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APWEN urges govt to address water challenges

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APWEN urges govt to address water challenges

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, has called on the government to address water challenges in the country to aid in building resilient cities.

In a statement to commemorate this year’s World Water Day,  the association underscored the pivotal role of water in fostering peace and stability within communities and nations.

The 2024 World Water Day had the theme “Water for Peace”.

It stated, “Water is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital element for fostering peace and harmony among nations and within societies. Access to clean water is indispensable for maintaining public health, ensuring food security, supporting economic development, and mitigating conflicts arising from water scarcity.

“As engineers, professionals, and advocates of SDG6, we recognise the urgent need to address the challenges facing water resources management, including pollution, scarcity, inequitable access, and climate change impacts. By promoting sustainable water practices, equitable distribution, and innovative technologies, we can contribute to building resilient communities and promoting peace and prosperity for all.”

The Chairman of APWEN, Lagos Chapter, Atinuke Wuraola, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to collaborative efforts with government agencies, especially the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, USAID, civil society organisations, academia, and the private sector, to advance water security, promote gender equality, and empower women and girls in water-related fields.

She declared, “We call upon governments at all levels to prioritise investments in water infrastructure, sanitation facilities, and watershed management initiatives. Furthermore, we urge policymakers to integrate water diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms into their agendas to prevent water-related disputes and foster cooperation among nations.

“As we celebrate World Water Day, let us reflect on the importance of water as a catalyst for peace and pledge our unwavering commitment to ensure equitable access to clean water for all. Together, let us harness the power of water to build a more peaceful and sustainable world for future generations.”

Unpaid Bills

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Unpaid Bills

The management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has debunked speculations that the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, had paid for electricity supply consumed by residents during the month of Ramadan, warning customers against disconnection.

Kaduna Electric, in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, said the governor only subsidised the amount to be paid for improved power supply during the fasting period with an undisclosed amount of money.

In a statement by Abdullahi, the Kebbi governor had invited the management of Kaduna Electric, led by the Managing Director, Umar Hashidu for a meeting to actualise the plan of delivering improved electricity supply to Kebbi State.

Despite the numerous challenges of poor generation, the Kaduna Electric said it resolved to work with the Kebbi State Government to improve power supply to the state by utilising the Service Based Tariff mechanism introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Authority.

 “After a joint analysis of the status of electricity supply for the feeders in Birnin Kebbi, an agreement was reached to improve electricity supply from the previous average of six hours daily to an average of 12 hours daily, with selected feeders grouped into three categories that are allocated 16 hours, 12 hours and eight hours on a daily basis.

 “It is pertinent to note that the improvement in electricity supply was supposed to lead to a tariff increase for the customers in Birnin Kebbi in accordance with the definite hours enjoyed. However, the Governor in his magnanimity agreed to partly pay for the differential as a subsidy and support for the Ramadan period,” the statement said.

The governor was also said to have settled all the outstanding debts owed Kaduna Electric for the electricity consumed by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the state, while committing to prompt settlement of the monthly bills of the state government going forward.

 “Based on the stated facts, we wish to debunk the insinuations making rounds that Kebbi State Government has paid Kaduna Electric for electricity supply in favour of individual customers during the holy month of Ramadan and therefore customers are not expected to pay for the electricity consumed during the period.

 “Our esteemed customers in Kebbi State are, therefore, expected to promptly pay for the power they have consumed monthly as has been the case. The bills for the month of February have been distributed, and customers are expected to pay in full to avoid disconnection,” the DisCo warned.

Oshoala assist not enough in Bay FC defeat

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Oshoala assist not enough in Bay FC defeat

Oshoala produced a sparkling individual display for Bay FC but the new National Women’s Soccer League side slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Washington Spirit in their second league game on Sunday, According Sports Extra reports.

The Super Falcons forward and her club had hoped to build on their historic display in their NWSL debut with another win, but they conceded a late goal as the home side snatched the win.

In the 11th minute of the game, Oshoala showed her playmaking prowess by delivering a sublime through ball to set up teammate Dorian Bailey for a close-range finish and give Bay FC a 1-0 lead.

That however lasted only 12 minutes as the home team responded through Croix Bethune who also struck late in stoppage time to win the game 2-1 for Washington Spirit.

Last week, the 29-year-old made history for Bay FC on their NWSL debut by scoring their first ever goal in the US women topflight.

It took Oshoala 17 minutes to write her name in the club’s history books, scoring the only goal of the game by expertly turning home a pass from Tess Boade.

Following their defeat on match-day two, Bay FC and Oshoala will hope to turn things around next week when they host Michelle Alozie’s Houston Dash in their first home game at the PayPal Park in San Jose, California on Sunday.

Abiodun Adewale

Abiodun, who reports Sports for According, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

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OPS threatens to sue banks over rejected applications

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OPS threatens to sue banks over rejected applications

Some businesses under the aegis of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria are considering taking legal action against some commercial banks for not honouring forex requests which have lingered over an extended period.

The OPSN also called for a comprehensive audit of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s forex backlog payments. This follows a recent claim by the apex bank that all valid forex backlogs have been cleared.

Members of the OPS, while speaking with The According, insisted that the claim by the apex bank that it had settled all forex backlogs was not entirely true.

Some of the member associations, speaking in separate interviews, faulted the process through which the CBN conducted the settlement of the backlogs. They argued that the process was not transparent, neither was it carried out in the interest of full disclosure.

The threat of litigation comes despite a recent stakeholder meeting comprising NACCIMA, MAN, the affected banks and customers which was convened by the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment at the Bank of Industry in Lagos on March 21, 2024.

The CBN, had on Wednesday announced that it has successfully cleared all valid foreign exchange backlogs, effectively eliminating a legacy burden.

The announcement was made by the bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs Sidi Ali, in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The CBN followed this month by reporting a significant increase in external reserves, rising by $993m to $34.11bn as of March 7, 2024, the highest level in eight months.

Notably, the CBN recently completed the payment of $1.5bn, resolving obligations to bank customers and thereby clearing the residual balance of the FX backlog.

The statement partly read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that all valid foreign exchange backlogs have now been settled, fulfilling a key pledge of the CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, to process an inherited backlog of $7bn in claims.

 “Clearance of the foreign exchange transactions backlog is part of the overall strategy detailed in last month’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting to stabilise the exchange rate and thereby curb imported inflation, spurring confidence in the banking system and the economy.

 “Cardoso used the MPC meeting and a subsequent conference call with foreign portfolio investors to set expectations for sustained increases in Nigeria’s foreign currency reserves and improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market.”

Cardoso, speaking at a recent meeting, had underscored the importance of clearing the FX backlog to restore credibility and confidence in the Nigerian economy.

The clearance of the foreign exchange transactions backlog aligns with the strategy outlined during last month’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting.

In January, the Central Bank of Nigeria said it released $500m to various sectors in its determination to address the backlog of verified foreign exchange transactions.

This came barely a week after the apex bank paid approximately $2bn to settle outstanding commitments across various sectors.

Reacting to the apex bank’s claim, the National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists, Segun Kuti-George said the claim by the CBN on clearing all valid forex backlog was not entirely correct.

According to him, many businesses still have funds trapped at the banks without any communication from the CBN regarding what constitutes a valid forex request and those deemed invalid.

Kuti-George further argued that the claim by the CBN that some of the forex requests were invalid was ‘propaganda’ and that some of the affected businesses are contemplating taking legal action against the banks in order to force the CBN’s intervention in the matter.

Kuti-George said, “Some of the requests have been cleared, but there are others that they are saying were illegal and did not meet their criteria, but the importers are not aware of the reason why the requests have been rejected. Their monies are still with the bank, and they are groaning.

 “The ones that they did not approve. Let us know why it was not approved. We don’t know, and our monies are still hanging. The deposits are still hanging. So, they are crying. In fact, some of them are saying that they are thinking of taking the banks to court, and the bank in return, will pull the CBN in.

 “What makes the requests invalid? Have they told the banks? So that they can get back to the owners? No. the banks themselves are unaware of what makes them invalid and the owners still have the funds with the banks, expecting them to pay foreign exchange. One of them told me he has over a N100m hanging.”

In the same vein, the National President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye called on the CBN and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to craft an urgent solution to the unmet forex requests by some members of the OPSN to avert what appears to be a looming legal action on the part of the affected businesses.

Oye stated that several NACCIMA member companies and other private sector operators have challenged the completeness of the forex clearance.

He also noted that many of NACCIMA’s members have reported that despite the CBN’s commitment to provide foreign exchange, their funds in Naira have been retained for extended periods, some for over a year.

He expressed regret that this had occurred without adequate communication from their respective banks or the CBN, leaving their business operations in a state of uncertainty.

Oye also recalled that in February, NACCIMA as part of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, sought the intervention of the Minister of Finance to address these issues, emphasising the need for transparency and expedited resolution.

He added that NACCIMA, alongside NASSI, NASME and other associations, raised these concerns with the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment during a courtesy visit that same month.

Oye said, “As part of the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment’s preparation for the National Assembly Summons, a stakeholder meeting Comprising of NACCIMA, MAN, affected banks and customers was convened by the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment at the Bank of Industry in Lagos on March 21, 2024.

 “At the meeting, it was gathered that there has been a lack of formal communication from the CBN regarding the rejection of foreign exchange bids. Furthermore, it was revealed that Deloitte, the consulting firm engaged by the CBN for verification purposes, had not directly engaged with the affected banks or their customers for clarification on any contentious transactions.”

According to Oye, the consensus from the meeting was that direct engagement with the CBN is essential. He recalled that the “Minister urged all parties to pursue dialogue and cautioned against actions like litigation that could hinder such discussions.”

Speaking further, Oye urged for a more comprehensive and transparent approach to resolving the remaining foreign exchange allocations.

This, he said, will not only support the integrity of banking processes but also bolster the confidence of the private sector in Nigeria’s financial institutions and the broader economic policies of the government.

He added, “NACCIMA appeals to the CBN to collaborate closely with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, as well as the banking sector and their clientele, to resolve all outstanding issues pertaining to legitimate letters of credit for which Naira has already been collected (for a considerable time) with a promise of fulfilment.

 “It is important to underscore that the continuity of government obligations transcends the tenure of individual officeholders; hence, legitimate transactions initiated under previous administrations must be honoured with the same level of commitment.

On his part, the president of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshioye said the forex requests by its members are yet to be cleared.

According to Meshioye, the lingering status of the forex requests by manufacturers, which remains unmet, had taken a negative toll on many businesses.

Meshioye said, “Surely not. They have not cleared it. We know there are a lot of issues surrounding forward contracts, especially forex that is due to be paid. The agreement is that the money (forex) should be paid at a future date, and the future date has passed.

 “They are in arrears. This is a concern to the manufacturers because it has a lot of effects, not only on the manufacturers but the country as a whole. In the first instance, you will lose your credibility.

 “Forget about the woes it is causing the economy, you will lose your credibility in the international trade arena. It affects Nigeria as a brand. It is not good to the economy. Based on the obligation the CBN has entered in the past, there is a lot of money (forex) that is hanging, and we expect them to honour it.”

FG asks applicants to submit NINs for trade grants

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FG asks applicants to submit NINs for trade grants

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has directed applicants of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme to submit their National Identification Numbers as part of the necessary requirements to obtain a grant earmarked to cushion the effect that recent economic reforms have had on businesses in the country.

The government through the Bank of Industry had said it would be disbursing three categories of funding totalling N200bn to support manufacturers and businesses across the country.

It said the new rule was based on the new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria directing Nigerians to link their National Identification Numbers with their bank accounts.

The trade minister, Doris Aniete issued the new directive in a post on her official X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

The post titled, “Update on the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme Application Process” explained that all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ with instructions to submit this information via a secure link adding that this step is essential for the continuation of the application process.

It added that only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

It read, “Dear Esteemed Applicants, The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment thanks all applicants for their interest in the Presidential Conditional Grant Programme and assures that applications are being thoroughly processed.

“Due to new regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria, it is now required for applicants to link their National Identification Numbers with their bank accounts. We currently do not have a record of the NINs of those who applied. Therefore all applicants will receive an SMS from ‘FGGRANTLOAN’ with instructions to submit this information via a secure link. This step is essential for the continuation of the application process.

“Only verified applicants will receive this notification, and NINs must match the applicant’s name for the process to proceed.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation, and we will keep you updated on your application’s progress. Thank you for your participation and contribution to national growth.”

This latest development marks another delay in disbursing the grant announced by President Bola Tinubu in a nationwide address in August 2023 for manufacturers and small businesses.

In the address, the president said he was determined to strengthen the manufacturing sector, increase its capacity to expand, and create good-paying jobs.

 “We are going to spend N75bn between July 2023 and March 2024. Our objective is to fund 75 enterprises with great potential to kick-start sustainable economic growth, accelerate structural transformation, and improve productivity.

 ‘’Each of the 75 manufacturing enterprises will be able to access N1bn credit at 9 per cent per annum with a maximum of 60 months repayment for long-term loans and 12 months for working capital,” Tinubu said.

But eight months later, the programme domiciled under the Trade Ministry and executed by the Bank of Industry is yet to reach a significant stage despite several promises by the minister.

In December last year, prospective beneficiaries who spoke to The According said they were in the dark about the reasons the funds had yet to be disbursed.

The President of the Association of Small Business Owners, Femi Egbesola, decried the slow pace data collation by the supervising agencies, alleging that genuine businesses were being deliberately discouraged from accessing the loans.

He said, “Well, I don’t know why it has not been disbursed. Immediately the announcement was made by the president at the national address about four months ago, we were all excited thinking succor had come somehow, somewhere. We were extremely hopeful but at the moment we have been disenfranchised because we have waited and there is no hope.

 “We expected that even if the money has not been disbursed, communication should have been made to stakeholders, letting us know reasons why it hasn’t been disbursed, the current state and progress made, and the expected date to commence.”

Man in custody for allegedly stabbing friend to death

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Man in custody for allegedly stabbing friend to death

A man identified as Idris Shehu is currently in police custody for allegedly killing his friend, Dogo Alhaji, during an argument in the Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

According Metro gathered that the incident occurred on February 6.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

He added that following an altercation, the suspect stabbed the deceased with a machete and dropped the body into the river.

Macdon noted that, following an investigation, the suspect confessed to committing the crime.

He said, “On February 6, 2024, Operatives of Itu Division arrested one Idris Shehu ‘M’ of Katsina State but residing at Itu L.G.A. for killing one Dogo Alhaji ‘M’ of Itu Head Bridge, Itu L.G.A.

“On February 2, 2024, at about 20:00 hours, following a previous altercation that ensued between the deceased and the suspect, the suspect threw the corpse of the deceased and the machete that he used to stab the deceased into the river at Itu Head Bridge.

“The suspect confessed to the crime.

“The above suspect and others will have their day in court. Let me assure residents of Akwa Ibom State that the police are committed to providing effective security in the state in line with international best practices.”

According Metro had reported that a man identified as Okon Edet is now in custody for allegedly mutilating his father, Edet Oyoho, to death over a parcel of land in the Uruting Village, Okobo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

According Metro learnt that the incident occurred on March 13, 2024.

FG plans joint cable protection, disruption lingers in six countries

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FG plans joint cable protection, disruption lingers in six countries

The Federal Government has issued a call for a unified effort among West African nations to protect shared telecommunications infrastructure, following a recent internet outage that affected the region.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC Aminu Maida, made this call during the 21st West Africa Telecommunications Regulatory Assembly Annual General Meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, weekend.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday evening by the Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

A major internet disruption on March 14th impacted West and Central Africa, leading to failures in multiple subsea cables and causing widespread disruption to online services, including banking operations.

The EVC’s message was delivered at the WATRA AGM by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Nnenna Ukoha.

He stated that the recent submarine cable cuts that resulted in nationwide outages on multiple networks in 12 African countries have raised the urgent need for the subregion to establish a mechanism to protect itself from damage to submarine infrastructure and its attendant impact on the subregion.

Maida referred to a report by Cloudflare, an IT service management firm, which indicates that about six countries, including four West African countries, were still suffering from the outages caused by the submarine cable cuts.

“Securing telecom infrastructure is paramount for fostering foreign direct investment and enhancing investor confidence in the West African sub-region. The reliability and resilience of telecommunications networks are crucial factors that investors consider when evaluating regional opportunities.

“By ensuring the security of these vital assets, we can attract more investment, spur economic growth, and enhance our competitiveness on the global stage.

“A secure telecoms infrastructure not only facilitates efficient communication and connectivity but also signals a commitment to safeguarding critical assets essential for business operations. This assurance can significantly boost investor confidence and create a conducive environment for sustainable economic development,” he said.

According to him, “the impact of events like cable cuts highlights the need for a coordinated, multilateral approach to protecting shared infrastructure across our member nations.”

Maida therefore proposed “the urgent need to set up a framework for joint monitoring, risk mitigation, and emergency response procedures for the submarine cables that pass through the sub-region.

  • Continued on www.punchng.com

“Further to this, we recommend that the WATRA Working Group on Infrastructure expand its mandate to spearhead the development of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the subregion’s telecommunications networks and associated infrastructure thereby proactively bolstering resilience through improved disaster response protocols to better insulate ourselves from future disruptions.”

He advised that the goals of the working group would be to strengthen sub-regional infrastructure resilience, promote the diversification of the sub-region connectivity, conduct regular capacity assessments, as well as facilitate the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure in member countries.

The West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly was established in 2002 as a common platform for national telecommunication regulatory authorities in 16 member states to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure to deliver more affordable, accessible, faster, and secure communication services to citizens.

At the 21st WATRA Annual General Meeting, issues about accessible and affordable telecommunication services in the sub-region were discussed, including improved consumer protection, quality of service, roaming, and conflict resolution for consumers.

A major highlight of the AGM was the reelection of Nigeria’s Engr. Yusuf Aboki, as Executive Secretary, for a second term in a unanimous vote by the member countries.

The EVC of NCC commended Engr. Aboki for his firm, inclusive, and visionary leadership, which saw the successful delivery of WATRA’s 2022 — 2025 Strategic Plan, noting that Nigeria and indeed the sub-region was proud of the milestones he has achieved during his first tenure.

He further advised the WATRA Executive Secretary to build on the achievements of his first tenure, through stronger partnerships and deeper collaboration while advancing the interests of the sub-regional body.

Last week, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced plans to spearhead a global collaboration aimed at enhancing the protection of undersea cables.

Tijani said there was a need to review international laws and foster partnerships with regional and global bodies to accelerate efforts to safeguard the vital infrastructure.

According to him, the initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the resilience and reliability of undersea cables, crucial lifelines in today’s interconnected world.

Olakulehin’s enthronement process begins Tuesday

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Olakulehin’s enthronement process begins Tuesday

The Olubadan Advisory Council will on Tuesday meet to commence the enthronement process of a new monarch for the Ibadan land.

The revered throne became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun, who died aged 81 after ruling the ancient city for two years.

The meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council, in accordance with tradition, is billed to hold at the residence of the most Senior High Chief, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, former Oyo State governor, at his Bodija residence.

According to a source, the Olubadan Advisory Council will at the meeting nominate the successor to the late monarch, High Chief Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The traditional practice of nomination of a new Olubadan by the Advisory Council, according to the source, is usually done after the eighth-day Islamic prayers for the late monarch, which was held on Friday, March 22, 2024.

The source disclosed that soon after the nomination, a document of affirmation of Olakulehin’s nomination would be sent to  Governor Seyi Makinde, through the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Two lines have historically, on a rotational basis, been producing the occupants of the Olubadan stool. They are the Otun Line (Civil Line) and the Balogun Line (Military Line).

The According reported that the immediate-past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after two years on the throne, was produced by the Otun Line.

E-hailing drivers threaten protest over Lagos, Uber dispute

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E-hailing drivers threaten protest over Lagos, Uber dispute

E-hailing drivers in Lagos State have threatened to stage a protest over the impasse of the data-sharing agreement between the state government and Uber Technologies System Nigeria Limited.

According Metro learnt that the state government had warned the ride-sharing company to comply with the agreement bordering on the integration of the application programme interface, otherwise known as API, to enable “real-time data sharing for government monitoring and accountability during active trips.”

However, Uber reportedly claimed that it had been sharing its data with the government through a secure and automated platform but was unclear about the requirements for real-time data sharing.

While expressing their frustration, the drivers under the auspices of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria lamented that the state’s Ministry of Transportation’s enforcement team had started impounding the vehicles of its members operating on the Uber app.

The spokesperson for the union, Jossy Adaraniwon, while speaking with our correspondent on Sunday, said members of the MOT enforcement team make bait requests on the app and seize the vehicle once the drivers arrive.

He said the union had issued an ultimatum that would lapse on Monday, adding that a protest would follow this should the government fail to end the seizure of its members’ vehicles.

He said, “What the government is saying is that it is Uber that committed the offence and according to them, because they cannot get to them because the company does not have an office and you’re collecting tax from them and operating license and for any company to operate, you must hear their address and that became a surprise to us.

“How can a government say Uber doesn’t have an office it couldn’t trace the company to? And because of that, they started to impound the vehicles of our drivers.

“We told them what they should have done was to write to us on this matter so that we can inform our members on what to do and at the same time.

“We have told them to stop this immediately because it is a barbaric act. It is not the way to implement a law.

“We have told them that if this persists till Monday, March 25, we will mobilise our members to protest at the governor’s office.

“We have asked them to stop with immediate effect from impounding our members’ cars, but what the MOT is saying is that the directive is from the Lagos State government itself that we should approach the governor.”

Adaraniwon further stated that the action was not giving the government a good image.

He called on the state governor to intervene by calling the transport ministry to order.

“We are calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in this matter by calling on the Ministry of Transportation to put this to a halt. It is not giving his government a good image. The government that is supposed to protect the rights of workers is now going after the workers in a bid to get on Uber. They should stop harassing our members unjustifiably.”

Speaking with our correspondent, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, suggested that the drivers should rather picket the app company instead of protesting against the government.

He said, “Instead of protesting against the regulatory authorities, I think what they should do is to protest against Uber.

“We should all consider what they are doing and see whether they want to jeopardise the safety of Lagosians or visitors.

“I sympathise with drivers whose vehicles have been seized, that should not have happened.

“What is Uber hiding? If the state government gives a directive, everybody must follow. The government is doing this in the interest of Lagosians, in the interest of visitors as well as safety and security.”

Edo mineral deposits can sustain 20 mega plants, says commissioner

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Edo mineral deposits can sustain 20 mega plants, says commissioner

The Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Enaholo Ojiefoh, has stated that the state has enough solid mineral deposits to sustain more than 20 mega plants.

Speaking during a joint live chat with his counterpart in the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, he noted that the state had enormous deposits of limestone, dolomite, gold, kaolin, feldspar, clay, gemstone, and quartz.

According to Ojiefoh, the state is determined to exploit the minerals.

He stated, “BUA has been mining in a particular spot for over 10 years. Freedom Group has been mining on their site for over 30 years. They are over 50 years old.

“The hills you see when going through Okpella are all minerals. The same applies to Akoko Edo. There is a huge deposit of dolomite, limestone, and many others across the state.”.

The commissioner noted that the state government was looking at expanding the number of ceramics companies in the state to increase productivity and create more jobs.

Ojiefoh added that the move would boost the state’s revenue and allow for skill development as the companies would have to train more people to fill vacancies.

“We are ready for investment in Edo. We do not just want to identify the minerals; we want to use them to drive industrialisation and that is the mandate we have from the governor,” he asserted.

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