Business

EKSG seeks partnership with Chinese investors for SAPZ, EKZ

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has canvassed the partnership of Chinese investors to expand and accelerate development of the Ekiti State Special Agro-Processing Zone (SAPZ) and the Ekiti Knowledge Zone (EKS), which are central to the state’s economy.

Governor Oyebanji made the call in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while meeting with the Chinese investors led by the Executive Secretary-General, China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Leo He, emphasized the immense potentials of these zones in driving industrial growth of the state and creating employment opportunities for the youth.

Highlighting the potential of the zones, designed to foster innovation and technology, education, and entrepreneurship, which would attract talents and investment in information technology and other high-tech industries, the Governor expressed confidence that Chinese expertise in agro-processing technology and infrastructure would maximize these opportunities and ensure sustainable development in the sector

While assuring the investors of the state’s readiness to provide necessary support and enabling environment to any serious investors to ensure their investment flourish, the Governor emphasized his administration’s open-door policy to partnership that will drive the economic growth and development of the state.

“I am glad that you have chosen to come to Ekiti State, As a government, we understand our responsibility to investors and that’s why we have put in place a very strong regulations to make doing business easy for the investors.

“I invite you to explore the opportunities offer in our special agro-processing zone which currently have the support of ANDP, the zone is a game changer and any serious investors should take position either in the special agro-processing zone or Ekiti knowledge zone.” The Governor said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary-General, China Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Leo He commended the Governor for his foresight to diversify the state’s economy, reduce unemployment, and improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Mr Leo He, while explaining that he got inspired by the special agro-processing zone assures the Governor of his organization’s readiness to collaborate with the state government to actualize the objectives of the zones.

Also at the meeting were, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, Commissioner for Industry, Trade, investment and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, and Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode.

Business

Dangote Refinery reduces petrol price to N825 per litre

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol to N825 per litre from N835 per litre as competition continues in the domestic market.

Recall that last month, the 650,000 barrels per day refinery reduced the gantry price of petrol to N835 per litre from N865 per litre.

The latest adjustment is targeted at giving customers more value, as well as consolidating its leadership position in the domestic market.

Business

NIMC hikes NIN service fees, increases date of birth correction to N28,574

Federal Govt Launches NIN Diaspora Enrolment Centre In UAE

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced a revised price list for National Identification Number (NIN) issuance and other related services.

On May 1, the NIMC announced a review of the pricing structure for all its services.

In its report on Saturday, the commission said the cost of correcting the date of birth on a NIMC slip has increased to N28,574, reflecting a 74.87 percent rise from the previous fee of N16,340.

According to the new price list, modifying other details such as name or address now costs N2,000 per transaction, up by 31.41 percent from the earlier fee of N1,522.

While initial NIN enrolment and issuance of slips remain free, NIMC said the reissuance of lost or damaged NIN slips now costs N600, an increase from N500.

Premium enrollment services offered at licensed lounges, visa centres, and pre-booked VIP services now cost N20,000, and VIP reissuance of NIN slips is priced at N3,500.

Additionally, the commission said the fee for retrieving a NIN via USSD services has risen to N50 from N20.

For Nigerians in the diaspora, NIMC said adult enrollment at regular service points in African countries now costs $50, enrollment for children is $30, and reissuance of NIN slips abroad is priced at $6.

According to NIMC, in African countries, the commission said correcting a date of birth now costs $55, and modifying other fields costs $10.

In non-African countries, the commission said name corrections are priced at $60, while other changes cost $20.

In its executive summary of the revised price list, NIMC explained that the adjustments considered the current inflation rate of 32.70 percent, saying most services were increased by at least 20 percent, with certain exceptions based on the nature of the service.

Business

NCAA sanctions Kenya Airways over passenger complaints

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sanctioned Kenya Airways for several consumer-related violations involving three passengers, including one Gloria Omisore.

This is contained in a statement on Friday by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Achimugu stated the NCAA issued a sanction letter on Wednesday to Kenya Airways regarding the passengers’ complaints

“The infractions include failure to provide care, lack of transparency in carriage terms, poor communication with the Authority, and mishandling refunds and baggage.

“In accordance with the NCAA Regulations 2023, Kenya Airways must pay fines and compensate each affected passenger with 1,000 special drawing rights.

“The airline has seven days to comply. Failure to do so will result in more severe penalties,” Achimugu said