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Reps Seek to Stop N’West, S’West, S’South Presidential Candidacy

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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The House of Representatives is set to consider a new bill that seeks to stop the North-West, South—South and South-West from presenting presidential candidates in the 2027 general election.

The bill is seeking an alteration to various sections of the 1999 Constitution to prevent the three geopolitical zones from presenting candidates in the next general election.

The bill “For an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to make provisions for rotation of power among the geo-political zones, senatorial zones and federal constituencies in presidential, governorship and senatorial elections in Nigeria,” is currently before the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

Sponsored by member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Benue State, Ojema Ojetu, the proposed legislation, if passed into law, will bar zones that have produced the President of Nigeria since the return to democratic governance in 1999.

INEC begins review of the 2023 General Elections

The bill seeks to alter Section 133 of the constitution by inserting sub-sections 2, 3 and 4 to the nation’s extant laws.

“The Office of the President of Nigeria shall revolve round the six geo- political zones, with each state holding the office for a maximum of two terms of four years each, to give every section and state in Nigeria a sense of inclusion, participation and representation in Nigeria’s democracy,” a copy of the bill indicated, according to Punch.

It continued: “Any zone in Nigeria which has produced a President of the Federal Republic shall not be eligible to produce another President until the other zones take their turns.

“The effective date for consideration in the rotation of power shall be 29th of May, 1999 when the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) became effective.”

The bill, according to Ojotu, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also seeks alteration to the 1999 Constitution with the insertion of sub-sections 6 and 7.

In (6), the proposed law provides that “The office of the governor of a state in Nigeria shall revolve round all the three senatorial zones in the state, to give every indigene of the state a sense of inclusion, participation and representation in the development of the state; while (7) states that “Every senatorial zone in a state which has produced governor of that state in a democratically conducted election shall not be eligible to produce a governor, unless and until other senatorial zones produce governors of the state.”

That is not all as Ojotu’s proposed legislation also seeks an alteration of Section 48 of the Constitution with the introduction of sub-sections 1 (a) and (b).

1(a) provides that “Senatorial election shall rotate round all the federal constituencies in the Senatorial zone to give a sense of inclusion, participation and representation in the constituencies to engineer social progress and development;” and (b) says that “Every federal constituency in a Senatorial district which has produced a Senator shall not be eligible to produce a Senator, unless and until all other Federal Constituencies produce a Senator.”

Tinubu To Deal With Entities Undermining Investors Confidence

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration will deal decisively with any official who undermines investors confidence in the Nigerian economy.

President Tinubu stated this during a Nigeria-Qatar Business and Investment Forum in Doha, on Sunday.

Assuring the International business community that Nigeria is ready for serious business, the Nigerian President urged Qatar’s captains of industry to report any government official who demands a bribe or any form of inducement at any point in their business, thereby assuring them of their direct access to the President’s Office.

President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria’s identity is now being shaped by the present and future actions, urging investors not to let perceptions hinder their willingness to invest in Africa’s largest economy.

Tinubu Welcomes Multi-sectoral Agreements with Qatar

The President pledged to remove all bottlenecks standing in the way of profitable and legitimate enterprise, emphasising that Nigeria and its systems are being reformed and upgraded.

“I am here to give you the assurance that reforms are going on; forget about whatever you heard in the past. Whatever is the obstacle or problem that some of you might have experienced; it is in the past, because there is no obstacle in the future.

“Do not offer a bribe to any of our people, and if it is requested or taken from you, report to us.

“You will have access to me. Nigeria will no longer be defined by the past, but by what we do now and moving forward. Do not let perceptions become a hindrance to your will to invest. Nigeria is serious about revolutionizing investment promotion. We are removing obstacles today and we are going to continue to remove all obstacles. We have done so much within nine months. And I am assuring you, it is free entry and free exit. Your funds will flow smoothly into and out of our country. Bring your investments,” the President stated.

The President further noted that the war against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria had been significantly strengthened with the appointment of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as National Security Adviser (NSA).

“We have a man who has won many global awards for anti-corruption as an anti-corruption czar.

“My responsibility is to tell you that Nigeria is open for business, and to assure you that your investments are safe in our hands. We have men and women of great reputation here. And we believe we can forge a good committee that will advance our discussions to fruitful conclusions.

“A nation is an artificial entity unless there are good people to drive it. People build great nations and we have great people. We are ready,” the President affirmed.

The President also noted that Nigeria possesses vast opportunities in various fields, telling his host: “We have oil and gas; we have solid minerals. I do not see why we cannot become prolific partners in exploring iron ore, as well as steel production, and energy across the board.

