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Real Reasons For Replacing BVN, Others With NIN – FG
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, recently disclosed that the federal government has begun the process of replacing the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and other national database systems with the National Identity Number (NIN).
the real reasons behind this move.
Aside from BVN, there are other key data systems in Nigeria.
Some of these are the Drivers Licence, issued by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Tax Identification Number (TIN) and the International Passport Number.
Others include professional licences like medical practice licence, pharmacology, nursing licence, teachers’ registration licence and engineering licence, among others.
According to the minister, his office was leading the initiative.
And the key reason for the migration of all databases to NIN is the fact that NIN is backed by law.

He said there is the need to replace BVN with NIN because the BVN is a bank policy but NIN is a law.
Because it has been established by law, the strength of the law everywhere is higher than a policy made by an institution.
The BVN was a policy directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that all customers of commercial banks must be identified through a verifiable number system.
Just like BVN and other data systems, there are limitations: you must be eligible to be captured in one or all these databases, but the NIN is not so, as long as you are a Nigerian or living in Nigeria.
February 11, 2021
Dangote Refinery Can pull Nigeria Out Of Economic Recession – IMF
The International Monetary Fund, IMF, the global financial watchdog, is projecting that Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery would provide an elixir for the country’s economy when it is completed and start production by 2022.
In its latest report on Nigeria’s economy, the Fund raised the hope that the start of production from the refinery, solely owned by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote could help Nigeria improve its Current Account balance.
It said Dangote Refinery has “the potential to catalyze more domestic crude oil production and boost GDP growth.”
“On the upside, the Dangote refinery, if commencing production in 2022 as planned, could meet the full demand for domestic consumption of refined petroleum products—which are almost all imported at present—thereby improving the CA balance.
“With crude oil for local refining not subject to the OPEC quota, the refinery also has the potential to catalyze more domestic crude oil production and boost GDP growth,” the IMF wrote in its Article IV report on Nigeria’s economy released on Monday.
Many experts have also projected that the refinery, which may cost Dangote about $15 billion to complete is capable of helping to save Nigeria huge foreign exchange in fuel importations.
The 650,000 capacity Dangote Refinery, is regarded as one of the world’s biggest oil refineries and could end the irony of Africa’s biggest oil producer importing estimated $7 billion of fuel yearly, and instead see it meeting its own needs and supplying neighboring nations.
Renaissance Capital in a report in 2018 projected that Dangote Refinery has the potential to revolutionize Nigeria’s economy, with its operations adding $13 billion, or 2.3 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dangote Refinery, which is described as Nigeria’s largest-ever industrial project, boasts of a distillation column for separating crude into various fuels at different temperatures that is the largest of its kind in the world.
The 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery is just part of a $15 billion petrochemical complex that will also house a gas processor and the world’s biggest plant for ammonia and urea, which is used in making plastics and fertilizer.
Already, the Fertiliser plants is said to be ready and could be commissioned any time to add to the agricultural revolution not only in Nigeria but in some parts of Africa to boost the continent’s economy.
The optimism by the global financial watchdog on the potential of Dangote refinery is a victory to the resilient of Africa’s richest man’s contributions to the economic emancipation of Nigeria and the continent at large.
Dangote’s initial plan to enter the refining business was frustrated by government policy flip-flops when in 2007 he bought one of the country’s refineries under the privatisation programme of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
However, the dream was short-lived as the entire process of privatization was swiftly reversed by the successive government that came after Obasanjo.
Today, Dangote’s quest to play in the oil refining business is gradually coming to pass with the impending completion of the plants in the Lekki export free trade zone and the accolade from the global financial watchdog.
February 11, 2021
Kaduna: President Buhari-led government failed Nigerians – Lawyer, Mark Jacob
Barrister Mark Jacob, a former Kaduna State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government has woefully failed Nigerians.
Jacob noted that from 2015 to date, the present administration and the All Progressives Congress, APC, had nothing to offer Nigerians.
Jacob said, “What Nigerians are going through in the hands of the present government is totally unacceptable and nobody ever thought of it in the country.”
“I am sad to comment on Nigeria currently because every day one is confronted with the sad news of your fellow human beings being killed every day not because they were wicked but some people somewhere feel they should not live. They are being killed in their tens and more than that number.
“Lives are no longer safe, people are being killed like flies. It has made everything the government is doing useless. Our lives have so been devalued and it is becoming normal for 10, 20 or 30 and even more to be killed every day. They don’t die of COVID-19 but the government is making noise about the pandemic. It pains me to see the government going to spend N400bn on the acquisition of vaccines for COVID-19.”
