Kaduna – Kano Railway: Buhari excited as Amaechi enumerates economic, social benefits

By Nats Odaudu

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday expressed his excitement over  the commencement of construction activities on the Kano – Kaduna Segment of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernization project.

This was at the proposed site of the Kano Railway Station, Kano adjacent to the Dala Inland Dry Port, where he presided over the ground breaking ceremony.

He said the he take-off of construction activities on this segment vividly represents the commitment of his Administration in the revival of Nigerian Railway system, which will reduce the deficiency in Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure and drive effective and more efficient transportation of passengers and freight within the country.

“This signifies signifies an important milestone of the construction of the third segment, having completed and commenced commercial operation on the first segment Abuja – Kaduna and recently the second segment Lagos – Ibadan. This project is crucial to the establishment of a supply chain in railway transport within its corridor, Kano – Kaduna – Abuja, as it links the majorcommercial cities of Kano and Kaduna to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” the President emphasised.

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President Buhari for the upteenth time was full of praise for the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi who he described as being  focused and resolved on that which represents the drive of this Administration in railway infrastructure development.  He also commended his team both in the Ministry and other project implementation partners that are contributing to this national effort.

Meanwhile the Minister Amaechi explained that the project will no doubt improve the standard of living of citizens within its corridor, create employment and promote trade.
He said in the long term the railway will help decongest the Lagos Port Complex and increase its efficiency as well as further increase the viability of the Inland Dry Ports located in Ibadan, Kaduna and Kano.

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“The rail line is also provided with accessories and special installations including Power and Water Supply schemes, Signalling System & Communication in GSM-R, Freight yards, Rolling stock depots and maintenance workshops.

” I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry is finalizing plans to commence construction of the remaining addendum; Ibadan – Abuja to complete the entire stretch of the Lagos – Kano Railway Modernization project, the first of the modernization project in the 25-Year Strategic Vision plan of the Federal Government to revitalize our hitherto moribund railway transport subsector. “

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Transportation will continue to work assiduously in line with Mr. President’s directives, to implement all the corridors within the Nigeria Railway ‘Modernization project and
progressively expand the railway network.

Having delivered Abuja – Kaduna and Lagos – Ibadan Railway Project the remaining stretch of Ibadan – Kano which traverses Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano has been, segmented as follows:

I. Kaduna – Kano segment
II. Ibadan – Minna Segment
III. Minna – Abuja Segment

The scope of the railway project involves a 203km double track standard gauge railway from Kano to Kaduna. The railway along this route traverses the major cities of Kaduna, Zaria and Kano with three (3) railway stations both for passenger and freight services at Rigachukun, Zaria and Kano with varying capacities and categories.

This project will link the Federal Capital, Abuja with the Commercial city of Kano and also link the ongoing Kano – Maradi project. The outstanding addendum, Ibadan – Abuja, will link the Sea Ports in Lagos to Maradi, Niger Republic.

This will greatly boost trade between the two countries and foster economic development. This railway line, will present an opportunity for Nigerians to traverse between Abuja and Kano via Kaduna with relative ease.

NEDC: Corruption allegation meant to distract Alkali, group says

A group of civil society organisations have dismissed allegations of multi-billion Naira corruption against the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and its Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali.

The CSOs, in a joint press statement co-signed by Comrade Lawrence Audu and Comrade Bassey Ukpong for the Good Governance and Advocacy Network (GGAN) on behalf of other groups, on Tuesday, said the North-East Vanguard and its cohorts aim to distract Alkali by peddling falsehood.

According to the CSOs, the allegations of embezzlement of funds by the NEDC’s MD was based on assumption, without a single strand of confirmable evidence.

The statement noted that the North-East Vanguard has decided to ignore some of the achievements of the NEDC, including hundreds of projects under education, health, agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and other social infrastructures.

The groups also recalled how the commission partnered the Borno State Government and others in the region under the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) programme to address the challenge of damaged infrastructure and other facilities.

The statement further rubbished alleged nepotism in employment levelled against the MD, noting the NEDC Governing Board has all the six geo-political zones represented.

The CSOs, however, advised NEV and their cohorts to do more research on NEDC’s activities under Alkali and if possible visit the North-East to see for themselves.

Read the full statement below:

Patriotic Nigerians from across the country and beyond have unceasingly drawn the attention of the leadership of the Good Governance Advocacy Network (GGAN) over the sabotaging activities of some mercantile and self-acclaimed society watch groups. These sponsored veiled demonic forces are still politicking with the security of lives, and the ensuing peace in the Northeast region, where Boko Haram formerly occupied swathes of territories, especially in Borno state.

The same emergency mercantilist groups are back with venomous attacks on whoever is responsible for bringing immediate reprieve to the war-torn, displaced and impoverished people of the region like the Hon. Minister, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiq Umar Farouk. It is also manifest in the sustained malicious propaganda on unsubstantiated and spurious allegations of embezzlement of public funds by the Managing Director, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali.

We are astonished at the level some Nigerians can stretch in the promotion of blatant chicanery and destructive campaigns targeted at certain public officials. It is wittingly crafted to distract these public servants from ensuring President Muhammadu Buhari does not take the obvious glory of defeating the insurgency in the region and rebuilding destroyed infrastructures. GGAN has realized that the NEDC boss is the latest victim of these hatchet civil groups.

In the inner fold of these ganged-conspirators against the FGN and its hardworking appointees in sensitive places, is another ambiguous NGO or some sort of advocates, by an innocuously fading identity of “North-East Vanguard (NEV).” By their watery outbursts in a recent public statement, NEV truly comprises vanguards, proponents and crusaders of falsehood against the NEDC boss, in the most disgraceful and de-estimating manner of their self-worth.

How could sane leaders of a pressure group accuse a boss of a federal commission, with unbridled allegations of his embezzlement or diversion of multi-billion-naira funds of the commission without a single strand of confirmable evidence, but dangling fluid statements or assumptions or seeking the assistance of others to unearth the truth? It is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse and betrayal of their malicious agenda.

NEV’s only evidence was that when President Buhari last visited Borno state shortly after June 12 Democracy Day, none of NEDC’s projects was commissioned. But let’s ask ourselves, how many capital projects was Mr. President able to commission on the last visit to Borno from the bulk of 576 projects presented by Gov. Babagana Zulum? Just about seven! Was President Buhari in Borno to commission NEDC projects or who has told these misinformed and misdirected NEV leaders that NEDC never contributed a dime or partnered with the state in the completed projects in Borno. Is NEDC meant for Borno state alone or the Northeast region? What sort of lowly priced nitwits is NEV? We shall soon add a syllabus to the acronym of “NEV” to read, NEV-ER, as nowhere the conduct of government business is aligned or espoused by their simplistic reliance on assumptions.

The allegations bandied by NEV started resonating in the media in 2020. It’s the same allegations, rejigged over and over. NEV has voiced nothing new on the tenure of the NEDC boss, Alh. Mohammed Goni Alkali. And contrary to the false claims by NEV, the inaugurated board of the North East Development Commission Education Endowment Fund (NEDC-EF) since August 7, 2020, has launched numerous interventionist programmes in the education sector beginning with the initial seed amount of N6billion same year and replenishable yearly in scholarships. It has targeted and is progressively reaching out to over 20,000 beneficiaries annually across the region, with an overall target of 150 beneficiaries on the template of access to academic and professional capacity development opportunities in diverse fields. This intervention has engaged over 5 000 bachelor’s degree, 336 masters and 54 doctorate degree candidates as well as training of teachers/civil servants.

The NEDC under Alhaji Alkali trains people of the region in skills and acquisition, provides starter packs to over 5 000 Information Communication Technology (ICT) trainees every year. It has empowered a whooping 5000 women and youths on entrepreneurship, and another 2000 others for vocational skills in each of the 1,028 wards in the Northeast. NEV will decline acknowledgement of these programmes because it is at variance with the deliberate agenda to diminish the gains of the NEDC in public space, by creating a deceptive impression of embezzlement.

Certainly, NEV officials who raised the unfounded alarm of alleged embezzlement of billions of naira budgeted for the NEDC have never set their foot anywhere in the Northeast for years. Or else, it is noticeable that some of the 576 projects displayed by Gov. Zulum during the Presidential visit in Borno, includes partnership with NEDC’s intervention initiatives on infrastructures under the Rapid Response Intervention (RRI) programme in addressing the challenge of damaged infrastructure and other facilities in 112 LGAs of the region. The NEDC aggressively executed 224 projects under education, health, agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and other social infrastructures in two years.

The relaxed silence of international organizations and other indigenous NGOs over the threat of massive famine and starvation in the insurgency ravaged region is because of NEDC’s active intervention through the Integrated Agriculture Programme (IAP). Through it, agricultural machinery and equipment, varieties of seedlings, fertilizers, agrochemicals and extension service logistics vehicles to enhance the production capacity of smallholder farmers in the region are provided. Nigerians must know, solving the problem of mass hunger in the region is not achievable within two years as envisaged by NEV, but a gradual process and the impact is commendable so far.

Therefore, it defeats sound logic for a faceless group that values, even its veiled identity or image to make sweeping allegations that the NEDC boss collects millions of naira monthly or yearly as salary or office impress. Its same pettiness which compels NEV to assume support operational vehicles NEDC donated to the Military and other security agencies in the region to enhance their security duties and duly approved by the NEDC Governing Board were inflated.

And most laughably, NEV accused the NEDC management led by Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali of nepotism in employment or is it “sourcing” for staff of the commission from MDAs by handpicking. But the NEDC Governing Board has all the six geo-political zones represented, in addition to other federal MDAs. It is unrealistic to think that all of the members are blind to Alkali’s “glaring” nepotism without raising an eyebrow.

Lastly, NEV and their cohorts should do more research and investigations on NEDC activities under Alkali. If the pressure group feels the House of Reps abandoned its probe of NEDC, there must be a reason. It’s either they have found nothing worthwhile in the allegations or they are still investigating. But as usual, vilifiers like NEV would not like to speak about the glowing commendation of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, led by its chairman, Sen. Yusuf Abubakar on the Alkali-led NEDC management for its “outstanding performance” in humanitarian interventions in the region with these profound words, “…it is just one year, but it has performed tremendously well in the past year; especially in the area of humanitarian intervention.” The detractors can continue, but they won’t distract the focus of the NEDC boss from performance.

Forgery: Group faults judgement exonerating Adeosun

… charges EFCC, ICPC to produce erstwhile Minister in Court

A pan-Nigerian organisation, Nigeria First, has frowned at a High Court judgement exonerating ex-finance minister, Kemi Adeosun, of forgery.

Before her resignation three years ago, Adeosun admitted that her National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) exemption certificate was fabricated.

However, despite her self-confession, Adeosun is yet to be prosecuted and recently obtained a court judgement which trivialised her failure to participate in the NYSC scheme prior to
her appointment.

The judgment delivered last week, declared that Mrs Adeosun needed not to partake in the NYSC scheme to be appointed a minister or contest national or state assembly elections.

But the Nigeria First said the ex-Minister must face the full wrath of the law for giving herself undue advantage using false presentations.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, the group’s Secretary-General, Comrade Richard Augustine Adie, called on the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to effect Adeosun’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Augustine noted that these agencies must prove to Nigerians that nobody is above the law.

According to Nigeria First, Adeosun swore an oath of office to bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thus bringing out the fact that she also committed perjury by lying under oath, which is also a punishable offence.

The group, however, expressed confidence that justice will be served as a deterrent to others.

Read full statement below:

The leadership of Nigeria First welcomes you all to this important press conference which became necessary given the recent court ruling exonerating the former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, of allegations of non-participation in the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme ( NYSC) and the subsequent use of fake NYSC certificate to confer undue advantage on herself.

We must all agree that for any country to make progress, such a country must be governed by laws represented in the Constitution. The case of Nigeria should not be any different because those that run afoul of the law must be made to face justice in the interest of peace and tranquillity.

It is thus no longer news that the former minister of finance, Kemi Adeosun, forged her NYSC exemption certificates, which she admitted in her resignation letter to President Muhammadu Buhari because she was no longer worthy of remaining in office as a result.

It was bad enough that her actions indeed caused an embarrassment to the country, and as such, any move to exonerate her would be akin to stating that some people are above the law in Nigeria and as such, they can get away with crimes against the state, as in the case of Kemi Adeosun with the recent pronouncement by a federal high court in Abuja.

Nigeria First as an organization at the vanguard of promoting the ideals of democracy and democratic governance, abhors a situation where the sensibilities of Nigerians would be insulted by the judicial arm of government, as evident in the court ruling.

