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Aviation Fuel Crisis: NCAA threatens to Shut down Nation”s Airspace over security of Air Travellers

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**”As Reps Order Regulatory Authorities to end Cartels In Aviation sector

***NNPC assures of Availability of Product

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority may be forced to shut down the nation’s airspace to ensure safety of Nigerian travellers unless something urgently is done to address the current situation in the industry, the Director General of the agency, Captain Musa Nuhu on told the House of Representatives

Captain Nuhu spoke just as the House directed the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority to do everything possible to dismantle the cartel growing in the industry

There a sudden hike in the prices of aviation fuel to the current price of N670 per litre from its usual price of N190 and the non availability of the product.

But Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the
Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, Ogbogu Ukoha insisted that there was enough jet A1 in the country to last for 34 days.

Speaking at a meeting between the Leadership of the House led by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase over the current scarcity of jet A1, the NCAA boss who expressed surprise at the sudden increase in Jet A1 said the safety of passengers is s key to his mandate, pointing out that with the way things are going currently, he may be forced to shut down some airline and by extension, the airspace to ensure safety.

He said “I don’t want to appear before any committee either here in the House or in the Senate to explain what happened to airline ABCD. So, we must do something fast to address this situation so that things will not get out of hand.”

He said that currently, flights are being delayed or cancelled as a result of supposed scarcity of aviation fuel and the sudden increase in prices which he said has been happening on a daily basis.

He said as a result of the increase in the cost of operation of the airlines, they might be forced to shut down their operation, an action which he said will have adverse effect on the economy of the country.

But the NMDPRA Executive Director who said the role of the agency was to regulate the industry and issue licenses to importers of the product said from his records, there was enough aviation fuel to last the country for 34 days.

Ukoha explained further that aviation fuel was one of the petroleum products that has been fully deregulated and is therefore controlled by market forces, adding that the Authority has issued licenses to about 28 companies to import the product into the country.

He said “from our records, we have enough supplies to last us for 34 days plus. So, when we hear about scarcity, all we can say is that we have enough supplies”.

But his explanation did not go down well with the Deputy Speaker, members of the House present at the meeting as well as the airline operators.

Wase questioned why there should be scarcity of the product if there was enough supply to last for 34 days
He concluded that there must be a cartel working so hard to sabotage the efforts of the government.

He said “this is a political era and elections are coming. We do not want anybody to sabotage the efforts that the government has put into revamping the economy so far because aviation is very important to the economy”.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama who spoke on behalf of the Airline Operators said they have held back from shutting down the industry because of the impact it will have on the nation and it’s economy.

He said “it is because of this statement that you made now about being in politics era that we have not shut down. We do not want anybody to use us to blackmail the government who has done so much for the industry.

“Our DG has said it succinctly that safety is of concern in this industry.
“He also spoke about the cost of operation and let me say that fuel takes about 30 percent across the world, but in Nigeria, fuel takes about 70 percent of our operation.

“What happened in the last two weeks is alarming. From a price of N190 per litre two weeks ago, the price is now N670 as at today and we don’t know what it is going to be later. The government has done so much for us in this industry with the President granting us waivers.

“We held a meeting and decided to shut down our operations because of the cost of operation. We are owing so much money and we don’t want AMCON to come after us. But we decided not to because we know the impact it will have on the economy.

“We cannot survive like this for another three days. We had to reduce our operations to 30 percent because the product is not even available. So, I am surprised that the Executive Director said they have supplies to last 34 days.

“We are making so much sacrifice here. I am evacuating Nigerians from Poland and I had to pay three times the usual amount and I am not asking for a refund. So, something need to be done and done fast”.

Chairman of Skyjet Aviation, Kashim Bukar Shettima gave an indication of the existence of a black market ring operating within the industry when he said that while none of the known fuel marketers agree to have the product in stock, there were companies which are not known that are selling the product.

Rep SADA Soli said from all indications, there was an emerging cartel in the industry that is responsible for the current scarcity, while also blaming those saddled with the responsibility for not living up to their responsibility.

He said marketers were using the current war between Russia and Ukraine to exploit airline operators believing that there might be a possible increase in the price of the product.

Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation, Rep. Nnolim Nnaji also alleged that there now exist a cartel in the industry who are using psudo companies to sell the product because of the realization that they can not directly increase the price

House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa said what is happening in the industry is a clear sign that the Petroleum Industry Act was not working as it should, asking the operators of the law to make it work.

He said there was fire on the mountain and every thing possible must be done to ensure that Nigerians get the desired benefits from the PIA.

Deputy House Leader, Rep Peter Akpatason said the NMDPRA must bring to book all those who are involved in hording of the product and subjecting airline operators and Nigerians to severe hardship.

He said since they have told Nigerians that the product was available to last 34 days, they must immediately direct the marketers to release the product immediately.

In his intervention, Group Managing Director of the NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari assured that they will do everything possible to address the issue of supply of jet A1, while also collaborating the statement that there was enough supply of the product in the country.

He said “I can confirm that there is enough supply. Yes, it might be in the wrong hands or in the wrong places. We are going to do everything we can to address the situation.

“However, regarding the request by the Airline operators to bring down the price to N200, let me say that will not be possible. It is not possible because the landing cost of jet A1 now is N480 per litre. Except if we are going to subsidise it, the price cannot come down to N200”.

Marketers of the product were not present at the meeting necessitating an adjournment to Monday to enable them attend the meeting, while the NMDPRA is to provide details of all companies licensed to import the product into the country.

The meeting however resolved that the NCAA should take steps to regulate those who sells the product within the nation’s airports before adulterated jet A1 find its way into the airports, thereby creating issues of safety for airlines.

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Legislature

Akpabio rejects one minute silence for dead innocent civilians in Okwoma

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***Insists, killers of soldiers may not be Niger deltans, Nigerians

The President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday rejected an ammendment to the prayer for a minute silence for innocent civilians just like the 16 soldiers who were gruesomely murdered in Okwoma in Delta State because the Senate was yet to ascertain their number.

Akpabio had also expressed doubt that those involved in the gruesome murder of 16 soldiers in Delta State are from Niger Delta or even Nigeria.

This was as the prayer for a minute silence for Innocent civilians who also lost their lives in the Okwoma community was turned down by Akpabio.
Some military personal who were involve in not just trying to keep peace but to ensure that the resources of the country are not stolen on Thursday, March 14, were attacked and killed at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. 

While reading out the Prayers in the motion on the Killing of Nigerian Army Personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State and the Necessity for an Urgent investigation sponsored by Senator Abdulariz Musa Yar’adua Chauman, Senate Commitiee on Nigerian Army, Akpabio read the first prayer which was to observe a minute silence for the murdered soldiers.

Prayer one, “Observe a minute silence in honour of the military personnel who lost their lives on Thursday 14th March, 2024 in Okwoma community in Delta State which was unanimously adopted by the senate

He asked if there was any ammendment and Senator Ede Dafinone who wanted an ammendment said, “I will like to suggest that the Senate also recognized the innocent civilians in Okwoma who also lost their lives in this process, if we are observing a minute silence for the soldiers that were brutally murdered in this fracas, I believe also the innocent civilians in Okwaoma should also be recognized in a similar way. I am talking of the innocent Civilians sir.”

However, Akpabio interjected saying, 
“The number of the innocent civilians you are talking about are not yet known to the Senate. I am not saying that no innocent Civilian died. I am saying that what we know is the death of our gallant soldiers were murdered in a very horrific manner. 

“So I will take your ammendment to say that observe a minute silence in honour of those military personnel who were murdered in a horrific manner on Thursday the 14th day of March in Okwoma community of Delta state.

Ned Nwoko (Delta North) had Seconded the motion ably moved by Senator Dafinone that prayer one be amended to include a minute silence for the innocent Civilian who lost their lives on the 14th of March and Akpabio acknowledge it to be the second prayer however

However, he read the second prayer which urged the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and are made to face the full wrath of the law through a fair and transparent legal process fir which the ayesha had it.

Again, Senator Dafinone moved for another additional prayer to urge the NEMA to reach out and bring relief materials to innocent civilians in Okwoma

However, Akpabio again interjected saying the innocent civillians you are referring to, we don’t have the record of them yet, to give relief materials to those who are killed? Or those who killed, how when they were the ones who killed?

‘I don’t believe that these people are from Niger Delta, those who did the killings because we respect our men and women in uniform, that is why I am saying your additional prayer should actually be to carry out a thorough investigation to know whether these were mercenaries from outside Niger Delta who came in to commit this crime, because I dont think these people are Niger Deltans.
“We are not at war, even in the field of war to lose such number of personnel, no community will go to the extent of doing this kind of thing. I don’t think they are from Niger Delta.
“I think the first point should be that we should first establish the culprits who committed this crime. We must take it seriously, supposen they arenot from Niger Delta? supposen they are not even Nigerians? We will now come and talk of giving relieve materials to people that have killed. People should stand up for the consequences of their crime we don’t support relief materials.

