Television Nigerian

A village near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is to be demolished, per an order from Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Wike gave the Director of the Department of Development Control instructions to make sure the presidential fleet plot takes precedence over the Nuwalege community.

The Nigerian Air Force, which plans to use the region for the Presidential Fleet Project, requested that he issue this order.

During a Tuesday community and citizen interaction, Wike spoke through Director Mukhtar Galadima.

This village is part of the presidential fleet plots, thus the Nigerian Air Force authority wrote to the honourable minister about their demands and wish to have it removed about a month ago.

As a result, the minister wisely asked that the FCT administration take care of it as it is their obligation.

The Department of Development Control was approached by the Nigerian Air Force over their requests, he stated.

At Lagos Road Stead, the motor tanker UOG Constantine had 14 stowaways on board, according to the Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft.

This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday that was signed by Sub-Lieutenant H. A. Collins, the base information officer at NNS Beecroft, and Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the commander of the maritime component of Operation Awatse.

Osas Nusakare, Victor Egoma, Stephen Mmuta, Ibrahim Hassan, Ebuka Onura, Okonkwo Gift, and Okechi Chika are among the suspects.

The others are Oluwatosin Sunday, Godspower Moses, Ayefuwe Collins, Alfred Ese, Abubakar Ibrahim, Godbless Emmanuel, and Aki Opeoluwa.

The stowaways were apprehended on December 15, 2023, according to Oguntuga’s statement.

He also mentioned that a month prior, two of them had been arrested for a comparable conduct.

“The Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft’s patrol team successfully intercepted and extracted 14 stowaways from a motor tanker to UOG Constantine at Lagos Road Stead on Friday, December 15, 2023, in a proactive and resolute demonstration to sustain maritime security,” the statement reads.

“Intelligence from the Falcon Eye Alignment, a Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, prompted the prompt action.” Combat troops climbed aboard the ship quickly and found activity in the rudder compartment.

The fact that two of the stowaways who were caught had been arrested for a related crime just one month prior highlights how persistent these kinds of illegal activity are.

“The Nigerian Navy’s dedication to maritime safety is highlighted by the patrol team’s courageous efforts, which prevented the people imprisoned in the vessel’s compartment from facing a life-threatening situation,”

Additionally, Oguntuga revealed that the stowaways had been turned over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for all appropriate procedures.

The detained stowaways were quickly turned over to the Nigeria Immigration Service in accordance with established procedures so that they may take any additional required action.

“The incident highlights the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast dedication to its constitutional role, under the direction of Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, the Chief of the Naval Staff, bolstering the commitment to establishing a secure maritime environment for the country’s economic prosperity,” he continued.

Tukur Mamu, a former terrorist negotiator, was given permission by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday to see his doctor.

In relation to the terror attack on a Kaduna-Abuja train in March of last year, which resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and scores of others being kidnapped for ransom, the publisher and preacher residing in Kaduna is on trial.

Mamu was charged with ten charges, including financing of terrorism, when she was arraigned in March of this year.

He was charged with accepting $120,000 in ransom payments from the relatives of the hostages of the train attack on behalf of the terrorist group Boko Haram. Mamu was also charged with speaking with a Boko Haram spokesman named Baba Adamu via voicemail on terrorist activities.

The Department of State Services requested that he be tried in private in order to protect the prosecution’s witnesses.

Mamu requested permission from the court to see his doctor in a Motion on Notice with the file number FHC/ABJ/CR/96/2023 because his health was getting worse.

In addition, he requested that the court direct the DSS to take him for surgery in accordance with the advice of his Egyptian and Nigerian physicians.

The application was contested by the Federal Government, represented by David Kaswe, in a counter-affidavit.

He said that the DSS had a working hospital and a group of physicians who could take care of his problem.

Next, in light of the charges against him, Kaswe implored the court to deny the application.

In her ruling on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo questioned Kaswe about the defendant’s right to see his doctor.

“Yes, My Lord, he is, as long as it is within the supervision of our team (of physicians),” he replied in response.

However, Mamu’s doctor was directed by Justice Ekwo to treat him under the DSS medical team’s supervision.

“I issue an order allowing the treating physician to administer medical care to him under the observation of the prosecution’s physician. The judge declared, “This is the order of this court.”

The budget plan for 2024 will be approved on December 30, 2023, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

At the Tuesday plenary session’s restart, Abbas made this statement from the Green Chamber floor.

He informed the chairmen of the committees that they had received instructions from the Appropriations Committee to create reports detailing the budget defences made by the various ministries, departments, and agencies, and to submit them by Tuesday at the latest, at 8 p.m. ($04).

