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Engaging Formidable Security Team For Forensic Audit Paramount, Says Akpabio

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The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that with the approval of the engagement of the final batch of the forensic auditors by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the commencement of the exercise in earnest, there is an urgent need to provide necessary security for the Audit Firms and their personnel through out the duration of the audit exercise.

The Minister in a statement signed by the Director of Press of the ministry Deworitshe Patricia, stated this during the inauguration of the Security Committee for the Field Forensic Auditors of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Abuja.

He, however, recalled that in response to the yearnings of the Governors of the Niger Delta region arising from the huge gap between resources invested in the region vis a vis the infrastructural, human and economic development recorded by the NDDC, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a holistic Forensic Audit of the activities of the Commission from inception to August 2019 in other to reposition it for effective service delivery to the region.

Stating the terms of reference for the Committee, the Minister noted among other responsibilities that, they are to “ensure security and protection for the Forensic Audit Personnel and the materials to be used and also make appropriate security recommendations to the Ministry in the conduct of the Forensic exercise when necessary.”

Speaking further, Akpabio stated that the importance of the Security Committee to the success of the forensic audit exercise cannot be over emphasized considering the various interest, the volatility of the region and desperate attempt of some individuals to derail the exercise.

The Minister, therefore, solicited for the maximum cooperation, of the Security Committee members, adding that he is counting on their professionalism and expertise to ensure a hitch free exercise.

Membership of the Committee is drawn from both the Ministry and Security Agencies, with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo as Chairman and Director, Planning Research and Statistic (PRS), Mr. Alfred Abba, Secretary. Representatives of the following Agencies as members of the Security Committee include: Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security Services, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC).

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Babayo Ardo in his remarks noted that the inauguration of the Security Committee for the Forensic Auditors of the NDDC marks another milestone in the drive by Mr. President and the Minister to reposition the NDDC away from the hullabaloo situation being witnessed in the Commission to that of a well-positioned and better-focused interventionist agency for effective service delivery.

He said that from 1999 to date, out of the 12,000 projects said to have been executed, available information shows that some of these projects are yet to commence, while some have been abandoned. Therefore, Mr. President in his wisdom approved the Forensic Auditing of the various projects, to ascertain the correct position of things in the Commission. Sixteen Forensic Auditors have been approved for the exercise.

Also, Commodore Bamidele Oluwagbamila of the Nigerian Navy (NN) on behalf of members of the Security Committee for the Field Forensic Auditors of the NDDC, said it is an honour to be part of the Committee and pledged their loyalty to work assiduously with the auditors to achieve their purpose and ensure that the overall objective of Mr. President for setting up the Committee is achieved.

Nigeria Grants Approval for Emirates Airlines To Operate

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Based on the undertaking by the authorities of the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) the Nigerian government has agreed to lift the ban placed on Emirates Airlines from operating into and out of the country.

According to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the commencement of the airline’s operations would however depend on the commencement of visa issuance by the UAE.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to newsmen by the Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation Mr James Odaudu.

“UAE has written to state that they agree to issue visas to Nigerians, consequently decision has been reached to allow Emirates to fly into Nigeria. Commencement of the Visa issuance is condition precedent. Please bear with this unusual situation.”

The decisions, he said, were taken to protect the interests of the nation and its citizens who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, same Nigeria treats other nationals.

The Minister appreciates the understanding of everyone who has been negatively affected by the recent policy decisions which forbade some airlines from operating into the country when Nigeria reopened its air space to international flights.

It would be recalled that Emirates Airlines was initially given approval to operate into the country, an approval which was withdrawn following the inability of Nigerians to obtain/use valid tourist visas to enter the UAE.

After 33 years, FG Commissions Itakpe-Warri-Ajaokuta Rail Line Project For Commercial Operation

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The Federal Government has commissioned Itakpe- Warri-Ajaokuta rail line project after 33 years of abandonment.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony which took place at the recently named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (Owa-Oyibu), Delta State, the Minister Of Transportation Hon.Rotimi
Amaechi expressed his gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the landmark project said the project came out of federal government’s passion to realize for the country an effective and effcient transportation system especially the railways.

He said the project started in 1987 during the military era but suffered a lot of setbacks by various administrations.

He said the project will play a vital role in providing freight movement services to industries in the corridor including agricultural, manufacturing and mining as well as cover passenger services.

Amaechi said his Ministry is working towards extending the rail line to Warri port and Northward to Abuja and also working on other new lines to connect other State Capitals including our commercial and administrative centers.

He said; ” This project that we are here to celebrate and commission started in 1987 during the Military era but underwent protracted hiccups and
prolonged abandonment which attest to more than 3 decades of investment, hope and despair”.

In his address, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to link all the nation’s ports of origin and destination – Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, Onne, Calabar Ports- to the rail network in order to significantly improve overall transportation and economic capacities.

He declared that his administration recognised the importance of the railway mode of transportation as a vital backbone to support industrialization and economic development.

He said: ”Accordingly, I have approved the prioritization of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country’s trade and commerce.

IHS, UNICEF Donates 115,800 Test Kits To Support Fight Against COVID-19

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday received the delivery of 115,800 COVID-19 test kits to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

These supplies was funded by IHS Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of IHS Towers.

Testing remains the mainstay of the response led by the Presidential Task Force and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the first step towards diagnosing the infection. Tests enable health officials to understand the COVID-19 status of an individual and link that person to care, support and treatment while contributing to the protection of families and communities.

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, NCDC said, “Testing remains a core strategy of Nigeria’s response to COVID-19. This is critical for understanding the burden of the disease on our population and targeting our response activities accordingly. The primary goal of the Nigerian Government is to control the spread of this disease. This donation from IHS Nigeria through UNICEF will contribute to the national stockpile of test kits managed by NCDC, and support efforts of the growing network of accredited laboratories across the country for the testing of COVID-19. We are grateful for the continued support from UNICEF, IHS Towers and other partners.” .

IHS Towers has been a strong and continuing partner of UNICEF. At the onset of the coronavirus in Nigeria in late February, IHS Nigeria provided funding to UNICEF to urgently procure essential supplies and equipment with which UNICEF supported the Government of Nigeria in its COVID-19 response.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Country Representative said, “UNICEF is deeply appreciative of IHS Towers’ commitment in the fight against COVID -19 in Nigeria. IHS has shown great generosity in supporting government’s agenda through partnering with UNICEF. UNICEF is delighted to receive this huge contribution from IHS Towers, the benefit of which will reach many more children and their families“.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria Mohamad Darwish, noted that, “We are proud to have played an important role in supporting the Government and our communities where we operate to provide crucial tools needed to fight this pandemic. We understand this virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, but are confident that with our support, and that of our other private sector colleagues, we are helping to manage and mitigate the impact of the virus in our country”

This recent support of essential tests makes IHS Towers the biggest private sector donor for UNICEF Nigeria’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nigeria Must Not Repeat Oil , Gas Mistakes in Mining, Adegbite

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Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite
Minister for Mines & Steel, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite

Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development on Monday said that Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the mistakes made in oil and gas in mining by exporting raw ore.

He, however, added that, minerals mined in the country should be processed before being exported.

Adegbite made this known during his familiarization tour of some media houses in the South Western States. Adding that, mining, before independence, was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy as resources from mining was used to develop infrastructure in oil and gas sector.

A statement made available to journalists in Abuja by the Director Press, stated that, “The moment we found oil, we turned our focus away from mining and it died, so we are trying to revive it, Nigeria was once quoted on the London metal exchange, we were the highest exporter of columbite in the world, importing tin from Jos, exporting coal from Enugu to the world, we can bring back that era”.

“The Ministry is currently working a downstream policy that would make exportation of raw ore illegal. “We don’t want to export raw ore in Nigeria anymore, we want to do beneficiation and that is the downstream policy the Ministry is working on and when it comes on stream, nobody can export raw ore in Nigeria again, whatever you mine, you must process locally” This, he said would bring about job creation.

As part of the downstream policy, he stated that, the Ministry would introduce what is called pre-shipment inspectors for mineral export. Pre-Shipment inspectors according to him, are people who have the knowledge, equipment and can confirm the value of what is being exported and ensure payments of appropriate royalties to government.

The Minister, however, acknowledged that mining in Nigeria is mostly artisanal based. He said the government would not criminalise the artisanal miners but encourage them to come into the fold and support them. “Nigerians who engage in mining at artisanal level is not consider illegal, the illegal miners are foreigners who come into Nigeria and partake in artisanal mining, they ride on the back of artisanal miners, offer them peanuts or little incentives and exploit them”

He explained that, the mining sector has potential to match oil and gas as he noted that, “the lone efforts of artisanal miners would not be enough to generate the needed resources to match oil and gas unless we have big investors and that is why we go on international road shows but the big investors will not come to Nigeria if we do not have data”. He cited the presence of ‘Minors’ such as Thor exploration mining gold in Osun, a Canadian Company quoted on the Toronto stock exchange.

Adegbite also expressed confidence that the ongoing exploration which enables data generation through the National Integrated Mineral exploration Project (NIMEP) would confirm the availability of minerals in different places in the country and at what quantum that would attract the ‘Major’ mining companies to the country.

He referred to the recent presentation of gold bar to the President as a demonstration of possibility. “It showed prove of concept, that the gold is here in Nigeria, we can mine it but government cannot get involved in that business, so we are saying to individuals to come into mining, the gold is here, you process it, you sell it and make money.”

Adegbite noted the gold presented was mined locally but refined outside the country as he disclosed that the Federal Government has licensed three (3) refineries in Nigeria. “These refineries, situated in Abuja, Ogun & Kano States, are coming up so that we will be able to refine our own gold, Nigeria needs to start refining her gold locally and the Ministry is working on that”.

He also disclosed the plan to establish gold souk in the country as he made reference to the recently launched gold Durba in Kano as a move towards having Nigeria gold souk. He said Nigeria is getting to the point where women can take their idle gold to the bank, obtain certificates and use them to trade.

Another lesson learnt from the past mistakes of oil and gas according to the Minister is in respect of environmental issues. He said, “the Ministry is doing very well on environmental issues, we have learnt a lot of lessons from Niger Delta, there is what we call consent in mining, if you don’t have the consent of the people who live on the land where you want to mine, you cannot mine, you must sign the Community Development Agreement (CDA) without which you cannot get a mining license, so the people are very important.”

The CDA according to him, is a graduated promise of benefits to the people in form of money, scholarships, grading of roads, among others. “As the company prospers, the community must also prosper, so the community is carried along unlike what played out in the Niger Delta”, he further explained.

On environmental remediation, Adegbite said every mining company must have remediation plan which must be approved by the Ministry of Environment and submitted along with other documents to the Ministry before mining license can be issued. “There is a sum that is collected, that accumulates, at the end of your mining, you must reclaim the land. If you don’t do it, the Ministry will do it from the funds that have been taking from you, environment is very important to us” he reiterated.

The Minister said part of his mandate is to make mining to be an alternate to oil and gas, diversify the economy through mining, create employment and generate revenue for the government

He said his ministry has been working assiduously to fulfill this mandate. He thereafter encouraged Nigerians who have the wherewithal to invest in mining.

Akpabio Advocates For Fresh NDDC Master Plan for Niger Delta Development

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The Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs,Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the ministry is committed to harmonizing the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan with the Niger Delta Action Plan to produce one regional road map for development in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

He made this known at the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Permanent Headquarters at the Eastern By-Pass, Port Harcourt as part of the activities during his working visit to the Niger Delta, harped on the need for collaboration and synergy in the effort to develop the Niger Delta region.

The Minister and his entourage, which included the Permanent Secretary of his ministry, Dr Babayo Ardo, inspected the high-rise office complex and remarked that the building tells a positive story for the NDDC.

A statement by Patricia Deworitshe, the Director, Press and Public Relations. stated that the visiting team was received by the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, in the company of the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Effiong Akwa, a member of the Interim Management Committee, IMC, Mrs Caroline Nagbo and directors of the Commission.

The Minister regretted that the NDDC had not lived up to expectations, noting: “Whether we like it or not, this child (NDDC) has not grown well in 19 years. It could have done better. Perhaps, we lost track of the developmental plan of the Niger Delta region.”

He, however, congratulated the NDDC Acting Managing Director and members of the IMC for doing a good job in delivering the new office complex, which he described as “a good story for the NDDC.”

He further stated that, “The most thrilling thing for me is that change has come to the NDDC. I must commend the management and staff of the NDDC for making this possible. Despite the criticisms and distractions, some positive change has taken place in the Commission and I like to see progress because I am a development-oriented politician.”

Akpabio said that Prof. Pondei should be proud to be the first Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC to move into a new edifice. “The feat could not have been achieved without the cooperation of members of the IMC and the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs,” he said.

Akpabio further hinted that : “The completion of the new NDDC headquarters is a positive story for Nigeria, especially when you consider that the project has taken over 24 years to get to this point.

“It is to the glory of President Buhari that we are sitting in the new headquarters today. This is a legacy project which the IMC will be remembered for.”

The Minister said that with the inauguration of the NDDC Advisory Council by Mr President, the Commission would work closely with the governors so that there would be synergy and the problem of duplication of projects would be addressed.

Akpabio noted that President Buhari inaugurated the NDDC Advisory Committee, comprising the nine governors of the Niger Delta Region and the Ministers of Niger Delta Affairs and Environment in line with the provisions of the NDDC Establishment Act.

He declared: “I want a positive image for the NDDC. Therefore, we must collaborate with the National Assembly to change the situation. If there is need to rejig the law, we will encourage the lawmakers to do that, particularly in the area of budgeting. We must budget for more regional projects that will impact lives of the people. We must budget to bring industrial development, as well as bring about capacity building in the region.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Babayo Ardo, in his remarks, noted that the site inspection embarked by the Minister is to appraise the progress of work done and also to give appropriate attention to areas where the Ministry with other development partners would intervene to ensure that the project is completed for the benefit of the people in the region.

Dr. Ardo said that, NDDC is being repositioned and refocused on the mandate of the Ministry with the Support of President Muhammadu Buhari for effective service delivery. Therefore, it is important to synergise the master plan and actions with all development partners.

Speaking earlier, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer said that the new headquarters would add value to the work of the NDDC towards meeting its mandate of facilitating the rapid development of the Niger Delta region.

He stated: “It is part of the mandate of the IMC to reposition the NDDC and make sure that the mistakes of the past are corrected and ensure that going forward, NDDC will work towards realizing its mandate of fast-tracking development in the Niger Delta region.

In his own remarks, the NDDC Director of Project Monitoring and Supervision, Engr. Tonye George, said that he felt fulfilled that the project, which started in 1993 during the days of the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, was virtually completed.

He said that the IMC was able to push the project to the level where the contractor was now putting finishing touches because of the active support of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, noting: “As we speak, members of the IMC now work from the new headquarters building.”

BBNaija ‘Lockdown Edition’ Ends, Laycon Wins

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Big Brother Naija Season Five beloved housemate, Laycon has won the whooping prize of N85million and all the attendant benefits of a BBNaija winner.

Among other fringe benefits, Laycon will be taking home a whooping N30 million Maura cash, a two bedroom apartment, and an SUV among other exciting prizes.

With the BBNaija season five Lockdown edition officially ended tonight, Vee and Neo had been the first to be evicted, leaving Laycon with Dorathy and Nengi.

Laycon’s journey through Biggie’s Lockdown House has been one full of drama and music. Not just that, his love triangle with Erica and Kiddwaya portrayed him as the underdog, which netted him even more fans and followers than he earlier had.

The show, which started 10 weeks ago on July 19 with 20 housemates (10 males and 10 females) was a rollercoaster of activities with both expected and unexpected twists and turns.

NLC Suspends Strike, Seals Deal For Workers

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Chris Ngige Minister of Labour
Chris Ngige Minister of Labour

The Nigeria Labor Congress has suspended it’s planned strike on Monday 28th September 2020 over the recent hike in petroleum product and electricity tariff by the Federal Government.

The decision came following an agreement reached with the Federal Government.

Briefing journalists in Abuja at the end of a Bipartite Meeting that lasted for over seven hours between the Federal goverment and the organized labour, the President Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the both parties have agreed on incentives that will help cushion the hardship that comes with the rising from recent cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector. Ayuba pointed out the need for social dialogue as a viable tool in solving industrial dispute.

“This meeting which has been concluded this night after about eight hours of discussions, the details of this communique is captured in this five paged document. Specifically, we have been able to look at the issue of fuel price hike and what is needed to be put in place on this perennial issue of fuel pump price.”

“It is therefore the decision of organized labour as presented here to suspend the action and we are going to convey our central working committe to convey the detail of this information to them”

In his remarks,the Minister of labour and employment Sen. Chris Ngige enumerated some of the agreements reached.

“After exhaustive deliberations on the issues raised by Labour Centres, the FGN stated that it has fashioned out palliatives that would ameliorate the sufferings that Nigerian workers may experience as a result of the cost – reflective Electricity Tariff adjustments and deregulation of the downstream sector of the Petroleum Industry. The palliatives will be in the areas of transport, power, housing, agriculture and humanitarian support.”

