In a virtual address to the Nigeria-Australia Investment Roundtable, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, showcased Nigeria’s potential as Africa’s prime mining investment hub.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, combating illegal mining, and enhancing security around mining areas.
Dr. Alake announced the establishment of the elite “Mining Marshals” force, comprising 2,220 personnel, which has significantly curtailed illegal mining activities and enforced regulatory compliance.
He also assured Australian investors of Nigeria’s readiness for joint ventures through the impending establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation.
The Minister emphasized Nigeria’s proactive stance towards engaging investors in critical mineral ventures, such as Lithium, Gold, Baryte Lead, and Iron-ore.
He disclosed intensified scrutiny on defaulters of annual service fees to curb speculation and license racketeering. Approval processes for mineral permits and licenses have been streamlined, alongside the publication of monthly mining statistics to foster sector transparency and development.
Dr. Alake urged investors to prioritize Nigeria, highlighting favorable policies, including tax waivers and capital repatriation.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to providing incentives and facilitating ease of doing business under the Tinubu administration.
As Chairman of the African Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Alake emphasized the importance of value addition in mineral exploitation across Africa.
Nigeria’s proactive approach, requiring post-extraction processing plans for mining license approvals, serves as a model for promoting value addition policies continent-wide.
Dr. Alake called on African nations to unite in advocating for value addition, believing that embracing this policy will yield mutual benefits for investors and host countries alike.
With Nigeria poised to become Africa’s mining investment hub, the Minister’s address has sent a clear message to investors: Nigeria is open for business!
***Says call for Tinubu’s Minister to brace up is patriotic, democratic
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has stepped forward to defend the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, amidst a wave of criticism following his recent remarks concerning the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At a press conference organized by HURIWA in Abuja today, the prominent civil rights advocacy group expressed concern that Matawalle’s comments sparked controversy after he advocated for steadfast support for President Tinubu’s administration, particularly from appointees from the Northern region. HURIWA highlighted that in his statement, Matawalle emphasized the imperative of collective solidarity and unwavering loyalty to the government’s initiatives aimed at advancing the nation’s interests.
“Minister Matawalle, in a press statement released on Monday, April 15, 2024, emphasized the importance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointees from the North taking a stand and showing unequivocal support for the administration. He highlighted that every appointee must promote and defend the government against unjust attacks.
“In reaction to Matawalle’s comments, former senator, Kabiru Marafa demanded an apology, urging the Minister to withdraw his statement, which he (Marafa) described as portraying the NEF as a “burden” and “paperweights”. Marafa argued that Matawalle’s remarks were not reflective of President Tinubu’s position, emphasizing Tinubu’s high regard for Northerners and their leaders”.
However, speaking at the press conference, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, deemed Matawalle’s stance as not only justified but also necessary for the continuity of developmental efforts initiated by the current administration. Onwubiko vehemently rejected attempts to misconstrue Matawalle’s remarks as divisive or inappropriate, asserting that Matawalle’s call for public solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration is both genuine and essential.
The leading human rights group further highlighted the significant contributions made by President Tinubu in appointing individuals from the Northern region to key positions in his government. They emphasized that Matawalle’s advocacy for collective support is a testament to his loyalty to the administration that appointed him.
The Association referenced the recent remarks made by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding President Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of Northerners into key positions as a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the North, indicating a genuine concern for the region’s welfare. They dismissed the attacks against Matawalle as disguised attempts to undermine the achievements of President Tinubu’s government and urged Nigerians to focus on the collective progress of the nation.
“It is imperative to highlight the key facts noted by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, regarding President Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of Northerners into key positions. Ribadu’s remarks, delivered during a lecture as part of the activities marking the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st combined convocation of Usmanu Danfordiyo University, Sokoto, underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the North, ranging from insecurity to poverty.
“President Tinubu’s strategic appointments reflect his determination to ensure that these issues are squarely addressed, demonstrating his genuine concern for the welfare of the region and the nation as a whole.
“Hence, Minister Matawalle’s call for public solidarity with President Tinubu’s administration is not only commendable but also a genuine advocacy for collective support, extending beyond Northerners in government to all individuals entrusted with national responsibilities by President Tinubu. Those who oppose Minister Matawalle’s clear-headed call for 100% loyalty to President Tinubu’s government are, in essence, political adversaries of the President, hiding their disloyalty under the guise of attacking Matawalle,” HURIWA argued.
Moreover, despite the recent criticisms, HURIWA encouraged Minister Matawalle to continue boldly speaking out in support of President Tinubu’s administration, urging all Northerners entrusted with national responsibilities by President Tinubu to heed the call for unity and solidarity. The organization also urged President Tinubu to take note of the coordinated attacks against his Minister of State for Defence and to remain steadfast in advancing the agenda of his administration.
They concluded by emphasizing the need for all appointed officials, particularly those from the Northern Region, to stand firm in their support for President Tinubu’s government and its developmental initiatives.
A heavy downpour on Wednesday night wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and the escape of 118 inmates.
According to a statement issued by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, which allowed the inmates to flee.
In response to the incident, the NCoS swiftly activated its recapturing protocols and initiated collaboration with other security agencies to recover the escaped inmates. As a result, 10 of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured.
Efforts to recapture the remaining escaped inmates are currently underway, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the public.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by custodial facilities during adverse weather conditions and highlights the importance of robust security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Liu Bei, the owner of the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket recently sealed for discriminatory practices, has appeared before a tribunal at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following a summons notice issued by the commission.
The development comes after the FCCPC sealed the supermarket and issued a threat of sanctions against the owner on Monday. In response to the summons, Liu Bei attended the tribunal to address allegations of not allowing Nigerians to shop at the facility.
In an update provided by the FCCPC, it was stated, “Owners of the Abuja Chinese Supermarket facing allegations of discriminatory practices responded to our summons today to answer questions regarding the allegations. FCCPC operatives have conducted an inspection of the facility.”
The FCCPC further assured the public of providing updates as the investigation progresses.
The supermarket had previously implemented a policy that restricted entry solely to Chinese nationals, thereby excluding Nigerians from patronizing the establishment. This move sparked outrage and led to swift action by the FCCPC to address the discriminatory practices.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, welcomed Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, to the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday, following Onakoya’s remarkable achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon of 60 hours in New York City.
Onakoya, who received a warm reception upon his return to Nigeria, was honored by Governor Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding accomplishment. Taking to his social media handle, Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed Onakoya’s journey as emblematic of Lagos’ resilient and ambitious spirit, driven by a passion for success and empowerment.
“Powerful visions birth movements that change lives. Today, we welcomed back #Tunde_OD, our chess champion, to Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu shared. “His journey embodies the spirit of Lagos—resilient, ambitious, and driven to succeed. As we celebrate his achievements, we’re inspired by his vision for empowering our children and youth.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged the state’s support for Onakoya’s mission, ensuring that every child in Lagos has the opportunity to thrive through chess. “Together with Tunde and the transformative power of Chess, we’ll work towards a future where every child in Lagos has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” he affirmed.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced plans to provide resources to fuel Onakoya’s noble cause, both presently and in the future. “The state proudly supports his mission, purposefully providing resources to fuel this noble cause now and in the future,” he stated.
Onakoya, along with his United States partner, Shawn Martinez, surpassed the previous record set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flateb and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018, playing for 56 hours and 9 minutes. Their achievement not only secured a place in the Guinness World Records but also exemplified the power of dedication and perseverance in pursuing excellence.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, H. E. Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, has called on all African member states to come together and fight terrorism by preventing cross border influx of illegal arms in the continent.
The Minister made the call while speaking to Newsmen shortly after the close of the two- day High level Africa counter terrorism summit held in Abuja, as contained in a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike,Director ( Information and Public Relations) Ministry of Defence.
The Minister said: “We have resolved amongst the participating countries that each sub regional body should organise itself and come together as a United Africa to develop means and strategies in partnership with the International Community to tackle terrorism and other related crimes in the continent.”
He said that the time to act to secure Africa from insecurity is now and God’s Willing that will be achieved in no distance time.
Furthermore, the Minister called for a collaborative approach in intelligence sharing and information gathering on the sources of funding and arms acquisition by the terrorists. “This will help in checkmating the scourge of terrorism and also in cross-checking the movement of terrorists across borders.”
In a bid to foster sustainable development and regional cooperation, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasized the importance of stronger ties among African countries. He made this call during a meeting with the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Nigeria, Mr. Kalilou Traore, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Wike stressed the need for ECOWAS countries to work together, citing Nigeria’s presidency in ECOWAS as a driving force for enhanced cooperation. “We will continue to strengthen our relationship,” he affirmed.
The Minister also commended Cote d’Ivoire for developing the plot allocated to its Embassy in Abuja, highlighting the FCTA’s commitment to ensuring all allocated land is utilized to prevent security challenges. “We don’t want to leave certain areas for miscreants, and so we thank you for the cooperation,” he stated.
Wike extended congratulations to Cote d’Ivoire on its recent victory in the African Cup of Nations, acknowledging the disappointment of not bringing the cup home. He also expressed appreciation for Cote d’Ivoire’s hospitality during the tournament.
In response, Ambassador Traore outlined plans to develop the land allocated to the Embassy in Maitama, in line with directives to utilize allocated plots within specified timeframes. He also proposed twinning Abuja and Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Cote d’Ivoire, to promote mutual advancement.
The meeting between Wike and Ambassador Traore signifies a commitment to fostering bilateral relations and regional cooperation, paving the way for shared development and prosperity across Africa.
In a bold move to boost transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s mining sector, the federal government has revoked a whopping 924 dormant licenses covering exploration, mining, small-scale mining, and quarrying.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made the announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing that the revocation followed due process and adequate notice to all concerned parties.
Only 39 licensees out of 963 took immediate action or provided convincing reasons for their license dormancy, leading to the revocation of 928 licenses. This includes 528 exploration licenses, 20 mining leases, 101 quarry licenses, and 273 Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSML).
Dr. Alake stressed that the revocation aligns with the government’s “Use it or Lose it” policy, aimed at penalizing those who treat the sector as a commodity.
Investors worldwide can now apply for affected Cadastral Units on a first-come, first-served basis.
To provide a path for restitution, Dr. Alake announced fines for revoked licenses: N10 million for Mining Licenses, N7.5 million for Small Scale Mining Licenses (SSML), and N5 million for Exploration Licenses (EL). Licensees have 30 days to pay the fines to qualify for consideration.
Dr. Alake warned against license racketeering and speculative practices, affirming the government’s zero-tolerance stance.
He urged investors to initiate projects swiftly upon obtaining licenses, emphasizing Nigeria’s readiness to welcome serious investors who create employment opportunities.
This move marks a significant step towards revitalizing Nigeria’s mining sector, promoting accountability, and attracting responsible investment for sustainable development.
… Pass Vote of Confidence on NDDC MD Chief Samuel Ogbuku
By Martins Ogolo
Several youth groups across the Niger Delta region have endorsed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE). This was done during a robust engagement between Project HOPE handlers and all youth bodies in the Niger Delta Region.
Ambassador Blessing Fubara, who is the resource consultant of the Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE), while making a presentation to the various youth representatives, said, “First, we must appreciate the sincerity of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led NDDC board for keying into our idea and showing willingness to fund it 100%. The idea for Project HOPE was birthed based on the need to turn around the fortunes of Niger Delta youths and engage them with meaningful activities so as to change the narratives and mindset of people who see Niger Delta youths as militants and misfits. What we started with was getting a database of every youth in the Niger Delta region, to ensure we know what each can do and see what suits who.”
He further opined, “Project HOPE covers several areas of human capital development, ranging from agriculture, science and technology, fish farming, vocational skills, and creative arts. It will interest you to know we have secured at least 100 hectares of land in the nine states of the Niger Delta region. We intend to go into full-scale mechanized farming and are projecting to employ at least 1,000 persons per state, which means 9,000 persons in the whole of Niger Delta. This is achievable because agriculture, though mechanized, will still need physical manpower at different stages.”
He further explained, “For the fish farming, we will procure large fishing vessels and employ Niger Delta youths to man and manage them. For science and technology, we will train youths between 6-9 months with globally accepted tech skills and set up tech hubs in each state in the region. When we approached the Rivers State Government, they graciously approved a property for us to set up the tech center because they know the importance of technology. A lot of the artists keep migrating to Lagos because of the market and enabling environment. We did a survey and several consultations with IPMAN and came to the conclusion that the solution will be to set up entertainment villages where artists, producers, skit makers, and cinematographers will be trained and funded afterwards. This is because we want to touch every category of Niger Delta youths.”
Several youth groups, which include Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), and a host of others, took turns to endorse the current Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, and the Holistic Opportunity Projects of Engagement (HOPE). They also promised to do all they can to ensure the project succeeds.
Despite concerns over the currency used for selling crude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, oil marketers have confirmed that the refined petroleum products will be sold in Naira, the local currency, and not in U.S. dollars. This clarification comes amid speculation that the use of dollars for crude purchases could lead to refined products being priced in the foreign currency.
Ongoing Registration and Pricing Template Development
As the Dangote Petroleum Refinery ramps up operations, the registration process for marketers to lift and distribute products remains active, indicating robust participation from the sector. Additionally, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is collaborating closely with the refinery’s management to finalize the pricing template, ensuring compliance and fairness in product pricing.
Local Currency Utilization Reinforced
Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), addressed the currency issue directly. He reassured the public that although crude is procured in dollars due to its international market status, the refined products destined for the Nigerian market would be sold in Naira. He highlighted the consistency of Dangote Industries in conducting local transactions in Naira, drawing parallels with other Dangote products like cement and food items.
Implications for Local Market and Currency Stability
The decision to sell refined products in Naira is seen as a critical support mechanism for the local currency amidst ongoing foreign exchange rate challenges. This approach not only aligns with national economic strategies but also supports local consumption and accessibility.
The pricing strategy and its impending announcement are eagerly awaited by the market, as they will significantly impact various sectors dependent on diesel and aviation fuel. These developments are particularly noteworthy given the refinery’s capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day and its potential to meet domestic demand more sustainably.
Engagement with Regulators and Future Expectations
With ongoing meetings between refinery officials, dealers, and regulators, there is an active effort to ensure that the pricing templates and operational strategies align with national standards and market needs. The anticipation of these templates suggests a strategic approach to market entry that could set new standards for product pricing and distribution in Nigeria’s oil sector.
As operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continue to expand, the focus remains on enhancing the availability of high-quality refined products domestically, thus promising a significant shift towards greater self-sufficiency in the energy sector.
