Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Makinde gives companies with explosives 72-hour ultimatum.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, signed into law Executive Order 001, 2024 on the handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

In a section of the order, the governor gave 72 hours ultimatum to anyone in the state in possession of any kind of explosives to declare them.

The new law came about two weeks after an explosion rocked the state capital, Ibadan, on January 16, killing five persons, and injuring 77 others with 58 houses destroyed in the Adeyi area of Old Bodija, Ibadan.

While the Federal Government has launched a probe into the incident, Makinde had said preliminary investigation linked the explosion to some explosives illegally stored in the residential area by some miners.

 “Failure to comply with the provisions of this Executive Order, including the doing of any act with respect to, or omission to take proper precautions against any probable danger from any explosive in possession of any person, shall constitute an offence and shall be punishable under Chapter 38 of the Criminal Code Law, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000 and any other applicable Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde declared.

At a brief signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, on Wednesday, Makinde said the signing of the Executive Order became imperative in the light of the January 16 incident.

According to him, the law is on the safe handling and storage of harmful substances in the state.

He expressed optimism that the new law would prevent a recurrence of the January 16 explosion in the state.

In the Executive Order, obtained by The PUNCH, the governor stated that it had become necessary to strengthen the existing regulatory framework connected with the handling of harmful substances “to ensure comprehensive risk mitigation and proactive prevention of accidents, misuse, or any other illegal or criminal activity involving harmful articles or substances.”

He declared, “Pursuant to Sections 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and all other laws and enabling powers in that regard I, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (FNSE), the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, hereby makes the following order:

 “All individuals resident in, and companies operating within Oyo State, in possession of (directly, indirectly or constructively by virtue of company directorship) harmful articles or substances of any kind (i.e., that can be detonated by pressure, heat, impact trigger, fuse, proximity, timing-device, remote control or howsoever), irrespective of quantity or purpose, or hazard characteristics, are hereby mandated to immediately notify the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security of such possession.

 “Notification in paragraph 1 above, in respect of such substances already in possession as at the effective date of this order, shall be made within 72 hours of the effective date of this order, and subsequently, not later than 24 hours upon coming in possession of any such substances; and must include a comprehensive inventory detailing: the type, quantity, and precise location of all such substances possessed; the purpose of possession and any relevant licences or permits held; and security measures currently in place for storage and handling.”

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Makinde further ordered: “Upon receiving notification, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, in collaboration with the relevant security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army Bomb Disposal Squad through the Office of the Garrison Commander, Ibadan, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technicians, shall expeditiously assess the risk posed by each reported case of such harmful substances’ possession.

 “Cases deemed high-risk due to quantity, type, or storage conditions shall be prioritised for immediate evacuation and secure storage in the Magazines of the Nigerian Army or in any other safe location as determined by the BDS and/or the EOD,” adding, “All cases deemed high-risk shall be immediately isolated, disarmed and where necessary disposed of by the BDS and the EOD.

 “For the avoidance of doubt, high-risk shall include cases of exceeding designated safe quantities; storage in unapproved or unsafe locations; where applicable possession is without or with fake End User Certificate issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser/without or with fake license/permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; or lacking proper security measures or raising concerns about potential misuse.”

He stressed that evacuation and storage shall be conducted by trained personnel of BDS and/or EOD and transported to designated state-approved facilities equipped with appropriate safety and security measures.

 “Any company operating within Oyo State, manufacturing, storing, in possession of, distributing, purchasing, selling, transporting or howsoever dealing in, or using harmful articles or substances (with the characteristics listed in paragraph 1(1) above) for their operations shall file their Disaster Management and Mitigation Plans on the storage, transportation and handling such articles or substances together with photocopy of the End User Certificate and licence/permit from FMMSD for every consignment or supply received by such companies to the Office the Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State on Security not later than the fifth (5th) day of every month,” the governor added.

On the cost of logistics, Makinde ordered that “The cost of logistics related to the evacuation and storage of harmful articles or substances, including transportation, manpower, and any use of specialised equipment, shall be borne by the individual or company in possession of such harmful articles or substances.

 “Where the state government, due to urgency or high-risk situations, incurs the initial cost of logistics, the affected individual or company shall be required to reimburse the state in full within seven days of movement of such harmful articles or substances.

 “The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and any other relevant security agencies, is authorised to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with and enforce the provisions of this Order, including arrests, conducting inspections, and seizing non-compliant harmful articles or substances.”

According to the governor, the Executive Order takes effect immediately.

The governor proceeded to the ground zero of the blast after signing the Order.

