Flood: Nigeria receives 50 tonnes of relief materials from UAE

Published

2 months ago

September 17, 2024

The aid is to support internally displaced persons affected by the flood disaster in parts of the country.

The reports have it that the relief items arrived at the Cargo wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 2.40 pm.

The items were received by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the President (NSA).

The UAE Ambassador, Salem Alshamsi, presented the relief items to the Nigerian government.

Alshamsi said that the donation was in line with the UAE’s gesture to support countries affected by natural disasters.

He said that the donation was done at the directive of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed Al Nahyan, to cushion the effect of the hardship caused by the floods.

“This urgent humanitarian aid of 50 tonnes of basic supplies has been provided to our friendly people of Nigeria, to support areas affected by the recent floods.

“The UAE, as usual, is always helping nations affected by natural disasters. So we are happy to be here,” Alshamsi said.

Receiving the items, Dr Ahmed Dunoma, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commended the government and people of UAE for supporting Nigeria at this crucial time.

Dunoma described the donation as unprecedented, adding that it showed the kind of excellent relationship Nigeria had with the UAE.

“We want to seize this opportunity on behalf of Mr President to convey the appreciation of the Nigerian government and her people, to the President and the people of UAE.

“We believe that this will go a long way in ameliorating the sufferings of the people affected by this recent flood,” he said.

Dunoma said that the items would be distributed to Nigerians affected by the floods.

The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, said that the relief materials would immediately be distributed to Borno and other states affected by the flood, once cleared.

“This does not only symbolize our partnership but also support at this dire time when so many areas of Nigeria have been flooded.

“It could not have come at a better time.

“I want to assure Nigerians that once we take custody of these items, they will be shared accordingly with those affected by the flood. That is an assurance.

“This will not only stop in Maiduguri. As of yesterday, parts of Enugu State were also being flooded. So we are going to target all areas, even Kaduna was slightly flooded two days ago.

“So we are going to target the whole country. I am sure that is what the government of UAE also wants us to do,” she said.

According to NEMA, 29 states and 172 local government areas have been hit by flooding, affecting 1,048,312 people, displacing 625,239, and resulting in 259 deaths between April to September 2024

NAN

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Oil Sector: Sack Kyari Now, NICOCSO Urges Tinubu

Published

1 day ago

November 8, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (NICOCSO) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove Mele Kyari, as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), probe the cabal sabotaging local refineries, and stop importation of Petrol Motor Spirit (PMS).

NICOCSO which had been warning the federal government of the grave consequences of poor management of the downstream sector raised the alarm again in a press conference jointly addressed by its National Spokesperson and National Co-Coordinator, Segun Adebayo and Benjamin James on Friday in Abuja.

The Coalition wants President Tinubu to intervene immediately starting with sack of Mele Kyari, insisting that his leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy. Adding that the advocacy for the NNPCL chief sack will be sustained until the president acts on their demand.

The statement reads: “We are here to raise urgent concerns about the group within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Mele Kyari, whose policies jeopardize our economic stability by prioritizing imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) over local refining. This group’s profit-driven approach burdens our economy, drains our foreign reserves, weakens the Naira, and obstructs local initiatives to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.

“The High Cost of Fuel Importation and Its Devastating Economic ImpactDespite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose PMS importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain.

Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, all while this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.

“We must hold accountable those who prioritize personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.

“It is no secret that Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritizing imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.

“We call upon His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to take decisive action to address this troubling issue. We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria hence we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorize an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.

“For Nigeria to realize its ambition of a self-sustaining economy, this group’s exploitative grip on the fuel sector must end. Only through a transparent probe and strict accountability can we remove these obstacles to local refinery success and national economic stability. We implore the President to enact reforms that will bolster the local refining industry and free Nigeria from dependence on imported fuel.

“One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in Naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the Naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in Naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritizing its local industries and economic sovereignty.

“Such a policy will empower local investors, encourage growth in the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce fuel prices domestically. It will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and make us more resilient to external economic pressures. The time has come for Nigeria to take ownership of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits the Nigerian people rather than a select few.

“We are here today at the National Assembly to demand that our representatives stand with the Nigerian people. We call for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy.

“If the government does not act, the NIGERIAN COALITION OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (NICOCSO) here today pledge to continue this advocacy, rallying every day across the 36 States to make our voices heard. We will not stand down until this administration addresses our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people depend on decisive action against those who hinder our path toward energy independence.

“We once again plead with President Tinubu who is a listening leader and a President who has genuinely renewed our hope to sack Mele Kyari Now!!! We urge Nigerians across all sectors to join this call for accountability. We appeal to the press, fellow civil society organizations, and all Nigerians to support this movement to curb the monopolistic control over our resources and fuel market. Together, we can build a Nigeria that empowers local industries, ensures fair fuel pricing, and promotes economic sovereignty for the prosperity of future generations.

“Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroads. We can allow a few individuals to exploit our economy for personal gain, or we can chart a new course toward a resilient and prosperous future. We urge President Tinubu to heed the voice of the people, sanction a probe into the cabal within the NNPCL, and take action to secure our economic sovereignty by selling crude oil to local refineries in Naira.

“Mr. President, the time to act is now. We stand here today for a Nigeria that is prosperous, self-reliant, and free from the shackles of dependency on imported fuel. We believe in the strength of this administration to make bold choices that will benefit all Nigerians.”

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