Day: May 4, 2024

The Domestic Airport Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has inaugurated its Board of Trustees (BoT), while calling for more collaborations with aviation agencies for a favourable nation building.

Members of the BoT and patrons were inaugurated on Friday in Lagos.

Chairman of the BoT, Mr Ikpe Nkanang, in his welcome address said that the newly inaugurated BoT was the second since inception after the last set, 20 years ago.

According to Nkanang, DACAA is an essential part in the aviation sector as it contributes to nation building, job creation and expanding medium-scale enterprises.

He said: ‘We call on the authorities to provide the infrastructure that will make Lagos the hub of air cargo in Africa.

‘With the population of what we have and the industries, the cargo business is not easy,’ he said.

Nkanang called on the Federal Government to support the aviation industry with solutions and policies that would help Nigeria attain its height as the cargo and aviation hub of the continent.

According to him, t
he new BoT team has aviation safety and security as the core agenda, while calling on cargo agents to be mindful of dangerous cargoes.

‘A little mistake of dangerous cargo that enters inside an aircraft can cause huge damage, irreparable, with even human life lost and so we are committed to check this.

‘DACAA is committed to train and re-train our members on dangerous cargo and all other techniques that will help us to bring safety and security to various carriers, even the airlines that we are patronising,’ he added.

Nkanang disclosed that a little above 200 tons of cargo goes out and into the airport monthly, adding that the figure was not an adequate representation.

Meanwhile, a Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Director, Mr John Ogala, disclosed in his speech that the Authority was planning to open cargo terminals and had established a Cargo Directorate.

Ogala, pledging FAAN’s support and partnership with the association, said that the publics had yet to understand that air cargo is safe,
faster and has limited interference.

‘So, we are going to partner with DACA, creating an enabling environment, to build a safe, efficient, and cargo-serving community.

‘We look forward to supporting you in this entire process and on this note, I would like to tell you that we are opening the Cargo Terminal soon.

‘For the operation of cargo, cargo transportation in the industry, we are planning to open up Port Harcourt and Abuja and we plan to take it to the next level.

‘We are going to have cargo warehouses. We want to have a temperature-controlled compartment where we can have cargo that can afford to stay. There are temperature-controlled cargoes like trucks and other products,’ he said.

Mr Remi Jibodu, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd., said that the industry must innovate so as not to be left behind in the global community.

He said the global community had already gone into digital cargo and Nigeria should key into the trend, adding that digital cargo is basically a
cargo marketplace.

He said that referrals grow the business and a lot had to be done on awareness for more people to embrace air cargo.

Also, Mr Musa Ibrahim of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said that the agency was ready to support and partner with the association to eradicate dangerous cargo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Police, members of the association and other stakeholders in the air cargo industry were present at the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Odu’a Investment Company Ltd.(OICL) has unveiled plans to complete a 54- housing unit estate in Lagos within the next 18 months.

Chief Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of OICL, disclosed this at the groundbreaking event for the Aurora Westlink Estate on Thursday.

He said that the collaborative effort between OICL through its real estate subsidiary, Wemabod Ltd., and Aerofield Homes Ltd., was in a bid to addressing housing deficits.

According to him, the effort also showcases a commitment to providing quality residential spaces.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the estate, situated on approximately 11,000 square meters of land, will consist of 54 units featuring terrace, penthouse, maisonette apartments, and separate room boys quarters.

Ashiru said that the construction of the estate is funded by the six South-west states, being the shareholders of OICL, in partnership with OICL real estate subsidiary, Wemabod and Aerofield.

The chairman explained that in line with Odu’a Group’s strategic intent for r
eal estate, it brought on board Wemabod Ltd., with its 62 years of expertise to be instrumental in the development of the Aurora Westlink Estate and its other real estate projects.

He noted that the Odu’a group had been upgrading its business network and subsidiaries, particularly focusing on real estate assets to align with industry standards.

Ashiru hinted that the group plans to develop not less than 1,000 homes within the next two to three years across the country, with numerous partnerships.

‘We acknowledge the privilege of contributing to the growth and prosperity of our region and Nigeria, thanks to the legacy of the Odu’a Group.

‘We have embarked on upgrades and optimisation of our existing assets with the Cocoa House, Aje House, Western House, Unity House, Awolowo Glass House, Lagos Airport Hotel, among others, with many other developmental efforts in the future.

