By Ladi Gbegi

Researchers from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, and Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna, Niger State, have showcased their research and development (R&D) products funded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI.

A statement by the deputy director of Information, NASENI, Chima Akwaja, said the presentation, which took place at Technology Orientation Centre, TOC, NASENI headquarters, Abuja, was witnessed by the Agency’s top management led by Research Directors which marked the culmination of a collaborative effort that began in April 2023 when NASENI signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with three professors from the universities.

Professor Abass Alade, Department of Chemical Engineering, LAUTECH, research focused on “Treatment of Aquaculture Waste Water Using Waste Banana and Plantain Stem Juice Composite Through Integrated Filtracoagulation Cascade System”; Associate Professor Jimoh Oladejo Tijani, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State on “Development of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes-Iron Tungstate Composite for Industrial Wastewater Purification” while Dr. Sanusi Kolawole, Department of Pure and Applied Physics, LAUTECH, focused on “Development of Nano-coating Green Urea Fertilizer for Agricultural Production Enhancement”, respectively.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu represented by Research Director, Dr Samuel O. Olusunle, in his welcome address, appreciated the professors for making judicious use of the funds for publication of their research works and development of the products.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Professor Abass Alade expressed gratitude for the opportunity saying: “we are happy to have this great chance to show who we are and what we have done, and we deeply appreciated every input from NASENI, which has added to our body of knowledge and expanded our capacity.”

He also talked about key achievements of the projects such as Agency-academia linkage as feasible and sustainable; facility development in the areas of acquisition of equipment and resources; and human resource development of undergraduates and postgraduates who participated in the research works.

He called for funding from NASENI to further mass produce the products and to commercialize them thorough the tripartite relationship between NASENI, academia and private sector operators.

NASENI Research Director, Dr. Patrick Okwu who thanked the researchers for their partnership, encouraged them to include production costs in their next presentations to make the information more accessible to the general public.

On his part, NASENI Research Director, Engr. Prof. Abdulmalik Onuwe, expressed enthusiasm for the NASENI-university collaboration and emphasized the importance of expanding the research deliverables to benefit the manufacturing sector.

In his vote of thanks, Deputy Director and Head of the Research Laboratory Development Department, Science Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, Dr. Bakare Hassan Oladipo, expressed gratitude to the EVC/CEO for the collaboration saying, “This showcase underscores NASENI’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration between Nigeria’s top academic institutions and the Agency’s research and development efforts.”

By Dickson Pat 

Agbekoya Society of Nigeria, a parent body of Agbekoya Farmers Association of Nigeria, has urged President Bola Tinubu to monitor distribution of  grants and subsidies for agriculture to achieve the purpose.

The group gave the advice  in an open letter to Tinubu on Sunday, following Sunday’s presidential broadcast over nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.

The letter was jointly signed by the group’s President, Chief Kamorudeen Okikiola, and National Secretary, Dr Adegbenro Ogunlana.

The group was reacting to the Federal Government’s investments and other efforts in boosting food production to address hunger, as revealed in his broadcast.

It said that many Federal Government’s agricultural programmes did not get to the grassroots.

“The Nigerian Government has implemented various programmes and initiatives aimed at supporting the agricultural sector and empowering small holder farmers.

“However, we have observed that the intended benefits of these programmes often do not reach the intended beneficiaries  grassroots farmers who form the backbone of our nation’s food production.

“Our members, who are primarily subsistence and small-scale farmers, have experienced significant challenges in accessing grants, subsidies and other forms of support that have been made available.

“This is due to lack of transparency, accountability and effective monitoring mechanisms in the distribution process”, it said.

The group advised the president to start monitoring the interventions for efficiency.

The body said that  grassroots farmers  were the true drivers of agricultural productivity in Nigeria and should not be left out of programmes designed to uplift them.

According to the group, for Nigeria to achieve food security, sustainable agricultural development and  empowerment of rural communities, it is crucial to implement a robust and transparent way of monitoring policies.

The body said that such a monitoring system should ensure that agricultural grants and subsidies would reach the intended beneficiaries.

It called for establishment of a comprehensive database of registered Nigerian small holder farmers with detailed information on their land holdings, crops and other relevant details.

The group advocated implementation of a decentralised and community-based distribution system for agricultural grants and inputs.

The group also called for development of capacities of extension workers and local government agricultural officers to effectively monitor distribution of grants and inputs.

The society also called for introduction of a grievance redressing mechanism where farmers could report irregularities or misappropriation of agricultural support.

