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EFCC, NOUN to Review MOU for Enhanced Collaboration
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have reached an agreement to re-strategise and come up with a more mutually-beneficial Memorandum of Understanding ((MoU), to strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes as well as other acts of corruption.
This development came recently in Abuja when the Vice Chancellor of the NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters led a delegation of his management team to the headquarters of the EFCC on a courtesy visit.
Prof Peters explained that the NOUN had a long-standing relationship with the EFCC and the visit was meant to bolster the existing relationship between the two agencies.
He stated further that since the signing of the MOU in 2021, the two agencies have been able to build synergy on cyber security and forensic studies.
In his words, “Since our initial agreement, the synergy between our institutions has strengthened and our collective efforts have significantly contributed to building capacity in the areas of recognising and combating cyber threats in Nigeria.
“Our two institutions, having become aware of complementary features inherent in the execution of our mandates, signed an MOU to build synergy on cyber security and forensic studies. Since our initial agreement, the synergy between our institutions has strengthened and our collective efforts have significantly contributed to building capacity in recognising and combating cyber threats in Nigeria.”
He recalled the joint International workshop organised by ACTEL in collaboration with the International Information Development Agency, the African Centre of Excellence in Mathematics Computer Sciences and Applications and the EFCC.
In addition, he noted the Digital Footprint organized by NOUN in June 2023 which featured five of EFCC staff in active participation.
“We are proud to note for the records that an EFCC staff member, Mr. Kennedy Ketebu was among the first four students to bag a PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence from our University.
“This staff also benefitted from a Digital Science Support Fund that enabled him to showcase his research work at the World Bank’s office in Washington, USA, in October 2022.
“Our partnership is indeed yielding results. Over the past two years, we have witnessed other notable achievements such as joint seminars, workshops, supervision of Masters and PhD programmes in artificial intelligence, cyber security and management information systems”, he said.
He pressed for enhanced collaboration and renewal of the MoU with the EFCC to allow for internship opportunities, technology-based services, research, capacity building, supervision and facilitations and public awareness campaigns.
“As was before, we hope that the MOU will be managed through collaborative efforts and activities and projects will be jointly developed and implemented.
“I’m confident that renewal of the MOU will further solidify our partnership and lead to even greater achievements. Together, we will continue to make significant strides in enhancing cyber security, preventing financial crimes and contributing to the overall development of our great country”, he pointed out.
He appreciated the dedication and commitment of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede since he assumed office and charged him to continue to do the good work he was doing.
Responding, Olukoyede appreciated the visit of the delegation and thanked them for the extension of the hand of fellowship and comradeship to the EFCC.
He assured that the Commission was ever ready to continue the relationship between the two agencies.
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He harped on the need for public awareness to the ills of corruption and “the best way to create public awareness is through educational services which NOUN is providing”. He commended NOUN management for the distance learning opportunities Nigerians are getting through the institution.
The EFCC boss also charged the institution to develop a curriculum on anti-corruption studies to build in their students requisite skills and knowledge against corrupt practices.
He assured the VC and his team that the EFCC would review and renew the MoU with the institution for stronger and more fruitful collaboration.
“We are ready to collaborate with you and strengthen the relationship. We are not just going to renew the MOU, we are going to review it to allow for fresh inputs to be put into it”, he said.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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