across our world.”

    The former UN chief said he was shocked and outraged that grave violations against children rose 21 per cent in 2023, with a 35 per cent rise in the killing and maiming of children in the same period.

    This, according to him, reflected a persistent and blatant disregard for international law by those perpetrating these violations, whether government forces or non-state armed actors, and a sense of impunity that they would not be held accountable for their actions.

    “To give just one example, the UN has verified more than 8,000 grave violations against 4,247 Palestinian children and 113 Israeli children in 2023, reflecting the shocking scale and human cost of the current conflict.

    “There should be no impunity for those who commit crimes against children anywhere in the world, whether they are states or armed groups, in autocracies or democracies.

    “Such distinctions mean nothing to the parents of murdered children, nor should they to the institutions charged with upholding international justice.

    “The statistics in the Secretary-General’s report tell their own story.’’

    He, however, recalled his own experience and that the trauma experienced by children in armed conflict cannot be captured in figures alone.

    “As a young boy during the Korean War, I experienced the trauma and wrenching displacement of fleeing my home during the conflict, with death and destruction all around me.

    “The human suffering I witnessed as I fled my burning village with my parents continued to haunt me in the days and years to come.”

    The former UN chief said one of the definitive reports on children and armed conflict was written 28 years ago by Grace Machel, the former freedom fighter and Education Minister of Mozambique who today serves as my fellow Deputy Chair of The Elders.

    Her findings are as relevant today as they were when she first presented them to the General Assembly in 1996.

    According to him, the situation today is a damning reflection of the collective failure of political will over the past three decades to address the issue.

    But Graça Machel’s powerful report did lead to changes, not least the creation of the mandate of the Secretary-General’s Special Representative on children and armed conflict.

    “All Council members, and particularly the five Permanent Members, have a responsibility to protect and support this mandate in the interests of children worldwide.

    “At country level, alongside essential monitoring and reporting work, the mandate includes working with conflict parties on the steps they need to take to end violations and ensure the protection of children.

    “Identifying those responsible for grave violations, as the report does through the compilation of its annual list, is the first step towards constructive engagement, action and accountability.”

    In this regard, he said the inclusion of Israeli armed and security forces and Palestinian armed groups on the list is an important step in terms of seeking accountability.

    “Attacks on places that are supposed to provide care and protection for children, such as schools and hospitals, are an increasing pattern in multiple conflict settings including Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan.

    “Member states should endorse and implement the commitments outlined in ‘The Safe Schools Declaration’ which has so far garnered support from 120 states.

    “All attacks on children in armed conflict constitute a grave violation of human rights, but the most inhumane are those involving sexual violence.”

    Speaking anonymously and through an interpreter, the 16-year-old former child soldier called on ambassadors to reinforce protection and security in conflict zones, to ensure children like him never have to play an active part in the horrors of war.

    “When I was born, 16 years ago, there were already armed conflicts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the child began, recounting the worsening situation and how children have been the greatest victims.

    “I was forced to join an armed group while I was walking to school.”

    The child’s testimony highlighted the brutal realities faced by many children in conflict zones.

    Two months ago, during armed attacks on two of our neighbouring villages, children were targeted for abduction and forced to join armed groups, while others were abducted to hold their families to ransom.

    This led to the murder of many children whose families did not have the means to pay the ransoms demanded,” the child said, describing how schools and hospitals were attacked and used as military bases.

    The child shared personal experiences of being kidnapped and forced into an armed group.

    “We cried and trembled, begging them to let us go home to our families, but they wouldn’t listen.

    “That’s when they started whipping us and keeping us in the bush. We were heavily guarded, and they had ordered to kill anyone who tried to flee.”

    The testimonies included vivid descriptions of the hardships endured, such as being made to loot food and rob vehicles, with girls being taken as “wives” by soldiers.

    “Life wasn’t rosy, because dry cassava was the main food, and I was also afraid of wild animals in the bush.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    CIA/AMM

    ==========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Lagos moves to restructure unregulated public transport bus operators

    Participants at the meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

     

    Transport
    By Chiazo Ogbolu
    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has called for the collaboration of public transport bus operators as it releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience in the state.

    Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, said this in a meeting between the Ministry of Transportation with Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) and bus operators on the Bus Reform Initiative programme on Thursday in Lagos.

    The initiative is aimed at systematic restructuring of the existing Public Transport operations in Lagos State.

    Giwa said this was in line with the Strategic Transportation Master Plan for the state.

    He described the current state of bus operations as chaotic hence the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the state’s Bus Reform Initiative.

    Using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test, he explained that the corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and LAMATA to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the expressway and adjourning roads.

    “Systematic framework to address these challenges have been mapped out which include deployment of high capacity buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network.

