Thursday, December 31, 2015

Crude prices skid toward 11-year low

Brent crude slid back toward 11-year lows on Wednesday as US stockpiles swelled and Saudi Arabia reiterated a commitment to keep pumping oil.
US crude futures slumped more than 3 percent as US Energy Information Administration data showed stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma hub hitting record levels.
At 1550 GMT, Brent traded $1.10 lower at $36.69 per barrel, less than $1 away from 11-year lows reached last week. Front-month US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were trading at $36.67 per barrel, down $1.20, or just over 3 percent, from their settlement in the previous session.
"In all the years I have been doing this, I have never seen builds in the last week of December," said Tariq Zahir, trader at Tyche Capital Advisors in New York.
"At least for tax consequence reasons, refiners always ramp up runs at the year-end, and there's a draw. This is a first for me."
A Reuters poll estimated that data would show a 2.5-million-barrel draw in the week ended Dec. 25, but US crude stocks rose by 2.6 million barrels.
Gasoline and heating oil also posted larger-than-expected stock builds.
Crude prices have plunged by two-thirds since mid-2014 as soaring output from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and the United States created a global surplus of between half a million and 2 million barrels per day.
Slowing demand growth, particularly in Asia, has also weighed on prices. China's energy consumption growth in 2015 was its lowest since 1998, according to official news agency Xinhua.
On Wednesday, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde warned that global economic growth would be "disappointing" in 2016, with the prospect of rising US interest rates and a slowdown in China contributing to a higher risk of vulnerability.


Reuters

Saturday, December 12, 2015

US Secret Service Security Lapses Highlighted: Remedial Action Urged



Low morale, inappropriate conduct and security lapses are all present day US Secret Service themes, says a new report which urges for the "mismanaged" agency to be fixed

A landmark new US Secret Service report refers to the agency as one “in crisis”, highlighting some 140 breaches of (or attempts to penetrate) its security framework carried out over the past decade.

Included in these are half-a-dozen or more incidents not previously released into the public domain. One occurred just last year, when a man approached and directly spoke to Barack Obama, the US President. This and the other 142 episodes are covered in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform report, issued on 3 December.

In general terms, the Secret Service is accused of over-focusing on credit card fraud and suchlike, and not investing enough into its protective duties role. Committee chairman, Jason Chaffetz, now hopes the US Government might take in the report’s contents and act accordingly.

Secret Service: Roles
Established in 1865, the US Secret Service was first tasked with counterfeit money investigations. Thereafter, its role was much expanded as it became a pioneering intelligence/counter-intelligence organisation.

In September last year, there were 6,367 people working for it on a full-time basis. 12 months on, that figure had declined to 6,315 – a ten-year low. The committee puts forward several reasons for this drop. Low morale is one such, alongside “systematic mismanagement” and less-than-successful hiring tactics.

Security Lapses: Agency “In Crisis”
Other US Secret Service security lapses featured include one where a group of adults was able to get onto Vice President Joe Biden’s land. Not until authorities were informed by other residents did the Secret Service have any knowledge of this.

On another occasion, an individual from Czechoslovakia accessed an unnamed ex-US President’s home. He remained there for approximately 60 minutes before any action was taken. Then, there was the Secret Service agent who obtained personal data without consent, thereafter crossing the US to approach the woman concerned, with romantic thoughts in mind.

“This report reveals that the Secret Service is in crisis”, the Associated Press quotes Chaffetz as having said. "Morale is down, attrition is up, misconduct continues and security breaches persist. Strong leadership from the top is required to fix the systemic mismanagement within the agency and to restore it to its former prestige.”



US Secret Service image copyright The White House – courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, November 26, 2015

IATA Air Passenger Forecast Shows Dip in Long-Term Demand

Total passenger set to double to 7 billion by 2034
Government policies can counteract economic headwinds    

 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its updated passenger growth forecast, projecting that passenger numbers are expected to reach 7 billion by 2034 with a 3.8% average annual growth in demand (2014 baseline year). That is more than double the 3.3 billion who flew in 2014 and exactly twice as many as the 3.5 billion expected in 2015.      

Previously, IATA forecast 7.4 billion passengers in 2034 based on a 4.1% average annual growth rate. The revised result reflects negative developments in the global economy that are expected to dampen demand for air transport, especially slower economic growth projections for China. 

The five fastest-increasing markets in terms of additional passengers per year over the forecast period will be China (758 million new passengers for a total of 1.196 billion), the US (523 million new passengers for a total of 1.156 billion), India (275 million new passengers for a total of 378 million), Indonesia (132 million new passengers for a total of 219 million) and Brazil (104 million new passengers for a total of 202 million). 

  • Seven of the ten fastest-growing markets in percentage terms will be in Africa. The top ten will be: Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Serbia, Tanzania, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Each of these markets is expected to grow by 7-8% each year on average over the next 20 years, doubling in size each decade. 
  • In terms of routes, Asian, South American and African destinations will see the fastest growth, reflecting economic and demographic growth in those markets. Indonesia-East Timor will be the fastest growing route, at 13.9%, followed by India-Hong Kong (10.4%), Within Honduras (10.3%), Within Pakistan (9.9%) and UAE-Ethiopia (9.5%) 

“The demand for air transport continues to grow. There is much work to be done to prepare for the 7 billion passengers expected to take the skies in 2034,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

“Economic and political events over the last year have impacted some of the fundamentals for growth. As a result, we expect some 400 million fewer people to be traveling in 2034 than we did at this time last year. Air transport is a critical part of the global economy. And policy-makers should take note of its sensitivity. The economic impact of 400 million fewer travelers is significant. Each is a lost opportunity to explore, create social and cultural value, and generate economic and employment opportunities. It is important that we don’t create additional headwinds with excessive taxation, onerous regulation or infrastructure deficiencies,” said Tyler.

Divergence among the BRIC Nations

A sizable gulf has opened up between the performance of air passenger markets in the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China). China and India are growing fast, with annual growth this year-to-date of 12.5% and 16.5% respectively. India has bounced back from a subdued 2014, and is seeing a strong increase in domestic frequencies. Although China’s growth rate has moderated, it is still on course to add an additional 230 million passenger journeys between 2014 and 2019. This is more than double the other three BRIC nations put together. Brazil and Russia, by contrast, are struggling. Falling oil and other commodity prices are partly to blame. Economic sanctions have also affected the Russian economy. It is notable that airlines in Brazil pay some of the highest fuel charges in the world; bringing the country’s fuel policy in line with global standards would certainly be a boost for air transport.  

Exciting prospects for Iran and Cuba

The prospects for more open travel between the rest of the world and Cuba and Iran offer exciting possibilities for business, tourism and development as diplomatic relations warm up. Of the two markets, Iran offers the greater potential. Although Cuba is the largest Caribbean country by population, passenger growth would be from a low base of 5 million passengers today to around 13 million by 2034, in the best-case scenario. Iran, by contrast, already has a market of 12 million passengers, mostly domestic flyers. If strong GDP growth is accompanied with a full normalization of international relations and the end to sanctions, the total size of the Iran market could be 43.6 million passengers by 2034. 

