Economy
MAN, RMRDC foster collaboration for developing raw materials
The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research And Development Council (RMRDC) have commenced discussions for collaboration to develop local raw materials for chemicals and pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria.
The Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Ajayi -Kadir said this in Lagos on Tuesday at a Sectoral Dialogue Session organised by the Chemical And Pharmaceutical Sectoral Group of MAN
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the dialogue is: The Future of Chemical And Pharmaceutical Industry In Nigeria – The Role of RMRDC.
Ajayi-Kadir said that the collaboration would help the manufacturers in improving their raw material sourcing based on the information and research findings
He lauded RMRDC’s keen interest in ensuring the sustainability of Nigerian industries through continuous and persistent research.
The Director-General said that the RMRDC research was geared toward the localisation of some essential materials needed for the survival of local industries.
“The topic of this dialogue is apt and timely, considering the effort of the government to encourage backward integration. In MAN, we call it resource-based industrialisation,” he said.
In his lecture, Director-General, RMRDC, Prof.Ibrahim Doko, said that it was high time investors in the manufacturing sector partnered with the council for the supply of competitive raw materials.
Doko, represented by Dr Mohammed Buga, Executive Director, Mineral Materials Development Department, RMRDC stated that the giant strides recorded by RMRDC have demonstrated its resolve to actualise the mandate of local sourcing of raw materials for the industrialisation of the country.
He noted that the discussion with the chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers was necessitated by issues of disruption in the global supply chain occasioned by COVID-19, the Ukraine/Russia War, and the competitiveness of the industry.
The Director-General listed other issues that occasioned the dialogue including Presidential Executive Order five for industries to source their content locally, scarcity of foreign exchange and the role of raw material origin for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, RMRDC developed the National strategy for competitiveness in raw materials and product development in Nigeria as part of efforts to make industries more competitive.
He noted that the strategy was geared toward a gradual reduction of imported raw materials and products that could be produced in the country in the short, medium and long terms.
He stated that a committee which include MAN, RMRDC and other stakeholders would be established to facilitate the commercialisation of the raw materials and bridge the gap between research, result and the market.
(NAN)
Aviation
NAF airstrikes destroy terrorist food depot, kill scores in Lake Chad
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.
Akinboyewa said the NAF aircraft carried out the operations in Nov. 23 on the strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts.
He said the location served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters.
He added that intelligence had previously linked terrorists in the location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on Nov. 16.
According to him, the NAF fighter jets, in response, launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site.
“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements.
“The operation’s success was made possible by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, confirming the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” he said.
Akinboyewa said the mission had demonstrated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations.
He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustain robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.
Africa
Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.
Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.
He said the illicit drugs were seized in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.
He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.
Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.
“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.
“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.
He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.
He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.
This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.
“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.
Ojo said the seizures had disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.
He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.
Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.
Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.
Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.
Economy
Customs intercepts N30m worth of PMS in Operation Whirlwind
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said that it had intercepted 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth over N30 million in retail price from Operation Whirlwind.
The Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known during a news conference in Ikeja.
“Today, we have another seizure of 849 kegs of PMS containing 25 litres each. This translates to 30,225 litres with duty paid value at N30.225 million only at the NNPCL retail price.
“Today marks yet another success recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone “A” Lagos/Ogun Axis.
“About five weeks ago, same PMS products were displayed before you here on the parade ground of the college where several seizures were made,” Ejibunu said.
“On this note, we wish to thank the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their unwavering support,” Ejibunu said.
The coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind said that two vehicles of means of conveyance were intercepted along with the seizures.
Ejibunu said that they evacuated 80 Jerry Cans each from a vehicle.
He assured the public that Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its efforts to clamp down on PMS smugglers, ensuring no room for their illegal activities nationwide.
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