A civil society organization in Nigeria has described the performance of the government under President Goodluck Jonathan as ineptitude. The Coalition against Corrupt leaders, a civil society monitoring the performances of government officials says the first 100 days of Jonathan's administration falls short of average expectation. - “He has lacked sufficient courage to address such issues that drive real development, reduce corruption and guarantee the needed security.” The group said. “His body language shows that he his party has a hidden agenda. They decried that the justice system under Jonathan is beginning to fail.” Debo Adeniran, the executive chairm…

Tobacco industry's invasion into Africa has been described as ruthless and insidious in its pursuits of creating markets in developing countries. This emphasis was made in Maputo, Mozambique capital during a one day stakeholders' forum hosted by Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative, ATCRI, and Framework Convention Alliance, FCA. - The forum accused tobacco companies of taking advantage of the less stringent tobacco control laws in Africa, thereby making it a target for tobacco product. Bontle Mbongwe, a lecturer at the University of Botswana said the tobacco industry is capitalizing on the legislative shortcoming in Africa to “aggressively advertise and market poison…

A Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday sentenced an American woman, Miss Sharon Denis Thorpe to two years in prison for forging and counterfeiting foreign bank cheques. - Miss Thorpe, 27 was arrested in February through intelligence by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, while trying to export the foreign forged foreign cheques without lawful authorities. Thorpe and her accomplice Kehinde Musediku pleaded guilty to all 13 count charge. They were accused of knowingly and fraudulently forging eight foreign banks cashier cheques valued at $40, 223, thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. Thorpe reportedly w…

After a prolonged battle with acute pericarditis, a condition of an inflammation of the lining of the heart, Nigeria's President Umar Musa Yar'dua succumbed to the illness at about 10pm Wednesday. - The Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Segun Adeniyi confirmed that the President died and will be buried on Thursday by 2pm in Katsina his hometown. Goodluck Jonathan who was acting President will now be sworn in as a substantial President on Thursday. This has finally put an end to the power tussle and political tension over Yar’dua’s health, which has affected smooth running of government. He was last seen in public in November 2009 when he proceeded to Saudi Arabia for…

- Sani Yerima, a senator in Nigeria has been criticized for marrying a 13 years old Egyptian girl. Female senators staged a protest and demanded that the minor be repatriated. Yerima became famous in 1999 when he introduced Sharia penal code in Zamfara state, where he served as governor for two terms, and promoted the Islamic penal code in other Northern states. Members of Nigeria civil society is mounting pressure on the senator to be probed for his act, saying that the action has made a rubbish of the child right act. Dr. Princess Oluwafemi -Kayode, coordinator of Mediacon, an organization committed to responding to issues of sexual abuse and rights of women and children has taken…

- Nigeria’s Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan has finally dissolved the executive cabinet of the countries ministers. Jonathan announced the suspension of the cabinet in regular federal executive council meetings on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting, Dora Akunyili, the outgoing minister of communications said the Acting president gave no reasons for the action. In the meeting that lasted 7 hours, Akunyili says Jonathan thanked the ministers for the work of nation building but that they will have to be dropped. Jonathan might have acted the script on the minds of many Nigerians who believe that the cabinet inherited from ailing president Yar’dua…

- Experts have described tobacco crop as a crop of death. This is considering that tobacco farmers all over Africa are impoverished and the farmland which the plant grows turns infertile to other crops. This position was maintained by Rachel Kitonyo, Chairperson of Africa Tobacco Control Alliance, ATCA, during a meeting of Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative, ATCRI in Uganda. Kitonyo says Tobacco cultivation in Africa constitute a big economic and health care challenge. She argued that the claim by Tobacco Industries that it provides employment opportunity for Africa is a false impression. “In Kenya, the Tobacco Companies claim that they employ over 2,000 workers but wh…

Nigeria may soon end the days of transporting its crude for refining offshore. The Nigeria Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia has announced that the country is happy to partner with India in processing crude locally after a meeting with Indian business delegate and minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Murli Deora. - Dr. Deora said the country’s partnership with Nigeria will ensure that green field refineries are established in Nigeria. He said his country is seeking to expand its purchase of Nigeria’s sweet crude which currently stands at 400,000 bpd, amounting to about $10 billion annually. The India minister said that an Indian oil and gas conglomerate …

