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FG moves to review mining license rates

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FG moves to review mining license rates

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has announced plans to review rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees payable by mining operators in the country.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry on Thursday in Abuja, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stressed that the review has become inevitable if government is to effectively fulfil its obligations of providing an enabling environment for mining operations whilst also raising more revenue for government.

He added that the plan would also boost the capacity of government to effectively reposition the mining sector and solicited the support of stakeholders for the impending increase in fees for mining licenses and other sundry fees.

Highlighting efforts to reposition the mining industry, the Minister revealed that asides from on-going reforms, the administration is sanitising the mining environment through the newly unveiled mining marshals, which he affirmed has been conducting operations in parts of the country to protect legitimate miners and combat illegal mining.

The minister in a statement signed by his special assistant on media, Segun Tomori said, “For us to continue to ensure that we secure the mining environment and keep putting in place measures that will ease the operational difficulties and challenges that confront miners, we need to review the rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees.

“We felt that we can’t just do this without letting you know because invariably, you are the players in the industry.”

Concerning the recent revocation of dormant mining licenses, the Minister noted that the government followed due process and extant laws guiding the action, emphasising that a 30-day restitution window still exists for operators that were affected.

It will be recalled that the Minister announced a restitution fee of N10m, 7.5m, 5m and 2.5m for Mining Leases, Small Scale Mining Licenses, Exploration License and Quarrying License respectively for revoked dormant licenses including those earlier revoked for default in payment of annual service fees.

In his submission, the Director-General of the Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, who also chair the fees review committee, stated that the committee recommended new rates that are affordable and will enhance the competitiveness of the fiscal regime of the mining sector in comparison with regional and global standards.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke commended the Minister for his efforts to put the mining sector on global frontburner, expressing support for ongoing reforms and plans to review fees payable by operators.

He urged the minister to consider challenges faced by miners and ensure the rates are affordable.

Other stakeholders in attendance include Representatives of Women In Mining, Gemstone Miners Association and top officials of the ministry.

48m Nigerians involved in open defecation despite 2025 deadline, FG laments

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48m Nigerians involved in open defecation despite 2025 deadline, FG laments

The Federal Government on Thursday said about 48 million Nigerians still engage in open defecation despite just a year left to the deadline to end the practice.

The Minister of State for Environment, Ishaq Salako who stated this at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committees on Environment, Water Resources, Works, Ecological Funds and Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, noted that the number represents 23 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

Apart from this worrisome development, the Minister also stated that over 159 million Nigerians lack access to washing hands facilities, adding that the FG needs to build one million public toilets across the country’s six geo-political zones.

He called for the commemoration of the National Environmental Sanitation Day on June 28 every year to create adequate awareness of the significance of personal and environmental hygiene among Nigerians.

He said, “According to the road map, 43, 000 toilets are required across the country. But currently, the reality is that 48 million people are practicing open defecation nationwide thereby requiring a minimum of one million toilets across the country. As of today, 5,004 toilets have been constructed across the country in public places.

“When the President signed the order, it came with an approval of N63.6 billion to be spread over the six years when the programme to end open defecation would last but to date, what has been received is not up to an annual allocation.”

As part of efforts to address the problem, the Minister called for the mobilisation of sanitary health inspectors.

He also advised that the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency be mobilised to carry out its role as provided in the law.

“I want to assure you that NESREA is the police of the environment and without the police, you cannot enforce. Without enforcing them, the laws are toothless. We need more empowerment for the police of the environment which is NESREA.

“I believe strongly that if we can do that, we can enforce to ensure that the state, local governments and average Nigerians fully comply with the laws and policies of the Federal Government guiding defecation,” he said.

According to him, the Ministry of Environment has a project for implementation in 2024 that will deal with the situation through a mechanism for reportable environmental incidents using digital platforms.

The Chief Sanitary Inspector, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Yakubu Baba, called for the establishment of a National Environmental Sanitation Development Agency that would coordinate sanitation at the national level, also as a part of measures to address the menace of open defecation.

In his address, the Speaker of the House, Abbas, Tajudeen, who was represented by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, said the growing incidence of open defecation in Nigeria is placing grave risks to the health of millions of Nigerians.

Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Pondi Gbabojor, called on governments at all levels to take urgent actions to address the scourge of open defecation.