The Speaker opened plenary by welcoming his colleagues and announcing that the formal day for the passage of the budget would be planned for Saturday, December 30, 2023. This was done to allow the various committees to examine the 2024 Appropriations Bill. The break had lasted for two weeks. All other related tasks, such as bill processing, compilation, and harmonisation, will occur in between. Thus, if you’re planning a Christmas trip, try to remember that Saturday, December 30th is the day we formally approve the 2024 budget.

Additionally, he made a request to all the committees to do their work on budget defence by Tuesday at the latest, adding, “This is an appeal to all committees that are unable to finish their budget defence and submit their reports.” The deadline for them to complete and perhaps present their reports for defence at the Appropriations Committee office is this Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Tuesday saw the House decide to look into the loopholes that prevent the country’s ports and harbours from fully realising their economic potential.

After a motion co-sponsored by Ibrahim Isiaka and Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader, was adopted, this happened.

In the midst of the motion’s debate, led by Ihonvbere, the House noted that the maritime sector—which has underutilised seaports that could boost revenue and the country’s Gross Domestic Product—is essential to Nigeria’s economic survival.

According to the House, only 10% of West African imports reach Nigeria’s seaports, out of 60% of total imports intended for the country. This represents a substantial economic loss resulting from ineffective management and inefficiencies, estimated to be worth $7 billion yearly.

“Most ships carrying commodities to Nigeria would rather dock at foreign ports than in Nigeria, which worries the House. In fact, Benin Republic gains from Nigeria’s sizable market, but Cotonou continues to be a well-liked haven for importers. However, due to inadequate shipping connectivity and shallow drafts in the port channels, massive trade cargoes are lost to Togo and other neighbouring countries, where they are then offloaded and transshipped to Nigeria. These losses are estimated to have cost N250 billion in 2016 alone.

“Why the country cannot develop the ports of Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Koko as a haven for importers in the region, and why it cannot relieve the load on the ports of Lagos, are concerns that the House has. Another major concern we have is that the expanding cargo and maritime industry may not have enough infrastructure or capacity.

The House charged its Committees on Ports and Harbours, Maritime Safety Education and Administration, National Planning and Economic Development, and Nigerian Shippers’ Council with “investigating the gap affecting the full realisation of the economic advantage of Ports and Harbours and other Blue Economy in Nigeria” when it adopted the motion.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been applauded for his laudable reforms in the aviation sector in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Renewed Hope Agenda gave the commendation in collaboration with the Coalition of Middle Belt Groups and Faith-Based Organizations.

The groups said significant progress has been made in infrastructure development, safety and security, reforms, policy formulation as well as institutional Strengthening.

In a detailed report signed and made public by the convener, Tobias Ogbe, the group noted that the industry under Keyamo is experiencing an evolution thanks to President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise the development and modernisation of the aviation sector.

“One of the key areas of focus has been the upgrade and expansion of airport infrastructure across the country. Several airports have undergone extensive renovations, leading to improved facilities, enhanced capacity, and increased operational efficiency. These infrastructure developments have not only boosted economic activities but have also positioned Nigeria as a regional aviation hub, attracting more airlines and promoting tourism,” Ogbe said.

“We are happy with the way President Tinubu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on enhancing safety and security measures in the aviation sector, and the Minister made sure to speak this development into reality through his actions. Stringent regulations, improved training programs, and the implementation of advanced technology have so far contributed to a significant reduction in accidents and incidents. It is also worthy of note to state that the establishment of effective security protocols has also played a crucial role in safeguarding passengers, crew, and airport facilities.

“The aviation sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda have been instrumental in reshaping the industry and promoting sustainable growth. Key reforms have been implemented in various areas, including regulatory frameworks, policy formulation, and institutional strengthening. Several reformations have implemented to further solidify this agenda.

“President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized the review and update of existing aviation regulations to align with international standards and best practices. This has created a more conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors, fostering healthy competition and encouraging innovation in the sector.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has also focused on formulating policies that promote the growth and development of the aviation industry. Streamlined processes, simplified procedures, and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles have made it easier for stakeholders to operate efficiently. These policies have also encouraged the emergence of new airlines, improved connectivity, and increased accessibility for remote areas.

“Owing to the need to ensure effective implementation of reforms, the Tinubu administration has worked towards strengthening the institutions responsible for overseeing the aviation sector. Training and capacity-building programs have been introduced to enhance the skills and knowledge of industry professionals. Collaboration with international aviation bodies has further facilitated knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices.”

The group, however, admitted there is still a lot of work to be done. Ogbe harped on: “Continued investment in airport infrastructure to support the growing demand for air travel and ensure passenger comfort.

“Strengthening of safety and security measures through regular audits, training, and adoption of advanced technologies. Enhancement of regulatory frameworks to promote healthy competition, protect consumer rights, and attract more foreign investment.”