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Kalu Urges Foreign Investors To Comply With Labour Laws In Nigeria

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…assures of investment-friendly legislative frameworks
 
By Gloria Ikibah 
 
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has urged offshore  companies and intending foreign investors to subscribe to the Nigerian labour laws in line with international best practices while doing business in the country. 
 
Kalu stated this when he received a delegation from Quingdao Municipal council, China led by the Chairman of the Standing Committee of Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress, Mr. Wang Luming on a courtesy visit in Abuja on Monday.
 
He described Qingdao as China’s powerhouse in shipbuilding and construction, recalling Nigeria’s diplomatic ties the Republic, the Deputy Speaker said that both countries have collaborated well on issues of mutual benefits.
 
Kalu assured the delegation of the parliament’s readiness to make legislative interventions that will make the business climate more investment friendly. 
 
He said: “The House of Representatives is eager to engage in meaningful discussions with the Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress as part of the core engagements toward actualizing the House’s 8-point legislative agenda most especially through business and investment-friendly legislative frameworks and oversight. By working together, we can unlock a future of mutual benefit.
 
“We believe that this meeting will help enhance our understanding of shared interests, strengthen partnerships in economic sectors, facilitate opportunities for Qingdao enterprises in Nigeria, and promote mutual understanding and friendship, laying a strong foundation for deepening bilateral relations.
 
“We can join forces to build the infrastructure Nigeria needs to thrive. From top-notch home appliances to reliable tires and delectable processed foods, Qingdao’s manufacturing muscle presents a wealth of opportunities. Imagine factories humming in Nigeria, producing these goods or even becoming export hubs to the rest of Africa.
 
“We are committed to taking our economic and social ties to the next level. That means fostering deeper cooperation in trade, vocational training, and cultural exchange.
 
“I would like to express our gratitude to the Ndigboamaka Progressives Market Association for their crucial role in making this meeting possible. 
 
“The House of Representatives remains committed to providing a conducive legislative environment that supports our joint initiatives and encourages the growth and prosperity of both our nations.
 
“We will use legislative interventions, look at the laws again a see how we will structure it to make you comfortable to invest in this country.
 
“The trade officer that is there will liaise with organizations like yours to find out your challenges, bring it to our notice and then we see how we can use the instrument of the law to correct it.
 
“This is to say that the House of Representatives is eager to involve in a meaningful discussion with Chingdao Congress as part of our engagement towards actualizing our agenda which has to do with encouraging investment in the country.
 
“While welcoming you and appreciating the value that you are going to bring to the country, you have to be conscious of global best practices in line with our labour laws. 
 
“We have observed that some of the companies that are working in Nigeria are not complying with our labour laws, this is with regards to taking care of those working for them.
 
“It’s important to comply with the labour laws. As we have more companies coming to Nigeria, we are strict with compliance with our laws.”
 
Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal People’s Congress, Wang Luming said they came to synergize with the Nigerian government in areas of technology, vocational education and talent training to ultimately to solve the problem of unemployment in the country. 
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Access Bank (UK) Limited to Acquire AfrAsia Bank Limited

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By Gloria Ikibah
Access Holdings PLC has announced that its subsidiary, The Access Bank UK Limited (“Access UK”), has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in AfrAsia Bank Limited, the third-largest bank in Mauritius by total assets.
Mauritius, known for its strong financial sector, which contributes 13.4 per cent to its GDP, offers Access UK a strategic base to grow its personal and corporate banking services.
This was contained in a statement by its Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, made available to Naijablitznews.com on Thursday.
According to Ekwochi, the acquisition will also position Mauritius as a hub for Access Bank’s trade finance operations, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border transactions across Africa and internationally.
AfrAsia Bank, as of June 30, 2024, reported total assets of over $5.7 billion and a net profit after tax of $152.4 million, underlining its solid financial position.
**Key statements on the acquisition:**
– Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, speaking on the acquisition said:  “This acquisition is a crucial step in our African growth strategy, strengthening our position as a top Pan-African financial institution. Mauritius’ role as a financial hub aligns with our vision to unlock opportunities that drive trade, support businesses, and promote economic inclusion across the region.”
Also Managing Director of Access Bank UK, Jamie Simmonds, stated: “AfrAsia Bank’s strong balance sheet and established brand in Mauritius give us a solid platform for sustainable growth. This deal supports our strategy to diversify earnings and provide clients with seamless access to global markets.”
Access Bank UK aims to promote sustainable growth, deliver innovative financial solutions, and support trade between Africa and the world.
The acquisition process will be finalized in the coming months, with updates provided as needed.
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FEC approves ₦47.9tn 2025 budget