“I am here to give you assurances in all spheres: tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and in many other opportunities that abound around us. Do not be the investors who miss out on the golden opportunity we present,” the President added.

Import Duty on Vehicles Gets 90-day Window

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a 90-day window to regularise import duties on specific categories of vehicles.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Maiwada said that the development was a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes.

Recall that the NCS in February said it intends to grant waivers to vehicle owners to pay duties within a specific time frame to avoid sanctions.

Nigerian Customs Urges Transparency In Vehicle Imports

Speaking further, Maiwada added that the initiative applies solely to vehicles imported into Nigeria where the requisite customs duty has not been fulfilled or vehicles detained due to under-valuation.

“In a proactive move to enhance compliance and streamline import processes, the NCS, under the directive of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, is pleased to announce a 90-day window for regularising import duties on specific categories of vehicles,” he said.

He said that a 25 per cent penalty would be paid.

“Valuation and assessment of the vehicles would be carried out using the Vehicles Identification Number valuation method. Import duty and a 25 per cent penalty shall be paid in tandem with the import guidelines, procedures, and documentation requirements for used vehicles under the Destination Inspection Scheme in Nigeria (2013) and the NCS Act 2023. Also, duty payments must be made using the procedure code specifically created for this exercise.” Maiwads said.

Maiwada explained that vehicles seized and condemned would not be released.

“While we strive for inclusivity, it is important to clarify that vehicles seized and condemned will not be released under this arrangement and shall be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with extant regulations.”

The NCS spokesperson reiterates that all owners and importers seeming to regulate their vehicle imports should visit the different zones of the service.

“All vehicle owners, importers/agents seeking to regularize import duties on their vehicles are required to apply to the service’s zonal coordinators (Zones A, B, C, D) and Customs Area Controller of the Federal Capital Territory Command.”

“They must submit the necessary available documents and process V-reg in line with the Federal Ministry of Finance directives for the registration of imported motor vehicles.”

Maiwada said that the initiative reflects the service’s unwavering commitment to facilitating compliance. We encourage all stakeholders to capitalise on this opportunity within the stipulated timeframe.

Tinubu Welcomes Multi-sectoral Agreements with Qatar

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

President Bola Tinubu and Emir of the State of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, On Sunday in Doha, witnessed the signing of historic agreements between the two countries.

These agreements open the door to maximising the potential of mutual cooperation in key areas such as education, youth empowerment, enterprise development, investment promotion, mining, tourism, and sports.

The President of Nigeria assured his host that his country was ready to welcome investors, citing ongoing reforms that support innovation, return on investment, and multiculturalism. This was stated in a statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, prior to the signing ceremony at the Qatar Presidential Palace.

“Our greatest strength is our people. Our strength lies in the capacity of Nigerian youths. They have energy, talent, and self-belief. They are quality partners for Qatari industry. They are educated and reliable, and they are proactively seeking to add value wherever they are. A few cannot give a bad name to the many. Nigerian youths are ready to be unleashed for the mutual benefit of both nations.

“We have seen clearly the rapid pace and thorough quality of Qatar’s development process. It is impossible not to be moved by what you have accomplished. The leadership in the country has proven its mettle, and we are here to gain deeper insight.

“There is nowhere in the world where you will find return on investment at the level of what you will see in Nigeria. A massive market of over 200 million skilled Nigerians, always industrious and ready to work.

“We face some short-term turbulence at the moment, but we have a government today that reflects the dynamism and talent of the Nigerian people. We are implementing the right solutions. This team works collaboratively with each other and our partners. Nigeria is ready for serious business,” he stated.

The Emir of the State of Qatar, His Highness, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized that Qatar is open to President Tinubu’s investment push, recalling that he traveled to Nigeria in 2019 owing to his belief that Nigeria is an important and strategic ally on its own and within the context of its role in regional affairs.

“I have no doubt about the great capacity of the Nigerian people. Everywhere in the world, they are known for their brilliance and hard work. We only need to ensure that this is happening inside of Nigeria rather than outside. The investments we have made around the world have been very fruitful. This is because we take our time and study opportunities before we invest the common wealth of our people. It is not my money. The money we invest belongs to the future generations of Qatar.

“Mr. President, I am very encouraged by your actions and your passion to create new opportunities. We are very open to this, and follow-up is everything at this point. The will is there for both of us, but we must follow up. I will send a team of officials to Nigeria after Ramadan, and we will advance discussions on what some of the actionable investment opportunities are,” he said.

Tinubu’s Qatar Visit Is To Strengthen Ties – Presidency

President Tinubu immediately named the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun as the team leader of the government team that will interface with Qatari authorities in investment identification and implementation moving forward.

