World Coconut Day: Coconut Sub-sector Can Contribute Over $400 Billion To The Nigerian Economy Annually - Dr. Okechukwu-Okoroji

 

The President of the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), Dr. Mrs Nma Okechukwu-Okoroji, has revealed that Coconut Sub-sector can contribute over 400 billion USD, to the Nigerian economy annually.

She stated this while speaking ahead of the 2023 World Coconut Day celebration revealing that coconuts can help generate over $400 billion for the Nigerian economy annually.

She stated this while speaking ahead of the 2023 World Coconut Day celebration revealing that coconuts can help generate over $400 billion for the Nigerian economy annually.

She said, "Our economy of production has proven that the coconut sub-sector can contribute over 400 billion USD to the Nigerian economy annually.

"How much is the cost of crude as compared to that of coconut? It is three times higher, and the demand for coconut products is increasing every day."

"Between 265 tons of coconut are produced in Nigeria presently, and 70 percent of it is produced by Lagos State, and 30 percent is produced by the other states in Nigeria," she stated.

According to the university don, despite the enormous economic potential of coconuts, it had been difficult for successive governments in the country to explore their far-reaching economic importance stressing that this has hindered the possibility of ensuring that the coconut subsector in the country makes a massive contribution to the nation's GDP.

She harped on the economic potentials of the coconut production in Nigeria, insisting it is another fast way to create jobs and boost the economy.

She disclosed that coconut is a tree of life, a cash crop that grows in over 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states, with Lagos State having the largest production area, emphasising that an estimated 36,000 hectares is presently under cultivation mostly in Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, adding that an estimated 1.2 million hectares of land is suitable for coconut cultivation, quoting the NIFOR, 2008 reports.

She also revealed that the largest producers of coconut in the world are Indonesia and Philippines, while Tanzania ranks the highest in Africa.

Okechukwu-Okoroji added that Nigeria is ranked 18th position in the world, stating that, that is the critical point why the 2023 Coconut Planting Season Flag-Off is aimed at achieving the Actualization of Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria by 2027 (COSIN), through the establishment of coconut tree planting, the establishment of 10,000 square meters of coconut farms in all Coconut Viable States and 1 Family 3 Coconut Trees and 1 organisation 10 Coconut Trees Initiative.

Meanwhile , the National Coconut Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), has taken a series of steps and measures to ensure that the economic importance and health benefits of coconut do not elude the Nigerian populace.

A farmer, agro-dealer, media strategist and the Imo State Chapter Chairman of the National Coconut Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN), Cos-Ukwuoma Nnamdi, while speaking to our correspondent, said it has become imperative that the organisation must go beyond the ordinary to key into the global vision of massive coconut production for health and for wealth.

"The key focus is to attract more coconutpreneurs/investors in the production, processing, commercialization and utilisation of the coconut.

"The crop can really play a significant role in the economic development of the individuals, organisations and states of our dear country, Nigeria," he said.

"Apart from setting aside a day for the flag-off of coconut planting season, a day is also set aside to celebrate World Coconut Day.

"As Nigeria marks 2023 World Coconut Day on September 21, 2023 with the theme: Sustaining The Coconut Sector For The Present And Future Generation Through COSIN, it is my hope and expectation that critical stakeholders in the sector will wake up to glaring realities of our time, that investment in agriculture is the only shortcut and sure way to reducing unemployment and boosting the economy," he said.

According to him, Imo State Chapter of NACOPPMAN has initiated several steps and taken key initiatives to step up investment in the coconut sector in the state. There is a comprehensive plan to increase productivity of coconut farmers and growers, to ensure sustainable livelihoods for them across the state. Through this strategy, there will be doubled yields through improved planting protocols, fertilizer applications, and routine agricultural practices.

In addition to this, proactive steps are being taken to promote alternative income-generating activities for coconut farmers, ensuring an effective agricultural cooperative framework that benefits them and a more inclusive methodology to empower women farmers and the youth.

As such, imperative is a coconut cluster that will properly and profitably harness the value chain for the benefit of all players in the industry in the state, he concluded.

PAP Flags Off Aviation Training Program For Ex-agitators

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has flagged off the Aviation Resuscitation Programme for Cadet Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, as part of more efforts to create sustainable livelihoods for ex-agitators and create a pool of skilled manpower for Nigeria's Aviation industry.

