InfoStride News reported that Nigeria’s Gas Minister, Ekperikpe Ekpo, has set a target for the construction of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline in 2024. This announcement came during a meeting with a delegation of envoys from the Kingdom of Morocco, led by its Ambassador to Nigeria, Moha Ou Ali Tagma, on Monday, November 27, in Abuja. Ekpo expressed Nigeria’s readiness and interest in the project, emphasizing its significance as critical infrastructure spanning 5,600 kilometers across 13 African countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and Morocco. Once completed, the pipeline aims to…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
At the recent West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Authority Committee of Ministers (COM) meeting in Cotonou, Benin Republic, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced the Nigerian government’s commitment to supplying 5 billion cubic feet of gas per day to domestic and export markets. This pledge is part of the Decade of Gas Initiative, which aims to develop and commercialize over 5 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) of gas for both domestic and export purposes. In his address, Ekpo assured member countries such as Benin, Togo, and Ghana that they would continue to receive consistent gas supply…
During the capacity strengthening session for distribution companies (DisCos) on communication and responsiveness to customers, organized by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), officials emphasized that estimated billing could be halted if customers inform their DisCo about their absence. InfoStride News reported this on November 27. While many estimated billing customers might be unaware of the regulation, NERC highlights certain customer rights on its official website, advocating for sensible billing practices by DisCos across the country. According to NERC, new electricity connections must have meters installed before being connected, ensuring customers receive a safe and reliable electricity supply with properly…
In the span of one week, from November 18 to 24, Nigeria experienced a staggering 226 incidents of crude oil theft, as revealed by data from the official X account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), now reported by InfoStride News. During this period, illicit activities were rampant across various oil-producing states, with 39 cases of illegal connections in Abia and Rivers states. The efforts to curb unauthorized refining operations led to the discovery and destruction of 77 illegal refineries in Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, and Imo states. Additionally, 21 instances of pipeline vandalism were identified in Rivers and…
On November 28, President Bola Tinubu urged the Senate to deliberate and approve his request for a loan totaling $8,699,168,559 and €100 million, a crucial component of the federal government’s 2022–2024 external borrowing plan. Senate President Godswill Akpabio presented Tinubu’s letter during a plenary session, revealing that both the World Bank and the African Development Bank are willing to contribute $1 billion and N1.5 billion, respectively, in support of the loan. Tinubu’s letter, titled “2022-2024 External Borrowing Plan,” emphasized the need for the National Assembly’s prompt approval to ensure the timely implementation of the projects outlined. He pointed out that…
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, recently revealed that his administration has disbursed a substantial amount exceeding N112 billion in pensions and gratuities for retired civil servants across both the State and Local Government levels. This significant announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of four new Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on a Monday. The disclosure was officially communicated by the Ogun State Government through a press release available on the official InfoStride News handle. Governor Abiodun emphasized that the disbursement of N112 billion for pensions and gratuities underscores his administration’s…
InfoStride News has raised an alarm on the escalating Tuberculosis (TB) infections in Borno State, echoing concerns expressed by Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Head of Mission/Country Representative for WHO, during the 13th WHO End-Term Joint Operations Review (JOR) in Yola. This review focused on the health challenges in the North-East region of Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by the Boko Haram insurgency—Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The urgency of addressing health challenges arising from the conflict was underscored during the JOR session, with a call for collaborative efforts to tackle the increasing rate of TB infections. Dr. Mulombo emphasized the…
InfoStride News has issued a cautionary alert, drawing attention to the alarming rate of unauthorized withdrawals via Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) from the bank accounts of customers, as disclosed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, highlighted that such illicit withdrawals are associated with ATM and Debit Card swapping or fraud. In this scheme, fraudsters, armed with a debit card from the same bank, deceptively swap cards while assisting unsuspecting customers at ATMs, memorizing their PINs for use with fake cards. According to Oyewale’s statement, the fraudulent practice occurs at…
The current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed strong reservations about the agreement made by the previous administration under President Muhammadu Buhari with Ethiopian Airlines regarding the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air. In a briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on November 27, 2023, Keyamo stated that the terms of the deal were unfavorable to Nigerian airlines, and proceeding with it would be irresponsible as it would essentially hand over the monopoly of Nigeria’s aviation industry to a foreign entity. Keyamo emphasized that the Federal Government should not…
InfoStride News reports that MTN Nigeria has faced significant foreign exchange losses, primarily due to the devaluation of the naira, impacting the company’s overall profitability and returns. In the 9M 2023 period, the company witnessed a substantial 42% year-on-year drop in pre-tax profit, amounting to N233 billion compared to N401 billion in the same period the previous year. Basic earnings per share also declined by 45% year-on-year, reaching N7.06 and moderating the trailing twelve-month EPS figure to N10.81. The share price decreased from its 9M 2023 Year-to-Date (YtD) position of about 23% to approximately 11% YtD, reflecting the influence of…
The market witnessed a surge in positive sentiment today, primarily propelled by the robust performance of banking stocks, with FBNH leading the gainers chart with a notable 10.00% appreciation. Despite a decline in market capitalization by N132 billion, closing at N39.04 billion, the All-Share Index managed to appreciate by 0.17%, concluding the trading session at 71,353.81 points. Trading volume experienced an uptick, reaching 746.67 million units compared to last Friday’s 582.77 million units, accompanied by a corresponding increase in trade value to N5.945 billion from N4.27 billion last week. Market Indices Overview: – NGX All-Share Index: 71,353.81 points – %…
The Chargé d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, David Greene, emphasized the eagerness of American investors and companies to engage with Nigeria, recognizing the country’s immense economic potential. In a statement featured on the embassy’s website, Greene highlighted that Nigeria could emerge as a top foreign direct investment destination with the implementation of specific conditions. He emphasized the importance of establishing the right macroeconomic framework, adopting a sound fiscal strategy, and demonstrating a strong commitment to eradicating corruption. According to Greene, with these elements in place, Nigeria has the potential to become a preferred destination for foreign direct investment.…
For the second consecutive time, the Bank of Ghana has opted to maintain the country’s interest rate at a historic 30%, aiming to further curb the current inflation rate of 35.2%. Additionally, the apex bank has implemented an increase in the cash reserve ratio on bank deposits from 14% to 15%, effective from November 30. Over the period spanning November 2021 to July 2023, the Bank of Ghana aggressively raised the country’s benchmark rate from 13.5% to 30%. Simultaneously, the inflation rate surged from 12.2% to 35.2%, reaching a peak of 54.1% in December 2022. Ernest Addison, the Governor of…
InfoStride News has reported that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) revealed Nigeria’s 36 states have spent N1.71 trillion on recurrent expenditures from January to September 2023. In a letter to World Bank President Ajay Banga, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, SERAP urged the World Bank to suspend loans to the 36 state governments due to credible allegations of mismanagement of public funds by state governors. According to SERAP, many state governors are spending public funds, including funds from the World Bank, on frivolous items that do not benefit their states’ residents.…
Shortly after one of United Nigeria Airlines’ aircraft diverted to Asaba International Airport instead of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken swift action by suspending all wet-leased aircraft under the airline. This decision was communicated to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the airline via a letter on Monday. The suspension encompasses all wet-leased aircraft in the airline’s operations, pending the outcome of an investigation into the Sunday incident involving one of the wet-leased aircraft in the airline’s fleet. The move came after the incident gained attention on social media,…
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called for a meeting with heads of aviation regulatory agencies to address recurring safety issues in the industry. The summons, posted on Keyamo’s official X account on Monday, November 27, 2023, outlines a comprehensive assessment of recent incidents during the meeting. The agencies summoned include the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Keyamo aims to discuss recent accidents in the sector and subsequently brief the press on the outcomes to prevent future…
The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, announced that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for a concessional budget support finance of $1 billion from the African Development Bank (AfDB). This revelation came after the 4th Federal Executive Council Meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. Edun highlighted that the AfDB granted the $1 billion support with 25 and eight-year moratoriums, acknowledging the macroeconomic efforts made by the Tinubu-led government to achieve macro stability, restore revenue, and improve the foreign exchange situation. “The reward,…
InfoStride News reported that the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Nigeria revealed a staggering statistic—over 45 million children are currently enrolled in primary schools across the country. Dr. Hamid Boboyyi, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, disclosed this information during a one-day meeting between UBEC and the organized private sector held in Abuja. The primary focus of the meeting, as detailed by InfoStride News, was on “Promoting partnership with the organized private sector.” During the event, Boboyyi conveyed to private sector representatives that the annual allocation of N100 billion by the Federal Government for basic education was no longer…
The Federal Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced on Monday that the Federal Executive Council had approved a sum of N3.2 billion for the acquisition of state-of-the-art scanners for deployment in five key international airports across Nigeria. This significant development aims to enhance airport security measures and streamline the screening process for passengers. Speaking after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, Keyamo highlighted the key benefits of the proposed procurement. He emphasized that the new airport scanners would eliminate the need for physical searches of passengers’ bags by airport officials, addressing a longstanding concern among…
Nigerian tycoon Aliko Dangote has revealed plans to list his $20 billion oil refinery on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), a significant development for Dangote Industries, the largest conglomerate in Africa. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Dangote shared that the company has successfully addressed challenges related to crude oil supply, clearing the path for the refinery’s listing. This strategic move is anticipated to instill confidence among investors and open up new avenues for growth for Dangote Industries. “We have resolved all the issues with crude oil supply,” Dangote affirmed. “We are now ready to move forward with…