Business
Herders defy southern states’ ban on open grazing
It seems to be business as usual for some herders in parts of the southern states especially in the rural areas, as they continue to graze their livestock in the open despite the ban on such activities.
Reports from our correspondents across the states suggest that little has changed in the way herders have been grazing their cattle , goats and rams since the take-off of the ban on September 1.
The only exception so far is Ondo State where the State Security Network – Amotekun – on Thursday arrested three herdsmen and 56 cows for allegedly violating the anti-grazing law.
The suspects were arrested at Iwara, a community in Ikare Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government, after allegedly destroying a farmland.
The Commander of Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the arrest and vowed that the law would be enforced across the state.
He asked leaders of herders’ associations to educate their members on how to conduct themselves without creating conflict.
The arrested persons were fined for their actions.
The Seriki Hausa Akungba Akoko, Alahaji Idris Jumil Ismaila, thanked the governor of Ondo State for allowing them to settle out of court and promised to get herders comply henceforth.
It was gathered that herders in the rural areas of the Southwest,Southeast and Southsouth are going about their business unmolested.
A resident of Anambra State, Dr Elo Aforka, told The Nation that the pronouncement of Governor Willie Obiano on the ban was insufficient without a proper law.
“The only way to run a society is by law. Any civil society is run by law and not by utterances,” Aforka said.
He alleged that clashes between the cattle breeders and communities in the state persist and the people are yet to see the ban implemented.
Another social commentator in the state, Emma Okafor, told The Nation that the impact of the ban on open grazing had not been felt in Anambra State
He said the governor was expected to present a bill to the State House of Assembly, based on the agreement reached by the 17 Southern governors, yet, he refused to act.
Information and Public Enlightenment Commissioner, C -Don Adinuba, had earlier told The Nation that the government inaugurated a committee to ensure harmony between herders and locals.
The leader of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Sidikki, corroborated the government’s claim.
A farmer in one of the rural communities in Awka North Local Government Area of the state said herders still encroach on farms.
But the 62-year old woman, who does not want her name mentioned, said harassment from the herders has reduced a bit, compared to two -three years ago, adding that the herders still move around the state with their cows.
The situation is not different in Abia State where a law banning open grazing is already in place.
Asked why violators had not been arrested, the Chief Press Secretary of Governor Ikpeazu, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the Police, Abia State Command should explain to the public why they have been unable to enforce the law on anti-grazing as signed into law by the governor of the state.
A resident of the state, Mr. Ohaeri Stephen, said the Police should ensure compliance with the law.
Many herders exit Ebonyi
Investigation showed that a large number of herders relocated from Ebonyi State before the take- off of the ban on open grazing and following two attacks on residents of Ohaukwu and Ishielu local government areas earlier in the year.
A resident of Onicha Local Government Area, who gave his name as James, said the herdsmen were a terror in the area.
“They raped women, attacked and killed people and destroyed farmlands. They contributed to the increase in food prices as many farmers suffered poor yield due to the destruction caused by cattle.”
Ban has restored calmness, says Bayelsa govt
Bayelsa State Information, Orientation and Strategy Commissioner Ayibaina Duba, says the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law passed on March 10, 2021 has been effective and restored calmness in the state.
“Since we started enforcing the anti-open grazing law more than six months ago, we have not had the
– The Nation
Railway
Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC
Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed that the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) trains are included in the Federal Government’s free train ride initiative for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The LRMT, which currently includes the Phase 1 Blue Line Rail and the Phase 1 of the Red Line Rail, operates under the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
This announcement was made by Ben Iloanusi, the Acting Managing Director of the NRC, during an interview on NTA News TV on Friday, following the launch of the initiative earlier that day.
While Iloanusi stated that Phase 1 of both the Blue Line and Red Line Rail projects are part of the program, LAMATA has yet to confirm this inclusion.
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Iloanusi outlined the other routes benefiting from the scheme, which include the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service, Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, Warri-Itakpe Train Service, Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit in Lagos. Notably, little was previously known about the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit service until this disclosure.
“Let me mention the routes where this free train service is happening. We have the Lagos-Ibadan Train Service, we have the Kaduna-Abuja Train Service, we have the Warri-Itakpe Train Service, we have the Lagos Rail Mass Transit trains, we have the Port Harcourt-Aba Train Service, and we have what we call the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Mass Transit, which is also in Lagos,” he stated.
Iloanusi provided operational updates, stating that passengers nationwide can access free tickets online or, for those unable to do so, at train stations where they will be profiled and validated.
He noted that passengers using NRC-managed services (excluding the Lagos Rail Mass Transit) should reserve tickets via the official website, www.nrc.gov.ng, with a valid ID required. He also advised travelers to plan, arrive on time, and bring valid identification.
Lagos Rail Mass Transit part of FG free train ride – NRC
Business
NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown
NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied claims in media reports that the newly refurbished Port Harcourt refinery has shut down.
The national oil company denied the claim in a press release issued by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Saturday.
Soneye said the claim was false and urged Nigerians to disregard it. He stressed that the Port-Harcourt Refinery is fully operational.
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The statement read, “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been drawn to reports in a section of the media alleging that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery which was re-streamed two months ago has been shut down.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false as the refinery is fully operational as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC.”
He noted that preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing, and added that claims of the shutdown are “figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip-off Nigerians.”
NNPC denies claim of Port Harcourt refinery shutdown
Business
CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM
CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted Bureau de Change (BDC) operators temporary permission to purchase up to $25,000 weekly in foreign exchange (FX) from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
This move, detailed in a circular dated December 19, 2024, is designed to meet seasonal retail demand for FX during the holiday period.
The circular was signed by T.G. Allu, on behalf of the Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department.
The arrangement will be in effect from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025.
Under the directive, BDCs may purchase FX from a single Authorized Dealer of their choice, provided they fully fund their accounts before accessing the market.
Transactions to occur at the prevailing NFEM rate
The transactions will occur at the prevailing NFEM rate, and BDCs are required to adhere to a maximum 1% spread when pricing FX for retail end-users.
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All transactions conducted under this scheme must be reported to the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department.
The circular read in part:
“In order to meet expected seasonal demand for foreign exchange, the CBN is allowing a temporary access for all existing BDCs to the NFEM for the purchase of FX from Authorised Dealers, subject to a weekly cap of USD 25,000.00 (Twenty-five thousand dollars only).
This window will be open between December 19, 2024 to January 30, 2025.
“BDC operators can purchase FX under this arrangement from only one Authorized Dealer of their choice and will be required to fully fund their account before accessing the market at the prevailing NFEM rate. All transactions with BDCs should be reported to the Trade and Exchange department, and a maximum spread of 1% is allowed on the pricing offered by BDCs to retail end-users.”
The CBN assured the general public that PTA (Personal Travel Allowance) and BTA (Business Travel Allowance) remain available through banks for legitimate travel and business needs.”
These transactions are to be conducted at “market-determined exchange rates” within the NFEM framework.
This initiative reflects the CBN’s strategy to stabilize the FX market and manage seasonal surges in demand.
CBN permits BDCs to buy up to $25,000 FX weekly from NFEM
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