News

Petrol Price: NLC opens underbelly of sector

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2024

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns over the rising price of petrol in the country, alleging that the current pump price is significantly higher than the actual market value.

In a communique issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Joe Ajero, the NLC accused “fat cats” in the petroleum industry of artificially inflating petrol prices beyond reasonable levels.

Ajero further alleged that this manipulation is at the core of the ongoing disputes between Dangote Refinery and local marketers.

The union also called for the immediate activation of the country’s refineries, including the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, to address the situation.

The statement from the organized labour read:

“The NEC-in-session noted with increasing dismay the shenanigans around the appropriate pricing of petrol (PMS) in Nigeria.

“It observed that there may be a gang-up against Nigerians by fat cats in the industry as the current price of the product is significantly higher than the real market price. Padding of costs and abnormal margins seems to be the order of the day considering the revelations from the ongoing controversy between marketers and the Dangote group.

“It is entirely possible that Nigerian workers and masses are being ripped off by those who control the levers of economic power in Nigeria, which explains why the domestic public refineries may not immediately be allowed to come on stream.

“NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break up the .

News

Happening Now! Part of Abuja Model City on fire

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Naijablitznews

Part of Abuja Model City on fire and no rescue efforts to put off the raging inferno.

Naijablitznews could not ascertain whether occupants were still in the house as there is a high fence facing the Kubwa – Zuba expressway.

Nothing could be sighted from behind the fence.

See photos:

News

Reps Urges Polytechnics to Introduce Innovative Courses

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on Rectors of Federal Polytechnics to adopt innovative approaches by introducing programs that harness the unique potentials of their respective catchment areas.

This charge was given during an oversight session with Rectors and management staff of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda (Zamfara State), Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo (Gombe State), and Federal Polytechnic Bali (Taraba State), by the House Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education on Monday in Abuja.

Chairman of the Committee, Fuad Kayode Laguda, highlighted the importance of tailoring academic programs to address local challenges and opportunities.

His comments were particularly directed at the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kauran-Namoda, Jonathan Murdi, emphasizing the need to introduce courses related to geology and mining.

Laguda stated, “Why don’t you have courses in mining in your place? If you do, some of these gold and other minerals found in the soil could be tested in your school. This would also generate internally generated revenue (IGR) for you. Things should not be right under your nose, and you ignore them. Innovation involves adapting to current realities, and I urge you to explore this opportunity.”

He further underscored the potential of such programs to combat the insecurity in Zamfara State by engaging youths in productive activities, thereby reducing the risk of them joining banditry or related activities. According to him, the introduction of industry-relevant programs would also attract more students and improve the institution’s reputation.

“We’ll be glad to hear that your student population is increasing rather than declining. If you produce top-notch graduates who excel in the workforce, the ripple effect will attract more students. Employers will speak highly of graduates from your institution, and parents will be encouraged to send their children to your polytechnic”, he added.

Following Murdi’s presentation, the Committee directed him to provide evidence of insurance payments and explanations for the increase in personnel costs in 2024 despite a shortfall of 50 personnel.

Federal Polytechnic Bauchi’s Progress and Challenges

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Dr. Sani Usman, also presented a detailed report on the institution’s performance. Established in 1976, the polytechnic has 2,112 staff, six schools, and 36 academic programs catering to over 11,000 students. Usman provided a breakdown of the institution’s budget performance from 2021 but was instructed to submit more comprehensive documentation within seven working days.

Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo’s Milestones

Dr. Sulaiman Lame, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo in Gombe State, shared the institution’s developmental strides since its establishment in 2019. He noted that recruitment for key staff commenced in 2020, resulting in a workforce of 500, comprising 65% academic and 35% non-academic staff.

He explained that while the polytechnic initially operated from a temporary site provided by the state government, development activities have commenced at its permanent site. The institution currently runs four schools—Engineering, Science, Management Studies, and General Studies—offering 11 programs to about 300 students.

Lame highlighted the construction of two hostels with capacities of 200 and 350 for male and female students, respectively. He also outlined plans to introduce more courses to maximize the use of available staff. However, the Committee requested detailed documentation on the school’s nominal roll and procurement processes, with a directive for the Rector to reappear in seven days.

Federal Polytechnic Bali’s Submission

Similarly, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Bali in Taraba State, Dr. Mohammed Usman, presented his institution’s report. While the specifics of his presentation were not detailed, he and his team addressed the Committee and received directives on additional documentation.

Challenges of Oversight Functions

Earlier in his opening remarks, Rep. Laguda explained that the session was held at the National Assembly due to security concerns and tight timelines. He recalled past incidents that underscored the dangers of physical oversight visits, particularly in Zamfara State.

He recounted, “The last time we were supposed to meet in Zamfara, we were attacked twice. On that same road, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sokoto was tragically murdered. This is not due to a lack of care on our part but because of security risks and the need to adhere to timelines for other oversight visits.”

The session concluded with the Committee reiterating its commitment to supporting polytechnics in achieving their mandates while urging them to adopt innovative strategies to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.

News

19 out of 38 Directors advance in race for Perm Sec slots

Published

6 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

At least 19 of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the Permanent Secretaries’ examination sailed through the first stage and will proceed to the second stage of the selection exercise.

The process of appointing new Permanent Secretaries commenced on Monday, November 11, 2024, with a written examination. Of the 38 directors who took the examination, 19 did not pass.

The Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Eno Olotu, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

She noted that the exercise continues President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing and sustaining effective public service delivery, led by top-ranking civil servants equipped with essential 21st-century skills.

“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has commenced the three-stage assessment for appointing new Permanent Secretaries on Monday, November 11, 2024, with a written examination.

“Nineteen of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the examination have scaled through this first stage and will be participating in the second stage, which will test their competence in using information, communication, and technology (ICT) in conducting government business on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

“This three-stage exercise follows the established tradition of a transparent and rigorous process, designed to ensure that the very best candidates are appointed,” Olotu stated.

The statement added that successful candidates will then proceed to the final stage, appearing before a carefully constituted panel of top bureaucrats and representatives from the organised private sector on Friday, November 15, 2024.

“This process will culminate in Mr President’s appointment of the best candidates representing the eight states of Abia, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Rivers, where vacancies exist.

“The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation congratulates all 38 candidates and appreciates the continued support of the Nigerian public in fostering meritocracy in career progression within the Civil Service,” the statement added.