    “Also included is re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

    “Others are the introduction of e-ticketing system, provision of transport infrastructure, regulation and standardisation of bus operations, improved transportation services and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor,” he said.

    Giwa noted that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases, urging transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the ministry of transportation to register within the next two weeks.

    “Registered operators will be allotted routes by the ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy,” he said.

    The special adviser warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations implemented would be fined and would forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines.

    On concerns raised by members of the unions, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa, explained that the government was counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the Lekki-Epe corridor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CAN/JNC
    ==========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Troops kill 5 terrorists, rescue hostages in Sokoto

    Troops  kill 5 terrorists, rescue hostages in Sokoto

    Troops

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Sokoto State on Thursday  foiled a kidnap attempt, neutralising five terrorists and rescued  two hostages held by them

    This is contained in a post on the official X Handle of the Nigerian Army on Thursday.

    The Army  said troops responded to a distress call from the Baniguntu and Gohonau forest areas in Gudu Local Government Area of the state and engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.

    It said  terrorists who survived the encounter fled with gunshot wounds

    According to the Army , the rescued hostages, identified as Nura Isya and Saluhu Hamza, were safely handed over to the Chairman of Gudu Local Government Area for medical attention and reunification with their families.

    “The successful operation not only prevented a potential tragedy, but also led to the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of ammunition, and a Tecno phone, further disrupting the activities of the terrorist group.

    “This heroic rescue mission highlights the resoluteness of the Nigerian Army to combat terrorism and ensure  the safety and security of citizens in Sokoto State and across the country.

    “The troops’ swift and decisive action serves as a testament to their dedication to protecting the lives and well-being of the people they serve,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/BHB

    =========

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Seplat, Tier-1 banks raise stock market by N6bn

     

    Market

    By Rukayat Adeyemi

     

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian equity market closed positive on Thursday with a gain of N6 billion, driven by investor interest in Seplat and sustained interest in Tier-one banking stocks.

     

    Specifically, gains in United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Corporation, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries and African Prudential, among other advanced equities, boosted the market performance.

     

    Consequently, the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) market capitalisation gained N6 billion Naira, or 0.01 per cent, to close at N56.227 trillion, up from N56.221 trillion.

     

    The All-Share Index also rose slightly by 0.01 per cent, or 11 points, to close at 99,396.23, compared to 99,385.44 recorded on Wednesday.

     

    As a result, the Year-To-Date (YTD) return increased slightly to 32.93 per cent.

     

    Meanwhile, market breadth closed positive with 33 gainers and 16 losers on the Exchange.

     

    On the gainers’ table, Cutix and Seplat led with a 10 per cent increase each to close at N4.40 and N3,794.90 per share, respectively.

     

    LASACO Assurance followed with a 9.95 per cent gain to close at N2.32 per share.

     

    Computer Warehouse Group gained 9.85 per cent to close at N7.25, and United Capital advanced by 9.79 per cent to close at N24.10 per share.

     

    On the other hand, Daar Communications led the losers’ table with an 8.93 per cent decline to close at 51k per share.

     

    C&I Leasing Plc trailed with an 8.54 per cent drop to close at three Naira per share.

     

    Consolidated Hallmark Holdings lost 7.98 per cent to close at N1.73, MTN Nigeria dropped 6.89 per cent to close at N200, and Regency Alliance Insurance shed 6.52 per cent to close at 43k per share.

     

    An analysis of market activities showed that trade turnover settled higher compared to the previous session, with the value of transactions advancing by 154.67 per cent.

     

    A total of 529.37 million shares valued at N10.49 billion were exchanged in 7,616 deals, compared to 276.36 million shares valued at N4.12 billion in 7,597 deals posted in the previous session.

     

    GTCO led the activity table in volume and value, with 66.05 million shares worth N2.93 billion, followed by UACN with 46.35 million shares valued at N706.59 million.

     

    Access Corporation traded 39.71 million shares worth N754.17 million, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings sold 31.60 million shares worth N54.86 million, and Universal Insurance transacted 30.76 million shares worth N10.53 million. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    RUKY/DE/AWA
    =============
    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • FG empowers Anambra health workers on quality, cost-effective nutrition services

    Nutrition

    By Franca Ofili

    Awka, June 27, 2024(NAN)The Federal Government has concluded the  training of  no fewer than 60 Anambra health workers on nutrition to enhance optimal maternal, infant and young child nutrition communication.

    Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, Director, Head of Nutrition Division, Federal Ministry of Health, spoke at the closing of the eight-day training on Thursday in Awka, Anambra.

    According to her, the training is in eight states with no fewer than 480 participants.

    Bako-Aiyegbusi said that the eight-day capacity building exercise for health workers was to enhance optimal Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) in the country.

    She said the training was aimed at increasing quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls and children under five years of age.

    “The project, funded by the World Bank at the tune of 232 million dollars in partnership with the Federal Government, is implementing a five-year nutrition programme tagged “Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN).”

    Bako-Aiyegbusi said the project was to increase quality and cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five years of age.

    She said that the objective of MIYCM course was to provide basic training on maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition for those who care for mothers and young children (0-59 months)

    According to her, the training will provide participants up to date information on MIYCN best practices based on its policy, strategy and guidelines.

    She said MIYCN course would also help to maximise the impacts on child growth and micronutrient status by focusing on maternal nutrition, delivery practices, and improved infant and young child feeding.

    According to her, nutrition is in the front burner because people are bothered about the poor indices of nutrition in the country.

    She identified poor knowledge as the cause of poor nutrition in the country.

    “We have realised that the key thing that is leading to the poor indices of nutrition is poor knowledge of individual households in the communities on healthy feeding practices.

    “More than 40 per cent do not have adequate knowledge to prepare a delicious meal for their families especially for the infants.’’

    According to her, most families do not know how to prepare foods to meet the nutritional values.

    “Most people over cook their food making the nutritional value useless; we are not supposed to cook food until the whole ingredients gets over cooked.’’

    She advised the participants to practice what they learnt.

    The director appreciated the state team for their support to carryout successful training on nutrition and urged them to start planning for the step down training at the primary facilities.

    According to her, the Federal Government will support two more trainings with 120 service providers from the secondary facilities.

    “Thereafter, we will want the state to be supported by their respective partners to do step down at the primary level.

    “In addition with support from the partners, the Federal Government will support the state to train health workers from selected basic health care designated centres, ” she said.

    Mrs Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said that the participants were well equipped with information on nutrition for infants and young children.

    Uchem advised the male participants to ensure that they educated their fellow men to assist their women in ensuring that their children were properly fed to get the proper nutrition needed.

    “I am happy that men are among the participants so I urged you to be ambassador of nutrition in the state,” she said.

    Also, Mrs Uzoamaka Eviken, State Nutrition Officer, thanked the Federal Government for the training.

    Eviken said that fund had been a big challenge for such trainings and Federal Government made it possible.

    She said that the training would go a long ways as the participants had gotten enough knowledge of child nutrition.

    “With this knowledge, every one of us will pass it to our homes, facilities and schools,” Eviken said.

    More so, Dr Uliagbafusii Placid, Director, Disease Control and Immunisation, Anambra, who spoke on behalf of the participants, said that the training came at the right time as the state faced the challenges of malnutrition.

    “This training came at the right time as the state has faced with the challenges of malnutrition.

    “We have learnt that we can use locally made products to feed our children well especially the in the first 1000 days of birth.

    “We will get to the grassroots to educate them as we now know that there are better ways our people can cater for their children to be healthy,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FNO/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • FG inaugurates task force on illegal private charter operations

    FG inaugurates task force on illegal private charter operations

    Force

    By Gabriel Agbeja

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja,  inaugurated a `Ministerial Task Force` on illegal private charter operations and related matters in the aviation industry.

    Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said at the inauguration that the task -force would be engaged in taking inventory of all Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) holders and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.

    According to him, the committee will among others determine why the practice of illegal charters by PNCF holders persists in the country in spite of regulatory controls.

    ”Call in all professional licenses of pilots and crew in the country and determine their authenticity and validity.

    “Recommend to the minister,  any additional measures to be taken by regulatory agencies to stem the ugly tide. To recommend appropriate sanctions to be imposed by the regulatory agencies on defaulters.

    “Recommend additional measures to further monitor  operations and activities of private aircraft in Nigeria and  any other terms of reference that may be determined by the minister as the Task Force continues its work,“ he said.

    He added that members of the task force had been carefully selected from within the aviation industry and were people of high repute and integrity.

    According to the minister, members of the Task Force include Capt. Ado Sanusi as Chairman; Capt. Roland lyayi  as Vice Chairman; Director of Air Transport, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as Secretary.

    “Other members are -Theresa Babaoye (DATR-NCAA);One nominee from the National Security Adviser – Capt Daniel Quansah ; Capt. Patrick Ogunlowo ; Obafemi Bajomo (SA-HMA).

    “This Task -Force is not only a response to the current challenges but also a proactive step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability and integrity of our aviation sector.

    “We expect the Task-Force to work for three  months, except circumstances require some extension, “ he said.

    Keyamo canvassed collective working diligently to restore confidence in the  aviation industry, eliminate illegal operations, and ensure that every flight in the  nation`s skies adhered to  highest standards of safety and legality.

    He expressed optimism that such collective efforts would lead to a stronger, more secure, and prosperous aviation industry.

    “ It has come to my attention, through a series of disturbing reports, that practice of illegal charter operations is thriving within the aviation industry, thereby undermining efforts of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other regulatory bodies.

    “ These illicit activities have resulted in significant financial losses to the Federal Government and also have raised security and safety concerns as  operations of private aircraft owners have remained largely unchecked and unregulated.

    “This has also resulted in using these private aircrafts for other illegal activities.”

    He said the National Security Adviser wrote to alert the ministry last week of the spike in money laundering, drug-trafficking and other illegal activities through the use of private aircrafts in the country.

    “It appears that Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) operators have become increasingly emboldened, continuing their illegal operations with the assistance of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who collect tolls and list these illegal charters under their AOCs.

    “Furthermore, we have received alarming reports that some crew members have not attended mandatory simulator trainings for nearly three years and are flying with fraudulently-obtained renewed licenses.

    “Many of these individuals are operating planes registered under PNCF but are conducting illegal charter operations with impunity, “ he said.

    “In light of these grave concerns and in alignment with two key objectives of our five-point agenda, I am compelled to take this decisive action, “ he said.

    Keyamo reiterated his five -point agenda encapsulated as safety, infrastructure, support for local operators, human capacity development and revenue generation,“

    Speaking, Capt. Ado Sanusi,  Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force, said the newly established  task force would effectively and efficiently achieve all statement objectives by its predetermined judicious performance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FGA/CHOM/IAA

    ==============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Isaac Aregbesola

     

     

     

     

     

  • Energy Mix: Petroleum ministry to invest in renewables, hydrogen – Perm Sec.

    Energy

    By Emmanuella Anokam

    Abuja, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it is focused on diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewable energy projects, hydrogen development and enhancing the regulatory framework to attract private investments.

    Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, made this during a Town Hall Meeting with the management and members of staff of the ministry on Thursday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised to brainstorm on the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

    Ella said the Ministry had taken significant steps in developing a hydrogen policy to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and contribute to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions.

    “This policy framework is aimed at establishing hydrogen as a viable alternative energy source and leveraging our existing gas infrastructure to produce green hydrogen,” he said.

    Ella said that based on priority areas of the government, the cardinal objective of the engagement was to align their efforts with the presidential directive issued in January 2024, to “unlock the energy sector and natural resources for sustainable development.’’

    “To understand the enormity and urgency of the tasks before us, we have to appreciate the vast energy needs of Nigerians – to power homes and industries.”

    However, he appealed to all members of staff of the Ministry to brace up for the huge responsibilities placed on their shoulders as civil servants, to drive and sustain development in any society.

    On gas infrastructure, Ella said the President placed high premium on gas infrastructure development and supply, and had demonstrated this with the launch of the “Decade of Gas” programme and ensuring expansion in supply through the National Gas Expansion Programme.

    “Under the “Decade of Gas” initiative, we significantly expanded gas infrastructure, including the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project and the ANOH project being undertaken by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.)

    “These projects are geared towards ensuring an efficient and widespread distribution of gas aimed at positioning Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy,’’ he said.

    The Permanent Secretary said it would ensure the full implementation of the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) by filling documents digitally, providing easy access to data and information, and storing them in line with legal requirements.

    On discipline, the Ella warned that there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline, adding that every member of staff of the Ministry must live above board and act in accordance with service rules.

    He assured the workers that their welfare and allowances would be prioritised, expressing gratitude for two amiable Ministers of State who are committed to the welfare of workers.

    “We must justify that favourable disposition by giving it all our best.

    “I am committed to the training and retraining of all staff within the limits of available resources. Our objective is to utilise credible training institutions to improve quality of training.

    “Recognising the importance of human capital, the Ministry is partnering with educational institutions like the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) and the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, to provide training and skill development for our staff.

    “The Ministry will implement a robust performance management system, setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability, transparency and effective service delivery, aligning with the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2025,’’ he said.

    He assured to put the ministry on the path of unmatched progress as it began to lobby to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB).

    “Nigeria will be a regional industrial hub and a key player in the African energy sector through collaborative efforts and comprehensive roadmaps.

    “In line with my mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), we are set to commence the process of implementing the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated (MOPI), having obtained the legal opinion of the Ministry of Justice to that effect.

    “The ministry initiated programmes to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the oil and gas sector.

    “AI will be utilised to optimise exploration and production processes, enhance predictive maintenance of equipment and improve decision-making through data analytics.

    “By adopting AI technologies, we aim to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, thereby positioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector at the forefront of innovation.

    “Committees were established to oversee these initiatives and ensure their successful implementation,’’ the permanent secretary said.

    Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Asma’u Adaji, Director, Human Resources Management, while thanking the permanent secretary for the engagement, said it was a maiden edition since the permanent secretary assumed office.

    NAN recalls that upon his resumption in February 2024, the permanent secretary had met with heads of departments and agencies under the ministry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ELLA/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne