News

Reps Direct CBN, Ministry of Finance To Refund 50% Shippers’ Council Deduction

Published

8 hours ago

November 20, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Finance to immediately refund the 50 per cent deduction from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s account.

This House also directed the Ministry of Finance to release all outstanding two per cent Port Development Levy Surcharge funds owed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Rep. Ahmed Sani, on Wednesday at plenary.

Leading the debate, the lawmaker noted that the Federal Ministry of Finance deducted 50% of the Nigerian Shippers Council’s account balance in December 2023 under the provisions of the 2021 Finance Act.

The motion reads in part: “The Federal Ministry of Finance has been slow and inconsistent in releasing the two per cent portion of the seven per cent Port Development Levy Surcharge allocated to the Council, resulting in delayed and insufficient funding.

“The House is dismayed that the non-release and delayed release of funds has caused significant operational challenges for the Council, including the inability to pay salaries and retirees’ entitlements, leading to undue hardship for staff and retirees.”

According to him, the headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is in a critical condition due to structural and technical damages.

“The building is at risk of imminent collapse, posing a significant danger to staff and visitors. This situation is a potential national disaster in waiting.

“Concerned that the building’s integrity is compromised, with a leaking roof that allows water to seep into the upper floors during rainfall. This worsens the structural damages and makes the environment uninhabitable and hazardous”, he noted.

The House expressed worries that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is classified as a revenue-generating agency, placing it in the same category as other such agencies, even though they are not.

“This misclassification has resulted in inadequate budgetary allocations, leaving the Council unable to meet its operational and financial obligations”, it added.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed its Committees on Shipping Services, Finance, and Public Accounts to ensure compliance and report back for further legislative action.

News

FG Commends Ghana for Rebuilding Nigerian High Commission Property

Published

7 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Republic of Ghana for successfully rebuilding and formally handing over property belonging to the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.

The handover ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two West African nations.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry noted that the gesture reflects “the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the relationship between the Republic of Nigeria and Ghana.”

Naijablitznews.com reports that in 2020, a block of four-bedroom flats, was demolished in a controversial incident that sparked strong condemnation from the Nigerian government.

Following extensive diplomatic engagements, Ghana pledged to reconstruct the building, reaffirming its commitment to the long-standing bilateral ties between the countries.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Accra, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, described the project as a testament to Ghana’s dedication to fostering mutual respect and cooperation with Nigeria.

“We deeply value our relationship with Nigeria, and this effort demonstrates our commitment to resolving disputes amicably and strengthening our ties,” she said.

The keys to the reconstructed building were received on behalf of the Nigerian government by Ambassador Chimezie Ogu, Director of the Foreign Service Academy, Lagos, who represented Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“This occasion is a moment of great significance and demonstrates the power of diplomacy.

“The Nigerian government appreciates the efforts of the Ghanaian authorities in addressing this matter with integrity and ensuring the restoration of this important property. It is a gesture that will not be forgotten,” Ambassador Ogu remarked

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja lauded the Ghanaian government for its efforts, describing the reconstruction and handover as a “commendable development” and a “symbol of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties between both nations.”

The demolition of the property in 2020 had initially strained relations between the two countries, with Nigerian authorities expressing outrage over the incident. However, through sustained dialogue and diplomacy, both nations were able to reach a resolution, demonstrating the strength of their historical and strategic partnership.

Observers have hailed the handover as a positive step toward deepening regional collaboration and ensuring peaceful resolution of disputes. Analysts also see the move as a model for other nations in handling similar diplomatic challenges.

The reconstructed building, located in a prime area of Accra, will once again serve as part of the Nigerian High Commission’s facilities, supporting the mission’s operations and housing some of its personnel.

As the ceremony concluded, officials from both nations expressed optimism about future collaborations. “This is a victory for diplomacy and mutual understanding,” Ambassador Ogu stated, adding that the two nations must continue to work together for the prosperity of the region.

The symbolic gesture is expected to strengthen Nigeria-Ghana relations, which have been built on shared cultural, economic, and political values over decades. Both governments reiterated their commitment to fostering peace, security, and development in the West African sub-region.

News

I am done – Chidimma Adetshina quits pageantry

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina, has announced her decision to quit pageantry.

Speaking during a recent interview with Silverbird TV, Adetshina said pageantry has been a traumatic experience for her.

She said she’s quitting for personal reasons and relocating to Nigeria from her estranged country, South Africa.

“Finishing in the top 2 [at the Miss Universe competition] is still a shocker for me… Honestly, I am done. Pageantry was a real traumatic experience for me,” she said.

“People still don’t understand how I felt. There were times when I almost quit during the Miss Universe contest. I’m really done with pageantry. I want to focus on myself and establish who I am. And forward my education as well.”

After finishing as 1st runner-up at the Miss Universe competition, Adetshina was named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

She won Miss Nigeria after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality.