Saturday, December 27, 2025
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 2965

Truck Drivers, Importers Decry Extortion By Security Agents At Ports

Importers, clearing agents and truck drivers have accused some of the security agents operating around the Lagos Port Complex and Tin-Can Island port of collecting bribes from them.

It was gathered that the operatives, extorted the importers, clearing agents and truck drivers because of the perennial gridlock in Apapa.

At a special joint meeting with the senior officials of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) a few weeks ago, it was gathered that the leadership of the truck drivers accused the security agents of extorting them, urging NPA to finding a lasting solution to the problem.

The truck drivers complained to the NPA of how the security agents forced them to pay as much as N3,500 to move their containers and other cargo laden trucks out of Apapa.

The truck drivers, investigation revealed, had serious problem with some of the security agents last year, when they were asked to pay as much as N5000 on each fertiliser-laden containers.

The drivers were only allowed to move out of the port after a swift intervention by the Lagos Port police command.

NPA,  has inaugurated a standing committee consisting all transport unions and independent fleet owners including the police to stem the activities of the security agents and reduce corruption.

General Manager, Western Ports, Michael Ajayi confirmed the meeting where the truck drivers complained of massive extortion outside the ports..

He said, a standing intervention committee meant to check the alleged cases of extortion on truck drivers by security operatives at the Port entrances in Lagos has been constituted by the Management of NPA  to address the fears of truckers union on the alleged cases of extortion along port access roads within the Lagos ports corridor.

2016 Budget: Presidency States Reasons for N500 Billion Social Investments

The Presidency  has given the reason behind the allocation of 500 billion Naira estimate in the 2016 budget to social investments, saying it was necessitated by the need to pay attention on the common man and spend the resources of the country on the poor people.

In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity in the Office of the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande, pointed out that at no time in the nation’s budgetary history had the Federal Government made a specific vote of such volume for social welfare.

“Even economic historians now say that not only is the half a trillion Naira vote unprecedented, but it is also the greatest service ever done to the Nigerian state and people by any federal government administration,” Akande claimed.

He further explained that the six social safety plans would reduce high levels of poverty and vulnerabilities while also increasing Nigeria’s Human Development Index on the global UN rankings.

“The President’s vision is to increase investments in human capital to guarantee security for all, employment and improved well-being of the people,” the Vice President’s media aide added.

He stated that the presidency was aware that past attempts to address poverty had suffered because of insufficient political will, presence of various UN-coordinated initiatives and poorly targeted beneficiaries among other factors, and was working to avoid the pitfalls.

The Senior Special Assistant further explained that for the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), where one million extremely poor Nigeria would receive 5000 Naira monthly in 2016, the money would be paid directly to the beneficiaries through a payment system that was being worked out.

China Pledges $60 Billion Investment in Nigeria

Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Qin Jian, disclosed that economic cooperation between both countries is fruitful, and that China was willing to integrate its development with independent and sustainable development of Nigeria and other African countries, so as to achieve common development.

According to him, China and Africa should seek equality and mutual trust in politics, cooperation in economy, mutual learning in civilisation, mutual assistance in security and unity and coordination in international affairs.

Jian said, “(China’s) 10 key cooperation plans with Africa in the fields of industrialisation, agriculture modernisation, infrastructure, etc. will serve as an all-around blueprint for China’s cooperation with Africa in a period to come and symbolise that China-Africa relations will take a big stride and enter a new era.

“To fulfil the 10 plans, China has pledged 60 billion US dollars in development funding to Africa. When carrying out cooperation with Africa, China sticks to the principle of ‘Four noes and three priorities.’

“These include attaching no political conditions, interfering in no African country’s internal affairs, raising no demanding requirements and making no empty promises.”

Among the listed priorities of the Asian nation were Africa’s demands, improvement of African people’s livelihood and enhancement of Africa’s capacity for independent development.

Stanbic IBTC Pension Assets Hit N1 Trillion

The Chief Executive of  Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), Eric Fajemisin has said that the company has recorded over N1trillion worth of assets in 10 years,

In a statement in Lagos, he said the company has emerged as Nigeria’s leading PFA with over one million retirement savings account holders under management.

He said the company is paying more than N2.1 billion to over 38,000 retirees monthly, adding that over N204 billion has been paid to retirees since they began operations in 2005.

He noted that their aim is to continue to set higher standards of service delivery and ensure that “our retirement savings account holders derive maximum value from their contributions,” Fajemisin said.

