Blog

MEMAN, stakeholders harp on operational safety in retail CNG sector
Safety
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and other stakeholders on Thursday reiterated the need to enhance operational safety in Nigeria’s retail Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector.
The stakeholders gave the position at a workshop organised by the association, entitled “Enhancing Operational Safety in Nigeria’s Retail Compressed Natural Gas Sector”, at its competency centre in Lagos.
The stakeholders harped on best practices for the safe implementation and use of CNG in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Mr Huub Stokman, Chairman of MEMAN, underscored the importance of the centre’s role in supporting the entire industry.
Stokman said: “Nigeria, known as the eighth largest gas province in the world, has extensive experience with LPG, which is a crucial part of our energy mix.
“As we introduce CNG to the public, it’s essential to ensure it is done correctly and safely.”
Stokman highlighted the distinct differences between LPG and CNG, emphasising the need for proper equipment, transport, and installation procedures.
He said that the workshop aimed to share best practices and ensure the safe adoption of CNG, which he said had become a permanent fixture in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
“We owe it to ourselves, our friends, and our families to introduce CNG safely,” he said.
Also, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), described CNG as “the gas and fuel of the future for the transportation and power sectors.”
Oluwagbemi reiterated federal government’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner, safer, and more reliable fuel options under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Oluwagbemi acknowledged concerns regarding the safety of CNG, given its high-pressure storage requirements.
He, however, assured the audience of its safety.
“CNG is eighteen times less explosive than petrol and eight times less explosive than diesel when properly handled,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of developing a robust regulatory framework to ensure the safe handling and use of CNG, particularly in the transportation sector.
Oluwagbemi highlighted the development of the Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) designed to oversee safety practices in the natural gas vehicle system.
According to him, this system aims to monitor everything from the inspection of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicles to the conversion of non-OEM vehicles.
“The NGVMS will allow us to see what actors are doing, accredit workshops, train and certify technicians, and ensure that vehicle parts used for conversion are certified and standardised,” he said.
The PCNGI’s goal, according to Oluwagbemi, is to implement smart regulation that promotes growth and provides clear, predictable rules for safe investment.
“We aim for a CNG sector with zero incidents as we seek to convert up to one million vehicles in the next three to four years,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safety during this transition.
In his remarks, Mr Taji Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), said that safety in the gas industry remained the top priority.
He highlighted the cost savings and environmental benefits of CNG compared to petrol and diesel.
Ogbe also acknowledged the challenges of CNG adoption, including infrastructure and conversion costs.
He, however, said that addressing these through standards and public education was crucial.
Ogbe commended the efforts of MEMAN and PCNGI, while reiterating the importance of sustained information dissemination, industry engagement, as well as regulatory support to drive the successful and safe adoption of CNG in Nigeria.
“We must all work together to ensure that the adoption of CNG is both successful and safe,” Ogbe said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop covered essential topics, including standards for conversion kits presented by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and maintenance of CNG vehicles by Nigerian Sinotruk Ltd.
Others are issues around safe refueling practices discussed by NIPCO and Axxela, driving precautions by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and emergency response to gas fires by the Federal Fire Service. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YO/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
June 6, 2024
Immigration, NSCDC partner on border security in Anambra
NIS collaboration with NSCDC in Anambra

Immigration, NSCDC partner on border security in Anambra
Collaboration
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Anambra State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Godwin Nzeribe, has sought support of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on border security and immigration management.
Nzeribe made the call when he visited Commandant Maku Olatunde, at the NSCDC Command Headquarters, Awka on Thursday.
He said that the inter-agency synergy would help address the problems of illegal migration, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
“Our agencies’ alignment with the Ministry of Interior necessitates a synergy to achieve our mandates effectively, in terms of enhancing border security and immigration management in the state.
“My visit to your office is to obtain briefs and to strengthen the inter-agency synergy between NIS and NSCDC.
“Thank you for your warm reception and continued collaboration with NIS,” he said.
Responding, Commandant Maku Olatunde, reaffirmed NSCDC’s commitment to collaborating with NIS.
Maku highlighted NSCDC’s achievements in protecting critical national assets, combating quackery in the private security industry, and fighting petroleum products adulteration in Anambra.
“The need for us to collaborate cannot be overemphasised, we are ready and willing to continue the existing relationship and share intelligence in achieving our mandates,” he said.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
LCO/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 6, 2024
2 men in court over alleged possession of Indian hemp
2 men in court over alleged possession of Indian hemp
Arraignment
By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Two men, Ayodeji Ajayi, 41, and Alaba Seye, 32, were on Thursday arraigned in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged possession of Indian hemp.
The defendants of unknown addresses were facing a charge of possession of Indian hemp.
The prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants committed the offence on May 31 at about 03:30 p.m in Ado-Ekiti.
Oriyomi alleged that the defendants had in their possession weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
He said the offence contravened Section 5 (b) of the Indian Hemp Act 2004.
The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.
Mrs Adunni Olanipekun, Counsel to the defendants, urged the court to grant them bail with the promise that her clients would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Olarewaju Owoleso, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety each in like sum.
He adjourned the case until July 9, for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/AYO/JPE
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Joseph Edeh

June 6, 2024
APWEN seeks collaboration to mitigate climate change

WED
By Rukayat Adeyemi
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos chapter, has called for concerted collaboration towards tackling desertification and other climate change impacts.
The Chapter Chairperson, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, made the call during a zoom public lecture to commemorate 2024 World Environment Day (WED).
WED focuses on land restoration, stopping desertification, and building drought resilience.
Owolabi reaffirmed APWEN’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
She said that the event’s theme: “Empowering Nigerian Women Engineers to Lead Sustainable Solutions for Land Restoration and Resilient Futures” resonated importance of women engineers in shaping sustainable and resilient future for Nigeria.
According to her, land restoration is essential for environmental conservation, requiring innovative solutions and dedicated efforts.
“Nigerian women engineers are at the forefront of this mission, bringing expertise, creativity, and a unique perspective to the challenges of land degradation and environmental resilience.
“Our goal is making sure that our women engineers are empowered by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to lead, conduct research, and innovate.
“In celebration of World Environment Day, we call upon all stakeholders namely; government agencies, private sector entities, educational institutions, and civil society organisations, to join us in this vital journey.
“Together, we can create impactful strategies to restore our lands and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” she said.
She listed capacity building initiatives, awareness campaigns and other programmes of the association aimed at equipping female engineers towards resolving environmental issues to mitigate climate change.
“By empowering Nigerian women engineers, we can drive the change needed to combat land degradation and build resilient communities. Our collective efforts will contribute significantly to global goals of environmental sustainability and climate resilience,” she said.
Owolabi called for support of Nigerians towards achieving a greener, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria to secure the future.
The guest speaker, Mrs Helen Taiwo, Executive Director (Operations), Lagos Water Corporation, said the 2024 WED theme addressed pressing issues of land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
Taiwo said over 30 per cent of the world’s land has been degraded, affecting the livelihoods of millions of people while reeling out negative impacts and consequences in various parts of Nigeria.
She proffered solutions while highlighting important roles of women engineers as problem solvers in ensuring environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
“Empowering Nigerian women engineers is not just a goal; it is a necessity for sustainable development.
“By leading sustainable engineering solutions for land restoration, we can shape our land and secure our future. Together, we can create a resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Nigeria,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
RUKY/AWA
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Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
June 6, 2024
Man, 29, docked over alleged fund conversion, breach of peace
Arraignment
By Funmilayo Okunade
Ado-Ekiti, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The police on Thursday arraigned a 29-year-old man, Leke Babatunde, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged conversion of fund and breach of peace.
The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conversion of fund and breach of peace.
The Prosecutor, Insp Moyosola Adesola, told the court that the defendant committed the offences between March and May at Oke Bola Area of Ado-Ekiti.
Adesola said that the defendant converted the sum of N80,000 meant for digging well to his own personal use.
She said that the money belonged to one Babalola Oluwasola.
The prosecutor further stated that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.
According to her, the offences contravene Section 295 and punishable under Sections 302 and 181(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Adesola urged the court to adjourn the case to enable her study the file and assemble her witnesses.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.
Counsel to the defendant, Mr Olawumi Olowolafe, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Awosika, granted the defendant bail in the sum N20,000, with one surety in like sum.
Awosika adjourned the case till July 4 for hearing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOA/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 6, 2024
Education approach must be adaptive, innovative forward-thinking – NUC
A cross section of LASU graduands

NUC
By Oluwakemi Oladipo and Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Chris Maiyaki, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has charged graduating students of Lagos State University (LASU) to remain vibrant and relevant.
Maiyaki gave the charge at the 27th Convocation Ceremonies of LASU on Thursday, during which he also urged that education approach must be adaptive, innovative forward-thinking – NUC
Thursday’s ceremony was for award of academic and professional doctorate degrees, conferment of honorary doctorate degrees and emeritus professorship.
He said that Nigeria’s future would depend on the commitment and competence of the younger generation who would soon take over.
“By redirecting our focus towards modern processes, we lay the foundation for a vibrant, relevant and globally-competitive educational system.
“Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to producing competent and dedicated professionals who will shape the future of our great nation.
“It is, therefore, with great enthusiasm and optimism that I join you in this significant event that brings together the pillars of our nation’s educational landscape.
“Our approach to education must be adaptive, innovative and forward-thinking,” he said.
According to Maiyaki, education is a dynamic and evolving field.
He said that the role of universities in the transformative process could not be overstated, given emerging issues in the 21st Century.
“We need to equip our universities with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare students for the demands of this century.
“As the flagship regulatory agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the NUC has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of tertiary education in our nation.
“The NUC has made significant strides in advancing information and communication technology penetration within the Nigerian education system,” he said.
Maiyaki added that since 2009, the NUC had led in implementing various programmes aimed at integrating Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies, in line with global best practices.
He said that through the initiatives, university staff had been empowered to harness technology for enhanced student engagement.
“Additionally, the establishment of ODL centres by universities has expanded access to education, making it more inclusive,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews)
OKG/OAF/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
June 6, 2024
Creating economic opportunities through fish farming
Creating economic opportunities through fish farming
By Abiemwense Moru, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Nigeria is one of the countries blessed with many natural resources that could create job opportunities for their citizens and boost their economies through local production.
Currently, Nigeria is facing severe unemployment challenges. Many population experts blame many social strife in the nation today such as insecurity, cyber-crimes, cultism, armed robbery, human trafficking, kidnapping on unemployment.
According to the custodians of Nigeria’s statistics, the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate rose to 5.0 per cent in the third quarter of 2023 from 4.2 per cent in the previous quarter.
“The report read, ‘The unemployment rate increased significantly in Q3 2023 at 5.0 per cent. This is an increase of 0.8 per cent from Q2 2023.
“In Q3 2023, the labour force participation rate in Nigeria was 79.5 per cent, having been 80.4 per cent in Q2 2023.
“The employment-to-population ratio was 75.6 per cent in Q3 with a decrease of 1.5 per cent compared to a ratio of Q2”, the report said.
The employment in the agricultural sector as share of total employment in Nigeria saw no significant changes in 2022 in comparison to the previous year 2021 and remained at around 37.99 percent’’, stays statista on employment data in Nigeria.
One area of agriculture that has not reached its potential as a source of employment in Nigeria is fish farming. Fish farming largely been ignored even when it has the potential to be a major source of income for families and the nation.
In Dadin Kowa community, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State fish farmers say they are making huge profits from the trade.
In separate interviews with NAN they said availability of water supply all-year round had enhanced their businesses.
Mr Sani Hashimu, a 43-year-old fish farmer said his economic profile had improved since he took to fish farming.