“There is a great deal of scope for economic development in Cuba and Iran, and air transport can play an enormous role in that. Relative to their economic development, the people of Iran and Cuba fly less than the global average. In Iran, full integration in the global economy could mean a difference in passenger growth of around 13 million extra travelers a year,” said Tyler.

Trends in the 10 largest air passenger markets

China is expected to overtake the United States as the world’s largest passenger market (defined by traffic to, from and within) by 2029. In 2034 China will account for some 1.19 billion passengers, 758 million more than 2014 with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. Traffic to, from and within the US is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate of 3.1% that will see 1.16 billion passengers by 2034 (523 million more than 2014). India will displace the United Kingdom as the third-largest market in 2026, with Indonesia rising to number 5 in the world. 

Japan, Spain, Germany and France fall relative to their competitors, Italy falls out of the top 10, while Brazil moves from 10th place to 7th.

Top 10 Passenger Markets Chart

Regional growth highlights

  • Routes to, from and within Asia-Pacific will see an extra 1.8 billion annual passengers by 2034, for an overall market size of 2.9 billion. In relative terms it will increase its size compared to other regions to 42% of global passenger traffic, and its annual average growth rate, 4.9%, will be the joint-highest with the Middle East. 
  • The North American region will grow by 3.3% annually and in 2034 will carry a total of 1.4 billion passengers, an additional 649 million passengers a year. 
  • Europe will have the slowest growth rate, 2.7%, but will still cater for an additional 591 million passengers a year. The total market will be 1.4 billion passengers. 
  • Latin American markets will grow by 4.7%, serving a total of 605 million passengers, an additional 363 million passengers annually compared to today. 
  • The Middle East will grow strongly (4.9%) and will see an extra 237 million passengers a year on routes to, from and within the region by 2034. The UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia will all enjoy strong growth of 5.6%, 4.8%, and 4.6% respectively. The total market size will be 383 million passengers. 
  • Africa will grow by 4.7%. By 2034 it will see an extra 177 million passengers a year for a total market of 294 million passengers. 

Global Air Passengers by Region

Major Domestic Markets chart
 

Economic prosperity and environmental responsibility

At present, aviation helps sustain 58 million jobs and $2.4 trillion in economic activity. In 20 years’ time, aviation is expected to support around 105 million jobs and $6 trillion in GDP. The aviation industry, however, also recognizes that air travel has an environmental impact. It is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. In 2009, the industry agreed three targets which will ensure that aviation plays its part in ensuring a sustainable future. 

  • 1.5% annual fuel efficiency improvement to 2020 
  • Capping net emissions through carbon-neutral growth from 2020 
  • A 50% cut in net emissions by 2050, compared to 2005. 

“Aviation is determined to achieve carbon neutral growth from 2020. But we need governments to help by agreeing a global market-based measure, to be implemented from 2020. We believe that a global carbon offsetting scheme would be the best option, but the decision rests with the 191 member states represented at the International Civil Aviation Organization, who will meet in late 2016. We urge all governments to agree a global solution and help air transport meet its goals for a sustainable future,” said Tyler.


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

NIGERIA's OIL CURSE

By Hilary Matfess
On Nov. 8, the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, announced that the state-run company was on the verge of a major oil discovery in the Lake Chad area after years of failed exploration attempts.

Kachikwu estimated that the new fields could contribute a significant amount to the NNPC's projected 2016 revenue of $20 billion as early as next year. He also suggested the bolstered budget would allow the company to fund more exploration projects. Given that the cratering oil prices and drop-off in oil revenue has contributed significantly to the country’s economic stagnation (the national statistics bureau estimates the national second quarter growth at 2.35 percent as compared to over 6 percent at the same time last year), many Nigerians greeted the announcement with enthusiasm. However, a more thorough examination suggests that this discovery is neither new, nor a blessing. Adding oil to already volatile social and geopolitical factors in the Lake Chad Basin — an ecological region that spans Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon and the Central African Republic — is a recipe for further instability.

Nigeria’s claims of “significant oil find” in the Lake Chad Basin are not new. It’s long been established that the region has immense potential for petroleum exploration. Chad has been producing oil on its side of the border since the 1970s with production reaching estimated 100,000 barrels a day in 2013.

The area is so valuable that Nigeria and Chad fought a series of border skirmishes in the 1970s over control of the basin. Their disputes remain unresolved. There is still ambiguity over ownership of a number of islands in Lake Chad. There’s been ongoing diplomatic posturing and local communal conflicts between Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon over control of the ecological basin. Nigeria’s intention to drill new oil fields will only heighten the stakes of these tensions and lead to violence.

Boko Haram’s insurgency may have temporarily eclipsed the standoff over drilling rights. But tensions remain. Communities around the Lake Chad Basin have borne the brunt of the insurgency, which has claimed an estimated 20,000 lives and has displaced at least 4 million people since 2009. Any serious attempt at drilling by Nigeria will require subduing the insurgency. However, amid diplomatic wrangling over national boundaries in the basin, regional cooperation on larger security issues remains complicated. Already, the deployment of the 8,7000 member force — drawn from Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Benin — has been delayed due to logistical and political tensions. In particular, Chad has accused Nigeria for not pulling its weight in the offensive against Boko Haram, heightening tensions between the two countries.

Nigeria’s oil discovery in the Lake Chad Basin highlights the urgent need for reform and greater regional cooperation to quell the Boko Haram insurgency. 
Even if Boko Haram is subdued to make way for oil drilling, the group has shown a remarkable resilience and could re-emerge to take advantage of the oil bunkering. As seen in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, discontent among local communities in the Lake Chad Basin could lend support to Boko Haram or subsequent militant groups. In the mid-2000s, oil theft, and the vast revenue it produces, allowed for a conflict to accelerate and metastasize in the Niger Delta. The United States Institute of Peace estimates that the Nigerian economy lost approximately $100 billion to oil theft from 2003 to 2008. The consequences of Boko Haram tapping into such a robust revenue stream could be cataclysmic. It is already Nigeria’s single biggest and most lethal crisis since the civil war of the late 1960s. 

Nigeria has proven incapable of protecting oil pipelines from theft and ensuring that oil extraction does not harm local ecologies and communities. There were more than 7,000 oil spills from 1970 to 2000 in the Niger Delta. An estimated 15 percent of Nigerian oil was stolen in 2014, resulting in a loss of 300,000-400,000 barrels per day.

The problem with Nigerian oil production does not stop there; there is also the specter of corruption. According to a recent report by the Natural Resource Governance Institute, a New York-based think tank that provides policy analysis and research, the NNPC withheld more than $12 billion from the sale of 110 million barrels of oil over the past 10 years, “spending the money in a secretive, off-budget manner.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has initiated a serious effort at reducing corruption, especially in the petroleum industry. But the recent arrests of six senior central bank officials by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency are not sufficient to entrust the petroleum agency to pursue new drilling operations. In fact, the premature announcement of the new oil discovery appears to be part of an effort to make up for falling oil revenues. It could undermine Buhari’s agenda by fracturing the regional effort against Boko Haram and leading to additional loot before institutional reforms can be implemented.

The effects of resource curse and misuse of natural resource wealth, especially in the extractive industries, are well documented. Nigeria appears to be looking gleefully past those lessons and its own experience with oil extraction in the Niger delta. Nigeria’s oil discovery in the Lake Chad Basin should not be taken as a blessing. If anything, it highlights the urgent need for reform and greater regional cooperation to quell the Boko Haram insurgency.

Hilary Matfess is a research analyst at the National Defense University’s Center for Complex Operations. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the National Defense University, the Department of Defense or the U. S. government.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera America's editorial policy.

Lagos First Lady urges women aviation professionals to inspire more female

The Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, has called on Women In Aviation (WIA) to continue to do more for women in aviation and other potential female aviation professionals to match with the theme of the conference; Women :Connect, Engage and Inspire the Next Generation.

She said this while speaking at the 2015 annual conference of WIA, Nigeria Chapter in Lagos.
She stated that aviation industry is strategic and that its various departments are sophisticated, highly technical and scientific, adding aviation employment is different from any other job because of the specialised skills and expertise required of the personnel to function effectively and efficiently.

Mrs Ambode, who was represented by Mrs Ogundamola Ogunsanwo, listed such highly specialised areas to include piloting, aircraft maintenance, aero-medicals, Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and several others.
According to her, “What this means to me is that Nigeria women have registered their impact and established their relevance in the complex field of aeronautic as they have done in the other challenging areas of human endeavour .So, who say the women are not flying?

Ogunsanwo stated that considering these feat, women are matching on and on the right part, adding that women should encourage themselves and also strive harder to achieve more.
“Though your association has been doing an exceedingly good job of promoting public awareness of the accomplishments of women in this unique industry, you must do more in consonance with the theme of the conference ;W:omen: Connect, Engage and inspire the Next Generation.” She said

She stated that WIA owe it a duty to inspire the next generation of teeming ladies, young ambitious girls, many of them hungry and thirsty for knowledge.

On his part, the President of WIA, Nigeria Chapter, Rejoice Ndudinachi, stated that women in the association were in tune with trends in the aviation industry and are committed to sustaining contributions to the sector’s development.

She said that as an association it reaches out to schools to sensitise students about career opportunities in aviation, thereby empowering them for better career choices.
According to him, ”We believe in catch them young and we have contributed immensely to the advancement of our very dynamic industry and the society in general .We have organised series of programmes to help the young ones ,most recently ,the Nigerian Girls in Aviation Day.”

She added that WIA also gave special gifts to outstanding children, adding that the body believes this would inspire them to pursue careers in the aviation industry

The WIA President stated that one of the objectives of women in aviation Nigeria is to encourage the young ones to build up their future in aviation, promising that the body would pursue this objective very vigorously.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

President Buhari's address at the swearing in of Cabinet Members

"Your Excellency, The Vice President; Professor Yemi Osinbajo; The Senate President, and the Hon. Speaker, House of Representatives; The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Justice Mahmoud Mohammed; The National Chairman, All Progressive Congress, Chief John Oyegun; National Leader of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Other APC Executive Committee Members here present; The Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Honourable Ministers; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Members of the Press and Invited Guests.

"Today we have reached another milestone in the evolution of our new government which Nigerians overwhelmingly voted into office in the March 28th, 2015 general elections. Today we witness the swearing-in of new ministers of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, the Vice President and I have been mindful of the need to constitute a cabinet that will best deliver our expectations of a better country than we inherited. We want to work towards a prosperous nation respected for the right reasons, and whose citizens can hold up their heads anywhere in the world. And we are optimistic that bringing this set of ministers into the service of our country today is a step in the right direction, a timely move towards realizing our positive goals for our country.

"Since we assumed office in May, I have been mindful of the need to ensure that the appointment of new ministers translates into putting round pegs in round holes while showing sensitivity to our diversity as a people and our various positions as groups of stakeholders in our country.

"I have also been conscious of the need not to repeat such mistakes of the past where the right people were allocated the wrong portfolios, which translated into their performing poorly to our collective detriment despite their obvious capabilities. Also, I have responded to the counsel to consult as widely as possible, given the need to build a stable and all-inclusive government by reaching across our various ethnic and political divides.

"With the inauguration of ministers, our government shall continue more decisively to implement its policies in respect of the economy and in other areas. While working hard to maximise revenue from oil in the face of a sharp decline in the price for the commodity, we are determined to diversify the economy in agriculture to enhance employment and explore solid minerals as a major revenue earner.

"The primary aim is to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of such staples as rice and wheat and to become a major consumer and exporter of both items as well as solid minerals. We intend to pursue policies that will generate massive employment for millions of our youth.

"We shall also continue with greater determination and focus to pursue our goal of ensuring improved security for our country and its citizens, and without letting up on our fight against corruption. Our commitment to defeat Boko Haram and all the threats it constitutes remains as strong as ever. So is our resolve to root out vices such as kidnapping and neutralise the various forms of criminalities that threaten the social peace of Nigerians.

"While recognizing the challenges we face and the need to surmount them, let us not fail to note the progress we have made in the short life of this government, as an indication of how much better we can do as a people driven by patriotism and a common resolve to do things right.

"On the moral sphere, trust is slowly but steadily being re-established between the government and the people. Now, when the government speaks, the people listen; and when the people's expectations are not met, they appreciate that it is not for lack of commitment or trying on the part of government. In effect, government business is now being conducted with transparency and cynicism is waning as a result.

"Our adoption of the Treasury Single Account has resulted in the blocking of financial leakages in the public sector, making more funds available for the business of governance and ensuring the welfare of our citizens. The Central Bank of Nigeria has also assisted more than 30 States of the

"Finally, our new ministers must proceed to work speedily and do their utmost to justify the confidence we have placed in them not only by their conduct but also by their performance in their various positions.

"Over all our economy is poised for sustained job creation, poverty reduction and inclusive growth. Regardless of the present challenges we are confronting, I believe all Nigerians will keep hope alive and sustain their optimism about the future of our economic well being.

"The Ministries have been rationalised and reduced to twenty-four. These are the Ministries and their Ministers. 


Saturday, October 31, 2015

Don’t use me as scapegoat for your failure in office -Edwin Clark


Below are excerpts from the open letter, dated October 26, 2015, by Chief Edwin Clark, replying former Special Adviser on Media to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati, and other critics over his recent comments on the former president.

ORDINARILY at my age and position in life, I should not have to justify myself in a press controversy on my voluntary decision to quit partisan politics particularly when this personal and well intended act has come under unfair politicization of persons of mediocre temperament. For a couple of days now, I have been more bemused than angry by the not-so-funny, but, predictably, negative ingenuity of Nigerians, aided by an equally incredulous media, to create unpleasant things out of nothing. It has been a circus of those convinced that they have found a peg to hang their own, disloyalty, failure, shallowness and hatred unto, a ball to kick around, over my statement, not for the first time, that I was quitting partisan politics and my statement about former President Goodluck Jonathan, for reasons so obvious that I cannot understand what the orgy of self-flagellation is all about.

I still believe that former President Jonathan performed creditably well in various areas.  I am very proud of him and so are millions of other Nigerians. He was good in so many areas, and did many good things for this nation. He resuscitated the railway system that was comatose for several decades; he engineered a robust economy for this nation; he fought against Polio and Ebola; maternal and child health; he did much for the power sector upon which President Muhammadu Buhari is now building; he tarred more roads than any of his predecessors; he turned agriculture to agro-business, a multibillion dollar business; he built the Almajiri schools in the Northern parts of this country; he established new federal universities across this nation; he allowed for free speech across this nation, and did not mind when he was criticised or, even, abused; people were not arbitrarily locked up in jail or prison, as he truly respected the rule of law; he signed the Freedom of Information Bill into law, which was not done by his predecessors; he modernised the aviation sector; he convoked a National Conference that brought Nigerians together and proffered recommendations on how to better bind Nigerians together as one; he sanitised the electoral system of this country, unlike what we had before him, when elections results were announced without actually voting, when ballot snatching were rampant and common place, he brought transparency into the electoral process, when people could vote and the votes actually  openly counted without violence. Today he stands as the first African president to concede an election to an opponent, even before the final counts. There are many more achievements to his record, but because of time and space let me end here for now. These are all lasting legacies that he has left behind. He has certainly set a precedent for others to follow.

But no human being is perfect; only God is perfect. Therefore, to mention an area of former President Jonathan’s inaction may not be out of place. Every leader in this world has their fault. President Jonathan cannot be an exception. As the late British Prime Minister Harold MacMillan observed in his autobiography, politicians do not regret their mistakes because they can always explain themselves; but they never forgive themselves for opportunities they have lost. For instance, President Barrack Obama of United States of America is frequently attacked for not having the political will to deal with Israel over the Palestinian question.

This does not mean that he lacks the capacity to take action against Israel effectively or to deal with the affairs of the United States of America or that he lacks integrity. Several years ago, the entire Western world was being accused of lacking political will to deal with Apartheid South Africa. This did not mean any inaction of the Western countries by the rest of the world. It only means that President Obama and the statesmen of the western world had other considerations in their minds in the interest of their countries.


 
In keeping with my character I cannot say in private what I cannot say in the public.  I do not therefore, reject or disown Jonathan as my beloved political son.

My open support for former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

My support for President Goodluck Jonathan predates his presidency. It dates back to the period when he was the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. So for people who are thinking that I only knew Dr. Jonathan when he became the President or that I was one of his hangers on, I think there will be need to give them a little information. My relevance and leadership of my people as an elder statesman and a critical stakeholder in this Nigeria project far pre-dates Dr. Jonathan’s public life and presidency. I have been relevant in politics and I have served my people honestly and creditably well.  I became very close to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan when he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. I was present in London when the late former Governor of Bayelsa State, the Governor General of the Ijaw Nation, Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha (may his soul rest in perfect peace), was arrested in London on the prompting of the Nigerian government under President Olusegun Obasanjo because of his hatred for Chief Alamieyeseigha.  I had to cancel my flight to Nigeria at the London Airport when the news of the arrest of Chief Alamieyeseigha was conveyed to me by Ambassador Pereware from Paris. I went with a few well-meaning Nigerians to Essex where we had been informed that he was kept, but could not find him. We went to a few other places before we were able to locate where he was. I remained in London for one week with him to put in place machineries for his bail. I recall the large-heartedness of Lady Ann Iyoha who brought out the title deed of her property in London to secure his bail and also the magnanimity of another woman from Amasoma, the home town of Chief Alamiyeseigha in Bayelsa State.

When I returned to Nigeria, I went to Bayelsa State to meet with stakeholders to see that a peaceful transition of power take place whereby Dr. Jonathan who was the then Deputy Governor became the governor. Ambassador Godknows Igali became the Secretary to the State Government.

Of course, I openly supported President Jonathan not only as my son but also as the first person to emerge from the minorities of the Niger Delta as the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I had no choice but to support him and I have no regrets. My support is total and unyielding. If most of President Jonathan’s close associates and political leaders exhibited such support, by espousing all his achievements, rather than the pretence and betrayal they were engaged in, the story today would have been different.

It will be recalled that I had on several occasions openly criticised the former President in the press and in my statements for actions or inactions which were damaging to the President’s image while he was in office. When the President failed to check the excesses of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, which included his undue interference with the activities of the EFCC, I did not fail to speak my mind openly in opposition to the President. When the President did not deliver on his promise to complete the construction of the East-West Road, I did not fail to speak my mind openly.

I even told him publicly that he should not leave the South South people poorer than he met them. When the Governors Forum appeared to arrogate to itself powers that infringed upon those of the President in the Constitution of Nigeria with impunity, I did not fail to criticise. The press conferences and open letters I wrote which were carried and published by the various media houses are there to confirm this claim. However, with all these, my support for him was and still is total and unshakeable.

My relationship with Jonathan was not based on material gains

It is indeed most disingenuous to insinuate that my relationship with former President Jonathan was based on what benefits accrued to me. Far from the truth as I never benefited any material thing from President Jonathan in all his six years of President. With all modesty, I am at this age contented. I state publicly therefore, that I never sought nor obtained any contract, oil block, oil lifting allocation or financial gratification from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during his years of administration.

Similarly, I never solicited for appointments or special placements for any of my children or relations in any government or private concern on account of my relationship with President Jonathan. It is, therefore, ludicrous and totally ill-motived for these wicked and mischievous persons to sell to the public that my decision portends a plan to seek any special favours from President Muhammadu Buhari and his government, or to protect those gains which I acquired from President Jonathan’s government which never existed.

On the contrary, my public service in this country which spans over 60 years had given me the opportunity to seek the political, social and economic development of my people and Nigeria in general. I remain committed more than ever before to the economic, political and social emancipation of the people of the Niger Delta, South South, the entire minorities and the development and unity of this great nation. This was even contained in the congratulatory letter which I wrote to President Muhammadu Buhari, dated 3rd April, 2015.

My retirement from partisan politics

I am fast approaching 90 years and had been in active politics for over 60 years.  It came to me as a shock that misguided persons are trying to lose their senses over my decision to quit active partisan politics.

I was in the Niger Delta Congress (NDC), with the late sage Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and late His Excellency, Chief Melford Okilo between 1955 and 1959. I was in Mid West Front (MWF). I was in the National Congress for Nigerian Citizens, NCNC. I was Secretary of the Zikist Vanguard, London in 1962.  I served in General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet as Minister of Information with late General Murtala Mohammed as Minister of Commerce, General Olusegun Obasanjo as Minister of Works, Alhaji Shehu Shagari as Minister of Finance. Today, three of these persons have become Presidents of Nigeria. Apart from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the others are no longer in active politics.

