Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has said that the construction of the 3.5 billion dollar Bakassi Deep Seaport would soon commence.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, ICRC’s Acting Head of Media and Publicity in Abuja on Monday.

Ewalefoh made this known at a High-level Stakeholders’ meeting where a statement of endorsement for the port project was signed.

The ICRC D-G who said the construction would commence under the administration of Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River State, assured that the project would be completed in record time.

He said that his assurance was premised on four things which include the fact that the government of the state had demonstrated great commitment and zeal required for the project.

Others he said were the newly streamlined ICRC Public Private Partnership(PPP) processes; the securing of a financier for the project; and the support of all other stakeholders present.

Ewalefoh said the 3.5 billion dollar project whose funding has been secured from the African Import-Export Bank(Afreximbank), is to be executed as a PPP project.

He said that the ICRC had streamlined its PPP processes to ensure they were faster than before.

According to Ewalefoh, we are not compromising standards, we are only making the process more efficient which I have commenced as the D-G of ICRC.

He assured the Governor of Cross River that the project would be completed under his tenure with the support of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Shippers Council and all the stakeholders.

“You have demonstrated that you have what it takes to do it, just like President Tinubu has given confidence to investors to bring their funds to Nigeria.

“This is not a project that you started, the baton was only handed over to you, but like the man on the last lap, you are running the fastest and you will cut the tape.

“With the team you have assembled and the activities that are going on, you will arrive at the destination of the Bakassi Deep Seaport.

“I am convinced that in your tenure, with your team, Bakassi Deep Seaport will be a reality to the people of Cross River state and Nigerians,” he said.

The D-G said that the port was very important as it would diversify the traffic from the Western Port and serve as a succour to the Eastern parts of Nigeria.

He added that the Bakassi Deep Seaport is an Agro-Value-Chain port that will explore the potential in the nation’s agricultural sector in the South-South part of Nigeria, the North as well as all of Africa.

Ewalefoh thanked Afreximbank for believing in the state and Nigeria as he reassured investors that Nigeria was a choice destination for investment opportunities.

The statement said a high point of the meeting was the signing of the statement of endorsement by all critical stakeholders to the projects including the ICRC and the Cross River State Government.

Others include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers Council, among others.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has condemned the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, describing it as “shameful,” “rape,” and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Fintiri’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the September 21 poll.

Okpebholo, 54, secured 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who got 247,274 and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came a distant third in the race with 22,761 votes.

However, Fintiri, a member of PDP, alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, including vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results with more votes than accredited voters.

He also slammed APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stating “What’s truly shameful is APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, defying movement restrictions, while their Governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters.”

Fintiri noted that democracy indeed is under attack and called on Nigerians to denounce what he described as a “rape of democracy.”

“I weep for Nigeria’s democracy after witnessing the shameful Edo Gubernatorial poll. The APC’s desperate attempts to discredit me by falsely claiming I announced results won’t distract from the real issue. I merely shared results from INEC’s Irev portal, as collated by INEC from the various Local Government Areas,” Fintiri said.

“What’s truly shameful is APC’s national chairman flying into Edo with a private jet on election day, defying movement restrictions, while their Governors used armoured escorts to intimidate voters.

“This blatant disregard for democratic norms is the real brigandage. Nigerians are outraged, slamming INEC for compromising and favouring APC. The reported vote-buying, disruption of collation processes, and suspicious results with more votes than accredited voters undermine trust in our democracy. Democracy indeed is under attack.

“We must condemn this rape of democracy and demand accountability. The world is watching, and Nigeria deserves better.”

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to residents to remain calm following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement of Monday Okpebholo as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) with 22,761 votes.

However, Obaseki claimed in a statement that the election was marred by a disregard for processes and the rule of law.

“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved,” Obaseki said.

“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election”

The governor also noted that “the attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them,” but said that “when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.”

Obaseki urged those who were upset by the outcome to seek redress through legal means rather than resorting to violence or destruction.

He also called on the people of Edo to continue with their daily lives, reassuring them that the government remains committed to their security and well-being during this period of uncertainty.

Obaseki statement reads; The statement reads, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.

“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.

“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.

“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.

“Peace and justice will always win in the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.

“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election

“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.

“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies to crack down on cyber criminals in Nigeria.

Tinubu gave the order on Sunday in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said President Tinubu has also commended the EFCC for returning the sum of$180,000 and 53 vehicles to Canada.

He quoted Tinubu as saying that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organised crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

“To this end, President Bola Tinubu has directed security and law enforcement agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify their efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles,” Onanuga said.

“The President notes that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

“He acknowledges the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

“While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commends the commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.”

Onanuga said the President has further directed all relevant agencies particularly the anti-corruption agencies to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.

He said Tinubu has also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

“The president has strongly affirmed that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries,” Onanuga said.

“President Tinubu has also affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime and other financial crimes.”

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), says the average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased from N5,974.55 recorded in July 2024 to N6,430.02 in August 2024.

This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for August 2024 released on Sunday in Abuja.

The report said the August price represented a 7.62 per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in July.

The NBS said the average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 56.25 per cent from N4,115.32 in August 2023 to N6,430.02 in August 2024.

On state profile analysis, the report showed that Benue recorded the highest average price at N7,000 for 5kg cooking gas, followed by Rivers at N6,954.55, and Borno at N6,914.29.

It said on the other hand, Taraba recorded the lowest price at N5,600.67, followed by Abuja and Kogi at N5,825.00 and N5,857.56, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price at N6,585.18 for 5kg cooking gas, followed by the South-South at N6,451.34.

“The North-Central recorded the lowest average retail price at N6,344.29,” the NBS said.

Also, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 9.05 per cent on a month-on-month basis from N14,261.57 in July 2024 to N15,552.56 in August 2024.

The report said the average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 69.15 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N9,194.41 recorded in August 2023 to N15,552.56 in August 2024.

State profile analysis showed that Rivers recorded the highest average retail price of N17,086.36 for 12.5kg cooking gas, followed by Cross River with N17,050.00 and Abia with N17,012.52.

On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Bauchi at N13,425.00, followed by Nassarawa and Adamawa at N13,640.94 and N13,725.00 respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price of N16,524.00 for 12.5kg cooking gas, followed by the South-East at N16,495.78

The report said the North-Central recorded the lowest price at N14,767.41.

Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price per litre of kerosene increased to N1,847.59 in August 2024 on a month-on-month basis, showing an increase of 4.39 per cent, compared to the N1,769.86 recorded in July 2024.

According to its National Kerosene Price Watch for August 2024 on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 45.21 per cent from N1,272.40 in August 2023.

On state profile analysis, the report showed that Zamfara recorded the highest average price at N2,566.67 per litre of kerosene in August, followed by Kano with N2,444.44 and Ogun with N2,388.89.

“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Taraba at N1,181.18, followed by Adamawa at N1,185.74 and Borno at N1,296.95.”

The NBS said the analysis further showed that the North-West recorded the highest average retail price per litre of Kerosene at N2,118.29, followed by the South-South at N2,075.45,

It said the North-East recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N1,454.38.

The report said the average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in August 2024 was N6,441.94, indicating an 11.80 per cent increase from N5,762.10 recorded in July 2024.

“On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 48.04 per cent from N4,351.53 recorded in August 2023.

On state profile analysis, it showed that Katsina recorded the highest average retail price at N8,200 per gallon of kerosene, followed by Kebbi at N8,075.00 and Kaduna at N8,038.46.

The report said Nasarawa recorded the lowest price at N5,092.46, followed by Niger and Plateau at N5,104.17 and N5,445.83, respectively.

Analysis by zone showed that the North-West recorded the highest average price per gallon of Kerosene at N7,787.64, followed by the South-West at N6,593.22,

“North-Central recorded the lowest average price per gallon of Kerosene at N5,463.69,” the NBS said. 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the average retail price of a litre of petrol increased from N626.70 in August 2023 to N830.46 in August 2024.

It made the declaration in its Petrol Price Watch for August 2024 released in Abuja on Sunday.

It stated that the August 2024 price of N830.46 represented a 32.51 per cent increase over the price of N626.70 recorded in August 2023.

“Comparing the average price value with the previous month of July, the average retail price increased by 7.78 per cent from N770.54.”

On state profiles analysis, the report said Benue paid the highest average retail price of N941.24 per litre, followed by Bauchi and Gombe States at N935.71 and N925.00, respectively.

“Conversely, Delta, Cross River, and Edo paid the lowest average retail price at N667.50, N672.00, and N676.25 respectively,’’ it stated.

Analysis by zones showed that the North-East Zone recorded the highest average retail price in August 2024 at N908.21 while the South-West recorded the lowest price at N677.11 per litre.

The NBS also stated in its Diesel Price Watch Report for August 2024 that the average retail price was N1,406.05 per litre.

It said that the August 2024 price of N1,406.05 per litre amounted to a 64.58 per cent increase over the N854.32 per litre paid in August 2023.

“On a month-on-month basis, the price increased by 1.93 per cent from the N1,379.48 per litre recorded in July 2024,’’ it added.

On state profile analysis, the report said the highest average price per litre of diesel in August was recorded in Kaduna state at N1,979.23, followed by Bauchi at N1,927.34 and Taraba at N1,638.14.

On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Lagos at N1,237.14 per litre, followed by Ogun at N1,255.00 and Osun at N1,268.18.

In addition, the analysis by zones showed that the North-East Zone had the highest price of N1,621.23 per litre, while the South-West recorded the lowest price at N1,283.47 per litre.