National News

Drug war: NDLEA Expects More Interception of Illicit Drugs on Waterways and Seaports with Donation of Facility by British Government

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Drug war: NDLEA Expects More Interception of Illicit Drugs on Waterways and Seaports with Donation of Facility by British Government

By: Michael Mike

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) has said that the bolstered capacity of the anti-narcotic body within the maritime space will further tighten the noose on drug barons and cartels, and increase quantum of arrests and seizures of illicit substances on the nation’s waterways and seaports.

Marwa stated this in Lagos on Wednesday at the commissioning of NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters, a facility built and donated by the British Government.

He said: “I have to express my profound appreciation to the British High Commission in Nigeria for believing in this project and considering it worthy of His Majesty’s investment. The timely delivery of this project and the high standard of the finished work speak volumes about the commitment of the British Government to support our efforts.

“Not quite long ago, a similar edifice, completed with state-of-the-art fittings, was handed over to NDLEA by the British Government at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. There has also been a series of capacity-building initiatives and provisions of equipment by the Home Office International Operations, which have bolstered the capability of the Agency’s personnel and have enhanced phenomenal drug seizures and arrests. We deeply appreciate the effort of the British government and its institutions.”

“According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, “over 80 per cent of the volume of international trade is carried by sea, and the percentage is even higher for developing countries.” This is equally true of illicit drug trade because maritime routes have long been exploited by drug traffickers due to the vast expanses of the open sea and the complexity of maritime laws and jurisdictions. The illicit drug trade via maritime channels poses severe threats, not only in terms of drug proliferation but also because of its links to organised crime, terrorism, and human trafficking,” the NDLEA boss added.

He equally said: “Recent records from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that West Africa remains an important transit region for narcotics, mostly emanating from South America. We have had at least four trafficking cases in the last two years involving merchant ships (aside from cases of drugs concealed in cargo containers) from South America to Nigeria. The cases are evidence that the maritime corridor provides mobility for illicit trafficking activity.”

He said the recent operational successes recorded by the NDLEA on the waterways and seaports justified his decision to upgrade the marine unit of the agency to a full-fledged command in 2022.

“We did not make a mistake when, in 2022, we upgraded the Marine Unit to a full-fledged command. Our balance sheet of arrests and seizures of drugs within the maritime space has maintained an upward swing. The collaboration of the Agency’s Marine Command with other maritime law enforcement agencies has resulted in the interception of 61,688.79 kg of varying drugs and the arrest of 41 suspects, 15 of whom are already prosecuted and jailed. Through our various port operations in the last three years, the Agency has seized at least 750 tons of illicit drugs ranging from cocaine to codeine, tramadol, methamphetamine and Loud, to mention a few”, he stated.

Marwa while calling for continuous collaboration among various security agencies operating within the maritime space, said “the operation of our Special Marine Squad on the waterways of Lagos has shown the increasing complexity of maritime drug trafficking. Aside from merchant ships, personal vessels, including luxury yachts, modified pump boats, and fishing trawlers, are also being employed in this growing drug trade. Countering this threat requires intense coastal monitoring and collaboration among security agencies to track, search and profile the various vessels on our waterways, as it is the case now.”

He expressed joy that the Marine Command Headquarters facility that started as an idea has crystallised into a physical structure being commissioned, thanking all stakeholders that made the project a reality.

He said: “Permit me to express my profound appreciation to the Executive Governor, Lagos State for his inestimable goodwill, which has created a conducive operating environment for all our commands. My appreciation equally goes to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for synergising with NDLEA. The synergy between them and NDLEA is instrumental to our streak of success within the maritime space. The Nigeria Ports Authority and the Nigeria Maritime Security and Safety Agency have been very helpful. My appreciation equally goes to the Managing Directors of Eko Atlantic and Satellite Oil and Gas for making space available for this command headquarters.”

In his remark at the occasion, British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter justified why the UK government is supporting the work of NDLEA.

He said: “it is also a delight to see such a wide range of people here at this event because from my perspective, that shows the level of commitment that we see from our Nigerian partners and colleagues to what is the really critical work carried out by the NDLEA in tackling drug trafficking. We in the UK support that work for a number of reasons. We’ve seen an increase in drug detections both in Nigeria and in the UK and so that shows us two things.

“Firstly, that there is a clear need for us to work together, to work collaboratively to tackle drug trafficking but it also shows that our efforts are paying dividends. We are jointly preventing more and more drugs crossing borders and we are disrupting more and more gangs and that is important for both our populations, both our countries but it’s mostly important actually for the people whose lives are disrupted by this crime but as we all know there is more work to do and it will definitely continue.”

Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Hundeyin, in his remark said “the NDLEA’s presence in Lagos has been pivotal in curbing the illegal drug trade. Your efforts have not only protected our citizens, but also enhanced the overall security and well-being of our state.”

He added that: “Today’s commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters, generously donated by the British government, marks a significant milestone in our collective fight against drug-related crimes. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and strategic partnerships in tackling the global challenge of drug trafficking, especially in coastal areas like Lagos. I therefore, on behalf of our government and the good people of Lagos State, extend my sincere gratitude to the British government for this invaluable contribution, which will further bolster NDLEA’s capacity to more effectively patrol our waters and intercept illegal drug activities.”

Drug war: NDLEA Expects More Interception of Illicit Drugs on Waterways and Seaports with Donation of Facility by British Government

National News

Road to COP 29: EU Launches Climate Month with Impactful Events in Nigeria

Published

1 hour ago

October 16, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Road to COP 29: EU Launches Climate Month with Impactful Events in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The European Union (EU) has launched a series of events to mark its Climate Month, just ahead of COP29 taking place inBaku, Azerbaijan, next month.

This is part of efforts to foster sustainability through climate action.

The EU Climate Month, with the theme Opportunities for Growing Green Together, would be featuring a series of impactful events aimed at highlighting the importance of collaboration between the EU, Nigeria, and other key stakeholders in promoting sustainable development.

According to a statement on Wednesday, these events, organised within the framework of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, showcase how the EU is creating opportunities for innovation, green growth, and shared climate responsibility.

The Global Gateway is an EU strategy to invest in sustainable infrastructure projects worldwide. In Nigeria, the initiative is focusing on sectors such as energy, transport, digitalisation, agriculture/climate smart value chains, as well as health and education.

Highlights of the EU Climate Month include the Green Bond Stakeholder Dialogue, EU-Nigeria Climate and Energy Dialogue, training of Nigeria’s Climate Negotiators for COP29, Nigeria Methane Emissions Reduction Programme, with a special workshop on emissions from the oil & gas sector, the launch of Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) III and Get.Invest programmes in the renewable energy sector, as well as an event on sustainable aviation fuel.

On October 10, senior representatives of European investors and Nigerian public and private entities already active or about to enter the green bond market gathered in Abuja to deepen understanding of opportunities in the Nigerian Market, ahead of the imminent launch of the EU Global Green Bonds Initiative, anticipated to spur green investments totalling up to €15-20 billion.

Speaking about the events, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said, “EU Climate Month reflects our deep commitment to driving sustainable solutions in partnership with Nigeria. Each event is an opportunity not only to share knowledge and best practices but also to inspire innovation in tackling climate challenges. Our goal is to foster lasting, impactful change through collaboration, empowering both Nigeria and the EU to grow green together.”

He further added, “This initiative is part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which focuses on investing in sustainable infrastructure globally. Through these efforts, we aim to support green growth, particularly in key sectors like energy, climate-smart agriculture, and digitalisation, contributing to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.”

In this context, the EU-Nigeria Climate and Energy Dialogue revolved around Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Energy Transition and access, carbon pricing, monitoring and reporting of emissions, and the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29).

The recently launched Nigeria Methane Emissions Reduction Programme will focus on building the capacity of stakeholders for measuring and monitoring emissions from the oil & gas sector, agriculture and waste. This October, it will bring together the stakeholders of the oil and gas sector, including international oil companies (IOCs), indigenous oil companies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and others, to reduce methane emissions. Methane contributes to ozone layer depletion, negatively impacts climate change, and poses health risks to communities.

The training of Nigeria’s climate negotiators for COP29 aims to enhance the knowledge and negotiation skills of climate leaders and advocates.

The Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP) III event will mark the launch of the third phase of this flagship project providing 360 degrees support to the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector in Nigeria. It will be held together with the latest novel initiative brought to Nigeria by the EU, Get.Invest, which will develop the renewable energy investment pipeline.
The support for sustainable aviation fuel programme will focus on decarbonising the aviation sector by promoting the use of sustainable fuels, such as biofuels (plant-based), instead of conventional crude oil-derived fuels. This event is part of a bigger EU multi-country intervention, for which Nigeria was prioritised.

Road to COP 29: EU Launches Climate Month with Impactful Events in Nigeria

National News

Shettima Calls for Collaboration of All Stakeholders Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Shettima Calls for Collaboration of All Stakeholders Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

By: Michael Mike

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has called on African leaders, stakeholders and the private sector to come together and create an inclusive approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver lasting solutions to climate change in the continent.

He made the call at the 2nd Edition of the Africa Climate Forum (ACF) in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by the Special Advisor to the President on National Economic Council on Climate Change, Rukayat El-Rufai, the Vice President noted that African countries have continued to suffer from the effects of climate change and it has become necessary for stakeholders to dialogue towards defining remediation, mitigation and adaptation strategies, as well as low-emission pathways.

The Vice President while highlighting Nigeria’s proactive stance, referenced the country’s Climate Change Act of 2021, which aims for low greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable growth.

He noted the targets for net-zero emissions by 2060 and emphasized ongoing efforts to establish a robust sustainable carbon market projected at $2.5 billion.

He however urged stakeholders to recognize climate change not as a distant concern but as an immediate threat requiring urgent and coordinated responses.

The Vice President also lauded the forum’s organizers for their commitment to fostering tangible solutions through initiatives like the Deal Room, which aims to facilitate financing for climate projects.

In a welcome Address, the converner and Director General, Global Centre for Law, Business and Economy, Professor George Nwangwu said Africa Climate financing is necessary not only to combat climate change but also for fostering sustainable development.

Speaking on the theme: “Africa’s Climate Future: Pathways from Dependence to Leadership”, he said it depicted the moment where Africa can transform from being a continent that bears the burden of climate impacts to one that leads in climate solutions and innovation

He added that empowering sub-national entities to lead the way would be crucial in achieving meaningful and lasting progress toward climate goals.

Prof. George Nwangwu, who is also the convener of the forum, decried that only 0.2% of the US$400 billion earmarked for the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has been committed, raising concerns about Africa’s climate resilience.

He said: “The fund for responding to loss and damage was operationalized at COP28, and Ibrahim Cheikh Diong has been appointed as its Executive Director, effective November 1, 2024,” noting that despite this development, Africa still faces formidable challenges in securing adequate financing to address the irreversible effects of climate change.

Nwangwu said, with commitments currently exceeding US$ 700 million, the funding gap remains critical.

He said to address the loss and damage caused by severe weather incidents globally, an annual baseline of US$400 billion is necessary.

He however noted that the forum will spur actions, forge partnerships, share knowledge, and commit to concrete steps that will propel Africa forward toward a future where we are not just dependent on external aid or solutions but are leaders, innovators, and drivers of global climate change strategies.

