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Dangote Refinery will generate $21billion, to employ over 100,000 youths
Amid encomium from eminent personalities, which included President Mohammadu Buhari and five other African heads of state, President of the pan-African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote disclosed yesterday that the newly commissioned 650,000pbd refinery would employ over 100,000 Nigerians youths as well as generate over $21 billion, therefore saving the country huge forex, that would have been used for fuel importation. The company, according to him, now has over 33,000 employees.
Much to the excitement of Nigerians, Dangote said the commissioning has marked the beginning of the new journey of self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products and exportation of same just as been achieved in Cement and lately fertilizer.
Dangote lamented that the current fuel crisis has had negative impact on the nation’s economy and that informed his decision to build a world class refinery that would change the trend and that though faced challenges but decided to trudge on.
He highlighted events leading to his firm deciding to build its own refinery after his attempt to acquire one of the existing moribund did not materialize noting that he decided to change marketing strategy and settle for gigantic project ever undertaken by an individual world over.
According to him, the refinery plant would be run at the highest effective and efficient level for maximum benefits to all Nigerians noting “we will replicate what we achieved in cement and fertilizer by attaining self-sufficiency and becoming net exporter.
IGP Usman Baba warns against subversive actions ahead of Nigeria’s presidential inauguration
Dangote assured Nigerians that 40 per cent of the production capacity will be available for export with the coming on stream of the plant guaranteeing raw materials for plastic, and pharmaceutical industries.
In his remark, President Buhari congratulated Dangote Group, saying “the 650,000 barrels a day of crude which will enable our country to achieve self-sufficiency in refined products and even have some supplies for export saying the government and people of Nigeria are proud of the doggedness and tenacity of Dangote as entrepreneur.
Said he; “This feat at this time of the nation’s economic development clearly made this event a notable milestone for our economy and the game changer for the downstream petroleum products not only for Nigeria but the entire African continent. Dangote Group has helped transform our economy from heavy import dependence to a net exporter in some critical industries, including cement and Fertiliser.”
He noted that the economy which has been stressed for many decades by huge deficits in economic infrastructure and over a decade of insurgency has also been severely impacted by several external crises, including the global financial crisis, the collapse of world crisis the Coronavirus pandemic and the Russia Ukraine war.
“The consequences of these challenges constitute a severe strain on our economy and limiting government’s ability to provide basic infrastructure without resorting to borrowing. Government therefore decide to focus attention on creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and fill the enormous gap in investments not only in infrastructure, but also in all critical sectors.
We recognize that without active participation of the private sector and a strong commitment to public-private partnership, the economy will not be able to continue to meet the challenge and economic growth”, while expressing the hope that the coming administration will continue to apply such innovative schemes to accelerate the fruition of critical infrastructure, in particular roads and gas pipelines.
Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele while commending Mr. Dangote for the successful completion of the refinery project said it would not only aid that nation’s domestic petrol needs, but also help in generating export revenues for our country.
Emefiele recalled; “In September 2013, when Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced his plans for the refinery, it was estimated to cost about US$9 billion, of which US$3 billion was projected as equity investment by the Dangote Group and the balance financed through commercial loans. Due to an array of factors, the project was eventually completed with a total of US$18.5 billion with funding distributed into 50 percent equity investment and 50 percent debt finance. I am proud to state that the commercial loan component of the project was financed majorly by our domestic banks with the balance sourced from foreign banks. The Central Bank of Nigeria also partnered, as always, with the Dangote Group in ensuring the successful completion of the project by providing about N125 billion, to cover domestic currency requirements for the venture.
What you may not be fully aware of, Your Excellencies, is that the Dangote Group has started repaying some of the commercial loans even before the commissioning of this facility. This reflects the commercial capability of the Group and its Chairman. I am pleased to inform everyone today that, following extensive repayments, outstanding debt has dropped appreciably from over US$9 billion to US$3 billion.”
The CBN Governor commended Nigerian banks saying they did not only partnered with the project through effective financing but were keenly aware of the importance of the project for our nation. “They provided immense support and exceptional understanding, even when interest payments and principal repayment had fallen due.”
He described the successful completion of the refinery to President Buhari’s astute vision to ensure that Nigeria produces what Nigerians consume and that we consume what we produce. “The refinery and petrochemical project by the Dangote Group is a testament to your vision for Nigeria. It shows that, regardless of what the world thinks, Nigeria can be self-sufficient in all products that we consume and at the same time export our excess output to the rest of the world.”
