Enugu begins construction of Int’l motor spare parts market

The Enugu State Government says it has begun the construction of a new International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Market at 9th Mile, near Enugu, on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

 

The Managing Director, Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts and Allied Trades Association, Coal Camp, Enugu on Monday.

 

Ogbu-Nwobodo said the market was in fulfilment of Gov. Peter Mbah’s electoral promise to build a world-class market for the association.

 

He described the condition of the traders at Coal Camp as pathetic and prone to environmental hazards, adding that no business could thrive in such an unconducive environment.

 

During the last campaign period, they asked the State Government to provide them with a more conducive environment that could accommodate all of them.

 

“Today, as we speak, work has commenced on the site.

 

“The governor is fulfilling the promise he made to the traders, and he is relentless in making sure that their businesses grow,” Ogbu-Nwobodo said.

 

Speaking on the key facilities expected in the new market, he said: “It is going to be an ecosystem that supports modern businesses, commercial and light industrial activities.

 

“There will be facilities, like modern shops and warehouses, police posts, fire protection architecture, conveniences, banks, parks, schools, health facilities, union centre, recreational facilities and other things that will enable business growth”.

 

Ogbu-Nwobodo said that the choice of 9th Mile was strategic, describing the place as a major business hub in the state.

 

He also said that siting the market at the place would give more impetus for further development around the area.

 

He argued that the market would also provide easy access to traders from the North, Ebonyi and Cross River, Central Africa and other areas.

 

According to him, the development will help to save dealers the stress of navigating through the city before offloading or exporting their goods.

 

Reacting, the President of the association, Chief Mike Nomeh, said that previous administrations in the state did not treat the welfare of traders at Coal Camp with the priority it deserved.

 

Nomeh said that the relocation of the market was long due, pointing out that they had written severally to past administrations to look into their welfare to no avail.

 

He, however, appealed to the governor to ensure the speedy delivery of the market, saying that their present location at Coal Camp called for sympathy.

 

A Line Chairman at the market, Mr Benjamin Eze, lauded the governor for the initiative.

 

Eze said he had spent over 30 years at Coal Camp and had been yearning for adequate accommodation for all the traders, adding that what was happening seemed like a dream to him.

 

“I know that the governor is capacity-filled.

 

“I urge him to keep up with this pace because it will benefit all of us,” Eze said.

 

 

Scammers hack Osun governor’s phone number

 

One of the phone numbers linked to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has been compromised.

 

The governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

 

Rasheed urged the public to disregard any communications originating from the number, +234 803 365 7555.

 

He said, “Please disregard any solicitation from +234 803 365 7555. Appropriate action is ongoing to remedy the situation.

 

“Authorities are currently investigating the breach and are working diligently to secure the governor’s communication lines.

 

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.”

 

 

Ogun workers threaten strike over N40bn pension

 

The organised labour unions in Ogun State on Tuesday threatened industrial action over the failure of the government to remit over N40bn contributory pensions deducted from the workers’ salaries in the last 15 years.

 

The unions which include the Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress and Joint Negotiation Council disclosed this in a letter written to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

 

The letter, a copy of which was sent to our correspondent, was signed by the Chairman TUC, Comrade Akeem Lasisi, his NLC counterpart, Hammed Benco-Ademola and JNC Chairman, Isa Olude.

 

The labour unions said that despite setting up a committee on this contentious issue in October 2022, the state government has refused to make the report of this committee public.

They claimed that they were forced to write the letter to the governor because less than a year to July 1, 2025, which is the effective date for the Contributory Pension Scheme according to the 2013 State Pension Reform Law amended in 2008, there is nothing on grounds to justify the sincerity of the government towards implementation of this pension scheme.

 

The labour unions said, “We are talking of over N40billion unremitted deductions. The government altogether owed over 160 months.

 

“Former Gov Gbenga Daniel owed 25 months before he left office. Ex-Gov Amosun paid just only 9 months out of his eight-year tenure while Gov. Abiodun has not paid a dime since he came to office in 2019”.

 

The unions said the government has refused to remit to Pension Fund Administrators the sum of 7.5% contributory pensions deducted monthly from the salary of each worker for over 15 years.

 

They added that the government has equally failed to pay its counterpart contribution of 7.5% of each worker’s salary making a total of 15% to the PFA.

 

The workers said that they cannot pretend that all is well when their fate is hanging in the balance with no hope of having their welfare taken care of in retirement with the way the government has handled their pension fund over the years.

 

The letter partly read, “Having thoroughly and objectively assessed the entire Contributory Pension Scheme routes from its legislation, implementation vis-a-vis its current position, one cannot but hold the conclusion that we are fully set for industrial unrest in the State Civil/Public Service.

 

“To the best of our knowledge, the State has maintained its unencouraging showing on the scheme with a rather disturbing trend that nothing has changed.

 

“Up until now, the Report of the much-publicised Committee on it set up back in October 2022 has not been made public.

 

Your Excellency will agree with us, that, as the 1st July 2025 draws nigh, which is the effective date for the Contributory Pension Scheme [Ogun State Pension Reform Law, 2008 (amended 2013)], so also is the justification for the apprehension on the true stand of the State Government on its genuine interest and commitment to the welfare of her workforce, post-retirement.

 

Fact is that the Scheme has not fared better in the State and our worries that the humongous unremitted deductions in the last fourteen years plus, no doubts, poses obviously, as that daunting debt that even a welfarist State would have some measure of restraints in an attempt to offset it.”

 

It added, “Interestingly, our membership of the committee on the Contributory Pension Scheme availed us the available true statistics of the scheme.

 

“At best, it could well be rested or be shifted to a much later date when finances of the State could accommodate its financial demands.

 

“For now, Your Excellency, the entire Ogun State Civil/Public Service employees are eager to learn about their fate before 1st July 2025.

 

Immediate release of the Report of the Committee on the Contributory Pension Scheme and the release of the State Government White Paper on it would assist in dousing the tension which, unfortunately, is compounded by the grinding economic pains ravaging our homes”.

 

 

 

 

NDLEA Intercepts US, UK, Cyprus-bound Cocaine, Opioids In Shoe Soles, Clothes

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted various quantities of cocaine and opioids such as tramadol, pentazocine injection, morphine sulphate, ketamine injection, among others, concealed in shoe soles, clothes and other items being shipped to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.

 

NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Sunday that while no less than 250 grams of cocaine going to Cyprus was hidden in soles of custom-made shoes, over five kilograms of opioids heading to the US and UK were discovered by NDLEA officers in clothes and other household items meant to be shipped through some courier firms in Lagos.

 

Also, a consignment of 440 grams of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis coming from Canada to Lagos, was equally intercepted by NDLEA operatives in one of the logistic companies.

 

Meanwhile, in Edo State, NDLEA operatives, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, intercepted a vehicle marked Abuja GWA 273 DD at Ewu Junction, Esan Central LGA of the State, following credible intelligence.

The luggage of one of the occupants, Aminu Abdullahi, 32, was searched and found to contain custard containers, where 3,000 pills of tramadol 225mg were buried in the custard powder.

 

In his statement, the suspect claimed the drugs were bought in Onitsha, Anambra State, and he was taking them to Mararraba area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to sell.

In another operation, operatives of the anti-narcotics agency on Thursday, July 11, raided the Ohen Forest, Abudu area of Edo State and destroyed 5,429.751kg of cannabis on 2.918 hectares of farmlands where four suspects: Godday Ariye, 37; Friday Okafor, 59; Obinna Nwosu, 48, and Yusuf Adamu, 27, were arrested.

 

Similarly, 300 kilograms of the same substance were recovered from Uzzeba Obi camp in Owan West LGA of the State when NDLEA officers raided the location on Saturday, July 13.

 

In Ogun State, operatives on Tuesday, July 9, recovered a total of 2,865 kilograms of cannabis at Afami Ibese while the suspected owner, Umar Ibese, is currently at large.