Speaking in Lagos on Monday at the Inauguration Ceremony of the flag off, Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd), noted that enormous opportunities abound for the beneficiaries in global aviation.

Ndiomu who was represented by Wilfred Musa, PAP's Head of Reintegration, recalled that past PAP administrations had made efforts at revamping the training programs but for administrative glitches and the complex nature of the Aviation industry, marginal success was attained.

He said the flag off of the programme which was initiated more than eight years ago, further shows that the current PAP leadership is critical about advancing the lives of ex-agitators.

While noting that the aviation industry is a major "touch point for Commerce" in any country, the IA urged those who are misinterpreting the initiative behind the program to "pay attention" to its long term benefits and instant values.

On arguments that beneficiaries may relocate abroad for greener pastures upon completion of the programme, Ndiomu posited that "there is nothing wrong with it", as long as they are working abroad and sending home forex, which will in turn add values to the Nigerian economy. "Moreso, we exist within the context of a global village where the mobility of labor is encouraged for the purpose of knowledge expansion and strategic networking."

He urged aviation stakeholders to take note of the program, and begin to look towards leveraging on the enormous pool of skilled manpower that the program will produce for the aviation industry.

In the aftermath of a Code of Conduct signed by the beneficiaries, General Ndiomu cautioned that discipline must be imbibed throughout their learning process. "We will not hesitate to delist anybody who will run fowl of items as listed. (Code of Conduct)".

He further charged them to "elevate their  reasoning" and "knock off" the feeling of "entitlement". 

In a brief remark, the facilitators of the program, Alom Aviation Services Ltd., expressed optimism that within a year, the trainees will be gainfully employed in the aviation industry.

Capt. Austin Omame, MD/CEO of Alom Aviation Services Ltd., assured that the beneficiaries will be closely monitored throughout their time with the aviation firm which he said is an Approved Training Organization (ATO) duly certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Engr. Ofuafo White Ghavwan, one of the beneficiaries who spoke on behalf of the others, applauded the Amnesty Programme for sending them to one of "the best aviation training schools in West Africa and situation in Lagos.

He noted that the training opportunity has already guranteed them jobs in the aviation sector where such skilled manpower are in high demand.

The trainees are part of a total of 75 pilots and aircraft engineers sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme to various Aviation Training Organizations (ATO's) in Lagos (Nigeria), Johannesburg (South Africa) and Toulouse, (France) for type-rating courses as part of its aviation training scheme.

Promote Efficiency in Service Delivery, NDDC Boss Charges Directors

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged newly promoted Directors of the Commission to emphasize efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

Ogbuku, who made the call during the Opening Session of a Two-Week Capacity Building Workshop for NDDC Directors in Abuja, stated that providing quality service to the people of the Niger Delta was a collective responsibility of all the staff of the Commission.

The NDDC Boss, represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Julius Oworibo, said that the Strategic Management and Leadership Programme would equip the Directors to make critical decisions that would shape the course of the NDDC and the Niger Delta region.

This was contained in a statement by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director, Corporate Affairs NDDC on Tuesday.

Quoting the statement, Dr Ogbuku noted that the task ahead was enormous, stressing that the region was faced with a myriad of challenges, including environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and exploitation; inadequate infrastructure; educational disparities and healthcare deficiencies.

“Niger Delta region is not just a geographical entity; it is a place where dreams are born and nurtured, where cultures thrive, and where people’s lives are intertwined with the rich tapestry of our environment. It’s a region blessed with abundant natural resources, but also beset by unique challenges.

“The challenges that have plagued the Niger Delta for decades seems endless but not insurmountable. Concerted effort, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment is required to tackle the challenges. This is where your role as Directors becomes pivotal. You are at the forefront of the battle for a better Niger Delta, armed not with weapons, but with knowledge, vision, and determination.” he said.

Ogbuku said further: “As you take on your new roles as Directors, you are not just assuming positions of authority; you are embracing a profound responsibility to shape the destiny of our region.

“The NDDC’s mission is to facilitate sustainable development of the Niger Delta states, and your leadership is central to achieving this goal. We cannot afford to falter or stagnate; we must rise to the occasion with wisdom, courage, and innovation.”

The NDDC boss said that leadership, especially in the context of a complex organization like the NDDC, demanded a diverse skills set and a deep understanding of the region.

He challenged the Directors: “Lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to the people of the Niger Delta. Embrace innovation and collaboration as tools for progress. Champion inclusivity and diversity in your teams, for it is through diverse perspectives that we find the best solutions.

“To lead effectively, you must have a clear vision of where we are headed and the purpose that drives us. Our vision for the Niger Delta is one of inclusive and sustainable development. It’s a vision where every child has access to quality education, where healthcare is not a luxury but a right, where our environment is protected for future generations, and where economic opportunities abound.

“Your purposes as Directors is to turn this vision into reality, step by step, decision by decision. Let your leadership be guided by the principles of empathy and compassion.
Understand the daily struggles of the people you serve, and let their aspirations be your North Star”, he emphasized.

While calling for unity of purpose in the Commission, Ogbuku said “NDDC is not a collection of individuals working in isolation; it is a team bound by a common mission. Support one another, collaborate, and share knowledge and experiences. It’s in the synergy of diverse talents that we find innovative solutions to complex problems.

“Together, we will write a new chapter of progress and prosperity for our beloved region.”

The Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, ASCON, Mrs. C.U. Gayya thanked the NDDC for the confidence reposed in the College to collaborate with it to organize the Two-weeks Human Capacity Development Course for the newly promoted Staff to the rank of Directors.

She commended the Commission for pulling resources together for the Training Session aimed at promoting competence in delivering the core mandate of the NDDC.

Gayya stated that the current economic crunch in the country is a wake-up call to look inward and begin to do things differently, stressing “we must be more proactive, resourceful and committed to the ideals of innovation, creativity and resourcefulness in managing public resources”.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the NDDC Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mr. Patrick Ekade said the two-week programme was another step towards building the capacity of participants for effective delivery on the mandate of the NDDC.

UNICEF moves to support Nigeria’s Humanitarian response with $270m

 

In a bid to support Nigeria’s humanitarian response and poverty alleviation efforts, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has pledged to support Nigeria with $270 million.

Country Representative UNICEF, Christian Mundate and lead the Chief of Health & HIV/AIDS, Eduardo Celades, made this known in Abuja during a working visit to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, on Tuesday.

This was contained in a statement by Mrs Rhoda Iliya, Deputy Director of the ministry adding that the UNICEF delegation also assured the minister of technical support to build capacity of the ministry’s staff as well as support the development of a humanitarian response protocol for Nigeria to guide all humanitarian actors.

UNICEF, Country Representative, Mundate maintained that the delegation would facilitate effective coordination.

Furthermore, UNICEF also assured that it will support the establishment of a National Humanitarian Situation Room or Humanitarian Emergency Operation Centre, H-EOC, to monitor, mitigate and prevent humanitarian emergencies and build resilience in the system.

In her response, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has a phased strategy to lift 133 million Nigerians out of poverty, particularly the 71 million living on less than $1.95 per day.

Edu urged UNICEF to strategize and align its effort with the government’s poverty alleviation initiative, urging the fund to also draw up plans towards supporting the government on poverty alleviation.

“Time is of the essence and we need to run at the speed of light to roll out social programs that will bring relief to the burdens of the poor. Nigerians are eagerly waiting for full implementation of the renewed hope agenda, the time for intense action is now,” the minister said.

The Minister however assured the delegation of transparency and accountability in the disbursing of the funds adding that the engagement with partners like UNICEF will continue until government achieves its targets.

Entrench Collaboration in Niger Delta Development, Stakeholders Charge NDDC

Niger Delta Stakeholders have charged the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC to entrench collaboration and partnership in the development of the Niger Delta Region by holding quarterly Partners for Sustainable Development, PSD, forum for the various stages of its budgeting.

This was part of the resolutions contained in a communique issued at the end of a two-day PSD Forum, 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference Held at Ibom                                                                   Icon Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement by, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Pius Ughakpoteni and made available to journalists, the stakeholders also stressed the importance of the PSD forum in the Budgetary Process,

“The PSD Forum is aimed at eliminating duplications and institutional suspicions in the development process; reducing the incidence of working at cross purposes as well as reduce wastage of scarce resources allocated for regional development initiatives by all stakeholders.” they noted.