One of Nigeria's foremost business firms, the Dangote Group has repaid a $1.27 billion loan obtained from a conglomerate of 10 banks in Nigeria. - The loan was taken in May 2008 to finance its cement expansion project with a target to crash the price of the commodity from about N1, 800 ($10) to N1, 000 ($7) early 2011. At completion of the phase two of the project, the cement project based in Obajana, Kogi state, Nigeria, stands to be the largest cement plant in sub-Saharan Africa. The company also plans to start another project in Ogun state, Nigeria and Senegal on Africa’s west coast. The loan was originally scheduled to be fully paid within seven years. Chief Executive Of…

- The Nigeria stock market is gradually returning to the bullish trend in the first two weeks of 2010. It appears good times are back at the Nigeria capital market as the market began on a good note in the New Year with a total of N405b about ($2,700,000,000) realized in the market capitalization within the first seven days of the year. The good news at the National Security Exchange (NSE) opening on a bright note may be enough to reassure Nigerian investors to return to the market. Chairman of NSE, Professor (Mrs.) Ndidi Okereke-Onyiuke declared that the ongoing investors’ renewed confidence in the nation’s capital market has been encouraging. Okereke-Onyiuke confirms…

- Due to the directives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on full implementation of electronic payment systems in Nigerian banking industry, Fin Bank Nigeria plc has reiterated its commitments to remain a market leader in the e-payment industry in Nigeria. The bank which recently re-branded, changing its logo and name from the former First Inland Bank plc to the present Fin Bank plc is positioning to take delivery of new businesses, greater opportunities and challenges in the New Year. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Suzanne Iroche says the products which the bank intends to attract new business opportunities in the ever competitive banking industry in Nig…

The Government of Lagos State and a religious body, Christ Embassy Church in Lagos, Nigeria have all pledge one million US dollars each to support the victims of the Haiti earthquake that happened last week. Since the earthquake the outpour of sympathy has continued to rise especially among church related organizations in Nigeria. - Many institutions and individuals across Nigeria are showing brotherly concern to the victims of Haiti earthquake. “We have been encouraged to donate to a pool of funds that will be sent to Haiti next week” said Akin Owoeye, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Nigeria. The United States branch of the Church made a donation of $50…

- Diamond Bank PLC is set to launch a more interactive mobile website that will help customer fast-track banking activities online and on their mobile phone. In recent times Nigerian banks have had it tough with the current banking reforms which have culminated in mass sack of bank workers. However, in the heat of the reforms, several banks are sailing well in the industry’s troubled waters. Diamond Bank one of the banks that survived the sledge hammer of the Central Bank reform is making the mobile website available to enable its customers’ hassle free banking. With this facility installed the bank becomes the first Nigerian bank with to deploy highly interactive Rec…

- A recent study conducted in 24 African countries by the World Bank group shows that the poor state of infrastructure in Sub Saharan Africa is capable of cutting its productivity rate by a greater margin. The areas of infrastructure lack considered in the World Bank report are namely: power, water, roads, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The study shows cuts in national economic growth in the countries by 2 percentage points every year, and reduces business productivity by as much as 40 percent. A holistic look at these sectors across the region (electricity, water, roads, ICT) shows that power is classified to be the single largest impediment to economic growth. Al…

- Nigeria’s inclusion in the list of countries aiding terrorism may cause a major econmic set back to the country. AfricaNews reporter went on the street of Abuja, the federal capital territory of Nigeria to feel the pulse of Nigerians on the impact of US inclusion of Nigeria on the terrorist list. Most respodents are concerned over the consequences of US economic relationship with Nigeria. “I think 2010 will not be favorable economically because Nigeria still depends on crude oil as its may foreign exchange earner and ofcourse as you know US is Nigeria’s biggest oil importer, so its going to strain Nigeria’s ability sell crude ol to the US” Funmi Ishol…

- Thousands of employees in the banking industry in Nigeria lost their jobs before Christmas of 2009. This development has led to a mass protest by the Union of Bankers, who are demanding an explanation from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Lamidi Sanusi. In response to the demand so of the bankers Union, Sanusi says he did not order any financial institution to lay of staff. “Banking is a private enterprise, they have the right employ or lay of stay if they feel so” Sanusi says the overhead cost of running the banks were too much. “We gathered that Intercontinental Bank PLC pays as much as 4billion naira(about 25million USD) on staff salary monthly....…

- Tobacco producing and Distribution giant, British America Tobacco Company has been practically forced to close its production plant in Benin Republic. “The Tobacco firm is backing down because of a raise in tax” says Dr. Julien TOESSI, a representative of the minister of Health in an important stakeholders meeting organized by Africa Tobacco Control Regional Initiative, ATCRI in Cotonou. TOESSI says the ministry of Health now has a platform to ask BAT to begin to enforce international regulation on Tobacco Control “I know it is a big battle between the choice of Health and Commerce….i am not saying it is going to be easy to tackle the Tobacco firms because of…

- Chelsea’s international striker, Didier Drogba is off the pitch today. He is on the streets preaching and kicking against AIDS. “I have visited some hospitals in Africa and I have seen for myself how people die helplessly of AIDS….If you understand how people die then you will fight to give hope and support to people who are affected by AIDS” Drogba said in more of an advocate tone. Drogba is one of the celebrities that have taken off time to talk and act on the dangerous pandemic of HIV/AIDS. “I am joining in the campaign today because it is necessary that we all kick out AIDS” he told CNN in London. The Ivory Coast born regular Chelsea st…

Old cabs will no longer be allowed to operate on high brow section of Lagos State, Nigeria commercial city. "This is one way to make sure that we attain the mega city status," said Ayodeji Oyedokun, Director of Lagos Drivers Institute. - Oyedokun stated the introduction of executive cabs into the state transportation system has not only increased the revenue base of the government but has brought relief to the population of commuters in the metropolis. He said his institute is working to educate road users especially drivers on how to maintain order on roads. “Even with stiff regulations, the transport sector is still faced with so many challenges, principally in the area…

About $480 million have been earmarked for various road related contracts in Nigeria. This will include reconstruction of poorly maintained roads and the rehabilitation of 20 major roads across the West African country. - The Minister of Information and Communication, Dora Akunyili told a meeting of the executive council of States that the contract was approved to ensure that major roads linking other states are in good shape. Akunyili said the Government realized the dangerous effect of bad roads and poorly constructed ones. “We are addressing this road construction once and for all. It is our priority in government to make live meaningful to the people,” she told the meeting…

Togo is considering a bill to ban smoking in public. The Ministry of Health of the West African country said tobacco related deaths in the country has reached alarming proportions and it is about time it saves its citizens. Smoking prevalence in the tiny country is 31.3% and civil society organizations are helping to save the situation. - A representative of the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Sadjo-Hetsi Dzrevon said: “Tobacco has killed a lot of people in Togo that is why the ministry of health is concerned and working with NGOs to stop this dangerous trend”. The National Alliance of Consumers and Environment of Togo said in a document: “Tobacco consumption is spread…

Flashes of real and artistic photographs will be used to show the importance of road safety consciousness among motorists. Drivers' Dexterity, an exhibition that is supported by Shell Development Corporation, is meant to reinforce the message of safety for road users. - The exhibition will depict hazards of road travel in Nigeria; it will feature various horrible accident scene photograph shots taken by Nigerian award winning photographer, George Osodi. Osodi’s photograph is a collection of striking landscape varieties and telling diverse stories relating to the Nigerian highway. It ranges from stories of a man leaving his house hearty and returning home as a corpse, partially …

Poor road maintenance has been identified as one factor that slows down commerce and development of small and medium scale businesses in Nigeria. Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the poor state of a chunk of the federal roads in Nigeria must be addressed as a matter of urgency. - “What exactly is the problem with our roads? Is it maintenance, is it workmanship of contractors? Why don’t our roads have a long lifespan,” Obasanjo queried a team from the ministry of works, housing and urban development. The former president urged the ministry in charge of road construction and maintenance to pay more attention on awards of contracts to companies that ar…