Rivers lawmaker freed after 14 days incarceration

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Rivers lawmaker freed after 14 days incarceration

Two weeks after his arrest, the member representing Ahoada West Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, has regained his freedom.

Recall that Sokari was arrested by policemen outside the venue of the Peoples Democratic Party National Executive Committee meeting in Abuja on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The lawmaker was arrested alongside another PDP chieftain, Ezebunwo Itcemati, both loyal to the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

In a viral video seen by our correspondent, a lady alleged that policemen in the company of the Rivers council chairman swooped on the two PDP chieftains and whisked them away to an unknown destination.

Our correspondent gathered that while Itchemati was freed a few days after, Sokari was held back in police custody.

The Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed Hon. Goodboy’s release to our correspondent on the telephone on Thursday afternoon.

Omatsogunwa said the action of the police was an aberration, saying such manner of arrest cannot stand in civilized countries across the world.

He stated, “Yes Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari has been released. He was released today by the police in Abuja. According to the Bible, sorrow endures for the need, but joy comes in the morning. I want to say that we can improve on whatever we do in policing in this country.”

Omatsogunwa explained that in modern societies the police will conclude their investigation before effecting an arrest.

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IPOB declares May 30 sit-at-home in South-East to honour Biafran soldiers

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IPOB declares May 30 sit-at-home in South-East to honour Biafran soldiers

The Indigenous People of Biafra has declared May 30, 2024, as a sit-at-home day across the South-East to celebrate Biafran soldiers.

The pro-Biafran group said that day is set aside annually to celebrate the men and women who died in the Biafran war between 1967 and 1970 and beyond and even until now.

This was made known in a press statement by the group’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, adding that every Biafran in the South-East is expected to sit at home and reflect on the war.

Powerful cautioned South-East residents to avoid loitering about on this day, adding that those who intend to travel to and fro Biafra land must do so before the evening of May 29.

The statement read, “We the global family of IPOB declare Thursday, May 30, 2024, a sit-at-home day in Biafra land for all Biafrans, friends of Biafra, lovers of freedom, and all residents in Biafra Land.

“Annually, we celebrate May 30 as our heroes and heroines day when we remember the men and women who died that we may live, before, during, and after the war against Biafrans between 1967 and 1970 and beyond and even until now.

“To honour our heroes and heroines. Biafrans are asked to observe this one-day sit-at-home in reverence to the spirits of our departed heroes who fought for us to be alive today. Every Biafran in Biafra territory is expected to sit at home on this day and reflect on the danger of the forced unity called Nigeria that has taken millions of lives of Biafrans.

“Other Biafrans outside Biafra territory are also encouraged to honour our heroes by observing the sit-at-home if possible or by limiting their activities on this day.”

According to the group, all schools, government offices, private offices, banks, transport unions, market unions and private individuals should shut down all operations in honour of our it’s heroes and heroines.

They added that exceptions to these directives are institutions and individuals on special duties such as nurses, doctors, ambulance services, hospitals, and medical workers who are allowed to operate on that day.

“We call on Christians and traditional worshipers to use this day to pray to Chukwu Okike Abiama for the fallen heroes and also pray for Biafra Independence from this murderous contraption called Nigeria.

“Heroes Remembrance Day is a call to duty for Biafrans to remember and honour our fallen heroes who were brutally murdered between 1967 to 1970 during the genocidal war against Ndigbo before and beyond. Biafrans living in the Northern and Western parts of the zoo called, Nigeria will join and stay indoors for this commemoration and remembrance of our heroes and heroines who died so that we may live.

“At this special event, IPOB members must light candles in remembrance of our fallen heroes. Heroes like our eternal leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Retired General Phillip Efiong, Col. Achuzie (Air Raid), Frank Opigo, Okonkon Dem, Sam Mbakwe, Akanu Ibiam, and many others who contributed immensely to the survival of Biafrans from the extermination war led by Nigeria military.

IPOB in the statement directed that all the residents of “Biafra Land” are to stay indoors from 6 am to 6 pm on May 30, 2024.

“IPOB and ESN will not enforce the sit-at-home but Biafrans must not endanger their lives. For your safety, please sit at home on Thursday, May 30, 2024, and honour Biafran heroes and heroines. Do not endanger your lives,” the statement added.

NGF assures NLC, TUC, others of improved, sustainable minimum wage

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NGF assures NLC, TUC, others of improved, sustainable minimum wage

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, on Thursday, assured the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and the workers of an improved and sustainable minimum wage.