The stakeholders further resolved that the NDDC should focus on projects that would benefit the people of the region, stating: “The Commission should strike a balance between meeting the political demands and serving the people of the region by executing people centric projects.”

According to the communique, from the presentations, group discussions at the conference, it was agreed that “the NDDC should operate a lean budget that will allow and enable her to commence and complete projects within a certain and realistic budget cycle.”

It said further: “For the 2025 Budget, less of new projects should be captured in order to ensure the quick completion of all ongoing projects under the 2024 budget.”

The communique posited that the budget of the Commission should have a spread to cover the several ethnic nationalities and communities in the Niger Delta region.

The stakeholders Commended the Executive Management of the NDDC for resuscitating the PSD Forum, which was last held in 2016 and advised the Commission to maintain a timeline for the payment of contractors.

Group Accuses Tinubu, Ribadu Of Using Office For Personal Vendetta To Neglect North East

An APC group has accused the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of using his office to pursue personal vendetta, saying the new administration is yet to constitute a security agenda.

While accusing the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of lopsidedness in the appointment heads of Nigerian security, the group in a release signed by the National Coordinator, Wasiu Oyebode Olakunle, wondered why most heads of security chiefs are from North West geopolitical zone. 

According to Olakunle, apart from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa who hails Zango Kataf, Kaduna State, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar is also from North West, as well as the Director General DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi who hails from Bichi, Kano State, another North West region. 

Continuing, he further noted that the Director General NIA, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar also hails from Katsina North West Nigeria, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Jigawa, North West Nigeria and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Mattawale, who hails from Zamfara North West Nigeria.

Listing Ribadu's perceived offences, the group said, "Putting in place his political structure ahead of 2027 poll amidst insecurity in the country. 

"Turned to a journalist as well as a photo-journalist in the presidential villa most especially, when the president has visitors.

"Hosting and posting of pictures with political groups and Kannywood stars in his office".

The group expressed concern that Nigerian military is increasingly becoming demoralised, saying the bandits are now emboldened.

It called on the NSA and heads of defence, security and intelligence agencies to be more proactive to secure every swathes of the Nigerian territory.

The Electricity Act, 2023 As A Legal Framework For Resolving Nigeria’s Power Challenges

In an unprecedented move demonstrative of his commitment to reposition Nigeria to attain energy sufficiency for national development, His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR recently assented to the Electricity Bill, 2023 barely few days after his inauguration and assumption of duties as the President and Commander in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Electricity Bill, 2023 sponsored by Senator ( Dr) Gabriel Suswam, CON, immediate past chairman of the Senate Committee on Power was crafted based on a diagnostic report and recommendations of experts regarding extant statutory and operational challenges confronting the Nigerian power sector since the conclusion of the privatization exercise in 2013. Thus, while the repealed Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 provided the legal and institutional framework for the reform phase of the Nigerian power sector initiated and implemented by the Federal Government between 2000–2013, the Electricity Act, 2023 provides the ideal legal and institutional framework that will guide the post –privatization phase of the industry in Nigeria. The Act seeks to provide the framework that would attract more investors to leverage on the modest gains of the privatized and competitive electricity industry in Nigeria to accelerate growth in power generation capacity and improve utilization of generated power to minimize aggregate value chain loses.

It would be recalled that President Tinubu’s predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR had at the twilight of his administration assented to Bill No. 33 which was a constitutional alteration Bill passed by the National Assembly and duly ratified by the requisite number of State Houses of Assembly to remove the lacuna under item F, paragraph 14(b), part II ,Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. Prior to this constitutional alteration, the legislative powers of State Houses of Assembly over electricity within the various States of the Federation was restricted to “areas not covered by the national grid system within the State” This restriction was counterproductive as it hampered electricity access to many communities and also undermined effective regulation of electricity within states’ boundaries.