I was a member of the National Party of Nigeria, NPN. I recall with heavy heart that most of the people with whom I played politics are either dead or have become politically inactive. Some of them are Makama Bida of Niger State, Maitama Sule of Kano State, K. O. Mbadiwe of Imo State, Fani Kayode, Tanko Yakassai, Dr. Ibrahim Tahil of Bauchi State, Adamu Ciroma of Yobe State, Alhaji Ali Monguno of Borno State, A. M. A. Akinloye, T. O. S. Benson, Dr. Okezie of Imo State, M. T. Mbu of Cross River State, His Royal Majesty the Olubadan of Ibadan, just to mention a few. Not too long ago, I found myself attending a PDP caucus meeting in Warri with young men who are grand children of my political colleagues. Today, I sometimes move in a wheelchair. I had intimated former President Jonathan that once the elections were over and he was sworn into office for the second term, I will leave partisan politics and retire to my village.

Thus, I recalled earlier receiving a request by a group with the rather uplifting name of “Think Nigeria First Initiative” (TNFI), for a courtesy call on me and to make me their Grand Patron. The name alone sent sensations of kindred spirit through me and I readily accepted. I responded, enthusiastically, naturally. It was in that context that I said that myself at the age of nearly 89 years, and having carried my passions of similar ideals with theirs for over 60 years, had decided that my energies needed a paradigm restructuring. This same position I had declared at Akure, Ondo State, on the 24th of August, 2015, at the meeting of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA, of which, by God’s grace, I am one of the Leaders.

I wish to refer here to the crude and unpolished language used by Dr. Reuben Abati against me that I would have still been a PDP card-carrying member if former President Jonathan had won the election. I do not know the background of Dr. Abati but for him to lie and devilishly imagine that I should have remained a PDP card-carrying member if President Jonathan won the election is satanic.

No reader of The Guardian Newspaper, particularly its Sunday edition, will easily forget the frequently provocative columns by Dr. Reuben Abati. As the Chairman of the Editorial Board of the newspaper and syndicated columnist, Abati had a freehand to write whatever he liked in his column and could also influence other news items.  I do not recall any favourable remark made by Abati all those years when he was the Chairman of the Editorial Board and syndicated columnist about the former President His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

If I recall correctly, they were always the butt of ridicule by Dr. Reuben Abati. In fact, he became so notorious and a fearless critic of former President Jonathan and his wife in The Guardian Newspaper that I had to draw the attention of my cousin, the proprietor of The Guardian Newspaper to his excesses. These vitriolic attacks on former President Jonathan and his wife only stopped when he was appointed the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity by the former President.

On his appointment, Aso Rock activities and Jonathan’s achievements were not sold to the people of Nigeria. Reuben Abati will recall the number of times when I called his attention to how he was being negligent of his duty as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity by not defending President Jonathan against some of the scurrilous attacks against him and also by not promoting his image and the well-known achievements of his administration. My advice that a Publicity Committee made up of eminent journalists be put in place in Aso Rock and that media proprietors and senior journalists should be invited to Aso Rock were jettisoned by Abati.

Dr. Reuben Abati has risen to the defence of his last employer too late. He owes the former President apologies for his (Reuben Abati’s) failure to perform while in office. I should not be used as a scapegoat. I love Goodluck Jonathan and Goodluck Jonathan loves me.

I repeat again that I will like Dr. Abati to find out from his former boss whether I did not intimate him of my intention that I will leave active politics sometime in 2015 and return to my village after Dr. Jonathan’s re-election as the President of Nigeria. It would be recalled that only two weeks ago, the former PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, retired from partisan politics while celebrating his 80th Birthday. Although he is much younger than me, Reuben Abati and his likes did not feel offended. I repeat here again that I am very proud of my family background which has produced some of the most illustrious Nigerians and that I do not shift ground or change position. I still regard former President Jonathan as my son. Since the change of government, we have been in close communication on the telephone and Jonathan has visited me over four times.

When I pointed to the former President Jonathan that most of those who surrounded him were not loyal, sincere or patriotic but mere opportunists. It is, therefore, unfair and unjust for Reuben Abati and others to accuse me for saying things against former President Jonathan while he is no longer in office. It is even more shameful that Dr. Abati who claims to be a cultured Yoruba man, a people who have great respect for elders, to go on this wild macabre dance to insinuate and say outright lies against an elder statesman of my age and standing. Unknown to him, more Nigerians know me as a person of strong principles and ideals than he and his likes can imagine. This is why their attacks on me have exposed them to more ridicules in the eyes of most Nigerians, than they would have ever imagined.

Friday, October 30, 2015

BREAKING NEWS:Customs Retires 34 Top Officers In Massive Shake Up

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Friday announced the exit of 34 senior offices in the first major shake up since the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) took office a few weeks back.

Those eased out from the service include five Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs.  (DCGs) who Thursday gave notification of their voluntary retirement. They are John Atte MFR, Ibrahim Mera OON, Musa Tahir mni, Austin Nwosu and Akinade Adewuyi, Customs Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wale Adeniyi said in a statement.

“Three others, of the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General are also affected in the  re-organisation exercise. They are Madu Mohammed mni, Secretary to the Nigeria Customs Board, Victor Gbemudu, Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’ and Bello Liman, Assistant Comptroller-General, (Headquarters). The rest are of the rank of Comptrollers serving in Customs Headquarters, Zonal Offices and various Area Commands.

“The Comptroller-General of Customs stated that the retirements were part of measures to kick-start the repositioning of the Service for improved performance."


Tuesday, October 20, 2015

PIRATES KIDNAP LITHUANI,UKRAINIAN SAILORS OFF NIGERIA COAST

Gunmen have kidnapped two Lithuanian and two Ukrainian sailors off southern Nigeria, in the latest incident in a region described as a piracy hotspot, Lithuania's government said Tuesday.

"We have received information that it was an armed abduction," government official Rimantas Vaitkus told AFP in the Baltic state's capital, Vilnius.

He said 19 sailors were on board the ship, comprising three Ukrainians and 16 Lithuanians, but refused to disclose the name of the vessel.

"We have not received any contact from the abductors so far," he added.

The government said the ship, flagged in the Comoro Islands, was attacked on Monday evening near Nigeria's oil hub, Port Harcourt.

Scores of kidnappings for ransom have occurred in the Niger Delta, and most of the hostages have been freed after payment of a ransom.

The Lithuanian government said it had set up a task force to deal with the latest incident.

(AFP)


Sunday, September 27, 2015

‘Violation of rules by Iranian pilgrims caused stampede’

Saudi Gazette report

MINA Violation of the pilgrims’ grouping regulations by some 300 Iranian pilgrims resulted in the stampede in Mina which killed 769 Hajis and injured 934, Asharq Al-Awsat daily reported on Saturday quoting an official of the Tawafa Establishment for the Iranian Pilgrims.


The official, who requested anonymity, said the violation of rules by this group of Iranian pilgrims started from their very first movement from Muzdalifah on Thursday morning to Jamarat to perform the first day’s stoning ritual. They were clearly instructed to go to their tents from Muzdalifah instead of moving to Jamarat with their baggage. They had been instructed to take rest in their tents and wait for the time allotted for them to perform their stoning ritual.

Moreover, these pilgrims moved back to their tents from Jamarat through Street 204 in the opposite direction of pilgrims’ movement, the official said. The flow of pilgrims from two opposite directions resulted in the overcrowding and the stampede ensued, the official said.

According to sources, there are cameras installed in the tunnels leading to Jamarat and it will be obvious from the visuals that the Iranian pilgrims committed  violations with regard to their movement to Jamarat. 

It was mandatory for all tawafa establishments to abide by the pilgrims’ grouping regulations.

HAJJ ENDS ON A TRAGIC NOTE



Saudi Arabia deployed large numbers of special forces yesterday (Saturday) the last day of Haj.

Dozens of “special emergency force” troops were seen on one level of the Jamarat Bridge, a five-storey structure in Mina where pilgrims ritually stone the devil.

Many more special troops patrolled the network of roads leading to the Jamarat Bridge.

Pilgrims on Saturday flooded the area to perform the stoning for a third time on the last day of Haj.

Most pilgrims begin leaving on Saturday, returning to Makkah where they circumambulate the holy Kaaba before going home.

“We are thankful to our brothers in Saudi Arabia for this effort,” said Abdullah Ali, a 38-year-old Emirati, who blamed other pilgrims for the deadly stampede and urged more awareness.

A breakdown of the nationalities of the 769 pilgrims killed in the stampede is yet to be officially issued as the difficult process of identification continues.

But several foreign countries, largely African and Asian, have announced deaths.

Only around 250 deaths in total have been officially confirmed by foreign officials.

Indian government raised its estimated death toll for Indian citizens from 14 to 18, while Pakistan raised its estimated death toll from eight to 11.

Iran claimed in a state TV broadcast that among those Iranians still missing are Ghazanfar Roknabadi, a former ambassador to Lebanon, as well as two Iranian state TV reporters and a prominent political analyst. 

According to the TV report, 134 Iranian pilgrims died and 85 were injured in the Thursday incident, while 354 Iranian pilgrims remain missing.

Meanwhile, frustrated families have been left with the painful task of trying to find out for themselves whether loved ones are dead or alive.

“They say they don’t have his name registered,” an Egyptian pilgrim said after arguing with reception staff at Mina Emergency Hospital.

The pilgrim, who gave his name only as Abdullah, said he was searching for his 36-year-old neighbour.

“I’ve been going around hospitals but couldn’t find him. They told me go to the morgue,” said Abdullah. “We can’t find him, neither among the wounded nor among the dead.”

Leaving the hospital was another Egyptian, looking for a fellow pilgrim who was staying in the same part of Mina’s tent city used for the hajj.

“I don’t have the nerves to talk,” he said. “His wife is breaking down at the camp. She didn’t even perform the hajj rituals.”

Upstairs, another man, Tareq, went from room to room seeking the wife of a fellow pilgrim.

“Her husband is at the camp and couldn’t look for himself, he’s in such a state of shock. We are helping him,” said the Egyptian, rushing from internal medicine to the surgical ward.

Rushing up and down the stairs, Mohammed Bilal, also Egyptian, looked in vain for a friend’s 60-year-old mother, whose phone has been switched off since the disaster.

“The first thing we did was go check if she’s among the dead in Muaisem, but we found nothing,” he said, referring to an area near Mina where the morgue is located. “We then began going from hospital to hospital.”

At the information desk, a frustrated black-clad Saudi woman, who was with her husband, asked about her missing 43-year-old brother.

They had been searching hospitals, floor by floor, to find him, she said, asking not to be named.

“We gave his name and picture to all hospitals,” and the family asked relatives in other Saudi cities to also check, in case he had been transferred elsewhere, she said.

Officials referred them to the Muaisem morgue. The brother wasn’t there but her husband came out in tears, distraught at the scene he had witnessed. 



Saudi Gazette
 

 

RESIGN NOW ! Labour, others tell Saraki

Nigerian workers, under the umbrellas of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, have asked the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, to vacate his office pending the determination of his case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The workers, who spoke across the country, said although Saraki is still on trial and has not been found guilty of the allegations against him, it is morally right for him to vacate his office as Senate President to defend himself.

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is prosecuting Saraki for alleged false declaration of his assets at the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Saraki had, last Tuesday, stepped into the dock at the CCT in Abuja, where he was arraigned for false assets declaration charges.

He pleaded not guilty to all the 13 charges slammed on him by the CCB and his trial has been scheduled to hold on October 21, 22 and 23.

Leaders of the NLC and the TUC, who spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday, said it had become necessary for Saraki to step aside from Senate presidency to answer the charges preferred against him.

Organised labour had on, September 10, 2015, held nationwide protests against corruption, while seeking death penalty for public treasury looters.

Labour said it was only by killing looters that the anti-corruption crusade being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari could succeed.

President of the TUC, Mr. Bobboi Bala, in an interview with one of our correspondents, said Saraki has a moral burden to resign.

He said, “Resignation is a moral burden on people. But if somebody feels that he will carry his cross, go to the courts and try to exonerate himself, he should be given the opportunity. But it would be too bad if at the end of the day, he is found guilty. It does not speak well of public office holders.

“In other climes, as soon as such things happen, people tender their letters of resignation. Obviously, it is a moral burden on him. We hope all politicians will begin to know that no matter how highly placed they are, one day, they will definitely have to account for their stewardship.”

Several chapters of the NLC and the TUC across the states also asked for Saraki’s resignation on Saturday.

The Chairman, TUC, Ogun State, Mr. Olubunmi Fajobi, told one of our correspondents that if it were in a civilised clime, the Senate President would have stepped aside to allow for free and fair trial.

He said, “As it were, the Senate President is sitting on a delicate seat. If it were a civilised society, he would have stepped aside to allow for a fair trial, so that he won’t allow his official position to influence the decision of the tribunal.”

Also, the Ekiti State Chairman of the NLC, Mr. Raymond Adesanmi, advised Saraki to step down from office.

He said, “If it were in other climes, he would have resigned. My advice for him would be to step down as the Senate President to answer the charges against him. If at the end of the day he is not found guilty, he could return to his position.”

Adesanmi’s TUC counterpart in Ekiti, Mr. Adesoye Adedayo, corroborated him.

He said, “Although the case against him has political undertone, I would advise him to resign to prove his innocence.”

In Cross River State, the Chairman of the TUC, Mr. Clarkson Otu, who noted that labour unions had yet to meet to take a definite position on Saraki’s trial, said the Senate President should resign his position.

He said, “This whole thing is politics. The said irregularities allegedly discovered in Sariki’s assets declaration are issues before the CCT, but having got himself involved in this controversy, he should quit as senate president based on moral grounds.

“If he does not quit, he will keep battling to retain that position. This is my personal view and not that of the TUC.”

The factional Chairman of the NLC in Delta State, Mr. Williams Akporeha, the state chapter of the union was in support of Saraki’s resignation.

“We are saying that he should step aside because he is facing trial that borders on allegations of fraud and misinformation. He should resign on a clean slate instead of his continued stay in office in shameless aberration,” he said.

