Shippers’ Council Initiative Saved Nigeria N6 Billion – Akuta

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has disclosed how it’s dispute resolution initiative saved the country over N6 billion in the past years.


Speaking in Abuja, during a courtesy Visit to the National Coordinator of the African Free Continental Trade Agreement (AfFCTA), the Executive Secretary NSC, Pius Akuta stated that the Council has established a complaint handling and dispute resolution Mechanism for mitigation and other court settlement between shipping service providers and users.

“This component has helped in the past few years, we have been able to save this country from loosing billions of naira, over N6 billion have been saved from the initiative over disputes that have arisen” he said.

Reaffirming the role that trade facilitation plays in the economic growth of any nation, he said NSC has taken some measures to facilitate trade and reduce some of the bottlenecks that hinder the ease of doing business in the country.

“Some of the initiatives are ongoing, like the informal trade which has to be captured for the purpose of data, we have set up some border information centers in some of the key areas where we know a lot of these trade between our country and some of the border countries take place which have not been captured in our data”.

He added that “these initiatives are all geared towards trade facilitation, we have opened our borders, our trade border as a continent has been opened now, so if we just sit down and watch, we will see people come in with goods and services while we just sit down and look at them, so we have to develop all critical infrastructure, especially in the transport sector in order to be able to encourage movement of good and services”.

“So the essence of this border information centers is to see how we can formalize these trade activities for the purpose of capturing them in our data” he said.

While Speaking, the National Coordinator of AfFCTA, Mr. Segun Awolowo highlighted the NSC role in trade facilitation apart from regulatory duties.
He harped on the need to highlight the importance of ensuring that all the stakeholders are well informed about the opportunities and the requirements under the AfFCTA agreement.

“Trade facilitation is extremely important because that is the only way we can really benefit even for trade agreements such as the AfFCTA”.

Ogun State Government Criticizes Seizure of Presidential Jets, Accuses Chinese Firm of Deception

The Ogun State government has condemned the judicial actions leading to the provisional seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets by the Judicial Court of Paris. The court ordered the seizures in March and August 2024, as part of an ongoing legal dispute with Chinese company Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd.

The jets, including a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737, and a newly acquired Airbus A330, were seized while undergoing maintenance in France and Switzerland. The dispute arises from a contract dispute dating back to 2007 between the Ogun State government and Zhongshan.

In a statement, the Ogun State government, represented by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, accused Zhongshan of deliberately concealing the litigation from Nigerian authorities, allowing the company to secure seizure orders without full disclosure. The state compared the situation to the notorious P&ID case, labeling it another attempt by foreign entities to defraud Nigeria.

The Ogun State and Federal Government have taken immediate steps to reverse the seizures and criticized Zhongshan for reneging on previous efforts to reach an amicable resolution.

GTBank Responds to Attempted Website Breach, Ensures Customer Data Safety

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) has confirmed an attempted breach of its website, which occurred shortly after the renewal of its domain name. The incident temporarily disrupted online services, causing concern among customers about potential data security risks.

In a statement released on Thursday, GTBank clarified that while there was an attempt to compromise the website, it was unsuccessful, and the site was not cloned. The bank reassured customers that no data had been compromised, as customer information is not stored on the website.

GTBank’s Information Security team is actively working to restore full website functionality and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customer data. The bank urged customers to remain calm and disregard speculative media reports, confirming that the website is now back online and functioning as expected.

Ganduje Reportedly Unhappy with Tinubu’s Offer of Ambassadorial Post in Africa

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly proposed an ambassadorial appointment for Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in an African country, sparking discontent from the former Kano State Governor.

According to sources, Tinubu initially tasked Senate President Godswill Akpabio with delivering the news to Ganduje as a way to shield him from the ongoing corruption trial he faces in Kano. The trial, which involves his wife, son, and others, relates to corruption charges exceeding ₦50 billion, tied to a public scandal from 2018 involving bribe videos.

Despite the offer, Ganduje is said to have expressed his dissatisfaction, rejecting the proposed posting by claiming that the charges against him are baseless and asserting that he would clear his name in court. “Is this the way the president will reward my loyalty? Besides, I am too old to go for ambassadorial posting,” Ganduje reportedly responded to Akpabio.

President Tinubu reportedly offered Ganduje three diplomatic options across Africa, Asia, and Europe, with a preference for appointing him as Nigeria’s ambassador to Chad, a region where Ganduje has prior experience as the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission from 2009 to 2011.

However, Ganduje’s preference is rumored to be Morocco over Chad, should he be forced to accept the position. The former governor is allegedly lobbying to maintain his current role, voicing his displeasure to APC chieftain Chief Bisi Akande about what he perceives as an attempt by the president to “retire” him from politics.

In a related development, Tinubu also approved the scheduling of a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and a mid-term non-elective national convention for the APC, slated between September 8 and 19, 2024. Ganduje’s spokesman, Edwin Olofu, confirmed the NEC meeting’s scheduling but stated he was unaware of any ambassadorial appointment for his boss.

Courtroom Chaos as Multiple Lawyers Compete to Represent PDP Acting Chairman in Rivers Congress Case

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday as three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) vied to represent the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, in a case concerning the party’s congresses in Rivers State.

The legal dispute stems from a previous injunction by Justice Peter Lifu, which barred the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and various security agencies from interfering with the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses scheduled for July 27, 2024. The case, initiated by six supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was slated for a hearing on August 15.

Tensions rose in court as three SANs, K.C.O. Njemanze, Chief Ferdinand Orbih, and Kamaldeen Ajibade, all claimed to represent the same defendants, including Damagum and other top PDP officials. The situation became even more complicated when a fourth SAN, Sunday Ibrahim Ameh, also stood up to represent the same clients.

To prevent further confusion, Justice Lifu directed the lawyers to resolve the representation issue among themselves. The court granted a brief adjournment at Orbih’s request, rescheduling the case for August 30.

Justice Lifu emphasized the need for clarity and instructed that if the matter remained unresolved, the SANs should submit motions supported by affidavits to confirm their engagements by the concerned parties. He also extended the previous order, preventing any interference with the Rivers State congresses until the main suit is resolved.

The hearing delay also postponed the court’s consideration of additional parties seeking to join the lawsuit as defendants.

Hadeja admits ploting to destabilise Nigeria

_…names Abubakar Badaru, Zamfara Governor Lawal and US based fugitive, Jackson Ude as members network

An alleged mastermind of the #EndBadGoernanceInNigeria, Bashir Hadejia has been naming other masterminds of the violent protests as he confessed to their part of a plot to destabilize Nigeria following his arrest by the police for treason, subversive activities against the Nigerian government, Trans-border gun-running, heist and other transnational crimes.

The suspect was caught with documents that incriminated him of impersonation, including tracking documents of high-profile personalities and an international passport of the Republic of Vanuatu valid till 14th of September, 2030.

A source familiar with Hedejia’s confession revealed he named the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State and the publisher of PointBlank News, Jackson Ude as co-mastermind of a comprehensive plot to destabilise Nigeria.

He also named a former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau as the chief sponsor of the protest. Gusau is one of the key elements in the intelligence network coordinating the duo of Lawal and Badaru who have been involved in the destabilisation plot.

The police arrested Hadeja on the strength of intelligence reports that linked him to smuggling large caches of weapons and large bars of gold traced to the Central Bank of Libya.

In addition to indicting Gusau, Badaru, Lawal and Ude, Hadejia’s confession to f being involved in aiding terrorism and other forms of criminality in northern Nigeria also implicated his alleged sponsors mostly from the northern states with other politicians from the Southern parts of the country.

In the course of interrogations, Hadejia also confessed to security operatives how his group sponsored a large number of youths who participated in the just concluded #EndBadGovernance Protests in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Abuja and distributed the Russian flags seen during the protests.

Previous reports had named Bashir Hadejia, Badaru, Lawal and Ude as persons of interest and the brains behind the instability threatening Nigeria.

Ude, who is a fugitive in the United States has sought to deflect attention from the group by accusing some past and present public office of being responsible for making the Russian flags held by some protesters at the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests in some northern cities.

His claim was later exposed as a false flag operation meant to divert attention from the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar and Governor Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara State, co-masterminds of the unsettling developments in northern parts of the country.

A source has said “The trio of Badaru, Lawal and Hadejia, are the real terrorists who want to pull Asiwaju’s government down. It has taken on an air of treason the way they involved a junta leader from another country and also sponsored protesters to fly Russian flags in Nigeria. It is something that the military and law enforcement agencies should not ignore.”

Ex- Gov Ortom,  Congratulates AONDOAKAA, SAN on his induction as  follow of IDRI UK

The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has Congratulated The former minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief MICHAEL KAASE AONDOAKAA, SAN, on his induction as Fellow of the International Dispute Resolution Institute in London UK.

Ortom, in his Congratulatory message to the former chief law officer of the Federation which he personally signed described the legal luminary induction as a honour not only highlights his professional expertise but, inspiration to many in the legal community. 

” I have no doubt that you will bring your wealth of experience to bear on your new role as a follow of IDRI and continue to make significant strides in enhancing the reputation of Nigeria in the international legal circles ” he maintained. 

The event took place at the Hilton London Kensington on the 9th day of August, 2024 in the United Kingdom. 

The International Dispute Resolution Institute (IDRI) is a Leading Arbitration,Conciliation and Mediation Institute affiliated to United Nations. 

The International Dispute Resolution Institute [IDRI] UK & NIG. is global leader in arbitration, mediation/conciliation for

alternative dispute resolution.

The institute provides valuable insights from recognised leaders and experts in Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution[ADR].

The institute have world-renowned faculty who all hold PhDs and have minimum of 25+ years of professional experience within the field of Arbitration & ADR.

Accreditation and Membership  programmes of the Institute are conducted in London ,New York, Dubai? Istanbul, Vienna, Amsterdam, etc.

A fellow of the Institute is the highest ranking of membership. Fellowship of the Institute is also bestowed upon top ranking Legal Practitioners and Judicial Officers have distinguished themselves in the profession after undertaking a prescribed course program. 

On August 9th, 2024 the International  Dispute Resolution Institute,London inducted into its Fellowship, the Hon. Chief MICHAEL KAASE AONDOAKAA, SAN alongside  Four Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria amongst other personalities. 

The Justices of the Supreme Court inducted inducted alongside the former chief law officer of the Federation Chief MICHAEL KAASE AONDOAKAA, SAN are my Lords, Justices Adamu Jauro JSC, Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, JSC, Lawal Garba, JSC and Uwani Musa Abba Aji, JSC respectively. 

NJC Recommends Justice Kekere-Ekun as New Chief Justice of Nigeria

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), succeeding Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. The decision was made during the NJC’s 106th meeting, held on August 14 and 15, 2024, and presided over by the outgoing CJN, Ariwoola.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who is currently the most senior justice of the Supreme Court after Ariwoola, is set to become the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history, following Mariam Aloma Mukhtar. The 66-year-old justice is expected to take over the role after Ariwoola’s retirement on August 22, 2024.

In addition to this recommendation, the NJC also proposed 27 candidates for appointment as state court judges and one candidate for Kadi of the Sharia Court of the FCT, Abuja. These recommendations have been forwarded to the respective state governors and the President for approval.

Customs Intercepts ₦1.8 Billion Worth of Expired Drugs in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has seized 12 containers filled with expired and regulated pharmaceutical products, valued at ₦1.8 billion. Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the significant bust on Thursday, emphasizing the dangers these drugs posed if they had reached the public.

The expired drugs, which included tramadol and codeine, lacked necessary regulatory approvals such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) number. Some containers also contained falsely declared goods aimed at evading duty payments, a practice classified as smuggling.

In addition to the pharmaceuticals, two containers were found carrying 27,540 cutlasses. Adeniyi commended the Apapa command’s diligent efforts and urged port users to adhere to legal trading practices. He assured the public that the NCS would continue to conduct thorough inspections to keep harmful goods out of the country.

Bauchi State Closes 39 Private Colleges for Lack of Registration and Proper Facilities

The Bauchi State government, under Governor Bala Mohammed, has shut down 39 private colleges of education due to their failure to obtain proper registration and approval from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). Lydia Tsammani, the State Commissioner for Higher Education, revealed that these institutions were operating without adequate infrastructure, often using primary schools and unqualified teachers to run their programs.

The ministry has issued a six-month ultimatum to other unregistered colleges that have approved structures, requiring them to complete their registration or face penalties. Meanwhile, 12 colleges that have NCCE approval will be allowed to continue operations, provided they employ qualified staff, admit only eligible students, and upgrade their facilities to meet modern standards.