It must, however, be clarified that while the Constitutional alteration Bill No.33 assented to by the immediate past President Buhari essentially removed the lacuna that hitherto existed under paragraph 14(b) , part II, Second Schedule to the Constitution to give States of the Federation unfettered powers to make laws for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in every area within the state territory, the Electricity Act 2023 is to serve as a comprehensive statutory framework to guide this new regime of collaborative relationship between the Federal Government and the Federating States in the area of electricity regulation. In this regard, the Electricity Act expressly demarcate regulatory powers between the Federal Government and the Federating States by vesting the Federal Government powers to develop standards for adaptation and implementation by State Governments and regulation of the national grid, transnational and inter-state electricity distribution, while the Federating States are vested with regulation of intra-state electricity generation, transmission and distribution consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The expected practical impact of the Electricity Act, 2023 is that State Governments can now regulate mini-grids, embedded power, independent electricity distribution networks (IEDN)/ independent electricity distribution networks operators (IEDNOs) and independent electricity transmission networks (IETN)/ independent electricity transmission networks operators (IETNOs) thereby decentralizing electricity regulation and creating huge investment opportunities for private investors in off-grid electricity generation, transmission and distribution. Under the Act, individuals and corporate organizations can generate and distribute electricity in maximum aggregate of 1 Megawatt (MW) and 100 Kilowatts (KW) respectively without a license or permit from regulatory authorities. Successor Distribution companies can also enter into franchise arrangements in order to improve on existing infrastructure and at the same time establish subsidiaries in various States of the Federation for intra-state electricity distribution businesses.

In the area of rural electrification, while the Rural Electrification Agency is retained at the Federal level with clear provisions made for its mandate in managing the Rural Electrification Fund and promoting electricity access to rural, unserved and underserved communities through the use of various renewable energy sources and technologies, States are empowered under the Act to take leading collaborative role with the Federal Government in rural electrification while at the same time mobilizing Local Governments at the State levels to participate in the provision of street lights through the Local Government Rural Electrification Committees all with the sole objective of decentralizing electricity and attracting more investments.

As a further recognition of this new era of collaborative regulation of electricity business between the Federal and State Government, and to ensure policy harmony, the Act, for the first time gives statutory recognition to a body known as the National Power Policy Coordinating Council comprising of representatives of the two levels of Government and other critical stakeholders in the Nigerian power sector. The Council has among other responsibilities the duty of considering and adopting an integrated electricity policy and strategic implementation plan for the approval of the National Economic Council. The resource plan for the sector is to be reviewed every 5 years to ensure alignment in resource planning across the power value chain and responsiveness of government policies in the sector to prevailing realities and exigencies.

Another important point to note is that prior to the enactment of the Electricity Act, 2023, a plethora of legislations relevant to power sector were in existence but not consolidated and with several amendments to each of these legislations, it was usually a herculean task for stakeholders to track these legislations for compliance. With the enactment of the Electricity Act, 2023, all these legislations relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) with all observed post –privatization challenges are comprehensively articulated and addressed. While the consolidation of all electricity related legislations entails their repeal, various agencies such as the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) were retained under the Act while the National Power Training Institute is now establish to address the problem of power challenges in the sector with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) retained as an independent apex regulator of the power sector at the Federal level.

By and large, the Act contains far reaching provisions on a wide range of issues critical to unlocking Nigeria’s full potentials in electricity generation and increased energy access. These include clear provisions on the status of transitional entities such as NBET, provision on unbundling of Transmission Company of Nigeria into a Transmission Service Provider (TSP) and Independent System Operator (ISO), elimination of constraints around tenured licenses, inclusion of transitional provisions that allows NERC to amend licenses to allow existing successor companies to establish subsidiaries for their operation within State boundaries, provisions on business continuity to allow for uninterrupted services in cases of revocation of licenses, provision on the intervention powers of NERC in cases of distress, non –performance and managerial failure, provisions on the operationalization of Power Consumer Assistance Fund(PCAF) and gradual elimination of cross –subsidies, improved funding for rural electrification, consumer protection and prevention of unfair competition, severe punishment against electricity theft and related offences, metering and promoting the contribution of renewable energy to Nigeria’s energy mix. For the first time, provision has been made for generation and utilization of electricity from Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, etc with adequate provisions made to incentivize investors and ensure adequate regulatory support in terms of feed in-tariffs and renewable generation and purchase obligations ( RGOs/RPOs).

The Electricity Act, 2023 is therefore an important piece of legislation that would change the fortunes of the Nigerian power sector if properly implemented. The nation should be proud of 9th National Assembly and particularly the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Gabriel Suswam for this monumental legacy. President Bola Tinubu should also be commended for swiftly signing the Electricity Bill into law.

Written by:

Emmanuel Ukera

Fairfields Solicitors