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Prosperity Cup 2024: Nembe City FC Wins Nembe Local Govt Finals

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Prosperity Cup 2024: Nembe City FC Wins Nembe Local Govt Finals

…As David Alagoa,Chairman Nembe LGA Laud Governor Douye Diri’s Support Of Youth Empowerment Through Sports

Nembe City FC emerged Champions of Nembe Local Government Area after seeing off their opponent, Fisherman’s Sons FC by two goals to one at the Nembe City Stadium on Thursday. Goals from Ginah Yahmarabhi and Ayibanumoipre Pulo in each half separated the two sides.

The game played under a clement weather, also proved to be exciting with the display of artistry and doggedness by both teams, each aiming for the coveted local government champion award.

Pacy winger, Ginah Yahmarabhi drew first blood after taking advantage of a defensive error, to send his teammates and fans into wild celebration, but it didn’t last long, as the Fisherman’s Sons FC drew level fifteen minutes later, through young striker, Jackson Idumabo, who slotted the ball beyond the advancing Nembe City goalkeeper, Atebu Ayebaesin.

At the resumption, both sides kept measuring each other for size and created few scoring chances, but it was Nembe City that increased their tally as the energetic left winger, Ayibanumoipre Pulo slotted home from a close range, after the Fisherman’s Sons central defender failed to clear his line.

Chairman Nembe Local Government Area, Hon. David Alagoa who was elated with the performance of both sides, praised the Governor, Senator Douye Diri for throwing his weight behind the competition, as it will continuously engage the youths and also help to sharpen their skills in football.

He assured of his administration’s readiness to key into the vision of the Prosperity mantra of the Governor, by using sports to empower and uplift the people of Nembe, describing sports as a sure means of improving health and eradicating poverty.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, while alluding to the fact that the Prosperity Cup is one of the most followed competitions in the country, urged the youths, teams and communities to take it more seriously, as a lot of programs will follow, such as the scouting and coaching clinic, which are all geared towards building capacity in the youths of Bayelsa State.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Head, Human Resources Management in the Sports Ministry, Mr Mike Ede-Alakere, also appreciated the Nembe Local Government Chairman for his successfully hosting the finals.

On his part, Deputy Director-General Corporate Affairs, Deacon Emmanuel Appah stated that the local government council finals as a new initiative in the 6th edition sought to cement the unity established by the tournament in the communities and produce a champion at the local government level before the main final at the state level.

Deacon Appah, on behalf of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), appreciated the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and the Sports Commissioner, Hon Daniel Baralate Igali for their pragmatic efforts in ensuring sports thrive in the state, particularly the Prosperity Cup, which has become a household name in the country.

He added that foreign scouts will be in the state by the end of June to spot talents for possible deals abroad, which is in line with the governor’s vision for the youths of the state.

At the end of the final a plaque and the sum of one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) was presented to the winners, Nembe City FC, as well as a plaque and fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to the runner-up, Fisherman’s Sons FC, by the Chairman of Nembe Council Area, Hon. David Alagoa, courtesy of the Prosperity Cup organisers. The Chairman on his part gave balls to the finalists with a promise to support the team as the prepare for the round of 32 and the international scouting exercise later in Yenagoa.

In his vote of thanks, Tournament Director Perela Aboro appreciated the Chairman and everyone who made the final possible assuring that the scouting program will definitely yield good results.

The Prosperity Team led by the Director-General Ono Akpe moves to Oporoma for the Southern Ijaw Final on Friday with Ogboinbiri FC taking on Adule-Ama FC.

Heavy Security At Emir Bayero’s Residence As Kano Govt Mobilizes Bulldozers

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Heavy Security At Emir Bayero’s Residence As Kano Govt Mobilizes Bulldozers

There is heavy security presence around Nasarawa Palace, the official residence of the deposed 15th emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Politics Nigeria earlier reported that the Kano State Government had ordered the eviction of the deposed traditional ruler.

Addressing journalists on Thursday evening, the attorney-general and commissioner of justice in Kano State, Haruna Isah Dederi, said Bayero should be evicted because all is set for the reconstruction and renovation of the property.

In a video seen by our reporter on Friday morning, security personnel have blocked all entrances to the palace which is owned by the Kano State Government.

