In Nigeria, Islamic militant attacks have Christian parents keeping children home from school. 

Related stories: Video - Christians and Muslims unite to protest fuel subsidy removal 

United Nations says Boko Haram must not divide Nigeria 

Video - Boko Haram leader declares war on Christians

President Goodluck Jonathan has begun moves to raise domestic petroleum refining capacity for the country in a bid to reduce importation of petroleum products.

Speaking when he received a delegation of Brazilian investors at the State House yesterday, the President assured them of government willingness to raise local production by issuing licenses for private refineries.

The delegation led by Chairman of the Voigt Group, Mr. Reuben Voigt, is in the country to explore means of investing in various sectors that include housing, power, petroleum refining and oil spillage clearing.

President Jonathan told the delegation that with four refineries, Nigeria is unable to provide enough petroleum products for its domestic use saying, "we are willing to approve applications for refining licenses."

He said Nigeria is "still a green area in terms of investments and government has opened up sectors of the economy, which were previously restricted to private sector investments."

The President therefore directed Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to hold discussions with the Voigt Group to explore areas of mutual cooperation.

In his speech earlier, Mr. Voigt said his firm is donating 120,000 housing units to Nigeria in the next three years while exploring areas of investment.

The delegation was led to the State House by Mrs. Ngozi Olajeme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Daily Trust

Related stories: Nigeria is the highest exporter of crude oil in Africa

Video - Reaction to reinstated fuel subsidy 

Passionate football lovers in Nigeria, who already look forward to the proposed Arsenal pre-season playing tour of the country in June, may have their hopes dashed if feelers emanating from the English Premier League club are anything to go by.

Stakeholders in the English Premier League side are beginning to query the rationale behind taking the players on a tour of a country 'plagued by terrorist bomb blasts.'

Arsenal officials had last month visited Nigeria to inspect facilities and met with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to discuss the tour, scheduled for July.

Also, in mid January 2012, organisers of the proposed tour, DanJan Sports, which features Razaq Bello-Osagie, Shehu Dikko and David Omigie met with Arsenal officials at the Emirates Stadium to finalise details for the planned visit, which will be the club's first ever visit to Africa.

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger, according to the club, has ratified summer tour of Nigeria, but concerned members of the club wonder if safety is an issue.

'The powers that be who pull the purse strings are keen to cash in on the fact that Arsenal have the biggest fan base (in Nigeria) of any Premier League side (basically because of Nwankwo Kanu who played for the Gunners between 1999 and 2004) and they reason that taking the brand there makes sense for so many reasons,' said the stakeholders in a memo posted on Arsenal's website where posers were raised about the Nigeria tour.

'But is safety an issue? The country (Nigeria) has endured spates of sectarian violence over the years, though some of the conflict stems from economic and political factors as well.

'The militant group, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for multiple bombings in the northern city of Kano that killed at least 185 people.

Boko Haram killed more than 500 people last year and more than 250 in the first weeks of 2012 in gun and bomb attacks. President Goodluck Jonathan has said members of the Islamist sect have infiltrated the security services and all areas of government.

'Naturally, security must have been discussed and presumably the club is happy with the assurances they have received that their safety will be guaranteed. Will that change if troubles escalate?'

Despite plans that Arsenal matches during the pre-season tour would be played in Lagos and Abuja, which are relatively peaceful, the stakeholders pointed out that bomb blasts have occurred in Abuja, while soldiers were deployed on the streets of Lagos only a few weeks ago to quell protests against the removal of petroleum subsidy.

The stakeholders urged Arsenal to instead 'hop over the pond to the United States, given that owner Stan Kroenke is an American.'

Efforts made at reaching the Nigerian promoters of the pre-season tour for their reaction to the development proved abortive. Calls made to Shehu Dikko's mobile telephone repeatedly yielded a 'not available' feedback.

DanJan Sports had in 2008 facilitated a pre-season tour of Nigeria by Manchester United and Portsmouth.

The Moment

Related stories: Arsenal to tour Nigeria in 2012

 Jose Mourinho begins tour of Nigeria

Nigerian economy is expected to grow by 7 per cent in 2012 and 2013, thanks to solid performance in industries outside of its bedrock oil sector, a research by Reuters has revealed.

The forecasts, based on a poll of 11 analysts, painted a strikingly positive outlook for the nation's economy, which has started 2012 on a decidedly shaky footing.

The decision by the Federal Government to remove subsidy from the pump price of fuel sparked protest and a nationwide strike embarked upon by organised labour to force government to reverse its decision, a situation that resulted to a huge loss to the economy.

"President Goodluck Jonathan was forced to row back on the removal of costly fuel subsidies after a wave of strikes and protests, Boko Haram has dramatically stepped up a three-year insurgency.

The group, whose name means "Western education is sinful" in northern Nigeria's Hausa language, has killed nearly 1,000 people since 2009, including at least 178 last week in a series of gun and bomb attacks in Kano, Nigeria's second biggest city," reported Reuters

"The political battle to end the petrol price subsidy in January is in many ways a microcosm of the wider political battle within the political elite over the reform process," Citibank said in a note.

"Its eventual outcome will be a clear indication of the potential speed with which the current government can implement structural reforms in 2012." GDP growth in Africa's most populous nation dipped to 7.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2011, a year earlier, from 7.7 per cent in the second quarter. The government's forecast for 7.0 per cent in 2011 is in line with Reuters' consensus. Despite the political instability, analysts said the allure of such a huge consumer market will continue to attract investment.

"We expect to see strong growth in Nigeria, bolstered by robust expansion in the non-oil sectors, particularly retail, telecoms and construction," said Gregan Anderson of London-based risk consultancy, Business Monitor International.

The poll suggested inflation would average 10.7 per cent in 2012 before easing to 10.4 per cent next year. The main factors driving prices would be food and fuel, as well as the weak naira currency.

Consumer inflation edged down slightly in December to 10.3 per cent, although food inflation quickened to 11 per cent from 9.6 per cent the previous month. The central bank raised rates last year by 600 basis points to 12 per cent to support a struggling naira and keep inflation in single digits.

The naira is expected to ease slightly to 162.2 against the dollar by the end of the first quarter, firm to 161.8 three months later, and end finally firming to its current level of 160 at the end of the year.

This Day

Related stories: Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala affirms Nigeria will overcome its economic challenges

Video - Navigating Nigeria's petroleum industry 

Justice Mojisala Dada of Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere delivered the judgment Monday afternoon.

“Evidence proves  Al-Mustapha, Sofolahan  killed Kudiratu Abiola”

Judge Mojisola Dada of the Lagos high court ruled that Army Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, chief security aide to Abacha, was guilty of conspiracy and murder of Kudiratu Abiola, wife of late presidential candidate Moshood Abiola.

“Evidence was manifestedly heavy that they killed Kudiratu Abiola. In view of this, they are guilty of conspiracy and murder,” Dada said in her ruling which lasted several hours.

“The prosecution has proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt. In view of this, they should be hanged.”

The annulment of the 1993 elections helped paved the way for Abacha’s rise to power.

Al-Mustapha was the powerful chief security officer to Abacha, who ruled Nigeria with iron hand from November 1993 to July 1998 when he died.

Abiola was a wealthy businessman and presidential candidate jailed in 1994 after he challenged the military’s decision to annul the vote. He died in jail a month after Abacha’s death in circumstances yet to be clarified.

The judge said Sofolahan “acted as Judas Iscariot. He was friend to the Abiola family in the open and enemy in secret. He sacrificed his master (Abiola) because of his personal greed. He was a viper.”

Al-Mustapha’s defence lawyer Olalekan Ojo said he would appeal the court judgement.

Vanguard

Related story: Former Chief security officer Major Hamza Al-Mustapha claims video evidence of Abacha death

The importation of cement may soon come to an end in Nigeria as the expected six-million tons per annum Dangote Cement from Ibese plant commences operations.

Nigeria's cement demand in 2011 was put at 17.6 million metric tons per annum. Its total local production was 14.5 metric tons while 3.1 million metric tons was imported to bridge the gap.

Available records indicate that as Nigeria's cement demands increased by the year, its local production also improved. In 2009, the demand was 14.4 million metric tons per annum while local production stood at 8.5 million metric tons with the importation of 5.9 million metric tons.

In 2010, the demand was 16 million metric tons per annum with local production at 11.28 million metric tons per annum. In that same year, 4.72 million metric tons was imported.

A statement from Dangote Group said that the commissioning of the Ibese Plant near Ilaro in Ogun State next month which is reputed to be the largest in Africa, will make Nigeria not only a producer of the commodity, but also a net exporter in months to come.

"We are marking the closing ceremony of cement import in Nigeria with the coming on stream of our Ibese cement plant which will be producing a combined six million tons per annum from its initial two lines while additional two lines will be added immediately to increase its production to 12 million tons per annum", the management of Dangote Cement said at the weekend.

President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote had said that his organization was taking up the challenge to lead the way in the effort of making the nation self-reliant in cement production as the nation was losing a huge sum in foreign exchange on import.

He said: "Our long-term ambition is to develop 46 million metric tons of production and terminal capacity in Africa by 2015. We want to become a truly pan-African champion in the sector, capable of competing globally with the largest cement companies in the world."

Group Head, Corporate Communication of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina said considering Nigeria's cement need of 17 to 19 million tons per year, Dangote Group alone will be producing far more than the country's demand, with the coming on stream of Ibese plant.

"That will set the pace for exportation of our products which will lead to increased products, more revenue for the company and better returns for the shareholders," he said.

Related stories: Aliko Dangote is Africa's Richest Man 

Aliko Dangote makes Forbes rich men's list

President Goodluck Jonathan had urged members of the group to come forward with its grouse to government so it would be to work out an agreement that would foster peace in the country especially in the wake of ceaseless attacks by the group on key government and private institutions, particularly in the northern part of the country.

The President in an interview session with a cable news media, Reuters at the Presidential Villa on Thursday said, "If they clearly identify themselves now and say this is the reason why we are resisting, this is the reason why we are confronting government or this is the reason why we destroyed some innocent people and their properties, why not."

