S.J News• [April 1, 2013]

S.J News• [April 1, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Crude Oil: Nigeria loses $6bn annually to crude oil theft; ₦105bn lost to theft of refined products -Petroleum & Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Abia: Federal roads in Abia state delibrately neglected since appointment of Mike Onolememen as Minister of Works -Gov Theodore Orji (Abia). Belgore: No automatic ticket for anybody in Kwara state's 2015 gubernatorial election in newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) -CPC & ANPP. Drop in Power Supply: Federal Government withholds statutory allocations for Electricity DISCOS (Distribution Companies) -DISCO official. Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC): Federal Capital Territory's 6 Area Councils share ₦2.38bn -Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide (Minister of State, FCT). Contract (World Bank- Supported): Federal High Court, Abuja orders Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to disclose contract details to Nigerian Contract Monitoring Coalition. Football: Sunderland sacks Martin O’Neill (Manager) after 1-0 loss @ Stadium of Light (home) to Manchester United.

S.J News• [March 31, 2013]

S.J News• [March 31, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ OOU: No fewer than 6,403 graduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, since 2005, to receive certificates (Degree, Diploma) soon -Prof Sabur Adesanya (Vice Chancellor). Minimum Wage: NLC & TUC declare 4-day warning strike, from 2nd of April, over failure of state government to implement agreement reached with Labour unions. Imo: Eze Madumere (fmr Chief of Staff to Gov) sworn in as Deputy Governor of Imo state @ Government House in Owerri. Salary: Delay in salary payment attributed to corruption; Chief executives of Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDA) to be prosecuted soon -Peter Esele (President, TUC). Ex-Gov: Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (erstwhile Bayelsa Gov) won't be extradited to United Kingdom to face money laundering charges. Insulin: $500m (about ₦78.5bn) spent annually on importation of insulin -Prof Bamidele Solomon (DG, National Biotechnology Development Agency).

S.J News• [March 30, 2013]

S.J News• [March 30, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Kaadi-igbeayo: Ondo state governor, Olusegun Mimiko (Labour Party), launches ₦950m state welfare smartcard. Cross-Carpet: No less than 50% of PDP members will defect to All Progressives Congress (APC) when registered -Kashim Imam (PDP BoT member). Imo: Eze Madumere to be sworn in 2day as Deputy Gov of Imo state; Jude Agbaso impeached following allegations of ₦458m bribe. Economy: International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts 7% economic growth for Nigeria in 2013. 2013 Cropping Season: Niger state Govt boosts agriculture with purchase of 8000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for sale @ subsidised rates to farmers. World Bank-Financed: 13.5km BRT lane extension from Mile 12 to Ikorodu town to be completed by end of 2014; BRT lane from CMS to Ikorodu town to be 35 km; To gulp ₦30bn.

S.J News• [March 29, 2013]

S.J News• [March 29, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Aviation: Senate Committee on Aviation orders Aero Contractors to recall 650 sacked workers; Industrial action due to dismissal of workers. Anambra: Over ₦80bn spent on construction of 700km roads in the last 7 years by Anambra State Govt -Callistus Ilozumba (Commissioner for Works). ₦458m Bribe: State House of Assembly impeaches Jude Agbaso (Deputy Gov); Replaced with Eze Madumere (Chief of Staff to Gov). En route Dakar: NDLEA nabs 33-year-old Senegalese woman @ MMIA, Lagos in attempt to smuggle 515g of cocaine & 165g of heroin. Erstwhile 1st Lady: Gov Muazu Aliyu (Niger) appoints Justice Fati Lami Abubakar (Abdulsalami Abubakar's wife) as acting Chief Judge of Niger state. Finance: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) extends deadline for quoted companies to submit financial statement by 30 days. Up & Down Like Wall Street: FG has no plan to raise pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or remove Fuel Subsidy -Dr Doyin Okupe (SSA to President on Public Affairs).

S.J News• [March 28, 2013]

S.J News• [March 28, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCS: Nigerian Customs Service's 2012 revenue boosted by ₦90bn underpayment collected from Risk Assessment Reports (RAR) issued by Service Providers. Keystone Bank: High Court, Lagos grants bail to Francis Atuche (fmr MD, Bank PHB) on self recognition; Arraigned on fresh charges of alleged forgery. Subsidy Scam: EFCC secures restraining order on UK accounts of fuel subsidy fraudsters; Funds to be forfeited to Nigeria -Ibrahim Lamorde (Chairman, EFCC). Delta: Salaries of Secondary school Principal & 46 teachers ordered to be stopped due to absenteeism -Prof Patrick Muoboghare (Commissioner for Basic & Secondary Education). Kano: Police intercepts bomb-laden Golf car in Kano state; AK 47, AK 47 Magazines, Rocket Launcher recovered -Musa Daura (Commissioner of Police). Senate: Joint Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) inaugurated; David Mark (Senate President) advocates capital punishment for oil thieves. Road: Federal Executive Council (FEC) approves over ₦47.8bn for construction & rehabilitation of 13 federal roads in Nigeria -Mike Onolemeimen (Minister of Works).