In January, President Bola Tinubu constituted a tripartite committee comprising government, labour, and private sector representatives to assess the N30,000 minimum wage implemented during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

Recently, the two primary labour organisations, the NLC and the TUC presented a proposal of N615,000 minimum wage to the committee.

Despite May Day celebrations on Wednesday, the government refrained from announcing a new minimum wage, citing its reluctance to accept labour’s proposal.

The NGF, in a communique issued after its virtual meeting on Wednesday, signed by its Chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and made available to journalists on Thursday, stated that the 37-member tripartite committee tasked with reviewing the National Minimum Wage is still in consultations and has not completed its work.

The governors’ forum stated that it is assessing each state government’s fiscal capacity and the potential effects of different proposals to determine an enhanced minimum wage that can be feasibly sustained by the states.

The communique read in part, “The Forum celebrates with workers across the country for their dedication to service and patience, as we work with the Federal Government, labour, organised private sector and relevant stakeholders in arriving at an implementable national minimum wage.

“While we acknowledge various initiatives adopted recently by way of wage awards and partial wage adjustments, it is imperative to state that the 37-member tripartite committee inaugurated on the National Minimum Wage, is still in consultation and yet to conclude its work.

“As members of the committee, we are reviewing our individual fiscal space as state governments and the consequential impact of various recommendations, to arrive at an improved minimum wage we can pay sustainably. We remain committed to the process and promise that better wages will be the invariable outcome of ongoing negotiations.”

As stated in the communique, the governors also commended the outgoing Country Director of the World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, and welcomed the incoming Country Director, Ndiame Diop.

It was revealed that Chaudhuri appreciated the Forum for the strategic role it continues to play in coordinating collective action for developmental change.

The NGF’s communique stated, “He applauded the non-partisan character of the forum, the professionalism of its Secretariat, and state governments’ commitment to mutual accountability mechanisms such as performance-based financing interventions by the Bank. Members expressed confidence in the choice of Mr. Diop, to lead the collaboration going forward and look forward to a sustained and deepened relationship.

“The Forum discussed the revised National Policy on Justice (2024 -2028) from the just concluded National Summit on Justice on 24th & 25th April 2024. Members agreed to consider the submissions from the summit as may concern their individual States, including recommended legal amendments, administrative improvements, and policies to strengthen the justice sector.

“Also, the forum committed to looking into issues bordering on the remuneration of state judicial officers and the infrastructure of the Courts.

“The forum received a presentation from the National Human Capital Development (HCD) Program – Core Working Group Secretariat, led by Ms. Rukaiya El-Rufai and Dr. Ahmad Abdulwahab. Both highlighted the marginal progress made by States and its contribution to Nigeria’s Human Development Index (HDI), especially across health, nutrition, education, and labour force participation.

“Having reviewed the previous program design and national strategy, a revised governance and implementation roadmap was proposed to scale up impact and ensure sustainability. Members pledged to support the effective domestication of proposed revisions to the national HCD strategy.”

The Forum further expressed condolences to the Governors of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, following the petrol tanker explosion and gas explosion incidents on April 26th and 27th, 2024, respectively.

Betting dispute cause of Lagos market clash

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Betting dispute cause of Lagos market clash

The clash that erupted at the Oke Odo Market in Lagos State was triggered by the alleged refusal of a betting agent to pay out winnings to a gambler.

According Online gathered that a fight started in the market situated in the area on Wednesday night and continued till Thursday morning.

The hoodlums residing in the shanties beside the market were said to have wielded weapons during the clash with the traders.

Some shops were also set on fire, while goods belonging to traders were destroyed in the process.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene of the incident, gathered that an early intervention by the police was resisted by the hoodlums.

A fire service truck that also drove into the market was forced to turn back after being pelted with stones.

An eyewitness, Kudirat Balogun, said a trader in the market staked a bet and was not given a part payment after winning the bet.

Balogun added that this infuriated the gambler, who mobilised his colleagues to the betting shop, thereby leading to a free-for-all.

Balogun said, “They are used to playing bets, and the one they played yesterday caused an argument. One of them said he was not paid the full amount of the game he won.

“So he went ahead to mobilise his colleagues, and that was how a fight broke out yesterday. They also started to destroy people’s shops in the process.”