While speaking with newsmen, Makinde said, “I just signed an Executive Order on the handling and storage of harmful substances. If you are caught in the state not following the law, the law will take its full course. There is zero tolerance on handling of harmful substances.”

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

Rethinking Nigeria's Constitutional Framework: A Call for Restructuring Beyond Security.

ByAdl.

In addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigeria today, the analogy of sending a blind man into a dark room to find a nonexistent black shirt vividly fits the inefficiency of our current constitutional framework. To effectively combat pervasive insecurity, a fundamental restructuring is not just desirable but imperative.

Former NBA President, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, boldly declares the current constitution as "fake," emphasizing the need for a humane and adaptable legal foundation. However, the challenge lies not only in legal realms but extends to a broader spectrum, necessitating a comprehensive restructuring approach that goes beyond just security concerns.

The urgency for a decentralized security approach becomes evident in the face of our current escalating security challenges. Empowering individual states with autonomy to tailor security measures according to their unique challenges not only promotes proactive solutions to local issues but also instills a sense of cohesion among regional leaders.

Chief Olanipekun's assertion sheds light on a pervasive issue – the current constitution's inadequacy. The plea for constitutional overhaul is not a mere call for amendments but a demand for a system that resonates with the nation's diversity and addresses its dynamic challenges.

As we delve deeper into restructuring, it becomes apparent that security is just one facet of the multifaceted issue. Economic policies, resource allocation, and governance structures should all be subject to reconsideration. A decentralized model would provide states the flexibility to respond swiftly to citizens' needs, fostering local development and instilling a sense of ownership among the populace.

The call for constitutional reevaluation extends beyond placing blame on Governors for security failures and lapses. It is a recognition of the need for a system that adapts to the evolving challenges of a diverse and dynamic nation. In the absence of such restructuring, the risk of perpetuating a cycle of blame without effective solutions remains.

The notion that lawyers and judges apply the law as it is, not as it ought to be, underscores the practical limitations within the existing constitutional framework. Chief Olanipekun's emphasis on the "fake" nature of the Constitution challenges us to question not just the legality but the functionality of our governing principles.

To break free from the current cycle of blame and ineffectiveness, embracing a flexible and decentralized approach becomes paramount. This approach could unearth innovative solutions and mobilize collective efforts toward a more secure and prosperous future. Restructuring offers an opportunity to redefine our nation's trajectory, moving away from the constraints of an outdated constitution towards a more adaptive and responsive governance model.

In conclusion, the call for restructuring is not merely a critique of the existing constitutional framework; it is a rallying cry for a more resilient, responsive, and adaptable system. Whether addressing security challenges, economic policies, or governance structures, a decentralized model provides the necessary flexibility to navigate the diverse landscape of Nigeria. Embracing this restructuring imperative is not just a legal necessity but a strategic move towards a more secure, accountable, and prosperous future for the nation. 

I am Adl.

COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

COVID-19 funds: Reps order Federal Fire Service to refund N1.48bn.

The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, directed the Federal Fire Service to refund the sum of N1.48bn within a week to the Federation Account, being the intervention funds it received for the COVID-19 health epidemic but which it cannot account for.

The Bamidele Salam-led committee issued the directive on Wednesday following the failure of the service to appear at the investigative hearing for the third time.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Jeremiah Umar, moved a motion for the refund of the amount noting that “So many other agencies have appeared before this committee, and the investigation is ongoing. I don’t see any reason why (sic) the fire service will ignore a committee like this.”

Umar added that since the service could not appear before the lawmakers to clear the controversies surrounding its COVID-19 expenditure, the right thing to do is to refund the sum of N1.48bn it collected in 2020.

This came just as the committee issued fresh invitations to some other defaulting Ministries Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to appear and explain various queries standing against them from the office of the Auditor General of the Federation on the billions of naira allocated as COVID-19 an intervention funds.

Those invited are the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security -N50. 5 bn, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation- N33 bn, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, through the National Centre for Women Development-N625 million, National Centre for Disease Control-N25 bn, and the Federal Ministry of Health- N10bn.

In his remark, Salam lamented that the Federal Fire Service had snubbed the Committee’s summons thrice while the other affected MDAs did the same twice each, saying that the latter group had been given one week to appear, or face sanctions.

He said, “A public officer who fails to respond to the Auditor-General’s query satisfactorily within 21 days for failure to collect government revenue due shall be surcharged and be transferred to another schedule. Where an officer fails to give a satisfactory reply to an audit query within seven days for his failure to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officers handed over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

“This Committee has a lot of assignments before it. The COVID-19 probe is just one; we have to move to other assignments,” he added.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

Customs generate N3.21trn in 2023, targets N5.08 trn in 2024.