It could be recalled that Labour had recently announced its planned strike following the hike in petroleum products and electricity tariff.

Housing: FCTA To Partner With Competent Developers, Says Aliyu

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has expressed the intentions of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to partner with any developer who has the capacity and competence to deliver an affordable housing aimed at bridging the housing deficit in the nation’s capital.  

She made this intention known during a meeting with the management of Tayan Group, an Estate Developer in Abuja, while stressed that such partnership would fast track the execution of the presidential mandate to deliver 5000 affordable housing units to residents of the territory.  

Aliyu, also, warned that all development in the nation’s capital must comply with all engineering rules and regulations of construction within the Federal Capital Territory, just as she reiterated the commitment of the administration to complete all abandoned and ongoing projects.  

The minister stated that the administration would only partner with companies with financial muscle to execute a project within 18 months period in order to avoid the mistakes of the past of littering the city with abandoned projects.  

Her words ; “I have seen your beautiful projects, but hoping that the property has valid documents and certified by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. All property in the territory must comply with all engineering rules and regulations of construction within the Federal Capital Territory.  

“I want to use this opportunity to inform you that under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and under the 13 presidential deliverables given to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, affordable housing is given priority. And in this affordable housing project, we intend to carry along competent companies of repute whose integrity have been proven by the various jobs they have executed within the nation.  

“Also one of the areas we are looking at is the financial muscles to execute a project going by the paucity of funds in the country, and any project awarded must be executed within a certain period of time.  

She continued; “As student of history, when a project is being initiated by any administration and it is not completed, then it becomes an abandoned project. But under the leadership of our indefatigable president Muhammadu Buhari, he has insisted that we must complete all abandoned and ongoing projects.  

“Besides that, the only new projects we can execute now are projects that will have meaningful impact on the citizenry; mainly the road construction, housing to give shelter, water, healthcare and transportation. So, housing of course is Mr. President priority”.  

Aliyu also noted that one of the cries and challenges of people who work in the Federal Capital Territory was a place of abode, stressing that in order  to ease that burden and to reduce the difficulties, the president has ordered the provisions of affordable housing.  

Earlier, the Managing Director of Tayan Group, Mr. Tola Ayanlola, used the occasion to unveil the company’s “Project 10,000 Smiles Home for All” located in Kuje, adding that the project was planned to accommodate all classes of people in line with the vision of the company.

Ayanlola, revealed that the shortage within the housing industry has prompted higher affordability certainties, stressing that the involvement of Tayan Group was to provide a bridge in the gap and provide benefiting and affordable accommodations that would be made available to all.  

korean Govt’ Donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths For Covid-19 Sample Collection

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Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnibe Mamora

The Republic of Korea donates 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 Sample collection to Federal Government of Nigeria.

Receiving the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora expressed appreciations to the Government of Korea for the donation.

While saying that, the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection to fast-track the fight against COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

He said the gesture has shown that Republic of Korea is a true friend of Nigeria “because a friend in need is a friend indeed.”

The Minister of State said that these Smart Walk-through Booths are expected to provide medical staff with effective protection during sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner and reduce the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during test sample collection.

Mamora told the gathering that the Booths will be put into effective use at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the Central Public Health Laboratory, and the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research in Lagos. He charged the beneficiaries to ensure decency in the use and also cultivate maintenance culture for the Booths.

His Excellency, Maj. Gen. Lee In-tae (rtd), the Ambassador of The Republic of Korea, who was represented by Mr. Woochan Chang, the KOICA Country Director extended his deepest condolences to the families and victims of COVID-19 pandemic, and also commended all the frontline health workers and professionals for their resilience in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ambassador stated that the donation of the 3 Smart Walk-through Booths for COVID-19 sample collection marks another milestone in the bilateral relations between his Country and Nigeria which has been established since 1980, adding that as a key bilateral partner, Republic of Korea have continually engaged in the advancement of existing excellent cooperation projects for Nigeria in maternal and child health, education, amongst others, and recently the COVID-19 response. “I believe the donation of the Smart Walk-through Booths has further consolidated the bilateral relations which marks the 40th Anniversary this year’’, he said.

He, however, explained some key features of the Booths which include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filter, High Efficiency Bi-directional Fan Module, Air Conditioning and Heat System to make the environment conducive for Medical Staff to collect sample, Intercom System and LED Control Panel.

The Ambassador requested the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure efficiency and good maintenance of these Booths at the deployed locations in the country.