Nation
Bill To Enforce Local Processing Of Raw Materials Scales 2nd Reading …Set to Boost Local Industries
A Bill to mandate local processing of at least 30 per cent of raw materials in the country before exportation last Tuesday passed second reading in the Senate.
The piece of legislation, which aims to amend the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act, 2022, introducing provisions for local processing and production protection, was sponsored by Senator Peter Nwebonyi( Ebonyi North).
Senator Nwebonyi, in his lead debate on the bill during plenary, argued that mandating local processing would boost local manufacturing industries, create jobs for Nigerians, reduce dependence on imports and the demand for foreign exchange.
His words, “Promoting local processing to a minimum of 30 percent or more will add value to our economy, particularly to our Naira. It will also encourage innovation within our local industries, leading to a significant increase in domestic production.”
Senator Nwebonyi added that the bill, if enacted, would shield Nigerian manufacturers from foreign competition by regulating the importation of raw materials that could be processed locally, fostering a favourable environment for domestic industries to thrive.
In his contribution, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, commended the sponsor of the bill for his thoughts and innovation towards founding and re-energising the nation’s economy, lamenting that “day in and day out, raw materials are exported out of this country to develop other economies.”
“We have the capacity, human capital, and technical resources to act on these raw materials and to process these raw materials. And by not doing so, we are undermining our economy while allowing for the promotion of other economies.
“Once this bill is passed, it will now be mandatory that these raw materials be processed here, at least 30 per cent.
This will energise our economy by providing jobs and promoting our real sector. Our real sector will be energised; we will go up and running. It’s very straightforward.
“Several industries will emerge because it will now be mandatory that you don’t engage in this lazy attitude of taking raw materials outside the shores of this country. This raw material must be processed here,” he explained.
The Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Kamorudeen Oyewumi however, raised concerns about the bill’s practicality, particularly in sectors lacking local processing capacity.
He said: “There is a need for amendments due to the nature of some products. We assume that all these products should not be exported raw, but what about when there are no companies to process them locally?”
While warning that strict enforcement of the bill could harm local farmers who rely on export markets for raw materials, he advised against granting blanket approval, “as farmers may incur losses if raw materials cannot be.
Nneka Amaechi -Nnadi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.
“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
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