Furthermore, during the bilateral deliberations, President Tinubu enabled a brief presentation to the Emir by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who spoke in detail about the high-grade of several minerals, including lithium, immediately derivable across the country with an emphasis on imminent opportunities for local mineral processing and value-additive industry in the sector.

The bilateral engagement was followed by a closed-door meeting between the two Heads of State before they proceeded to the signing ceremony for seven bilateral agreeements across multiple sectors.

The seven agreements signed are: cooperation agreement in the field of education; regulation of employment of workers with the Government of Qatar; establishment of a joint business council (JBC) between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA); in addition to a cooperation agreement in the field of youths and sports.

The other agreements are: cooperation in the field of tourism and business events, and a memorandum of understanding combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The documents were signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and relevant officials in the Government of the State of Qatar, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education and Higher Education; Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI), and Abdullah bin Khalaf bin Hattab Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior (MOI).

Nigerian ministers who were present at the ceremony were: Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Edun; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Alake; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe

Also at the meeting were the National Security Adviser,  Nuhu Ribadu, and Special Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen.

FG Sets Aside N75bn to Support Local Manufacturers

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

As part of efforts to tackle the present cost of living by Nigerians, the Federal Government has set aside N75bn to support the manufacturing enterprises.

This was disclosed Saturday evening by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha on the occasion of NDE’s special day at the ongoing 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

The Minister represented by her Special Assistant, Administration, Barrister, Paul Abuluba affirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had embarked on urgent actions to reverse the poor trend of the economy.

Rising Costs Pose Threat To Manufacturers- MAN

According to the Minister, “President is hinged on the commitment to explore the full potential of the Nigerian economy by focusing on job creation, access to capital for macro, small and large businesses, the rule of law and the fight against hunger, poverty, and corruption.”

The minister also noted; “The President is not unmindful of the hardships most Nigerians are enmeshed in, however, the difficult times are indeed temporary but the benefit will be permanent.

To this end, she said in recent times, the Federal Government had engagements with economic stakeholders especially manufacturers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria.  

“I am happy to let you know that we are tackling, with unprecedented boldness and decisiveness, each and every one of the issues. The government’s focus on foreign exchange is to abolish the unwieldy and much-abused rate regime, setting the foundation for transparent price discovery and all other elements required to attract substantial inflow into a properly run official market.

“The President has ordered the creation of a new single-digit interest-rate fund to provide N75 billion to support manufacturing enterprises, among other targeted financial interventions. The Central Bank, now under new management, is back to prioritizing its core mandates of inflation management and exchange rate stability.”

CBN to sell N1.6trn Treasury Bill in Q2 2024

By
Rhoda Onuzulike
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said it would sell N1.64trn worth of treasury bills, for the second quarter of 2024.

The apex bank made this known in the Treasury Bills Issue programme released on Friday.

Treasury bills are short-term (less than one year) debt instruments used by the CBN to borrow money from the public on behalf of the Federal Government.

The CBN also uses TBs to control money supply in the economy.

CBN To Issue N1.21trn Treasury Bills in Q4

The TB issue programme commences on March 7 and ends on May 23, 2024.

During the period, the apex bank will issue TBs worth N414.29bn on 91 days tenor, N43.74bn on 182 days and N1.18trn on 364 days.

A breakdown of the programme revealed that in March, the apex bank plans to sell N660.62bn worth of TBs, comprising N32.73bn worth of 91 days bills, N12.97bn worth of 182 days bills and N614.92bn worth of 364 bills.

In April, the apex bank plans to sell N292.17bn worth of TBs, comprising N10.61bn worth of 91 days bills, N15.97bn worth of 182 days bills, and N265.59bn worth of 364 days bills.

In May, the CBN plans to sell N688.3bn worth of TBs comprising N362.9bn worth of 91 days bills, N14.7bn worth of 182 days bills and N302.67bn worth of 384 days bills.

Akwa United Return To Uyo, To Face Enyimba FC At Nest Of Champions On Monday

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Akwa United Football Club have received approval from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board to play its home matches in Uyo.

Recall that the Promise Keepers temporarily moved to the Eket City Stadium from week four of the 2023/2024 NPFL season due to a congested fixture schedule at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Following a poor run of form that has left the 2021 NPFL champions neck-deep in a relegation fight, the club has applied for and received approval to return to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

On matchday 23, Akwa United FC will welcome reigning NPFL champions, Enyimba FC, to Uyo, hoping to get a positive result and launch a revival.

Fans of the club will look to get behind the team to halt a run of three straight defeats, the last two being a 0-1 home loss against Bayelsa United FC and Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat against Sporting Lagos FC.

