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FG Approves Stipends for Exited N-Power Beneficiaries

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Npower

N-Power Beneficiaries to Receive Stipends

The Federal Government has okayed the payment of stipends to the exited N-Power beneficiaries under the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP).

This was disclosed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq in a statement released by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, on Thursday.

 “Approval has been given for the payment of the outstanding stipends for the exited N-Power Batches A and B beneficiaries.”

“The approval for payments for up to the month of June 2020 for the two (2) Batches has already been forwarded to the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) for final checks and payments,” Umar-Farouq said.

She said that the only outstanding approval waiting to be forwarded to the Accountant General of the Federation’s office was for the payment of July 2020 stipends for Batch B beneficiaries.

She also disclosed that about 14,000 beneficiaries that were omitted by the AGF office during the payment from March to June 2020 could be among those rejected by the GIPMIS payment platform due to discrepancies identified with their accounts as conveyed to the ministry by the AGF’s office.

“According to the report from the AGF’s office, any beneficiary receiving payment from other government payment platforms will be rejected by the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIPMIS). Hence their payment will be withheld.” she said

The Minister said that the ministry had requested the details of those affected and the reasons for their rejection from the AGF and promised to communicate that to the affected beneficiaries.

She said “The FMHADMSD has requested for details of those affected and the reasons for their rejection from AGF’s Office and has promised to communicate that to the affected beneficiaries. However, if the rejection was done in error, those affected should be rest assured that they will be paid all that is due to them as soon as the error is rectified by the AGF’s office.

Umar-Farouq further explained that the Batches A and B N-Power beneficiaries knew from the beginning as they were informed that the programme was for 24 months, adding that the non-dis-engagement of Batch A beneficiaries after 24 months was done out of exigencies of the time.

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Nigeria’s Paper Import Bill Hits $3 Billion Annually, Reveals FAE Limited MD

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Funlayo Okeowo, the Managing Director of FAE Limited, a prominent paper manufacturing firm, has disclosed that Nigeria’s annual expenditure on paper imports stands at $3 billion.

Okeowo made this revelation during a recent press conference held in Lagos to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Addressing reporters, Okeowo explained the crucial role of manufacturing in driving economic growth and underscored the challenges faced by the sector, particularly concerning operational costs.

She highlighted that a significant portion of manufacturers’ profits, up to 80%, is being consumed by diesel expenses, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to remain profitable.

Expressing concern over the financial strain faced by manufacturers, Okeowo called upon the government to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens faced by the industry.

She emphasized the need for policies and interventions aimed at reducing operational costs and fostering a conducive environment for manufacturing growth.

In addition to addressing the pressing issues surrounding manufacturing, Okeowo also unveiled plans for the establishment of ‘World Envelopes Day,’ an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the significance of envelopes in various aspects of human communication and expression.

The initiative, set to be celebrated annually on April 16th, reflects FAE Limited’s commitment to promoting the cultural and practical importance of envelopes in society.

As part of the company’s anniversary celebrations, FAE Limited will host a special roundtable event featuring key stakeholders from diverse sectors to discuss the past, present, and future of the paper manufacturing industry in Nigeria.

This event is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for driving

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Economist Intelligence Unit Warns Indigenous Oil Companies of Investment Gap

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Oil

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has issued a cautionary note to indigenous oil companies eyeing the acquisition of assets from divesting international oil companies, warning them of potential investment challenges.

In its latest Country Report on Nigeria, the EIU underscored that local companies may not match the financial prowess of multinational firms, historically significant players in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Citing concerns over Nigeria’s business environment, characterized by corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits, the EIU projected a possible net withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, following a similar trend observed in the previous year.

The report pointed to multinational corporations scaling back or exiting Nigeria altogether, exacerbating the economic landscape’s challenges.

Foreign oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, have announced plans to divest their onshore oil assets, signaling a shift toward offshore operations.

This trend aligns with the broader industry shift and poses significant implications for indigenous players.

While government officials like the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, view these divestments as opportunities for local capacity development, concerns remain over indigenous firms’ ability to fill the investment void left by departing multinationals.

The EIU emphasized the positive potential for local participation in the sector’s indigenization, but cautioned that indigenous companies might struggle to match outgoing multinationals’ investment capabilities.

This warning underscores the imperative for strategic planning and support mechanisms to ensure indigenous firms can navigate the evolving landscape and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil industry sustainability.

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Appointments

Heirs Technology Appoints Obong Idiong as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Obong-Idiong

Heirs Technology, the latest subsidiary of investment powerhouse Heirs Holdings, has announced the appointment of Obong Idiong as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation through innovative and locally tailored solutions.

Idiong, who previously served as the Managing Director/CEO at Africa Prudential Plc, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to his new role.

During his tenure at Africa Prudential Plc, he led the digital transformation of its registrar services, positioning the company as a technology-driven organization.

His track record of success and expertise in the technology sector make him well-suited to lead Heirs Technology into a new era of growth and innovation.

In his statement following the appointment, Idiong expressed pride in bringing Heirs Holdings’ core values and business approach to the tech sector.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence, execution, and enterprise, aiming to bridge the gap in the technology ecosystem by delivering local relevance to a global market and offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance competitiveness.

Also, Dr. Fumbi Chima has been appointed as the Chair of Heirs Technology. With her extensive experience in technology leadership roles across global organizations, including Adidas, Fox Network Group, and Walmart, Chima brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her new role.

She expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to unlock Africa’s potential through Heirs Technology, confident that the company will make a meaningful impact on the continent’s digital landscape.

Heirs Technology’s strategic appointments underscore its commitment to driving Africa’s digital agenda forward and positioning the continent as a leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

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