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Pyrates Confraternity Calls for Re-engineering of Nigerian Foreign Mission for Optimal Performance

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2022

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Pyrates Confraternity Calls for Re-engineering of Nigerian Foreign Mission for Optimal Performance

By Michael Mike

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity has called for the re-engineering of Nigerian foreign missions fir optimal performance.

The body, in Abuja on Friday listed some of the factors responsible for the underperformance to include inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, among others.

In a research document unveiled in Abuja and titled ‘State of Nigerian Embassies and Consulates,’ NAS said the issue of Nigerian embassies has continued to be a source of concern to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, and equally friends of Nigeria who are embarrassed by all manners of stories about the situation and services at the embassies.

In the executive summary, the association further said it decided to commission a study to determine the actual condition of the embassies and consulates through the #OurVotesCount initiative.

It said the method of study involved site visitation to the embassies and consulates, desktop review and analysis of 358 respondents from a cross-sectional survey.

“The survey was designed to ascertain the experiences and provided perceptions of Nigerians and non Nigerians who use the services at the embassies and consulates. Nigeria currently has 219 missions abroad, but the initial target of the study was 94 embassies and 12 consulates. The following embassies or consulates were informed of the study’s objectives: the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Consulates in Atlanta, and New York, Embassies of Nigeria in The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, and Australia. The Nigerian High Commissions in Ottawa, London and Consular Affairs Annex, London; Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.

According to the report: “The importance of a country’s missions abroad cannot be overemphasised because sometimes, how they are perceived serve as a Measure of the prestige of a nation. Moreover, there is a nexus between a country’s mission, the pursuance of its national interests, and the implementation of its foreign policies. In essence, a nation’s diplomatic mission abroad plays an important role.

“The general perception is that Nigerian missions are not living up to the expectations of Nigerians and foreigners who use the services they provide. This study highlights inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, as some of the issues hindering the optimal service delivery of the embassies. In addition, the general impression is that the staff show some apathetic attitude towards the plights of Nigerians.”

The National Association of Seadogs however said the situation was not all gloom, insisting: “There are limited instances where embassy staff were reported to have been very professional, friendly, and courteous. There is an enthusiastic Nigerian atmosphere a sound queuing system, observing COVID-19 protocol, timely service, and efficiency in some cases,” but lamented that: “Unfortunately, these situations as observed, were few rather than the norm. The survey respondents’ perceptions about services received showed that only 20 percent of respondents were satisfied with services received at the embassy, 22 percent were neutral, and 58 percent were dissatisfied. The physical infrastructure/presentation of the Nigerian embassy was considered excellent/good by about 7 percent of respondents. In comparison, 66 percent believed the infrastructure/presentation was poor. and 27 percent felt the infrastructure/presentation was average.

“The attitude of the staff was considered satisfactory by approximately only one (1) in every five (5) respondents, while 56 percent believed the attitude of staff was not satisfactory and 25 percent were neutral.

However, about 31 percent of respondents indicated that they have had to pay non-official fees compared to 67 percent that did not pay any non-official fees. The reason for the payment includes expediting passport renewal, securing an appointment, payment to an agent or Nigerian association to facilitate service, and making photocopies at the embassy,” the National Association of Seadogs noted in the report.

In its recommendations, the National Association of Seadogs called for the establishment of a special trust fund for the acquisition, equipment, and maintenance of Nigerian embassies and consulates, with at least 20 percent of revenues generated from consular services domiciled in it. is long overdue.

This, the association stated, will help to reduce the over dependence on the annual national budget.

The association also called for the increment in budgetary allocation towards the acquisition of befitting embassies and consulate buildings and maintenance of existing infrastructure in Nigeria’s foreign missions is imperative and timely.

Amongst others, the research advocated for the removal of the quota system in the employment of embassy and consulate staff, saying that employment in that area should be strictly based on merit.

News

FG to Collaborate with Traditional Institutions to Protect and Preserve Environment

Published

9 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

FG to Collaborate with Traditional Institutions to Protect and Preserve Environment

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal has stated that the Federal Government will continue to collaborate with the traditional institutions in the country, especially in protection and preservation of the environment through discouraging tree felling and promoting clean cooking.

The Minister disclosed this when the Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, His Royal Highness, Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibrin paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry on Thursday.

Balarabe stated that the Ministry is doing alot in tackling environmental challenges such as plastic waste, erosion and flood, desertification, drought control and other climate change challenges.

He assured the visiting monarch that being the former Minister of Environment, he would build on his legacy and achieve the mandate of the Ministry in line with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on environment.

Earlier, the Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, his Royal Highness, Alh. Ibrahim Usman Jibrin commended the staff of the Ministry for tackling environmental challenges in the country and assured the Minister of the Traditional institutions unalloyed support to achieve the mandate of the Ministry.

The Emir enjoined the Ministry to work as a team to promote environmental sustainability, emphasizing that “environment is the only one we have, so let us make it conducive”

In another development, the Honourable Minister received in audience the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Nigeria, H. E Salem Saeed on an official working visit to the Federal Ministry of Environment where important bilateral discussions where centred on Environmental issues such as the Just concluded COP28 held in Dubai, UAE last year, plastic pollution challenges, desertification control, tree planting, erosion and flood control among others.

The Minister commended the UAE for hosting the event and also appreciated the President of COP28, Sultan al-Jabar who provided the outcome of the discussions with an agreement that signal the ” beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, unpinned by deep emissions cuts and scale up finance.

Balarabe further revealed that there are alot of areas of collaborations between Nigeria and UAE, most especially on the outcome of decisions reached during COP28.

He also commended President of UAE for resuming flight tickets to the County and the starting issuance of visa to Nigerians starting from 1st October, 2024.