Nwangwu said: “Nevertheless, challenges still persist. At just over 700 million U.S. dollars in foreign direct investments commitments, which is merely 0.2% of the total amount needed to address the irreversible effects of climate change and global warming. Africa still needs a lot of financing to move forward.

“Climate and development experts have recommended a baseline of US$400 billion annually to cater for the loss and damage caused by severe weather incidents globally. Again, the absence of mandatory commitments raises doubts about Africa Climate”.

Shettima Calls for Collaboration of All Stakeholders Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

National News

Senior NIS Officers Wait on Tinubu for Retirement of Comptroller General

Published

2 days ago

October 14, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Senior NIS Officers Wait on Tinubu for Retirement of Comptroller General

By: Michael Mike

There is uneasy calm at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as officers of the Service wait on President Bola Tinubu’s directive to either extend the tenure of the Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap who was due to retire on October 10,2024 or appoint a new head.

Nandap was due to retire on October 10, 2024, having served 35 years in service.

This is according to documents obtained by our correspondent, which contain details of all officers in the service’s Comptroller cadre based on seniority.

Nandap’s statutory retirement is based on her Date of First Appointment, which falls on October 10, 1989. This marks the completion of her civil service term in line with public service rules, which peg the mandatory retirement age at 60 or 35 years in service, whichever comes first.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Nandap as CG of the Service on February 21, 2024. However, her appointment took effect from March 1, 2024, according to a statement by then-Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale.

“The President anticipates that the new Comptroller-General will deepen the ongoing reforms in the service and create a robust mechanism for efficient and dedicated service delivery to Nigerians, as well as strengthen the nation’s security through proactive and effective border security and migration management,” the statement read.

Nandap, with NIS number 9702, succeeded Mrs. Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, whose term in office elapsed on February 29, 2024, having turned 60. Before her appointment, she was the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of the service’s Migration Directorate.

However, the official document obtained showed that Nandap, born on June 3, 1966, was employed in the Service on October 10, 1989, and clocked retirement on October 10, 2024.

This was not the first time this type of infractions is happening in the NIS with one of such occurring in August, when there was disquiet in the Service over the promotion of an Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, Garba Bello, who retired in June, to Deputy Comptroller of Immigration.

Senior officers who were not promoted in the exercise faulted Bello’s promotion and promised to petition President Tinubu over his recall from retirement.

Bello was born on June 3, 1964, enlisted in the service in 1990 and retired on June 3, 2024, having clocked 60 years.

As part of his retirement, the service management held a send-off for the former ACG in charge of investigation at the NIS headquarters in Abuja.

However, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board listed Bello as one of the ACGs elevated to DCG.

Other promoted ACGs besides Bello include Anietum Essien, Umanah James, Michael Dike, George Dikel, Tukur Umar, Afolayan Ayeni, and Usman Nagado.

A letter dated August 2, 2024, with the reference number NIS/HQADM/4193/II/204, announced that Bello and seven others were decorated that month.

In another letter dated September 23, the Board granted ‘Special Promotion’ to Mrs. Claris Nwadike, with Service number 9696.

It recommended that Claris and four others be promoted from Comptroller to Assistant Comptroller-General. She retired on October 10, 2024, just six days after her decoration.

The letter, with reference number CDCFIB/S.33/VOL.IV/57 was signed by Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Board’s secretary.

It read, “I write to forward herewith the list of officers granted Special Promotion under the Year 2024 Promotion Exercise.”

A source who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said only the board chairman, i.e. the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, possesses the powers to recommend a new candidate to the President for the position of Comptroller-General.

“The Minister of Interior chairs the board, and only he can recommend a new candidate when a CG retires,” the source explained.

In the past, former president Muhammadu Buhari twice extended the tenure of erstwhile immigration chief Jere Idris by one year and then, later, one month.

It would not be a surprise if NANDAP is not asked to retire from the service which may put a nail on the carrier progression of some senior officers.

Senior NIS Officers Wait on Tinubu for Retirement of Comptroller General