The move, Politics Nigeria understands, is to prevent thugs from interfering with the planned demolition of the Nasarawa Palace.

In a separate video seen by our correspondent, a bulldozer and excavator were seen headed to the palace.

Recall that the Federal High Court in Kano had nullified the removal of Emir Bayero and others by the State Government.

However, the Kano State Government has insisted that Emir Sanusi Muhammad II remains the emir of Kano.

Christian Community Mourns the Loss of Elder Nuhu Eli-shama in Abuja

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Christian Community Mourns the Loss of Elder Nuhu Eli-shama in Abuja

A wave of sorrow swept over the Christian faithful as they gathered to bid farewell to Elder Nuhu Eli-shama, a revered instructor, auto engineer, businessman, and devoted family man. The burial took place at the Christian cemetery in Gudu, Abuja, marking the end of a life filled with dedication and service. Elder Nuhu Eli-shama was the beloved husband of Mrs. Precious Vivian Owei Eli-shama, former Head of Protocol at the Bayelsa State Liaison Office in Abuja, and State Coordinator of NEPAD Bayelsa State.

The solemn ceremony saw attendees from Borrong families of Demsa LGA, Adamawa State, and the Sangana-Akassa Community of Brass LGA. Officiating ministers Pastor Bola Adetola and Pastor Bola Aganaba offered words of comfort and reflection, drawing from Hebrews 9:27 to remind the gathering of the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life through Christ. “Elder Nuhu Eli-shama is not dead but asleep, as stated in the word of God,” affirmed Pastor Adetola.

Following the burial, a thanksgiving service was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of Destiny Parish, Mabushi. Pastor Bola Adetola, speaking on the topic “Faith Comes by Hearing,” urged the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith despite life’s challenges. He referenced 1 Corinthians 15:35, emphasizing that faith leading to eternal salvation comes from hearing and living by the gospel of Christ.

At a service of songs held at RCCG HoD Parish in Abuja, Mr. Sam Atasia Oburu, former Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State government and business partner to Mrs. Vivian Eli-shama, praised the late Elder Nuhu for his devotion, kindness, courage, and intelligence. “His advice and wealth of knowledge will be greatly missed,” said Oburu.

Elder Nuhu’s first son, Mr. Jesse Eli-shama, expressed his grief and shock at his father’s sudden passing after a brief illness and recovery progress.
“I will miss him greatly and promise to uphold the values he instilled in me,” Jesse shared.

In a heartfelt tribute, Mrs. Vivian Owei Eli-shama remembered her husband as a staunch believer in humanity and a strong supporter of her visions. She expressed her gratitude to God for the journey so far, despite her deep shock and disbelief over his death.

“I pray for strength to live without him and find solace in God and the children he left behind,” she said.

The ceremony drew numerous dignitaries and groups who came to pay their last respects. Among them were the St. Urhobo family, Dr. Ayibatonye Owei (former Commissioner for Health), Mr. Biriyai Okpurukhre representing the Moko-Ama and Sangana families, and the management team of Red Sapphire Group led by Mr. Ono Akpe, DG Prosperity Cup. Lady Doris Alagoa, former Bayelsa State Liaison Officer, and other officials from the Abuja Liaison Office were also in attendance.

Elder Nuhu Eli-shama’s siblings, alongside those of his wife, including Mrs. Patience Igbosi, Engr. Tonworio Owei, Mrs. Ingonabo Maureen Amada, Barr. Oyanbo Peace Owei, and Mrs. Blessing Tari Horsfall, stood united in grief and support. The Mbula/Adamawa Community in FCT, P-H family, LFC family, RCCG family, GGSS Harbour Road PH 1983 Alumni Abuja (North), RGA family, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, Lady Susie, a family friend and correspondent for Radio Bayelsa and numerous friends and well-wishers were in attendance.

BAYELSA SET FOR 5TH GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING PROGRAMME AND COACHING CLINIC …

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BAYELSA SET FOR 5TH GOVERNOR DOUYE DIRI INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING PROGRAMME AND COACHING CLINIC …

…10 FOREIGN SCOUTS , AGENTS EXPECTED BY 30TH JUNE.

The Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Prosperity Cup, says it is set to flag off the 5th edition of the Governor Douye Diri International Scouting Programme and Coaching Clinic for coaches participating in the ongoing competition.

The scouting event sponsored by the organisers of Nigeria’s largest Grassroot Football Tournament is in collaboration with Tristone Football Club, OTP Finland, and Red Sapphire

According to a statement by Mr Ono K. Akpe, Director General, and Mr Perala Aboro, the Tournament Director/Head Scouting, the international coaching clinic which follows the recently organized refresher course for referees is in line with Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to enhancing the capacity, skills, knowledge and empowerment of Bayelsans through strategic capacity building programmes.

The four-day programme will see foreign experts visit Bayelsa and impact knowledge of new coaching techniques to the grassroot coaches through comprehensive coaching courses, that will equip them with advanced techniques and strategies on how to train, nurture and develop young athletes to stardom.

The statement noted that resource persons will be led by Coach Glenn Stahl of Sweden, Hakan Uyanmis, football agent and CEO, and H-Sports management agency of Turkey. Other resource persons include: Mindaugas Malinauskas (Lithuania) a retired goalkeeper and current goalkeeper’s Coach in Lithuania; Augustine Jibrin (Finland/Nigeria), Head Coach OTP United; Kestutis Petkus, Head Coach FK Babrungas Plunges (Lithuania); Ahmet Ozein, Agent Choil (Turkey); Hilary Azudo, Sporting Director OTP Finland; Peter Nieketen Ex-international and UEFA B Coach, Simas Kumza Sporting Director FK Babrugas Plug, Lithuania and the Coordinator of the programme Kelvin Etemike of Tristone.

A total of 50 coaches are expected to participate in the programme and due to the need to develop our grassroot coaches, team coaches that qualified for the Round of 32 will be sponsored by the tournament organisers as well as four state coaches and four female coaches, totaling forty coaches (40 coaches) and 10 external coaches.

However, other coaches, especially coaches from outside Bayelsa State who are interested in participating in the scouting programme and coaching clinic, are expected to pay a token of N20,000 only as course and registration fee.

The DG, in the statement, therefore called on coaches interested in participating in the coaching clinic slated for June 30th – July 3rd to get their registration forms through Dr Akpofini Odogu- 08065337798, Mr. Patrick – 07013165085 and Mrs Blessing – 07063485003.

He said the deadline for registration is Monday, 24th June 2024.

The statement concluded by notifying coaches that there is limited number of spaces available, so it will strictly be on ‘first come first serve basis’ calling on interested teams to parade exceptional and talented players within the ages of 18-20years.

Mr Akpe encouraged coaches and talented footballers in Bayelsa to take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity that can serve as a pedestal to achieving their dreams, boost their careers and eventually take them to the international stage.

He concluded by thanking the Games Master General of Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri, for his positive impact on the youths of Bayelsa through sports development.

NDDC Advocates Collaborative Effort in Fight Against Malaria

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NDDC Advocates Collaborative Effort in Fight Against Malaria

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has enjoined all stakeholders in the region to intensify efforts towards ridding the nation off malaria.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde during the Commission’s World Malaria Day Enlightenment Campaign in Akure, Ondo State noted that malaria kills faster than HIV and AIDS.
He stated: “Malaria is a major public health concern in the tropical area of the Sahara and Nigeria has recorded about 68 million cases of malaria leading to over 194,000 deaths. Therefore, there is an urgent need to take more decisive measures in addressing the problem.”

Abegunde who highlighted the NDDC’s commitment towards ensuring free and accessible healthcare in the region noted that: “NDDC has just recently conducted a free medical outreach across the region where over 20,000 patients benefited through free medical consultations, diagnosis, treatments and even surgeries.”

“It is our firm belief in NDDC that a more collaborative approach with relevant stakeholders would yield far-reaching results, especially in the quest to eradicate malaria from the region, and from Nigeria at large.”
The Executive Director, Corporate Services further urged the people of the region to be swift in seeking medical attention in the event of any symptom.

The Director, Ondo State Office of the NDDC, Mr. Victor Asonye, commended the commitment of the current leadership of the Commission for providing a platform for sensitizing the people on the causes, symptoms and prevention of malaria.

He noted: “The World Malaria Day Enlightenment Campaign is part of the NDDC’s efforts in addressing the healthcare needs of our people through the provision of timely sensitization and awareness.”

External reserves seen rising further on inflows

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External reserves seen rising further on inflows

Experts say external reserves will increase rapidly as Nigeria begins to see some foreign inflows.

Nigeria‘s foreign reserves have risen by 2.19 percent month-on-month, following streams of dollar inflows from international financial institutions.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed that external reserves grew to $33.159 billion as of June 11, 2024 from $32.447 billion in May 10, 2024.

The Federal Government (FG) has secured $3 billion Afreximbank facility to boost industrialisation

The landmark agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the concluded Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM) 2024.

Doris Udoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented the country in the signing ceremony. This initiative was set to establish a Nigeria Industrialisation Financing Facility, which will support the development of special economic zones, industrial parks, and light manufacturing sectors across Nigeria.

The World Bank, last week, approved a total of $2.25 billion loan for Nigeria to help stabilise the economy following reforms and scale-up support for the poor.

Yemi Kale, group chief economist and managing director of research and international cooperation at Afreximbank, said that borrowing is only meant to fix some temporary problems.

“But you have to create a system where you have a sustainable inflow of foreign exchange after that,” he said.

Uche Uwaleke, special adviser to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, said the recent accretion to external reserves is primarily due to increase in foreign portfolio investments, crude oil production, and foreign loans.

“Except improvement in crude oil production is sustained, the level of external reserves will likely plummet as the portfolio investments mature and the Federal Government’s obligations to foreign creditors kick in after the period of moratorium,” Uwaleke further said.

The dollar supply by willing buyers and willing sellers increased by 13.47 percent to $183.47 million on Friday, June 15, 2024 from $161.69 million as of June 10, 2024, according to data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited.

At the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the naira closed flat on Friday, gaining marginally by 0.06 percent as the dollar was quoted at N1,482.72 on June 15 as against N1,483.62 closed on June 10, 2024.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) on Thursday announced an additional disbursement of $925 million under the syndicated $3.3 billion crude oil-backed prepayment facility sponsored by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. This brings the total current funded facility size to $3.175 billion.

For the industrialisation facility, the comprehensive plan includes the creation of special economic, industrial, and agro-processing zones, which are expected to generate 20,000 new jobs. The facility will particularly focus on enhancing the automotive sector and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) value chain, essential for advancing the country’s automotive and transport industries.

Read also: Naira falls, external reserves dip despite FX reforms 

The financing package also extends to the diaspora investment fund framework, providing technical and financial backing.

Additionally, it signifies a robust partnership between Nigeria’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), and Afreximbank, aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s cotton, apparel, and textile value chain.

Arise IIP, a venture owned by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Equitane, specializes in designing, financing, building, and operating integrated industrial zones. This collaboration is expected to create significant employment opportunities and attract over $2 billion in investments, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to economic diversification.

 

Afreximbank emphasized the historical significance of this initiative: “This is going to cut across the cotton belt in Nigeria and also create a lot of jobs in Nigeria’s core strength in terms of cotton and textile production which used to be the pride of the country in the 1980s and 1990s. So, we are bringing it back and working together to get that done,” it said.

Zenith, UBA top banks in charitable donations for three months

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Zenith, UBA top banks in charitable donations for three months

Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC Holdings are the top three banks who donated the most to charity in the first three months of 2024, according to BusinessDay analysis.

Zenith Bank Plc recorded a CSR donation of N1.63 billion, United Bank for Africa’s CSR donation stood at N503 million while Stanbic IBTC Holdings CSR donation was N478 million.

Seven Nigerian banks which are Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, FBN Holdings Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Wema Bank Plc and Fidelity Bank Plc recorded a 115 percent growth in corporate social responsibility(CSR) donations to N3.38 billion in the first quarter of 2024 from N1.57 billion in the same period of 2023.

Read also: Banks’ spend on CSR more than double amid rising poverty

Guaranty Trust Holding Company and Access Holdings did not record CSR in their recent first-quarter financials.

“Banks’ CSR shows their customers that they care about their well-being and they are not just transactional. The impact on the economy is that they become more mindful of climate change and its effect on the economy,” Uchenna Uzo, professor of marketing at Lagos Business School said.