‘We invite you to invest in our real estate developments and explore opportunities across various sectors. Our commitment is to delive
r sustainable returns and manage risks effectively.

‘Despite challenges, we remain confident in our leadership and collaborative efforts,’ he said.

In his remark, Mr Adewale Raji, Group Managing Director, OICL, said the decision to construct Aurora Westlink Estate was driven by a thorough analysis of market dynamics and a clear vision for the future.

Raji noted that the potential benefits of the strategic decision were significant, as OICL anticipated improved efficiency, enhanced market positioning and accelerated growth in the real estate sector.

He assured Nigerians of OICL’s full commitment to supporting the success of the new project and beyond.

‘By aligning our real estate ventures with Wemabod Ltd., we are poised to unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and maximise value for our stakeholders.

‘With Wemabod’s proven track record and expertise in the industry, we are confident in our ability to capitalise on emerging trends and collaborations with strategic partners such as Aerofield Ho
mes and deliver exceptional value to our customers.

‘Looking ahead, our expectations for the future of the real estate sector under Wemabob’s leadership are high.

‘We envision a future where Aurora Westlink Estate stands as a testament to our collective vision and commitment to excellence,’ the managing director said.

According to him, OICL is ready to provide the necessary resources, expertise, and guidance to ensure the fruition of the project with collaboration and synergy within the group.

Also, Mr Yemi Ejidiran, Managing Director, Wemabod Ltd., said that the project had been meticulously planned to express the company’s knack for quality luxury product offering.

Ejidiran noted this was in a bid to continue the signature brand that Wemabod had become.

Describing the Odu’a group’s move as that of wisdom and foresight, Ejidiran said the project stood as a resounding testament to the group’s commitment to excellence and strategic foresight.

Commenting, Mr Armstrong Akintunde, Managing Director, Aerofi
eld Homes Ltd., said appreciated the board, management and shareholders of OICL for considering to partner with Aerofield on the laudable project.

Akintude stated that Aerofield team is highly professional, dedicated and committed to deliver the project as planned, noting that the large part of the job, which includes the design and construction of the foundation has already been done.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), says the International Oil Companies (IOCs) have proposed 26 oil blocks to be divested to indigenous companies with 8.211 million barrels of oil reserves.

The NUPRC said it had also engaged two leading global oil and gas decommissioning consultants to carry out due diligence on the proposed 26 oil blocks to be divested.

The Commission’s Chief Executive, NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe said this at the Industry Dialogue on IOCs Divestment of Oil and Gas Assets in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NUPRC organised the workshop to guide and consider due diligence and interrogation on compliance with the laws and processes that governed the proposed divestment of oil and gas assets.

Seplat is acquiring Mobil Oil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), Oando is acquiring Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Chappal Energies is acquiring Equinor, while Renaissance is acquiring Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

In his remarks
, he said the blocks had an estimated total reserve of 8.211million barrels of oil, 2,699 million barrels of condensate, 44,110 billion cubic feet of associated gas and 46,604 billion cubic feet of non-associated gas.

This, he said was a significant contribution to the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

‘Additionally, these blocks contain P3 reserves estimated at 5,557 million barrels of oil, 1,221 million barrels of condensate, 14,296 billion cubic feet of associated gas and 13,518 billion cubic feet of Non-Associated Gas.

‘It is worth noting that a substantial part of the P3 reserves is located in or near producing assets. This means that a competent successor can easily mature them to 2P reserves.

‘Additionally, the current average production from these blocks is 346,290 barrels per day (bpod) (NAOC-28,018 bopd, MPNU-159,378 bopd, EQUINOR-36,155 bopd and SPDC-122,739 bopd).

‘But the technical production potential is much higher – standing at 643,054 barrels (NAOC-147,481 bopd, MPNU-244,268 bopd, EQUINOR-
39,203 and SPDC-212,102 bopd).

‘These blocks have the potential to significantly boost our national production, which will benefit all stakeholders,’ he said.

He listed the names of the leading global oil and gas decommissioning consultants to include SandP Global Commodity Insights (SPGCI), and Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

Komolafe said that the consultants would also work with the Commission as independent consultants in defining all end-of-field life and abandonment legacy liabilities in compliance with divestment guidelines.

‘They will also manage the operational risk across the entire asset portfolio, create a workflow for estimating total onshore decommissioning CAPEX liabilities.