He said in line with its commitment to enriching customer experience, the company would continue to broaden and enhance its service channels for efficient service delivery. He said: “This is in fulfillment of its promise to provide quality and stress-free pension fund administration and financial management services to our clients and Nigerians wherever they may be. The cardinal value propositions of the PFA are participation, accessibility, quality, convenience and efficiency.

“The company can be reached via a number of service channels, including its over 217 branch offices spread across the country, its 24-hour multilingual contact centre, SMS, Stanbic IBTC ATMs, email, its mobile office, mobile app, and the Pension Guru online, Fajemisin said, adding that the PFA is committed to ensuring that clients are able to experience excellent and convenient service in any of its touch points.

“Our promise is to avail as many Nigerians as possible the opportunity to have quality pension fund administration and financial services, which will enable a life of comfort in retirement. To achieve this, we have continued to broaden our service channels so that we can reach as many Nigerians as possible and encourage participation in the Contributory Pension Scheme.”

He said that Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers will constantly explore additional avenues where Nigerians can conveniently access its services to meet their pension and retirement needs, adding that the company is backed by the necessary experience, strong and sound financial clout of the Standard Bank Group, to ensure efficiency in the management and safety of clients’ investments.

Invest More in Projects That Will Benefit The Poor, Not Airports – Amaechi Tells Governors

Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi has advised states to initiate projects to profit the  poor rather than pursuing ventures serving only the rich.

Amaechi, who gave the advice at the weekend in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while fielding questions from reporters, noted that airports were  elitist projects and would not benefit the poor.

The minister, who was on an assessment visit to projects executed by the Ogun State government on behalf of the Federal Government, added that the country has many unviable airports.

“Governors should focus on things that would improve the lives of the poor, not the rich. It’s the rich people that fly planes. How many poor people know where airport is, let alone flying an aircraft?”

“I believe that the construction of airport should be backed by the growth of the economy. There are airports that are built just for the governors to land and take off. That won’t be the idea for me as a minister of Transportation.

“I’d prefer that airports that are built would be backed by economic demand. We would not discourage Ogun State if you like to build an airport, but we would like to advise that they should look at the economics of an airport,” Amaechi said.

But he promised the state  of Federal Government support, if it wants to build an airport.

The miniser said the Federal Government would complete new terminals in four international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

He said he was in the state to ascertain some federal roads built by the government.

Amaechi announced that a railway line between Lagos and Calabar as well as Lagos and Kano would begin this year.

Maritime Expert Calls for Decentralisation of NIMASA

Maritime legal expert and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba has advocated for a prompt decentralization of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for the purposes of effective management and discharge of security and sundry national duties.

Agbakoba stated that the Federal Government needs to review the law establishing the agency ,saying that it is best practices to decentralize the maritime administration and safety agency as at present constituted in order to make the agency more manageable and efficient.

 He added that issues of insecurity and crude oil theft can also be tackled more decisively if Nigeria comes up with a clear-cut national maritime policy.

He explained further that the issues of corruption and security lapses noticed in parts of the agency’s mandate is because the institution is too condensed and require dedicated administration for efficient service delivery, saying that this is the standard all over the world.

Ekiti Workers Flay Governor Fayose Over Reversal of Salaries

Government workers in Ekiti State have condemned  the withdrawal of their salaries, few minutes after most of them received bank alerts of payment on Friday.

The workers, many of who are owed three months arrears, had celebrated on receiving the alerts of payment of two months arrears.

Their joy turned “sour” when they received another alert reversing the payment.

The development forced many of them to make phone calls to their colleagues to confirm if they had the same experience.

Some of the workers, who pleaded for anonymity, expressed shock with the development which they said has dampened their morale and exposed them to ridicule.

Commissioner for Information Lanre Ogunsuyi said the government was sorry for the inconvenience which he attributed to “an error by the firm  handling the computerisation of accounts”.

Ogunsuyi said: “We are aware of the development and I want to say that government is sorry for the inconvenience this might have caused our workers. Saying everybody will get one-month pay on Monday.

 

Imo Records Another Death From Lassa Fever

Another death of the Lassa fever outbreak have been confirmed by the Imo State Government in the state.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Social Development and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ngozi Njoku, the state government was informed of a secret treatment and subsequent referral of a suspected patient from a private hospital without official report to government for appropriate action. The statement said the patient later tested positive to the disease and warned that henceforth, there should be strict adherence to ‘official health protocol.’

