FG orders AGF to settle ex-PHCN staff this week

Federal Government has ordered the Accountant General of the Federation to settle all outstanding claims of former staffers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), as it approved the payment of 75 per cent of Interstate Electrics Limited for Enugu Distribution Company Plc.

The approval of Interstate payment has thus finally put to rest, the controversy of Interstate’s technical and financial incapability to manage the Enugu Distribution Company Plc.

The government also approved the North South Power’s payment of 75 per cent remaining payment for Shiroro Power Plc and other 12 companies, for the acquisition of the 15 distribution companies Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

In a statement, Head, Public Communications, Mr Chigbo Anichabe, said that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) approved the late payments by North South Power and Interstate Electric Limited for Shiroro Power Plc and Enugu Distribution Company Plc respectively, subject to the late payment penalty as provided in clause 12.20 on interest for late payment and clauses 5.5, 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 of the SPA.

In the case of CMEC/EURAFIC consortium, the preferred bidder for Sapele Generation Company, who had paid $119,887,156 of the $201,000,000 bid, NCP referred its case to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for advice, adding that legal issues were identified that needed to be resolved.

To avoid any labour-related hitch during handover in October, NCP also directed the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to ensure that all staff entitlements are fully paid by the week beginning September 23 and ending September 27, 2013.

Similarly, NCP equally approved the protocol for the physical handover of the successor companies to the bidders that have fully paid the remaining 75 per cent for the acquisition cost.

It is recalled that in December 2010, the NCP advertised for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from prospective core investors interested in acquiring controlling stake in the 11 successor distribution companies (Discos) created out of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. By March 4, 2011, the deadline for submission of EOIs, 180 applications were received for the 11 Discos.

Following the evaluation of the applications, 80 bidders were shortlisted. At the deadline for the payment of the data room access fee, 72 out of the 80 shortlisted bidders each paid the mandatory $20, 000 fees to purchase the Request for Proposals (RFP), have access to the data room and proceed to the next stage of the transaction.

All the prequalified bidders were given access to the virtual data room from September 1, 2011 to the proposal submission date of July 31, 2012. Pre-qualified bidders were also allowed to visit the distribution companies and physical data rooms that were located within the franchise area of each distribution company.

By the bid submission deadline of 5pm on July 31, 2012, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) received 54 proposals from pre-qualified bidders.

The received bids were opened and sorted out on August 1, 2012. All the 54 bids were confirmed to be complete in terms of having both commercial and technical proposals.

Out of the 54 bids, 10 of them failed the first test of completeness and responsiveness. The remaining 44 bids were then subjected to full technical evaluation. Out of the 44 bids, 32 bids submitted by 20 different bidders scored the minimum of 75 per cent that was required to progress to the next stage in the process.

The final approval of the preferred bidders by NCP and its announcement for the successor companies was done on October 23, 2012 for the Discos.

The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.

The final approval of the preferred bidders by NCP and its announcement for the successor companies was done on October 23, 2012.

The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.

The federal government is expected to generate $2.6bn from the sale of the power assets.

After the initial 25 per cent payment by all the preferred bidders, the remaining 75 per cent payment was expected to be paid on August 23, this year. But Interstate Electrics and North South Power could not meet the initial deadline. But before the expiration of 20 days window, the firms were able to pay.

Top government functionaries were divided over the possible extension of the deadline for the preferred bidder for the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Interstate Electrics Limited, to pay the balance of 75 per cent of the bid sum.

Interstate Electrics, owned by a business mogul, Mr Emeka Offor, had emerged the preferred bidder for Enugu Disco in February.

However, the company failed to meet the August 21 deadline for the payment of the balance of 75 per cent or $93.24m.

Since the deadline ended, the Bureau of Public Enterprises has not been able to invite the reserve bidder, Eastern Electric, promoted by a former minister of Power, Professor Bath Nnaji.

However, the extension of time, pitched the Chairman, Technical Committee, National Council on Privatisation, Mr Atedo Peterside, against the Director-General, BPE, Mr Benjamin Dikki.

While Peterside was leading those that insist that it is wrong to grant Interstate an extension, Dikki is reportedly canvassing for an extension of the payment time.
In a meeting of NCP, it was reported that 10 out of 11 members voted for the cancellation of the bid. The decision of the meeting was further sent to the meeting of BPE and NCP which ended on Friday.

Source : #‎Tribune

ITF graduates one thousand trainees in Yola

The Yola Area Office of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has recently graduated one thousand trainees in the Mahmud Ribadu Square, Yola after three months guidance on shoe making as well as handset and generator repairs.

The graduates were offered free tools for their different trades and were placed on five thousand naira monthly allowance, amounting to fifteen thousand naira during the training period.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako who was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Ahmed Gorko said that his government would continue to support efforts aimed at training youths to make them self reliant and better citizens. He noted that the gesture was also aimed at poverty reduction and employment generation.

He commended the Federal Government for the initiative, adding that the state government would also soon embark on massive training of youths and women in the State.

In her speech at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Margret Zombato commended the Governor for creating the conducive atmosphere for youths to realize their ambitions.

Also speaking, the Lamido of Adamawa, Muhammadu Barkindo Musdafa represented by the District Head of Jimeta, Baba Paris urged youths in the State to reciprocate the huge government investment on them through different programs which have been purposed to make them productive members of the society.

Earlier in his address, the Area Manager of ITF in Yola, Sale Garba Katsina said that the training was aimed at reducing socio-economic vices and putting Nigeria on the same pedestal with its peers like Singapore and China in the area of mass generation of employment. Certificates were presented to graduates.

Source: FMI*

Mobile Payment Gaining Grounds in Nigeria, Says CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said mobile payment is gaining a lot of grounds in Nigeria, and that the policy is being taken beyond cash-in-cash-out remittances and top up.

CBN’s Director of Banking and Payment System Department, Mr Dipo Fatokun, revealed this in Lagos at a one day conference themed: Mobile Money and Financial Inclusion: “What’s the Next Big Thing?” organised by Leeds Bryan International Limited and the Brookings Institution, Washington, DC.

Fatokun pointed out that there is an ongoing agreement between the CBN and mobile network operators to ensure that there is sustainable and hitch-free transaction of mobile payments within the economy, adding that Nigeria would soon move to 4G internet service, which is a broader network, from the current 3G.
“We in Central Bank, on the issue of connectivity, we are at the last stage of an MOU signing with Nigerian Communication Satellite (NICOMSAT) such that they would provide Wi-Fi technology at various locations in Nigeria so that connectivity would be made easier,” he added.

On CBN’s strategy to avert mobile transaction fraud, Fatokun explained that there is an already established guideline on electronic banking. which is also applicable to mobile payment, explaining that there are specifications of systems through which to transact business.

He added that there are technical details on what to deploy.
Fatokun explained that phones that do not have the specified security features as specified by NCC would not work for mobile payment and transactions.
The Managing Partner and CEO of Leeds Bryan International Limited, Mr Biyi Adeyemo, stated that mobile money’s importance to the national economy cannot be over-emphasised as it necessitates financial inclusion of everyone that is involved.

While explaining that it will also enhance better financial services, Adeyemo pointed out that mobile money is relevant for farmers, even in the rural areas, since through it, they can calculate weather to situate farming season and periods.
“In health, people would be able to get prompt services at the convenience of their homes without having to move around. It can also help in diagnosing ailments affecting patients with doctors having access to relevant information on them. On insurance, you’ll able to initiate claims and access your premium payment without needing to go there physically”, he added.

David Hutchful, Technical Program Manager, Grameen Foundation, Ghana, while speaking on the topic: Leveraging Mobile Phone Technology for Improved Public Health, stated that “mobile health allows medical practitioners to reach anyone anywhere. For example, in rural areas, nurses are able to reach out to their patients without needing to see them physically.

It also helps to gather and collect data for healthcare, meaning that relevant information are on ground for medical practitioners anywhere’.
He clarified that this is not new in Africa, saying that a lot of health initiatives have since been on the continent.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, represented by Mr. Bolaji Akinboro, while speaking on the topic: “MaximiSing Mobile Technologies to Improve Agricultural Productivity and Rural Income,” stated that mobile money initiative would help farmers to access information on farm products and fertilisers – its location and availability, thus creating dialogue with the government.

Source: ThisDay*h

First indigenous power plant to start supply of electricity to Aba in Oct. -Nnaji

Geometric Power Plant, an indigenous power project, will start the generation and distribution of electricity to Aba in October, Prof. Barth Nnaji, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, says.

Nnaji disclosed this in Enugu on Friday in a lecture with the theme, ``The Role of the Media in South East Integration’’ he presented at the 2nd South-East Media Forum.

The forum was organised by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the South-East (NUJ Zone C).

Nnaji, the former Minister of Power, said that the 141 megawatts of electricity expected to be generated by the company would ensure steady electricity supply to Aba at a competitive rate.

He said that the commissioning of the power plant would make Aba the first city in Nigeria to have an indigenous power generation plant.

He said that President Goodluck Jonathan was expected to inaugurate the project in November.

The chairman said that Aba was chosen for the project because of the large number of industries in the city.

``Nothing could be more frustrating in manufacturing than inefficient electricity supply,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof. Bartho Okolo, advised media practitioners in the South-East to abide by the ethics of their profession.

Okolo, represented by Prof. Ifeoma Enemuo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Enugu Campus, appealed to journalists in the zone to fight against low enrolment of the male child in schools.

Mallam Mohammed Garba, the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, commended members of the NUJ in the zone for organising the forum.

Garba, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Rotimi Ogbamuwakan, urged the media to perform its role as the watchdog of the society to achieve national integration.

He appealed to journalists to embrace the insurance scheme set up by the union.

Earlier in his welcome address, the vice chairman of the union in the zone, Mr Chris Isiguzo, said the forum was an annual event aimed at encouraging professionalism in the media.

The forum was attended by media practitioners from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States.