The Nigeria Customs Service generated a total sum of N3.21 trn in the year 2023, Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi told members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Wednesday.

Adeniyi who appeared before the committee accompanied by top officials of the NCS told the lawmakers that though the service targeted the sum of N3.67trn in the outgone year, it was only able to generate N3.21trn owing to a combination of factors.

This is even as he stated that all things being equal, men and officers of the NCS will work diligently to generate N5.08trn for the nation in 2024.

He said, “In 2023, the revenue target for the service was N3.67tran and remarkably, the service collected a total revenue of N3.21trn from January to December 2023.

“When we compare what we collected in 2023 to what was projected as our targets, there was a negative variance of N462.9 bn, which represents 12.62 per cent of what was approved as revenue targets.

“Though we didn’t achieve what we projected, but we want to say with all sense of modesty that we did our best. And when we consider all factors, we will appreciate the fact that we at NCS did the best we could.

My Adeniyi listed import of goods under the common external tariff, import duty exemption certificate, uncertainties and anxieties as some of the factors that contributed to the inability of the service to meet its revenue target for 2023.

“One of the factors was the huge import of goods under Chapter 99 of the common external tariff, which resulted in a revenue loss of over N2trn. When we compare this to the total revenue that we had, that was a whopping 63.35 per cent of our total revenue collection.

“Also, revenue due to import duty exemption certificates and other statutory provisions for the year (2023) was also in the region of N1.8 trn which was about 58.52 per cent of the total revenue generated. Cargo throughput dropped from 17.2 per cent to 15 2 per cent during the year,” he added.

“For 2024 fiscal year, this target stands at 5.079 trillion and this consists of 3.423 trn in federation accounts, N554.35 bn for non-federation accounts, and N1.101 trn for import Value Added Tax,” he added, noting that “When we compare what was targeted in 2023 and 2024, this year’s target is higher by N1.41 trn or approximately 27.75 per cent over the 2023 budget.

That said, the NCS boss identified some key assumptions he said would assist the service in meeting its financial targets for 2024, saying, “We are hoping that the 2024 fiscal policy measure would be rolled out in good time so that it would help the implementation. The second is tied to the issue of national single window. The project which has lingered on for quite some time is now being pursued very vigorously for better process ammonisation and standardisation. The inauguration of the steering committee has been approved by Mr President, and I’m very sure in the next few days, the steering committee will be inaugurated.

“The third driver is the introduction of the Vehicle Registration System and the Vehicle Identification Number valuation application, which has a huge potential for reducing undervaluation and vehicle tax evasion, thereby improving our revenue collection.”

Adeniyi also told the committee that NCS proposed a budget expenditure of N706.43bn in the 2024 fiscal year.

This sum, he noted would be sourced from multiple avenues, saying “We hope to start the implementation of drawing from the 4 per cent Free On Board in 2024 and from this source, we expect an inflow of N623.83 bn. From a 2% VAT share for NCS, we project N22.02 bn. The last is funds that we are rolling over from ongoing capital projects, amounting to a total of N60.58 bn. This will give us a total of N706.43bn.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide pledged the readiness of the lawmakers to help reposition the NCS in its task of realizing its revenue target for the nation.

He charged the NCS boss to prioritise e-customs and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in manning the nation’s border stations.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

Tinubu charges EFCC to sustain fight against Internet fraud.

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to keep its flames burning against the scourge of internet crimes and other acts of corruption.

He gave the charge through Vice President Kashim Shettima, in Abuja on Wednesday, at a one-day public engagement on youth, religion and the fight against corruption and the launch of the Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, organised by the EFCC.

He noted that the disturbing contagion of cybercrimes has been a challenge and slur on the image of the nation and the EFCC should spare no effort in tackling it more frontally.

He said, “Our country is not a nation of fraudsters and the pejorative reference to internet crimes as the ‘Nigerian scam’ across the world is unfair, untenable and unacceptable. Cybercrimes are a global phenomenon. Today’s world is run in real-time on the internet.

“Governance, businesses, institutions and even individual domestic affairs are dependent on the Internet. Cybercriminals are, therefore, a threat to the rest of the world. This is why no effort or expense should be spared in confronting the evil. I want to assure the EFCC that the government will continue to offer its support in its quest to kill the dragon that internet offences have become”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Shettima further expressed the federal government’s determination to give corruption hard tackles.

