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CPPE Opposes Raw Materials Export Restriction Bill

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The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has opposed the raw materials bill before the National Assembly, warning it may harm Nigerian exporters and manufacturers.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by Dr Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of CPPE.

The bill by the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) mandates 30 per cent local value addition before exports.

It also prohibits manufacturers from importing raw materials considered to be available in sufficient local quantity.

Yusuf acknowledged that promoting local value addition appears beneficial and could enhance export earnings.

However, he stressed the need for a balanced approach between primary product exporters and local processors.

He called for a thorough assessment of raw material availability before enforcing any ban on imports for manufacturers.

“A win-win approach is needed, not a zero-sum situation that punishes primary product exporters,” Yusuf said.

He warned that thousands of jobs in the primary products export chain could be lost.

“Nigeria’s key non-oil exports include cocoa, cashew nuts, gum arabic, ginger, sesame seeds, shea butter, and crude oil,” he noted.

Yusuf questioned how the 30 per cent value addition would be measured and who would authorise exports under the new rules.

He also raised concerns about how the government would identify which raw materials can be imported and the timeline for implementation.

According to him, the bill ignores significant challenges affecting local manufacturing and value addition.

“Context matters. We must understand the broader economic challenges before shaping raw materials policy.

“Many agro-processors failed due to poor productivity and competitiveness, not just lack of raw materials,” Yusuf explained.

He listed high energy costs, limited funding, poor logistics, red tape, exchange rate instability, and multiple taxes as major obstacles.

“These issues must be tackled to genuinely promote local value addition,” he said.

Yusuf cautioned that the bill could introduce more corruption through additional layers of export approvals.

He added that regulating exports and imports is not within the RMRDC’s mandate or that of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He noted that fiscal policy matters are handled by the Ministries of Finance, and Industry, Trade and Investment.

“The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) must also be involved,” Yusuf emphasised.

This, he said, is vital to assess impacts on non-oil exports, manufacturing, and the overall economy.

“It also ensures consistency and coordination in policymaking,” he added.

Yusuf urged the National Assembly to halt the bill and advise the RMRDC to concentrate on its core research functions.

He added that import and export rules are usually governed by trade policy, not legislation.

“These policies change with economic conditions and are handled by fiscal authorities,” Yusuf said. (NAN)

Foreign News

Nigeria Condemns Terrorist Attack In India

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The Federal Government on Tuesday, condemned the terrorist attack in India.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kimiebi Ebienfa, quoted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar as saying this on Tuesday in Abuja

The minister described the attack as unfortunate incident that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives, mostly tourists and left many others injured.

Tuggar said, “The government of Nigeria strongly condemns the recent terrorist attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam.

“Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is a global menace that requires collective action and firm commitment from the international community.

“Nigeria, having faced similar challenges, understands the devastating impact of such acts of violence and reiterates its call for enhanced global cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India as they recover from this tragedy and we stand united in the shared pursuit of peace, stability and justice worldwide.

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NEWS

Enugu CP Warns Supervisory Officers To Redouble Their Efforts, Justify Their Posting Or Lose It

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From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu 

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command,  Mamman Bitrus Giwa,  has issued a stern warning to supervisory officers, particularly Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Tactical Squads and other Units, to redouble their efforts and justify their postings or face immediate replacement.

The Commissioner speaking during the  Police’s Strategic Conference with Senior Officers and a routine Briefing,  emphasised that this directive forms a core part of new measures aimed at strengthening accountability and operational excellence within the Command.

He outlined a performance management strategy that combines strict accountability with meaningful incentives, embodying a carrot-and-stick approach.

According to the Commissioner, officers who fail to demonstrate effective leadership, maintain discipline, or meet operational targets will be swiftly sanctioned, while outstanding performances will be recognised and rewarded.

Highlighting the critical need for public trust,  Giwa said, “The people of Enugu deserve nothing less than your utmost dedication. This is not merely a warning; it is our new operational standard. Those who cannot meet these expectations have no place in leadership within the command.” He further affirmed that the era of complacency is over, declaring that every officer must now prove daily that they deserve their position.  

These reforms, the CP noted, are part of the Enugu State Police Command’s ongoing transformation initiative to eradicate misconduct and enhance service delivery, aligning with the vision and mission of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 

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CRIME

Court Remands Man For Alleged Sexual Harassment Of 13-Year-Old Boy

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By Ngozi Njoku

Lagos, April 29, 2025(NAN) An Ogudu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday remanded a 40-year-old man, Ibrahim Abdullahi, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for alleged sexual harassment of a 13-year-old boy at Mile 12 market in Ketu, Lagos.

Abdullahi, of Mile 12 market, was charged with sexual harassment by the police.

The Magistrate, Mrs S.

K.
Matepo, who did not take the plea of the defendant for wants of jurisdiction, remanded Abdullahi until July 14.

She ordered that the case file should be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Donjour Perezi told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence in September, 2024 at Maidan area of Mile 12 Market in Ketu, Lagos.

Perezi alleged that the defendant sexually harassed the minor by using his manhood to rub the anus of the boy.

He claimed that the defendant gave the boy N2,000 and told the boy not to reveal it to anyone.

“Early this month, the boy was caught by his sister watching a pornography video and when questioned, he narrated how the defendant and one Emmanuel, who is at large, had been using their Pennis to rub his anus,” he said.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Sections 262 stipulated 3 years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of sexually harassing another

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