BPSR Honours Housing Ministry, Minister With Technology Use Awards

The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPRS) has named the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development “Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology, 2024.

A statement weekend by the Director Information and Public Relations, Salisu Badamasi Haiba added that the Minister, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, was also honoured with the “Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Award”

The event named ” Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Awards 2024″ with the theme “Digital Innivations As Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda ” was held at Nicon Luxury , Abuja, Friday, October 11th, 2024 at Gala Night Dinner.

BPSR, organized the event in partnership with; Nigerian Commuincations Commission (NCC), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Crystal Edge, Kaduna State Government and Embassy of Ireland Republic in Nigeria.

The Awards on the Minister, Arc Ahmed Dangiwa and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development were presented by the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume represented by Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri

The Director General BPSR, Dr Aribi stated that the awards were in recognition of the Ministry’s “outstanding leadership in advancing technology initiatives and digitization programmes that contribute to the digital transformation agenda in the public sector and enhance service delivery.”

Specifically, BPSR highlighted the launch and efficient operation of the innovative Online Renewed Hope Housing Portal (www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng), by the Ministry, which has made it easier and more convenient for Nigerians to own homes under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme.

The online housing purchase platform, a One-Stop-Shop Housing Delivery Solution, provides a transparent, easy-to-use, integrated web-based application for the sale of homes, from application to payment.

The Bureau has also cited the Ministry’s Electronic Certificate of Occupancy Technology System, which has simplified the process of signing and issuing titles for federal real estate, making it faster, easier, transparent, and secure as another breakthrough innovation by the ministry of housing under Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

In response, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, expressed his appreciation to BPSR for the recognition.

” On behalf of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, I would like to thank the Bureau of Public Service Reforms for selecting our Ministry as the ‘Best Federal MDA in Innovative Use of Technology.’ We are truly delighted that our efforts to leverage technology to improve service delivery, enhance operations, and increase performance to more effectively fulfill our Ministry’s mandate have been recognized,” he noted.

Dangiwa also appreciated the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, for his effective leadership as the head of the civil service structure in the Ministry, and commended the hardworking and innovative staff of the Ministry for their dedication to duty. “You all made this recognition and award possible,” he said

The Minister further noted that the Ministry is encouraged and motivated by the award and will continue to work hard to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for housing and urban development.

Ex-APC Chair Challenges Legitimacy of Lokpobiri and Lyon’s Suspension

A former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Ogeibiri Enkumor, has strongly condemned the indefinite suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, alongside several others, for alleged anti-party activities. The suspension was announced by the APC in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Enkumor asserted that the purported suspension is entirely invalid and reflects a lack of understanding among its instigators. He emphasized that there are no existing APC executives at any level in Bayelsa State, rendering any suspension efforts powerless.

“My attention has been drawn to the announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, and others, for alleged anti-party activities. I categorically state that this suspension is null and void, and it stems from sheer ignorance by the individuals behind it,” he stated.

He further explained that a court order issued on January 20, 2023, by Judge L. T. Cocodia of the Yenagoa High Court invalidated the congresses that produced the current party executives at the ward, local government, and state levels. As such, no one has the authority to suspend any party member.

“This situation arose due to a valid court order that nullified the congresses held on September 3rd and 4th and October 16, 2021. This order remains in effect, and the individuals involved have not obtained any superior court ruling to vacate it,” Enkumor added. He warned that the announcement of the suspension is a contempt of court and should be ignored.

He reaffirmed Lokpobiri’s status as a bona fide and respected member of the APC, noting that his leadership qualities have garnered support from various stakeholders within the party, including former Senator Bayelsa East, Sen. Degi Eremienyo, and others.

In a separate statement, APC chieftain Alex Blackson urged the party’s National Working Committee to take action against members in Southern Ijaw who are perceived as attempting to undermine the party through the suspension of Lokpobiri and Lyon.

Blackson described a recent press statement issued by individuals claiming to represent the APC Exco in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor as a gross misunderstanding of the current state of affairs within the Bayelsa chapter of the party. He called on security agencies to remain vigilant against potential disruptions caused by these individuals.

“I filed a case in the state High Court in January 2022, challenging the legitimacy of the congress that produced the current party officials. The court’s ruling in my favor nullified the entire party executive, prohibiting these individuals from acting as representatives of the APC in Bayelsa,” Blackson stated.

He reiterated that the current leaders of the party lack the authority to suspend any member and warned that he would not hesitate to pursue contempt of court proceedings against them if their actions continued. Blackson also called on the National Working Committee of the APC to sanction those attempting to tarnish the party’s reputation and to establish an acting committee to restore order in Bayelsa.

FG Approves Gas Supply to $3.3 Billion Methanol Plant

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially signed a landmark gas sales agreement to facilitate gas supply for the $3.3 billion Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Ltd. The agreement, executed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), includes key partners Shell, TotalEnergies, and Agip.

During the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo hailed the agreement as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s pursuit of monetizing its vast gas reserves. He stated, “This agreement marks a major step toward utilizing our abundant natural gas resources for rapid industrialization and economic growth.”

Ekpo urged stakeholders to maintain their determination in overcoming previous challenges, emphasizing the importance of achieving financial closure and starting construction on the project as soon as possible. “This signing is one more step in the journey to making the Brass Methanol Project a reality,” he added.

Upon completion, the Brass Fertilizer Project is expected to generate over $1.5 billion annually through the export of fertilizers, petrochemicals, and other gas-based products. Additionally, it aims to reduce Nigeria’s fertilizer imports by 30%, saving the nation approximately $200 million in foreign exchange each year.

The project is set to create over 5,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect jobs, significantly enhancing the livelihoods of many Nigerians, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, noted that the project aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Decade of Gas initiative, which aims to position gas as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialization and energy security.

“It is projected to contribute around $600 million annually to Nigeria’s GDP, with a broader economic impact of up to $2 billion per year, thanks to the growth it will spur in related industries,” he remarked. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Executive Vice President of Upstream NNPC, also emphasized the agreement’s significance in advancing plans for a 10,000-methanol plant in Nigeria, underscoring its potential to reshape the country’s energy landscape.

Nigerian Army Confirms Surrender of 15 Boko Haram Commanders and Families in Borno

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 15 high-ranking Boko Haram commanders, along with their families, have surrendered to troops in Borno State. This development follows intensified military operations aimed at dismantling the group’s strongholds in the region.

In a press release issued on Friday, the army reported significant successes, including the dismantling of multiple terrorist hideouts and the arrest of individuals suspected of supporting Boko Haram’s activities in northeastern Nigeria. The statement noted the troops’ achievements in seizing firearms, supplies, and materials commonly used for creating Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The release stated, “In a significant blow to the remnants of Boko Haram, a total of 15 weary fighters and their families have surrendered to Nigerian Army troops in Gwoza and Bama Local Government areas.” Additionally, the army apprehended two suspected logistics suppliers in Damboa Local Government Area.

In other operations, troops responded quickly to a kidnapping incident in Zamfara State, engaging terrorists in a shootout and successfully rescuing a BUA Company driver. In Kebbi State, a separate operation led to the rescue of eight hostages following intense firefights with kidnappers.

Furthermore, in Benue State, troops arrested a wanted criminal and confiscated ammunition, ATM cards, and cash during an operation at Gban Market in Guma Local Government Area.

Isaac Fayose Declares Himself PDP National Chairman, Suspends Atiku, Wike, Makinde, and Others

Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, has declared himself the new national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amidst the party’s ongoing crisis. In a video shared on his social media, Fayose announced the suspension of key figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, and his own brother Ayo Fayose, accusing them of anti-party activities. This move comes after a faction of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Acting Chairman Umar Damagum and others. However, an Abuja Federal High Court has ruled that Damagum remains chairman until the party’s convention in December 2025.

16 States Challenge EFCC and NFIU in Supreme Court Over Constitutional Legality

Sixteen state governments, led by Kogi State, have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional legitimacy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The states argue that the creation of these agencies violated constitutional requirements, particularly the failure to obtain approval from the majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly. The Supreme Court has set the hearing date for October 22, 2024. The legal action comes amid the EFCC’s ongoing investigations into high-profile figures, including former governors and ministers.

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Peter Obi Calls on Tinubu to Reverse Fuel Price Hike, Labels It Insensitive

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly criticized the recent fuel price hike announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The price of petrol has surged from ₦897 to ₦1,030 per litre, marking the second increase in a month. Obi, in a post on his X account, called the increase “unfortunate and insensitive,” urging President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum, to reverse the decision. Obi stressed that the government should provide full explanations and offer alternative solutions to alleviate the economic burden on Nigerians.

Dino Melaye Urges Suspended PDP Chairman Damagum to Join APC Amid Party Crisis

Former Senator Dino Melaye has advised suspended PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum to leave the party and join the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing him of causing significant harm to the PDP. This comes after a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu. In response, Melaye criticized Damagum, calling him an “APC agent” via his X handle. Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the PDP from removing Damagum as acting chairman until the party’s national convention in December 2025.

PDP Faces Deepening Crisis as Wike and Bauchi Governor Clash Over Party Control

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil, with an intense power struggle between former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The conflict, which escalated after the removal of Senator Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman, has split the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) into factions. Tensions peaked when Wike’s push to dominate Rivers State’s PDP structure faced resistance from current Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other governors. The crisis worsened with suspensions and counter-suspensions within the party, threatening its unity ahead of future elections.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today, October 12, 2024 (Black Market)

The dollar to naira exchange rate in the black market today, October 12, 2024, stands at ₦1695 for buying and ₦1700 for selling. This rate is reported from Lagos-based Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. However, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through official banking channels. The official CBN exchange rate is ₦1625 for buying and ₦1626 for selling. Keep in mind that actual exchange rates may vary depending on location and transaction circumstances.