Analysis of individual firms

Zenith Bank Plc

Zenith Bank Plc recorded a CSR donation of N1.63 billion in the first quarter of 2024 from N765 million in the same period of 2023.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N258.3 billion in Q1 from N66.01 billion in the same period of 2023 and gross earnings increased to N780.6 billion from N269.9 billion.

Zenith Bank is engaged in the business of commercial banking. The bank is engaged in the provision of banking and other financial services to corporate and individual customers.

United Bank for Africa

United Bank for Africa’s CSR donation surged to N503 million from N298 million.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N258.3 billion in Q1 from N66.01 billion in the same period of 2023. Gross earnings increased to N780.6 billion from N269.9 billion.

UBA is a financial services institution in Nigeria offering banking products and services to the personal, commercial, and corporate sectors.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings

Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ CSR donation jumped to N478 million from N24 million.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N45.6 billion in Q1 from N28.9 billion in the same period of 2023. Gross earnings increased to N138.2 billion from N80.9 billion.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings, an integral entity within the financial landscape of Nigeria, operates under a robust structure with a primary function as a financial holding company.

FBN Holdings Plc

FBN Holdings Plc’s CSR donation rose to N434 million from N165 million.

 

The holding company’s after-tax profit surged to N208.1 billion in Q1 from N50.1 billion in the same period of 2023.

FBN Holdings is a leading financial services institution in Nigeria offering banking products and services for the commercial, corporate, investment, and merchant banking sectors.

FCMB Group

FCMB Group Plc’s CSR donation dropped to N162.9 million from N305.5 million in the period reviewed.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N28.77 billion in Q1 from N9.29 billion in the same period of 2023. Gross earnings increased to N179.1 billion from N87.43 billion.

FCMB Group is a financial services institution offering products and services for the commercial, corporate, and institutional sectors in Nigeria and Europe.

Wema Bank Plc

Wema Bank Plc’s CSR donation surged to N118.4 million from N7.56 million.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N9.67 billion in Q1 from N5.38 billion in the same period of 2023.

Wema Bank Plc is a Nigeria-based bank that offers retail banking, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) banking, corporate banking, treasury, trade and financial advisory services.

Fidelity Bank Plc

Fidelity Bank Plc’s CSR donation surged to N58 million from N7 million.

The bank’s after-tax profit surged to N31.44 billion from N15.61 billion. Gross earnings increased to N192.1 billion from N101.1 billion.

Fidelity Bank, also known as Fidelity Bank Plc., is a commercial bank in Nigeria headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos. It is licensed as a commercial bank with international authorization, by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the central bank and national banking regulator.

 

Russia Overtakes U.S As Biggest Gas Supplier To Europe

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Russia Overtakes U.S As Biggest Gas Supplier To Europe

🇷🇺 Russia overtook US as gas supplier to Europe in May. Rise in market share highlights the impossibility of weaning Europe off Russian energy.

Europe’s gas imports from Russia overtook supplies from the US for the first time in almost two years in May, despite the region’s efforts to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels since the full scale invasion of Ukraine.

While one-off factors drove the reversal, it highlights the difficulty of further reducing Europe’s dependence on gas from Russia, with several eastern European countries still relying on imports from their neighbour.

“It’s striking to see the market share of Russian gas and [liquefied natural gas] inch higher in Europe after all we have been through, and all the efforts made to decouple and de-risk energy supply,” said Tom Marzec-Manser, head of gas analytics at consultancy ICIS.

The US overtook Russia as a supplier of gas to Europe in September 2022, and has since 2023 accounted for about a fifth of the region’s supply.

But last month, Russian-piped gas and LNG shipments accounted for 15 per cent of total supply to the EU, UK, Switzerland, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, overtaking the U.S according to data from ICIS.

Reps probe alleged $72 million diversion, summon AGIP, NNPC, others

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Reps probe alleged $72 million diversion, summon AGIP, NNPC, others

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the managing director and senior management staff of Nigeria AGIP Oil Company (NAOC) in response to a petition alleging the diversion of $72 million.

The complaint was raised by De Coon Service Limited (DSL), a service company, against AGIP and several high-ranking officials.

The petition includes allegations against Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Ali Zara, Ismailia Mohammed, and Simbi Wabote, former executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Read also: ENI sells stake in Nigerian Agip Oil Company to Oando

DSL claims that AGIP, in collaboration with these individuals, fraudulently withheld and diverted over $72 million owed to the company.

In a letter of summons issued on June 10, 2024, and signed by the committee chairman, the parties are required to appear before the committee on June 20, 2024, with a soft copy and 10 hard copies of their brief on the matter.

The letter states, “Whereas the above-named petition is now pending before this committee and the particulars aforesaid are hereby attached. And whereas the petition has been assigned to be heard by the committee for determination, you are hereby required to note Section 88 and 89(C) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and appear in person before this committee on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 2.00 pm or so soon thereafter as the committee shall direct.”

Read also: NNPC withdraws suits against ExxonMobil on $1.28bn asset divestment to Seplat

The directive specifically lists the NAOC managing director, division manager (strategic procurement), four senior managers, and two retired staff members.

It also summoned six others, and two retired staff of the NNPC. Additionally, executives from Oandlo Limited, Total E&P, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources are required to attend.

 

Joshua Abah, executive director of the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, elaborated on the allegations in the petition dated April 24, 2024.

He explained that DSL executed a contract with NAOC for general maintenance of gas/diesel generators from 2010 to 2018, during which NAOC allegedly withheld over $22 million owed to DSL, despite receiving cash calls from its JV partners.

“NAOC converted the cash calls to themselves in total breach and defiance of the agreement to pay DSL upon conclusion of the contract and receipt of the cash calls from its Joint Venture partners,” Abah stated.

Further complicating the issue, DSL won a replacement contract in 2014, but NAOC delayed its award until 2018, prompting DSL to demand a reconciliation meeting to settle outstanding bills.

NAOC, however, refused, leading DSL to report the situation to NCDMB and the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), the Investment management arm of the NNPC.

Abah accused NUIMS officers of colluding with NAOC to commence the replacement contract without resolving the financial discrepancies.

The petitioners also highlighted that NAOC rigged tender processes for contracts, awarding them to RCE Overseas Ltd, which was not the lowest bidder, in clear violation of the PPA 2007. The total amount owed now exceeds $70 million, with DSL’s rental equipment still in NAOC’s possession.

DSL urged federal lawmakers to implement the recommendations of NNPC’s Governance, Risk, and Compliance, NAPIMS, and NCDMB reports and direct NAOC to pay all debts owed to DSL, potentially in agreed instalments.

The House Committee’s intervention aims to address these allegations and ensure accountability within the sector.

FG Uncovers 1,618 Civil Servants With Fake Employment Letters

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FG Uncovers 1,618 Civil Servants With Fake Employment Letters

THE Federal Government has revealed that it has in the last one year uncovered 1,618 officers in the Civil Service with illegal and fake employment letters and have been deleted them from the Integration Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS).

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan made this known on Wednesday in Abuja, during a media parley organized as part of programmes marking the 2024 Civil Service Week, with a theme: Education an African fit for the 21s Century: Building Resilient Education System for Increased Access to Inclusive Longlife, Quality and relevant Learning in Africa.

She disclosed that through physical verification conducted by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government, the once over-bloated federal civil service has now been brought down from over 100,000 to 69,308 who have been verified and are on the payroll.

Yemi-Esan revealed that apart from the ghost workers who were parading fake employment letters, there was also the issue of some civil servants who “japa” for greener pastures in overseas that were caught napping during the physical verification exercise.

According to her, some of them who came into the country for the verification exercise like one or two weeks after the exercise had been conducted under the pretext that they were not aware of the scheduled physical verification exercise, were graciously given two weeks to appear for the verification exercise.

Curiously, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said instead of waiting for the two weeks in addition to the days they had already spent in Nigeria, “a lot of them tendered their resignation letters because no UK organization would afford to give two additional weeks in the country to perfect the verification process.

On the issue of endemic corruption in the public service, Yemi-Esan said her office has been working in synergy with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in ensuring that underhand dealings were eliminated from the system.

She also spoke on the efforts to reposition the Federal Civil Service for optimum and quality service to Nigerians, while expressing confidence that by the end of 2025, the entire service would be fully digitized.

Yemi-Esan disclosed that significant progress has made by the current administration to transform and digitize work processes.

“From the service wide perspective, all MDAs, all other ministries are also running with the digitalization programme and there are different stages of implementation, but they have a mandate for all to achieve full migration by the end of 2025,” she said.

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