 The commissioner listed the emergency numbers to call when a suspected Lassa fever case is observed as 08036689953, 08098969505, 08033009841
and 08163432989.

“All public and private health institutions in the state are mandatorily required to pass through the Ministry of Health any suspected case in their facilities. This is in the interest of the health of hospital staff and public,” she said.

Governor Pleads With Workers Over Plans to Shut Down Imo State

The Imo State Government has begged the state and national leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to reverse their plan to shutdown the state over the ‘illegal’ sack of over 3,000 civil servants in the state.

NLC had in a statement threatened to shutdown the state if Governor Rochas Okorocha failed to recall the over 3,000 workers in the 19 parastatals, agencies and departments.

According to a press statement signed on behalf of the Governor by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, government begged labour not to embark on any strike that would not benefit anyone.

“The national leadership of the NLC should be patriotic enough to advise the leadership of the NLC in the state to honour their invitations to participate in the high-powered 18 – member committee set up by the state governor to review the cases of the staff affected by the suspension in question, so that the matter can be resolved amicably in the spirit of no victor, no vanquished”, Okorocha pleaded.

The statement recalled that the inauguration of the committee could not take place last Tuesday, because the Labour Representatives did not come for the exercise.

Okorocha equally recalled that the Committee has the state NLC Chairman, the Trade Union Congress, TUC Chairman, the State Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, and the Chairman of National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, as members.

Others chosen from labour unions are the Representative of Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Representative of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Imo State University, IMSU, Imo Polytechnic, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Chairman of Imo State branch of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, and representative of the Judiciary Service Union of Nigeria, JUSUN.

Finnish Investors Keen on Partnering Lagos on Economic Development – Ambassador

The Finnish ambassador to Nigeria, Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury, has said that investors from her country are interested in partnering Lagos State in several areas of interests, adding that the state is the nerve centre for trade and investment in Nigeria.

Chowdhury said, “When you talk about promoting trade and economic relations in Nigeria, you have to come to Lagos because everybody knows it is the business centre of Nigeria. So, we are very happy to be here. Companies from Finland have been doing business in Nigeria for several years, including Nokia and Wartsila. Other companies and investors are willing to partner the state in the areas of health, ICT, security and energy.

“Education is also very interesting and it is up to the companies to find these opportunities that they are going to invest in.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Overseas Affairs and Investments, Prof. Ademola Abass, said the government would like to explore various areas of cooperation with the Finnish government as a means of promoting economic and trade relations.

He said, “Finland is a big economy in Europe. It is about the fourth largest economy in Europe; and Lagos is the fourth largest economy in Africa. So, we explored areas of cooperation, which is between Finland and Nigeria, and specifically, Lagos State. We took certain decisions which my office will be fine-tuning with the team.”

Abass outlined that security, education and energy as the three major sectors which the meeting focused on, expressing optimism that the partnership would benefit Lagos immensely.

 

Direct Sale Deal: Kachikwu Lauded by Nigerians in Diaspora

The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group, has lauded the minister of state Petroleum and NNPC group managing director, Dr Ibe Kachikwu on the plan to replace the oil swap deal with the Direct Sale-Direct-Purchase (DSDP) in March this year and also for the removal of subsidy.

According to the Coordinator of the group, Philip Agbese, also urged Kachikwu to investigate the PPMC over underhand dealings with some marketers in the industry to cause Nigerians some hardship. He stated that the minister has shown that he is not only courageous but has proven that he is the best man for the job.

“This DSDP which re­places the crude oil swap initiative and the Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA) will entrench transpar­ency into the crude oil for product trans­action in line with glob­al best practices.

“The initiative, like the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources has said, would save Nigeria a lot of money that would then go for other developmental projects. $I billion, is a lot of money that can finance a lot of capital projects.” he said.

He added that on the removal of fuel subsidy, the federal government has no justification to retain the controversial fuel subsidy, arguing that the falling oil price and the attendant revenue shortfall have combined to make fuel subsidy absolutely uneconomical at this period of the nation’s history.

President Buhari Orders 2016 Budget To Be Published Online

Kaduna

The President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the draft 2016 appropriation budget, now before the National Assembly should be uploaded on the website of the budget office so that Nigerians can read it with a view to making their observations.

His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, made the disclosure on Sunday.

