By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

More than 130 indigenous companies in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector have received over $400 million in support from the Nigerian Content Development Fund (NCDF), its Managing Director, Emmanuel Yusuf, has said.

Yusuf disclosed this on Wednesday in Uyo at the launch of the Nigerian Content Fund Compliance Certificate portal by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

He said the digital portal would simplify the certification process and enable companies to access funding more quickly while improving regulatory oversight and investor confidence.

According to Yusuf, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act requires one per cent of contracts awarded in the upstream sector to be deducted and paid into the fund.

He described the compliance certificate as proof that companies had met their statutory obligations and a requirement for accessing the fund. Yusuf said Nigerian Content had risen to more than 60 per cent, with the NCDF supporting over 130 indigenous companies and helping address access to finance.

He said the new portal would reduce certificate processing from weeks to days, allow online applications, provide real-time status updates and enable regulators to verify compliance digitally.

The Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by Dandi Osagie, said the sensitisation programme would provide stakeholders with information on the upgraded NCDF Payment Portal, Compliance Certificate System and Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.

He said the initiatives were aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business while helping eligible Nigerian companies access financing and comply with relevant regulations.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, has appointed AIG Auwal Musa Muhammad as its 25th Commandant. Muhammad formally assumed office at a ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Parade Ground, attended by senior academy officers, invited guests and representatives of host communities.

In his address, the new commandant pledged to contribute to the development of the institution and prioritise the welfare of staff and students, environmental safety and stronger relations with surrounding communities.

Muhammad said his administration would work to maintain the academy’s reputation and strengthen its capacity to produce competent and professional police officers. “I am here to contribute my quota towards the progress of Police Academy Wudil and ensure that the institution’s good image remains impressive,” he said.

He also assured the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to him and improving the learning environment at the academy.

The commandant urged staff to remain dedicated and diligent, saying their collective efforts would contribute to improved academic and professional standards. He commended his predecessors for their contributions to the development of the institution.

During an interactive session with senior academy officials, Muhammad urged them to uphold discipline, integrity and unity while working to strengthen academic excellence. He thanked staff and others who contributed to the smooth transition and pledged to promote collaboration in achieving the academy’s objectives.

By Jabiru Hassan

Farmers from different parts of Nigeria have expressed support for the leadership of Muhammad Magaji Gettado as National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The farmers, in a joint statement, passed a vote of confidence in Gettado, saying his leadership had contributed to efforts aimed at improving the agricultural sector and making farming more sustainable and profitable. The statement was signed by Alhaji Sulaiman Umar of Gombe State and Malam Abdullahi Mai Nasara of Katsina.

The farmers described AFAN as a platform for promoting unity among farmers and representing their interests in engagements with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant agencies.They said Gettado’s leadership style had strengthened cooperation among members and promoted greater participation across different categories of farmers.

According to the farmers, his background in agricultural development had informed his approach to addressing challenges facing the sector. They also commended previous AFAN leaders for their contributions to agricultural development and said continuity in efforts to improve farmers’ welfare remained important.

Farmers from the six geopolitical zones also expressed their support for Gettado, pledging to work together to promote food production, economic development and opportunities for farmers.They called for continued collaboration among farmers, government institutions and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting agricultural productivity.