Other News
NNPC Moves to Avert Industrial Action over Its Pension Scheme
… As PENCOM Grants 12-Month Window for Compliance
ABUJA-The Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Monday assured members of staff and the general public that it is taking steps to avert a looming industrial action by the Corporation’s arm of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) even as the National Pension Commission has given a twelve-month widow for the Corporation to comply with the Pension Reform Act 2014 as amended.
PENCOM had earlier directed the Corporation to “immediately take all necessary steps to transit to the Contributory Pension Scheme under the PRA”.
In a fresh directive dated 15 September, 2014, PENCOM stated: “In order to accommodate your concerns, the Commission hereby grants the NNPC a transition period of 12 (12) months within which to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014”.
The Corporation appealed to the leadership of the industrial unions to exercise restraint while it embarks on extensive engagement with PENCOM to resolve the issues.
The NNPC noted that since the commencement of the scheme in 2006, the Management and its staff have made a lot of sacrifice to maintain the existing Scheme and any premature cancellation of the Scheme may lead to avoidable labour disaffection across board.
While acknowledging the existence of some funding gaps in the scheme, the Corporation informed stakeholders that measures have since been put in place to steadily bridge the funding deficit which stood at N298 billion in 2010 and has now been provisionally reduced to N85 billion as at June, 2014.
It stated that NNPC is in the process of transferring additional real estate property valued at several billions of naira to the scheme which is currently before the NNPC board for approval.
It noted that NNPC Pension Fund Limited has complied with the provisions of the PRA 2014, by transferring assets in equities, bonds, Certificates of Deposits and other marketable securities to the custody of Pension Funds Administrators for management as directed by PENCOM since 2006.
“The NNPC Pension Fund has demonstrated its capacity to manage the Scheme successfully by managing pension assets of over N250 billion for over eight years and maintaining an excellent record of administering and paying over 9000 retirees as and when due,” the Corporation said.
The Management called on members of the public not to engage in panic buying assuring further that plans are on top gear to address the situation.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
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“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.
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