Another trader who gave his name as Taofiq said the fight lasted through the night.

He said, “The hoodlums, in retaliation, waited till evening and started to set some parts of the fire on the market. That was how the two factions started to destroy each other’s goods.”

It was gathered that the goods destroyed were worth millions of naira.

Some of the hoodlums were also said to have looted shops belonging to some traders during the crisis.

The traders whose shops were affected were seen counting their losses.

One of the affected traders said her goods were not spared in the clash, “I sell tomatoes, onions, and other condiments. When I heard what happened this morning, I quickly rushed down only to discover that my goods had been affected.”

Another trader was also seen lamenting over newly bought bags of corn that were destroyed during the clash.

Another eyewitness who preferred anonymity for personal reasons said the traders called the attention of the authorities to the activities of the hoodlum, but nothing was done.

“We saw this coming, and we called the attention of the authorities to it, but nothing was done. The hoodlums, especially the ones occupying the shanties, have always caused trouble and have also been a threat to the traders. I think the police will do the needful now that this has happened.”

The state police command, however, assured all that normalcy had been restored in the area.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement obtained by our correspondent, said over 50 suspects had so far been arrested while the shanties they occupied have been destroyed, effectively dislodging them.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the prompt prosecution of the arrested hoodlums and has equally warned that the Command would decisively deal with anyone found breaching the peace, in accordance with the law.

“Meanwhile, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Area Commander Alagbado and other Divisional Police Officers under the Area Command are currently on the ground to forestall further breakdown of law and order,” the statement added.

Lagos police identify officer who shot man dead during fuel queue tumult

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Lagos police identify officer who shot man dead during fuel queue tumult

The Lagos State Police Command said it has identified the police officer who shot a young man, Toheeb Eniafe, at a petrol station on Wednesday.

This was made known in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin on Thursday.

He said, “The person behind the shooting has been identified as a police officer serving at Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 17, Lion Building, Lagos.

“Investigation is still ongoing and further findings will be made available.

“Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command is working with the family of the deceased to ensure that there is no miscarriage of justice.”

According Online reported earlier that Eniafe was shot on Wednesday at a petrol station belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited at Obalende in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

He was reported to have been shot dead while he and some others were resisting the move by some security agents to buy fuel without joining the queue.

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FCTA disburses N6.31bn March allocation to area councils, stakeholders

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FCTA disburses N6.31bn March allocation to area councils, stakeholders

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has disbursed the sum of N6,316,621,045.37 billion among the six area councils in the FCT and other stakeholders, as statutory allocation for March 2024.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

The amount represents a 40 per cent increase from the previous allocation of N3,938,092,102.92 billion in February 2024.

Dr Mahmoud, who presided over the 188th Joint Accounts Allocation Committee meeting on Thursday, expressed satisfaction over the increase in allocation and urged the Area Council authorities to justify the monies paid by embarking on meaningful projects.

“The allocation to the area councils as it stands today, goes beyond payments of staff salaries. It is, therefore, high time for the chairmen to embark on people-oriented projects, to justify the resources that go to the councils,” she said.

According to the statement, a breakdown of the figures showed that “the sum of N3,814,043,951.50 billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N2,502,577,093.87 billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N6,316,621,045.37billion.”

A further breakdown showed that the Abuja Municipal Area Council was to receive N796,985,326.39 million, Gwagwalada N606,666,131.20 million and Kuje Area Council would receive N635,903,823.41 million.

Other area councils include the Bwari Area Council, which received N598,406,880.71 million, Abaji Area Council got N564,901,838.77 million, and Kwali received N611,179,951.02 million, bringing the total sum to N3,814,043,951.50 billion disbursed to the six area councils.

On the other hand, distribution to other critical stakeholders includes Primary School Teachers which gulped N2,115,855,089.92 billion, 15 per cent of Pension Funds took N226,478,989.57 million, one per cent of Training Funds gulped N52,394,108.75 million, while 10 per cent of Employer Pension Contribution gulped N107,849,405.63 million, bringing the total sum to N2,502,577,093.87 billion.

Among those present at the 188th JAAC meeting was the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy to FCT Minister of State, Dr Abdullahi Isa Kauramata; Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Hon. Bitrus Garki; Permanent Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat, Dr Olusa Olusegun; Ag. Director of Funds, Mr. Muhammed Aris; the Commissioner, FCT Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission, Hon. Ismail Ajaka; and the representative of the Accountant General’s Office, Mr. Muhmud Nasiri.