Hashimu said he began the occupation with just one fish pond but gradually expanded to two, with one pond having 3,000 fish capacity.
He said he harvested fish from his ponds twice a year and, all things being equal, he earns N2 million profit from both ponds.
“I have never made money like I make from fish farming; in fact I became a millionaire through fish farming.
“This business of keeping fish and selling them when they are matured is really good and has better returns on investment than other aspects of farming,” he said.
For Mr Ezra Amos, a 73-year-old member of the community, said he raked in millions of naira from fish farming from his premises where the fish farm is situated.
Amos, who has been in the agribusiness for 12 years now, said fish farming was helping him live a good life after retirement, adding that he made good profit from the vocation yearly.
He said that he made over N3 million from fish farming in 2020 but noted that the business was now more expensive to run because of high cost of feeds.
He said his investment in agriculture was paying him more than when he was in service, adding that he had no regrets whatsoever that he was now a fish farmer..
Also, Mr Adamu Mahmuda, a staff of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Gombe State office, told NAN that he earned over N1 million from fish farming in 2023 as his part time business.
Mahmuda, who said civil servants could earn additional money through agriculture, said he established his fish farm two years ago with N300,000.
He said he had expanded the vocation and had started making his profits in millions annually, and described fish farming as more profitable than salary-paying jobs if one invested in the agribusiness.
“This fish farming is more than any salary if you invest well and acquire the right knowledge. You will never regret venturing into the vocation.
“My annual profit for now is more than N1 million and I am just two years old in the business and just operating on a small scale, being a civil servant”, he said.
For Mr Daniel Maji, another civil servant in the area, the community had become a fishing hub, adding that through the business, lots of jobs had been created with multiplier effects on the economy of the community.
Meanwhile, Mrs Oghogho Musa, President Defence and Police Officers Wives Association DEPOWA,
Musa gave the advice at a One-Day Seminar on Fish Farming and Financial Literacy, organised by DEPOWA for barracks women in Abuja.
“The whole essence of this seminar is to empower you with the right knowledge and necessary tools that will enable you make informed decisions in your financial planning and management strategies for fish farming business”, she said.
According to a fish farmer, Mr Best Tomter, fish farming was one of the easiest agricultural businesses to start as it could be opened with as little as N150,000.
“Fish farming is very lucrative because, currently our fish consumption in Nigeria stands at 3.2 million metric tons annually and then what our local production produces is just 1.2 million metric tons.
“So you can see that we have over 2.2 million metric tons deficit in fish production currently in Nigeria.
“So we need people to fill up that gap and there is market for fish farming,” he said.
The Federal Government said it is aware of the potential in fish farming to boost the economy through export and job creation.
Consequently, the minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, said the government was targeting the production of 18 million tons of fish, of which 15 million will be exported.
In 2023, the federal government launched a four year strategic plan, the National Aquatic Animal Health Strategy (NAAHS) (2023-2027) meant to improve and ensure safe fishery production in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe said the move was to address the challenges bedeviling the aquaculture sub-sector of the economy.
It is heart warming that the government recongnises what fish farming can contribute to the nation’s economy and its job creation drive. The next step is to go beyond policy document and watch words with action. (NANFeatures)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.
June 6, 2024
SGBV, big phenomenon in many societies — Giri
SGBV, big phenomenon in many societies — Giri
Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi (middle), flanked by other dignitaries during community dialogue/advocacy on SGBV in Abuja on Thursday
SGBV
By Aderogba George
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Abubakar Giri, the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area
Council in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
is one of the biggest challenges in many Nigerian societies.
The chairman made this known at a One-Day Community Dialogue and Advocacy on SGBV, organised
by the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for stakeholders in Gwagwalada communities on Thursday.
Represented by Mr Yakubu Mohammed, the Special Assistant to the chairman on educational issues, Giri said “there is need for stakeholders to work with NAPTIP to ensure the reduction of this menace.”