As of the time of this report, there are no updates regarding tickets for the Akwa United vs Enyimba FC clash on Monday, March 4, 2024, indicating that gates will be thrown open for fans to watch the match.

Nigeria’s Sports Ministry Approves D’Tigers 2025 Afrobasket Qualifiers Participation

By
Emenike Agu
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0

In a dramatic U-turn which will put smile on the faces of basketball followers in Nigeria, the Nigeria senior male national basketball team, D’Tigers, is set to compete in the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers, commencing this Friday in Monastir, Tunisia, following the green light from the sports ministry.

Nigeria was set to miss the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers due to lack of funds.

This was announced on the D’Tigers social media handle and generated criticism, with Nigerians saying it will be an ’embarassment’ if the team misses the qualifiers.

In swift response, Senator John Owan Enoh, the Honourable Minister for Sports Development, has given his consent for the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) leadership to ensure D’Tigers’ involvement in the qualifiers.

Assuring that necessary funds will be approved and released within the next three weeks, the Minister pledged support for covering flight tickets, allowances, and other logistical needs for the qualifiers.

Consequently, D’Tigers are now en route to Tunisia and are expected to arrive just in time for their matches.

Expressing gratitude to the Sports Ministry and the Honourable Minister for their support, NBBF President Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida thanked the Ministry’s efforts in ensuring the team’s participation, albeit on short notice.

Kida acknowledged that despite the delayed decision, it was crucial to avoid potential embarrassment both locally and internationally.

The swift action by the Ministry has alleviated concerns from FIBA and skeptics, who may not fully grasp the financial challenges facing the NBBF, including outstanding outsourcing liabilities dating back to 2019.

Commenting on the development, Kida expressed relief that D’Tigers would finally compete in the qualifiers, thanking the Minister for averting a potential FIBA ban and preserving the country’s reputation.

“Yes, even though this is coming late, it is heart-warming that our boys would eventually take part in the qualifiers for the 2025 Afrobasket championship,” Kida remarked.

“The board of the NBBF is deeply grateful to the Honorable Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, for coming good with his timely support and of course, saving the country from disgrace, and another FIBA ban,” he said.

Looking ahead to the upcoming games, the NBBF assured Nigerian basketball fans that despite the rushed preparations, D’Tigers would strive to excel and secure qualification, aiming to make the nation proud once again on the continental stage.

Frank Onyeka Stars With Assist As Brentford Share Spoils With Chelsea

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Nigerian midfielder, Frank Onyeka starred wth an assist for Brentford as they shared the spoils with Chelsea FC following a 2-2 draw in the Premier League.

In an exciting Premier League matchup between Brentford and Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the two teams battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Despite Brentford’s efforts, they were denied victory by Chelsea, although they managed to secure a point thanks in part to a stunning goal from Yoane Wissa, assisted by Frank Onyeka.

Frank Onyeka, continuing his fine form from the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, put in another impressive performance for Brentford, playing a significant role in the midfield for 77 minutes.

His contribution was highlighted by his assist for Yoane Wissa’s sensational bicycle kick goal, which electrified the crowd.

Despite the draw, Brentford can take pride in their performance against a formidable opponent like Chelsea, with Onyeka’s presence in midfield once again proving crucial to their efforts.

As the season progresses, Onyeka’s consistency and impact on the pitch will be essential for Brentford as they aim to secure positive results and climb the Premier League table.

Joe Aribo Is A Brilliant Player – Southampthon Manager Rusell Martins 

By
Emenike Agu
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0

Rusell Martins Hails Super Eagles Star After Match-Winner

Southampton manager Russell Martin has labeled Joe Aribo a “brilliant player” following the midfielder’s match-winning display at Birmingham City on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

Aribo netted the winning goal for the Saints deep into stoppage time to seal a 4-3 English Championship win.

The 27-year-old pounced from a corner to slot home in the 96th minute, boosting Southampton’s promotion bid.

“The lads love him (Aribo), the fans love him. Hopefully, everyone’s really seeing what he has to offer,” Martin told the club’s official website after the game.

“He was amazing on Wednesday [against Liverpool], he probably deserved to play, but he hadn’t played 90 minutes for a long time and was absolutely hanging on Thursday.

“He’s a brilliant player and an even better character, and for him to score the goal – I said to him there’ll be a chance for you at some point.

“I was completely guessing, but I hoped, and it’s fallen to him and he’s tucked it away.”

Aribo has now scored three goals in 24 league appearances for Southampton this season.

Southampton sit in fourth position on the table with 70 points from 35 games.

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