His (President Jonathan's) position came as a result of the inability of the security agents, especially military personnel that have been deployed to the various flashpoints in the north to bring the activities of the group to a halt.

Reacting to the gesture, spokesman of the group, Abu Qaqa told a British Newspaper, the Guardian in an interview monitored in Lagos that Boko Haram will continue its attacks until the government succumbs to its demand.

Expressing the resolve of the group, Qaqa told the newspaper that "We will consider negotiation only when we have brought the government to its knees. Once we see that things are being done according to the dictates of Allah, and our members are released (from prison), we will only put aside our arms - but we will not lay them down. You don't put down your arms in Islam, you only put them aside."

Leadership

Related stories: Video - President Goodluck Jonathan wants dialogue with Boko Haram

United Nations says Boko Haram must not divide Nigeria 

Video - Boko Haram leader declares war on Christians

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan challenges the violent Islamist Boko Haram sect to identify themselves and state clearly their demands as a basis for talks.

Related stories: Video - Wole Soyinka and Femi Kuti comment on Boko Haram at town hall meeting

Death toll in Boko Haram Kano attack rises to 215 

 Video - 120 killed in bomb blasts in Kano, Nigeria

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has said that he has quit partisan politics, but added that he will, henceforth, provide advisory services to the nation as a statesman. He made the disclosure at the Daily Trust 9th Annual Dialogue at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja Thursday.

Drawing inspiration from former US President Richard Nixon who once told the US media he would no longer be in the public glare for bashing, Babangida said: "I have news for you my media friends: you will never see Ibrahim Babangida again. Today, my dear media friends, although I will continue to be involved by playing advisory role, I have decided never to seek political office in this country again."

He added that though, he had left office more than 20 years ago, "I am still a substance for bashing from the media."
Chastising the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, for departing from his known radical bent to public policies while he (Maku) was a student leader, Babangida said Maku had changed and had become the champion of government’s deregulation policy.

He said: "I have my brother here, Labaran Maku, who was a young student leader always leading demonstration against Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), always demonstrating against minor increases in fuel prices. Today, he is in government, he is now government spokesman.

"Maku was also one of the restless reporters against IBB transitional programme, I hope Labaran Maku will use his wealth of experience to reverse all the hot phrases and coinages used by protesters, the Lagos youths, critics and civil right activists. Most of the phrases used in the protest were coined by Labaran, as a student."

Also speaking at the event, Senate President David Mark said the African continent has no alternative to democracy, as it remains the only platform for sustainable development.

Mark, who was represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), added: "Democracy is a must for Africa. The Senate has shown its commitment to both democracy and the media by enacting the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act."

Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on his part, urged the media not to give priority to profit making at the expense of national interest.

The governor further said that the exigency of national security should compel the media to work hard so as "not to allow Nigeria go under”, adding: “when national interest is at stake, I think there is need to ask questions".

Representative of the Minister of Information, Kingsley Isadalor, said the duty of the media is to embrace the profession in such a way that both the led and the leaders become beneficiaries of the development of journalism.

Chairman of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, told the gathering that this year’s event was organised to x-ray the role of the media in politics, and how it affects governance and development.

This Day

Related stories: I'll run for 2011 Presidential Polls, says Babangida

Babangida to quit politics in 2015 

There are strong indications that President Goodluck Jonathan has relieved Police IG, Hafiz Ringim, of his
duties.

According to Villa sources who confided in Vanguard, the President summoned the embattled Police chief to his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja Wednesday morning for a brief meeting, following which Ringim was told his services would no longer be needed.

The meeting between Jonathan and Ringim which reportedly lasted over thirty minutes, caused an unusual delay in the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

Vanguard learnt that President Jonathan directed Ringim shortly after the meeting to immediately handover to his next in command and proceed on compulsory retirement.

Although the Force Headquarters in Abuja could not  immediately confirm Ringim’s sack, it also did not deny it
as the Deputy Force PRO, CSP Yemi Ajayi, told Vanguard: “I cannot confirm that yet.”

Before today”s ill-fated meeting with the President, Ringim was seen at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday evening with some big wigs, ostensibly to prevail on the President to lend Ringim more grace.

Sources told Vanguard that the President, who hitherto condoned the slips of Ringim because the police chief was due to retire in March this year, could not however pardon Ringim’s recent goof involving the escape of Kabiru Sokoto, the Boko Haram suspect linked with the deadly Christmas Day bombings in Madalla, near Abuja, which claimed over forty lives.

The President’s initial soft spot for Ringim, it was learnt, may also not be unconnected with their close ties right from the days when President Jonathan was deputy governor and governor in Bayelsa.

Vanguard also learnt that aside being abruptly relieved of his duties, Ringim may also be quizzed by the security
agencies to divulge all he knows about the controversial escape of Sokoto.

It could not be immediately ascertained who is likely to succeed the embattled Ringim yet.

Vanguard

Related stories: Death toll in Boko Haram Kano attack rises to 215 

Boko Harram attack foiled - Police seize bombs