Nigeria Times

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that it will not be cowed by what it perceives as intimidation tactics by the federal government. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, condemned the recent invasion of the union’s headquarters, a threatening letter from the Registrar of Trade Unions, and the arrest of a National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) executive, Opalua Eleojo, as attempts to silence organized labour.

Ajaero also criticized the federal government’s insincerity in fulfilling its promises to Nigerians, including misleading citizens about the availability of affordable rice. He raised concerns about the government’s efforts to restrict the tenure of trade union leaders, which he described as an illegal interference in the unions’ internal affairs.

The NLC further refuted claims by the Nigeria Police that the raid on its headquarters was unrelated to the union, insisting that the government’s actions are aimed at diverting attention from the ongoing economic hardships facing Nigerians. Ajaero urged the government to cease all forms of intimidation against the NLC and the Nigerian people.

O’tega Ogra, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media, has called on Nigerians to seek accurate knowledge before accepting or spreading reports, particularly those circulating online.

Ogra’s comments came in response to a recent report alleging that a member of the President’s Economic Advisory Council was behind the increased petrol imports from Malta, a factor linked to the non-operational status of Nigeria’s four refineries. The controversy has also fueled tensions between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Taking to his X handle on Saturday, Ogra emphasized the importance of discernment in the fast-paced news environment. He warned against the dangers of misinformation, noting that false claims can severely damage reputations and affect shareholders of companies based on mere rumors.

He pointed out, “In today’s ever-changing and fast-paced news cycle, any popular person or someone with internet access can malign another person or even malign a listed company with devastating effect to shareholders on the basis of a rumour or subtle/overt propaganda against anyone they disdain.”

Ogra cited an example of a widely believed false narrative about a government oil trade deal, which many thought was linked to President Tinubu or his family. However, new information disproved this claim, leaving those who spread the misinformation silent.

He continued by urging Nigerians to be cautious and informed, especially when consuming negative news during times of high public distrust. Ogra also reflected on past incidents where baseless online rumors led to serious consequences, including harm to individuals’ reputations and even suicides.

The presidential aide’s message was clear: in an era of widespread digital misinformation, Nigerians must prioritize seeking truth and knowledge before jumping to conclusions or joining the bandwagon of unverified claims.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the legal counsel representing Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has sharply criticized the Federal Government of Nigeria following the seizure of three presidential aircraft by the Chinese firm Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited. Ejiofor described the incident as a “global embarrassment” and a significant threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor expressed deep concern about the country’s growing national debt and the potential risks it poses to Nigeria’s assets. He warned that Nigerians might soon find themselves facing the reality of the nation’s resources being tied to foreign judgments due to the government’s “excessive and reckless borrowing.”

Ejiofor stated, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster. On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!”

The IPOB lawyer further cautioned that this incident could be a precursor to more severe consequences if the government’s borrowing habits continue unchecked. “The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian Government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time,” he added.

The aircraft were seized following a legal dispute between the Ogun State Government and the Chinese company, stemming from a 2007 agreement to establish a free trade zone. The collapse of this agreement led to arbitration proceedings, where an independent tribunal ruled in favor of Zhongshan, awarding them approximately $74.5 million. Despite this, the Ogun State Government has contested the ruling and has yet to comply with the payment.

In a recent development, one of the seized aircraft has been returned to Nigerian authorities, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese company.

By Gabriel Okino

A lot has been said about the former governor of Zamfara state and Minister for State for Defence, Hon Bello Matawalle. Interestingly, they dwelled in the realm of speculation and not reality. There is a fact that can’t be washed away about Hon Bello Matawalle: he is a bold and courageous individual who does not suffer fools gladly. He might not be the darling of newspapers, but a close encounter with him would reveal the depth and quality of his thoughts and how pragmatic he can be in his methodologies.

I had an encounter with him, and I was left speechless with the revelations that followed. I was confronted with someone who exuded brilliance and a grasp of governance issues. Although he presents a shy mien, he is not a shy individual. Rather, he is fierce in thoughts and actions. This much he has brought to bear as the minister of state for Defence. Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw and recognized these attributes in him, hence the appointment. I dare say the president knew what he wanted in a defence minister and why he went for Matawalle.