An activist group has asked Shell Development Corporation to pay its royalty fee and rent or face a strong opposition. The group, Ogoni Solidarity Forum, has accused Shell of operating for 35 years in its community without paying it royalty and rent fee. - The group is also accused Shell of destroying natural vegetation and causing severe environmental decay in the oil rich community. It was 14 years on 10th November after the gruesome murder of Ken Saro Wiwa, a social activist who was killed along eight others in 1995. Wiwa confronted Shell Corporation and the Nigerian government over the degrading environment that has caused the over 500, 000 people to be impoverished. Ogoni Solidari…

Nigerian Labour Congress is leading a national protest over the proposed deregulation of the downstream oil sector of the economy. The labour union under the leadership of Wahab Umaru has warned the government that it will shut down economic activities and call for an indefinite industrial strike action to protest the proposed deregulation of petroleum product. - The cost of fuel has increased from N65 per litre (about 40cents) to N120 per litre (about 75cents). Petroleum marketing companies are beginning to hoard the product for fear of losing control of the price. The NLC President Umaru argued that the proposed deregulation of the downstream sector is unnecessary at the moment if the r…

A Chinese company has been awarded a 10 months contract to reconstruct a 488 kilometer rail line linking southern Nigerian States to the northern ones. The contract award was signed between the Nigerian Government and the China Civil Engineering and Construction Company. - Dr. Isa Bio, Nigeria Minister of Transport said the contract will include a provision of telecommunication facilities that will enable greater efficiency at the Nigeria Railway Corporation. The minister also said that the rail construction is necessary at this moment because it has ordered 25 locomotive trains from General Electric, GE. “This will ease movement of people and goods around the country as well as red…

Nigeria's indigenous computer manufacturing firm, Omatek, has signed pact to form other channel for sales of its products in other African countries and francophone countries. - The Chief Operating Officer of Omatek, Mrs. Florence Seriki said the just concluded International Telecommunication Union conference was a good platform that projected Omatek’s activities. Seriki noted that ITU organizers took special interest in the company’s Hardtops PC, which is the smallest in the world. Other product that attracted interest is the Omatek home entertainment products and Omatek power product. Making a case for support of locally made IT products, Seriki stated technology would …

- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been described as the only viable tool through which Nigeria could move out of the current global economy meltdown. The National President, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem has said. Ekuwem strongly believe that ICT has the capacity to drive the economy of any country, saying the current global social and economic challenges facing the country will be addressed only if Nigeria will employ a combination of emerging technologies in the technology world. According to the renowned technology expert, the improved lifestyle of people through technology inventions has shown that technology had im…

Most top ranking hotels across Nigeria are in complete makeover in preparation for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup from October to November 2009. Hotel officials in the six states where the event will hold are turning over the walls in paints, interior decoration and general lawn and lounge beautification. - “Even smaller hotels are doing a lot in improving the outlook of the building, making it more attractive to visitors and tourists during the FIFA event,” stated Remi Kujenya, manager of a top-ranking hotel in Lagos. Safety In addition to the improvements of the hotels, safety of visitors is one issue that is being prepared for. “We are working in tangent with the secu…

The destructive cassava mosaic disease, which almost wiped out cassava plants in Nigeria in the early 1970s, has resurfaced again in a more vicious form. Experts from a research institute have warned that the more virulent strain of the cassava mosaic disease could wipe out entire crop in West Africa. - James Agba, an official of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) an agricultural research institute in Lagos says the disease threatens to wipe out the crop in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana and Togo “ a diagnostic survey by our experts have detected the new strain of the disease in West Africa” he said. “The disease combines features of strains earlier di…

Ghana's new president is beginning to face the post election realities of translating campaign rhetoric to real economy revival as he settles in office. Statistics released from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that the inflation rate is still in its double digits. - The country’s currency, cedi, has consequentially pushed up local prices for imported goods, making consumers spend higher. The GSS indicates a marginal increase in the annual inflation figures from 17.4% in November 2008 to 18.1% in December. The document shows that the inflation is driven by the fall in the country’s currency. The price increase was felt more in non-consumables like household …