‘They will determine the host community’s obligations based on three per cent OPEX stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), benchmark best practices on asset sales, and provide case study reports that draw lessons based on best practices,’ he said.

He sald that the Commission’s regulatory goal was to ensure that
parties in the divestment process conform to the approved divestment guidelines.

Speaking on an overview of the divestments, Mr Enorense Amadasu, the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, NUPRC, listed the divestments framework, two options for divestments and objectives.

The Commission’s Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mrs Olayemi Anyanechi described Option A as a grant of ministerial consent to the divestments on the condition that entities would retain liabilities.

According to her, this is until the commission’s investigation is concluded and liabilities are allocated to the proper party.

‘The divesting companies will be required to issue an undertaking to retain the liabilities until confirmation of the release by the commission of all or part of the retained liabilities.

In Option B, she said ministerial consent would not be granted until the commission had identified or assigned all liabilities to the capable parties.

‘The divesting entities will be required to issue a waiver, waiving
their rights to deemed consent as provider in section 95 (7) (B) of the PIA,’ she said.

The Chairman, Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), Osagie Okunbor and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Chairman, Abdulrazaq Isa lauded NUPRC for being transparent and clear options proposed in the divestments process.

Representatives of other parties, including the Equinor, Seplat, Agip among others also lauded the commission on its efforts and clarity and promised to bring feedback to the commission.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

When travel content creator Pelumi Nubi embarked on her 68-day solo journey from London to Lagos a few months ago, little did anyone anticipate the beauty, excitement, and challenges that would unfold.

She embarked on a journey from London through France, Spain, and Morocco before venturing into the West Sahara Desert.

From there, she continued her expedition through Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin, and on the other end arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on April 7.

Pelumi made history as the first black woman to complete a solo drive from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, garnering accolades and recognition worldwide for her remarkable achievement.

Fans greeted her arrival with cheers, having closely followed her journey online.

In recognition of her extraordinary feat, the Lagos State government bestowed upon her a new car, a house, and an ambassadorship for state tourism.

While the journey progresse
d, the solo trip revealed the beauty, culture, and traditions of all the countries she visited.

However, a major highlight was the difficulty and delay in moving past the West African borders as a British-Nigerian citizen with the required travel documents.

Different passport checks, attitudes of border security officers, and seemingly deliberate delays, were shown on her social media page, Instagram, with millions of viewers.

According to Pelumi, she hopes to use her platform to create an awareness campaign for improving freedom of movement for people in the African region.

Pelumi is not alone in the narrative about the frustrating and agonising road-travelling experiences on the borders of member states by ECOWAS citizens.

Doris Brown, Deputy Secretary-General, Lions Club District 40382, comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Togo, who experienced the same, urged Customs and Immigration officers to treat ECOWAS citizens, who cross the sub-regional borders by road with dignity and respect.

Like Pelumi, she said that 29 of the club’s members, while traveling to Togo by road from Liberia through Ivory Coast, and Ghana for their district convention, were subjected to agonizing hours of delays due to relentless searches at checkpoints.

According to her, by the ECOWAS protocols, people should travel freely without taking a visa from member states, as ECOWAS Heads of State have signed the protocols, so people should not be treated ‘inhumanly as if we came from space.’

‘ECOWAS needs to have a second look at the relationship between its member states, especially with the ordinary citizen who embark on a journey by road.

‘Each member state needs to ensure security, but as ECOWAS citizens, they should be accorded some respect and dignity.

‘These were not part of the dreams of the founding fathers of ECOWAS for the ECOWAS citizens and Africa as a whole. If we cannot be respected at our borders and ensure free movement, what is the reason for having ECOWAS?’ Brown queried.

Critics say that in spite of
the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons and goods, challenges persist regarding the free movement of people and goods in the West African sub-region.

The free trade agreement, brokered by the African Union (AU) and signed in Kigali, Rwanda on March 21, 2018, aims to establish a single market for goods and services in Africa, promote the free movement of people, and drive economic growth and development across the continent.

With 54 signatories, the AfCFTA is the largest free trade area by member states after the World Trade Organisation, encompassing over 1.3 billion people and vast geographic regions.

It envisions provisions for visa-free travel, residency rights, and the absence of movement barriers, enhancing economic integration and regional cooperation.