Reacting to reports that the President plans to spend more on State House Clinic than on all federal govt-owned teaching hospitals in the 2016 budget, the aide explained that the Budget Office supplied a summary of the allocations to the various sectors under the Ministry of Health, which showed clearly that the published story was inaccurate.
He said: “The budget office has affirmed that in terms of both capital and recurrent allocations, the draft budget has put far more money in the 17 teaching hospitals than it did in the State House Clinic.

“Having said this, we are not by any stretch of imagination suggesting that the draft budget is beyond comments or reproach. Nor do we wish to dwell on this simply to make a point. To do that will drive away good citizens from pointing out needed corrections and, ultimately defeating the change mantra of the administration.

“The budget is a Nigerian budget and citizens reserve the right to examine its content and provide their own perspectives.

“As the draft goes through the approval process, this and many other aspects will continue to generate interest, criticism, commendation and sometimes condemnation in discussions in the parliament, the media and the court of public opinion.
“We believe that the process of “change” will be affected by, and stands to gain from these debates especially where there is good faith on all sides.

“Government has no reason whatsoever to mislead the citizens on the budget and on all other matters for whatever reason.”

10 Killed, 300 Rendered Homeless as Farmers Clash With Fulani Herdsmen in Benue

Fulani Herdsmen

At least 10 persons were killed on Sunday, after renewed hostilities between Fulani herdsmen and farmers at Tom-Anyiin and Tom-Ataan communities, Mbaya, Tombu in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the fresh violence, which rendered no fewer than 300 people homeless, started when Fulani invaders stormed the communities late Saturday night, shooting sporadically and burning down houses, huts, food barn, farmland and economic trees.

Meanwhile, the Council Chairman, Mr. Godwin Lorsue, while reacting to the latest attack, said that he had invited senior security officers to accompany him in assessing the situation, when they were ambushed and attacked by the herdsmen.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent Moses Yamu, who confirmed the attack on the Council Chairman and his entourage, said no live was lost.

Banks Multiple Charges Unsettles Customers

Following the reduction in interest rates and zero Commission on Turnover, many bank customers are becoming disgruntled as banks in the country have resorted to multiple charges on customers’ accounts.

The banking industry has been at an edge since the easy access to government funds, at zero cost, was blocked, owning to the enforcement of the TSA. The development became heightened when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) embarked on monetary easing which reduced the cost of borrowing, with some customers renegotiating downward their interest rates on loan, as the apex bank adjusted the monetary policy rate to 11 percent, from 13 percent.

There were no fewer than 10 charges associated with banking activities, including the maintenance fees which banks are now charging on monthly basis on current accounts, and the Value Added Tax on virtually every charge against customer, including the charges on SMS alert.

Also charges for transfers online; over-the-counter; and mobile App; Remote-on-Us (charges incurred for using other banks’ ATM to withdraw money more than three times in a month); and the recently introduced stamp duties charge. The cost of acquiring cards from N600 to N1000, with a VAT charge afterwards.

However, with the N115 maintenance charge already on current account, the banking industry would be making about N1.7 billion from customers monthly. The figure represents an average of N58 million daily.

OIL & GAS JOBS | ExxonMobil Nigeria Fresh Graduate and Mid-level Job Recruitment 2016

ExxonMobil Corporation is the world’s leading publicly-owned energy company. ExxonMobil’s business in Nigeria is conducted through individual operating companies.

We are recruiting to fill the following positions below:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOB DETAILS AND APPLY

OIL & GAS JOBS | MRS Oil Nigeria Plc Fresh Graduate & Exp. Job Recruitment 2016

MRS is an African conglomerate in diverse activities, yet focused on capturing the entire value chain in oil trading, shipping, storage, distribution and retailing. We are one of the largest and most efficient downstream players with solid roots in Nigeria and leading positions in fuels and lubricants market in Cameroon, Benin, Togo and Cote D’Ivoire. The company has a strong foothold in petroleum products marketing in the international market.

