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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
Gas Tanker Explosion Kills Two, Destroys Property in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
A gas tanker explosion at Otedola Bridge, Lagos, has claimed two lives, left 15 others injured, and destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and shops.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:10 PM on March 11 when a gas tanker, owned by 2nd Coming Nigeria Plc, overturned while attempting to ascend the link road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The tanker’s contents spilled onto the road, igniting a massive fire.
Emergency responders, including the police, firefighters, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and other rescue teams, were swiftly mobilized to the scene.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire spread rapidly, engulfing: Four buildings in the surrounding area,the tanker itself, 15 vehicles, including tricycles, unspecified umber of shops and household properties.
Rescue workers recovered two bodies, while 15 injured victims were evacuated to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities have since put out the fire, while search and rescue operations are ongoing to assess the full extent of the damage.
Gas Tanker Explosion Kills Two, Destroys Property in Lagos
Troops Dislodge Mamuda-Led Bandits in Niger State’s Dekara Forest, killed several terrorists
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Troops have successfully dislodged the Mamuda-led bandit stronghold in Dekara Forest, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in a joint inter-state operation involving troops from Niger, Oyo, and Kwara states, along with personnel from the National Park Service, Kainji.
Intelligence told Zagazola Makama that the inter-agency task force launched an offensive on March 11, 2025, at about 1:00 PM, leading to the neutralization of several bandits and the destruction of their hideouts.
Further intelligence indicates that the wives of some fleeing bandits have sought refuge in Gidan Zana Village, also in Borgu LGA.
The sources said that security forces are currently conducting a mopping-up operation across the Dekara axis to ensure total clearance of criminal elements and sanity in the areas.
Troops Dislodge Mamuda-Led Bandits in Niger State’s Dekara Forest, killed several terrorists
Security Forces Neutralize Five Bandits in Niger State, Recover Ammunition and Motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives, including policemen and local vigilantes, have neutralized five suspected bandits during a gun battle in Yangalo village, Nasko District, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred around 1:00 AM on March 11, 2025, when unidentified armed men stormed the village.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that security forces swiftly mobilized to the area and engaged the assailants in a fierce gunfight, leading to the elimination of five bandits.
During the operation, security personnel recovered 35 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition and one motorcycle abandoned by the fleeing bandits.
Security Forces Neutralize Five Bandits in Niger State, Recover Ammunition and Motorcycle
Gas Tanker Explosion Kills Two, Destroys Property in Lagos
Police Arrest Three for Human Trafficking, Rescue Two Teenage Girls
Troops Dislodge Mamuda-Led Bandits in Niger State’s Dekara Forest, killed several terrorists
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