NPA Projects Over 500bn Revenue by year end 2023

... Generates N191.4bn revenue, remits N55.7bn to Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in Six months

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has generated a total revenue of N191, 430,093,501.00 (One hundred and ninety-one billion, four hundred and thirty million, ninety-three thousand and five hundred and one naira only) from its operations in the first half of 2023 and also remitted N55,712, 565, 027.46 (Fifty-five billion, seven hundred and twelve million, five hundred and sixty-five thousand, twenty-seven naira and forty-six kobo only) to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation.

This was disclosed in the half-year 2023 performance reports released by the authority's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Bello Koko.

Bello Koko attributed the revenue hike to existential economic headwinds both at the micro and macro levels, saying the operational statistics for the first six months were reassuring, and also catalyzed the commendable remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government thus far.

He further projected revenue of over 500bn (Half a trillion) Revenue by Year End 2023, Going by the Current Momentum and the Recurrent Trend of Shipping Volumes Peaking from July to December. 

According to him: “viewed within the context of current global economic upheavals which have affected trade volumes in all climes, our current growth trajectory is encouraging and gives us confidence to project a revenue growth of over 500 billion with concomitant increase in remittance to CRF by end-of-year 2023, given that shipping activities peak around the second half of the year’’

“The smart policy thrust of the new administration which is already throwing up new vistas of growth further lends credence to the feasibility of our projections and gives fillip to our organizational initiatives.”

Koko added that "the operationalization of Lekki Deep Seaport, expected restoration of the service boat management contract, digitalisation and intensified tightening of collections mechanisms buoys our confidence at meeting and indeed exceeding the revenue projections".

"The Authority has completed operations on a total number of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one (1851) vessels for the 1st half of 2023 with a combined Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of fifty-seven million, eight hundred and seventy thousand and eighty-three (57,870,083). Cargo throughput for the period under review stood at 33,895,784 metric tonnes, whilst container traffic was 707,985 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).

A key indicator of port efficiency which is the average turn-around-time (TAT) of vessels, stood at 5.16days. “This is an improvement and we have put measures in place to surpass in the second half of 2023” says Mohammed Bello Koko.

Speaking further, Bello Koko said "we are poised to transform our projections to actualities. The remaining half of the year 2023 will be focused on finalising financing arrangements for our port rehabilitation drive, conclusion of all digitalisations geared towards improvement of efficiency and collaboration with landlocked neighbouring countries like Niger and Chad with whom we have already opened discussions to patronize our ports as hubs for transshipment cargo".

The NPA boss concluded the report by remarking that “as a management team, we remain unwavering in our resolve to continuously improving on service excellence, blocking avenues of income leakages, curbing waste and tightening collection mechanisms in a bid to surpass stakeholders’ expectations and support the national economy”.

NCS Restrategises Operations, Says least FINE for Simple Infractions is N5m and above

Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, other Weapons,

... Arrests Suspect in Lagos 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has intercepted a total of thirty-one (31) rifles and ammunition concealed in plastic drums and sacks of charcoal within the first two weeks of July 2023.

The Ag. Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, 17th July 2023. 

Comptroller Bashir stated that the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security, DSS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, while carrying out a 100% examination of a 1x40ft container on the 5th of July, 2023 at the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited, uncovered ten (10) dangerous arms and ammunition concealed inside a plastic drum.

The siezed items includes Three (3) new Pump Action Rifles and one new unit of an armed Rifle, Six (6) new different types of pistols including one new millennium G2 pistol; one (1) new sarsilmaz SAR-9X pistol; one (1) new Lugger Security-9 pistol; one (1) new Taurus Banbridge G3C pistol; one new SCCY CPX-2 pistol, and one (1) new Taurus (63 pistol). Others include fourteen (14) empty magazines and 442 rounds of live ammunition.

Comptroller Bashir also disclosed that the two suspects in connection with the seizure have been arrested.

His words, "The clearing agent, Mr Shokunbi Olanrewaju of Shooler Global International Limited and Mr Joseph Nwadiodor, who was expected to take delivery of the Container, are currently detained as suspects in connection with the seizure.

In a related development, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Service, while acting on credible intelligence has also subjected a 1x40ft container to 100% physical examination with the relevant security Agencies at the ports within the same period.

According to the Ag. CGC, the physical examination uncovered 18 arms, packets of cartridges and rounds of live ammunition inside plastic drums.

"6 different makes of pistols namely: two (2) Sar9 Sarsilmarz Pistols; one (1) Ruger American Pistol and three (3) Taurus G3c – Bainbridge Pistols); Twelve (12) different makes of riffles namely; five (5) Rz17hd Rifles; one (1) Gamo Rifle, five (5) Pump Action Rifles and one (1) Rz17 Tactical Rifle); Ten (10) packets of cartridges; Two (2) packets of 9mm ammunition; One hundred (100) rounds of 9mm Winchester ammunition. One (1) carton of Frontier cartridges and Two (2) packets of Buckshot ammunition.

“Again, during a routine Patrol along Owode/Ajilete Axis of Ogun State by Officers of the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, on Wednesday 12 July 2023, intercepted an unregistered Toyota Camry loaded with six sacks of charcoal, which was used to conceal three (3) pump action riffles with 174 live cartridges". The Customs Chief revealed. 

“The driver of the vehicle who knew the content he was conveying vis-a-vis the attendant consequences of his action before the law; jumped into the bush and escaped arrest". He noted. 

"Investigation into the seizures is inconclusive. The outcome of our investigations together with the seizures will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution". He added. 

He reiterated the services' resolve to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant traders. 

“Let me state at this point that the Service has re-strategized its operations, while our Officers have raised their levels of professionalism, we have re-injected new tactics to tackle the economic and security menace caused by recalcitrant importers and their agents. The Services' human resources and logistics are collectively harnessed to combat and prevent economic sabotage”, he said.

However, while fielding questions with journalists on punishment awaiting the arrested ones, the Customs Chief stated that the least fine for simple infractions(An infraction is the least serious offense in our criminal justice system) ranges from #5million upward and the Offence is high but will be subjected to periodic review. 

He implored importers and agents to be patriotic by making sincere declarations, and be properly guided by the import/export prohibition lists, while also urging the public to see security as a collective responsibility. 

“We will appreciate information of illegal importation and cross-border movement of dangerous weapons used to create mayhem in our nation”, he maintained.

LSPC Boss Bags...

LSPC Chief Bags Printing and Publishing Personality of the year 2023 award

ZAINAB JUNAID

The General Manager, Lagos State Printing Corporation (LSPC), Hon. Kolawole Peregrino has bagged "Printing and Publishing Personality" of the Year 2023 award from the prestigious African Leadership Review held on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Fourpoint by Sheraton, Victoria Island. 

Dr. Adeola Ekine, Head, Public Affairs Unit of the Corporation, disclosed this today adding that the African Leadership Review is a respected publication that recognizes exemplary leaders across various sectors through its awards and accolades. 

"It focused more on individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries," She said. 

Dr. Ekine explained that the "Printing and Publishing Personality of the Year" award depict a symbol of excellence which identifies leaders who have consistently demonstrated innovation, vision, and commitment to advancing the printing and publishing sector. 

According to her, "With Hon. Kolawole Peregrino’s guidance, Lagos State Printing Corporation has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation, with an unwavering dedication to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. He has spearheaded several initiatives that have elevated the Corporation to new heights, making the agency a beacon of excellence in the industry.

Speaking on the prestigious award, the Special Adviser on Environment, LSPC, Mr. Kunle Rotimi Akodu who represented the General Manager at the event noted that the award confirmed the hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment of the General Manager. 

His words, "Under his exemplary leadership, Lagos State Printing Corporation provides exceptional services and also sets new benchmarks for industry standards. We are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition".

"Lagos State Printing Corporation has hitherto becomes the leading provider of printing and publishing solutions that caters for the needs of its diverse clients and exceeding expectations at every turn. From state-of-the-art printing facilities to an expert team of professionals, the Corporation continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements, delivering unparalleled services and products to a wide range of stakeholders, Mr. Rotimi said. 

"The award did not only recognizes the General Manager's achievements but also serves as an inspiration to the entire team at the Lagos State Printing Corporation. It reaffirms their commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

"LSPC at large extends its heartfelt gratitude to the African Leadership Review for the recognition and promised to remain dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional printing and publishing services to its valued clientele as the leading provider of comprehensive printing and publishing services, serving clients across various industries," Dr. Ekine added.

 

CPPE Story

 

CPPE Attributes Nigeria's GDP 2.31% to Diverse Global and Domestic Headwinds

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has attributed the 2.31% Nigeria's GDP slow growth recorded to diverse global and domestic variables which the economy experienced in the first half of the year of 2023.

This was disclosed in the half year economic review which was released and signed by the Director/CEO of CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf on Sunday.

Dr. Muda said Nigeria's GDP growth remained weak and fragile as it slowed to 2.31% in the first quarter of 2023, from 3.5% in the fourth quarter of 2022. 

"Key sectors that are contracted includes agriculture which contracted by 0.9%, the first time in about a decade, the livestock subsector was the worst hit as it contracted by a staggering 30.6%.  Other sectors that contracted include oil refining which contracted by 35.8%;  textiles, 3.7%; rail transportation, 49%; and Insurance, 8%.

"Sectors that posted positive growth numbers were manufacturing, which grew by a marginal 1.6%; food and beverage, 3.9%; chemical and pharmaceutical, 6.2%;  vehicle assembly, 5.4%; road transport, 8%; ICT, 11%; financial institutions, 25%; and real estate, 1.7%."

He explained that Nigerian economy was impacted by major global factors among which are- the Russian Ukraine war which continues to exacerbate energy costs and fueling inflation globally; the persistent monetary tightening in the advanced economies aimed at curbing a rather protracted inflationary pressure; and the worsening geopolitical tension triggered by the war in Ukraine. 

According to him, the growing fragmentation of the global economy amid increasing anti-globalization sentiments, especially in the United States and Europe is another contributing factor to the slow growth.

"The tight global monetary conditions had made access to global capital costly and difficult for developing economies which has hitherto triggered global capital flow reversals from emerging economies. 

"The phenomenon has weakening effect on the domestic currencies of the developing countries. These global headwinds had a dampening effect on economic growth in the first half of the year.  

"On the domestic front, the major headwinds to growth were the naira redesign policy of the central bank, persistent dysfunctional foreign exchange policy, the political transition processes, weak recovery of oil production and the intractable challenge of insecurity in parts of the country," he said.

However, in view of the slow growth experienced in the first half the year, Dr Muda called for an urgent need to address the social outcomes of new reforms, especially the inflationary pressure induced by the fuel subsidy removal. 

His words, "It is laudable that the Tinubu administration is charting a new and positive course for the economy which portends bright prospects for recovery and growth.  Already there are clear indications of elevated investors confidence, improvement in the government fiscal space, higher prospects of exchange rate stability in the near term, and positive expectations of better economic governance.  The short to medium term outlook for forex liquidity is very good and prospects of increased inflow of capital is very bright.

"However,Urgent measures need to be put in place to mitigate the soaring cost of living and the escalating operating and production costs, especially that of businesses. 

"Inflationary pressures may intensify in the near term, the exchange rate may come under pressure in the short term as forex demand backlog exerts pressure on the official forex window.  But the pressure is expected to ease before the end of the year.  This would pave way for an equilibrium exchange rate which would be more tolerable and sustainable. Meanwhile the CBN should put in place a sustainable intervention framework to moderate the volatility in the forex market.

"With a better fiscal space, the outlook for lower fiscal deficit, moderation in the growth of public debt, reduction in debt service burden, and an improvement in the macroeconomic stability are very positive.  All of these would impact on economic growth prospects in the second half of the year.

"The Tinubu administration needs to promptly deploy measures to mitigate the current headwinds inflicted by the current reforms.  The interventions should be a mix of direct interventions, tax incentives for low-income employees and small businesses, reduction in import duty on some critical intermediate products for key sectors of the economy, import duty concessions for the transportation, health, power and energy sectors.  The improved fiscal space created by the reforms should make these mitigating measures feasible and they have to be implemented  urgently in order to give the current reforms a human face," he said.

COMTUA AND NAMTOP

COMTUA Reacts to NAMTOP allegations, 

...Says election was free and fair

ZAINAB JUNAID

Following the allegations laid by the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) against the Council of Maritime Transport Union and Association (COMTUA) that the association is not a legal entity and not recognized by law,, the National President of the latter, Mr. Yinka Aroyewun has debunked the accusations stating that COMTUA is legally backed up with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Mr Aroyewun in a chat with our correspondent last Sunday evening maintained that COMTUA is a collaboration of groups, corporate bodies, individuals and Registered Unions and Associations formed to address appalling issues affecting truckers in the maritime sector in 2018. 

"COMTUA was a member of the Presidential Taskteam set up by the former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to see to the issues affecting the industry and all associations in the Maritime Transport industry shared money from the proceed of COMTUA in 2021. Some of the associations that collected ONE MILLION NAIRA (#1M) from COMTUA includes:  NARTO, MWUN, AMATO, COTOAN, ACATOA, RTEAN, NURTW. None of the authors of the letter above contested the CAC status of COMTUA until now that their dominance in COMTUA is been checked. The question is, the NAMTOP in question is neither a collaboration nor a registered association as we speak," he said.

He explained that NAMTOP arrangement is a Lagos State affair, to liaise with the Lagos State government through the Ministry of Transportation on issues affecting truckers in the state. It does not change the status of each group or association. This is a form of partnership and has no overridden effect on COMTUA and it's activity.

On the election process that produced Mr. Moshood Olaitan as Chairman of NAMTOP in the office of the Permanent Secretary which NAMTOP saw as fraudulent, Mr. Aroyewun declared that the election in question was conducted free and fair and anyone who feel dissatisfied can seek redress legitimately.

According to him, "Hon Sola Giwa ( former Special Adviser to Mr Governor) earlier called Moshood Adisa and other members of their FIVE MAN state representatives to his normal Drink up joint  Ikoyi to impress it on him to step down from the Chairmanship position he won for Mr Lookman Shittu and pick up the position of Financial Secretary. This is after all his effort to impose Lookman Shittu on truckers through the ministry of transportation has failed. One wonders why? The former SA failed to rid the roads of hoodlums and extortionist because he gets his returns from the proceeds feel with a Lookman Shittu he has an influence to retain the old order and even widen his net on truckers, secondly, he is comfortable to control Alhaji lookman Shittu because of his level of Education. The insistent of truckers to have a sound educated and knowledgeable man as our leader will not be in his interest; especially with the assurance of his return to the ministry he has extracted from the governor".

"The APC states chairman has turned to a pain to truckers since he has been using his political weight to intimidate the ministry inline with the wishes of Hon Sola Giwa. COMTUA has written a letter to the APC Chairman to advice him against bringing political party affair into trucking business,  he called the National President of COMTUA to deny his involvement, yet, he is ever influencing the ministry and giving backing to a group over the other". 

To him, "While some associations requested to withdraw from COMTUA, and their withdrawal requests been accepted, some other associations were expelled by COMTUA for their misconduct. In the process of this,  some new associations have also joined COMTUA. The new associations are:GREEN INITIATIVES, and MARITIME TRUCK DRIVERS ASSOCIATION, MARINE BEACH TRUCK OPERATORS, AMUWO ODOFIN TRUCK AND PARK OPERATORS, AREWA AND FLAT TRUCK OPERATORS ASSOCIATION, LEKKI FERTILIZER TRUCK OPERATORS among others"

Meanwhile, on  whether COMTUA defamed the Special Adviser, Mr Shola Giwa, COMTUA President maintained that Giwa is meddling into union issues to the extent of calling parties to accept his choice of candidate over truckers choice and a letter has been written officially to the state government and Hon. Shola Giwa to this effect. 

It could be recalled that spokesman for National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP), Mr.Yakub Kolawole in an earlier letter made available to journalists on Sunday June 25th 2023, had alleged COMTUA of not being a legal entity and not recognized by the law. 

In the letter, Mr. Kolawole stated that the primary aim of forming COMTUA has been defeated with dissolution of the Presidential Task Team (PTT) by the Government in 2020. It added that COMTUA is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The letter partly reads, "It has become necessary for us to make the following statements/clarifications on the above subject in the wake of partisanship allegation levelled against Honorable Shola Giwa by COMTUA regarding the selection of executive committees for Maritime Transport Operators in Lagos State:   

1. Firstly, the acronym NAMTOP stands for the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators.  

2. As part of effort of the Lagos State Government to promote the ease of doing transportation business in Lagos State through the Ministry of Transportation Alausa, directed Maritime Trucking Operators in Lagos State to come under one unified body.   

3. Consequent upon the Lagos State Government directive, Maritime Transport Unions/Associations came together, suggested, deliberated and unanimously agreed to adopt the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators NAMTOP as the umbrella body of truckers to partner Lagos State Government on seamless implementation of the ease of doing transportation business policy in the state. A communiqué to that effect was signed by Truckers representatives in the presence of the officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation at Alausa.    

"Sequel to the adoption of NAMTOP and the need to have an executive structures to coordinate the affairs of the umbrella body for successful implementation of Government policy on ease of doing transportation business in Lagos State, the majority of Truckers and notable elders in the Maritime Trucking industry conveyed a general meeting and endorsed a Board of Trustees BOT, State and Zonal executive structures for NAMTOP of which a letter was written to the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation. 

"The leadership of COMTUA excluded itself in the selection of NAMTOP executive committees because their request to dominate executive positions at the expense of other Unions/Associations in NAMTOP was not granted. COMTUA later went and submit a parallel NAMTOP executive committee list to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation Alausa in defiance to the executive committees already endorsed by notable elders in the maritime trucking industry. As a result this, four registered trucking associations which includes Corporate Fleet Truck Owners Association CFTA, Container Truck Owners Association of Nigeria COTOAN, Truckers and Carriers Association of Nigeria TACAN, and Young Truck Owners submitted their letters of withdrawal from COMTUA," the letter reads. 

Going further, it reads that," On the 17th of June 2023, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transportation held a meeting NAMTOP and COMTUA representatives at the Ministry of Transportation at Alausa with the view of resolving the impasse between us and COMTUA. A ten man reconciliatory committee comprising five representatives from NAMTOP and COMTUA was formed.     

"On the 20th of June 2023, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation invited Truckers to another round of meeting at Alausa where the ten man reconciliatory committee selected in the previous meeting were eventually allowed to sit with the Permanent Secretary. Suddenly, members of COMTUA in the committee moved a motion for election of another NAMTOP executive committee outside the NAMTOP executive structure already endorsed by maritime trucking elders with Alhaji Lukman Shittu as it Chairman. Our members in the ten man reconciliatory committee walked out of the meeting. The remaining members of COMTUA in the committee at Permanent Secretary office conducted a sham election and declared one Mr. Moshood  Adisa as the new Chairman of NAMTOP in Lagos State on social media outlets.

"The fraudulent COMTUA election that produced Mr. Moshood Adisa as the Chairman of NAMTOP was not supported or approved by Lagos State Government or the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation. There is no official announcement from Lagos State Government or the Permanent Secretary recognizing Moshood Adisa as the new Chairman of NAMTOP. Therefore, the election is ultra vires, null and void. Alhaji Lukmon Zangalo is the legitimate Chairman of NAMTOP in Lagos State. The creation of parallel NAMTOP group and dubious election conducted by COMTUA is a plot to sabotage the unification of truckers and implementation of Government policy on ease of doing transportation business in Lagos State. The sham election is potential recipe for criminal breach of public peace and disunity among truckers. 

"COMTUA, whose regular trade mark is cheap blackmail, is only trying to blackmail Honourable Shola Giwa and others for not supporting its shambolic election that produced a fake Chairman. How does Honorable Shola Giwa’s silence in the face of COMTUA sham election translate into his abuse of Office and causing disunity among Truckers? Rather, Lagos State Government should prosecute COMTUA members for abusing the Ministry of Transportation office through the conduct of an illegitimate election that is capable of causing disunity among Truckers and sabotage the implementation of Government policy on ease of doing transportation business in Lagos State. In the light of the foregoing therefore, we kindly crave the public indulgence to ignore the baseless allegation of partisanship role being levelled against Honorable Shola Giwa by subversive elements of COMTUA. 

"The Council of Maritime Transport Union and Association (COMTUA) does not function as a legal entity. COMTUA is not recognized by the law. The primary aim of forming COMTUA has been defeated with dissolution of Presidential Task Team PTT by the Government in the year 2020. COMTUA doesn't have RC number. Over five registered Transport Unions/Associations have recently tendered their withdrawal letter from COMTUA  in support of NAMTOP,"Mr Yakub Kolawole disclosed in the letter. 

SAHCO Appoints Herbert Odika

SAHCO Appoints Herbert Odika as New Executive Director of Operations

ZAINAB JUNAID

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has announced the appointment of  Herbert Odika as the new Executive Director of Operations at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos.   

The Head of Corporate Communications for the company, Mrs Adetola Vanessa Uansohia, disclosed this today adding that by adding Odika to its astute Management team, the company has proven its determination to maintain its position as an aviation ground handler of reference in Africa by ensuring that the team encompasses of highly skilled aviation professionals of international experience to ensure that the growing list of clienteles are treated to international standards.

Prior to his new appointment, Herbert Odika is a professional in aviation ground operational management, business development, sales, and marketing.

He is a 2001 graduate of business studies from the University of North London. He started his career in the United Kingdom developing skills and experience in business negotiation with proven ability to motivate and influence others, excellent judgement with the ability to implement positive changes and raise performance standards.