It must be stated that the case of Kemi Adeosun is crystal clear a case of forgery and the conferment of undue advantage to herself when she presented forged NYSC certificates for clearance as a commissioner in Ogun state and subsequently as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is also succinct to add that in law, ignorance is not an excuse, even we have credible information at our disposal that indeed Kemi Adeosun was aware that the NYSC certificate in her possession was forged, yet, she still went ahead to present them.

Nigeria First is also alarmed that there is an attempt in some quarters to give Kemi Adeosun a clean bill of health because of her perceived connection to some influential figures in the country, who in the first place nominated her for the positions she held in the political scene in the country since 2011.

It is thus the resolution of the leadership of Nigeria First that such actions are unpatriotic and a clear case of insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians from all walks of life in this critical point of our existence.

Nigeria First in citing sections 26 (1) (c) and 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, wishes to call on the ICPC to effect the arrest and subsequent prosecution of Kemi Adeosun under sections (17) (c) and (25) (b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, for certificate forgery and conferment of undue advantage to herself using false presentations.

We believe that the ICPC, as mandated by the law, would act swiftly in ensuring that no Nigerian is conferred an undue advantage in evading justice, especially for forging such a sensitive government document.

We are also using this medium to call on the rejuvenated Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to rise to the occasion in arresting and prosecuting Kemi Adeosun under 3 (6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 for forgery of NYSC certificate.

Nigeria First is reminding the ICPC and the EFCC that this is a unique opportunity to prove to Nigerians that nobody is above the law. As such, the law must run its course no matter how highly or lowly placed in the society.

We must also be guided by the Jacob Zuma example in South Africa, where a former president was recently convicted and sentenced to prison for crimes committed while in office. This example should resonate with us that the law is no respecter of status or positions in society.

Nigeria First wishes to remind the ICPC and the EFCC that Kemi Adeosun as a minister, swore an oath of office to bear true allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, thus bringing out the fact that she also committed perjury by lying under oath, which is also a punishable offence.

Ladies and gentlemen, the leadership of Nigeria First is convinced that justice will be served in this case as Kemi Adeosun cannot be above the law in Nigeria. We are resolute in demanding that she is put on trial as soon as practicable to serve as a deterrent to others intending to hold political or elective positions of authority in Nigeria.

We thank you all for your time and attention, and we urge you all to keep a close tab of events as they unfold.

God bless Nigeria.

Lekki Port: Amaechi Satisfied with Pace of Construction, May Commence Operations in 2022

By Nats Odaudu

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has expressed great satisfaction with the level of progress recorded at the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

Amaechi made this known Saturday during an inspection visit to the Port by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other government agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) and lthe Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“I am very delighted and impressed with the pace and the progress of construction work on this project from the last time I was here in November 2020.

The promoter of the project-Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited has demonstrated strong commitment and capacity to deliver the project as agreed, he said.

The Minister further urged the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited and other stakeholders to work tirelessly to ensure that the Port becomes operational by mid 2022.

While briefing the Minister and his entourage on the status of construction of the Port, the Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr Abiodun Dabiri disclosed that the entire port construction is now at 55.48% completion.

Giving a further breakdown of the status of the components of the port, Dabiri noted that dredging and reclamation has reached 61,11%, Quay Wall 50.39%, Breakwater 67.49% while the landside infrastructure development has reached 33.70% completion.

Dabiri assured the Minister and the stakeholders that the project is on course and going according to schedule. He declared that at the end of third quarter (Q3) 2022 would complete the construction work while commercial operations will commence by fourth quarter (Q4) 2022 as planned.

We understand the significance of this project is to the Nigerian economy and we would not fail to play our part to ensure that it is delivered as and when due, he said.

The Chairman expressed profound appreciation of the company to the Minister and his team for providing the necessary support that has assisted the company to deliver on the mandate for the project.

He stressed further that upon completion, Lekki Port would be a world-class Port operating with best in class equipment to ensure seamless operations and would comply with global environmental protection standard. He added that Lekki Port as the deepest seaport in the sub-Saharan African region and would serve as transhipment hub for the region.

Also speaking during the visit, the Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko assured that the Nigerian Port Authority is ready to play its part to ensure smooth take off of port operations upon completion of construction. He disclosed that NPA has commenced the process of acquiring all necessary marine equipment including tug boats and mooring boats.

The delegation that accompanied the Minister on the inspection visit included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT), Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh.

