Flowerbud News

Month: October 2023

  • Olufemi Assumes Duty As MD NEPZA, Maps Out  Strategies for Job Creation, Industrialisation

    Olufemi Assumes Duty As MD NEPZA, Maps Out  Strategies for Job Creation, Industrialisation

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja (Flowerbudnews): The New Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi has assumed duty in Abuja with a pledge to position NEPZA for enhancement of the nation’s economic growth,

    Dr. Ogunyemi also promised to position the Authority towards accelerate employment creation and industrialization of the country.,a statement by NEPZA Spokesman, Dr. Martins Odeh stated.

    Dr. Ogunyemi made the promise in Abuja while taking over the mantle of leadership of NEPZA from the former Managing Director, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.

    promised to position the Authority towards ensuring economic growth, accelerate employment creation and industrialization of the country.

    Dr. Ogunyemi made the promise in Abuja while taking over the mantle of leadership of NEPZA from the former Managing Director, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba

    The New Managing Director of NEPZA who thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the appointment said he would concentrate on three strategic areas which include resuscitation of non performing Free Trade Zones, Digitization of NEPZA activities and Listing of Free Trade Zones on the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

    “NEPZA under my watch, shall be an organization which will regulate free trade zones in line with extant laws and in the most profitable way for our nation and over the next few days, I will be evaluating human and material resources of this organization and reach out to our sister agencies like Customs, Immigration, Security Services among others towards developing the sector ” He said

    Dr, Ogunyemi therefore solicited the support of all sister agencies, stakeholders, staff and the media towards realizing his mandate of developing the Free Trade Zones sector.

    While promising to operate an open door policy, the Managing Director advised staff of the Authority to be alive to their responsibilities towards complementing the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in realizing its renewed hope agenda in the area of economy diversification and development.

    On his part, the former Managing Director/CEO of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba said there is still much to be done in the area of Free Trade Zones development compared to what other developed countries have achieved over the years.

    Prof. Adesugba stated that for Nigeria to attract more investments, necessary attention must be given to the creation of additional Free Trade Zones in the country.

    “We need more companies to come to Nigeria to invest because right now we have about 600 enterprises in our Zones while China has about fifty thousand, so we’re just starting because with about 230 million people needing clothing, building materials and other domestic consumables and so on, we still need to produce all these things in Nigeria” Prof. Adesugba explained

    While expressing confidence in the ability of Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi to deliver on his mandate due to his experience from the private sector, Prof Adesugba congratulated him on his appointment and wished him all the best as he pilot the affairs of NEPZA.

    The handing over ceremony was attended by Management staff of NEPZA, family members of the New Managing Director as well as stakeholders in Free Trade Zones sector.(Flowerbudnews):

  • BREAKING: Corps member stabbed to death

    BREAKING: Corps member stabbed to death

    A member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Grace Chalya Silas, has been stabbed to death by criminals suspected to be armed robbers in Kaduna State.

     

    The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, who confirmed the incident to DAILY POST, said the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday.

     

    According to the PPRO, the deceased was having an early morning exercise when some hoodlums ambushed her with the intention to steal her phone.

    The suspects who were on a bike, stopped and wanted to snatch her phone. While they were struggling to snatch the phone, one of the suspects used a sharp knife and stabbed her.

     

    “When the police received the information, she was quickly rushed to Harmony Hospital, where she was later confirmed dead by the doctors”.

     

    The PPRO noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Yusuf Garba, has directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

     

    He added that the Command would do everything within its power to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book

     

    He said, “She was stabbed by some elements while she was doing her body exercise along GRA road in Barnawa this morning.

     

    Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja

    NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja

     

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed fake and expired goods worth over N500 million in Abuja.

    Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that some of the goods were also voluntary submitted to the agency.

    Represented by Mr Francis Ononiwu, NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the D-G stated that the exercise is carried out routinely all over the country.

    The NAFDAC boss said that the destruction of the products were done to prevent their re-introduction to the supply chain.

    Adeyeye listed some of the products destroyed as drugs made up of psychoactive and controlled substance like antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, herbal snuff and herbal remedies, and drugs confiscated from drug hawkers.

    She also listed the food products such as Spaghetti, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, including 1 by 40ft container of unregistered Faurecia instant powered milk that was handed over to the agency by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS).

    Others were cosmetics such as creams, lotion, pomade, including skin lightening creams seized from SPAS and beauty centres, chemicals such as fake insecticides and medical devices.

    Also destroyed were expired and unwholesome products voluntarily handed over for destruction by complaint companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN).

    According to the NAFDAC boss, the estimated street value of the products being destroyed is N535, 000, 657.00.

    “I have said it on several platforms that drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage, and it also represents a serious threat to public health, and NAFDAC under my watch has been repositioned to fight this menace.

    ” The agency has adapted proactive approach by engaging political, traditional, faith leaders, journalists and other Nigerians to sensitise their wards on the dangers of dealing on substandard and falsified medicine.

    “I wish to use this medium to urge all and sundry to be on the look-out for spurious and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods and other regulated products and reports same to NAFDAC,” she said.

    Mr Isiaku Gamajira, FCT Coordinator, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), stated that NAFDAC is a sister agency when it comes to regulation of products, hence the reason why SON was at the event.

    He noted that many people lack education on how to get certification for their products, stressing that it is the reason why most goods from Nigeria are rejected abroad.

    “We are aware of government policy on zero rejection of Nigeria products, we have a policy called product certification in which a certificate is issued on products made in Nigeria that are to be exported.

    “In doing all these, we ensure that we key in to the principle set up in line with the government of the exporting country, and issue a certificate of performance to avoid Nigeria product rejection when they get to the point of entry.

    “We have offices all over the country where information about product certification can be gotten, our addresses are also available online for you to reach out to us.

    “We provide people with proper guidance when they approach us, SON has been carrying out its compliance activities among which is the seizure of substandard products. We have just destroyed tyres

    “Tyre is a product which lives depend on and SON has a serious interest when it comes to compliance action, seizure in that regards, on Sep. 29, SON destroyed a lot of tyres and these are some of the things we do.

    Drugs being destroyed

    “Most of these tyres are imported, it is our own common wealth, If you see the quantum of what we have destroyed in the last few months, you will be surprised,” Gamajira said.

    Mr Enejoh Amade, Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacist of Nigeria (ACPN), FCT Chapter, said his association would continue to support NAFDAC to rid the country of substandard drugs.

    He said that his association had partnered with NAFDAC on the exercise by bringing some expired drugs collected from members of ACPN.
    (NAN)(www.nannews.ng/ Flowerbudnews

  • NAFDAC to review sanction on exporters of substandard products

    NAFDAC to review sanction on exporters of substandard products

     

     

    By Aderogba George
    Abuja:.  The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), says it will review sanctions for exporters of substandard products.

    NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said this at a news conference on Tuesday, while expressing displeasure at the level substandard goods were being rejected in some foreign countries.

    She said that the agency had been able to identify some of the reasons, including non-compliance to advisory guidelines established by NAFDAC to encourage participatory exports.

    Adeyeye stated that almost all exported food products were processed without the statutory testing by NAFDAC.

    According to her, some of the goods are exported without NAFDAC quality control and safety tests hence their rejection.

    Other identified reasons included the non-utilisation of hitherto free laboratory testing by NAFDAC for export samples, coupled with the connivance of unscrupulous agents.

    Also identified was the exclusion of NAFDAC’s requirements for its regulated products in the mandatory pre-shipment inspection in the National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) as administered by the Federal Government appointed Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs).

    Adeyeye stated that some of the exporters were unwilling to comply with minimal sanitary and phytosanitary measures required for exports to countries with stringent market access, as well as poor packaging by some manufacturers.

    She noted that many exporters had formed the habit of disregarding importation requirements of trading partner countries.

    She also mentioned “penchant for sourcing from open markets for exports without any form of minimal safety or quality specifications and unwillingness to invest in pre-export activities that help to ensure sustainable export.”

    The NAFDAC boss said to ratify all these challenges as part of the outcome of its recent meeting with the UK Food Standard Agency (FSA), the agency would be commencing six regulatory measures to address the situation.

    She listed immediate inclusion and implementation, as a matter of urgency, NAFDAC Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Laboratory testings such as mycotoxin, pesticide residue, and heavy metals certification for regulated food and drug products.

    She said that National Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) would also be carried out on some of these products as administered by the Federal Government appointed Pre-shipment Inspection Agents (PIAs).

    Other measures she mentioned were the inclusion of NAFDAC in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) export proceed (NXP) form processing and engagement with the Comptroller General of Customs as the new administrator of the Nigeria Single Window Trade portal to facilitate this.

    She said that NAFDAC had earlier engaged with CBN (Trade and Exchange Division) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (Home Finance) on this same matter.

    She said that the agency would also be strengthening in-country regulatory infrastructures on export with the introduction of NAFDAC Regulations on Export 2022.

    Adeyeye disclosed that the regulation was already hosted on NAFDAC website with e-copy sent to exporters, trade associations and professional bodies for their inputs and comments within the next 60 days which began on Oct. 11.

    She said that the agency would also be collaborating with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) as regards regulation of goods.

    According to her, the agency will continue with awareness and sensitisation meetings with the export trade operators on NAFDAC guidelines regulated products. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng / Flowerbudnews

  • Digital Transformation and Accountability: Legacy of Garba Abubakar’s visionary Leadership at the CAC

    Digital Transformation and Accountability: Legacy of Garba Abubakar’s visionary Leadership at the CAC

     

    By  Barr  C N. Okoli

    Lagos (Flowerbudnews):  The realm of business and governance has undergone significant transformation, largely driven by the adoption of modern technologies and a strong commitment to transparency.

    One individual who epitomized these values during his tenure as the Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar of the Corporate Affairs Commission made a substantial impact on the institution.

    The former Registrar-General, who is also the grandson of the Prime Minister of Northern Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and whose father resigned from the prestigious Port Authority two weeks after his appointment due to a lack of a clear and proper path to stop ‘business as usual’.

    At that point in time, his reason was that: “he wanted to meet his Creator peacefully”. , AG Abubakar inherited a record of prudence.

    He was distinguished by his resolute determination to challenge the conventional way of doing things. He recognized the necessity to disrupt the status quo, pushing for substantial changes to enhance efficiency and transparency.

    Financial leaks and insider trading have long been issues that hinder the growth of organizations and erode trust. The former Registrar-General tackled these problems head-on.

    He implemented rigorous measures to seal financial leakages, ensuring that every Naira allocated to the commission was meticulously accounted for. Additionally, he introduced measures to prevent insider trading, creating a level playing field for all stakeholders.

    The integrity of business records and corporate documents is paramount to the credibility of any regulatory body. Preventing tampering with files was a significant achievement during his tenure, guaranteeing the reliability and trustworthiness of the information held by the commission.

    One of the most remarkable accomplishments of the former Registrar-General was the bold move towards embracing digital transformation.

    Recognizing the potential of modern technology, he spearheaded the commission’s journey into the digital age. This shift streamlined processes, enhanced accessibility, and reduced reliance on outdated paper-based systems.

    However, the digitization process was not without its hurdles. Many staff members lacked proficiency in using computers, and there was a widespread fear of potential job losses due to the automation of certain tasks.

    This situation underscores the common challenge in transitioning to digital systems: the need for comprehensive training and change management to ensure that employees can adapt to new technologies.

    The former Registrar-General’s dedication to accountability and transparency extended to the unearthing of criminal activities within the organization.

    His actions revealed connections between certain staff members and various forms of misconduct. These revelations underscore the importance of maintaining rigorous ethical standards and holding individuals accountable for their actions..

    The impact of these reforms was not merely anecdotal. The involvement of law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Police, DSS, EFCC, ICPC, and AGIES, in validating these claims underscores the seriousness of the former Registrar-General’s commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption.

    The tenure of the former Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission serves as a testament to the transformative potential of digitalization and accountability in the realms of business and governance.

    His initiatives to break away from traditional practices, curb financial leaks, and introduce digital innovations have left an indelible mark on the Commission, setting a benchmark for others to follow. This narrative reminds us that, in our ever-evolving world, embracing innovation and upholding accountability can lead to enduring positive change.

    As we conclude, it is compelling to contemplate the potential for global institutions, such as the World Bank, to acknowledge and engage in collaborations with prudent and forward-thinking individuals like the former Registrar-General, Alhaji Garba Abubakar.

    His leadership and unwavering commitment to instigating change have left an indelible mark on the Corporate Affairs Commission and, indeed, the broader business environment. To further integrate into the Africa Business Platform and spearhead the much-needed transformation, visionary leadership remains an indispensable element.

    This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that throughout the African continent, the embrace of innovation and the upholding of accountability can pave the way for enduring positive change while simultaneously acting as a bulwark against corrupt practices in government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.

    The former Registrar-General’s time at the helm of the Corporate Affairs Commission stands as a testament to the transformative power of digitalization and accountability in the spheres of business and governance.

    His efforts to depart from conventional practices, plug financial leaks, and introduce digital innovations have etched an indelible legacy within the Commission, serving as a standard for others to emulate.

    This narrative serves as a poignant reminder that, in our ever-changing world, embracing innovation and upholding accountability have the potential to usher in lasting positive change. (Flowerbudnews):

    Okoli is a Lagos-based Legal Practitioner.

     

  • NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja

    NAFDAC destroys fake, expired goods worth N500m in Abuja

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed fake and expired goods worth over N500 million in Abuja.

     

    Speaking during the exercise, the Director-General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that some of the goods were also voluntary submitted to the agency.

    Represented by Mr Francis Ononiwu, NAFDAC Director of Investigation and Enforcement, the D-G stated that the exercise is carried out routinely all over the country.

    The NAFDAC boss said that the destruction of the products were done to prevent their re-introduction to the supply chain.

    Adeyeye listed some of the products destroyed as drugs made up of psychoactive and controlled substance like antibiotics, antihypertensive, antimalarials, herbal snuff and herbal remedies, and drugs confiscated from drug hawkers.

    She also listed the food products such as Spaghetti, vegetable oil, non-alcoholic beverages, including 1 by 40ft container of unregistered Faurecia instant powered milk that was handed over to the agency by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS).

    Others were cosmetics such as creams, lotion, pomade, including skin lightening creams seized from SPAS and beauty centres, chemicals such as fake insecticides and medical devices.

    Also destroyed were expired and unwholesome products voluntarily handed over for destruction by complaint companies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Association of Community Pharmacy of Nigeria (ACPN).

    According to the NAFDAC boss, the estimated street value of the products being destroyed is N535, 000, 657.00.

    “I have said it on several platforms that drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage, and it also represents a serious threat to public health, and NAFDAC under my watch has been repositioned to fight this menace.

    ” The agency has adapted proactive approach by engaging political, traditional, faith leaders, journalists and other Nigerians to sensitise their wards on the dangers of dealing on substandard and falsified medicine.

    “I wish to use this medium to urge all and sundry to be on the look-out for spurious and counterfeit medicines, unwholesome foods and other regulated products and reports same to NAFDAC,” she said.

     

    Mr Isiaku Gamajira, FCT Coordinator, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), stated that NAFDAC is a sister agency when it comes to regulation of products, hence the reason why SON was at the event.

    He noted that many people lack education on how to get certification for their products, stressing that it is the reason why most goods from Nigeria are rejected abroad.

    “We are aware of government policy on zero rejection of Nigeria products, we have a policy called product certification in which a certificate is issued on products made in Nigeria that are to be exported.

    “In doing all these, we ensure that we key in to the principle set up in line with the government of the exporting country, and issue a certificate of performance to avoid Nigeria product rejection when they get to the point of entry.

    “We have offices all over the country where information about product certification can be gotten, our addresses are also available online for you to reach out to us.

    “We provide people with proper guidance when they approach us, SON has been carrying out its compliance activities among which is the seizure of substandard products. We have just destroyed tyres

    “Tyre is a product which lives depend on and SON has a serious interest when it comes to compliance action, seizure in that regards, on Sep. 29, SON destroyed a lot of tyres and these are some of the things we do.

    “Most of these tyres are imported, it is our own common wealth, If you see the quantum of what we have destroyed in the last few months, you will be surprised,” Gamajira said.

    Mr Enejoh Amade, Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacist of Nigeria (ACPN), FCT Chapter, said his association would continue to support NAFDAC to rid the country of substandard drugs.

    He said that his association had partnered with NAFDAC on the exercise by bringing some expired drugs collected from members of ACPN

     

    NAN/ FLOWERBUDNEWS

  • NURTW passes vote of no confidence in Baruwa

    NURTW passes vote of no confidence in Baruwa

    The National Union of Road Transport Workers has passed votes of no confidence on a former president of the union, Tajudeen Baruwa,

     

    The National Chairman, NURTW Caretaker Committee, Tajudeen Agbede, said this while speaking at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

     

    It would be recalled that Baruwa’s tenure as the union’s president expired on August 28.

     

    According to Agbede, “We, the undersigned, having the mandate of our members in the various states and zones unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Alh. Tajudeen Baruwa.”

    The caretaker committee chairman alleged that Baruwa had committed many atrocities while he served as the union’s president from August 2019 to August 2023.

     

    He alleged that Baruwa had reduced membership of the union in the International Transport Federation from 400,000 members to a paltry 160,000 members.

     

    Agbede also noted that the former president failed or neglected to pay affiliation dues when appropriate, thus causing the union to be deregistered from ITF.

    In a letter referenced NLC/NS/A.16 dated 27th August 2019, the NLC wrote to NURTW commending the union for showing a good example to other affiliate unions of the NLC.

     

    “That is by continuing to be financially up to date” and for “being financially up to date as of the end of July 2019,” he said.

     

    He, however, noted that sundry letters received from the Nigeria Labour Congress during Baruwa’s administration were various demands for payment of affiliation dues.