After five years of working in the United Kingdom, Odika came to Nigeria to assume the office of the Head of Operations and Business Development at FMC Aviation Services Limited where he helped to grow the business from the initial start-up stage to a prosperous period of sustainable growth and profitability from 2011 to 2018. He was responsible for the operational management, finance and budgetary control, administration, and marketing strategies.

In 2018, Odika proceeded to Stansted Airport College in the United Kingdom as the Senior Tutor Aviation Operations to deliver classes, seminars and workshops within the Aviation and tourism landscapes while working closely with the Manchester Airport group.

Afterwards, Herbert Odika assumed the office of the Chief Operating Officer at NAHCO Aviance in 2019 where he was responsible for engaging in business acquisition in Africa, Middle East and Europe while establishing policies that promoted service excellence. He went back to the United Kingdom in 2022 where he worked with Menzies Aviation as the Lost Luggage Coordinator, focusing on Operations, Customer Services, planning and reconciliation duties.

With his new appointment as SAHCO’s Executive Director of Operations, Herbert Odika would oversee the management of the day-to-day operations of the Passenger handling, baggage handling and ramp handling amongst other ground handling activities in all SAHCO’s stations across Nigeria. Odika is a strict adherer to policies and procedures and is skilled in aviation ground handling, especially in accordance with international standards. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

SAHCO is an aviation ground handling company that offers Passenger Handling, Baggage Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation security and profiling, Premium Lounge services and other aviation related services.

CISLAC Tasks FG on Anti Corruption Reforms

 CISLAC Urges FG to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Reforms and Corporate Accountability

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to reduce the extent of damage caused by corruption in the society, Executive Director of the Civil Society and Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's led administration to adopt anti-corruption reforms that will help curb the menace that has become a cankerworm disease which has eaten deep into the fabrics of Nigeria. 

Mr Auwal made this call on Monday in Lagos, while fielding questions with our correspondent at the ongoing two-day Civil Society Organisation (CSO) and media training centered on sensitising participants on the use of Beneficial Ownership Information to improve natural resource governance in Nigeria. 

The training, scheduled to hold between Monday 26 and Tuesday 27th of June 2023 was organised by the Accountability in Extractive Sector (AES) that is the Oil and Gas sector, cluster in partnership with the Niger-Delta Open Government Partnership Observatory (NOGO) and the Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI), the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) implemented by Palladium.

Mr Rafsanjani, who is also the Head of Transparency International - Nigeria and the Chairman Board of Trustee, Amnesty International - Nigeria; as well as the Chairman Transition Monitoring Group, charged the government not to limit itself to sacking of Service Chiefs or Appointment of new ones but to ensure it blocks all leakages and promotes more of accountability and transparency in governance. 

His words, "We expect the new government to not only sack the Service Chiefs but has to ensure it blocks leakages and expand greater accountability and transparency in governance and must provide basic infrastructure facilities for the citizens in terms of quality health system, standard education and infrastructure. 

"We expect government to ensure that waste, duplication and diversion of public funds is not experienced again. Competent and qualified Nigerians should be considered in the new appointments. 

"Justice, fairness and equity should be institutionalized within the governance in the country at all levels. However on subsidy removal, the proceeds should be used to invest in health care system, water, education as well as quality infrastructure especially in the energy sector that will pave way for more job opportunities to many citizens."

The activist further opined that the new government needs to adopt concrete policy/ legal framework that will help reshape the country. 

"The appointments by the new government is welcomed but we need to see more of security sector reform, concrete policies or legal framework because there is need to deal with the corruption in that sector." 

However, in his opening remarks at the training session, CISLAC Chief maintained that it was in recognition of the crucial role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and the need to strengthen the capacity of the media to perform their traditional roles as watchdogs of the society; the need to build local stakeholders’ capacity on the importance of quality and timely beneficial ownership data, and to share skills, tools and methodologies to analyse and use the data, brought about the training. 

The Accountability in Extractive Sector (AES) cluster anchored by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), comprises Better Community Life Initiative (BECOLIN) in Imo state; Community Conciliation and Development Initiative (CCADI) in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state; Connected Advocacy for Empowerment & Youth Development Initiative (Connected Advocacy) in Edo state; Good Governance Team (GGT) Nigeria in Abuja-FCT; Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation (ISDF) in Abuja-FCT; International Centre for Women Empowerment and Child Development (ICWECD) in Delta state; Policy Alert in Akwa-Ibom state; Social Development Integrated Center (Social Action) in Abuja-FCT/Rivers state; Speak Out Africa Initiative in Abuja-FCT; and Support for Training and Entrepreneurship Program (STEP) in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state.