“Like I said this is a very shocking, horrifying and unfortunate incidence and every right thinking man must condemn it and must also mourn the lost of our personal who were involve in not just trying to keep peace but to ensure that the resources of the country are not stolen because that is Niger Delta.

“Whatever it is we have to find a way to reduce the involvement of the military in internal security so that police can do their work. 

“This has happened, while we condemn it we must as a senate set up a committee to do proper investigation and then of course come up with recommendations particularly to ensure that the culprits are brought to book and then we find a way to console the families and then also console the leadership of the Armed Forces of the country.”

Another resolutions of the Senate was to urge the recruitment and training of more police personnel to take up the job of policing responsibilities while the Nigerian Army plays its primary role in the affairs of the country.

It also urged the Federal Government to embark on enlightenment campaign to sensitize the public on their civic responsibilities as it affects their relationship with security agencies.

The Senate had condemned in clear terms the gruesome murder of 15 Nigerian Army Personnel in Okuama Community, Delta State and call for an investigations into this act of criminality. 

This is as it called for a compensation for the families of the deceased soldiers whilst investigations are ongoing.

Presenting the motion, the chairman of the Senate Commitee on Nigerian Army, Senator Yar’Adua noted that the recent tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a Commanding Officer, 2 Majors, a Captain, and 12 soldiers, highlights serious threat to the security and stability of the country. 

“Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi LGA of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024. The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crises between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State. 

“The tragic incident involving the attack on military personnel from the 181 Amphitropous Battalion during the peace mission to Okuama community in Delta State underscores the urgent need for justice and accountability without resorting to retribution.”

The lawmaker voiced concern over the understaffing of the Nigeria Police which has made Nigeria’s military to take over internal policing duties such as, organised crime, oil theft, communal crisis, kidnapping, banditry and other policing responsibilities. 

He also recalled when the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) previously reported in August 2023 the loss of 36 Military Personnel in Niger State, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by the Armed Forces in carrying out their duties. 

“There is a critical requirement for a more streamlined and deliberate collaboration between the armed forces and law enforcement agencies on one side and the Nigerian populace and communities on the other. 

“This collaboration is essential to foster trust, enhance security measures, and promote a sense of shared responsibility in preventing such tragedies in the future,” he added.

On his part, Senator dafinone requested the Senate to show some concern in handling the situation.

According to him, if the matter is not carefully handled, it will lead to a further breakdown of law and order

“We need to commensurate with the people of Okuama Community over the loss of lives of some of the innocent indigenes in the unfortunate incident. 

“I therefore plead with the President, the Defence headquarters and the Chief of Defence Staff to please tamper justice with mercy and not punish an entire community of Okuama for the sins of a few unscrupulous elements,” he added.

Contributing to the motion, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) lamented over the inhumane act of the murderers of the military men. 

He said, “What happened is despicable. It is inhuman and it is something that cannot be accepted. We need to commensurate with the Nigerian Armed Forces and indeed the entire nation, to condole the immediate families of the fallen heroes and the Nigerian military for what happened. 

“These were men that were trained by the Nigerian government and huge resources spent on them to defend the territorial integrity of this country and keep us safe as a nation.

“Now, they were killed for no reason; not at a time of conflict, not at the war front, they were just murdered in the worst fashion that you can think about. 

“It should be condemned, what happened is inhuman and no stone should be left unturned in trying to find out the culprits who are responsible and they must face justice and this should never happen again in this country.

“The military is doing their best trying to deal with kidnappers, bandits and a host of others challenges, trying to make us safe and now some people decided to go and murder these people and I believe that it is something that we should all condemn and proffer solutions too,” he added. 

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Anchor borrowers loan Default: Senate asks CBN to debit commercial Banks at Source

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Apparently piqued over the level of loan default by beneficiaries of Anchors Borrowers Programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Senate has ordered the apex bank to debit the account of commercial banks that guaranteed the loans

The Senate adhoc Committee set up to investigate the printing of N30 Trillion by the CBN through its Ways and Means overdraft and the disbursement of Anchors Borrowers Programme under the Muhammadu Buhari administration issued order at its inaugural sitting on Tuesday.
At its session with officials of the apex bank led by Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, CBN, Bala Bello, the Senate adhoc team led by Senator Jibrin Isah, was peeved that the outstanding sum of N358billion stands the risk of being categorised as bad debt.