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved a proposed national budget of ₦47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

This was part of the Medium-Term Expenditures Framework, MTEF, for 2025 to 2027 and in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007.

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“And equally, the fiscal objectives were conservative, because we want to ensure that we study the course much as we believe the projections will be exceeded.

“The budget size that was approved for presentation to the National Assembly in the MTEP is ₦47.9 trillion, with new borrowings of ₦9.2 trillion to finance the budget deficit in 2025,” Bagudu said.

“We need to sustain the market deregulation, commendable market deregulation of petroleum prices and exchange rate, and to compel the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to lower its oil and gas production cost significantly, and even to consider the need to amend the relevant sections of the petroleum industry act 2021 to address the significant risk to Federation.

“The Federal Executive Council approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the physical strategy paper, and it will be submitted to the National Assembly.

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“This is in addition to bills that are already at the National Assembly, the economic stabilization bills and tax reform bills, which we believe we will have a very, very strong growth in 2025.”

During the meeting, the FEC approved its submission to the National Assembly as required by the 2007 Fiscal Responsibility Act.

The framework projected a gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6 percent, an exchange rate of $75 to the naira, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day. [Channels TV]

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Nigeria to get 6,000 power generation by December-Power Minister vows

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed his unwavering optimism that the government will successfully meet its ambitious target of generating 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December 2024, despite the numerous challenges currently affecting the power sector.

The Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, conveyed this assurance at the fourth edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria’s annual workshop, themed “Ending the Talk, Moving the Action,” held on Thursday in Abuja.

Nigeria’s power generation currently ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 MW for a population of approximately 200 million people. For instance, on Thursday, the country’s power generation was 3,556.38 MW as of 8 am.

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Earlier this year, Adelabu pledged that power generation in Nigeria would reach 6,000 MW by the end of the year, citing improvements in the sector over the past year.

However, the frequent collapse of the nation’s electricity grid and the vandalisation of towers have raised concerns about the stability of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry and its ability to achieve the target.

In his goodwill address, the Special Adviser emphasised that the minister’s primary focus remains on achieving the goal of increasing generation and ensuring its efficient distribution to consumers.

Tunji said, “The minister aims to achieve what seems to be an intractable goal—improving generation and ensuring that what is generated reaches the final consumers. There are challenges, but they are surmountable.

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“The minister has promised that by December this year, we will reach 6,000 megawatts; yes, we still hope to get there.

“We are confident that we will get there, but we are aware of the current issues with grid collapse. Efforts are being made to resolve these problems. Day and night, teams are being dispatched to address the various issues, and we remain hopeful that we will achieve the 6,000 MW target by December.”

The Director of Renewable Energy, Sunday Owolabi, also reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring 24-hour power supply for Nigerians.

Owolabi, another representative of the minister, stressed that the government’s policies are focused on resolving the challenges facing the country’s electricity transmission, distribution, and generation sub-sectors.

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“We are fully committed to transforming the country’s power sector. We are focused on ensuring that our policies are practical and sustainable. We are resolute in ensuring power supply for every Nigerian.

“The government remains fully committed to transforming Nigeria’s power sector through meaningful and actionable reforms.

“We are focused on ensuring that our policies are not only visionary but also practical, impactful, and sustainable. From the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure gaps, enhance power generation, and improve transmission networks, to vital reforms in distribution and the full implementation of the electricity market, we are resolute in our mission to improve power supply for every Nigerian.”

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