Business News
FG commissions Made-in-Nigeria vehicles worth N364 billion
The Federal Government has commissioned N364 billion locally-assembled vehicles through collaboration with the NADDC.
The Federal Government has commissioned $1 billion (N364 billion) locally-assembled vehicles through collaboration with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
The disclosure was made by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo.
According to Adebayo, the vehicles, which were produced by 17 firms, include pioneers of made-in-Nigeria vehicles such as Coscharis, Nissan, Innoson, Ford and Elizade Motors.
Adebayo made known that the locally-assembled vehicles would be used at the Argungu Motor Rally which is an integral part of the popular festival held in Kebbi annually, the Argungu Annual International Fishing and Cultural Festival. This Argungu Motor Rally is slated to be kicked off by the President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
READ ALSO: Nigerians react as Anambra lawmakers reject Prado SUVs for Innoson SUVs
More details: While revealing the plan of the NADDC to turn the rally into an annual event for the auto industry, the minister acknowledged the growth of the auto industry. He said Nigeria was moving forward in the area of automotive assembly, adding that from zero production level in 2012, the industry had recorded tens of thousands of newly assembled vehicles.
According to him, with the inauguration of the 10-year Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP 2013-2023) in 2013, about 62 companies have been registered to assemble vehicles.
“The vehicles and brands for unveiling are a testament to the zeal and commitment of the automotive industrial subsector to the present government’s efforts towards diversification of the non-oil sector of the economy. The role of the NADDC in reviving and sustaining the automotive sector has greatly helped in stimulating growth and development in the Nigerian automotive industry.’’
Also commenting on the commissioning was Minister of State for Industry, Trade and investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum, who charged the auto companies to do more in the area of local content and have faith in the Federal Government’s commitment to economic diversification.
READ ALSO: FG receives N185m from Islamic Bank to support textile, agric sectors
Katagum, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Gwarzo, said that the unveiling of the vehicles that were also slated to take part in the Argungu Motor Rally showed what the Nigerian automotive industry could offer.
Business
FG to commence construction of 4 new rail projects across the country
The listed rail line projects include Ibadan-Kano, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, Kano-Maradi and Lagos-Calabar rail lines.
The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has said that the Federal Government is about to commence 4 new rail line projects in various parts of the country.
The listed rail line projects include Ibadan-Kano, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, Kano-Maradi and Lagos-Calabar rail lines.
This disclosure was made by Amaechi while speaking at the annual ministerial press briefing on programmes, projects and activities of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and its agencies on Friday in Abuja.
READ: FG to fully launch E-ticketing platform for NRC next week
What the Minister of Transportation is saying
Although the Minister announced that the Federal Government was about to start the rail lines project, he was not specific on the exact dates the projects would start.
Amaechi, in his statement, said, “We have awarded the following contracts and we are about to start and we have even tried to solve the financial problems. This is because we have the problem of having to hire consulting engineers.
READ: $2 billion Kano-Maradi rail would be completed in 36 months – FG
“The ones we are about to start include Ibadan to Kano, we are waiting for funds from China. We are about to start Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, we are waiting for the cabinet to approve consulting shares. We are also to start the Kano-Maradi and Lagos to Calabar.
“But one thing that is unique about these contracts is that the president early enough directed that all rail lines must stagnate at the seaports.
“That is why there may be a bit of adjustment in the pricing of Kano-Maradi because we have to adjust it to link up to Kano-Lagos so that it can terminate at Lagos seaport.’’
The Minister pointed out that the 185.5km Lagos-Ibadan double standard gauge line with extension to Apapa seaport was nearing completion, while the 186km Abuja-Kaduna and 302km Warri-Itakpe standard gauge lines had been completed and were functional.
READ: FG urges contractors to complete Ebute Meta–Apapa seaports railway extension by January 2021
What this means
- The various rail line projects are part of the ambitious plan by the Federal Government to create a nationwide rail network that is intended to help in the country’s diversification efforts, away from crude oil.
- Some of these rail projects will also help to decongest the Apapa ports in Lagos and serve as a route for the import and export of goods in the West African sub-region.
Business
Customs Tin-Can Island Command generates N112.7 billion in Q1 2021
This is a N21.1 billion increase in revenue compared to a revenue of N91.6 billion in Q1 2020.
The Nigerian Customs Service revealed that its Tin-Can Island Command has a first-quarter revenue of N112.7 billion in 2021. This is a N21.1 billion increase in revenue compared to a revenue of N91.6 billion in Q1 2020.
This was disclosed by Mr Mba Musa, Customs Area Controller, in a statement on Friday.
“The comparative analysis of quarter one revenue collection from 2018 to 2021 are as follows: in 2018, N76,789,721,107.42; in 2019, N78,857,106,168.27; and in 2020, N91,635,998,490.73,” the customs boss said.
READ: Customs revenue rises by N200 billion to hit N1.5 trillion in 2020
“This improvement is despite the twin threat to lives and livelihood posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The command has inspired their officers to continue to work hard while observing all the safety measures to achieve the best of performance.
“We kept our lines of communication open and concerted effort was made to ensure that the supply chain is not disrupted,” he added.
READ MORE: Customs officers must declare their assets annually – Customs boss
What you should know: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated a revenue of N1.5 trillion for the year 2020, a rise compared to N1.3 trillion in 2019.
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