He pledged readiness of stakeholders from Gwagwalada Area Council to work with NAPTIP to ensure SGBV cases reduce in societies.
He said “we thank God that people are now coming to join hands with government, with the cooperation of schools, this menace will reduce.
“The council is ready to join hands with NAPTIP in finding a lasting solution to this challenge in Gwagwalada,” he said.
A side view of audience at the dialogue/advocacy on Thursday.
Earlier, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, had said that
“SGBV is not only limited to the female folks, men also experience violence from women.”
She advised men not to be ashamed of speaking out, but to report such issues to NAPTIP or other law enforcement agencies.
The D-G provided the NAPTIP call centre as 07030000203 and short code on MTN and Airtel as 627, and asked people to report cases of SGBV, stressing that the lines are always available, 24 hours of the day.
She also intimated the people about the job of NAPTIP protection officers in all the FCT area councils, saying that people should report cases to them, and the officers would take the matter up.
Waziri-Azi said most SGBV cases happen at the community level, hence the reason why NAPTIP is taking campaign against the menace to FCT communities.
She cautioned the people not to temper with evidence, obstruct justice, especially on rape cases, or distract NAPTIP officers while carrying out their lawful engagement.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AG/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
June 6, 2024
Internet fraudster jailed 2 years for swindling an American woman
Internet fraudster jailed 2 years for swindling an American woman
impersonation
Sentence
By Uche Bibilari
Gwagwalada (FCT), June 6, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwagwalada on Thursday sentenced an Internet fraudster, Eze Josiah to two years imprisonment for swindling an American woman of 300 dollars.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had arraigned the convict on two counts of cheating by impersonation for pretending to be an American citizen on Facebook.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for leniency.
Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa, also gave him an option of fine of N500, 000.
Shafa ordered the convict to depose to an affidavit of good behaviour, adding that the HP laptop and iPhone eight, being the instruments used to commit the crime be sold and the proceeds deposited in the Federal Government’s account.
Earlier,the convict in his plea for mercy promised not to make sure mistake in his life again and to be of good behaviour.
The Defence Counsel, J.M. Mafwil in support of the allocutus by the convict pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy.
Mafwil told the court that the convict was a first time offender and a young man, adding that the court should consider lesser sentence or fine while sentencing the convict.
The Prosecution Counsel, Idris Haruna, told the court that the convict sometimes in January 2024, within the jurisdiction of the court, committed the crime of cheating by personation.
Haruna said that the convict pretended to be Kelvin, an American citizen on Facebook.
He said that the convict in that assumed character fraudulently obtained the sum of 200 dollar which was an equivalent of N270,000, through gift cards from one Jessica, an American.
He also, said that the convict pretended to be Prisca Helen, an American citizen on Facebook and defrauded one karlos an American citizen.
He said that the convict in that character fraudulently obtained 100 dollar through gift card from his victim.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 321 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 324 of the Penal Code.
Haruna in oral application pleaded with the court that the instrument used for the crime which includes, an HP laptop and iPhone eight be forfeited to the federal government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UU/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 6, 2024
2024 FCT Supplementary Budget scales 2nd reading in Senate
2024 FCT Supplementary Budget scales 2nd reading in Senate
Budget
By Kingsley Okoye
Abuja, June 6, 2024 (NAN) The Senate has passed for second reading the 2024 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Supplementary Budget of N98.5 billion.
This followed the presentation of the budget estimates by the Deputy leader of the Senate, Sen. Lola Ashiru (APC-Kwara)at plenary on Thursday in Abuja.
The Senate had on June 5 stood down the consideration of the budget for lack of details on the document presented to the lawmakers.
Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano), urged his colleagues to allow the passage of the bill to second reading, following the presentation of the details of the budget.
Jibrin said that the lawmakers had previously debated on the budget before it was stood down.
Following Barau’s submission, the budget was consequently read for the second time.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thereafter referred the budget to the Committee on FCT for further legislative inputs and to report back in two weeks to plenary.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
KC/FEO/JPE
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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

June 6, 2024