Source: NAN*

2012 Batch 'C' Winding-up/Passing-out Approved Programme of activities

I wish to inform you that Management has approved the following programme of activities for the 2012 Batch 'C' Winding-up/Passing-out exercise:-

Wednesday 25th September, 2013 - Wednesday 2nd October, 2013
Job Creation and Awareness Week, Sensitization of Corps Members on Job Creation/Opportunities after Service. This will be done at the Zonal level using relevant officers.
Lectures/Seminars on Job opportunities by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) at the Zonal level.

Thursday 3rd October, - Friday 4th October, 2013
Release of Passing-out Corps Members by Employers.
Registration/Clearing of Corps Members.

Monday 7th October, 2013
Parade Rehearsal
Signing of Final clearance by Zonal Inspectors.

Tuesday 8th October, 2013
Parade Rehearsal.
Signing of Final clearance by Zonal Inspectors.
Debriefing/Evaluation of Service Year.
Administration of Questionnaire (Form 4B) on 5% of the Passing-out Corps Members.

Wednesday 9th October, 2013
Final Parade Rehearsal.
State Farewell Party to be presided over by the Governor of the State.

Thursday 10th October, 2013
Passing-out Ceremony to be presided over by the Governor of the State.
Distribution of Certificates of National Service to deserving corps members.

Wishing you a very successful Winding-up and Passing-out programme.
Thank You.

2012/2013 SPDC JOINT VENTURE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SCHEME

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (Operator of the NNPC/SHELL /TEPN/AGIP Joint Venture) Scholarship Scheme offers first year students in all Nigerian universities the opportunity to study with an annual grant from the SPDC JV for the full duration of their course.

The programme aims to promote academic excellence and improve the skills-base among young Nigerians.

2012/2013 SPDC JOINT VENTURE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SCHEME

Who Can Apply?
Students must be citizens of Nigeria,
Currently enrolled in a first degree programme at an accredited and approved university in Nigeria, and
Must have gained admission during the 2012/2013 academic session. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com
Scholarship Types
The Scholarship is in two categories: the National Merit Award (NM) and the Areas of Operation Merit Award, East or West (OE or OW).

A.) National Merit Award (NM)
Open to Nigerians who are not indigenes of SPDC's operational areas (in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers States).
B.) Areas of Operation Merit Award, East (OE)
For Nigerians who are indigenes of SPDC's operational areas in: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa states (excluding indigenes of Ekeremor and Sagbama local government areas).

3.) Areas of Operation Merit Award, West (OW)
For Nigerians who are indigenes of SPDC's operational area in Bayelsa (i.e indigenes of Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government areas) and Delta States.
Application Closing Date
31st October, 2013

HOW TO APPLY
1.) All applicants should have their personal valid email accounts (for consistent communication).
2.) Candidates who meet the above entry qualifications should: Click here to apply and provide required personal and educational details, and load scanned copies of the following:
A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant (i.e. jpeg format, that is not more than 200 kilobytes);
University or JAMB (UTME or D/E) Admission Letter;
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) Scores;
'O' Level Result(s); and 'A' Level /OND /NCE Result(s) as applicable; and
Letter of Identification from State (showing Local Government) of Origin.
3.) Applicants for the Operational Area Awards (OE & OW) are to provide scanned copies of identification letters (duly stamped and signed) from;
The Paramount Ruler of the Community; and
The Chairman of the Community Development or Executive Council (CDC or CEC). Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com
Note:
Shell does not demand payment from applicants, the application is entirely free of charge.
SPDC does not assign 'Representatives' / 'Agents' to assist applicants' process applications.
Applications should be submitted online before October 31, 2013.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

‘Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction will create jobs’

The Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Wolfgang Goetsch, has said that despite the hassles that will be associated with the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the project will create thousands of jobs for both professionals and artisans in the country.

He said the company would handle the reconstruction and expansion of the section I of the road measuring 43.6 kilometres from the old Toll Gate in Ikosi Ketu, Lagos to the Sagamu Interchange.

He added that the project would encompass the reconstruction of the existing two carriageways and addition of a third lane on each side, as well as an interchange at the Redemption Camp, five pedestrian bridges and maintenance of the 10 existing bridges.

Goetsch, while speaking with journalists shortly after President Goodluck Jonathan signalled the reconstruction of the road at the Sagamu Interchange on Friday, said he was happy that the company was awarded a part of the contract.

He said, “Julius Berger Nigeria Plc received the letter of award on June 13, 2013 from the Federal Ministry of Works. The company has the task of rehabilitating, reconstructing and expanding the expressway as well as rehabilitating 10 bridges. The former four-lane stretch will be widened to six lanes and complemented by a flyover bridge as well as five pedestrian bridges.

“It will be extended to six lanes and the old one will be rehabilitated. We hope that the government will provide sufficient funds so it will be done in time.”

Goetsch also said Julius Berger was planning to process 1,200,000 tonnes of aggregates, 698,000 tonnes of new base course, asphalt binder and wearing course as well as 41,000-metre concrete median barrier.

Source : #‎Punch