Business
Maize Scarcity: Premier Feeds, Crown Flour, 2 others import 262,000MT of Maize
Premier feeds, Crown Flour, Chi Farms, and Mills Wacot have altogether imported a total of 262,000 metric tons of maize.
Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agricultural output, which led to the shortfall of maize and other feeds; Premier feeds, Crown Flour, Chi Farms, and Mills Wacot have altogether imported a total of 262,000 metric tons of maize to augment local production.
Confirming the latest development is a statement issued by The Poultry Association of Nigeria, made available to Punch, which confirmed that Nigeria has taken delivery of 262,000 metric tonnes of maize imported into the country to augment local production. The association had earlier agonized over the shortfall of maize and other feeds.
READ: Leaked letter by Poultry Farmers Association triggered CBN emergency approval to import maize
READ: CBN restricts forex for milk import to Nestle, Chi, Friesland, 3 others
Back story
Recall that Nairametrics had earlier reported that the recent ban on foreign exchange for food and fertilizer importers would not affect the 4 companies approved to import 262,000 metric tons of maize into Nigeria from August to October. The approved companies are using their own forex sources, as the CBN will not be providing forex for the imports.
(READ MORE: CBN’s maize import ban: Sentiments, facts, and the way forward)
Why this matters
The timely action is a move aimed at bridging the supply gap earlier identified. It alleviates the inherent food crisis, even though it is a temporary solution.
This action saved the economy and helped to keep farmers in business. Corroborating this point is a statement by PAN President, Ezekiel Ibrahim; “As a necessary evil, the CBN approved import licenses to some members of our association, so that the industry will not be allowed to close down. The gesture has greatly helped the poultry industry to continue with production before the harvest season, which will be around November 2020.”
READ: Nigeria’s trade balance hits recession low, records N579 billion deficit in Q4 2019
READ: CBN maize import ban ill-timed, may cripple poultry sector – University Don
What they are saying
Justifying the latest move, the Ogun State Chairperson of PAN, Blessing Alawode, said the quality of maize imported was not enough to meet the requirement of the poultry industry for one month. She stated; “The 262,000 metric tonnes of maize is to help us survive for a while. It is not even enough for a month. This is just to alleviate the crisis. Many farms have closed down because of the crisis we have faced recently.”
Business
Ebute Metta Railway station will be completed by December – Presidency
President Buhari’s aide has disclosed that Ebute Metta Railway Station is expected to be completed in the next two months.
The Ebute Metta Railway Station, one of the stations on the Lagos-Ibadan railway route is expected to be completed by December 2020.
This is according to the Personal Assistant on New Media to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bashir Ahmad, who disclosed this on Monday, through his verified Twitter handle.
The Ebute Metta Railway Station, one of the stations on the Lagos-Ibadan Railway route is nearly completed, the station and other stations on the route are expected to be completed by December. #PMBAtWork
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) October 25, 2020
Mr. Ahmad further revealed that the station and other stations on the route are expected to be completed by December.
“The Ebute Metta Railway station, one of the stations on the Lagos-Ibadan Railway route is nearly completed, the station and other stations on the route are expected to be completed by December,” he tweeted.
What you should know
Nairametrics had earlier revealed that the $1.6 billion Lagos-Ibadan railway project will be completed on or before January 2021. This is according to a forecast by the honorable Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
(READ MORE:FG to complete Marine beach bridge repairs ahead of due date)
Why it matters
The near completion status of the Ebute Metta railway station is a big boost to achieving the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan railway project. The railway project will help in decongesting our roads and enable the roads to last longer.
This is a big boost to the government’s drive to build strategic infrastructures that will drive economic growth and development.
Business
7 stowaways, including Nigerians, arrested after suspected hijacking off Isle of Wight
Seven suspects were detained after a hijacking involving stowaways on a tanker off the Isle of Wight.
7 stowaways, including Nigerians on board a Liberian registered oil tanker heading for England have been detained, after a suspected hijacking off the coast of Isle of Wight.
This was announced by the UK’s Ministry of Defence and several British News Media on Sunday evening.
READ: #EndSARS: UK ready to support genuine reform of police in Nigeria – British High Commissioner
In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking. (1/2)
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) October 25, 2020
The Ministry of Defence said: “In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking.
READ: #EndSARS: Coca-Cola donates N20 million to cover medical bills of victims
“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained. Police investigations will now continue. Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.”
According to BBC, the ship, Nave Andromeda, was on its way to the Fawley oil refinery in Southampton from Lagos, Nigeria and left Nigeria on the 5th of October.
READ: Bank CEOs ‘explain’ why they resigned from NESG
“According to a source close to the shipping company, the crew were aware of stowaways on board, but the stowaways became violent towards the crew while it was off the Isle of Wight.
“The crew retreated to the ship’s citadel, a secure area in which they can lock themselves, making it impossible for attackers to get in.
READ: #EndSARS: FG creates new N25 billion Youth Fund, to increase to N75 billion in 3 years
“This is standard procedure during a terrorist or pirate attack, but there is no suggestion the crew were doing more than protecting themselves from the stowaways. The crew contacted the coastguard, which then alerted police.
“The men, from Nigeria and Liberia, waved metal poles and threw faeces and urine after being found hiding on the Grande Tema,” BBC said.
The British Chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood, said the stowaways taking over the ship, or forcing the ship not to be in command could have triggered a ” multi-agency alarm” which caused protocols to be put into action.
Business
#EndSARS protest: Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria sues for peace
Chairman of the Cross River State PFN has urged protesting youth to sheathe their sword and give peace a chance.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) join the list of well-meaning organizations advocating for peace in this critical time, just as the body urged the protesting youth to sheathe their sword, and give peace a chance.
The appeal comes after weeks of protests that have rocked different parts of the country. Making this vital call is the Chairman of PFN, Cross River State chapter, Dr. Lawrence Ekwok, who made the appeal in a statement made available to The Vanguard.
READ: $9.6 billion judgement: UK Court grants Nigeria stay of execution, requests $200 million payment
What they are saying
Dr. Lawrence said, “On behalf of the entire leadership and membership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, (the umbrella body of all Pentecostal Churches) in Cross River State, I hereby appeal to all protesting youths in Cross River state to sheath their swords.
“I wholeheartedly feel and share in their pains that may have provoked the protests, however, have made their points loud and clear; I, therefore, appeal for restraint and call for calm and a stop to further destruction of property in the state.
READ: Ayade signs PPP agreement for $15m cocoa city project with Israeli company
“This is especially so as the public property belongs to the people of Cross River State and not to any individual whether in government or out of government, just as it will not be fair to destroy property belonging to private persons or concerns who are contributing to the development of Cross River State.
“I am confident that our well-meaning youth will heed this call even as I pray that the Lord God Almighty will bless them and intervene speedily and restore peace to Cross River State in Jesus name, Amen!”
READ: FG asks UK court for more time to appeal $9.6 billion arbitration judgement
Why this matter
The call is a step in the right direction, as it will help to reduce tension and avert looming religious, political, and ethnic crises that are capable of destabilizing the country. Therefore, it will be remarkable for other religious bodies, ethnic, and religious leaders to rise up to the challenge of condemning the arson and looting that have pervaded the nooks and crannies of the nation.
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