Has Hon Bello Matawalle lived up to the occasion in the critical defence ministry? The answer is yes. His scorecard in the past year is littered with a combination of insights and tangibles that are primed to re-position the defence sector in the country. It must be stated that he has introduced a new strategic focus in the policy direction and implementation for the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

For example, the minister recently signed an MOU and joint venture agreement between the ministry, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure on the establishment of an ammunition production factory in Nigeria. This is on the heels of the recent revelation that the Armed Forces of Nigeria requires 200 million rounds of ammunition annually for its operations, costing the government at least two dollars per ammunition. The implication of this is that it would cost the country $400 million annually for ammunition for the military alone, aside from the police and other para-military organizations in the country. Spending such an amount of money when we can produce locally is a no-brainer. We should admit that producing ammunition locally with the recent MOU signed is a brilliant one from the Minister of State for Defence.

This example indeed gives us a peep into his mind and how he hit the ground running with policies that would translate to tangibles in addressing some of the challenges hindering the operational effectiveness of our Armed Forces. In his words, “We have been travelling around the world, and we see how local manufacturers are developing their countries. Therefore, I promise Mr President that before the expiration of his four years, DICON will be exporting its military capabilities.” This is an audacious statement. The implication is that not only will the country meet its local demands, but it will also enter the business of exporting military capabilities.

In case we do not know, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) was established “to operate the ordnance factories for the manufacture and supply of arms and ammunition as well as inspecting, testing and recommending ordinance material intended for use by the Armed Forces and other security organizations. The organization can produce Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, designed specifically to withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks and ambushes. It also can produce mine clearance systems, assault rifles, pistols, ammunition and other military hardware. That the minister of state for defence has decided to ramp up the operational effectiveness of such critical national assets indeed speaks volumes of a man on a mission.

The above is just one example out of the numerous engagements that have been undertaken since he assumed office as the minister of state for defence. There is no doubt that there have been distractions for the honourable minister, especially from his home state, he had continued to focus on the task at hand. This is also another attribute that came to the fore during the chance encounter. Hon Bello Matawalle is such a focused individual who doesn’t allow room for distractions. He indeed mentioned that there have been calculated attempts to smear his reputation by some vested interest, especially from his home state. He mentioned that he rarely gets distracted by side talks. How he does it remains in puzzle given the avalanche of attacks on his personality.

Those around him confessed that he has an uncanny ability to ignore certain things he perceives as unimportant. I agree with this position because the manner he waved off some questions during the chance encounter was indicative. I dare say he is the unnoticed poster boy of this administration. One could feel his passion and commitment to the job. He tells any who cares to listen that he owes the president a great deal of appreciation for appointing him as the minister of state for defence. A gesture he does not take for granted hence his relentless pursuit to help the president achieve the renewed hope agenda that emphasizes shared prosperity among Nigerians.

This he has strived to achieve through the conception and implementation of policies to revamp the defence sector in the country. There may be questions about his position on the happenings in his home state. These questions with the benefit of hindsight are geared towards political persecution. They do not in any way reflect the reality on the ground. Some of them do not add up logically. And they remain a figment of the imagination of the perpetrators. It is called the danger of the single narrative and why Nigerians should be circumspect by not taking things for reality from a single narrative.

I believe that in the fullness of time, Nigerians will come to know and understand the personality of Hon Bello Matawalle and his strength of character and undiluted passion for the entrenchment of sustainable growth and development of the country. His stewardship at the ministry of defence is notable and why those who have elected to smear his reputation should have a rethink. He is on a mission to deliver on the renewed hope agenda of the president. There is no doubt that he is the poster boy of this administration. Those who have elected to constitute themselves into distractions are only engaged in a wild goose chase. This man is focused and unperturbed. The earlier they realized this the better for their sanity.

Okino PhD is a public affairs analyst based in Ibadan.

By Mary Odoma

There seems to be a huge partition between Nigerian industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other Nigerian economy drivers. His visionary gait and purposefulness are fixated on recreating the essentials required to prop up the depleting economic fortune of Nigeria amidst contending voices.

Since 1977, when he ventured into business, trading in agricultural commodities and engaging in business supplies such as sugar and cement, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has never looked back. In 1981, he incorporated his numerous businesses, which eventually became a conglomerate. Today, the Dangote Group of Companies is a household name in Nigeria and beyond.

The holding company’s interest became so massive that its positive economic impact within Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa became profound, edging out numerous foreign products from the West African domestic market. A strong advocate of industrialization, Alhaji Dangote believes that dependence on the importation of finished products to Africa simply translates to the importation of poverty and the exportation of jobs.

So, when the idea of the Dangote refinery was first announced in 2013, it was indeed heartwarming news to Nigerians. Although construction of the world’s biggest single-train refinery began in 2017, there were prospects that its completion would end Nigeria’s energy crises and reliance on fuel importation.

In 2013, the refinery project was estimated to cost the Dangote Group a whopping $9 billion. However, by the time construction work began in 2017, the cost had risen to about $15 billion. Despite this disparity in estimated cost, the Dangote Group went ahead with the construction work, which was estimated to be completed in 2019. Regrettably, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the completion date was further shifted, and the date for commissioning was scheduled for the first half of 2021, but the 2021 date could not work due to unforeseen circumstances.

In all, at commissioning in the second quarter of 2023, precisely on May 23, construction of the refinery had gulped nearly $20 billion. It is an understatement to assert that building an efficient oil refinery facility has been at the heart of the debate over energy, forex, and fiscal policies in Nigeria for the last 50 years. This is because Nigeria’s four government-owned refineries, with a cumulative capacity of about 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), have been moribund for decades.

This meant that Nigeria exports its oil in crude form and imports refined oil with scarce foreign exchange. The attendant implication, therefore, was the emergence of the fuel subsidy regime, which was bad for Nigeria’s economic prospects. The regime led to the worsening state of the nation’s budget deficits as Nigeria’s debt profile increased with gloomy economic growth indices.

Against this background, several analysts drew up conclusions that the backlash received by the Dangote Group for daring to embark on such a massive project was an attempt to monopolise the economic benefits of the oil sector. Those naysayers had labelled the magnificent single-train refinery complex as a needless monopoly.

They orchestrated attacks and employed subversive antics just because they felt that the coming onstream of the Dangote multi-billion-dollar single-train refinery complex, the largest in the world, would finally put an end to their sordid business activities, which have held the nation’s economic lifeline hostage for more than five decades.

These few individuals are the fuel subsidy racketeers who have had their hands soiled in humongous scale corruption, diversion of the nation’s resources from critical sectors of the economy, as well as sharing profits of such loots amongst themselves and cronies in an inequitable manner.

Good enough, the multi-million-dollar Dangote refinery is here to bring the Nigerian dream to fruition. The refinery would meet 100% of all refined products required in Nigeria and a surplus for export. Though designed to process Nigerian crude, the refinery can also process most other African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab light and even US Light.

The target is that, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude per day, 450,000 bpd will be dedicated to meeting Nigeria’s domestic requirement. This means a total rejuvenation of the nation’s economy. Although the refinery has started with the production of diesel and aviation fuel, the sorting news is that the waiting game is over, the jinx has been broken.

It is instructive to admit that the import of the Dangote refinery coming on stream at this time is beyond the potential positive changes Nigeria’s economic indicators would witness in a few months. The positive impact of the multi-billion-dollar refinery would ultimately reflect directly on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves by reducing the pressure on the nation’s balance of payment.

This means that under President Tinubu, Nigeria would save trillions of naira and billions of dollars. For instance, between 2022 to 2023 alone, Nigeria spent over $70 billion on the importation of petroleum products, fertilizer, and petrochemicals, according to Africa Economy Digest.

Whatever the perception may be, Nigeria is at a crossroads. The country’s gloomy economic indicators that have remained a burden over the years are set to fizzle out for the better as the massive Dangote single-train world’s largest refinery debuts in the oil and gas sector.

Unfortunately, the reactive response of subsidy racketeers almost swayed the government’s decision on policies concerning the sale of Nigerian crude to local refineries, but thank goodness, the tide has assumed a positive dimension with recent impressive turns of events.

The evolving trend in the petroleum sector is what Nigeria requires to move forward; significantly, the feared Dangote refinery monopoly is what Nigeria as a nation requires now to thrive economically. This assertion is made more profound because the multi-billion-dollar refinery would, aside from saving the naira, make available vital raw materials of a wide range for manufacturers in the plastic, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, construction, and other industries with massive job opportunities.

Candidly, the Dangote refinery is an ambitious move that has highlighted Nigeria’s potential for economic self-reliance. The $20 billion single-train Dangote refinery was envisioned to revolutionize the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Expectedly, the journey has not been without the usual criticism, with people raising questions about the rationale behind embarking on such a massive project in a developing and tottering economy.

The aim was basically to demonize the good intentions of the Dangote Group and its vision for Nigeria’s future. The hurting criticism was targeted at labelling the Dangote Group as shrewd capitalists whose target is to monopolize the Nigerian oil-based economy and beyond. However, the Dangote Group’s objective is clear; its intentions are not ambiguous. It is rather a blessing to the nation with the sole aim of reducing Nigeria’s dependence on the importation of refined petroleum products.

By refining petroleum products domestically, the Dangote refinery aims to enhance energy sufficiency, creating jobs, and spurring economic growth. Dangote refinery stands as a testament to Nigeria’s industrial ambitions and the complex interplay of business strategy, economic policy, and national interest.

No doubt, the Dangote refinery would, in no small measure, offer dividends similar to those from the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) investment, which has consistently provided returns despite initial scepticism. Furthermore, aside from boosting economic activities in the country, there will be revenue accruing to the government through taxes, royalties, and levies as the refinery comes on stream.

At least 144 products out of about 6000 products will be extracted in the process of refining petroleum. This means the value chain of refined petroleum products is very long and can stimulate a lot of businesses. Also, the multi-billion-dollar refinery would serve as a foreign exchange earner.

Industry experts projected that Nigeria could spend up to $30 billion in one year if the country continues to rely on imported petroleum products, an outrageous amount that can cripple the nation economically. Therefore, to save the nation from drifting completely to the precipice, the multi-billion-dollar refinery will boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange rate stability through the export of refined products.

Succinctly put, the coming on stream of the Dangote refinery is a game-changer that Nigeria so needs at this time. The refinery would not only change the economic narratives in Nigeria but the entire continent of Africa. Aliko Dangote has turned the tide towards a prosperous future for the continent. Indeed, this is a monopoly we most need and desire.

Odoma is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja.

Says: “Nigeria will save millions in Foreign Exchange spent on ammunition purchases.”

The revitalization of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) represents a pivotal advancement for Nigeria’s security landscape, with the potential of saving the nation significant amounts of foreign exchange previously spent on procuring ammunition from abroad, according to the Arewa Youth Awareness Movement (AYAM).

In a statement commending the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, MON, and signed by its Team Lead, Jamilu Bawa, AYAM praised the Minister’s transformative leadership since assuming office, noting that his efforts have breathed new life into DICON.

“The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, established in 1964, has not witnessed such an infusion of optimism in over three decades. Originally conceived to produce military products, including arms, ammunition, and military gear, DICON has experienced a resurgence under Dr. Matawalle’s stewardship in the past year, unlike anything seen in decades.”

“It is a matter of national pride and satisfaction to see Nigeria emerge as a state capable of producing its own weapons and ammunition, eliminating our over-reliance on foreign powers for essential tools in the fight against terrorism.”

AYAM emphasized the importance of this development at a time when Nigeria must decisively end criminal activities such as terrorism and banditry. It stressed that equipping the armed forces with domestically produced arms, ammunition, and other resources is critical to achieving the country’s national security objectives.

The group further highlighted Dr. Matawalle’s commitment to the nation’s self-reliance in security, demonstrated not just through rhetoric but through tangible actions aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s local production capacity for military gear and equipment.

The statement also cited the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and joint venture between DICON, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Ministry of Steel Development, aimed at establishing an ammunition production factory. This groundbreaking initiative, according to the group, will enable Nigeria to save millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on importing ammunition.

“Recently, it was revealed that the Nigerian government spent over N60 billion on purchasing ammunition within just six months, amounting to approximately $37 million. With the implementation of this initiative, Nigeria stands to save hundreds of millions of naira by producing its own ammunition domestically.”

AYAM also commended the administration of President Tinubu for its efforts in boosting the morale of Nigerian troops through these initiatives, thereby enhancing the country’s military capabilities.