Connect with us

NEWS

HappeningNow: Innoson sues Imo Govt over N2.5bn debt

Published

on

HappeningNow: Innoson sues Imo Govt over N2.5bn debt

Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) has filed a lawsuit against the Imo State Government over its failure to pay or service the debt of N2,547,666,435.00 (Two Billion, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira).

The N2. 5 billion was for the purchase price of the various IVM Vehicles including their parts which IVM manufactured, sold and delivered to the State Government but its government had refused and failed to pay same despite repeated demands and appeals.

In a statement issued by the company’s Corporate Communications Head, Cornel Osigwe, it stated that, “The lawsuit which was filed by Prof Joseph N Mbadugha, SAN, FCPA of McCarthy Mbadugha & Co, the counsel to Innoson Vehicles coming against repeated attempts made by the Chairman of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, to the Governor urging him to pay the company on the vehicles sold, and delivered to the State Government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, sometimes in April 2021, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma invited the Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicles, Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma to the Imo State Government House, Owerri where they discussed and agreed that Innoson Vehicles would sell and supply various specifications of its brand of Vehicles to the State Government which includes, inter alia;

  1. 70 units of Innoson 5 Seater double cabin pick-up (IVM Carrier) 4WD

  2. 10 units of Innoson 5- Seater double cabin military pick up (IVM G12)

  3. 10 units of Innoson 5 seater single cabin military pick-up (IVM G12)

  4. 100 units of a complete siren with public addressing system, revolving light, and street police light;

  5. 2 Units of IVM Ambulance Vehicles

  6. 20 Units of IVM G12 MS11

  7. 20 sets of B. Canopy

“The above vehicles which were valued at over N2.5 billion ($6.3M) were supplied in good faith to the Imo State Government based on an understanding with the Governor which arose after a special request that Innoson Vehicles grant the State the favor of paying for the vehicles after deliveries to them and which request was granted and honored.

“The special and privilege request granted to the Governor turned into a nightmare for Innoson Vehicles and Its Chairman after Chief Chukwuma had at various times through several visits, phone calls, messages, and submission of letters requesting payment appealed to the Governor and his conscience to make total payments or set up a payment plan that will offset the debt.

READ ALSO: 74 Internet fraud suspects arrested in Port Harcourt

“The inability of the State Government to pay the aforesaid purchase price of the vehicles supplied has resulted in Innoson Vehicles having difficulties in fulfilling its loan repayment obligations to Keystone Bank Limited and Bank of Industry. These Banks granted their credit facilities at the rate of 10% interest and other fees therein. More so, it has led to the loss of profit arising therefrom and the accruing interest.

“It is also interesting to note that as of July 27th, 2022, the over N2.5 billion worth of vehicles supplied to Imo State Government in April 2021 which is valued at $6.3M is now worth $3.8M. Even if the money is paid today, the value of the money has depreciated by over 40 percent.

“It is therefore based on this premise that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd has begun the process of recovering its debts against the Imo State Government by slamming a lawsuit of over N2.5 billion with an interest rate of 10% on the entirety of the sum claimed at the High Court of Anambra State, Nnewi Division.”

NEWS

Again, DPRP Slashes PMS Price by N50 to N1,075/Liter

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) has announced another reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Biztellers reports that this marked its fourth price cut within a month, even as the company claimed in a statement in Lagos on Thursday that it continues to pass lower production costs to consumers despite still processing crude oil purchased at significantly higher international prices.

The latest N50 per litre reduction brings the cumulative decrease in the refinery’s PMS ex depot price to N200 per litre since May 30, 2026, reducing the gantry price to N1,075. Over the same period, the refinery has reduced the ex-depot price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) by N300 per litre and Jet A1 aviation fuel by N520 per litre.

The company stressed that the successive reductions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring Nigerians benefit from favourable market developments while maintaining the long-term sustainability of domestic refining operations.

ALSO READ: Shell, Banks Launch $3bn Contractor Support Fund

The refinery explained that petroleum product pricing cannot mirror daily movements in international crude oil markets because crude is purchased weeks, and sometimes months, before it is processed.

According to the refinery, the petroleum products currently being supplied to the market are being produced from crude inventories acquired during periods of substantially higher prices.

It disclosed that the average landed cost of crude processed stood at approximately US$124.80 per barrel in May and US$95.25 per barrel in June, compared with the current international benchmark of about US$71.01 per barrel.

The refinery also clarified that its crude procurement costs are not based solely on the headline ICE Brent benchmark commonly quoted in the media.

Rather, crude is purchased on a Dated Brent basis together with applicable market premiums, freight and logistics costs, resulting in actual feedstock costs that differ materially from benchmark prices.

Despite the sharp increase in crude acquisition costs during the period, the Dangote Refinery said it deliberately refrained from transferring the full impact to consumers, choosing instead to absorb a significant portion of the additional costs in order to support market stability and cushion Nigerians from the volatility in global energy markets.