S.J News• [March 27, 2013]

S.J News• [March 27, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Roads: East-West road to be completed & delivered to Nigerians by December 2014 -Godsday Orubebe (Minister for Niger Delta Affairs). Pen & Pad: House of Reps asks FG to immortalise late Prof Chinua Achebe (renowned novelist; aged 82) by naming National Library after him. Aviation: Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria commences training of potential pilots in Minna, Niger state -Ministry of Transport. Terrorism: South African court sentences Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Henry Okah, to 24 years in prison. Osun: State Govt awards ₦14.7bn contract for construction of East bye-pass dual carriage way in Osogbo to Slava Yeditepe Projects Ltd -Oladepo Amuda (SA to Gov on Works). Key Stone Bank: EFCC arraigns Francis Atuche (erstwhile MD, Bank PHB) on a fresh 9-count charge of forgery. Pension: Federal High Court, Abuja vacates arrest warrant issued by Senate against Abdulrasheed Maina (sacked Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team). Agric: Nigerians spend $1bn annually importing fruit juice; 98% of consumed sugar imported -Dr Akinwumi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development).

S.J News• [March 26, 2013]

S.J News• [March 26, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Head Of Service: President Jonathan swears in new Head of Service, Goni Aji in the Council Chambers of Presidential Villa, Abuja. 2015 Presidency: Posters of Gov Sule Lamido (Jigawa) & Gov Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers) flood Kaduna state; As President & VP respectively under the platform of PDP. NNPC: National Industrial Court orders NNPC Fund to pay ₦500m to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation pensioners who retired prior to 2004. Delta Gov: Great Ogboru (DPP Gov Candidate) seeks sack of Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta; PDP); Supreme Court to deliver ruling June 21, 2013. Appointments & Projects: President Jonathan pledges equitable distribution of appointments & federal government projects. EFCC v Speaker: Federal High Court, Lagos turns down Adeyemi Ikuforiji's (Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly) request to strike out money laundering charges levelled against him. Potable Water: No fewer than 334 million persons (39% sub-Sahara Africans) lack access to clean drinking water -WaterAid. Joint Forces: INEC rejects African Peoples Congress' (APC) application for registration as a political party; Shares same acronym with All Progressives Congress (APC). Zambia: Erswhile president, Rupiah Banda, arrested by law enforcement agency over crude oil import deal with Nigeria; Allegedly misappropriated $11m during 3-year tenure.

S.J News• [March 25, 2013]

S.J News• [March 25, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Telecoms: Poor GSM services by network providers attributed to vandalisation & theft of telecommunication infrastructure- Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). Workman (Unpaid Wages Prohibition) Bill: Employers risk 1-year imprisonment & 30% loss of benefits due to employees for delay or failure to pay salaries; Bill passes 2nd reading. Ogun: State Govt lists 6 state-owned tertiary institutions in 2013 state diary; Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) absent. ₦15.8m Oil Fraud: Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) suspends Deputy Director, Vincent Usiahon, over alleged scam. 2013 Budget: Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) signs 2013 Appropriation Bill into law; Budget upped from ₦94.4bn to ₦96.4bn by legislature. NDIC: Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation paid ₦90.13bn to depositors of 48 Deposit Money Banks (DMB) in liquidation as @ December 31, 2012 -Umaru Ibrahim (MD/CEO).

S.J News• [March 24, 2013]

S.J News• [March 24, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Perm Secs: National Council on Establishments (NCE) mandates Head of Civil Service to probe appointment of 2 non-career Permanent Secretaries by Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo). Oil Proceeds: ₦51.5tn as proceeds from oil in the last 31 years; ₦48.4tn between 2000 & 2011 and ₦3.1tn between 1979 & 1999 -Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Call Logs: Olagunsoye Oyinlola (dethroned Osun Gov) seeks prosecution of MTN Board of Directors for withholding evidence against suspended Court of Appeal President, Justice Ayo Isa Salami. ₦4bn Pension Arrears: Osun state Govt saves ₦1.4bn from payment of 142% pension arrears due to retirees through use of biometric database -Dr Wale Bolorunduro (Commissioner for Finance). Pharma Exports: Pharmaceutical exports from India to Nigeria hit $307m annually @ end of March 2012 -Mahesh Sachdev (Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria). RSA: National Pension Commission (PENCOM) uncovers multiple registration of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) by pension contributors; Opened with different Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