In the same vein, Chairman of the TUC in Delta, Mr. Myke Arinze, said, “Senator Saraki should resign and set the record straight because he cannot be facing trial and be dictating as Senate President.”

CNPP, CODER, SERAP, others ask Senate President to quit

Second Republic Governor of old Kaduna State and Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Mr. Balarabe Musa, in an interview with SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday, also urged Saraki to step down as Senate President as a show of respect for his office.

Musa said, “First of all, it depends on his conscience. If he knows that the allegations against him have anything bordering on genuineness and if he knows that he has not done anything above board, he should succumb to his conscience.

“In honour of the institution he represents, it is therefore best for him to resign in order not to undermine the position of the judge.

“If he knows that there are elements of truth in the allegations against him, he should not cost the government so much in court and thereby undermine the integrity of the bench; he should just resign. He is still young; he still has a lot of opportunities.”

Also, the Coalition against Corrupt Leaders called for Saraki’s resignation.

The Executive Chairman, CACOL, Mr. Debo Adeniran, said, “He should resign for now. If he is found to be innocent, then Nigerians would have reason to apologise to him and his dignity will be restored. If he continues to hold on to power, he is likely to lose more dignity; nobody will respect him for doing so.”

Similarly, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project described Nigeria as a peculiar place, where issues of probity, integrity and adherence to the rule of law would be questioned and politicians would continue to remain in public office “as if those things don’t matter.”

According to the Executive Director of SERAP, Adetokunbo Mumuni, in saner climes, when public figures would have such burden on them, the first thing to do would be to get off the seat to clear their name by virtue of the rule of law and due process.

Mumuni said, “If people are saying he should resign, I also support that move because as the number three man in Nigeria, he has not set a very good example. It is not a question of ‘If I was not declared senate president, nobody will remember what I did 10 years ago.’ Why didn’t he declare his assets when he was governor?

“If we are talking about equity, then we must be able to come to equity with clean hands. That is the way I see it. I have never been a subscriber to the idea of witch-hunting. Why can’t they just follow the law? The question of witch-hunting, to me, is neither here nor there. Did they comply with the law? I don’t believe in the idea that they have enemies somewhere.

“Why shouldn’t we do what is needful and proper and we now start talking about witch-hunting? Matters of criminal infraction don’t have limitations. I have never seen a defence to an infraction of law where one would say, ‘Some people were not dealt with, so I cannot be dealt with.’”

Also, the Convener, Coalition of Northern Politicians, Academics, Professionals and Businessmen, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, faulted those who call Saraki’s trial a witch-hunt. He said the Senate President should resign.

He said, “I believe it will be good for the Senate and the country – for political responsibility – for Bukola Saraki to resign. Unless that is done, his political influence will interfere in the process.”

In the same vein, the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform said even though Saraki remained innocent until the tribunal finds him guilty, it had become morally necessary for the Senate President to resign from office.

Convener of CODER, Chief Ayo Opadokun, who was the General Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition and an ex-Secretary-General of the Afenifere, said it was not possible for all lawbreakers in the country to be tried at once. He said, “They have to be picked one by one.”

He said although other lawmakers in the National Assembly might have committed similar offences on assets declaration, Saraki’s trial would serve as a good lesson to others.

Opadokun said, “Saraki’s trial has more fundamental dimension because of the fact that someone crookedly emerged as leader of the Nigerian legislature and he has been charged for false declaration (of assets), which is a criminal offence and which carries significant punishment fashioned by the Nigerian criminal law system.

“He should resign to face the charges against him. He should have resigned long ago.”

 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

OVER 300 KILLED IN HAJJ STAMPEDE

At least 720 people have been killed in a stampede at the annual Hajj pilgrimage,Saudi Arabia's civil defence directorate said.
The directorate said  close to 800 other pilgrims were injured in Thursday's stampede, which took place in Mina, on the outskirts of the holy city of Mecca.
The injured have been evacuated to four different hospitals in the Mina region, according to a civil defence spokesman.
Mina is where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone walls. It also houses more than 160,000 tents where pilgrims spend the night during the pilgrimage.
Al Jazeera's Basma Atassi, reporting from Mina, said the incident took place in a street between pilgrim camps.
"The street where it happened is named Street 204. This stampede did not happen at the site of the 'stoning of the devil' ritual, which was happening today.
"During and after the stampede the pilgrims continued to flock into Mina to perform the devil stoning ritual."
Amateur video shared on social media showed a horrific scene, with scores of bodies - the men dressed in the simple terry cloth garments worn during Hajj - lying alongside crushed wheelchairs and water bottles.
The head of the Central Hajj Committee, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, blamed the stampede on "some pilgrims from African nationalities," Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV channel reported.
Survivors assessed the scene by standing on the top of roadside stalls as rescue workers in orange and yellow vests combed the area.
About 4,000 people from the rescue services were participating in the operation to help the injured and about 220 ambulances were directed to the scene, a civil defence spokesman said.
Photos released by the defence directorate on its official Twitter account showed rescue workers helping the wounded onto stretchers and loading them onto ambulances near some of the tents.
Al Jazeera's Omar Alsaleh, reporting from Mecca, said the number of deaths may rise.
"This is only the initial number ... The Hajj season was already overshadowed by the crane accident that killed 107 people and wounded more than 200," Alsaleh said, adding: "The area has turned to a big massive construction site to allow more pilgrims to visit Mecca during Hajj.
"Mina has more than 160,000 tents divided over several camps, and with the 1.9 million people taking part in this year's Hajj, you will understand the logistical nightmare that the Saudi authorities are facing."
Deadly Hajj incidents
Saudi authorities take extensive precautions to ensure the security of the Hajj and the safety of pilgrims. But tragedies are not uncommon.
In 2006, more than 360 pilgrims were killed in a stampede, also in Mina.
The day before the 2006 Hajj began, an eight-story building being used as a hostel near the Grand Mosque in Mecca collapsed, killing at least 73 people.
Two years earlier, a crush at Mina killed 244 and injured hundreds on the final day of the pilgrimage.
And, in 2001, a stampede at Mina killed 35 people.
The worst hajj-related tragedy, which happened in 1990, killed 1,426 pilgrims in a stampede in an overcrowded pedestrian tunnel leading to holy sites in Mecca.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

SUB-STANDARDS GOODS IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY FOR THE RETURN OF S.O.N TO THE PORTS

By Uche Anigbata

It is no more news that Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) was expelled from our sea and Airports in 2011. 

It is equally no more news that both the Nigeria government and people appear to have collectively consented to suffer the perpetual damage inflicted on them by massive dumping of fake and substandard products mainly from Asia on our soil.

There is no doubt that Nigeria ranks first among the countries  with substandard dumps such as drugs food and beverages, articles, electrical materials, electronics, household appliances and equipment, building materials, automobiles, spare parts and tyres to mention but a few.

It is sad that this absurdity appears to be under-captured and under estimated by both government and the general public. Part of the reason is that we have become accustomed to abnormalities and oddities. 

In Nigeria, lives and properties are lost due to building collapse or fire outbreak occasioned by substandard building and electrical materials; many lives are lost every day on our roads as a result of substandard or twisted tyres, fake brake oil and other substandard parts. 

