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Author: Alpha Maidawa

MWUN shuts down secretariat, offers skeletal essential services
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Tuesday said it was shutting down its national secretariat and annex offices for two weeks in the first instance, starting from March 25.
The President General, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.
He said that they would only offer skeletal essential services to the general public during the period.
According to him, the move is part of efforts to further safeguard the lives of members, in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria held a combined meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) to deliberate on issues of national interest.
“Amongst issues discussed is the recent pandemic spread of the COVID-19 which has brought many governments to standstill and lockdowns.
“This lock down of movement of people is to reduce contact and spread of the disease, consequently, social gathering of more than twenty people at a time has been banned and such sundry methods put in place.
“We announce the closure of our national secretariat and its annex offices for the first instance of two weeks starting from March 25.
“However, skeletal essential services will still be offered the general public,” he said.
Adeyanju also announced the indefinite postponement of the union’s National Executive Council meeting which had earlier been billed for March 27.
He announced the recent promotion of Mr Erazua Oniha as Deputy Secretary General, Education, Research and media.(NAN)
March 25, 2020
Inflation: MPC urges FG to leverage on PPP for investment on infrastructure
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged Federal Government to leverage on Public Private Partnership (PPP) to intensify investment in infrastructure to increase output and employment.
The CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said this while reading the communique of the meeting during his national broadcast monitored by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Emefiele said the committee noted that this was necessary owing to the persistence of inflationary pressures attributed to a combination of monetary and structural factors.
He said the MPC cited the potentials for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) flows to the Nigerian auto manufacturing, aviation and rail industries, which could take advantage of these viable and untapped domestic and regional markets.
Emefiele said the Committee, however, noted the sustained improvement in the financial soundness indicators and applauded the continued decline in the ratio of non-performing loans, growth in assets of the banking system and profitability of the industry in the light of increasing global uncertainties.
He stated that the MPC also recognised the success of the Bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio policy and its potential to alleviate production shortfalls, reduce unemployment and boost aggregate demand.
According to him, the committee urged the Bank to pursue this and other related policies to a conclusive end.
Meanwhile, the governor disclosed that the MPC underscored the COVID-19 pandemic as a public health crisis which would continue to undermine any monetary or fiscal stimulus unless appropriate measures were taken to trace, test, isolate and treat infected persons in order to curtail the spread.
He said the committee enjoined government to ensure that migration across the country was significantly reduced.
Emefiele said the MPC also called on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to safeguard the population through close monitoring and emergency readiness measures to identify and care for infected persons in the country.
He added that the safety measures should include compulsory restriction of movement to curtail spread of the pandemic.
“The Committee noted the weakened revenue position of the Federal Government arising from the sharp drop in oil prices.
“It reiterated the need for government to urgently reduce reliance on oil revenue by gradually diversifying the economy and improving tax collection.
“To this end, the MPC noted the speedy response of the Federal Government to the oil price shock by the revision of the 2020 budget downwards by N1.5 trillion and the oil price benchmark to 30 dollars per barrel.
“The MPC urged the National Assembly to fully cooperate with the Federal Government in coming up with a budget that reflects our new realities.
“In addition, the Committee noted the introduction of price modulation measures resulting in reduction in the pump price of PMS from N145 to N125 per litre.
“Emefiele said the Committee also noted its contributory effect in boosting aggregate demand, lowering inflation and improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
N125 per liter: DPR threatens to sanction defaulting filling stations in Kaduna
The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kaduna, on Tuesday threatened to sanction filling stations caught adjusting meters to short change motorists, following the new pump price regime of N125 per liter.
Alhaji Adamu Garba, Head, Public Affairs unit of the Kaduna zonal operational office gave the warning after members of the DPR monitoring team paid unscheduled visit to some filling stations in Kaduna.
According to him, the DPR team has monitored compliance in the zone since the Federal Government announced the price adjustment from N145 per liter to N125 per liter.
He said all the facilities that the monitoring team had visited had so far complied and adjusted to the new price regime.
The official however, warned operators to desist from adjusting their dispensing pumps to cheat consumers by not delivering accurately or face sanction in monetary value or have their licenses suspended or withdrawn.
“The department is out to monitor the compliance of fuel stations on the decrease in petroleum pump price following the announcement by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the economic melt-down and the down sloop of the price of crude oil at the international market.
“The team has been on surveillance since last week, and so far there has been no reported case of default, as most facilities have complied with the new price.
“Even the market forces will make petrol stations comply naturally because if station A is selling at N145 per liter and station B is selling at N125 per liter, we know everyone will patronize station B because of the reduction in price,” he said.
The official assured the public that DPR’s resolute to ensure the filling station did not tamper with meters to shortchange consumers.
Garba said that one of the department’s daily operations was to ascertain the accuracy of dispensing pumps for motorists to get value for their money.
He urged motorists to report any sharp practices in products dispensing they noticed while buying fuel.
“Though it’s difficult for non-professionals to easily notice if a pump is dispensing accurately or not, but the public should endeavour to report to the department if they suspect a filling station is not dispensing accurately.
Garba said the department would use its measuring instrument to determine the accuracy of dispensing pumps.
“Any operator found wanting or their pumps not delivering accurately will be given a punitive sanction of monetary value, have their license suspended for some months and if there are a repeater of same offence, we might withdraw your license.”
He noted that no filling station was hoarding fuel but said those not selling did not have the facility to sell to the general public.
All the operators visited within the Kaduna city have complied with the new price regime of N125 per liter. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
Covid-19: Gov. Zulum constitutes team to boost Borno IGR
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has constituted a 9-Member Committee to identify ways of increasing the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), as part of measures to contain global economic downturn caused by Coronavirus (Covid-19).
The governor also announced that the state executive council would review 2020 budget following the fall in oil price.
Inaugurating the committe on Tuesday in Maiduguri, Zulum said the committee is expected to recommend appropriate measures that would boost the state’s IGR.
“The committee will look into the entire problem and recommend appropriate measures that would increase the IGR drive as well as to block leakages if any,” Zulum said.
He also mandated the committee to coopt any member they felt could facilitate their assignment.
He listed his economic Adviser, Alhaji Mustafa Bulu as Chairman of the committee, while the chairman of the state Board of Internal Revenue would serve as Secretary.
Other members of the committee include Permanent Secretaries in Ministries of Finance, Trade and Investment, Environment, Transport, Health, Water Resources and the General Managers of the State’s Housing and Water Corporation. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
NSE: Market indices up 0.19% as MPC retains rates
The domestic equities market closed update on Tuesday with a growth of 0.19 per cent just as the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) retained all rates in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic.
MPC at the end of its two-day policy meeting, unanimously voted to leave key monetary policy rates unchanged.
They retained Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 13.5 per cent; maintained the asymmetric corridor around the MPR at +200/-500bps; hold Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) at 27.5 per cent; and keep liquidity ratio at 30.0 per cent.
This is in a bid to assess the impact of the recent policy pronouncements made by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to combat the negative impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the Nigerian economy.
The All Share Index (ASI) increased by 40.18 points or 0.19 per cent to close at 21,741.16.
Also, the market capitalisation improved by N21 billion or 0.19 per cent to close at N11.329 trillion compared with N11.308 achieved on Monday.
The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Stanbic IBTC, Chemical and Allied Products, Custodian Investment, Zenith Bank and Skyway Aviation Handling Company.
Market breath closed positive with 19 gainers and 10 losers.
NPF Micro Finance Bank led the gainers’ table in percentage terms, growing by 9.52 per cent to close at N1.15 per share.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings followed with a gain 9.43 per cent to close at N26.10, while Transcorp appreciated by 8.93 per cent to close at 61k per share.
Jaiz Bank grew by 8.89 per cent to close at 49k, while Skyway Aviation Handling Company appreciated by 8.66 per cent to close at N2.51 per share.
Conversely, Caverton led the losers’ chart in percentage terms by 10 per cent, to close at N2.25 per share.
Conoil followed with a decline of 9.93 per cent to close at N13.15, while NASCON went down by 9.57 per cent to close at N8.50 per share.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated shed 8.99 per cent to close at N4.05, while Cadbury depreciated by 8.85 per cent to close at N5.15 per share.
However, the total volume traded decreased by 28.9 per cent to 330.10 million shares, worth N3.57 billion, and traded in 4,561 deals.
Guaranty Trust Bank emerged the most activity stock, accounting for 78.89 million shares valued at N1.32 billion.
Zenith Bank followed with 77.91 million shares worth N852.87 million, while Access Bank traded 36.03 million shares worth N198.35 million.
FBN Holdings traded 24.71 million shares valued at N96.35 million, while United Bank for Africa transacted 18.81 million shares worth N84.36 million.
In all, a total of 330.10 million shares valued at N3.57 billion were exchanged by investors in 4,561 deals.
This was in contrast with a turnover of 464.36 million shares worth N3.87 billion achieved in 5,883 deals on Monday. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
COVID-19: FG orders closure of National Stadia to stem spread
The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has directed the temporary shutdown of all activities at four national stadia in the country to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mr John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The affected stadia are the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja; Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna; Liberty Stadium, Ibadan; and National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.
He said the facilities listed would not be available to the public until further notice.
Joshua-Akanji urged the general public to stay calm and safe by practising good personal hygiene and keeping social distance.
The ministry assured that the relevant agencies are working round the clock to eliminate the pandemic in Nigeria. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
COVID-19: Desist from all forms of football gathering, Supporter Club President-General warn fans
Rafiu Ladipo, the President-General of Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club, has warned fans to desist from all forms of football gatherings as part of preventive measures against spreading and contacting COVID-19.
Football fans at a match venue
Ladipo gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday to fans who were in the habit of gathering to watch football matches in their communities.
He said that it was better to stay alive to watch many matches both at the local level and English Premier Leagues than to go against all preventive measures and expose self to the danger of COVID-19.
“The spread of Coronavirus is a trending issue and that is the reason our government had to direct that we should stay at home in order to avoid crowding; being a fast way of spreading coronavirus.
“I am key-in on that note and also warning football lovers to stop going to watch locally- organised matches because they are fond of building crowd there. And nobody knows who might have contacted Coronavirus among the fans because coming to view centres.
“So, it is better to stay away from danger, play safe so that you can live to watch other matches and anybody that dies now cannot have the opportunity to watch matches again,” he said.
According to him, the fight against Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 has resulted to all Premiership leagues and Laliga been cancelled and postponed across the world.
Ladipo said that if America, France, Italy and other big nations of the world with all their facilities were locking down due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, Nigeria should not be an exception to the rule.
“Besides it is for the time being, when the situation calms down and are brought under control, we will come out to watch matches, games, film shows at cinemas and other entertaining events,” he added.
He also urged everyone to stick to regular handwashing, use of hand sanitisers, nose masks and keep the specified distance from one another in order to comply with government’s preventive measures. (NAN)
March 25, 2020
Sports minister commends IOC on postponement of Tokyo 2020 olympics
Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has commended the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The minister said this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, John Joshua-Akanji on Tuesday in Abuja.
“The IOC must be commended for postponing the olympics in the best interest of the whole world.
“This is in response to the general calls across the globe to have it moved to a time when the virus would have abated.
“As much as we were all looking up to the event, the safety and well being of the athletes , officials and fans alike is of paramount importance.
“We cannot afford to toy with the lives of millions of people around the world. At a time like this,this is the best way to go,” he said
Dare said the IOC cannot stand alone and it had taken the decision in the overall best interest of safety of all Olympic family.
“This decision is an attestation of the fact that the IOC is sensitive and puts premium on the safety of people.
” This will douse any fear or tension about going against the general consensus which clamoured for a shift in date.
“We believe that once the pandemic is over, the world can come together in unity to celebrate sports biggest fiesta,” he said.
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abey and IOC President Thomas Bach on Tuesday, at a joint news conference said the decision to move the games to a latter date was in the best interest of the whole world, until the situation returned to normal.
They resolved that the event would remain in Japan and retain the name Tokyo 2020.