He noted, “We cannot be focused on growth and development and at the same time offer any breathing space to corrupt practices. No nation grows without breaking the fangs of corruption. The EFCC has been duly instructed to do its job at all times without any extraneous considerations. The Renewed Hope agenda of our government is impervious to corruption. We should all join hands together to move Nigeria in a new direction of purpose.

“We are aware of all the foul cries and unwarranted accusations against the lawful efforts of the Commission to bring fraudsters to book. We cannot fold our hands and watch our youths descend into morbid criminalities”.

In his remark, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi urged the EFCC to intensify its preventive method which according to him is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes.

Fagbemi said, “I believe that concerted efforts should be channelled towards the preventive aspect of the commission’s mandate as it is cheaper and easier to prevent crimes. The Commission’s mandate is beyond the investigation and prosecution of financial crimes which it has over the years pursued vigorously. The cost of investigating and prosecuting all species of financial crimes will significantly reduce with adequate preventive measures in place.”

The event, which was marked with the relaunch and unveiling of EFCC’s Interfaith Manuals and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs, and was well-attended by various political, religious, traditional leaders, including youth groups, academia, civil society organisations, anti-corruption agencies, among others.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon Olawande Advocates for Inmate Empowerment.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon Olawande Advocates for Inmate Empowerment.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande had an engagement visit to the Medium Correctional Centre, Kuje, to engage with inmates. The visit, according to the Minister, was instigated by the realisation that almost 90% of inmates are youth, a situation that makes the youth ministry a very important partner in order to enable better livelihood for inmates at various correctional centers across the country. 

The Minister assured the inmates of the intention of the Ministries of Youth Development and Interior to collaborate in the delivery of training for inmates, in both vocational and digital skills, as a means of assisting them to settle back into the society. He also noted that a wide range of sensitization programs will be initiated to give the public a better narrative and view of inmates and ex-convicts in the country.

Seizing the opportunity to also present the initiatives and programs of the Ministry, the Minister encouraged the inmates to seize the opportunities to better their lives and become productive citizens. Thereafter, he undertook a tour of the facilities at the Correctional Centre and purchased some items from the inmates who are engaged in shoe making, especially. 

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the SSA to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola; SSA to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Ms. Abiola Arogundade and the SA to the President on Youth Initiatives (Monitoring & Delivery), Ms Titilope Gbadamosi.

Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA Seek Divine Intervention amidst rising Insecurity.

Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA Seek Divine Intervention amidst rising Insecurity.

The Association of Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State has turned to divine intervention in response to the escalating insecurity in the state, particularly the surge in kidnapping incidents.

Organized by the association's leadership, a prayer session was conducted at the Irepodun/Ifelodun Council Secretariat in Igede Ekiti.

Prayers were fervently offered for the protection of leaders at both state and federal levels, the safe rescue of kidnapped victims, and an end to the activities of kidnappers and murderers in the state and the nation as a whole.

In separate interviews, Chief (Mrs) Aduke Seriki, Chairman of the Association of Market Women in Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Chief (Mrs) Adunola Aladetoyinbo, the Secretary, called on the administration of Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to intensify efforts in ensuring the adequate security of lives and properties.

They emphasized the need for security agencies in the state to be more vigilant in their responsibility of protecting the residents of Ekiti, thereby fostering a peaceful environment.

Chief Mrs Seriki and Aladetoyinbo commended Governor Oyebanji's commitment to the overall welfare of the state, citing prompt payment of salaries and ongoing developmental projects.

Prayers were offered for Governor Oyebanji to sustain the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, gratuity and to embark on more infrastructural development projects. The leadership also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all governors in the country to make decisions that would bring progress to Nigeria.

Commending the Iyalojas, Iyalajes, and Iyalodes for supporting the current administration, they appealed for its continuity. The leaders urged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations to enable the government to meet public needs and government objectives.

At the prayer session, the Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Hon Gbenga Oluwatuyi, expressed gratitude for the women's support and cooperation with the administration. He assured them of continuous assistance and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens' safety.

While promising a conducive market environment, Hon Oluwatuyi urged the women to pay their trading permits and market tolls to facilitate the government's objectives for them. The Chairman was accompanied by Vice Chairman, Engr Remi Alade, Secretary ,Dr. Sule Fatai Olatunji, Head of Local Government Administration Mrs. Kofoworola Rotimi, Director of Administration ,Prince Oladimeji Adegoke, Director of Finance Mrs. Christianah Ogundele, Director of Information and Civic Orientation Chief (Mrs) Bimbo Yusuf, and Chief Rate Officer, Mr. Samuel Ogunleye, among others.