Senator Isah who was not impressed with explanations offered by officials of the apex bank to restructure the loans asked the apex bank to go after the collaterals offered by the defaulting beneficiaries, through the Commercial Banks
He said:”They defaulted and why do they default. You can’t restructure the loan forever.! You can go after the collateral, you must up your games, we need to recover these monies. We can’t continue to restructure forever.
“We are talking about N358b that hasn’t
been repaid and at the risk of default.
“For those that have defaulted, I suggest that we put a peg on the interest . Our focus should be on the principal. On that, those loans must have been guaranteed by the banks. I want to believe that those banks must have covered their backs through collateral. I am sure no bank will grant loans without collateral . “They must open up to you. We have the power to go through the whole hog by debiting them at source. We can do that, let them go to Court.”
Deputy Governor, CBN, Corporate Services, Bala Bello expressed regrets over the lack of supervision by the immediate past management of the CBN under its erstwhile Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
He assured the lawmakers that the new management was doing everything possible to recover outstanding loans.
“On our own part, I want to tell you that the new management of CBN have given us a mandate to get the money back. We are under responsibility to recover these money, they belong to tax payers. It saddens my heart to answer questions on things we don’t know. But we inherit both assets and liability. Things could have been done better.”
Speaking on the Ways and Means advances, the Chairman of the Senate adhoc Committee expressed disappointment that the CBN Act was observed in the breach by its immediate past Governor, Godwin Emefiele whom he noted unilaterally approved loans without recourse to the statutory approving authority, the Committee of Governors.
“Under the Ways and Means, Committee of Governors should have been the approving authority. But the CBN Governor did not do that, he unilaterally approved.
“We also want to know the total figure of the Ways and Means because what we have here, the figure didn’t add up. We want to know who got what . ”

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Reps panel on Housing, Habitat Receives New REDAN President

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***Sets up Joint Committee to Review RECON Bill

By Ben Ogbemudia, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Housing and Habitat led by Hon. Aminu Balele on Wednesday received in audience the newly elected President of Real Estate Developer’s Association of Nigeria (REDAN) Prince Adeoye Akintoye in his office.

The committee members who were excited to receive the REDAN 7th Executive members unanimously agreed to turn the visit into interactive session.

Hon Balele while welcoming the Prince Adeoye Akintoye and his Executive members to the National Assembly said the committee is ready to work with them particularly in the area of amending some acts that will help regulate the housing sector in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the committee and its members therefore agreed on a joint committee with REDAN to look into the RECON Bill.

According to Hon. Balele, “we appreciate your coming at this critical time where there is a lot of changes.

“We are going to work together and we are going to come in where you want us to come in, particularly in an area whereby we can amend some acts and other things. An area whereby we can collaborate with other committees to work hand in hand to better the housing situation in Nigeria.

“There are a lot of areas we can touch together, like the issue of people running houses without certificate, this is something we should look into. We need to do this urgently. And so, we are going to set up now a joint committee between you people and our committee to seat down and look at the area that needs an amendment. We assured you that we will push it with our colleagues in Senate and through to the President for absent.”

Earlier, the President of Real Estate Developer’s Association of Nigeria (REDAN) Prince Adeoye Akintoye said REDAN as an advocacy group that will always advocate for the cost of housing and all matters pertaining to allied matters around Housing sector.

Prince Adeoye Akintoye said Housing industry remains one of the avenue to provide employment in a very humongous capacity.

While he strongly believe that working together with the committee will go a long way to change the face of housing in Nigeria, he therefore solicited for the National Assembly help in scaling through the RECON Bill which the 9th Assembly earlier passed but was not absent to by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There are so many things that we can push together, concerning the land administration system in Nigeria , I think we have to do more. We practitioner represent property development companies today and the sector is not well controlled. We have signed a strategic agreement with SCUML, EFCC to collaborate with them in shipping out the bad eggs in the built industry.

“We brought a bill and the bill was passed by this honourable house at the last assembly. Both the senate and the House of Representatives, passed the Bill, but getting to the presidency it was not signed and I think that bill has lapsed now.

But today, we will be seeking the help of this honourable committee because we like to bring the bill back. So , our plea is in the area of Synergy, the area of collaboration and the area of advocacy. We assure you that we will not do anything that is outside the law. whatsoever subject that we are asking you to involve in, it will definitely be to the benefit of Nigerians and for the good of the country. When REDAN starts to lend their voice and participate in the renew hope agenda, many Nigerians will get more shelter.

The REDAN President however reminded the committee that, Alh Jakande was the 1st president of the group and by the grace of God he is the 5th president.

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