NEWS
NNPCL, CBN Assure Nigeria Economy on Recover Path as Nass Holds Interactive Session
By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other critical stakeholders of the Nigeria economy yesterday assured that Nigeria’s ailing economy was getting revitalized based on emerging indicators.The assurances of getting the economy out of the woods were given during a critical interactive session of the Joint Committees of the National Assembly on Finance with the Ministers of Finance, Wale Edun, Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Petroleum , Senator Heineken Lokpobiri , the Group Executive Officer of NNPCL , Mela Kyari and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria , Yemi Cardoso.
In his presentation, the Group Executive Officer of NNPCL informed the Committee led by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) that based on emerging indicators in the Energy and Gas sector, Nigeria will be a net exporter of petroleum by December this year.The indicators according to him were the Port Harcourt refinery that will start production early next month, which will be followed by the one in Warri months after and Kaduna refinery latest by December this year.He added that in a few months’ time, Nigeria’s Oil production would hit 2 million barrels per day as all enablement towards that has already been put in place.”Mr. Chairman and members of the Joint Committee, let me just give a confirmation that NNPCL and the oil and gas industry is very critical in bringing a turnaround in our current economic situation, and we understand the importance of this. We are taking every step that is practical for us to achieve this..”We have already seen growth in our oil and gas production because of certain actions that Mr. President personally took, and also the very mere truth that we have also declared a war on production activities and this is yielding the required results.”The combination of these two has now seen us restoring production in our country, and we believe that, as the Honorable Minister has said, we will soon hit the target of 2 million barrels oil production per day.”I’m aware that there are several comments in the public space around refining business and domestic production, including production that will come from the commissioned Dangote refinery.”Yes, this country, as we have said, will be a net exporter of petroleum products by the end of this year.”We’re very optimistic that by December, this country will be a net exporter. That means a combination of production coming from us, and also from Dangote refinery and other smaller producing companies that we know are in line to do this.”So I can confirm to you, Mr. Chairman, that by the end of the year, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products.”Specific to NNPC refinery, we have spoken to a number of your committees that it is possible to have the Kaduna refinery come to operation before December, it will get to December. Both Warri and Kaduna but that of Port Harcourt will commence production early August this year “, he said.In his own submission, the CBN Governor represented by Deputy Governor (Economic Policy ) Muhammad Sani Abdullahi said the triple challenges of rising inflation, foreign exchange rate fluctuations and food inflation would take a downward trend soon as indicators to that effect were already emerging.In his submission, the Minister of Budget and National Planning , Atiku Bagudu said the 2024 budget was already being implemented and that there was ongoing negotiation with Labour Leaders on Minimum wage to ensure that there were no further disruptions to the economy.In his remarks, Senator Sani Musa appealed to Nigerians to persevere as the government was working around the clock to stabilise the economy.”Our critical interactive session with you as managers of the economy is about economic growth. It’s about how we can get our policies to work. How we will support Nigerians.”The National Assembly is very concerned because we are the representatives of the people. And we are obliged to ask what is happening. And this is the reason for the meeting .”And we have heard from you. At least you have given us preambles of the activities on how our economy can get back to track.”You are all aware of the obstructions our economy has had in the previous years. And it’s not going to be easy that overnight, in 365 days or in one year of the coming administration, things will change. It will be gradual.”And I believe that Nigerians will persevere. This is the only time we can all come together as Nigerians to give His Excellency the President, all the needed support. In order to get us out of all the trouble we have been in.”The indicators are showing that the economy is doing well. The only thing is that things are a bit difficult because it’s not easy for an inflation that has gone up to go down like that. It takes time”, he said.
By Nasir Dambatta
Governor Uba Sani has once again underscored his commitment to fostering unity among Kaduna’s diverse religious communities, attending both the 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol and a Maulud celebration in Zaria within the same week.On December 21, the Governor graced The 2024 Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol at ECWA Goodnews Church, Narayi Highcost, an event organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna Chapter.
The Carol, an annual tradition, brought together Christians from across the state in a celebration of joy, love, and togetherness. Governor Sani’s presence at the event highlighted his inclusive leadership and his efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony in a state known for its rich religious diversity.Shortly after, on December 22, Governor Sani attended a Maulud celebration in Zaria, organized by the Fityanul Islam group. Maulud, which commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is a time for reflection, prayer, and communal unity. The gathering in Zaria was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious scholars who reflected on the Prophet’s teachings of compassion, tolerance, and peace—values that resonate deeply with the Governor’s vision for Kaduna.Observers said the Governor’s presence at both events was a powerful reminder of his dedication to fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state. “Through these actions, Governor Uba Sani is leading by example, demonstrating that religious celebrations and dialogue can serve as a foundation for a united, progressive society.”, one of the observers said.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has directed government hospitals to provide free treatment to the people that sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja.Wike gave the directive in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Saturday.
No fewer than 10 people including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries to the stampede, during the distribution of food items to less privileged and the elderly by the church. The sad incident occurred around 6:30 a.m on Saturday.Wike said that the FCT Administration would ensure that the injured received adequate medical attention.The minister, who commiserated with the victims, also directed that henceforth, police permission should be obtained by individuals or organizations planning public distribution of palliatives, either food items or cash.Describing the incident as “painful”, Wike prayed for the repose of the souls of the lives that were lost and fortitude for their families to bear the irreparable loss.He commended the Police and other security agencies for their prompt intervention, saying, “the promptness in which security agencies responded to the incident was commendable.”In a related development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), equally commiserated with the victims of the stampede.The acting Director General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement said that nine out of the 10 injured persons earlier taken to Maitama District Hospital, have been treated and discharged.Mohammed also appealed to organisations that intended to give out food items to the less privileged to involve security agencies or FEMD for adequate planning to ensure safety of beneficiaries.He also advised the use of coupons and segregation of the beneficiaries into groups to avoid crowd and rowdiness that could lead to stampedes.Similarly, the Police Command in the FCT has ordered organisations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals to notify the police when planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the territory.In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said that the notification was to enable the police to deploy adequate security measures for public safety.According to her, failure to comply with the directive will result in the organisers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from negligenceMeanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning against the unorganised distribution of palliatives and funfairs, which have led to stampedes and fatalities among vulnerable citizens.The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, gave the warning during a media briefing on Saturday in Abuja.Adejobi explained that the warning came in response to the increasing number of stampedes resulting in injuries and deaths, particularly during palliative distributions. (NAN)
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), says it has recorded a lot of successes in military training and academic activities in 2024.
The Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. John Ochai, said this at the Nigerian Defence Academy Social Activities (NDASA), held at the headquarters of the academy Afaka on Friday in Kaduna.
Ochai said the essence of NDASA was to end training activities of the year.
He said the 2024 NDASA was unique because the academy marked 60 years of existence from 1964-2024.
Also of significance, Ochai said, NDA had passed out the largest number of officers commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria in 2024.
Equally, he said, in the same year (2024), the academy had the largest number of officers trained outside the country.
He emphasised that the NDA does not only train leaders for the Nigerian Armed Forces, but those for the Nigerian nation and humanity at large.
“After five years of training, we imbibe in officers leadership qualities that are everlasting.
”The traditions, ethos, characters that we instill in our cadets follow them forever and become very useful in all spheres of human endeavors,” Ochai said.
Mr Martins Amaram, Country Security Manager, Nigeria Breweries, PLC , who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the event fostered unity, cultural awareness and comradeship among the cadets and the larger community.
Amaram said, “The academy has always been a beacon of excellence in producing military leaders for integrity, resilience and capacity to face in a dynamic and complex world .
“Beyond academics and military training the academy still values cultural respect and social engagement, recognising the diversity of our great country. Nigeria.”
He commended NDA for creating the platform where cadets can appreciate the rich cultures and build bonds that transit borders.
Amaram added, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are playing a critical role in ensuring the stability and progress of our nation. “
He urged the academy to continue to record more successes in its mission of excellence and service to the nation.
Report says that awards were given to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves in 2024.
report says that 22 soldiers were decorated from Warrant Officer(WO) to Master Warrant Officers(MWO). (NAN)
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