Players and officials of nine-time African champions Nigeria have started arriving in the city of Angers, France from Wednesday morning, ahead of Saturday’s much-anticipated international friendly game between the Super Falcons and the Les Bleues.

It is the second time both teams will engage in a friendly encounter – the first being a forgettable experience for the Falcons as they lost by eight goals in freezing weather inside Le Mans’ Stade Marie-Marvingt on 6^th April 2018.

Only goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who plays her club football in France, and Mexico- based defender Osinachi Ohale, remain from that squad that was undone by, among other things, a hat-trick from Valérie Gauvin and an own goal by defender Faith Ikidi-Michael.

The defeat equalled the Falcons’ biggest-ever defeats – by Norway at the 1995 FIFA World Cup finals in Sweden and by Germany in a friendly in Leverkusen’s Bay Arena on 25^th November 2010.

However, clashes at the FIFA World Cup finals have been much closer, with the Falcons losing by the odd goal against the Les Bleues in Germany in 2011, and by the same margin at the Roazhon Park when both sides clashed at the 2019 finals hosted by France.

The consummation of Saturday’s encounter is further confirmation of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led administration’s commitment to fully blood a new Super Falcons’ squad, by implementing a process of exposure and experience-garnering for the new squad, following an under-par outing at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer.

The big game with the Les Bleues comes up only five weeks after the first of two friendly matches with Algeria’s Green Ladies in Nigeria (2-0 and 4-1 wins), and eight days after the Super Falcons learnt they would be playing Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in the group phase at the 13^th Women AFCON in Morocco next summer.

Saturday’s match will commence at 9.30pm France time, same time as in Nigeria.

SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)

Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)

Pastor Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate in Rivers State, has stated that Nigerian refineries cannot sell a litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for ₦700 or less at this point in time.

He made this assertion on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, shortly after the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announced that the Port Harcourt refinery had begun refining crude oil.

The NNPCL disclosed that the Port Harcourt refinery would start operations at 60 percent capacity, producing 60,000 barrels per day. Additionally, the company revealed that the Warri refinery would soon commence petroleum product production.

Despite these positive developments, Cole, a prominent businessman and politician, highlighted the challenges that still persist, particularly regarding the importation of machinery and components necessary for refining operations.

Cole emphasized that the price at which PMS is currently sold in Nigeria remains lower than the cost of importing a similar volume of fuel.

He explained, “The price being sold in Nigeria is lower than what an imported cargo would land at.” This disparity, he noted, discourages most businesses from importing fuel, thereby reducing pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

He further explained that Nigerians are already benefiting from reduced fuel importation as the local consumption of petroleum products has declined.

“The volume of consumption in Nigeria has dropped, and as a result, the pressure you used to have on foreign exchange has gone down because we’re no longer importing that much,” Cole said.

He also pointed out that crude oil transactions are conducted in naira, which has brought some relief to the economy.

“What you’re selling is in naira; naira is what you use in buying crude, so we’re already feeling the impact of that,” he added.

However, Cole stressed that achieving a PMS price below ₦700 remains unrealistic due to the structural and economic challenges in the industry.

He explained that while the refineries are operational, there are still significant costs associated with the imported components used during their refurbishment.

“All the things that were refurbished at the refinery were refurbished with products and machinery brought in from outside the country,” he stated.

This reliance on imported materials adds a substantial foreign exchange component to production costs.

In conclusion, Cole underscored the complexities of the situation, noting that the current pricing reflects broader economic realities.

Until Nigeria reduces its dependence on imported machinery and strengthens its local refining capacity, achieving a significant reduction in PMS prices will remain a daunting task.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has announced its readiness to shut down all public polytechnics across Nigeria following the Federal Government’s failure to address its demands.

The union, which has expressed growing frustration with the government’s inaction, has resolved to commence an indefinite strike starting December 2, 2024.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Chairman of ASUP’s Kaduna Polytechnic Chapter, Comrade Abubakar J. Abdullahi, reiterated the union’s position, emphasizing the need for urgent action to resolve the systemic challenges plaguing polytechnic education in the country.

This announcement follows a 15-day ultimatum issued by the union on October 6, 2024, outlining critical demands aimed at improving the state of polytechnic education. Despite the ultimatum, the government has yet to respond to the union’s concerns.

Comrade Abubakar listed key demands, including the release of the second tranche of the NEEDS Assessment Intervention Fund.