Earlier, the Ambassador of UAE to Nigeria, H. E Salem Saeed congratulated the Honourable Minister of Environment on his well deserved appointment and disclosed that the Ministry is doing very well most especially the participation of Nigeria in Conference of Parties (COP28) In Dubai last year.

Saeed stated that Nigeria and UAE would continue to collaborate and partner on areas of mutual interest on environmental sustainability.

It would be recalled that United Arab Emirates (UAE), last year hosted the COP28 in Dubai with the slogan:UNITE, ACT, DELIVER.”

FG to Collaborate with Traditional Institutions to Protect and Preserve Environment

News

Chinese envoy advocates harmony as driver of development

Published

9 hours ago

May 17, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Chinese envoy advocates harmony as driver of development

By: Michael Mike

The Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhang Yi has emphasized the need for Nigeria to embrace harmony as key driver towards national development.

Zhang stated this on Thursday in Abuja at a Seminar: “Promoting Harmony Through Mutual Learning” organised by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with China Alumni Association and the University of Abuja.

The envoy drawing parallels with China’s own journey towards economic prosperity, shared insights on how embracing diversity while prioritizing harmony had been instrumental in China’s growth story.

According to him, the concept of harmony from Longman dictionary is when people live or work together without fighting or disagreeing with each other.

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He said: “Harmony is more emphasised by the Chinese people in our culture. At the level of man and nature, we advocate harmony in coexistence; at the level of family and society, we advocate harmony in integration.

“At the level of nation and civilization, we advocate harmony in diversity: at the level of state and governance, we advocate harmony in development.

“We believe that fostering harmony among various ethnic groups, fostering political stability, and prioritizing infrastructure development were crucial steps towards unlocking Nigeria’s full potential.

“In short, our ultimate goal is to create a harmonious world with peaceful development of mankind.

“As we know, friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations, and our cultures can build the friendship bridge connecting China and Nigeria,”he said.

Zhang reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development efforts through strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and infrastructure investments.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations in key sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications to drive economic growth and create opportunities for both countries.

Head of Political Science and International Relations Department University of Abuja, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, on his part, said that the seminar comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria, as the nation grapples with issues of insecurity, economic challenges, and social tensions.

Chinese envoy advocates harmony as driver of development

News

Agreement Signed for Deployment of Electric Motorbikes in Lagos

Published

21 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Agreement Signed for Deployment of Electric Motorbikes in Lagos

By: Michael Mike

Swap Station Mobility Limited has signed partnership agreement with Glovo and Siltech World to deploy electric motorbikes, smart swappable batteries, and a network of quick interchange stations across Lagos State.

The Partnership will provide Glovo couriers with 2-wheel electric motorbikes that offer lower cost, clean mobility alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE).

The Electric Vehicles (EVs) are provided on a lease-to-own model whilst also offering riders a unique “pay as you ride” or “weekly subscription” to access SSM’s battery swap and charging facilities, technical support and cover for insurance, licensing, and routine maintenance services. In order to increase adoption, Swap Station intends to build out a network of solar powered automated quick interchange battery stations along major demand routes and logistics bases starting in Lagos and surrounding states over the next twenty-four months.

Blackaion Capital and FundCo Capital Managers who are the co-sponsors of Swap Station Mobility, believe the operational cost of battery swapping per kilometre (km) will remain substantially lower than the fuel cost per km for the ICE counterpart. “This is the main value driver which has been catalysed by the Federal Government’s near elimination of fuel subsidies.

The products developed or distributed by Swap Station are designed to exceed the performance of petrol alternatives whilst significantly improving CO2 emissions, local air quality, and cost efficiency for users over the life of the asset,” said the Director at Swap Station and Partner at Blackaion Capital, Obiora Okoye,

Okwu Njoku who sits on the Board went on to say, “We are very excited about signing with Glovo who operate one of the most prolific food delivery platforms in Nigeria. Our EVs and swappable batteries are in-country, and Siltech World, one of our key technology and technical partners, supported us with the procurement, testing, and certification of the EVs, and so, we are now ready to start operations. We plan to spend the next few months securing additional swap locations, building our technology platform, and expanding our team.”

Abiodun Oni, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FundCo Capital Managers, and former Regional Sales Director, Energy, for Tesla, stated, “e-mobility is critical to our sustainable infrastructure investment strategy, and this agreement with our partners enables us to kick start that process”.

On his part, Head of Operations at Glovo, Ify Adah stated, “ By 2030, our goal is to have about half of our orders delivered by non-combustion vehicles. So, we are very excited and look forward to working with Swap Station, and supporting our couriers with cleaner and more cost-effective transport solutions.”

Swap Station is an integrated EV financing and battery charging infrastructure development company that has built a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) platform that provides access to electric 2-wheel and 3-wheel vehicles, swap station infrastructure, swappable batteries, and a hub for repairs and maintenance services to fleet owners, businesses, and users operating in the logistics and last mile connectivity in Nigeria.

Blackaion Capital is a West Africa focused infrastructure advisor, developer, and asset manager with offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Mauritius. Blackaion’s mission is to create exceptional long-term value for all stakeholders by developing and capitalising tech-enabled and climate-friendly infrastructure projects and companies.

FundCo is a specialised Alternative Asset Manager for sustainable infrastructure-related funds across critical economic sectors. These are selected industries providing essential services to the society, with domestic geographic diversity, have secure cash flows, are recession resilient, and ideally, offer some inflation protection. FundCo is duly registered with and licensed by Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a portfolio/fund manager in line with the SEC rules.

Agreement Signed for Deployment of Electric Motorbikes in Lagos