The statement added that at least, 2,455 kilograms of materials for the production of Akuskura, a new psychoactive substance (NPS), were recovered from a warehouse in Konduga town, Konduga LGA of Borno State on Tuesday, July 9, when NDLEA operatives in a joint operation with men of the Nigerian Army raided the area.

 

 

 

Tinubu proposes two or three years interval to adjust minimum wages for Nigerian workers.

 

President Bola Tinubu recently proposed the idea of adjusting wages at shorter intervals of two or three years, instead of every five years.

 

He said this while expressing his concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers, whilst calling for realistic expectations regarding the minimum wage.

 

This was shared at a meeting with Members of organized labour on the new minimum wage at the State House, which had in attendance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, some ministers, heads of agencies, and aides to the president.

 

The meeting followed the president’s decision to engage more with stakeholders before making a definite decision on the matter.

 

According to President Tinubu,

 

” I

pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker, and society depends on the productivity of the happy worker. You have to cut your clothes according to the available clothes. 

“Before we can finalize the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure. Why must we adjust wages every 5 years? Why not two? Why not three years? What is a problem today can be eased up tomorrow. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors”. 

 

What they said 

The various stakeholders engaged in the discussion addressing the minimum wage affecting Nigeria’s economic challenges had this to say:

The President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, said,

 

“As has been said in the meeting, we try to put issues on the table, issues that are biting Nigerians, the economic difficulties, and how the value of the Naira has also eroded.

 

“How this has affected the prices of commodities and goods in the market”.

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress Leader, Joe Ajaero, explained that in real terms, it was not a negotiation but a discussion which had reached an agreement. He noted that the status quo in terms of the amounts, N250,000 and N62,000, would remain until the conversation was finished.

The Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha emphasized the positive outcome of the meeting saying, “When father and children talk, you know what it is. That’s just exactly what has happened, and it took us almost like an hour. I believe that it’s all for good”.

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a similar vein, indicated that the president was keeping to his promise to consult.

 

He emphasized, “He doesn’t just want to take any decision. It’s a decision that affects all of us, so he is consulting with the sub-nationals. Consultation with the organized private sector is ongoing. You have also seen that this consultation with organized labour has also happened today. They’ve asked for a week. Like I said earlier, we’re going to meet with them again. Hopefully, we’ll have something that all of us will agree on.

 

Albeit, Nigerians will be looking forward to next week when these engagements will be concluded, and a decision taken.

 

 

 

Rwanda Govt Says It Won’t Refund £270million Paid By UK In Asylum Programme Despite Cancellation

 

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, a representative from the Rwandan Ministry of Justice, affirmed that Rwanda had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, which aimed to assist the UK in addressing its own asylum seeker issues.

Rwanda has stated that it will not refund the £270million paid by Britain for the controversial asylum seeker programme, despite the new UK government cancelling the initiative.

 

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, a representative from the Rwandan Ministry of Justice, affirmed that Rwanda had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, which aimed to assist the UK in addressing its own asylum seeker issues.

 

 

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, a representative from the Rwandan Ministry of Justice, affirmed that Rwanda had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, which aimed to assist the UK in addressing its own asylum seeker issues.

 

 

 

Kigali considers the matter a “UK problem” and expects no reimbursement.

 

She told the BBC World Service: “We are under no obligation to provide any refund. We will remain in constant discussions. However, it is understood that there is no obligation on either side to request or receive a refund.”

Although British ministers have not officially notified Rwanda of their intention to terminate the five-year agreement, Dr. Uwicyeza Picard acknowledged that Rwanda is aware of Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to cancel the deal, which was announced shortly after his election victory.

 

 

According to the agreement’s break clause, the UK can withdraw from two scheduled payments of £50 million in 2025 and 2026 without incurring penalties.

 

According to the agreement’s break clause, the UK can withdraw from two scheduled payments of £50 million in 2025 and 2026 without incurring penalties.

 

However, it is likely that the UK government will still be responsible for funding the asylum seekers already sent to Rwanda, numbering four individuals. Formal notification is pending, requiring a three-month notice period.

 

Dr Uwicyeza Picard said: “We were informed of the UK’s decision. We take note of the UK’s decision to terminate the agreement.

 

“We just want to reiterate that this was a partnership initiated by the UK to solve a UK problem and Rwanda stepped up as we have always stepped up in the past to provide safety, refuge and opportunities to migrants.”

 

 

 

She added: “Rwanda has maintained its side of the agreement and we have ramped up capacity to accommodate thousands of migrants and asylum seekers. We have upheld our end of the deal.

 

We have put in a lot of effort and resources to accommodate those migrants. We understand that changes in government happen and incoming governments have different priorities and different policies. However, this was a state to state agreement and we believe this good faith will remain.”

 

 

 

‘Misconception of Rwanda deal’

 

Dr Uwicyeza Picard expressed concern at the criticism that Rwanda had faced as a result of entering into the deal with the UK. “It was because of this misconception that it was a Rwanda deal. Rwanda is not a deal, it is a country full of people whose policies are informed by the country’s recent history.”

 

She implicitly attacked the UNHCR, a major critic of the Rwanda scheme as being “unsafe” for migrants but which uses Rwanda to accommodate asylum seekers. “We work with organisations to take people from countries like Libya and provide them with opportunities in Rwanda,” she said.

 

 

 

“It beggars belief as to why Rwanda would be safe with these migrants rather than those migrants just because of the country they are coming from.”

 

The ending of the agreement will be complicated by a group of Sri Lankan Tamil asylum seekers who were transferred to Rwanda from the British territory of Diego Garcia in the Indian ocean.

NBA reacts to alleged $150 billion LGBT clauses in Samoa Agreement.

The NBA president said the association had the opportunity to review the Samoa Agreement on behalf of the Nigerian government before it was signed.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reacted to the newly signed $150 billion Samoa Agreement, which gained public attention after a media report associated it with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights.

 

NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, described the agreement as a framework of ideas. He said the NBA had the privilege of reviewing the agreement before the Nigerian government signed it.

 

Mr Maikyau said there is no provision in the Samoa Agreement requiring Nigeria to accept or recognise LGBT rights. Nigeria has a law that criminalises same-sex relationships.

 

The NBA president said the agreement respects the local laws and sovereignty of the contracting nations. For instance, it acknowledges Nigeria’s Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2023, and the supremacy of the Nigerian constitution.

 

He said the NBA would have Nigeria against signing the agreement if its provisions conflicted with local laws.

 

“If the claims made in some newspaper publications were accurate, the NBA would have advised the federal government against entering any partnership or agreement that could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. The Samoa Agreement does not compromise existing legislation or undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Mr Maikyau wrote.

 

Samoa agreement

The Samoa Agreement, named after the South Pacific country where it was signed, is a legal framework between European Union (EU) member states and more than half of the 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS).

 

Mr Maikyau, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said the agreement serves as a foundation for future specific agreements between the EU, the federal government, sub-national entities, and the private sector.

 

He said the agreement covers six main areas – democracy and human rights, sustainable economic growth and development, climate change, human and social development, peace and security, and migration and mobility.

 

On Thursday, Daily Trust reported concerns over clauses that mandate LGBT rights in the $150 billion Samoa Agreement signed by the Nigerian government on 28 June.

 

The newspaper’s report, premised on an opinion article by Sonnie Ekwowusi, a Lagos-based lawyer, was amplified by other news platforms such as BusinessDay, Vanguard and TheCable.

 

The reports attracted a backlash against the federal government as critics criticised the government for downgrading the country’s moral values in exchange for Western loans.

 

However, the Nigerian government denied the claim in a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

 

NBA input

NBA president spoke about how his association reviewed the agreement on behalf of the Nigerian government before it was signed.

 

“Prior to the signing of the Samoa Agreement, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning requested the NBA, as a significant stakeholder, to scrutinise the agreement. Consequently, I formed a committee chaired by Mr Olawale Fapohunda, SAN, former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ekiti State and Chairman of the NBA Law Reform Committee, to vet, evaluate, and advise on the agreement,” Mr Maikyau stated.

 

He condemned the negative narratives about the agreement and called for more public enlightenment.