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Abuja to Kaduna Train Service to Resume Operations Soon

Following the release of the last batch of hostages, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello disclosed that Abuja to Kaduna rail service will commence operations soon.

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Lagos-Ibadan Train Services - Investors King

Following the release of the last batch of hostages, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello disclosed that Abuja to Kaduna rail service will commence operations soon.

The minister stated this during a meeting with senior officials of the China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation (CCECC) at the Operation Control Centre (OCC) of the rail system at Idu, Abuja.

Abuja to Kaduna standard gauge rail is one of the rail networks in Nigeria. Others include Lagos to Ibadan and Warri to Itakpe.

According to a statement released after the meeting, the minister noted that several measures had been put in place to ensure the security of the entire length of the light rail system ahead of the resumption of operations. 

“For the security of Abuja rail mass transit, it is guaranteed. When we resume operations, everybody can travel safely,” the minister was quoted. 

In August 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a sum of N718.19 million to two security outfits with the responsibility to protect the 45-kilometre Abuja rail tracks and stations across the rail network.

The two security outfits are Messers Al-Ahali Security Guards Limited and Messers Seaguard Security and Protective Company Limited.

“I presented a memo at the Federal Executive Council meeting of today, and the council approved a contract for the provision of security services for the Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit System,” the FCT minister stated at the end of the FEC meeting.

Investors King earlier reported that Nigeria lost up to N531 million monthly on the Abuja to Kaduna rail service. 

The money which would have been made from the sale of tickets was lost due to the suspension of the train service. 

It would be recalled that in March, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) suspended its Abuja-Kaduna train operations after some gunmen planted explosives on the rail track and attacked passengers.

Also speaking at the meeting, the permanent secretary of FCTA, noted that a lot of high-powered decisions have been reached which will fasten the resumption of the train service. 

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Business

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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Business

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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