Nigerians are not getting value for their money because they probably spend five times more replacing and maintaining these products because of their inferior quality, a clear case of huge economic waste and losses.

Dumping constitutes a substantial disincentive to indigenous production and investment in Nigeria. Massive dumping is responsible for failure of many small and medium scale industries in Nigeria. 

This substantially retards our effort towards developing a robust and sustainable industrial base that will actualize our dreams in terms of industrialization and employment generation.

Massive dumping of substandard products constitutes undue pressure on our environment. As a result of waste generated through unnecessary high frequency of replacements caused by use of poor quality products, our environment is always littered and overburdened with replaced and unusable items and packing waste. 

The chain effects of environmental pressure and pollution from this problem as they relate to our farmland marine and aquatic life, blockage of our canals and drainage channels are monumental.

This is a big drain on our economy. Some law-abiding entrepreneurs even lose out under the undue competitive advantages enjoyed by the perpetrators of this  economic crime. Sometimes these entrepreneurs end up in the hands of the EFCC as financial defaulters. 

Some fraudulent business people including Chinese, Indian, Lebanese companies and their Nigerian collaborators sometimes indulge in shipping different qualities of the same product to different importers in Nigeria in order to create artificial competition among themselves to the undue advantage of the exporter and at the expense of our lives and economy.

Dumping has diminished and deformed our sense of quality. Today, Nigerians are more ‘price’ driven than quality. People tend to be more concerned about ‘’what price’’ than value or quality. This dangerous trend is even affecting the quality of our locally manufactured goods. 

Our low quality consciousness which is partly caused by dumping is one of the factors responsible for the poor competitiveness of our locally manufactured products at the international market. Manufacturers are more concerned about survival than quality in the face of the huge pressure presented by dumping.

Dumping creates strong pressure on our foreign exchange portfolio. It constitutes a lot of pressure on our lean foreign exchange earnings because in most cases, the rubbish must be paid for. It therefore has a significant element of capital flight.

In all these, we end up sacrificing lives and so much of our hard earned resources, fatally injuring our economy while growing the GDP and employment index of the exporting countries of these rubbish as well as enriching the pockets of the partners-in-crime including Nigerians and their foreign collaborators.

Therefore there is no justification for the expulsion of SON from our sea and airports. In the face of the danger and threat posed by fake and substandard products flooding our markets, SON must be allowed to return to our sea ports and airports. It is a well-known fact that over 80% of substandard products imported into Nigeria come through the sea and airports. 

If the above points are correct, why is SON not allowed to operate in the Ports which actually present more economical, convenient and efficient environment for result oriented operation? 

In the Port, SON enjoys great synergy working in partner-ship with other agencies of government including customs and security agents. 

Outside the Port these agenciesare working alone with very limited capacity in terms of staff, logistics, security and facilities.

It is true that the security challenges in our country today have also placedsignificant limitation on the capacity and reach of SON. Outside the Port, SON’s activities are seriously hindered due to poor security and the attendant risk of trying to apprehend offenders.

 But returning to the Ports, SON must raise its bar on the issue of the quality, professionalism and integrity of its staff. 

Focus should be more on proactive measures and prevention followed by appropriate penalty like destruction of the imported sub-standard goods and punishment of the criminal as this sometimes end up in huge economic losses that on some occasion trigger a chain of deep rooted negative economic consequences including business failure, bank default and job losses among others. 

For instance, it is  in the overall interest of our socio-economic system  that a criminal is discouraged from embarking on importation of defective electric  cables than catching him  and destroying N50million worth of such product after he borrowed from the bank to effect the transaction.

Less time and resources should be spent on paper work, registrations and renewals and processing of payments by developing a more efficient and cost effective wayof achieving  the required result. Energy and resources released or saved should be directed to greater enforcement of preventive measures including education, public enlightenment, intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring.

SON should strongly engage major stake holders including all the arms of Government, the business community, the consumers and the general public by bringing to the front burner the litany of challenges militating against the war on dumping in Nigeria. 

For instance the Act establishing SON is prostate and comprehensively deficient when it comes to punishment regarding offences relating to standards. It is baffling, that the highest penalty for violation of the law on standards is one year imprisonment or fine of N1000. 

How come our legislators have not bothered to increase the punishment for buying and sale of sub-standard products in Nigeria.

As part of its proactive strategy, SON should take the war on sub-standard products to China, the major country of manufacture of majority of these fake and inferior products. First, the relationship between SON and its service providers like Intertek and Cotecna should be reviewed to impose serious penalty on these providers for contractual default. 

There should be a new arrangement which makes clear provision for holding the service providers responsible for failure to perform as stipulated in the contract in terms of assessment of quality of goods coming to Nigeria. 

It may be more useful for SON to consider sending some Nigerian quality experts to China to do this work instead of relying fully on these international service providers that are becoming unreliable and expensive.

SON should also focus more on result than ritual on the issue of bureaucracy as it relates to SONCAP at the country of shipment.

Emphasis should be directed more on the assessment of the quality of the system producing the product and its irreversible capacity to produce quality and standard product than on the product itself. For instance for a factory to qualify to be issued  a product certificate, its Quality Assurance System should have been assessed, audited and dully  certified indicating that any product that passes through that system is ok, quality wise. 

The factory should also commit itself by undertaking that any product bearing its  name or identity as manufacturer must have passed through the Quality Assurance System for which it was certified. 

This certificate should be renewed every year and the manufacturer should bear the major part of the cost of processing or renewal of the certificate. In this way, the cumbersome and costly system which requires that SONCAP certificate be issued for every shipment will stop. 

By this way, the quality Assessment Professionals like Intertek or Cotecna jointly working with some Nigerian experts will only be engaged at the point assessment of the factory’s Quality Assurance System.  This system will be both cheaper and more effective.

Back home in Nigeria, the government should invest more on building of accredited laboratories as well as training and retraining of SON personnel to deepen their professional as well as strengthen our facility capacities. 

It is only when these things are in place that both the manufacturer/exporter and service providers can even take us serious because it will be clear to them that we have the capacity both in human resources and facility to randomly collect sample and test any item or product shipped to us and checkmate any act of short changing or compromise from their end.

It is very apposite now for President Buhari government to convene a summit on fake and substandard products in Nigeria in which all Stakeholders-Government to convene a summit on fake and substandard products in Nigeria in which all Stakeholders-Government, lawmakers, the Judiciary, Business people, Consumers, Consumers Protection Agencies, the Public and Private Sectors, Embassies of major exporting countries, SON, NAFDAC, Customs, Immigration, MAN, and other related agencies will attend and chart a new path to tackling the hydra-headedmenace of substandard products in our market.

Meanwhile, let the Buhari government do the needful by first returning SON to the Ports where it primarily belongs and was more effective. Expecting SON from the Airports is like expelling the Customs from the Ports or asking Immigration to vacate the borders. 

It is really funny and to some extent makes a mockery of our sense of judgment. It is hoped that the Buhari government will bring SON back to the Airports.


Uche Anigbata is a business executive.

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