While policymakers see labour movement as crucial to the success of the continental free trade agreement, not all African countries fully support the idea.

Additionally,
alongside the AfCFTA agreement and the Kigali Declaration, 30 African nations signed the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, aiming to establish a visa-free zone within AfCFTA countries.

The ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of goods and people promotes regional integration and economic progress among its member states.

The Protocol on Free Movement, Right to Residency, and Establishment, mandates member-states to allow ECOWAS citizens with valid documents the right of entry into their territories under the provisions of the protocols.

ECOWAS member states are also required to adopt measures to ensure that ECOWAS citizens enjoy to the full the rights granted in the Protocol.

Dr Matthew Ogali, a researcher from the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted one of the objectives of ECOWAS as promoting trade and commerce among member countries.

He identified various institutional and non-institutional barriers hindering the free movement of peopl
e and goods, such as excessive customs checks and entry restrictions.

According to him, after forty-nine years of existence, ECOWAS has primarily thrived in the informal trade sector, characterised by small-time entrepreneurs conducting business across borders with minimal adherence to established trade policies.

Ogali noted that this informal trade environment has also fostered criminal activities like smuggling and cross-border armed banditry, resulting in significant losses of goods and, at times, lives.

‘Despite its resilience over the past forty-nine years, ECOWAS has struggled to translate many of the documents produced by its intellectual community, often seen as scholarly discourse, into practical policy implementations.

‘This gap between academic insights and policymaking poses challenges for addressing the region’s problems effectively.

Prof. Charles Ukeje of the Department of International Relations, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, while commenting on Pelumi’s experience at the borde
rs of ECOWAS countries, said her challenges may have been unrelated to any deficiencies in the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of its citizens.

He said: ‘One would not know whether she was carrying a British passport or a Nigerian/ECOWAS passport during the trip, which would have guaranteed her free movement, or otherwise, within the subregion in line with the ECOWAS protocol.

‘Also, we need to know whether the passport she carried had expired or was invalid at the time she was traveling, which may have necessitated scrutiny by security officials at the borders.’

Corroborating Prof. Ukeje’s view, ECOWAS Director, Free Movement of Persons and Immigation, Albert Siaw-Boateng, said that the delay experienced by Pelumi at the points of entry or exit could not be attributed to any weaknesses in the implementation of the protocol.

He said that due to the prevailing security challenges in the region, triggered by terrorism and violent extremism, ECOWAS’ security architecture necessitated thorough checks on
travelers by security officials without impeding the free movement of community citizens within the region.

According to him, the protocol also gives room for National Laws to take precedence, hence, there are inconsistencies in the implementation of the protocol by individual member states.

‘It is also to be noted that even though all member states have signed up to the Free Movement Protocol, it gives room for National Laws to take precedence.

‘In this regard, there are inconsistencies in the implementation of the protocol by Member States.

‘So, any delay at the point of entry or exit cannot be attributed to weaknesses in the implementation of the protocol,’ he said.

Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, speaking on the Free Movement Protocol recently, noted that: ‘Free Trade moves with Free Movement of persons and goods.’

Touray said that ECOWAS had been implementing joint border posts, which brought together border officials of two neighboring countries to carry out joint operations, t
o ease cross-border crossing, which sometimes took cognizance of respective member states’ laws.

‘We have built a joint border between Nigeria and Benin at the Seme-Krake border, and between Togo and Ghana at the Noepe-Akanu border. These border posts are now operational.

‘There is another border post that has been made operational between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Ekok-Mfun area. This was financed by the African Development Bank,’ he said.

The creation of the ECOWAS protocol on the free movement of persons and goods on May 29, 1979, to facilitate a borderless ECOWAS, is a cardinal scheme of the bloc’s integration programme, aimed at moving from an ECOWAS of states to ECOWAS of people.

The Protocol adopts the removal of roadblocks and security checkpoints on intra-ECOWAS international highways, the introduction of a single ECOWAS passport, and a Schengen-type visa for the community’s citizens, among others.

Experts say this has fostered regional integration and development by boosting citizens’ mobilit
y, which has yielded multi-sectoral benefits and contributed to key developments in the ECOWAS subregion.

They emphasise that effective policy implementation and addressing institutional barriers will fully realise the benefits of regional integration in West Africa.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has assured journalists of protection of their rights and support in their mission to protect the environment as the World celebrates the Press Freedom Day (WPFD).