The company noted that this pricing approach has helped to keep petroleum product prices in Nigeria below those prevailing in neighbouring countries, even after accounting for applicable taxes. It added that as lower priced crude cargoes progressively enter its production cycle, the refinery has begun systematically passing the benefits to the market through phased price reductions.

“Today’s N50 per litre reduction is the fourth price cut in one month, bringing cumulative reductions to above N200 per litre on PMS. This approach ensures that pricing decisions are anchored on actual production economics and inventory costs rather than short term fluctuations in international oil markets,” it said. “Nigeria today benefits from the stabilising role of domestic refining capacity. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery currently supplies volumes sufficient to meet national demand, helping to strengthen energy security, eliminate dependence on imports, conserve foreign exchange and provide greater price stability for consumers and businesses”.

The company expressed confidence that if international crude prices remain favourable and lower cost feedstock continues to replace higher priced inventories, Nigerians should expect further moderation in petroleum product prices.

The DPRP reiterated its commitment to supplying high quality, internationally certified petroleum products at competitive prices while supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and the long-term development of the country’s downstream petroleum sector.

Continue Reading

NEWS

‘Adire Was Only a Proposal, Not the New NYSC Uniform’ – Youth Minister Clarifies

Published

on

NYSC extends service year of 20 corps members in Gombe, Abia

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying reports suggesting otherwise were based on a misunderstanding of his earlier comments.

The clarification came after media reports claimed the minister had announced the replacement of the NYSC’s iconic khaki uniform with Adire during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.

In a statement posted on his official social media account, Olawande explained that he only mentioned Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals currently being considered as part of the ongoing reforms of the NYSC scheme.

SEE MORE: No More Khaki! FG Unveils Adire as New NYSC Uniform

“My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform,” he said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.”

The minister stressed that no final decision has been taken on the proposed uniform, noting that the government is still evaluating different options based on professional appearance, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, national identity and the promotion of local industries.

“For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride,” Olawande said.

“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”

During his earlier interview on Channels Television, Olawande had responded to a question on whether a new NYSC uniform would be produced locally by saying: “It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun; we have them in Kwara; we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country.”

The remark triggered widespread speculation that the Federal Government had officially approved Adire to replace the traditional khaki uniform worn by corps members.

However, the minister urged Nigerians not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing reforms.

According to him, the reforms are aimed at making the NYSC scheme more relevant by improving the employability of corps members, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and ensuring a smoother transition from education to productive careers.

“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he added.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Makinde Orders Schools to Recover Lost Learning Time After Orire Kidnappings

Published

on

Makinde Wins Polling Unit, Sweeps Adelabu’s Polling Unit

The Oyo State Government has directed all public schools across the state to intensify efforts to recover academic time lost during the recent industrial action triggered by the abduction of teachers and students in Orire Local Government Area.

The directive was issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Segun Olayiwola, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the ministry’s conference hall to develop a coordinated recovery plan for restoring normal academic activities.

SEE ALSO: Ibadan Chief Knocks Fayose Over Attacks on Makinde, Issues Strong Warning

The meeting brought together representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Addressing stakeholders, Olayiwola stressed the need for urgent academic recovery, urging school administrators and teachers to prioritise effective teaching and learning to reduce the impact of the disruption.

“Schools must intensify efforts to recover the academic time lost during the industrial action. We cannot allow our students to be academically disadvantaged by the recent disruption,” he said.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to strengthening the education sector through policies that improve learning outcomes across the state.

“The Oyo State Government remains committed to providing the best learning environment for our students. Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration will continue to implement policies that enhance the quality of education across the state,” Olayiwola added.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Baale Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, commended teachers’ unions for suspending the industrial action in the interest of students.

“We appreciate the leadership of the teachers’ unions for putting the interest of students first by suspending the industrial action,” Aderibigbe said.

“Continued collaboration between government and education stakeholders is essential to moving the sector forward.” he added

However, representatives of the NUT, ANCOPSS and AOPSHON urged the state government to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the teachers and students abducted in Orire Local Government Area.

The unions said, “We appeal to the government to sustain every effort toward the safe release of our abducted colleagues and students while we remain committed to supporting quality education in Oyo State.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Education Intervention, Suraju Tiamiyu, expressed optimism that the abducted teachers and students would soon regain their freedom.

“We are optimistic that the abducted teachers and students will soon regain their freedom. The government is making sustained efforts to ensure their safe release,” Tiamiyu said.

The industrial action was triggered by the abduction of teachers and students in Orire Local Government Area, disrupting academic activities in public schools before the strike was suspended.

With schools back in session, the Oyo State Government says recovering lost classroom hours remains a top priority while security agencies continue efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted victims.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x