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Traders union welcomes rice, maize import window with mixed feelings
The National Harmonized Traders Union of Nigeria has expressed mixed feelings about the Federal Government’s move to give tax holidays on the import of rice, maize, brown rice, cowpeas and other food items.
The group said the action could be good since it is a temporary measure to cushion the effects of hunger in the land.
Speaking in a release he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Kano, the President of the Union, Bature AbdulAziz, reminded the government that with the problems of forex, even with the import duty-free window measures taken, the prices of rice and other commodities will still be high for the common man in Nigeria.
He said, “For example, if one is importing rice from wherever, the dollar rate does not change. After the importation, a bag of rice will arrive in Nigeria at the rate of over N60,000, and it will still reach the last person at the rate of N70,000, so the change in the whole thing would be minimal.
“Yes, the price of commodities is unstable in Nigeria today, coupled with the lack of money among the public. This is enough to welcome any move to give citizens some relief, but this should not be a permanent position of the government,” AbdulAziz remarked.
DAILY POST reports that the Federal Government had announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on some essential food items imported through land and sea borders.
Kyari disclosed that the listed food items, which include maize, wheat, husked brown rice and cowpeas, will enjoy a 150-day duty-free import window.
Reacting, the Chairman of Traders commended President Tinubu for his unflinching concern for the well-being of Nigerian citizens, but he insisted that the government should, in the context of the duty-free import window, try not to harm the nation’s farming community.
He said that farmers in Nigeria are also trying their very best, but the problem is that farming implements are not coming to them as needed. “You can see that the rainy season is on, but yet nobody has given farmers anything as tools they need to carry out their activities.
“What the government should do to ensure that Nigerian agriculture prospers is to ensure that everything farmers need is provided to them when due. If the authorities do this, certainly the nation will not need any imported food items.”
“If the government prioritizes the importation of paddy rice, I’m assuring you that many people will be gainfully employed because it will still need to be processed and its price will be as low as anything,” AbdulAziz added.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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