    He added that the dues at one point, were owed for as long as 18 months, from April – December 2021 and January — September 2022.

     

    Agbede said that Baruwa failed or neglected to account for Independence National Electoral Commission money paid during his administration for the 2023 general election.

     

    He also noted that during the four-year administration of the former president of the union, the National Executive Council only held four times.

     

    He said that this was against the constitutional provisions of Article 10 (2) of the union’s constitution.

     

    Agbede also said Baruwa had arbitrarily mandated the posting of union staff without concomitant relocation allowances or transfer claims, among others.

     

    He added that this caused unnecessary hardship and adversity to staff.

     

    “He failed to abide by constitutional provisions in respect to succession, by refusing and/or neglecting to conduct credible zonal delegates elections for the continuity of the union.

     

    “Thus putting the union into unnecessary drama before right-thinking members of the public,” he added.

     

    NAN reports that Baruwa was elected president for a second four-year term on August 25 in a unanimous decision.

     

    NAN

  • Wike promises improved quality healthcare services in FCT

    Wike promises improved quality healthcare services in FCT

    By Philip Yatai

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans are underway to improve the quality of health services in the federal capital, Abuja.

    Wike gave the assurance when the Executive members of the FCT Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, led by the President, Dr Rahman Olayinka visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He explained that the FCT Administration would ensure necessary provisions in the 2024 budget to improve quality of services in health facilities in the FCT.

    “The services at the moment are not encouraging. It is unfortunate.

    “I was thinking that since FCT is a capital city it will have the best health facilities, but from what I am told, there is nothing to write home about, but be assured it will be the best.

    “We will bring the health system to a standard that everybody will be happy,” he said.

    The minister also said that efforts were being made to complete the Utako Hospital, adding that the FCT Administration was doing the best it can to meet the health needs of the people.

    On salary increment and allowances to medical personnel, Wike said that the FCT do not currently have the financial resources to support salary increment or allowances.

    He said that the current wage bill of the FCTA is N8 billion monthly.

    Wike advised the doctors to place emphasis on unpaid increment and allowances while also concentrating on improving facilities for quality services.

    He asked the group to work with the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat to work out unpaid allowances and salary increments for the administration to strategise how to pay.

    He also advised the medical doctors against strike action in the name of salary increment, adding that efforts would be made to settle outstanding allowances and training of medical officers.

    Earlier, Dr Olayinka thanked the minister for attending to some of their challenges within a short time in office.

    He pointed out that health facilities in the FCTA were challenged by shortage of manpower and called on the minister to consider the health sector when opportunity emerged for recruitment.

    He also appealed for the supply of more drugs for hospitals in the FCT to provide the needed services to the residents and those accessing the facilities from the neighbouring states.

    “We need doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab technicians among other critical manpower as FCT is at the receiving end of the “Japa” syndrome.

    “We are being owed arrears of hazard allowance which the previous administration promised to pay in tranches,” he added.

    NAN

  • Diesel suppliers, generator dealers sabotaging power supply – Ex-minister, Nnaji

    Diesel suppliers, generator dealers sabotaging power supply – Ex-minister, Nnaji

    By Leonard Okachie

    A former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has alleged that diesel suppliers and generator dealers are sabotaging efforts for Nigerians to enjoy regular power supply.
    Nnaji made this known while featuring  in a radio programme, captioned: “The South East Political Roundtable” by Flo FM, Umuahia on Wednesday.
    Nnaji said that the endless breakdown of the national grid had remained a significant concern among Nigerians.
    According to him, this is despite the Federal Government’s claim of spending N7 trillion as direct interventions in the power sector, even after privatising the electricity generation and distribution arms of the industry since November 2013.
    Nnaji, who is the Group Chairman of Geometric Power, Aba, identified diesel suppliers and generator sellers as other obstacles for those who are into power generation business.
    He said that the sector needed professionals, who understood the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry to manage it.
    “There are two areas when you talk of cabal in the sector – the diesel suppliers and generator users.
    “Nigeria is a big user of generator because of our enormous power need and those who are in the business would not want any interruption.
    “The diesel suppliers feel that stable power supply would destroy their business,” he said.
     Nnaji further alleged that the power sector, just like others, had some cabal, who make gains from the problems of poor power supply.
    He said: “A graphic picture of how dangerous the diesel suppliers can be was experienced when we were in government, somewhere in this country, some men cut down 30KVA line to stop electricity supply to thousands of users.
     “Unfortunately, the diesel supplying company sponsored the operation.
    “Incidentally the power cable fell on one of them, who later confessed to the crime.”
    NAN