Railway: Amaechi promises succour for Abuja – Kaduna as passenger traffic surges on Lagos – Ibadan

By Nats Odaudu

The Minister who spoke Friday during a post commissioning inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan railway blamed the situation with Abuja-Kaduna on the lack of spare parts from China.

The Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has assured travelers on the Abuja =Kaduna railway that the constant  breakdown of their trains will soon be a thing of the past.

Amaechi hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the purchase of spare parts for the Lagos- Ibadan rail  but part of it will be deployed to fix the Kaduna-Abuja problem.

“After the last breakdown of the Kaduna-Abuja train, I instructed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to rest that particular locomotive. I am surprised that there was a delay related to another breakdown in the early hours of today.

“The issue with the break down of the Kaduna-Abuja train is down to lack of maintenance which is attributable to a lack of spare parts from China. We have written to Mr President on this issue and he has graciously approved the purchase of spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan trains. Very soon, the Chinese people will supply us with enough spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan rail. By the time they do that, we will be forced to use some of these spare parts for the Kaduna-Abuja trains and hopefully, the issue of incessant breakdown of the trains will be resolved, ” Amaechi said.

He said the inspection was necessary to ensure that little details identified pre-commissioning have been fixed by the contractors.”

The Minister also disclosed  that the Lagos-Ibadan trains conveyed 42,000 passengers in the month of June 2021. The situation of surging number of passengers was also witnessed by the Nigeria Times during the routine inspection.

The minister who was excited at the increased passenger traffic said patronage is good and on the increase.

ⁿOn the Lagos-Ibadan trains, 42,000 passengers were moved in June. We expect the figure to increase in the coming months because if we can move 42,000 in the month that we started, then the figures will increase as more people become aware of the train services between Lagos and Ibadan.”

On the completion stage of the train stations, the Honourable Minister explained that due to a recent kidnap of some Chinese officials in the Olodo area of Ogun State, the train station there is yet to be completed.

Most of the stations have been completed except for Olodo which is delayed due to a recent kidnap of some Chinese officials. The contractor has completed most of the communication and signalling work, but we need to observe the project for the next six months to be sure everything is working perfectly as planned.

“If not, we won’t be able to do the 16 trips-a-day train schedule as planned. The reason we are inspecting is to be sure everything is working as planned. After six months, when we are very sure of what we are seeing, then we can bring in new coaches and locomotives and increase the trips.

Concerning the frequency of trips on the Lagos-Ibadan rail. The Minister disclosed that he has directed the Nigeria Railway Commission (NRC) to scale up the number of trips per day from four to eight. ”

Speaking about passenger demand for more trains and coaches as well as an increase in the number of trips on that route, the Minister said he had given a directive to scale up from four to eight subject to observing the signaling efficiency for six months.

He called on Nigerian contractors interested in handling railway projects to ensure they have the competence and the pre-requisite requirements for the Jobs before applying to avoid stalling the process.

Rotimi Amaechi commended the TEAM ,the supervisors of the project as well as the CCECC for the quality of work done in delivering the project.

Passengers eating for the train at the Ibadan station expressed joy that they can now access the train services and expressed satisfaction with the service.

The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently by President Buhari for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…Lagos-Ibadan trains  Lagos-Ibadan trains

Sirika Congratulates Matazu on World Meteorological Organisation Appointment

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has congratulated the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Mansur Matazu, on his appointment into the Executive Council of the World Meteorological Organisation.

Professor Matazu who is also the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the Meteorology regulatory body, was elected at the seventy-third session of the Executive Council of the WMO, a statement Wednesday signed by General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, Muntari Ibrahim reveals.

According to the Minister, the election of Matazu is a testament to the critical contributions of NiMet, and Nigeria, to the global meteorological growth and development.

He recalled the recent graduation of meteorological technicians trained by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency which was held in Banjul, The Gambia as one of the critical contributions of Nigeria to the growth of global meteorological science.

Sirika charged Professor Matazu to see his election as a challenge to take NiMet to a higher pedestal than it currently occupies, and make it a one-stop Agency for climate and weather information and training.

“Your election is in furtherance and propagation of the message and ideals of the science of meteorology in the West African Sub-region and the continent of Africa as a whole” he said.

Also congratulating the NiMet Director-General, the Secretary-General of the WMO, Professor Petteri Taalas said “I look forward to your future participation and effective contribution to the work of the Council for the benefit of all our members. I would like to assure you of my full support as well as that of the Secretariat in the accomplishment of your new duties’’.

The Executive Council of the WMO implements decisions of the Congress (i.e., the supreme body of the Organization which is the general assembly of delegates epresenting Members of WMO), coordinates programmes, as well as manages the budgets of the Organisation.

The Council also considers, and acts on resolutions and recommendations from the Regional Associations (RAs) and Technical Commissions (TCs), studies and makes recommendations on matters affecting international meteorology and other related activities.
Nigeria’s membership of the Executive Council will, among other benefits, strengthen multi-lateral and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and other countries on weather, climate, water, environment and sustainable development issues.

The World Meteorological Organisation, WMO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations, dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources.

NIMASA Introduces New Ship Registration Certificates, Restructures office

By Nats Odaudu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced the issuance of new certificates of ship registration while simultaneously phasing out the old permits. This is in a bid to ensure the utilisation of secured statutory certificates and prevent the entry of unseaworthy and sub-standard ships into the Nigerian flag.

Director General of the Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said, “We are restructuring the Nigerian Ship Registration Office to serve you more efficiently and effectively. We are determined to grow our national fleet and tonnage to an enviable height.”

According to a press statement signed by Edward Osagie,
the Assistant Director, Public Relations
NIMASA, Jamoh said “We are committed to ensuring that our Ship Registry remains of International Standard and this is why we have enhanced our certificates with more security features that would stand the test of time. The all-encompassing process of issuance will ensure robust screening of vessels that would visit our waters.”

The new regulation, which took effect from July 1, involves the Certificate of Nigerian Registry, Provisional Certificate of Registry, Certificate of Nigerian Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel, Fishing Boat and Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Wholly Owned Nigerian Vessel, among others.

The Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel; and Foreign Owned Vessels are also affected.

Others are Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Joint Venture Owned Vessel, Deletion Certificate, Bill of Sale and Transcript of Registry.

The Certificate of Mortgage to Secure Account Current and Certificate of Freedom of Encumbrance have also been changed.

All existing certificates issued by the Registrar of Ships before the commencement of the new regulation remain valid and should be carried on board vessels until their expiration. But vessel owners or Masters may apply for the reissuance of their existing certificates

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 makes it mandatory for the Originals of Certificates of Registry to be carried on board vessels at all times.

It should be noted that issuance of these certificates is a fulfilment of Section 30 of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 which provides, inter alia, that “the Registrar of Ships shall on completion of the registration of a ship, issue a certificate of registration in such form as may be approved by the Agency”.

PIB a birthday gift, S’south Forum celebrates Sylva at 57

The South-south Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has said that it was not by accident that the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed into law few days to the birthday anniversary of Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.

The minister will be 57 on Wednesday July 7, 2021.

The forum said Timipre Sylva’s name has come to occupy a chapter in the contemporary history of Nigeria based on the empirical indices of his nationalistic, patriotic and detribalised values and contributions to national cohesion and development in general.

For over 20 years, the PIB has witnessed a lot of setbacks but was unanimously passed into law by the two chambers of the National Assembly on July 1st, barely a week to the minister’s birthday.

In a statement signed Tuesday in Abuja, by its national coordinator Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, said the forum is proud of Sylva’s achievements as a public officeholder since he joined politics.

Kolowei said specifically that the minister is being celebrated because passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into law is one of the 9-point agenda Sylva rolled out to achieve when he took over as Minister of State for Petroleum.

While commending the minister’s advocacy role on the bill, the group said the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under Timipre Sylva will now be more accountable with the passage of the bill, even as its profits would be accrued to the country and subsequently moved to the Federation Account.

“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the supervision of Chief Timipre Slyva has become a formidable front driver in the process of diversifying the country’s mono cultural economy by exploring and promoting the midstream sector of huge gas production, for both local consumption and export purposes.

“As a forum, we are particularly happy because apart from nipping in the bud the perennial problem of scarcity of petroleum products and long queue for fuel, the completion and commissioning of the 17 storey Headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and commissioning of the Walter Smith Modular Refinery, developed with 30 percent equity from the NCDMB are sterling success story for the Timipre Sylva led Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

“We are also celebrating the 57th birthday anniversary of our amiable ambassador because of the on-going diversification under his watch through gas which will create lots of jobs to stimulate the nation’s economy. This is an addition to creating the National Gas Expansion Programme basically to exploit the country’s comparative advantage in the abundance of natural gas reserves.”

The forum said it will not forget in a hurry “the heroic exploits of Timipre Sylva in the wake of militancy in the Niger Delta when he was governor when he traversed the most dreaded militant camps in the region in search of peace and tranquility. The singular action which yielded fruits with multiplier impact.”

The statement, however, called on Nigerians home abroad not only to celebrate Sylva’s 57th birthday anniversary but give him all the needed support to transform the petroleum industry for the benefit of all Nigerians.

African Aerospace University Abuja gets provisional approval from NUC

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed readiness to expedite action on the proposed Aviation and Aerospace University by the Ministry of Aviation.

Receiving the concept document submitted by the Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika.
Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed who gave the assurance after receiving the note from the Minister, said the commission will engage some professors to perfect the concept note for immediate approval.

“I can assure you that by the end of the month (July), we are going to have a brand new University, the first of its kind in Abuja, first African University dedicated to aviation and aerospace study in the country”.

According to a statement by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Executive Secretary commended the Minister for his boldness and courage saying the value of such university can’t be quantified .


“This aviation under your guidance, will be the first to show the way that we can support the establishment of specialized university that won’t only serve us but serve the African region and the International community”. He stated.

Presenting the Concept Note earlier, Sirika who was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Directors and Heads of Agencies, said that the ‘African Aviation and Aerospace University Abuja’ will be dedicated to research and development of knowledge in Aviation and Aerospace.

The Minister stated that the decision to establish the specialised university was informed by the need to fill some identified gaps in the growth and development of the aviation sector.

“When we took the leadership in civil aviation, we identified and understood the gap in the growth and development of civil aviation in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. We are deficient in research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology and that has caused a lot of underdevelopment of the sector and made us to be backward”

Sirika further said that the huge gaps and deficiencies have left the Civil Aviation sector to be managed with basic knowledge of either being a pilot or aircraft maintenance engineer, with no one going into research and development to understand the Civil Aviation and Aerospace industry to grow it for our own betterment and leverage on the sector to recreate the economy, improve the wellbeing, add to the GDP and most importantly to expend knowledge horizon of Nigerians.

“We have been working three to four years now into this and we developed a concept note based on the advice by Executive Secretary NUC for critique and that will fast track the process of setting up the University. We come up with concept note of what will be the focus of this University” he explained.

He added that “the potential of this University to serve the market of civil aviation and aerospace within the continent cannot be overemphasized. Once the University takes off, a lot will happen and it will change the dynamic”.

Sirika expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary and his team for guiding the process leading to the submission of the concept note, and the assurance that it will be expeditiously concluded.

James Odaudu
Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation

Ex-councillors’ forum appoints Buratai patron

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai (rtd), has been appointed as the Patron of the National Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria.

The group made this known on Tuesday after paying a visit to the former Army Chief in Damaturu, Yobe State.

According to a statement by the chairman of the State chapter, Abdulganiyu Mohammed, the ex-councillors chose Buratai due to his effort in restoring peace, security and development to communities in the state as well as the nation in general.

The group commended the former COAS for establishing many strategic military units and institutions in the northeast that further deter terrorist activities.

“Today, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Yobe State chapter of the National Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria call on former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), at the Government Lodge Damaturu. The team was led by the Chapter’s Chairman, Honourable Abdulganiyu Mohammed,” the statement reads.

“In his remarks, the Chairman briefed H.E. about the aims and objectives of the association, adding that they are closer to the people. He also said they were there to show appreciation and gratitude to Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) for his efforts as Chief of Army Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, which brought peace, security and development to their communities in Yobe State and Nigeria at large.

“They commended him for establishing many strategic military units and institutions in the northeast that further deter terrorist activities. The team further stated that they were to congratulate him for his well-deserved appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and presented him with a letter of appointment and honour as Patron of the Forum”.

Responding, Ambassador Buratai thanked them for a visit and accepted to serve as Patron of the Forum.

He also commended the delegation and members of the Forum for their continued commitment to peace and development in their wards, Yobe State and the nation.

He said that as grassroots people, Ward Councillors have a strategic role in supporting the Federal and State Governments in fostering peace and security in their respective wards.