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday at a news conference to mark the event.

The conference with the theme, ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in Face of the Environment Crisis’ was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako and The UNESCO Country Representative, Mr Abdourahamane Diallo featured at the briefing.

Also present was the Special Assistant to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

‘This crisis poses a threat not only to our planet but to the very future of humanity.

‘Climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and others are harsh realities that
demand immediate and decisive action.

‘It is our conviction that Press freedom (PF) is not just a fundamental human right; it is also essential for environmental sustainability.

‘Without a free and independent press, we cannot hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face’, he said.

According to Idris, in the face of this crisis, newsmen were guardians of truth and champions of accountability.

‘They illuminate environmental injustices, expose wrongdoing, and amplify the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation.

‘The 2024 theme resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Bola Tinubu’s priority areas, which prioritise restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media.

‘We also acknowledge the challenges that journalists face in carrying out their vital work.

‘As environmental defenders, journalists often confront threats, harassment, and violence for their courageous efforts to expose the environment.

‘I wish t
o reassure you of our continued commitment to tirelessly promote the tenets of PF as well as supporting journalists in their mission to protect our planet,’ Idris said.

He urged stakeholders to redouble their efforts to build a future where journalism would thrive, PF upheld, and planet earth safeguarded for generations to come.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety and security.

He said that the federal government has provided the most unfettered access to journalists and the enabling environment that had continued to encourage the Nigeria media to grow in leaps and bounds in recent years.

In the same vein, Salako said environmental crises were so intense and gargantuan that they were at the core of most of the challenges faced by humanity.

‘Ignorance, lack of awareness and appropriate knowledge about the climate crisis is still rampant in our society.

‘I call upon you, our dear friends in the media for mor
e support in our drive for environmental advocacy and citizenship, so that all creatures on earth thrive in harmony with the planet.

‘The press and journalists constitute the framework for informing, educating, stimulating discussion, mobilising and setting the agenda for the public who are the employers of the government.

‘Therefore, we must remain persistent in our advocacy, awareness creation, sensitisation and educating the public,’ Salako said.

Onanuga on his part said it was regrettable that newsmen in the country did not focus enough energy on reporting the environment and urged them to start aggressive reports on the environment and climate change to save it.

Meanwhile, Diallo commended Idris, Salako, Onanuga and the Nigerian media, adding that the WPFD was a reminder for all governments and stakeholders to respect their commitments to press freedom.

‘It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of PF and professional ethics.

‘It is a day which celebrates the fundamental
principles of PF to evaluate it around the world to defend the media from attacks.

‘It is also a day to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of their profession,’ Diallo said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Commandant, National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, says terrorism is a global challenge that requires holistic and oneness of purpose.

Olotu said this at the International Cultural Fiesta of the College’s Course 32, on Saturday in Abuja.

NDC currently plays hosts to foreign participants, comprising senior military officers from 19 countries, undergoing their higher defence management and strategic studies in the college’s course 32.

Olotu said the participants had demonstrated high level unity in their activities which presupposed that they were ready to face challenges holistically, with oneness of spirit and purpose.

‘Here you cannot see any difference among the people and that is the same way that we should approach the fight against global terrorism.

‘This is because terrorism does not affect just one person or one people or one nation, it affects the entire globe.

‘Whatever is happening anywhere directly affects us here. Whatever is happening in Russia affects us here. Whate
ver is happening in Syria, generally affects us here.

‘Likewise, all the challenges that we have in Nigeria also affect, not just our immediate neighbours, but also our other strategic partners within and outside the continents.

‘For this reason, we are sending a strong message today that united we must stand and face our common challenges,’ he said.

The commandant urged the participants to use the occasion not just to wine and dine, but to build upon the bonds that they must have established across borders.

He said the event was a routine part of the NDC’s academic programme which culminates in the country briefs by the international participants, where the history and culture of their peoples were highlighted.

According to him, the briefs by the international participants also highlight government policies on the economy, security and development in their respective countries.

‘More so, the participants display the culture, artefacts, maps and culinary specialities of their countries during this event
.

‘This tradition is to foster and deepen the existing cordial relationship between Nigeria and all the countries here represented by our dear international participants.

‘This is in addition to the need to strengthen the bond, friendship and comradeship amongst participants,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria