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Reps summon Billionaire Dangote, BUA, others over incessant increase in price
Disturbed by the incessant increase in price of cement the House of Reps on Wednesday invited top cement manufacturers, Dangote, BUA amongst others to explain this ugly development.
The legislative body has also tasked its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry, and Special Duties with investigating the surge in cement prices across the country.
This initiative was sparked by a motion presented by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Hon. Ademorin Kuye during a plenary session in Abuja.
The lawmakers raised alarms over a dramatic upsurge in cement prices by as much as 50%, which has significantly driven up the costs of building blocks, overall construction expenses, and consequently, the price of rent nationwide.
A critical point highlighted during the motion is the localization of cement manufacturing’s raw materials, such as lime, silica, alumina, iron oxide, and gypsum, which shields the industry from exchange rate fluctuations.
Additionally, it was noted that the production factors and elements of the cement production flow chart have remained stable over the years, casting doubt on the justification for the price increase.
Hon. Gbefwi expressed deep concern over the manufacturers’ apparent exploitation of exchange rate volatility as a pretext for unjustified price hikes.
He accused the cement industry’s leaders of inflicting undue hardship on Nigerians by driving up the costs of rent and related services, despite stable production costs.
He said, “The increase is a direct affront and sabotage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s effort to bring comfort to the populace and should be resolved immediately.”
Also speaking on the motion, Yusuf Gagdi stated that despite all the interventions by the federal government to make business easy for cement manufacturers , the hike in price was not necessary.
Hon Babajimi Benson also speaking said “It has to do with production cost , let us have a sectoral debate , let us hear from them, lets invite the manufacturers with relevant committees to ask questions.
Hon Sada Soli also speaking on the matter called on the House to understand with the cement manufactures, adding that the cost of production is a major factor .
“Let us understand if it has to do with cost of production .They do not rely on national grid they generate their own power, let us be compassionate when it comes to issues of national economy . These people can withdraw their investments.”
The committee is expected to report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
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Shettima becomes 1st VP to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UN Assembly in 25 yrs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decided not to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York this year.
The president has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, according to a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.”
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,’ will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024,” the statement added.
Since return to democratic governance in 199, Shettima will be the first Vice President to Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA.
Only Goodluck Jonathan represented Nigeria as Acting president in September 2010 at the 65th UNGA, while late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua was away in Saudi Arabia due to his ill health.
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Plateau Assembly approves N5.8bn for LG election
The Plateau State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved N5.8bn for the conduct of the local government election in the state slated for October 9, 2024.
The approval by the House followed a communication from Governor Caleb Mutfwang, which was read at plenary by the Assembly Speaker, Gabriel Dewan.
The Speaker stated that the request was necessary as there was no budgetary allocation for the LG elections in the 2024 budget.
A member of the State Assembly, who declined to be named because he was not authorised to speak for the Assembly, confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday.
The lawmaker said, “Governor Mutfwang, at Tuesday’s plenary, sought the House’s approval for N5.7bn as the 2024 supplementary, which was increased after upward review by the legislators.”
He continued, “The House leader, Joseph Bukar, presented the bill during our plenary. While soliciting the support of members for speedy passage, he said PLASIEC was running out of time in preparation for the election.”
“In their individual contributions, Hon. Kalamu Dal suggested a downward review of the budget size, while Hon. Daniel Nanbol urged for a critical review and deliberations. Afterwards, members approved a revised sum of N5.8bn, as opposed to the N5.7bn requested.”
The increase, as explained by Bukar, was due to an increase in security allocation for the election, from N2.7m to N4.2m. “So, that is what happened, and that is where we are at the moment regarding the forthcoming LG election,” the lawmaker concluded.
News
Enugu, Kwara tighten security ahead of LG polls
Security measures have been intensified in Enugu and Kwara states ahead of their Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In Enugu State, the Police Command has pledged to ensure the safety of lives and properties during the elections.
However, the peace accord signing for the elections was marred by the absence of major parties like the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party.
Only representatives from the All Progressives Grand Alliance and Accord attended but chose not to sign the accord, citing the lack of participation from the leading parties.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, said all wards and flashpoints had been identified, and security personnel would be on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, Prof. Chris Ngwu, said the commission was fully prepared for the elections with the support of the state government in procuring necessary materials.
In Kwara State, security agencies have been actively coordinating to ensure a smooth electoral process.
Over 3,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed across the state.
The Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission has completed arrangements for a trouble-free election.
Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that a strategic meeting with heads of various security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and others, had been held to ensure coordinated efforts for maintaining law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, guaranteed maximum security for the election period.
The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, announced the deployment of 3,000 personnel to various polling units and emphasised their role in preventing violence, ballot snatching, and other disruptions.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, Telumun Tombowua, announced on Thursday that eight political parties will participate in the upcoming LG elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, Tombowua said the election would be conducted fairly and transparently.
He emphasised that the law establishing the BSIEC does not permit the use of Bimodal Voter Accreditation Machines for this election.
Regarding the APC, Tombowua confirmed that the National Working Committee of the party had requested the commission to work with the seven-man caretaker committee appointed to oversee party affairs in the state.
He noted that while 14 parties had initially shown interest, only eight completed the necessary processes and submitted their candidates.
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