The U.S. , Canada and other Super powers had called on the IOC to move the event following the spread of the Covid-19.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics was earlier scheduled to hon from July 24 to Aug. 9.(NAN)
March 25, 2020
COVID-19: Olympic Games postponed to 2021
Japan and the Olympics movement decided on Tuesday to delay this year’s Tokyo Games into 2021 as the coronavirus crisis obliterated the world’s last major imminent sporting event.
It was the first time in the Olympics’ 124-year history that they had been postponed, though they were cancelled outright several times during the two 20th century World Wars.
After a call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the July 24-Aug. 9 event would be rescheduled for the summer of 2021 at the latest as proof of victory over the coronavirus.
“We asked President Bach to consider postponement of about one year to make it possible for athletes to play in the best condition, and to make the event a safe and secure one for spectators,” Abe said.
“President Bach said he is in agreement 100 percent.”
There was no immediate word from the IOC, though its executives were due to meet later on Tuesday.
Athletes were sad but relieved after weeks of worrying and struggling to train as the world headed into virtual lockdown from the disease that has claimed more than 16,500 lives.
“I compete in a little bike race, which is nothing compared to what is going on in the world right now,” American Olympic BMX champion Connor Fields said.
“No sport is more important if it means more people might potentially die from this.”
Pressure on the IOC and its powerful President Bach had been accelerating fast in recent days, with Canada and Australia refusing to participate if the Games would go ahead in the summer.
Athletes wholeheartedly endorsed the delay, given health risks and disruption to their training as gyms, stadia and swimming pools shut down around the world.
“To be honest, I’m left reeling and feeling a little lost. But the goal posts haven’t disappeared – just shifted. It’s time to recalibrate and fire up for the next challenge,” said Australia’s two-time Olympic champion swimmer, Cate Campbell.
The coronavirus outbreak has raged around the world since early this year, infecting nearly 380,000 people and wrecking sports events from the soccer Euros to Formula One.
Postponement is a massive logistical headache for host, Japan, which has pumped in more than $12 billion of investment.
But a poll showed about 70% of the Japanese agree with a delay.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters the delayed Games would still be branded “Tokyo 2020”. (Reuters/NAN)
March 25, 2020
Scores of terrorists killed, as military continues clearance operations across N/East
The Nigerian military has yet again recorded success against the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists by killing scores of them at Gorigi in the Allagarno Forest general area of Borno.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on update of military operations across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.
Enenche said that the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole achieved the feat when the land component came into contact with mounted terrorists during clearance operations along the forest axis on March 23.
He explained that air assets, including an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and fighter jets, were immediately deployed to provide close air support to the troops.
According to him, while the ISR platform provided situational awareness to the troops, the fighter jets engaged the terrorists, immobilising their gun trucks and neutralising an unspecified number of the terrorists.
“As you know, we are in a fluid conflict situation and our gallant troops are out there at the frontlines.
“Between 21 and 23 March, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno which successfully done.
“Some others who attempted to withdraw were also mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks.
“During the air bombardment, none of the terrorists that came to attack escaped but we cannot ascertain the casualty figure of the terrorists now,” he said.
Enenche, however, disclosed that the troops that were providing logistics back up for the frontline troops were ambushed by elements of the terrorists during the consolidation.
He explained that the truck that conveyed explosives was hit by terrorists’ fire leading to explosion that affected other trucks conveying fuel.
“As a result, the troops suffered some casualties in the attack leading to killing of 47 soldiers,” according to him.
He clarified that the soldiers were not killed in a gun battle with the terrorists.
According to him, if you clear a place and you don’t consolidate, there is a problem and so we needed to go with reinforcement of artillery of the land component.
“We also need to go with extra ammunition and supplies.
“The echelon that was behind was the supply echelon carrying the fuel and weapons was targeted and fired the truck carrying the bomb and then there was explosion.
“The explosion in the real sense was what killed the majority of our troops including the pockets that came to attack.
“That transferred to the other trucks carrying the fuel which caught fire. As a result of that we recorded 47 deaths after the mopping up.
“The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland.
“We assure Nigerians that the Armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North East and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation,” he said. (NAN)
March 25, 2020