Headlines
Tantita splashes N2.5m on young scholars to encourage excellence in public speaking in Delta state
The Eyewitness Reporter
In its continuous effort to promote learning in schools and as part of its Corporate Social responsibility (CSR), Tantita Security Services Ltd moved a notch higher on Saturday, October 5th, 2024 by splashing a total sum of N2.5M on students who excelled in the Delta State Inter-School Public Speaking Competition.
The programme is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Tantita and the Godfrey PondiBook Club.
At the end of the close-knit competition, Dom Domingos College, Warri, took the crown by winning the coveted cash prize of N1M.
Edjeba Secondary School secured the First Runner-Up position, receiving N800,000, while Ighogbadu Secondary School finished third and was awarded N700,000.
The event, themed “The Impact of Technology in Combatting Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalism,” showcased the talent and eloquence of young speakers from various secondary schools across the state.
The competition featured two speakers from each of ten government-owned secondary schools, including Dom Domingos College, Edjeba Secondary School, Ighogbadu Secondary School, Ekpan Secondary School, Urhobo College, College of Commerce, Yonwuren College, Alegbo Secondary School, Dore Numa College, and Ugborikoko Secondary School.
Each participant delivered insightful presentations addressing the critical role of technology in tackling issues related to crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Notably, the prize structure was initially set at N500,000 for the winner, N300,000 for the first runner-up, and N200,000 for the second runner-up.
However, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita Security Services promptly revised the amounts to N1,000,000, N800,000, and N700,000, respectively, to encourage and reward the students’ outstanding performances.
Speaking at the event, Captain Enisuoh, expressed his admiration for the initiative, stating, “First, I must commend those who came up with this very laudable idea.
” From all your performances, we can only say it will get better next time. It will get bigger next time; the prize money will also increase, and we will also introduce individual scholarships that will follow with assistance to the schools “
He emphasized the relevance of the competition’s theme, saying, “It was not an easy topic, and I think only those from this area would have won if it was a national event.
” We sleep and wake up with this pollution from crude oil; we know it is not easy to survive in this region.
” Most of our land has been affected by the illegality of this problem. We are very happy to see these effects at a young age, as it shows there is hope for solutions.”
Captain Enisuoh also reflected on the importance of the student’s contributions, noting, “You mentioned so many things, and though we are the ones in the forefront of fighting this scourge, we learned a lot from you today.
” We wish you had briefed us before we started the contract, but we are taking everything on board.
“You have given us reasons to improve, and we appreciate your participation.
“One day, one of you will be a governor, another a deputy governor, and possibly even a president.
“It’s crucial to understand the problems of your country before becoming a leader. “
Teachers from participating schools expressed their appreciation for Tantita’s initiative, recognizing the event as a valuable platform that not only highlights students’ skills but also reflects the hard work of educators and parents.
The event attracted other notable guests including management and staff of Tantita Security Services.
The competition not only highlighted the importance of public speaking skills among students but also emphasized the need for innovative solutions to combat oil theft and vandalism in the region.
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Customs
How NPA’ s ETO call- up system hampers seamless export processes at Lilypond Terminal — Customs
Funso OLOJO
The Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has attributed the persistent delay in export cargo movement at the command to logistics issues associated with the Nigerian Port Authority’s Eto call-up system, rather than any bottlenecks from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Eto call- up system is a structured movement of container- laden trucks into the terminals meant to decongest Port access road and facilitate quick goods clearance at the port.
It was developed by the NPA and driven by a private company.
However, Comptroller Odusanya, speaking at a Roundtable with members of Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN),emphasized that while the command has streamlined the export process, lack of available slots for trucks to enter the ports remains a major challenge.
He noted that despite the command’s efforts, numerous containers remain stranded at Lilypond due to the inability of trucks to secure clearance under the Eto system.
He explained that prior to the implementation of a centralized export processing system, multiple customs units across Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, and Lekki ports handled export documentation.
However, in July 2024, the government directed the full centralization of all export processes under the Lilypond Export Command.
This move, driven by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and backed by agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), was aimed at streamlining operations and reducing multiple checkpoints.
Odusanya revealed that between January and December 2024, the command processed exports valued at approximately $1.9 billion, a figure that could have been higher if the consolidation had occurred earlier in the year.
He added that in February 2025 alone, the command facilitated exports worth $225.1 million.
He attributed these successes to inter-agency collaboration, with Customs working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and quarantine services, among others.
Despite the improved export facilitation, Odusanya acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly with the Eto call-up system, which has created logistical constraints.
He explained that export containers often get delayed at Lilypond not due to customs processes but because of congestion at the ports, caused by import containers awaiting clearance.
He pointed out that while Apapa remains the busiest port for exports, the congestion problem is less severe at Tin Can due to the presence of an export processing terminal.
On the issue of the Nigerian Export Proceeds (NXP) form, Odusanya stated that the command has ensured compliance with all regulatory requirements.
He, however, acknowledged exporters’ concerns about the process and assured that Customs is working to facilitate seamless trade while ensuring adherence to financial regulations.
He urged maritime stakeholders, including the media, to continue sensitizing exporters on the ease of processing export goods through Lilypond, emphasizing that the command operates transparently and does not condone extortion.
He reiterated that officers at the entry points are strictly there to verify processed cargo and not to serve as an additional checkpoint.
Odusanya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lilypond Export Command to supporting Nigeria’s growing export sector, ensuring efficiency in cargo movement, and addressing any emerging challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Economy
Dangote group remits N402.3 billion tax to government coffers in 2024
Gloria Odion
The Pan African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited and its subsidiaries, have disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.
Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office.
He said Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.
Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised Dangote group and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Chiejina told his visitors that as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries have never shieded away from its obligations either to the government in the form of tax payment at all levels or to host communities in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
According to him, the Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades.
He noted that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.
Dangote Group and its subsidiaries were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market.
Dangote Cement Plc was adjudged as the Largest Commercial Paper Quotation on FMDQ and Single Largest Corporate Debt Issue on FMDQ.
Also, Dangote Industries Ltd also emerged as the “Most active corporate in the foreign exchange market”.
Headlines
NIWA Chairman charges Oyebamiji to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways
Funso OLOJO
The newly appointed Chairman of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon.Musa Sarkin-Adar, has charged the management team of the Authority led by its Managing Director, Bola Oyebamiji, to phase out wooden boats from Nigeria’s waterways.
Musa Sarkin-Adar, who paid a
familiarization visit to the management team of NIWA in its Abuja liaison office, in a bid to minimize boat mishaps on the waterways.
He believed it would be a lasting legacy for the present leadership of NIWA if accidents could be minimized on the Waterways.
The Chairman’s advice is however in alignment with the NIWA’ s resolve to stamp out wooden and rickety boats on waterways.
However, Musa Sarkin-Adar further encouraged the NIWA team to do more in connecting other states in the water transportation.
He emphasized on the need for the involvement of the private sector in the development of water transportation, as government cannot do it alone.
In his response, Oyebamiji expressed appreciation for the visit and encouraging words of the chairman and pledged the commitment of of NIWA management to make the nation’s waterways safe and secure.
Oyebamiji also commended the efforts of his management team in the development of the Inland Waterways
Transportation sub-sector.
According to him, he is blessed with an experienced and dedicated team which he cannot take the glory alone.
The Chairman’s visit was attended by all the management staff of the Authority.
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