News
Otti appeals for finance, logistics support from US
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has requested assistance from the United States consulate in advancing trade, investment, and various other sectors of interest within the state. This appeal was made during a meeting on Wednesday with Mike Ervin, the Political and Economic Section Chief of the US Consulate in Lagos, who was visiting the state with his team for official purposes.
Governor Otti outlined several challenges facing the state, particularly in the business realm, such as limited access to financing, inadequate power supply, and logistical support, particularly in the digital economy sphere.
Regarding the power situation, Governor Otti mentioned that the imminent commissioning of the Geometric power plant by President Bola Tinubu on February 26, 2024, would address the power deficit in Aba, a significant commercial center in the state.
Highlighting Abia’s prominence as a major trading and industrial center in Nigeria, Governor Otti emphasized Aba’s substantial presence in shoemaking, fabric, and garment manufacturing. He expressed regret over past infrastructural neglect which led to the relocation of businesses from Aba to other states but noted a recent trend of businesses returning, attributing it to his administration’s efforts in road rehabilitation, particularly in Aba.
Governor Otti proposed collaboration with the United States to address challenges such as power supply and access to finance, suggesting mechanisms to mitigate risks associated with foreign currency funding.
In his remarks, Mike Ervin, representing the US Consulate in Lagos, articulated their mission to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria, covering the 17 southern states of Nigeria, including Abia.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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