“Aside enumerating our strategic efforts in the agriculture and other critical sectors, a sterling projects that we highlighted was the gigantic Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical project. The world doubted our willpower to succeed with this project. In hindsight, I could appreciate their skepticism because they do not understand how a single individual could build a refinery capable of serving an entire nation. To them, projects of this magnitude are usually only undertaken by sovereigns not individuals.”
Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), Mele Kolo Kyari said the NNPC was happy to partner Dangote Refinery because the project has potentials for smooth supply of petroleum and it would guarantee healthy competition for the benefits of the nation’s economy.
He said the NNPC Ltd. was committed to value addition to the potentials of the project noting that the new Petroleum Industry Act will provide security of supply of refined products and protect the plant. The NNPC boss added that his was happy the refinery is coming on board at a time the subsidy on imported products has become unbearable for government.
In their respective goodwill messages, Presidents of Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Benin Republic and Chad expressed satisfaction that the Dangote Refinery will serve the West African region and that their countries would be beneficiaries saying the Dangote Refiner is an African company for Africa by an African entrepreneur.
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Court Renews Order of Arrest Against Mr. Bright Echefu for Allegedly Defrauding BCGNEEDS Company of $651,280.00 USD
Court Renews Order of Arrest Against Mr. Bright Echefu for Allegedly Defrauding BCGNEEDS Company of $651,280.00 USD
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory has renewed and extended its order of arrest against Mr. Bright Echefu, Owner of Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited to January 14, 2025.
On November 19, 2024, the court had ordered the arrest of Mr. Bright Echefu, following his failure to appear before the court on the allegation of defrauding BCGNEEDS Company of the sum of $651,280.00 USD.
In a prior appearance, Mr. Bright Echefu’s lawyer, had communicated that his client was not within jurisdiction. On December 9, 2024, Mr. Bright Echefu’s lawyer told the court again that Mr. Echefu had traveled out of jurisdiction and requested that the court allow him time to produce Mr. Echefu in court when he returns. BCGNEEDS’ lawyer argued that Mr. Echefu has no justifiable reason not to be in court but has only been evading arrest. He further requested the court to extend the order to enable the Police effect his arrest.
After hearing from the Police on the efforts they are making to arrest Mr. Echefu, the court patiently listened to the parties and renewed the order of arrest against Mr. Bright Echefu. The court adjourned the case to January 14, 2025.
Mr. Bright Echefu, who is also the Owner of Telecom Satellite Television, is said to have allegedly defrauded BCGNEEDS Company of the said amount under the pretence of supply of drones and accessories. BCGNEEDS told the court that Mr. Echefu, under false pretence used Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited, to request for supply of Drones and Accessories worth $651,280.00 USD from BCGNEEDS via a Local Purchase Order with Ref: BIFC/LPO/TS/ABJ/088106 dated the 21st day of October, 2022.
BCGNEEDS also told the court that after the delivery of the drones and accessories, Mr. Echefu became incommunicado and refused to pay, since 21st of October 2022 till date. Despite several demands, Mr. Echefu criminally converted the drones, accessories, and the sum of $651,280.00 USD under false pretence of doing business with BCGNEEDS Company.
This is not the first time Mr. Echefu has been implicated on allegations of fraud. It will be recalled that Mr. Echefu had earlier been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on allegation of tax evasion, money laundering and advanced fee fraud.
In another charge before the Federal High Court marked FHC/ABJ/CR/254/2023, Mr. Echefu, Igboanuga, TSTV and another company, Briechberg Investment Limited, were listed as the first to fourth defendants, respectively. In the charge, Mr. Echefu and Igboanugo were said to have on May 18, 2020, committed money laundering bordering on tax evasion, unremitted VAT, company income tax and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deducted from the salaries of 165 workers punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 as amended in 2012.
Mr. Bright Echefu was also said to have defrauded Turaki Tanimu, a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, of N969m under false pretence. The money was said to have been paid into Briechberg Investment Limited with account number 1015561485 domiciled at Zenith Bank.
It would appear that the issue of evading arrest raised by the prosecution in the criminal charge by EFCC against Mr. Echefu at the Federal High Court is also playing out in this case where BCGNEEDS’ lawyer has also complained that Mr. Echefu has been evading arrest. Whether Mr. Echefu will turn himself in voluntarily or be brought to court on the next adjourned date by his lawyer; or whether he will be arrested by the Police in line with the order of bench warrant granted by the Court in this case remains to be determined.