“I have no problem with people being in government but l have a problem with somebody being in government and is devaluing the lives of citizens. That is the only issue disturbing me now that Nigerians lives no longer matter.”
The PDP chieftain observed that insecurity has finally made Nigerians not to travel for fear of the unknown, stressing that farming and doing other things for the survival of man is being crippled in the country following the activities of kidnappers, bandits, Boko Haram and other forms of criminality that has become the order of the day.
“It is so clear that insecurity has overwhelmed the government of Nigeria. The state of Nigeria is such that we have never seen even during the war, the civil war was compelled to a particular region. The situation is shameful that we have a government, but insensitivity to things is disturbing the lives of people in the country. We are being followed to our houses by kidnappers, no place in Nigeria is safe for anybody. The level of insecurity is so bad that it has never been this bad in the country,” he noted.
According to him, what Nigerians are experiencing is a human venture to change hands to ensure peaceful coexistence in the country, adding that this could be done through elections. “We expect that Nigerians should have voted this government out by 2019. Only God knows how they got to return to power but whatever it is, we hope that when the opportunities offer itself, Nigerians will have better people to govern the land in 2023. Everybody has seen the failure of this government that it has failed the people,” he noted.
He added that “The country is under siege and the government appears to be helpless. Come 2023, Nigerians must take their destiny in their hands. These people that got the power since 2015 appeared to be hungry, they got nothing to offer Nigerians. Everything they accused the previous government of doing, they have done twice and there is no hope that things will improve in the country.”
February 10, 2021
KadPoly Alumni Visit Governor Lalong, Asks For Intervention Of Northern Governors
Plateau State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Simon Bako Lalong has received the National Executives of the Kaduna State Polytechnic Alumni Association who were in his office to brief him on the state of affairs in the Institution.
Governor Lalong said the school which is one of the reputable Polytechnics in Nigeria and Africa was conceived by the then leaders of the Northern Region as a hub for producing technical manpower for the region and Nigeria at large.
He said over the years, the Institution has produced great persons who have distinguished themselves in various careers including technical areas across the world.
The Governor said the school has unfortunately suffered the lack of adequate funding and physical development commensurate with student population which has grown geometrically over the years.
Lalong noted that although the only way to immortalise the Founding Fathers of Northern Nigeria is through the revival of the legacy projects they left behind to serve the needs of citizens such as the Kaduna Polytechnic.
National President of the KADPOLY Alumni Association Abbas said the famous citadel of learning, with over two million members at home and in the diaspora, has produced eminent Nigerians in all spheres of human endeavor, but is now facing alot of challenges.
He said the Alumni Association is embarking on nation wide visits to critical players in order to canvas support towards reviving the dwindling fortunes of the Institution.
The alumni President told Governor Simon Lalong that though the school is owned by the Federal Government, most of its students come from the Northern States and as such, the Northern Governors Forum should take interest in its development and further growth.
He said it was to sustain the dream of its founding fathers that that the Alumni decided to table the challenges of the Institution before the Northern Governors Forum ahead its meeting this month for inyenebentorm
February 10, 2021
GOVERNOR LALONG MEETS AMB. MARTIN ADAMU JNR(photos)

Newly appointed Nigerian Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Martin Adamu, a career diplomat from Plateau State on Wednesday 10th February 2021 visited Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the new Government House, Little Rayfield Jos.

Ambassador Adamu told Governor Lalong that he was at the Government house to pay his respects to the Governor and appreciate the support of his administration and the people of Plateau State throughout his diplomatic journey which culminated in his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He assured Governor Lalong that he was determined to represent Nigeria with all excellence and patriotism as he has over the years recieved the training for the task ahead.

Martin said although his primary assignment was to protect the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in his country of assignment, he will do all within his power to also ensure that opportunities for investment and development are attracted to States including Plateau.

While wishing him well in his new assignment, Governor Lalong said the people of Plateau State were happy that he has been conscientious and diligent in his duties to have attained the zenith as Ambassador.
He expressed confidence that the Ambassador will succeed in his assignment amd bring pride to Nigeria and Plateau State just as his late father Gen. Martin Martin Adamu did during his military career.
He asked him to do all within his capacity to sell Nigeria and Plateau State to the world and assist in projecting the return of peace and stability to the State which is ready to receive investors and tourists from within and outside the nation.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State. 10th February 2021.
February 10, 2021
Gov. Bello’s Media Aide Assures Journalists Of Smooth Working Relationship
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant, (SSA) to the kogi state Governor, on Print Media Hon. Michael Ozigi on Wednesday in Lokoja promised a new dawn in the working relationship with members of Kogi State correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The SSA, who was on a working visit to the chapel on Wednesday at NUJ press Centre, Lokoja urged members to put behind the ugly situation of the past that strained the relationship, saying, ” my appointment by the Governor is to project the image of the government which he cannot be achieved without the cooperation of members of the Union”.
Ozigi who disclosed that he was born into Journalism profession as his father was a veteran broadcast Journalist, hinting that whatever he does to the Practitioners, he has his father in mind.
He promised to change the narrative for the best for both the Correspondent and his principal, Governor Yahaya Bello, who he described as workaholic and press friendly.
Hon. Ozigi called for more synergy through purposive and purposeful reportage of events of the state, stressing that in so doing, it will pave ways for a new thinking by the Governor towards the Correspondents Chapel.
He charged members to avoid acts that is detrimental to the upholding the tenet of sound Journalism, adding that, he is determined to work for the welfare of members.
“I’m aware of the strain relationship between the Correspondent members and the Government, which ought not to have been so. My appointment is a good omen for Journalists in the state.”
According to him “I was born into Journalism Family. My Father was a broadcaster. I was brought up in the highest Journalism tradition. I hold the profession in high esteem. It has been my desire to see Journalists in their best.”
“I m aware of your predicaments. We need to work together as a team to change the situation for good. I implore you to put in your best in projecting the image of the government and the state. The Governor is friendly with the press and I can assure you if we do our work professionally, the Governor would have no cause than to embrace us”.
“I therefore request you to focus on the developmental strides of the government which according to him cut across all sectors of the state economy. It is unacceptable for me for Correspondent chapel members not to be present at the state functions. We in the media team of the administration would ensure that what is due for Journalists is extended to you.” He assured.
In his remarks, the chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Friday Idachaba commended the new SSA and his colleagues for finding it expedient for the visit and to chart a new cooperation.
He lamented the plights of his members in the past few years and urged him to ensure that the pitfalls were corrected as soon as possible, saying his members were not in any way working for the downfall of the Government.
In their separate remarks , the SSA on electronic media, Mrs Billie Nwogu and her counterpart at the New Media, Hon. Levi Atuluku assured of a new dawn that will improve on the relationship and called on Journalists to report accurately the activities of government .
February 10, 2021
Gowon, Ngoroje others celebrate China/Nigeria diplomatic relations at 50
By Becky Adi
Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (GCFR) has expressed happiness for the role his administration played in establishing diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria while thanking succeeding governments for expanding the areas of agreements over the years to what it is today.
The former head of state spoke as a special guest at the forum “China-Nigeria relations at 50: reflections and the way forward, as part of activities to celebrate hchina Nigeria at 50.
Going back memory lane General Yakubu Gowon recalled the role played by Nigeria to ensure the admittance of China into the United Nation which he said earned Nigeria a state visit to China in 1974. “ it was a most successful visit that firmly established the bilateral relationship between our two countries. It included a rare state visit to Chairman Mao at his home by the Nigerian delegation lead by me, my wife Victoria, the foreign Minister Dr. Aripo, the Permanent Secretary and Nigeria first Ambassador to China, His Excellency, Aminu Sanusi. We ended the visit signing a number of agreements in agriculture, trade and communications etc. succeeding generations/governments expanded the areas of agreement to what it is today” He said.
He expressed delight being a part of the of China-Nigeria relations and congratulated the Chinese leadership for the monumental progress the country has made in the last fifty years.
Nigeria and China should complement each other—NIPC Chairman
In a remark by Hon. Babangida Nguroje , Chairman governing council of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), said Nigeria and China share numerous similarities like independence date, a huge population and abundant natural resources across and as such should complement each other.
He called on both countries to compliment efforts and drive inclusiveness, noting that it was pertinent that China ignites its big brother role to Nigeria and drive the economic and industrial revolution needed for the largest black nation.
“ Nigeria needs China to bring on board beneficial and impactful investments that will support the women and the large numbers of youths in Nigeria. Because any nation that invests in women and youth will turn around the fortune of the country and further improve the lives of its community” he said.
He noted that the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has for more than 11 years visited China on yearly visits on investment drives “These visits strategically positioned Nigeria to the Chinese investing community. We need to work together with relevant agencies in Nigeria and China to harness more mutually beneficial investment forums that will be impactful to our growth and development”
He observed that China was a top investor in Africa and in particular Nigeria, which is its number one FDI interest.
Others areas he listed in the growing economic relationships between the two countries included growing trade volume of imports and exports . “China is Number 1 importer to Nigeria (US$12bn as at 2019) and number 9 exporter from Nigeria (US$1.6bn as at 2019)” among other economic cooperation agreement including which is the currency swap agreement of 2018, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the N2.1 trillion (about $5.792 billion) 3050 megawatts (MW) Mambilla hydropower project, amongst others.
He said that the government shall continue to work very closely with the right Chinese bodies in the country to deliver the desired set targets for our Nigerians.
China’s trade volume with Nigeria has increased 1900 times since 1971
Also speaking at the event the Charge de Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhao Yong, disclosed that China’s trade with Africa has hit $208.7 billion with foreign direct investment totaling $49.1 billion.
According to Yong, the trade volume between China and Nigeria reached $19.27 billion in 2019, which was 1900 times that of 1971 when the diplomatic relationship was established. Yong said: “Despite the adverse effects of the Covid-19, the bilateral trade volume from January to October of 2020 increased by 0.7% year on year, which was 14% higher than the trade growth rate between China and Africa as a whole. “Nigeria surpassed Angola and South Africa respectively to become China’s second largest trading partners and largest export market in Africa.
At the same time, Nigeria is China’s major investment destination in Africa. The local Chinese are rushing to help their Nigerian brothers and sisters; the total value of materials and funds donated by the local Chinese companies and nationals amounted to N3 billion.
“At the same time, Nigeria is China’s major investment destination in Africa. The Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and Lekki Free Zone have attracted a large number of Chinese companies to invest and operate their businesses. The infrastructure projects built jointly by the two countries, such as roads, ports and airport terminals, can be seen everywhere in Nigeria.
“China is ready to make joint efforts with Nigeria to further strengthen the anti-pandemic cooperation until the pandemic is completely defeated; deepen the Belt and Road cooperation; speed up the construction of key projects so as to help Nigeria accelerate the process of industrialization; explore the cooperation in the areas of digital economy and green” He said.
Speaking in a similar vain, the President of China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Mr. YE Shuijin said Chinese companies in Nigeria have giving direct employment to over 1 million Nigeria citizens, while the volume of investments in Nigeria is now in the region of 20 billion USD, he called on the Nigeria government to create the enabling environment for more Chinese investments into the country.
February 10, 2021
Presidents Buhari and Xi Jinping Exchange Letters On 50 Years Of Diplomatic Relations
Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Xi Jinping of Nigeria and China respectively exchanged goodwill messages on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria-China relations on Tuesday February 10.
In the letter titled ‘Letter of Felicitations’ shared by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina on Monday, Buhari expressed satisfaction with the progress of support from China in the building of rail, road, power, defences, and many other areas.
Replying, President Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Nigeria relations, and is ready to join efforts to take the opportunity of the anniversary to promote the traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation in all fields under the Belt and Road Initiative and within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation so as to bring benefits to wo countries two peoples.
“In recent years, the China-Nigeria strategic Partnership has enjoyed a good momentum of development, which effectively improved the well-being of two peoples. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, China and African countries including Nigeria have joined their hands in the fight against the pandemic, and showcased the brotherhood of China and Africa in weal and woe,” he wrote.
Earlier, President Buhari praised the cooperation between both countries in the fight against the COVID-29 outbreak.
“In recent years, Nigeria and China have also witnessed steady development of their strategic partnership. In the face of significant challenges faced by international community, the two sides are upholding a common position of preserving multilateralism, not interfering in other countries’ internal affairs and safeguarding common interest of developing countries,” he wrote.
“This year is vital for China-Nigeria relations. The FOCAC has become a model of mutually beneficial cooperation between Nigeria and China, as well as between Africa and China. Nigeria is ready to work with China to make the new session of FOCAC this year a success.”
Caption: Dignitaries at the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations in Abuja on Tuesday February 9
February 10, 2021
Enugu workers pay Thank-you visit to Gov Ugwuanyi over construction of secretariats for NLC, TUC
Workers of Enugu State, under the aegis of the Organized Labour, on Tuesday, paid a Thank-you visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his administration’s consistency in addressing their issues in spite of various challenges confronting the nation.
The Organized Labour, comprising the state leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), described Ugwuanyi as a God-fearing, peaceful and Labour-friendly leader, who has lived up to expectations in fulfilling his promises to workers of the state since his assumption of office in 2015.
They maintained that Gov. Ugwuanyi has made a lot of promises to the workers and fulfilled them expeditiously despite “the state’s dwindling resources occasioned by the nation’s economic recession, which your administration has experienced twice in five years, the novel COVID-19 pandemic, #EndSARS protests, among others”.
Speaking, the State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Virginus Nwobodo said that the governor’s steadfastness and commitment to the welfare of the workers of Enugu State have brought pride to the state, nationally, to the extent that “any time we go for our national meetings, when other labour leaders will be crying that this one has not been done, we will be giving them information about new things that are happening in Enugu; and they have always applauded you (Ugwuanyi), even without you being in our national meeting”.
On the ongoing construction of befitting secretariat complexes, simultaneously, for the NLC and TUC in the state, Comrade Nwobodo, who disclosed that the major aim of their visit was to thank the governor specially for the landmark feats, noted that the former secretariat given to NLC around 1998 by then military administration “was an eyesore, but today you (Ugwuanyi) have come to wipe our tears”.
The labour leader added that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration is not only constructing an ultramodern secretariat for the NLC, the state government also deemed it important to construct the same for the TUC.
He revealed that Enugu State chapter of the TUC “never had a secretariat but were using the Association of Senior Civil Servant office, since it was created around 2006”.
Comrade Nwobodo who pointed out that Gov. Ugwuanyi has changed the narrative of NLC and TUC in Enugu State, added that their greatest joy was that the governor is building the two secretariats simultaneously, “and that is why we are here to say thank you Sir for wiping our tears and changing the narrative”.
According to him, “our words cannot be enough to register our heartfelt gratitude but we will continue to pray for you and support your peaceful and people-centered administration”.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of TUC, Comrade Benneth Asogwa, while endorsing the presentation made by the NLC Chairman, said that they are amazed that the governor commenced the landmark projects, as he earlier promised, when they least expected them because of the nation’s challenges.
Comrade Asogwa assured the governor that “even though you belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a political party, we are strongest party you have because the workers of Enugu State will always be with you even when you leave office as a governor”.
He stated that the endorsement was “because of the way you (Ugwuanyi) have loved and cared for the workers of Enugu State since the time you assumed office”.
His words: “Your Excellency has always listened to us; in fact the minimum wage issue has always been a nightmare to us until you assumed office.
“We were afraid that the jaw-jaw relationship between the state government and labour in Enugu might get soiled over the recent new minimum wage but you never allowed it to happen that way. In short, you were the one initiating the processes and making sure that it took off without any stress.
“We don’t want to continue recounting all you have done to ensure that the workers are taken care of, but we cannot forget in a hurry that we are one of the states in Nigeria that have never cried at any point in time over non-payment of salaries. Even when recession was biting deep you continued paying us, you never owe anybody.
“It is an exemplary leadership that has not been equaled by anybody else, even when we know that we are not among the list of states that receive large allocations from the Federal Government. We thank you for that Your Excellency”.
Comrade Asogwa also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for the quality secretariats his administration is building for the labour unions, expressing optimism that “by the time we finish our secretariat it will not just be the best but also outstanding”.
He equally commended the governor for keeping faith with his administration’s start-to-finish policy, maintaining that “every project you started is either completed or ongoing”.
Thanking God for bringing the governor on board “at this critical period in the nation’s history”, the TUC Chairman said: “If He (God) didn’t bring you at this critical period the workers of Enugu State would have suffered, the people of Enugu State would have seen the effects of these recession and COVID-19 pandemic to the maximum”.
On the state government’s rural development agenda, the labour leader said: “It is not only that you take care of workers, you are still embarking on development projects. Normally, other governments will come and concentrate projects in the city where people can easily see them, but we know that in the hinterlands of Enugu State we feel the impact of your government.
Even as labour leaders, we do not just watch to see what your government does for workers, we also look at the impact you are making in the lives of other people. And we are satisfied with your untiring efforts”.
Also in the delegation were the State Chairman of JNC, Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe, the State President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Kenneth Ugwueze, the State Secretary of NLC, Comrade Fabian Nwaigbo, his TUC counterpart, Comrade Daniel Nwodo and the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Chief Nweke Odo, who attended the event in his capacity as the State Treasurer of NLC, among others.
February 10, 2021
Ghana shuts parliament as 17 lawmakers test positive for COVID-19
Ghana has shut down its parliament for at least three weeks over a surge in cases of coronavirus among lawmakers and parliamentary staff.
The speaker of the house, Alban Bagbin, declared that the legislature will be in recess until March 2
This is to disinfect and sanitize the premises.
About 17 members of parliament and 151 supporting staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
“I have, in consultation with leadership, decided that sitting of the House be adjourned for three weeks,” the Speaker said.
So far, Ghana has confirmed a total of 73,003 COVID-19 cases, resulting in 482 deaths and over 65,000 recoveries.
February 10, 2021