Military strikes kill 715 terrorists, 465 hostages rescued in April

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Military strikes kill 715 terrorists, 465 hostages rescued in April

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reported that coordinated ground and air operations resulted in the neutralisation of over 715 terrorists, along with the arrest of 146 individuals and the rescue of 465 kidnapped hostages in April 2024.

The Director of Defence Media Operation, Major General Edward Buba, revealed these figures during a biweekly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday on troop activities across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Buba emphasized the non-negotiable defeat of terrorist groups to prevent further harm to citizens.

Operations in April included ambushes, raids, and fighting patrols, with aerial assets identifying and targeting terrorist leaders and their bases.

“The synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces during the period under review resulted in over 715 terrorists neutralized.”

“During the process, troops arrested 146 persons and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 assorted ammunitions, and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over #2 billion (N2,572,397,190.00) only,” he said.

Notable engagements included the elimination of terrorist commanders.

“On 13 April 2024, during the airstrikes, three senior terrorist commanders (Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari) were neutralized at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.

“Additionally, on 15 April 2024, the enclave of terrorist commander Babaru in Kankara LGA of Katsina State was destroyed. While, on 19 April 2024, the terrorist hideout belonging to a senior terrorist commander Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was decimated.

“Similarly, on 20 April 2024, a gathering of senior terrorist commanders Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was disrupted by airstrikes. Battle Damage Assessment of all these strikes revealed that several terrorist combatants and their commanders were neutralized,” he added.

In the North-Eastern region, the military spokesperson reported that Operation Hadin Kai troops conducted missions in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tumbus around Lake Chad, resulting in the elimination of 248 terrorists, the arrest of 422, and the rescue of 163 kidnapped hostages.

Additionally, 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered. Recovered items include 208 AK47 rifles, 34 fabricated guns, 45 Dane guns, and various ammunition.

In the North-Central area, Operation Safe Haven operations neutralized 32 terrorists, arrested 148, and rescued 35 kidnap victims, seizing weapons and ammunition.

Operation Whirl Stroke targeted criminal strongholds, neutralizing 60 terrorists, arresting 99, and rescuing 57 hostages, while also recovering arms and ammunition.

In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji continued efforts against terrorists, neutralizing 297, apprehending 141, and rescuing 143 hostages, with significant weapon and ammunition recoveries.

Operation Whirl Punch targeted terrorists, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe operations targeted violent extremists, crude oil theft, and illegal refining, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, and significant recoveries.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA operations targeted terrorists, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.

Benue to demolish 800 houses

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Benue to demolish 800 houses

No fewer than 800 houses built on waterways have been earmarked for demolition in Benue State.

This is to avert flooding as the rainy season sets in.

The General Manager of the State Urban Development Board, Mede Ternongo, disclosed this to journalists in Makurdi, the state capital, on Thursday.

The board, on Wednesday, started demolition of over 40 illegal structures defacing major roads and streets within Makurdi, the state capital.

He said the exercise was part of the state government’s determination to revitalise the state capital, adding that the board was given the mandate to bring the city back to what it should be.

He stated that in the first phase of the exercise, they have been able to remove over 40 shanties developed around town and open roads that were blocked by developers.

Ternongo said that the exercise would continue in places where developers are blocking access roads and would cover the entire Makurdi city.

He said, “We intend to open the roads, and major access routes in the city. We just started with the Southbank area of Makurdi, and very soon, we will move to the North Bank area of Makurdi.

“If you go to the North Bank area around the Catholic church, you will see containers lying on the fence, and it has reduced the roadside and defaced the environment.

“Enough notice was served on the affected people because we don’t want to remove or demolish any property without giving notification.”

He added that the governor has provided the necessary logistics to be able to carry out the exercise.

“The governor has promised to give us bulldozers, payloaders and operational vehicles to ease our jobs.

“I have discussed with the governor the need to build a GSM village for the mobile phone dealers and I believe that after this exercise, I will go back to the governor and see how we can commence the building of the village. We have identified the spot, and I have told him, and he accepted.

“We have about 800 houses built on waterways that have been earmarked for demolition,” he said.

He advised developers to always seek approval from the board before building.

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