For more than 15 years, Nigeria’s armed forces have battled Boko Haram and groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS), with millions affected and thousands killed. Despite government claims of “technical defeat”, rebel attacks persist, raising critical questions about strategy and accountability. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's chief of defence staff, talks about it and also discusses allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within the military and challenges that threaten troop morale and operational capacity. Meanwhile, security concerns are amplified by political instability in the region, including coups and external influences such as Russia.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Video - Defence chief of Nigeria on human rights abuse reports and security
For more than 15 years, Nigeria’s armed forces have battled Boko Haram and groups affiliated with ISIL (ISIS), with millions affected and thousands killed. Despite government claims of “technical defeat”, rebel attacks persist, raising critical questions about strategy and accountability. General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's chief of defence staff, talks about it and also discusses allegations of human rights abuses and corruption within the military and challenges that threaten troop morale and operational capacity. Meanwhile, security concerns are amplified by political instability in the region, including coups and external influences such as Russia.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Nigeria issues travel advisory on Australia amid rise in discrimination reports
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned citizens planning to visit Australia to exercise heightened vigilance due to an uptick in reports of harassment and discrimination against foreigners.
In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa noted that recent incidents, including antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, have raised safety concerns for Nigerians in Australia.
This advisory follows global tensions and conflicts that have fueled a surge in hate-related incidents in certain areas of the country.
The warning comes on the heels of a similar advisory from the Australian government, which urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime risks. Areas highlighted as particularly unsafe included states like Adamawa, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta.
Citing specific examples, the Nigerian ministry referred to a December 2024 incident in Sydney’s suburb of Woollahra, where anti-Israel graffiti and the burning of a car sparked widespread condemnation.
While acknowledging Australia’s reputation for multiculturalism and tolerance, the ministry emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain alert, respect local customs, and take necessary precautions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Nigerian citizens planning to travel to Australia to consider the prevailing security situation in certain cities. Recent cases of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse targeting foreigners, including a disturbing rise in hate crimes, necessitate extra vigilance,” the statement read.
Nigerians encountering or witnessing acts of discrimination were urged to report such incidents to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions to ensure their safety and well-being.
In a statement on Tuesday, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa noted that recent incidents, including antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, have raised safety concerns for Nigerians in Australia.
This advisory follows global tensions and conflicts that have fueled a surge in hate-related incidents in certain areas of the country.
The warning comes on the heels of a similar advisory from the Australian government, which urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime risks. Areas highlighted as particularly unsafe included states like Adamawa, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta.
Citing specific examples, the Nigerian ministry referred to a December 2024 incident in Sydney’s suburb of Woollahra, where anti-Israel graffiti and the burning of a car sparked widespread condemnation.
While acknowledging Australia’s reputation for multiculturalism and tolerance, the ministry emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain alert, respect local customs, and take necessary precautions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Nigerian citizens planning to travel to Australia to consider the prevailing security situation in certain cities. Recent cases of discrimination, harassment, and verbal abuse targeting foreigners, including a disturbing rise in hate crimes, necessitate extra vigilance,” the statement read.
Nigerians encountering or witnessing acts of discrimination were urged to report such incidents to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra for assistance.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Video - Nigeria faces food shortages, currency strain
Nigerians grappled with economic pressures in 2024, as food, fuel, and transportation costs surged. Inflation hit a 17-year high of 32.15 percent in August, pushing millions to the brink of hunger.
Nigeria to expand credit access to citizens
Nigeria will establish a national credit guarantee company in May to lend to businesses and individuals, President Bola Tinubu said in an speech on Wednesday.
Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, campaigned on economic reforms including expanding credit access to boost economic growth.
"To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
Tinubu said the company would partner with government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as the private sector and multilateral institutions.
"This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people," Tinubu said.
Eight months ago, Tinubu launched the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, to enhance access to credit to employed Nigerians.
The implementation of the programme was planned in stages, beginning with Federal civil service employees and now the general public.
By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters
Tinubu, who took office in May 2023, campaigned on economic reforms including expanding credit access to boost economic growth.
"To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.
Tinubu said the company would partner with government institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and Ministry of Finance Incorporated, as well as the private sector and multilateral institutions.
"This initiative will strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support under-served groups such as women and youth. It will drive growth, re-industrialisation, and better living standards for our people," Tinubu said.
Eight months ago, Tinubu launched the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, to enhance access to credit to employed Nigerians.
The implementation of the programme was planned in stages, beginning with Federal civil service employees and now the general public.
Nigeria requires oil licence applicants to demonstrate low carbon emissions
Nigeria has announced a new policy that will require applicants for oil licences and permits to demonstrate evidence of low carbon emissions and a renewable energy programme, the head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has stated.
The policy aligns with the country's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
NUPRC has introduced the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template to guide applicants in meeting the new requirements.
NUPRC chief executive Gbenga Komolafe stated that the policy aims to ensure compliance with environmental goals.
The enforcement begins from 1 January 2025 and will apply to all approvals within the upstream sector, including divestments.
Komolafe said: "By this, the commission is deepening its efforts to align the upstream petroleum industry with national priorities and international climate goals while ensuring sustainable value creation from oil and gas resources for Nigeria's energy security and economic development."
The initiative is a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible oil sector.
Operators will be mandated to implement methane management programmes, which include leak detection and repairs.
They will also be required to optimise operations with energy-efficient technologies and incorporate renewable energy sources into their projects.
The directive is part of Nigeria's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the oil industry.
Nigeria recently partially resumed operations at the Warri oil refinery after a decade, following a rehabilitation effort that has cost $898m since 2021.
The refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day (bpd), had been shut down since 2015 due to disrepair and crude shortages but is now operational at 60% capacity.
In December 2024, Nigeria's Dangote Refinery made its first petrol export to Cameroon, a step that could help stabilise fuel prices across the region.
The 650,000 barrels per day facility, located in Lagos' Lekki Free Zone, marks a key milestone in regional energy integration.
"Nigeria requires oil licence applicants to demonstrate low carbon emissions" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
The policy aligns with the country's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
NUPRC has introduced the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template to guide applicants in meeting the new requirements.
NUPRC chief executive Gbenga Komolafe stated that the policy aims to ensure compliance with environmental goals.
The enforcement begins from 1 January 2025 and will apply to all approvals within the upstream sector, including divestments.
Komolafe said: "By this, the commission is deepening its efforts to align the upstream petroleum industry with national priorities and international climate goals while ensuring sustainable value creation from oil and gas resources for Nigeria's energy security and economic development."
The initiative is a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible oil sector.
Operators will be mandated to implement methane management programmes, which include leak detection and repairs.
They will also be required to optimise operations with energy-efficient technologies and incorporate renewable energy sources into their projects.
The directive is part of Nigeria's broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the oil industry.
Nigeria recently partially resumed operations at the Warri oil refinery after a decade, following a rehabilitation effort that has cost $898m since 2021.
The refinery, with a capacity of 125,000 barrels per day (bpd), had been shut down since 2015 due to disrepair and crude shortages but is now operational at 60% capacity.
In December 2024, Nigeria's Dangote Refinery made its first petrol export to Cameroon, a step that could help stabilise fuel prices across the region.
The 650,000 barrels per day facility, located in Lagos' Lekki Free Zone, marks a key milestone in regional energy integration.
"Nigeria requires oil licence applicants to demonstrate low carbon emissions" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)