“We stand ready to work with your administration to develop and implement this much-needed monitoring policy.

“We remain committed to the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector in Nigeria”, it said.

By Aliyu Galadima 

In what appears to be a face-off, the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service has advised the investors of Kaduna Electric to settle their outstanding taxes, fines, and fees allegedly owed to the state and some of its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies ,MDAs.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Service Executive Chairman, Jerry Adams, on August 3, 2024. 

Tagged “Re: Kaduna Electric Disconnects Kaduna State Government House Over Debt of N2.9 Billion”, the service did not comment on the DisCo’s disconnection of power from the State Government House over the alleged N2.9 billion debt but used the opportunity to address the electricity company’s investor and others. 

The service had announced the sealing of Kaduna Electricity Company Plc ,Kaduna Electric, office over unpaid taxes amounting to N600 million. 

Hours later, the electricity company denied owing N600 million in unpaid taxes to the state, accusing the Kaduna State Government of engaging in “cheap blackmail” to divert attention from its own financial obligations. 

The company stated that the closure has significantly impacted Kaduna Electric’s ability to maintain full operational control, noting that the dispatch center, essential for coordinating power supply, is now under lock and key. 

In response, the company stated it has activated its contingency recovery plan to continue operations. However, it stressed that this measure limits the company’s visibility and control over its network, raising concerns about supply safety. 

In its rebuttal, the service criticized the company’s investors while maintaining that the service is owed N600 million in unpaid taxes among other outstanding liabilities. 

Adams advised the company’s investors to fulfill their civic responsibility. He stated: 

“In view of the ongoing issues between Kaduna Electric and the Kaduna State Government, it is important to note that although the Executive Governor is committed to attracting investors and improving the ease of doing business in Kaduna State, it is equally expected that investors carry out their civic responsibility of paying taxes for the improvement of infrastructure, security, and overall service delivery for businesses in the State to thrive. 

“Furthermore, the general public is reminded of the provisions of Section 3, Subsection 2(b) and (c) of the Kaduna State Tax Codification and Consolidation Law, which mandates the Service with the responsibility to collect and enforce the payment of taxes, levies, fees, and rates due to all Ministries, Departments, Agencies ,MDAs, and Local Governments of the State. 

“The sealing of the KAEDCO head office was a consequence of the N600 million tax liability accrued to the State”.

Adams maintained that, apart from the N600 million unpaid tax, “other levies, fines, and rates payable to the State are yet to be considered” regarding Kaduna DisCo. 

He disclosed that the Service has now requested the four MDAs of the State to forward their outstanding liabilities (non-tax liabilities, i.e., levies, fees, fines, etc.) owed by Kaduna Electric for enforcement. 

The MDAs are: “Kaduna State Geographic Information Service ,KADGIS, Kaduna State Water Administration Corporation ,KADSWAC, Kaduna State Water Regulatory Commission, and Kaduna Environmental Protection Agency ,KEPA”.

Adams stressed that the Service is open to an amicable resolution with Kaduna DisCo but vowed to enforce tax compliance on any defaulting company in the state. 

“The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service is committed to equitable taxation and thus will not overburden the poor with taxes but rather identify and carry out enforcement measures on tax-evading and non-compliant organizations and high-net-worth individuals, regardless of whose ox is gored. 

“Going forward, the Service is open to further engagements with KAEDCO and all relevant parties for an amicable resolution of these issues”.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ,NERC, had approved the acquisition of a 60% equity stake in Kaduna Electricity Company Plc ,Kaduna Electric, by ASI Engineering Limited. 

This was disclosed by Kaduna Electric via its X page on Friday, July 13, 2024. 

The equity transaction followed a NERC report from six months ago, which revealed that the electricity distribution company had a debt of N110 billion ($130 million) owed to various entities, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader and power generation firms. 

As disclosed in the statement at the time, ASI’s vision is to make Kaduna Electric a national leader in electricity distribution, driving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life through innovative and reliable solutions, thereby impacting residents, businesses, and industries in its franchise states (Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi). 

The collaboration is expected to focus on modernizing the electricity distribution network, implementing innovative solutions for energy management, and fostering greater customer satisfaction and engagement. 

NERC was appreciated for facilitating the approval alongside the Bureau of Public Enterprises ,BPE.

The terms of the acquisition agreement include that ASI will prioritize investments in Kaduna Disco infrastructure upgrades, employee training and development, and embark on community engagement initiatives to create lasting value for all stakeholders.