Connect with us

Nation

NBS: ‘Inflation Rate Increases To 20.77% In Sept’

Published

on

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 20.77per cent on a year-on-year basis in September 2022.
This was contained in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for September and issued, last Monday by the Statistician-General of the Federation and NBS Chief Executive Officer, SemiuAdeniran.
Adeniran stated that the figure was 4.14per cent points higher compared to the 16.63per cent recorded in September 2021, saying: “This indicates that in September 2022, the general price level was 4.14per cent higher relative to September 2021.”
He said factors responsible for the increase in the annual inflation rate include interruption in the supply of food products, increase in import cost due to the persistent currency depreciation, and a general increase in the cost of production.
Adeniran said on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in September was 1.36per cent, which was 0.41per cent lower than the rate recorded in August 2022 at 1.77per cent.
“This means that in September 2022, the headline inflation rate on a month–on–month basis declined by 0.41per cent, relative to August 2022,” he noted
The NBS boss stated that the factor responsible for the decline in the monthly inflation rate in the last two months was a decline in the changes in the food index.
According to him, this is relative to the reference month index, which is due to the present harvest season.
Adeniran said the percentage change in the average CPI for all items index for the 12 months ending September 2022 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 17.43per cent, noting: “This is showing a 0.60per cent increase compared to 16.83per cent recorded in September 2021.”
The statistician-general said increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP), divisions that yielded the Headline index.
He said the food sub-index increased by 23.34per cent on a year-on-year basis in September 2022, adding that the inflation was 3.77per cent higher compared to the rate recorded in September 2021 at 19.57per cent.
“This rise in food inflation was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, food products, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, oil, and fat,” the NBS boss stated.
The statistician-general noted that on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in September was 1.43per cent, adding that this was a 0.54per cent decline compared to the rate recorded in August 2022 at 1.98per cent.
According to him, this decline is attributed to a reduction in prices of some food items like tubers, palm oil, maize, beans, and vegetables.
Adeniran said the average annual rate of food inflation for the 12 months ending September 2022 over the previous 12-month average was 19.36per cent.
“This was a decline of 1.35per cent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in September 2021 at 20.71per cent,” he stated.
He said in September 2022, consumer price index for urban consumers rose by 4.06per cent on a year-on-year basis.
The NBS boss stated: “That is in September 2022, the urban inflation rate was 21.25per cent higher compared to the 17.19per cent recorded in September 2021.
“On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 1.46per cent in September 2022, this was a 0.34per cent decline compared to August 2022 at 1.79per cent.”
Adeniran said the corresponding 12-month average for the urban inflation rate was 17.94per cent in September 2022, showing a 0.53per cent increase compared to the 17.41per cent reported in September 2021.
He said the inflation rate for rural consumers in September 2022 was 20.32per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 4.24per cent higher compared to 16.08per cent recorded in September 2021.
“On a month-on-month basis, the rural inflation rate in September 2022 was 1.27per cent, this is a 0.48per cent decline compared to August 2022 at 1.75per cent,” the statistician-general noted.
Adeniran said the corresponding 12-month average for the rural inflation rate in September 2022 was 16.94per cent, showing a 0.68per cent increase compared to the 16.26per cent recorded in September 2021
On the states’ profiles, he said all items inflation rate for September 2022 on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi State at 23.82per cent, followed by Rivers at 23.49per cent, and Benue at 22.78per cent.
“While the states with the slowest rise were Abuja with 17.87per cent followed by Borno with 18.12per cent, and Adamawa with 18.42per cent,” he said.
The statistician-general said on a month-on-month basis, the state all items index for September 2022 recorded the highest rate in Jigawa State at 2.58per cent, followed by Yobe State at 2.22per cent and Benue at 2.05per cent.
“The states with the slowest rise were Abuja at -0.72, followed by Sokoto with -0.19per cent and Adamawa with 0.25per cent,” the NBS boss stated.

Continue Reading

Nation

FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

Published

on

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.

Continue Reading

Nation

Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Published

on

Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.

 

Donatus Ebi

Continue Reading

Nation

TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

Published

on

The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.

Akujobi Amadi

Continue Reading

Trending