S.J News• [March 23, 2013]

S.J News• [March 23, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Tariff (Downward Review): Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) releases new interconnection rates for voice services; To be effective from April 1, 2013 till the next 3 years. Keffi, Nassarawa: Nigerian Army intercepts 14 tankers (11 Crude Oil, 2 PMS, 1 AGO) en route to Kano state -Brig-Gen Emmanuel Atewe (Commandant Guards of Brigade). Pen & Pad: Renowned novelist, Prof Chinua Achebe passes; Hospitalised in a Boston, Massachusetts, US hospital; aged 82years. Oil Theft: Nigerian Navy uncovers local depots, arrests oil bunkers & destroys 270 plastic drums of locally-made diesel @ Effurun dump site in Warri, Delta state. Telecoms: MTN Nigeria to pay ₦90m fine for poor quality of service for the period July to December -Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Oil & Gas: President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) gives Nigerian businessmen opportunity to operate oil blocks in Equatorial Guinea due to vast experience.

S.J News• [March 22, 2013]

S.J News• [March 22, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Mandatory Retirement (60 years): President Jonathan appoints Bukar Goni Aji (fmr Permanent Secretary, Common Services Office) as new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Replaces Isa Bello Sali. $620,000 Bribe: Farouk Lawan sacked as Chairman, House Committee on Education; Replaced by Aminu Suleiman (PDP, Kano) as substantive Chairman. ECA: National Economic Council approves sharing of between $1bn & $2bn from Excess Crude Account amongst 3 tiers of Govt (Federal, State & Local); ECA balance @ $7.82bn. NIPP: President Jonathan presents Share Certificates of National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) to 36 state governors & Federal Capital Territory (FCT). SEC DG: House of Reps urges President Jonathan to sack Director-General of Security & Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh. Nigerian/Benin Trade: Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to open Border Information Centre (BIC) @ Nigeria’s premier border station in Seme.

S.J News• [March 21, 2013]

S.J News• [March 21, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Mortgage: World Bank to provide ₦300m credit to FG for setting up Mortgage Refinancing Company -Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development. 2-day Visit: President Jonathan to visit Equitorial Guinea 2day; To hold bilateral talks with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. HoS: President Jonathan to name new Head of Service on Thursday (2day), following expiration of Isa Bello Sani's tenure. NEITI: Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative repositions operations to tackle oil theft, bunkering & pipeline vandalism -Ledum Mitee (NEITI Chairman). Terrorism: South African Judge fixes fixes Tuesday, 26 March for sentencing of Henry Okah (erstwhile Niger Delta militants leader). NSE: Nigerian Stock Exchange targets $1tn Market Capitalisation by 2016; Seeks Govt's collaboration -Oscar Onyema (CEO, NSE). GTB: Bullion van chauffeur arraigned before Ikeja Magistrate Court over alleged theft of ₦17.3m ($100,000 & £10,000) belonging to Guaranty Trust Bank. Ghost Mode: Over 6,000 ghost workers discovered @ Local Govts in Ondo state -Aderotimi Adelola (Secretary to State Govt). ACN Chieftain: Abductors of Dr Chudi Nwike (ACN South-East Vice Chairman) demand ₦30m ransom for his release; Kidnapped in Anambra state on Tuesday. 2013 Budget: Gov Tanko al-Makura (Nasarawa) signs ₦110.48bn appropriation bill into law.

S.J News• [March 20, 2013]

S.J News• [March 20, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Interest Rate: CBN's Monetary Policy Committee retains 12% Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), 12% Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) & 30% Liquidity Ratio. ₦4.9tn Budget: President Jonathan forwards 2013 Appropriation Act Amendment Proposal to National Assembly for consideration & approval. Crude Oil: Production to be increased from 1.9million barrels per day (bpd) to 3.5 million bpd; $10bn gas-based investment projected by 2014 -Andrew Yakubu (GMD,NNPC). National Council on Privatisation: FG voids sale of Aluminium Smelting Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom state to BFIG Corporation of America. EEG Scheme: FG commences comprehensive review of Export Expansion Grant (EEG) programme; To be released in 2013 -Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). INEC: Electoral body proposes fee increment for registration of political parties from ₦100,000 to ₦1m as means to weed out parties. Subsidy: Deregulation of downstream sector of Petroleum industry unconstitutional, illegal, null & void -Federal High Court, Abuja. Defence Headquarters' Spokesman: Brig-Gen Chris Olukolade to replace Col Mohammed Yerima as Director of Defence Information (DDI).

S.J News• [March 19, 2013]

S.J News• [March 19, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ PCA: Federal High Court, Abuja strikes out case seeking reinstatement of Justice Ayo Isa Salami (Suspended fmr Court of Appeal President). Dana Air: FG lifts suspension on Dana airline; To resume flight operations immediately -Stella Oduah (Minister of Aviation). Lagos: State Govt to develop 1000 low-cost houses @ Ijora/Badia, Apapa/Iganmu LCDA as replacement of shanties recently demolished -Tunji Bello (Commissioner for Environment). Pension Scam: Federal High Court grants ₦10m bail to John Yakubu Yusufu (fmr Pension Director, Police Affairs Ministry) with 1 surety in like sum; Remanded in Kuje prison on January 30. Ondo: State Govt uncovers, sacks 6,000 ghost workers on payroll of 18 Local Councils in Ondo state. INEC: Electoral body to hold consultative meeting with 24 out of 25 political parties @ INEC HQ 2day; APGA excluded due to ongoing internal crisis rocking the party. FPSO: Total concludes $3.1bn Floating Production, Storage & Offloading (FPSO) vessel contract for Egina deepwater oil field with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI); FPSO to measure 330m length, 61m width & 33.5m depth.

S.J News• [March 18, 2013]

ES.J News• [March 18, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Area Councils Election: PDP wins 5 out of 6 Chairmanship seats in FCT, Abuja & 44 Councillorship seats; ANPP wins 1 Chairmanship seat & 10 Councillorship seats. MITI: Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment renamed Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment; Effective from March 9, 2013; Still headed by Olusegun Aganga. Dana Air: FG suspends Dana Air's operating licence again pending resolution of safety issues -Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Solvency: 7 states fail Debt Management Office's (DMO) solvency test; Bayelsa (₦162.82bn indebtedness; 9.51bn IGR), Cross River (₦90.75bn; ₦16.553bn), Zamfara (₦12.968bn; ₦2.611bn), Ebonyi (₦40.239bn; ₦14.778bn), Delta (₦90.843bn; ₦34.601bn), Adamawa (₦25.954bn; ₦11.948bn) & Kogi (₦34.122bn, ₦16.5bn). FAAN: Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria sacks Bureau de change operators @ Domestic & Int'l terminals of Lagos & Abuja airports due to spate of armed robbery. O&G: Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) gives underdeveloped marginal field owners 1 year ultimatum; Produce or lose operating licences -Osten Olorunsola (Director of DPR). LNG: Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) earned $60bn (about ₦9tn) from gas production & shipping in the past 13 years -Babs Omotowa (MD, Nigeria LNG).

S.J News• [March 17, 2013]

S.J News• [March 17, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Telecoms: GSM subscriber base now over 113 million; Investment profile @ about $25billion -Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). Senatorial: State pardon granted to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (erstwhile Bayelsa Governor) unconnected to 2015 general elections -Dr Reuben Abati (SA to President, Media & Publicity). Nautical: FG approves ₦2bn for facility development @ Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom state; Programme to be upgraded to degree awarding institution. Popcorn in the Dark: Lagos State University (LASU) to set up Film School for Performing Arts & Cultural Studies in 2014. Vocational Skills: Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to train 1.2 million youths annually -Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmuk (DG, Industrial Training Fund). ₦458m Bribe: Benjamin Njemanze (Chief Judge, Imo state) appoints 7-man panel to probe allegations of gross misconduct by Jude Agbaso (Deputy Governor). MNP: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to launch Mobile Number Portability on March 25, 2013; Subscribers to switch networks & retain MSISDN (phone numbers). Football: FIFA appoints Sunday Oliseh (erstwhile Super Eagles Captain; UEFA pro licence holder) into its Technical Study Group; To analyse matches.

S.J News• [March 16, 2013]

S.J News• [March 16, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Pension: Nigeria Labour Congress fixes April 10 for nationwide protest over pension arrears -Abdulwaheed Omar (NLC President). ₦458m Bribe: Jude Agbaso (Imo Deputy Gov) files suit @ Federal High Court, Owerri to hamper impeachment process by Imo House of Assembly. Public Debt: Debt of governments @ all levels in the country now stands @ $48bn -Dr Abraham Nwankwo (Director General, Debt Management Office). University of Calabar: Governing Council dismisses 5 academic staff (4 plagiarism, 1 financial fraud) & demotes 10 others (published works in fake or cloned journals) for academic dishonesty. Corruption: About $500bn (₦75tn) lost to corruption in Nigeria from 1960 till date -Prof Bolaji Akinyemi (Erstwhile Minister of External Affairs). Kano Airport: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria) commissions remodelled Int'l Terminal of Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). Land Ownership: Land Use Act not applicable in Federal Capital Territory -FCT High Court. Prison Break: Unknown gunmen attack prison in Gwoza, Borno state with Molotov Cocktails (Petrol bombs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); Inmates set free. China: Li Keqiang (57yrs; English-speaking) appointed as new Premier; To be in charge of China's economy; Replaces Wen Jiabao.

