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NCP HITS GROUND RUNNING, SETS UP COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE
NCP HITS GROUND RUNNING, SETS UP COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE
*Approves completion of Zungeru hydroelectric power plant concession
*Ratifies NCP standing committees
By: Our Reporter
In a bid to ensure better service delivery in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, the National Council on Privatization (NCP) has set up an ad hoc committee to fast-track the restructuring and resuscitation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who chaired the maiden meeting of the reconstituted NCP at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasised the importance of the tasks before the new Council, particularly the rejuvenation of BOA, among others.
Speaking after the presentation of the agenda and matters arising by the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Dr Alex Okoh, the VP listed the composition of the ad hoc committee, saying a lot will depend on the decisions of the Council in the months ahead.
“We have to make some far-reaching decisions on the restructuring of the Bank of Agriculture because the bank will be critical to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration. It is very important for us and for this administration,” he noted.
According to the Vice President, the Finance Minister, Mr Wale Edun will Chair the ad hoc committee, while members include, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; CBN Governor, Dr Yemi Cardoso; Rep of the Ministry Of Finance Incorporated (MOFI); Chairmen of the NCP Technical and Legal Committees; a member of the NCP, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, and the DG BPE will serve as Secretary.
VP Shettima urged the committee to come up with a roadmap for the resuscitation of the BOA, among other resolutions.
The Vice President had earlier in his opening address set the tone for the deliberations, urging members to take every task seriously. “We will be meeting more frequently because we have to support the President to execute the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.
The Council also approved the completion of the concession of the 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant and particularly directed the opening of a dedicated account at the Debt Management Office for the payment of the concession fees by the concessionaire.
Vice President Shettima directed the CBN governor to commence the opening of the account at the DMO as proposed by the BPE.
Yet another major decision taken at the meeting was the ratification of constituted standing committees for the Council, comprising the Technical, Stakeholder Engagement, Finance and Legal committees.
Also approved at the maiden NCP meeting was the 2024 work plan of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) covering its privatization activities and participation in international forums to attract interest in the country’s privatization programme.
Present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu; Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali; CBN Governor, Dr Yemi Cardoso, and Chairman of the reconstituted Technical Committee, Mr Oye Odukale, among other Council members.
NCP HITS GROUND RUNNING, SETS UP COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE
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Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.
Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.
According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.
“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.
“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.
According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.
Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.
He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.
Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.
The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
News
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.
According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.
He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.
The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.
Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.
At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast.
Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.
By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
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