Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

A trainer aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force experienced “a minor mishap” in Kaduna State on Thursday.

 

The aircraft, a Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, was involved in a minor mishap at about 2.35 pm, according to the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet.

 

Gabkwet, in a statement, said the incident occurred while the pilots were returning from routine training.

 

He, however, said the two pilots “came out of the crash unscathed.”

 

The statement read, “A Nigerian Air Force Super Mushshak trainer aircraft was involved in a minor mishap earlier today, 7 March 2024, at about 2.35 pm.

 

“The accident, which occurred at about 3.5 nautical miles from Kaduna Military Airfield, involved two pilots who were returning from a routine training flight. Luckily, both pilots came out of the crash unscathed.”

 

Gabwet said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had ordered a probe into the incident.

 

He said, “The CAS has since directed for preliminary investigation to ascertain the immediate cause of the crash.”

 

The PUNCH reports that between 2015 and December 2023, Nigeria suffered at least 17 military air crashes, leading to the death of many.

 

Some of the incidents include the crash which occurred in Port Harcourt in December 2023. A MI-35P helicopter belonging to the Air Force crash-landed with five crew members sustaining injuries.

 

On August 14, 2023, a NAF aircraft was said to have departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed in a village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

 

Also, in July 2023 An FT7-NI aircraft crashed in Makurdi no death was recorded.

 

In addition, in February 2023, the Air Force recorded a crash after one of their jets lost its tyre mid-air and made an emergency landing at Lagos Airport on its belly. No death was equally recorded.

 

On February 22, 2021, seven NAF personnel on their way from Abuja to Minna, Niger State to rescue the abducted students and workers of Government Science College, Kagara, died when their plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport

The Federal Government has said the recovery process from beneficiaries of the Nigeria Education Loan, NELFund, scheme would commence two years after the National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC.

 

The Executive Secretary, NELFund, Dr. Akintunde Sawyer, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday.

 

On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law, to enable indigent students access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

 

However, Sawyer said the reason for the two-year grace after NYSC was to afford the beneficiaries enough time to get a job and be stable before the repayment.

 

“The law provides that for students who go into paid employment, repayment will be two years after NYSC, but that does not mean that they cannot pay back before that time.

 

“However, if they don’t have a job two years after NYSC, we cannot compel them to pay. Where are they going to get the money from? So, we will help them and wait for them to be able to pay.

 

“There will be a register of those who have taken the loan and employers will have access to that register and see who has a loan.”

new comptroller-general (CG) of the service, Kemi Nandap, ordered the withdrawal of their postings to foreign countries withdrawn by Kemi Nandap, new comptroller-general (CG) of the service.

 

The officers had been posted to a slew of Nigerian missions abroad by Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, who recently retired as CG of the service.

 

They were expected to be at these new stations abroad for at least three years.

 

However, in a letter dated March 5, Nandap, through the Assistant Comptroller-General, G.C Didel, asked the officers to return their original posting letters to “effect certain procedural and administrative issues”.

 

The letter read, “I am directed to request all officers affected to return their original posting orders to enable the service effect certain procedural and administrative issues.

 

The letters should be returned to the SA-CGIS (Foreign Desk) on or before Thursday 9th March, 2024

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, to go after those calling for truncation of constitutional government in the country describing them as criminals and enemies of democracy who should be brought to justice.

 

Matawalle, whose directive was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Information in the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, said: ”Some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the military to truncate the constitution, which will never happen because Nigerians have aligned with a democratic culture, which makes coup no longer fashionable.

 

because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.”

 

He described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness.”

 

In the statement, titled “Democracy is Working in Nigeria,” the minister warned those calling for truncation of constitutional government in the country.

 

It read: “The minister warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to desist from their inglorious call, warning that government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.

 

“The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.

 

“The minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups. He said those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power.

 

“He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead, while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution

The Nigerian Communications Commission has said that the over 40 million telephone lines barred after failing to link to the National Identity Numbers face the risk of being forfeited soon.

 

The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking with PUNCH Online in an interview.

 

According to him, the telephone lines barred by their telecommunication operators have breached the February 28, 2024 deadline issued by the commission mandating telecom customers to link their Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) to their NIN.

 

He said, “If the barred lines are not acted upon in the next 180 days. They won’t be able to receive calls but will only be able to text and make calls. But after the stipulated days, they would be barred from making calls too and theybmight forfeit their lines to their respective service provider within 365 days.”

However to unbar your phone lines, PUNCH Online highlights the processes of the retrieval as explained by the NCC’s Director of Publicity to our correspondent.

 

1. For subscribers that have not registered for their NIN, get your SIM registered at accredited centres across the country.

 

2. Then link the NIN with your SIM through channels provided by your service provider

3. For subscribers with registered NINs, simply visit your service provider centre and present the NIN or link your SIM through channels provided by your service providers.

 

. But if you have NIN but it was forgotten, retrieve your NIN conveniently using your mobile phone by dialling *346# to get the number.

 

5. From the options displayed, select “NIN Retrieval”, by typing in ‘1’, if you are using the same phone number you enrolled with for your NIN.

 

6. Follow the steps displayed on your screen and provide the required inputs.

 

7. Note that using this service attracts a N20 fee only (deducted from your phone airtime balance).

 

8. However, the four Mobile Network Operators in the country have designated certain USSD codes for seamless and quick linkage of your NIN and your SIM cards. They are as follows:

a. For MTN Customers

Dial *785# using the phone number you wish to link, enter your NIN and submit or dial *785*Your NIN# from the phone number you wish to link. The number will be linked to your NIN automatically.

 

b. For Glo Customers

Simply send “UPDATENIN NIN FirstName and LastName” to 109.

 

c. For Airtel Customers

Just dial *121*1# now to link.

 

d. For 9Mobile Customers

Dial *200*8# and follow the prompts on your phone screen.

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has executed Policy Directives to improve the investment climate and position Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the oil and gas sector in Africa.

 

This is in keeping with his dedicated efforts to remove obstacles to investments in Nigeria, harness the nation’s resources and diversify the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

 

statement by the Presidential spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale said “Following extensive engagements, analyses, and benchmarking with other jurisdictions, the President has initiated the amendment of primary legislation to introduce fiscal incentives for oil and gas projects, reduce contracting costs and timelines, and promote cost efficiency in local content requirements.”

 

It further said that in recognition of the urgency to accelerate investments, the President has directed the introduction of fiscal incentives for non-associated gas, midstream and deepwater developments.

 

He also directed for the streamlining of contracting process to compress the contracting cycle to six months and the application of the local content requirements without hindering investments or the cost competitiveness.

 

According to the statement, “The details of these Policy Directives will be gazetted and communicated by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

 

“These incentives were developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Petroleum, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

 

“The Special Adviser to the President on Energy has been directed to continue coordinating the aforementioned stakeholders to ensure the implementation of these directives within a stipulated timeframe.”

 

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu has summoned the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to a ‘crucial meeting’ over the erratic electricity supply facing the country.

 

 

Recall that Adelabu identified the root cause of the ongoing electricity blackout as the shortage of gas supply to electricity generation companies and outstanding debts owed to producers.

 

On his verified X page on Wednesday, March 6, Adelabu said: “As the Minister of Power, I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating electricity supply across the country.

 

In response to this pressing issue, I have summoned the Chief Executives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), as well as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to a crucial meeting.

 

“The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the worsening power supply in their respective regions and to collectively find lasting solutions.

 

“It is disheartening to witness the decline in power supply despite the concerted efforts to improve the situation. The Ministry has been exerting pressure on the Generating Companies (GENCOs) to enhance their performance, resulting in a recent increase in generation to over 4000MW.

 

“Despite this progress, certain distribution companies are failing to adequately distribute the power supplied by TCN, while vandalism of power infrastructure exacerbates the problem in regions such as Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.”

 

Adelabu offered reassurance to Nigerians, stating that measures are being taken to address these challenges, leading to a gradual increase in the availability of electricity across the nation.

 

He added, “Moving forward, I am committed to holding all distribution companies accountable for their performance. Willful non-performance will not be tolerated, and severe consequences, including license revocation, may be imposed. Additionally, I have instructed TCN to prioritize repair works on damaged transmission towers and power lines to improve supply in affected regions.

 

“During recent supervisory visits to power generating plants, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the sector.

 

Plans are underway to settle outstanding debts owed to power generation and gas supply companies, which will alleviate the financial strain and contribute to improved generation levels nationwide.

 

“I urge electricity consumers to remain patient as we work tirelessly to address these issues and provide better service to all Nigerians.”

 

In past weeks, Adelabu has been making moves to fix the power problems in the country, including meeting some energy commissioners.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has announced its readiness to add broadcast stations to its human rights advocacy legacy, says the Radio and Television stations will enhance the promotion and protection of human rights across Nigeria.

 

This was revealed in a communique jointly signed by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, and the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the NHRC, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman at the just concluded February’s statutory council meeting which took place at the headquarters of the Commission in Abuja.

 

According to the Commission, the initiative to establish the NHRC Media stations aligns with Section 6(m)(n) of the NHRC Act 1995 as amended, which underscored the Council’s commitment to strengthening human rights advocacy nationwide. The Council, however, paid a scheduled courtesy call on the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission.

 

On security matters, the council expressed deep concern over the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria, this is attributed to activities such as armed banditry, kidnapping, youth unrest, herders’ invasion, and the destruction of farmlands.

 

In addressing these challenges, recommendations were made for youth engagement through quality and vocational education, youth empowerment, the establishment of state police, and intensified human rights promotion and protection.

 

Additionally, the council advocated for the Federal Government to ensure truly free and compulsory education in Nigeria as a means to alleviate poverty and empower the youth. Significantly, it recommended amending the 1999 Constitution to enforce the economic, social, and cultural rights of citizens, recognizing education as pivotal to realizing these rights and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

The meeting also highlighted the submission of the National Action Plan on promotion and protection of human rights and the National Action Plan on business and human rights to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). These documents serve as benchmarks for Nigeria’s human rights standards and its commitment to fulfilling international and national human rights obligations. The Council urged government to allocate necessary resources for their full implementation.

 

Reports from Council Committees on Appointment, Promotion, and Discipline, as well as Finance and General Purposes, were presented and discussed. Notably, 297 candidates met the required pass mark and were recommended for promotion, reflecting the Council’s commitment to meritocracy and efficient NHRC operations.

 

The Council also reviewed complaints of human rights violations received by the Commission’s Complaint Handling Departments. These complaints, covering civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, women’s and children’s rights, and vulnerable groups, were promptly addressed in adherence to established procedures, demonstrating the NHRC’s unwavering commitment to promotion and protection of human rights.

 

Meanwhile,the Governing Council of the NHRC said it remained an independent, policy-driven, and internationally recognized body committed to addressing critical human rights issues and strengthening their promotion and protection in Nigeria.

 

Accredited with “A Status” by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, the NHRC of Nigeria will continue to uphold the Paris Principles for National Human Rights Institutions, having been accredited for the 5th time on November 3, 2023.