S.J News• [March 15, 2013]

S.J News• [March 15, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Polio: President Goodluck Jonathan reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio from Nigeria before end of tenure in 2015. NCAA: President Jonathan nominates Captain Fola Akinkuotu (Rector, Ilorin College of Aviation, Kwara state) as DG of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority; Awaiting Senate confirmation. Project Execution: Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) shares ₦886.402bn federation revenue among 3 tiers of Govt; ₦400bn Q1 Capital funds released for MDAs -Ministry of Finance. En route Court: Unknown gunmen ambush prison van @ Esisi Roundabout, Warri, Delta State; 5 Nigerian Prison Service officials killed; Suspects now fugitives. X-Issuer: Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to launch Issuers’ Portal in Capital Market for online submission of information by listed companies. UNICEF: Japan donates $2.8m (about ₦443m) to FG for prevention of infectious diseases & strengthening of routine immunisation including cold chain system in Nigeria.

S.J News• [March 14, 2013]

S.J News• [March 14, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Telecoms: Operators to lose about ₦7.07bn in 2013 following NCC's directive reducing off-net SMS (between different networks) to ₦4 -Price WaterHouse Cooper. NIMASA: Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency earmarks ₦30bn to train over 5,000 seafarers in 10 years -Patrick Akpobolokemi (DG, NIMASA). Bill: Senate to restrict payment of rent in Federal Capital territory (FCT) to 6 months; 6 months imprisonment or ₦50,000 fine for defaulters (landlord & tenant). FESTAC: FG approves development of Phase II of FESTAC Town in Lagos state under Public-Private Partnership (PPP); To yield ₦25.7bn. Power: No fewer than 1,200 well trained graduate engineers needed annually for attainment of 40,000MW of electricity by 2020 -Reuben Okeke (DG, National Power Training Institute of Nigeria). Enugu: State Govt shuts down 48 private schools in Awgu LG for allegedly operating below standard & without approval -Dr Simon Ortuanya (Commissioner for Education). State of the Nation Address: Senate passes bill; Presidents to deliver State of the Nation address to Nigerians through National Assembly. White Smoke @ Vatican: Cardinals elect Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Argentine; 76yrs); 1st Latin American & Jesuit to be Pontiff; To replace Pope Benedict XVI (85yrs); To be called Pope Francis I.

S.J News• [March 13, 2013]

S.J News• [March 13, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ NCAA: Erstwhile DG of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Harold Demuren, hands over to Mr Joyce Nkemakolam (Director, Aerodrome & Air Safety Standard) pending appointment of substantive Director General. NNPC: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation seeking about $15bn for development of gas industrial park -Dr David Ige (Group Executive Director, Gas & Power). Yobe: State Govt relaxes cuirfew; Damaturu's restriction now between 10pm & 7am daily; Garin-Alkali, Gashua, Geidam, Ngelzarma & Potiskum now between 9pm & 7am daily. Automobile Industry: Over $550m (₦90bn) lost to tax evasion through gray market operators in, since 2008; Loss figure released by Financial Derivatives Company Ltd. IGR: Rivers State's. Internally Generated Revenue hit ₦9.59bn in February; Highest since commencement of Gov Rotimi Amaechi’s (Rivers) tax reforms. Manitoba Hydro Int'l: FG inaugurates Supervisory Board for Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) 3 months after constitution. Legislative Powers & Privileges Act: Senate rejects House of Reps' bill seeking immunity on National assembly members. Nigeria Customs Service: ₦ 233.43bn remitted to Federation Account in 2007 but only ₦241.366bn released to Federation Accounts Allocation Committee for sharing -House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts.

S.J News• [March 12, 2013]

S.J News• [March 12, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ IGR: House of Reps' Committee on Finance summons Andrew Yakubu (GMD, NNPC), CEOs of 16 NNPC subsidiaries over alleged non-remittance of ₦142.7bn to Federation account. China/Nigeria: China to donate ₦600m for provision of wheel chairs & walking support; To assist over 16.7 million Nigerians -Shamsudeen Usman (Minister of National Planning). Pakistan En route Addis Ababa & Dubai: NDLEA arrests 53-year-old grandmother with 1kg of cocaine during screening @ Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l Airport, Abuja; Drugs found in hair. Edo Cabinet: Gov Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) assigns portfolios to 18 newly sworn-in Commissioners; 6 retain portfolios. Christian Pilgrimage: FG to begin direct flights from Nigeria to Israel before next pilgrimage scheduled for October, 2013; 9-hour in-flight travelling time to be reduced to about 6 hours. Delta Gov: Festus Keyamo (Human Rights Activist) declares governorship ambition in Delta state; Rules out possibility of joining PDP. NCAA: FG orders removal of DG of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Harold Demuren, over unsatisfactory response to stakeholders in aviation sector. Lagos: State Govt re-opens Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market; 2-week closure due to filth @ market; Street trading banned. Amnesty: Erstwhile militants in Niger Delta not registered in FG's extended amnesty programme give 7-day ultimatum for absorption into programme. Aviation: Chinese firm to begin construction of Abuja, Kano, Lagos & Port Harcourt airport terminals in June, 2013 -George Uriesi (MD, FAAN).

S.J News• [March 11, 2013]

S.J News• [March 11, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Cocoa Export: 2nd largest foreign exchange earner in Nigeria hits $900m (₦142bn) -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investment). Oil Block: 80% of oil blocks owned by foreigners, not northerners; Senate report outdated & misleading; List published contains allocations during military era -Femi Falana (SAN). APGA: National Executive Committee (NEC) adopts Gov Peter Obi (Anambra) as Deputy National Leader; April 18 fixed for National Convention @ Enugu state. Healthcare: World Bank earmarks $170m as grant for Primary Health Care (PHC) pilot projects in Adamawa, Nasarawa & Ondo state. Customs Services: Contraband worth over ₦ 174m seized in Niger Delta & South East in 1 month -Zone C Area Command. PCA: Federal High Court, Abuja to decide 2day whether President Jonathan's assent is needed for reinstatement of suspended Court of Appeal President, Justice Ayo Isa Salami. Power: Presidential Action Committee on Power (PACP) endorses alternative funding mechanism for pre-paid meters in Nigeria.

S.J News• [March 10, 2013]

S.J News• [March 10, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Education: FG invested over ₦10bn in provision of books & instructional materials for Primary & Junior Secondary Schools in 2012 -Prof Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i (Minister of Education). Ondo SSG: Gov Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo, Labour Party) appoints Dr Aderotimi Adelola as Secretary to State Government with immediate effect. Infrastructure: $10bn (₦1.6tn) spent by Nigerians on infrastructure every year -Adekunle Oyinloye (Managing Director, Infrastructure Bank). Medical: Health workers @ National Hospital, Abuja call off indefinite strike begun on Thursday over full implementation of condition of service; To resume work immediately. Interview With London-based Banker Magazine: Assignment @ apex bank completed; Won't be needing 2nd term in office -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor). APC: Sen Ahmed Sani Yerima (fmr Kaduna Gov) arrested & released in Kaduna over comments on Hannu Dayawa (Radio Nigeria Kaduna Hausa phone-in programme). Stadium Riot: Cairo court confirms death sentences given to 21 soccer fans over riot after Al-Ahly v Al-Masry match in February 2012 that killed 74 & injured 1,000 persons in Port Said. Kenyan President: Uhuru Kenyatta wins presidential poll with 50.07% of vote; Prime Minister Raila Odinga polled 43.31%.

S.J News• [March 9, 2013]

S.J News• [March 9, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG Roads: 232km of federal roads constructed by Akwa Ibom State Govt; State Govt seeks ₦132bn refund from Federal Govt. Borno: Multiple explosions rock Maiduguri, Borno state 5 hours after President Jonathan's departure; Had a 2-day visit to Borno & Yobe states. Ikemba Nnewi: Lagos State High Court, Tinubu Square adjourns suit over Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojugwu's property to May 30, 2012. Aviation: Lagos pharmacist drags Aero Contractors to Federal High Court, Lagos over cancellation of scheduled Lagos to Abuja flight on October 18, 2012; Seeks ₦9.53m as damages. Legal: Federal judiciary workers to commence strike on Monday over non-implementation of consolidated salary structure -Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN). Impeachment: Imo State House of Assembly passes vote of no confidence on Jude Agbaso (Deputy Governor) over alleged ₦458m contract scam. Ogun AG: Gov Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) swears in Mrs Abimbola Ibironke Akeredolu as 1st female Attorney General since creation of Ogun state in 1976.

S.J News• [March 8, 2013]

S.J News• [March 8, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Medical: National Hospital, Abuja workers embark on indefinite industrial action after 3-day warning strike over full implementation of condition of service. MNP: NCC to launch Mobile Number Portability (MNP) on March 26, 2013; Subscribers to switch networks & still retain numbers -Tony Ojobo(Director of Public Affairs). UN: Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (United Nations Foundation initiative) appoints Sen Bukola Saraki (fmr Kwara Gov) as member of Leadership Council. NECO: National Examinations Council releases Nov/Dec SSCE results; 41,228 (54.8%) pass Maths with credit (75,245 candidates); 25,630 (33.89%) pass English with credit (75,623 candidates). Niger: State Govt increases National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowances; ₦28,000 to ₦29,000 for medics; ₦13,000 to ₦ 14,000 for paramedics; Others' ₦3,000 now ₦6,000. EFCC v ex-Gov: EFCC re-arraigns Chimaroke Nnamani (fmr Enugu Gov) before Federal High Court, Lagos for allegedly laundering ₦5bn; Pleaded not guilty to all counts. White Flag: FG constitutes Inter-Agency Task Force for verification of weapons returned by ex-militants in Niger Delta; Air Vice Marshall James Gbum as Coordinator. National Emergency Management Agency: Above normal rainfalls in 2013 @ Ibadan & Saki, Oyo state -Iyiola Akande (South-West Zonal Coordinator, NEMA). Kwara: State Executive Council approves establishment of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) office; To boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

S.J News• [March 7, 2013]

S.J News• [March 7, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ MFB: December 31, 2012 deadline for recapitalisation of microfinance banks in Nigeria extended; Deadline for compliance now December 31, 2013. 2-day Trip: President Jonathan to begin 2-day visit to Borno & Yobe states 2day; 1st visit since assumption of power. FCT: Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) debt profile @ ₦420bn -Bala Mohammed (FCT Minister). Perm Sec: President Jonathan approves redeployment of 5 Permanent Secretaries; Appoints 3 Permanent Secretaries. Bayelsa: Federal High Court, Abuja upholds election of Gov Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Suit filed by Austin Ogionwo (PDP chieftain) thrown out. Employment: Federal Government generated 195,534 jobs in 2012 via contracts awarded by Federal Executive Council (FEC) -Labaran Maku (Minister of Information). Kogi: Federal High Court, Abuja throws out suit seeking to nullify election of Gov idris Wada (Kogi). Adamawa: EFCC drags Boni Haruna (fmr Adamawa Gov), 3 others to Federal High Court, Yola over alleged ₦200m fraud while in office. NCP v INEC: Federal High Court, Lagos dismisses suit filed by National Conscience Party against INEC over deregistration of political parties; ₦15,000 awarded against NCP

S.J News• [March 6, 2013]

S.J News• [March 6, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ FG/ASUU Pact: House of Reps summons Prof Ruqayyatu Rufa’i (Minister of Education), ASUU officials over impending strike by University lecturers. APC: ACN, ANPP, APGA & CPC join forces; Adopts new party, logo (green-white-blue background with broom @ centre, & red base), slogan & motto. External Reserves: Nigeria's external reserves peaked @ $62bn during Musa Yar’ Adua administration; Reserves was never @ $67bn -Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (CBN Governor). AKs & IEDs: Soldiers from 1 division of the Nigerian Army discover bomb making factory @ Sabon Birni road, Kawo, Kaduna state -Brig-Gen Tagbo Chuks Ude. Yobe: President Jonathan to visit Yobe state 2moro; To inaugurate State university, 18km dual carriageway ring road, 300 housing units & ultra-modern hospital. Venezuela: President Hugo Chavez (58yrs) dies of cancer; Elections to be held in 30 days; Nicolas Maduro (Vice President) to assume presidency in the interim.

S.J News• [March 5, 2013]

S.J News• [March 5, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Oni (PDP) v Fayemi (ACN): Supreme Court to deliver judgment in appeal filed by Segun Oni (fmr Ekiti Gov) May 31; Seeks reinstatement as Ekiti state governor. ATM Card Maintenance Fee: First Bank of Nigeria to introduce ₦100 monthly charge for all cash withdrawals by customers from March, 2013. DMO: Debt Management Office establishes Debt Management Departments in 36 states & FCT -Dr Abraham Nwankwo (DG, DMO). En route India: NDLEA nabs 26-year-old man with 630g of cocaine concealed in sandals & luggage @ Departure hall, MMIA, Lagos. Kwara CP: Sullivan Chime (Enugu) places ₦10m bounty on head of Chinwike Asadu's (Kwara State Commissioner of Police) killers; CP shot dead in Enugu state. Forbes: Aliko Dangote (55yrs; President, Dangote Group) now world's 43rd richest man with net worth of $16.1bn; Dr Mike Adenuga (59yrs; Chairman, Globacom) ranks 269 with $4.7bn net worth.

S.J News• [March 4, 2013]

S.J News• [March 4, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Agric: FG to secure $40m (₦6.3bn) loan from African Export & Import Bank, Egypt for cassava farmers -Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development). Project Nollywood: President Jonathan pledges ₦3bn grant to support Nigerian movie industry; To be launched in April, 2013. Oil Theft: Shell threatens to shut down major trunk line in Niger Delta; 60,000 barrels of crude oil stolen from Nembe Creek trunk line daily in the last 3 years -Mutiu Sunmonu (MD, SPDC). Kwara CP: Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Chinweike Asadu, shot dead by unknown gunmen in Enugu (home state); Orderly & chauffeur injured. Unemployment: FG to train 29,875 graduates annually through National Industrial Skills Development Programme -Olusegun Aganga (Minister of Trade & Investments). Transport: Board of Directors, African Development Bank Group approves $300m loan for Transport Sector & Economic Governance Reform Programme in Nigeria. SGBN: Society Generale Bank (now Heritage Bank) to begin operations 2day; 80% owned by core investor, 9% by Saraki family, 11% by bank depositors. Oni v Fayemi: Supreme Court to hear appeal filed by Segun Oni (fmr Ekiti Gov) against Gov Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) 2day. Telecoms: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to introduce number portal service before end of March; Subscribers can switch networks & retain original numbers -Dr Eugene Juwah (Executive Vice Chairman, NCC).

S.J News• [March 3, 2013]

S.J News• [March 3, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ Nigeria-Ivory Coast: Construction of Lagos-Abidjan expressway to commence in 2014 -President Goodluck Jonathan. PRTT: Officers from Office of the Head of Service misappropriated ₦60bn pension funds annually before inauguration of task team in June 2010 -Abdulrasheed Maina (fmr Chairman, Pension Reform Task Team). Cross-Carpeting (DPP to PDP): Federal High Court, Asaba orders Victor Ochei (Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly) to declare Ukwani constituency vacant; Seat occupied by Alphonsus Ojo. ₦115.4bn Budget: Gov Sule Lamido (Jigawa) signs 2013 Appropriation Bill into law. Grand Cross of the Order of the Nation: President Alassane Ouattara (Ivory Coast) confers Cote d’Ivoire’s highest honour on President Jonathan. Boltz: Maiden edition of Okpekpe road race on April 13, 2013 @ Okpekpe, Edo state; 10km dstance to be covered; Cash prize of ₦2.5m for top winners. Acting Head of Vatican City: Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (Pope Benedict XVI's Deputy) to takeover pending election of new Pope this month by College of Cardinals.

S.J News• [March 2, 2013]

S.J News• [March 2, 2013]• http://sjnewss.blogspot.com/ President: FCT High Court dismisses suit filed by Cyriacus Njoku (PDP member); President Jonathan eligible to contest 2015 presidential election -Justice Mudashiru Oniyangi. Governor: Gov Liyel Imoke (Cross River) returns to Nigeria after 3 months; Been absent since November 19, 2012 for undisclosed reasons. Bleeding Pen: Femi Adesina (Sun Newspapers) emerges new President of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) with 149 votes; Aisha Sule as Deputy President with 137 votes. NIMASA: Emmanuel Iheanacho (fmr Minister of Interior) drags Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency before Lagos High Court for alleged assault & false imprisonment. Aviation: FG to build automated multi-level car park @ international terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Construction to begin in 2nd quarter of 2013. Demolition: Lagos state Govt gives illegal occupants @ Adelabu NEPA Garden settlement, Surulere 3 weeks to relocate -Tunji Bello (Commissioner for Environment). GSM Operators: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) fines MTN, Etisalat, Airtel & Globacom ₦10m, ₦6m, ₦4 & ₦2m respectively for contravening ban on promotions & lotteries. Importation of Physical Goods: Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) extends deadline for compliance with Electronic Form-M to July 1, 2013. 2nd-in-command: French & Chadian forces forces kill Abdelhamid Abou Zeid (Deputy leader of Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb) in Mali. SA Police: South Africa suspends 8 police officers over death of Mido Macia (27yrs; chauffeur; Mozambiquan) dragged through busy street.