Sokoto State government has immunised one million children against measles and other child-killer diseases across the state in the last three months. In its bid to improve quality, efficacy and storage of vaccines, the government said it would provide cold stores in rural areas to ensure children at the grass-roots level accessed vaccinated on time.
According to the state commissioner of Health, Dr. Shehu Kakale, renewed commitment by the government had resulted in reaching many remote locations for the administering of vaccines on children. However, stakeholders in the health sector have commended Sokoto government over the ‘Tambuwal Initiative’ in enhancing the work of health field officers in their localities.
“The Tambuwal Initiative came about after the Governor introduced new measures to boost immunisation and healthcare activities. These measures include setting aside two hours of his time every month to chair the meeting of the steering committee on immunisation in the state, directing top government functionaries, led by the Deputy Governor, to chair the bi-monthly meeting on polio,”’he said.
Kakale said even though there are cases of parents sceptical about having their children immunised, the number has reduced drastically, due to enlightenment campaigns and community dialogue embarked upon by the state government in collaboration with religious and traditional leaders.
The House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on Railway Contracts Scam has summoned a former Minister of Transport, Ibrahim Isa Bio, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Department of State Service (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and 27 contractors allegedly involved in the failed N1trillion railway contracts.
They are all expected to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 3, 2016 to explain their respective roles in the management of money meant for the rehabilitation of the railway sector. The acting Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders were also invited.
According to reports, the DSS was invited to give a vivid account of the recommendations it made to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation concerning how the rail contracts were poorly managed between a period of 2010 to 2014. Also the OSGF would explain to the committee what happened to the investigative report submitted to it by the DSS.
Chairman of the adhoc committee, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonnayinma, confirmed that the stakeholders have been invited and they will be properly guided during the investigative hearing on Thursday.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday initiated a 16-man Agricultural Marketing Coordination Committee (AMCC) to reform the agricultural sector of the State. He said that the committee was “to develop the agricultural sector in line with our stated objectives of economic diversification, food security, self-reliance and prosperity for all.”
“This is in consonance with our electoral promise to reform the agricultural sector for the purposes of wealth creation, boosting employment, achieving value addition and sustainable economic growth.”
”We have invested substantial resources, personnel, time and energy to stimulate agricultural production through the Production and Processing Support Programme (PPSP) and we must do much more than boost the yields from the agricultural sector,” he said.
He commented that the AMCC would “tackle the marketing challenges faced by farmers in Delta State and help farmers worry less about finding suitable markets for their produce, while ensuring that they prosper from the work of their hands, thereby make farming attractive once again.”
The Executive Director, Finance and Strategy, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, has advised banks in the country to invest more in capacity building initiatives for staff in the industry in order to enable them compete favourably both locally and internationally.
He explained that the decision of the bank was hinged on the need to have a pool of staff who are technically sound and equipped with latest development in the global market to enable them compete with their peers anywhere in the world.
Suleiman who hinged the accreditation of the bank’s training school by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to the quality of facility put in place and products from the school, maintained that financial institutions must continue to see the need to put in place staff oriented policies that would encourage staff to be more committed, dedicated and result oriented.
“At Sterling Bank we place value on our staff as they gracefully retire from the system. We have put a system in place to train those about to go on retirement on various programmes that would enable them stand on their own after retirement.” \
He stated that the bank has also instituted a part owner scheme through which shares are allocated to all staff to promote a sense of ownership and belonging.
Also, the bank has introduced a lot of the initiatives which include a cooperative society that allows members make contributions and obtain loans, a robust healthcare facility and a well-equipped crèche with modern facilities.
Nigerians are boycotting banking activities today to protest against what they termed exorbitant deductions by banks, among other reasons. A not-for-profit group, Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), dedicated to advocacy for consumer rights and protection is leading the protest.
The protest led by Sola Salako, CAFON and the Coalition of Nigerian Consumer Protection Associations have designated March 1, 2016, as a “No Banking Day”, calling on banks’ customers to boycott all forms of banking activities and banks.
He said it is aimed at persuading Nigerian banks to review their charges downwards. They also demanded that banks must clear fees with consumers before debiting their accounts and that CBN must review the new Stamp Duty Charge, Account Maintenance Charge and Debit Card Maintenance Fees.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stated that bank customers must not only insist, but demanding that their respective banks give them good service and at affordable charges, adding that bank-customer relationship is personal and contractual and should seek for redress when short-changed.
According to a statement signed by Mr Ohi Alegbe, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said it had taken delivery of four more cargoes of petroleum products over the weekend to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country.
“The deliveries which amount to about 180 million litres is part of a new arrangement by the corporation to have a cargo of PMS delivered daily as from March,” it said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, also warned depot owners against selling petrol above the approved ex-depot price of N77 per litre.
It warned that depot owners found to be involved in selling products above the approved ex-depot prices would be severely sanctioned.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights, capacity development and the empowerment of women.
We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions below:
The Emirates Group is a highly profitable business with revenue of US$21.1 billion and over 50,000 employees. The Group comprises of dnata, one of the largest air services provider globally and Emirates airline, the Group’s rapidly expanding and award-winning international carrier. Within the Group there are a diverse range of businesses which offer a wide spectrum of career opportunities, all of which can be explored through the Group’s dedicated careers website, emirates.com/careers.
Emirates flies one of the youngest, most innovative fleet in the sky to over 130 destinations across six continents and dnata’s network now extends across 100 locations worldwide.
With our international network constantly expanding and opportunities arising in countries/cities outside of Dubai, we are looking for career motivated individuals to join our operations in their home countries:
Job Title: Cabin Crew
Reference no: 130000X8 Location: United Arab Emirates
Job Purpose
Where could you be tomorrow?
Tomorrow, the world could be your office. You could be living in one of the world’s most dynamic cities and working in an office at 40,000 feet. Exploring the world and building a career, all at the same time. Earning a tax-free salary with shared furnished accommodation provided to you and sharing the experience with colleagues from over 130 different nationalities.
From our base in Dubai, Emirates flies to more than 120 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas with an ultra-modern, all-wide-body fleet including our flagship A380 superjumbos. We are looking for exceptional people to join our international cabin crew based in Dubai. If you share our unlimited curiosity, embrace of other cultures and passion for customer satisfaction, we’d like to meet you. Our recruitment team interviews potential applicants in many cities around the world.
Qualifications & Experience
At least 21 years old at the time of application.
Minimum arm reach of 212cms (on tip toes) and minimum height of 160cms, which will enable you to reach emergency equipment on all aircraft types.
Educated to at least high school level with strong problem solving skills.
Fluency in written and spoken English (additional languages are desirable).
Medically fit to meet air crew requirements.
Positive attitude with the natural ability to provide excellent service in a team environment, dealing with people from many cultures.
As Emirates cabin crew, you’ll be based in Dubai and will need to meet the UAE’s employment visa requirements.
Application Closing Date
Ongoing.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidate should APPLY
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja is seeking to employ suitable and qualified candidate s for the Chauffeur position s (7 Positions) in the Department of Defense HIV Program, Nigeria (DOD HPN):
The incumbents carefully and responsibly drive official vehicles to various locations in Abuja, and on some occasions, to other cities in Nigeria. Also drive DOD HPN personnel and visitors to various locations including ministries, embassies, and other business organizations.
Provide daily preventive maintenance of DOD HPN vehicles, ensuring that the interiors of the vehicles are in clean conditions, check fluids levels, hoses, belts and connections.
Additionally, they will ensure passengers fasten seat belts at all times and maintain a daily vehicle mileage log.
Requirements/Qualification
Completion of Secondary School is required.
Minimum of two (2) years professional driving experience is required.
Level II (Limited knowledge) Speaking /Reading/Writing in English is required.
Knowledge of Nigeria traffic laws and regulations, geography of the Abuja city and the country in general is required.
Must have a good knowledge of automotive operations, safety and maintenance practices.
Must have a valid Nigeria driver’s license and basic computer skills
Selection Process:
When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S.
Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.
Additional Selection Criteria:
Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of
Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee
Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.
Candidates who EFMs, USEFMs, AEFMs, or MOHs must have at least one year remaining on their sponsor’s tour of duty to be considered eligible to apply for this position.
Remuneration
Ordinary Resident – N3,213,591.00 P.A (Starting basic salary). In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan.
NOR – AEFM/ EFM – US$22,058
Application Closing Date
9th March, 2016.
How to Apply
Interested applicants for this position MUST submit the following, or the application will not be considered:
Application for US Federal Employment (DS-174); or a current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as a DS-174; plus,
Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
A type-written and signed application letter specifically applying for this position and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised. Please reference the job title and announcement number on the application letter.
Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/e-mail not larger than 5MB.
Mailed (paper/hard copies) applications will NOT be accepted.
All not ordinarily resident applicants must have the required work and residency permits to be eligible for Consideration. A U.S. Citizen EFM does not have to be residing in country to be considered, but the sponsoring officer under chief of mission (com) authority does have to Be assigned officially to post.
Wakanow.com is Nigeria’s leading online travel company that provides customers with everything they need to research, plan and purchase a trip locally and globally.
Wakanow.com offers travelers the cheapest available fares for flights, hotel reservations, airport pickups, visa assistance, vacation packages and many other travel services from a broad selection of partners.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: External and Media Relations Manager
Location: Nigeria
Requirements
A minimum of 7 years experience that can efficiently manage a public relations department.
Direct publicity programs and campaigns
Improve the public image of the company, and clarify the company’s point of view on important issues.
Application Closing Date
Not Specified.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidate should send their resume to:hrsupport@wakanow.com with External and Media Relations Manager and years of experience as the subject.
Findings have revealed that about 166.91 million litres of premium motor spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, are stuck in various depots in Lagos.
This situation has given rise to the resurgence of long queues at filling stations in Lagos metropolis and other parts of the country.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and its downstream subsidiary, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, are being blamed for the current petrol shortages because of a loading directive not exceeding 50 trucks daily given to the depots.
Investigations revealed that of an opening stock level of 140.48 million litres of petrol available in 31 depots in the Lagos area yesterday, only 6.09 million litres were loaded out.
This leaves an outstanding of about 135 million litres stuck in the depots, which had increased to about 166.91 million litres closing stock at press time.
Further analysis shows that of the 59 depots operated by majors, independents and private owners in Lagos, 31 had the available stock quantity, but only 16 depots had “liftable” PMS, that is, had enough stock above the jet stock level or above minimum requirement levels.
Trucks loading further investigations revealed that most of the depots being used by NNPC/PPMC for throughput or storage purposes were directed not to load above 50 trucks daily, thus compounding the shortages situation, a development that some depots operators cashed in to sell at N105/litre ex-depot, against government’s prescribed N77 per litre
The Irish ambassador to Nigeria, Sean Hoy, said the trade volume between Nigeria and Ireland has hit 270 million Euro.
The envoy disclosed this when he visited the Nigerian Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu in Abuja.
Hoy said that both countries have always maintained a positive bilateral tie since the pre-independence era and hoped that the figure would increase in 2016 with ongoing bilateral ties between them.
He said: “The trade figure between Nigeria and Ireland last year was about 270million Euro, but we are hoping that it is going to increase by the end of this year. In the trade mission we had in December, over 50m Euro contract was signed in that mission. So the relationship is going positively all the time.”
The Envoy who underscored the importance exploring the cordial relationship between the two countries emphasized the need to use technology for development of Nigeria.
According to him, Ireland had developed a very good online education and has teachers with good online certificates who can train people here in Nigeria.
“The relationship between the ministry and Ireland is that we have to look for the opportunity to use technology for the development of Nigeria. “We are able to say that we are the only English speaking country in Euro with largest concentration of ICT companies in Euro,” he added.
Responding, the Minister said Nigeria would partner with Ireland on technology transfer to ensure actualization of President Buhari’s Change agenda.
He said the relationship between Nigeria and Ireland has been cordial, but want it to go further in strength, adding that the ministry is working very hard to close technology gaps in the country and urged Irish companies to come into Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, on Monday, February 29, said that it would, from March 1, begin to take delivery of 45 million litres of petrol daily for distribution across the nation.
The state-run oil firm said this in a statement from its spokesman, Ohi Alegbe, in Abuja.
It explained that on a daily basis, one cargo of petrol will be delivered to it, suggesting that the corporation could as well cover the entire petrol need of the country which is about 40 million litres daily.
The NNPC had in the Quarter-1 (Q1), 2016 import allocation approved by the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) for the importation of three million metric tonnes of petrol got up to 78 per cent of the total allocated volume for the period, while the balance of 22 per cent would be supplied by other oil marketing companies.
It also said in the statement that it has stepped up collaboration with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and other downstream industry players to end the resurgence of fuel queues in some major cities across the country especially in Lagos and environs.
The corporation noted that it has secured the commitment of the leadership of MOMAN for effective collaboration in this regard and assured that the queues for petrol at filling stations will disappear in the days ahead with the reported increase in supplies.
“Within the last 48 hours we have received six cargoes of petrol (270 million litres) and beginning from 1st March, 2016 we shall begin to receive one cargo of petrol every day (45 million litres),” the corporation said in the statement.
Transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, closed in the Green Zone on Monday, February 29, as the All Share Index gained 1.41per cent to close at 24,570.73 points from 24,228.79 on Friday, February 26.
Similarly, market capitalization also jumped from N8.336 trillion to N8.452 trillion.
The market recorded 18 gainers led by Dangote Cement with a gain of N6.75 or 5.00 per cent to N141.75 followed by ETI with a gain of N0.79 or 4.95 per cent to close at N16.75 while Fidson gained N0.12 or 4.92 per cent to close at N2.56 per share.
On the other hand, Wema Bank topped 18 stocks on the losers’ chart with N0.07 loss or 7.29 per cent to close at N0.89 followed by Oando that lost N0.23 or 7.19 per cent to close at N2.97 per share, and Ikeja Hotel that lost N0.15 or 4.97 per cent to close at N2.87 per share.
All together, a total of 467,239,221 shares worth N1.489 billion exchanged hands in 2,549 deals.
The Acting Director-General, Standards Organization of Nigeria,SON, Paul Angya, has said the agency goal is to trim the influx of sub-standard and fake products into the country by 80 per cent before the end of 2016.
The agency boss said this will go a long way in lifting the capacity for local production that will fully help in the diversification of the country’s economy.
He said the target is possible if the International Accredited Firms (IAFs) can continue to do their job of stopping the influx of sub-standard products into the country.
Angya, who spoke with reporters in Lagos during a meeting with IAFs, he urged them to brace for the challenges, stressing that “they either shape up or ship out.”
He said: “If we can stop the influx of sub-standard products into Nigeria, we will increase the local production of goods as we are taking the war to the countries bringing in the bad products to stop them from coming here.”
“This is also why we decided to meet with the IAFs, to let them know that despite the recent change in leadership, the objective is still the same as the SONCAP programme is key to us and we intend to strengthen it.”
“SONCAP is pivotal to SON’s mandate to rid the nation of sub-standard products. It is visible and it is an ongoing reform and if SON wants to succeed in ridding the nation of fake products, then the programme must be kept close to our hearts.
Three Nigerian airlines have successfully obtained International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit Certification.
The airlines include, Arik Air, Aero Contractors and FirstNation. Those on the verge of attaining IOSA certification include Allied Air and Cargo services, Overland Airways and Dana Air. While Air Peace has done its last workshop, the carrier is about to be audited.
The IATA Operational Safety Assessment (IOSA) certificate is issued to an airline after a successful assessment and demonstration of compliance to safety regulations as specified by the body.
Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, growth of $594.26 billion, which made the country the largest economy in Africa is a jobless growth,The 1st Vice President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Segun Ajibola has said.
Ajibola, who spoke on “Oil Price Downturn and Forex crisis: Challenges, Possible Solutions and Challenges,” at the Third Roundtable on Nigerian Economy organised in Lagos at the weekend by the NewsDirect Newspapers insisted that it is the real sector that can generate employment and inclusive growth.
Citing the position of analysts, Ajibola said the current hitches, which have brought the country to its current pitiable state were largely caused by overdependence on oil, profligacy and impunity.
He said a drop in oil prices had pounded the national currency of a few nations that are reliant on oil since last year.
“Oil is Nigeria’s primary export; little wonder naira is under pressure. Many central banks around the world, including the Central Bank of Nigeria weakened their own currencies, in part to stimulate export growth. Talking about stimulating export, Nigeria has little or nothing to stimulate. So, if Nigeria devalues its naira, import becomes costly,” Ajibola said.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria, has announced several policies on the control of the foreign exchange rate such as the ban on importation of 41 items, forex allocation, the immediate stoppage of foreign exchange supplies to Bureaux de Change, BDCs are now to source forex from the autonomous market and some other policies which were announced at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting in Abuja and also the increase in MPR rate.
These policies were aimed at defending the currency. However, in spite of the implementation of these policies, the exchange rate has continued to dwindle giving credence to the fact that we have very limited monetary policy options owing to the monolithic nature of our economy,” Ajibola explained.
Ajibola said the greatest undoing in this country was corruption, adding that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society.
According to him, more worrisome is that after 55 years of existence as a corporate entity called Nigeria, the country is still struggling with the definition of corruption and the question is being asked if mere stealing is corruption, stressing that this in itself is a big challenge.
He said the consequence of these corrupt practices can be seen on the exchange rate crisis the country is experiencing at the moment.
“Worst of all is the culture of impunity. An example that comes to mind is what we call plea bargaining. You steal 100 billion naira, you return 1 billion and all you get is “go and sin no more”… We salute the current government on their stance against corruption and we hope they win the battle,” he added.
According to him, policy makers must embark on concerted policy measures aimed at diversifying the economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons.
Ajibola said with the large expanse of arable farm land and water resources endowed on the country, the price of oil, whether it is high or low, should be inconsequential to Nigeria.
The President of the Association of the Bureau de Change Operators in Nigeria,Aminu Gwadabe, said unauthroized persons posing as Bureau de Change (BDC) operators caused irregular fluctuations in the parallel market.
Gwadabe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, February 29 in Abuja.
NAN reports that this is coming after the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, had accused speculators and BDC operators of conniving to bring down the price of Naira in the foreign exchange market.
Gwadabe said the recent decision of the CBN to stop the sale of foreign exchange to BDC operators made the business unsustainable to its members, thereby leaving room for unauthorised dealers to flood the market.
“People think that BDC operators are making a lot of money these days. But it’s not true. People do not understand that there are a lot of participants in the parallel market.
“I can authoritatively tell you that about 80 per cent of all registered BDCs in the country have closed down since the CBN stopped the sale of dollar to BDCs.
“Right now, the unlicensed BDCs are currently more than the licensed ones all over the country. And their activities are not regulated because they are not registered.
“So right now, the market is in the hands of speculators and these unlicensed BDCs,’’ he said.
Gwadabe advised the CBN to come up with a robust, effective and efficient monitoring and supervision of all players in the market.
The Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Oladele Amoda has revealed that the company has lost a large part of its revenue through estimated billing.
Amoda unveiled the company’s robust metering programme, where he flagged off the installation of the first batch of 12,000 smart prepaid meters.
He also told reporters that maximum demand meters would be installed for all the maximum demand customers this year. Ejiofor Alike was there.
Speaking on how far the company has gone with the metering scheme, he said: “Ninety thousand, within second quarter of this year and then, at the end of the year, we will make it up to 150,000. So, we have done 46,000 between when we took over the company on November 1, 2013 and now”
“When you look at that, you can see that we are moving up. By the end of this year, we will have installed 200,000 meters. What we met on ground when we took over was less than 200,000 customers that had either prepaid meters or the analogue meters but most of the meters are old.”
“We ordered for 7,500 maximum demand meters. Out of this figure, we have taken delivery of 3,000 as at today and we are expecting the remaining ones to be delivered shortly. Before the end of this year, we will have taken delivery of all the maximum demand meters. We plan to provide meters to all our maximum demand customers this year.”
“We are going to try and ensure that all of them have meters this year, while at the same time, provide meters to all other categories of customers.”
“We are going to ensure that all our customers have meters. We want them to be happy. We don’t want to give customers estimated bills because estimated billing does not even pay us.”
Frigoglass S.A.I.C, the Athens, Greece-based company has withdrawn its plan to sell Beta Glass Plc to GZI Mauritius Limited (GZI).
Frigoglass S.A.I.C is the parent company of Frigoglass Nigeria Limited, which is a core investor in Beta Glass Plc.
Following Frigoglass’ decision to divest from glass business, the company had signed an agreement with GZI Mauritius Limited on May 21, 2015.
However, Frigoglass on Monday, February 29, announced the termination of the agreement with GZI Mauritius Limited.
In a filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the company said a condition precedent was not met as GZI did not secure the necessary level of debt financing for the acquisition.
The company said: “Amended offers made by GZI were declined as not reflecting the full value of the glass business and therefore not being in the best interest of Frigoglass and its stakeholders. Frigoglass’ glass business retains its strong local market position and technical excellence,”.
Frigoglass added that it believed that it will remain the leading glass packaging manufacturer in Nigeria and is ideally placed to capitalise on the long-term beverage consumption growth in Africa, driven by its customers’ sustained investments and the continent’s attractive growth prospects.
“The glass business continues to perform well and remains a valuable asset for Frigoglass, despite challenging trading conditions in Nigeria. During 2015, the glass business delivered on its business plan and successfully completed a furnace rebuild in Nigeria, enhancing its efficiency and capacity.”
Frigoglass is working with its key stakeholders and a team of highly reputable advisors to determine its next strategic steps, identify initiatives to preserve the value of the business for all stakeholders and achieve an optimal capital structure,” the firm said.