This fund is crucial for addressing infrastructural deficits and improving the quality of education in polytechnics.

He also called for the immediate implementation of the approved 25/35% salary review for polytechnic staff, a measure designed to enhance staff welfare and align their earnings with current economic realities.

Additionally, the union demands the payment of accrued salary arrears owed to its members, some of which have been outstanding for years.

“Regrettably, as we passed the deadline of this ultimatum, we are yet to see the necessary actions from the Federal Government to address these pressing demands,” Abubakar stated. He expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement or tangible progress, describing the government’s silence as a clear indication of neglect toward polytechnic education and its workforce.

Abubakar warned that the union would have no choice but to embark on a total shutdown of polytechnic institutions nationwide if the government fails to act promptly.

“The silence and inaction have left us with no option but to consider the possibility of a total shutdown of our institutions on December 2nd, 2024, should our concerns remain unaddressed,” he said.

The looming strike threatens to disrupt academic activities in public polytechnics, affecting thousands of students and staff across the country.

ASUP’s demands highlight long-standing issues in Nigeria’s polytechnic system, including inadequate funding, poor staff remuneration, and decaying infrastructure.

The union has called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to education by meeting these demands and averting a strike that could further destabilize the sector.

As December 2 approaches, the nation awaits a response from the Federal Government, with stakeholders urging a resolution to avoid another protracted shutdown in the education sector.

Despite the announcement of an interest rate hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday, the naira appreciated to N1, 659.44 against the US dollar.

Data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) showed a N16.88 gain against the dollar from the N1, 675.62 it traded at on Monday.

A look at the parallel section of the foreign exchange market showed a gain of N5 for the naira against the dollar, trading at N1,750 compared to the N1,755 it traded at on Monday.

The naira, however, didn’t record any change in trade against the British pound on Tuesday as it still exchanged at Monday’s rate of N2,245 against the pound.

Also, the naira maintained N1,300 against the Canadian dollar but appreciated marginally against the Euro to trade at N1,840/€1 as against the previous day’s rate of N1,845/€1.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reaffirmed that it will maintain the progress made on the Port Harcourt refinery.

The NNPCL gave this assurance on Tuesday night through a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.

“The Board and Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) express heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians for their support and excitement over the safe and successful restart of the 60,000 barrels-per-day Old Port Harcourt Refinery,” Soneye said. 

“This achievement marks a significant step forward after years of operational challenges and underperformance.

“We are, however, aware of unfounded claims by certain individuals suggesting that the refinery is not producing products. 

“For clarity, the old Port Harcourt refinery is currently operating at 70% of its installed capacity with plans to ramp up to 90%.”

Soneye said the refinery is producing the following daily outputs: Straight-Run Gasoline (Naphtha): Blended into 1.4 million liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS or petrol) and Kerosene: 900,000 liters.

Others are Automotive Gas Oil (AGO or Diesel): 1.5 million liters, Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO): 2.1 million liters and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Additional volumes.

He added that it is worth noting that the refinery incorporates crack C5, a blending component from the NNPCL’s sister company, Indorama Petrochemicals (formerly Eleme Petrochemicals) to produce gasoline that meets required specifications. 

According to him, blending is a standard practice in refineries globally as no single unit can produce gasoline that fully complies with any country’s standards without such processes.

Additionally, Soneye said the NNPCL has made substantial progress on the new Port Harcourt refinery which will begin operations soon without prior announcements.

“We urge Nigerians to focus on the remarkable achievements being realized under the able and progressive leadership of President Bola Tinubu and to support efforts aimed at delivering more dividends to the nation,” he said. 

“Malicious attacks on clear progress only undermine the significant strides made by NNPC Ltd. and the country.

“Let us move forward together in building a stronger and more self-sufficient energy sector.”

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a 32-man Screening/Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2025 Hajj air-carriers and cargo conveyers.

According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Affairs of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, also inaugurated was a six man secretariat for the committee.

The inauguration was followed by the opening of application forms for the issuance of Hajj licence for airlift of the 2025 pilgrims from Nigeria.

The event took place in Hajj House, the NAHCON headquarter, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Usara said this sets the pace for a series of activities that will culminate in the selection of pilgrims’ air carriers as well as excess luggage freighters for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

The Committee, chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspection and Licensing (OILS), Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi draws membership from several aviation industry managers as well as stakeholders from the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, representative from the Presidency, Security Agencies and NAHCON staff.

The composition of the committees include five representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Similarly, one member each was drawn from Nigerian Customs’ Service (NCS) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Others are NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry.

Usara said 11 airlines, including two from Saudi Arabia sent applications indicating interest in the airlift of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.

“From Saudi Arabia under the airlift bilateral agreement are FlyNas and Flyadeal. Nine applications are from Nigerian airline companies; they are Air Peace, GYRO Air Limited, Max Air Ltd, Nahco Aviance, Tarco Aviation, Umra Airline Limited standing for Ethiopian Airlines, UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Value Jet and Trebet Aviation Ltd,” she said.

“Meanwhile, five cargo companies applied for excess luggage transportation. They are Aglow Aviation Support Services Limited, Cargo Zeal Technologies, Qualla Investment, Kiswah Logistics Services Limited, and Sokodeke Global Travels and Cargo.”

One of the Terms of Reference for the Airlines Screening Committee is: Screen the prospective carriers that applied for license for the airlift of pilgrims and those for Excess Luggage in respect of the 2025 Hajj.

Secondly, they are to decline the screening of any applicant whose status or documents are at variance with the conditions of application as stated in the adverts, and application form.

“Determine the suitability and capability of the applicants in line with the extant Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations and ICAO standards and recommended practices,” Usara said.

“Establish criteria, score or grade for suitability and for the recommendation of an applicant, recommend minimum standards of operation in accordance with industry best practices by the pre-qualified companies.

“Recommend appropriate pilgrim airfare and excess luggage rate for the specified departure zones make any other recommendations necessary for the efficient conduct of the 2025 Hajj airlift.

“To allocate passengers to the carriers based on their assessed capabilities in line with paragraph Ill above and submit a comprehensive report at the completion of the exercise for consideration of the EXCO of the Commission.”

Usara in the statement also spelt out the Terms of Reference for the Aviation Monitoring Committee (AMC).

“To constitute a subcommittee to review and evaluate all documents to be submitted by applicant Airlines in respect of 2025 Hajj,” she said.

“To serve as member of the 2025 Air Carriers/Cargo Screening Committee, to inspect and assess the readiness of the airports being considered for the 2025 Hajj Operation.

“Make specific and general observations/recommendations arising from above. Monitor all inbound and out bound flights at all departure centres to check compliance with the airlift agreement and industry standards.

“Monitor the quality of in-flight services in accordance with industry standards. Monitor compliance with (32/8kg) luggage policy of the commission by carriers and pilgrims.

“To recommend appropriate actions/penalties against defaulters (carriers or SPWBs as the case maybe). Liaise with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on abscondment of pilgrims in order to provide support where needed.

“To undertake any action deemed necessary for the success of airlift operations and also make appropriate recommendation (s) incidental to the entire assignment.”

Present at the event was Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs who was represented by Senior Legislative Aid, Alhaji Rabi’u Adamu Pan-Uku. Also present were Chairman House Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage, Hon. Jaafaru Muhammad (Shettiman Borgu), representatives of airlines and all other committee members.

In his opening remarks, the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman described the inauguration as an important activity that demands commitment due to the magnitude of work involved and its significance to successful operations.

Usman also urged the members to work within the terms of reference towards providing excellent services to pilgrims.

In his submission, the NAHCON Commissioner OILS, Prince Elegushi, called on members to re ready to work day and night in order to conclude their assignment within the timeframe allotted.

Elegushi reminded them of the crucial place aviation occupies in the operation of Hajj. In addition, he assured all stakeholders that the screening will be conducted in a very transparent manner while seeking their support to reach the goal of the screening and monitoring successfully.

The commissioner described last year’s Hajj airlift as successful, having concluded both the outbound and inbound flights earlier than slated. Prince Onofi gave assurances of replicating the feat and even better.

Senator Abubakar Sani Bello apologised for being unavoidably absent due to another national assignment.

Bello’s representative bore witness to the transparent process deployed on the task and promised to report same to his principal.

Meanwhile, Hon. Jafaru called on the airlines that would emerge successful to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God.

Other speakers at the occasion include representative of the aviation industry and the NAHCON Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, (PRSILS) Prof. Abubakar Yagawal.

The event ended with a vote of thanks by Commissioner, Policy Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Aliu AbdulRazaq. The committee is expected to submit its report by December 2, 2024.