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Budget:President Bola Ahmad Tinubu And Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Trips To Gulp Over 9 Billion Naira
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will spend N9.36 billion on local and foreign travels as well as refreshments in the coming year.
This is contained in the details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill released by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
The president had, on Wednesday, present the N49.7 trillion 2025 budget proposals to a joint session of the National Assembly.
The fiscal document is christened: ‘Restoration Budget, Securing peace and building prosperity.’
According to the budget proposal, Tinubu will spend N7.44 billion on travels and refreshments; while Shettima will spend N1.9 billion for same.
The president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N6.14 billion; and his local trips, N873.9 million.
Also, the sum of N431.6 million was earmarked for Tinubu’s refreshments and meals as well as foodstuffs and catering supplies.
The vice president’s international travels in 2025 will gulp N1.31 billion; and local trips, N417.5 million.
Refreshments and meals as well as foodstuff and catering supplies for the vice president will gulp N186.02 million.
In 2024, President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and First Lady Remi Tinubu spent not less than N5.24 billion on local and foreign travel between January and March 2024, according to an analysis of the travel expenses using GovSpend, a civic tech platform that tracks and analyses the Federal Government’s spending.
Presidency to spend N10.6bn on cars, honorarium, fuel, SAs office
The Office of the President also proposed N4,760,035,960 for vehicles, with N3,661,566,123 for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1 billion for the replacement of Sport Utility Vehicle (SUVs).
Another N255,728,214 was budgeted for purchase of cars, with N127,864,107 set aside for the procurement of SUVS for the president and vice president as well as N127,864,107 for the purchase of operational vehicles at the Presidential Conference Car Unit (CCU) fleet.
The sum of N5,938,883,548 was proposed for honorarium, construction for Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants’ Office Complex and fuel for generators.
The budget proposals showed that N2,118,521,128 was earmarked for sitting allowance/honorarium, N1,989,579,359 for fuel and N1,830,783,061 (billion) is for construction of office complex for SAs and SSAs.
2025 Appropriation Bill scales second reading
The National Assembly yesterday passed the N49.7tn ‘Restoration’ Budget for a second reading.
The budget was passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives after various deliberations on the bill’s general principles by senators and members of the House of Representatives at their separate sittings.
In the Senate, the budget was passed and referred to the Committee on Appropriations after being put to a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session.
Similarly, in the House of Representatives, the appropriation bill was passed for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further legislative actions.
Also, the House also passed through Second Reading, a Bill to extend the capital component of the 2024 Budget to June 30th, 2025.
The bill was presented on the floor of the House by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvere.
It was titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the Implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023).’
Meanwhile, both chambers of the National Assembly have adjourned sittings to January 14, 2025, to observe recess for the yuletide celebrations.
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CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
This move, detailed in a circular dated December 19, 2024, is designed to meet seasonal retail demand for FX during the holiday period.
The circular was signed by T.G. Allu, on behalf of the Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department.
The arrangement will be in effect from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025.
Court Renews Order of Arrest Against Mr. Bright Echefu for Allegedly Defrauding BCGNEEDS Company of $651,280.00 USD
Budget:President Bola Ahmad Tinubu And Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Trips To Gulp Over 9 Billion Naira
CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX
CITAD and Save the Children Distribute Sanitary Packs to Flood Victims in Jigawa State
Kano State Housing Corporation MD Commends FRSC for Efforts in Reducing Road Accidents
Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill
Open Letter To His Excellency The Executive Governor Of Kano State:Need For A Balanced Composition Of Kano State Executive Council
Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike
ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike
NLC Declares One Week Strike
Court Renews Order of Arrest Against Mr. Bright Echefu for Allegedly Defrauding BCGNEEDS Company of $651,280.00 USD
Budget:President Bola Ahmad Tinubu And Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Trips To Gulp Over 9 Billion Naira
CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX
CITAD and Save the Children Distribute Sanitary Packs to Flood Victims in Jigawa State
Kano State Housing Corporation MD Commends FRSC for Efforts in Reducing Road Accidents
Ambition or Betrayal? Senator Barau Jibrin’s Role in Tax Reform Bill
Open Letter To His Excellency The Executive Governor Of Kano State:Need For A Balanced Composition Of Kano State Executive Council
Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike
ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike
NLC Declares One Week Strike
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