We are recruiting to fill the following vacant positions:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOB DETAILS AND APPLY

AGRIC BUSINESS | Project Accounts Officers at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

IITA is an international non-profit agricultural research-for-development (R4D) organization established in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and a member of the CGIAR Consortium. Our R4D approach is anchored on the development needs of the tropics. We work with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position of:

Job Title: Project Accounts Officer

Location: Ibadan
Recruitment Type: (2-year renewable Contract)

Responsibilities
Successful candidate will among other things perform the following duties:

  • Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts;
  • Develop, maintain and analyse budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted cost to actual costs.
  • Develop, implement, modify and document record keeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology including Quick books.
  • Prepare, examine and analyse accounting records, financial statements and other financial reports to assess accuracy completeness and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
  • Monitor project funds and advice project officer on variances and trends.
  • Prepare financial reports and forecast costs for budgeting annually.
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
  • Perform other duties assigned by your supervisor.

Qualification & Experience

  • B.Sc/HND in Accounting, Corporate Finance, Banking or related field with 5 years’ experience performing similar role.
  • Possession of ICAN is an added advantage.

Skills and Competences

  • Strong communication skills- oral and written
  • Excellent copywriting skills and experience.
  • Detailed Oriented
  • Good research result reporting skills
  • Confidentiality
  • Good time management skills.
  • Display high energy level.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Willingness to work at odd hours.
  • Agree to intensive travel.

Application Closing Date
23rd February, 2016.

Method of Application
Interested applicants should forward their applications with detailed curriculum vitae saved with their names in Microsoft word format. The application must include the names and e-mail addresses of three professional referees which must include either the Head of applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior officer at work and evidence of current remuneration package.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOB DETAILS AND APPLY

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION JOBS | Contracts Manager – Civil Infrastructure Projects at Randstad Construction Property Engineering

Randstad Construction Property Engineering, is recruiting suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Contracts Manager – Civil Infrastructure Projects

Job Type: Permanent
Location: Nigeria

Job Description
Contracts Manager required to oversee multiple projects in Nigeria.

Requirements/Qualifications

  • Must have experience in a similar role
  • The ideal candidate will have previous experience working overseas

Qualification

  • Experience in a Contracts Manager position overseeing multiple civils projects.

Remuneration

  • £84000 salary plus accommodation, vehicle, driver, flights, bonus, local allowance.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should APPLY

SEC to Sanction Banks Charging Fees for e-dividend Registration

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, is to come down heavily on Deposit Money Banks and Capital Market Registrars for charging fees in the on-going e-dividend registration exercise.

Nigeria small investors’ unclaimed dividend currently stands at about N90 billion. Investigations revealed that SEC had been inundated with complaints from shareholders who heeded the campaign and went to banks and registrars to register for their e-dividend.

It was gathered that some banks were charging as much as N1, 200 to register each shareholder. Charging fees, under any guise for the exercise clearly contravenes the regulations SEC which has been campaigning that the registration exercise was free for the first 90 days.

The exercise started on December 14, 2015. Even if a shareholders were to go to any bank of Registrar for the registration, at the expiration of the initial 90 days, what SEC regulation provides for would be to pay a fee of N100, only.

It was gathered that the management of the SEC was furious and had decided to summon the banks and registrars, with a determination to make it abundantly clear that it viewed every infraction in the exercise seriously and would not hesitate to penalize any organisation that decided to collect unauthorized charges from shareholders.

The push for e-dividend, which would enable shareholders collect their dividend through their banks, is being undertaken by SEC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc, NIBSS, Committee of Heads of Bank Operations and the Institute of Capital Markets Registrars, ICMR.

AMCON Transfers Shares in Wema Bank To New Investor

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, has divested its equity stake in Wema Bank Plc.

Sources privy to the development at the weekend revealed that the divested shares were part of the large volumes of shares recorded by the bank at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in the last two trading sessions.

A regulatory source confirmed that the divestment has been approved by financial services regulator. Upon the divestment, the director representing AMCON on the board of Wema Bank, Mr Babatunde Kasali, has been recalled. Wema Bank has already filed necessary notifications of the divestment and the resignation of the AMCON-appointed director with the financial services regulators.

Not less than three billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Wema Bank have been transferred in cross deals in the last two trading sessions. Cross deal implies that the transaction had been pre-arranged and the buyer and seller matched ahead of the formal transfer of holding at the NSE.

A dealer on the NSE said the transfers were being done through Global Asset Management Nigeria Limited. The deals helped to place Global Asset Management Nigeria Limited as the securities firm with the largest volume of trade and second largest value at the stock market last week.

 

1...2,9642,9652,966...3,012Page 2,965 of 3,012
© 2025 - BizWatchNigeria.Ng
BizWatchNigeria.Ng
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.