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‘We’ll Give Priority To PH Airport Completion’

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9 years ago

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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha,  has said the Federal Government would give priority to ongoing projects at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Onyejeocha, who is also the lawmaker representing Umunneochi/Isiukwato Federal Constituency, spoke during an inspection tour of facilities at the Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
She lamented the deplorable state of the airport, noting that government would accord the airport priority attention.
“We have come and we have seen the state of the airport; we shall work on our report but first, we want to apologise to Nigerians for the inconveniences passengers have been subjected to in the past years.
“We assure them that by mid-2016 to the end of 2016, everything will take shape; I hope that we are quickly going to engage the contractors and the Aviation Ministry.
“My committee shall provide necessary legislative backing to ensure that funds are appropriated for completion of ongoing projects so as to boost operations,’’ she said.
Onyejeocha noted that the poor ratings the airport was presently struggling with also called for an urgent action.
“The state of the airport calls for an urgent action to do the needful and the needful is that the Port Harcourt Airport remodelling must be completed by 2016. ‘’We are committed to it, that’s why we are here,” she said.
The Committee Chairman said her team’s visit was timely and would avail the Federal Government the opportunity to make some adjustments where necessary on the 2016 budget to accommodate the airport’s completion.
“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that the contractors get back on site.
‘’If it’s about paucity of funds, we are going to focus only on priority projects and Port Harcourt International Airport will be top on our list.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the poor ratings is reversed as we look forward to boosting the airport’s status before the end of the year,” she added.
In his speech, the Site Engineer, International Wing of the Airport, Mr Abimola Alayende,  said that both structural and civil works on the wing was already 90 per cent completed.
He said that the project, which was initiated in March 2014, was delayed bythe rainy season as most jobs at that stage of the project were external jobs.
Alayende expressed optimism that the project would be completed before the end of 2016 since the remaining 10 per cent of jobs would be fittings and interior finishing.
The Manager of the airport, Mr Chigbo Nwobu, thanked the committee for giving priority to boosting the status of the airport.
Nwobu appealed to passengers and other airport users to continue to bear with the airport authority as it looked forward to ensuring better facilities and services.

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye (left), presenting a plaque to the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Leopoldo Verdesoto, after a business meeting at the chamber in Abuja, yesterday.

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye (left), presenting a plaque to the Ecuadorian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Leopoldo Verdesoto, after a business meeting at the chamber in Abuja, yesterday.

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MWUN Backs Nigeria’s Bid For IMO’s Category C Seat

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5 days ago

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June 20, 2025

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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has pledged its full support for Nigeria’s bid to return to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council.
It also commended the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its transformative role in maritime security and governance.
Speaking in Lagos over the weekend, President-General of the Union, Comrade Francis Bunu, lauded NIMASA’s significant achievements, particularly in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
 He noted that the Agency’s efforts have significantly improved safety and stability on Nigerian waters.
“We now have peace on our waters, and this achievement is commendable. It also enhances regional stability and boosts investor confidence,” Bunu stated, citing NIMASA’s commitment to maritime safety as a key driver of Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime affairs.
Comrade Bunu further pledged that MWUN would mobilise support through its international affiliates to advocate for Nigeria’s IMO Council bid, emphasising that the country has both the expertise and leadership to make meaningful contributions on the global maritime stage.
“Nigeria is long overdue for a return to the IMO Council. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for Africa”, he asserted.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a “bold and visionary step” that will unlock investment opportunities and create employment across the maritime sector.
“The creation of the Ministry is a strategic move that aligns with global trends. It opens new economic frontiers and supports our youth through job creation and skills development within the blue economy space”, Bunu stated.
Reaffirming the Union’s commitment to collaboration, the MWUN leader assured stakeholders of continued engagement aimed at fostering industrial harmony, particularly within the dock labour sub-sector.
“Under my leadership, MWUN will continue to work with all maritime stakeholders to ensure peace, progress, and sustained sectoral growth”, he pledged.
As the world looks ahead to the 2025 Day of the Seafarer, themed “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”, Bunu emphasised the importance of sustainable ocean governance and the critical role of seafarers in global trade.
“MWUN remains steadfast in its advocacy for seafarers’ rights, decent work conditions, and responsible stewardship of our ocean resources. Nigerian seafarers deserve our gratitude for their immense contributions to global commerce”, he said.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos
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Food Security: FG To Review Nigerian Agric laws

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5 days ago

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June 20, 2025

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The Federal Government has taken steps to review Nigeria’s agricultural laws to promote the development and enhance food and nutrition security in the country.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi,  stated this recently at the opening of the stakeholders’ workshop and input on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform in Abuja.
Abdullahi said these laws, which are the subjects of review or amendment, have been enacted for a very long time to provide the legal frameworks for the promotion and development of the agricultural sector.
“The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, as well as adaptation to changing weather patterns.
“This is in addition to the challenges of insecurity, climate change and high input costs which continued to affect agricultural inputs.
“In view of the above, it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate the key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector”, he said.
Noting government policies and initiatives are aimed to boost agricultural production to meet the food needs of the growing population, Abdullahi said efforts were being made to support small holder farmers through access to finance, training and technology.
He also said there was growing awareness of the need to address gender inequality in agriculture and empowering women to participate in decision-making and access resources.
The Minister further said the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act was a priority, as it was intended to feature among the President’s legacy achievements under his Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative.
According to him, “Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support and infrastructural development.
“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth and overall well-being of Nigerians”.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, said a strong and robust legal framework was crucial for the agricultural sector.
Earlier, the Director, Legal Services in the ministry, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, underscored the urgent need to reform and reposition Nigeria’s legal framework to support a modern, vibrant, and resilient agricultural economy.
Garba said the event also represented a significant step towards strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring food security for the nation, adding, “Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security and sustainable development.
“The law plays a significant role in shaping the agricultural sector, and updating our laws will help us address emerging challenges and opportunities”.
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Okpebholo Charges Committee To End Herders, Farmers Clash In Edo … Inaugurates Boundary Committee

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5 days ago

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June 20, 2025

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the newly established Livestock Control Committee to bring to an end the pervasive clashes between herders and farmers.
He gave the charge while inaugurating the 27-member committee, headed by a retired army general, Cecil Esekhaigbe.
The Governor gave the committee a clear mandate, which include tackling the pressing issues of security and land disputes in the State.
“There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have the best time and result. We can see what is happening today. Herders clash here and there.
“You have to confine them to a particular location. That is the essence of this committee. I have people with a wealth of experience on the committee. So, I believe that with God on our side, we are going to achieve our purpose”, he said.
In his remark, Chairman of the committee, General Esekhaigbe (rtd), outlined the committee’s specific terms of reference which include, “regulating the movement of livestock within the State; inspecting, certifying, and registering all ranches; and controlling the activities of cattle herdsmen within various communities.
“I know security is one of the pillars of your five-point agenda, and we all know that one of the causative factors of insecurity in Nigeria as a whole is farming.
“We will do our best to make sure that our assignment, which has been given to us, is carried out to the best of our abilities. And to ensure that these community clashes in farmers’ areas  will not be mentioned in our dear state.”
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also inaugurated a high-powered Boundary Committee, chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa.
The committee is tasked with the responsibility of addressing persistent boundary disputes affecting communities within the State and those bordering neighbouring States.
“I am happy to see this moment because communities, especially the ones that share boundaries with us, have issues that border on clear landmarks.
“We have Lagos, we have Ondo, we have Delta, we have Kogi State. So, we have boundary crises here and there. For this reason, I think the people before me today are the best to handle this task for the betterment of the Edo people,” Okpebholo stated.
Responding, the Boundary Committee Chairman, Dennis Idahosa, assured that the committee will “ensure accurate boundary demarcation, promote peaceful coexistence among communities, and foster development in the areas affected by conflicts while collaborating with all stakeholders and actively engaging with citizens in fulfilling our mandate.”
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