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FG commissions 2 aircrafts for mineral deposits survey

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Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Mr Olamilekan Adegbite
Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Mr Olamilekan Adegbite
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The Minister of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, has commissioned two aircrafts for Airborne Geophysical Survey to identify mineral deposits in Nigeria.

Adegbite, who inaugurated the aircrafts at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja on Thursday, said the survey became imperative as it would help determine the quantum of minerals available in the country.

He said that the survey would determine accurate mineral locations using modern day contemporary aeromagnetic mechanism.

While inspecting the aircrafts, he said they would be flying at low altitude, 50 meter above the ground level, such is about the height of a 15 storey buildings.

” We have received two special aircraft for now, hopefully two more will be delivered for the survey.

” The aircrafts have special equipment that monitor certain perimeter of the ground and record information and will be transmitted on the computer for interpretation on mineral data available that can be utilised,” he said.

Adegbite said that the survey would commence very soon, as the aircrafts could only operate and get accurate information on dry land or season.

“The consultant of the project will only work as the weather dictates, they will not like to work when rain is still falling.”

The minister said that the survey would be financed through the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project, a World Bank assisted Project under the Ministry.

He said that the ministry has visited all affected states including FCT to sensitise people on the project through jingles on radios among others.

Adegbite said the sensitization was to allay people’s fear especially as the aircrafts would be flying at low altitude.

He said that the ministry had got approvals from State Governors, National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Air force for the aircrafts operations.

Dr John Eyre, International Technical Adviser of MinDiver, said that the two small yellowish aircrafts with sensors would be managed by a pilot each.

Eyre said the aircrafts have electronic sensors that could get data of minerals on the surface of the ground.

He added that Spain, South Africa and some West Africa countries have conducted such survey.

NAN reports that the survey would be conducted in 19 states including FCT across 121 local government areas.

The states are, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ebonyi, Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, Taraba, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Bauchi and the FCT.

The survey areas were chosen based on the outcome of the previous surveys guided by geological consideration.

The survey would be measuring minor variations in the earth’s magnetic fields and gamma radiations in the soil.

It would be a passive technique that does not involve sending out any signals or sound waves into the ground and therefore remains a very safe aerial survey. (NAN)

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Business & Economy

Kaduna refinery will begin production in December – NNPCL Boss, Kyari

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The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL,Mele Kyari has disclosed that the refinery in Kaduna State will be ready for production by December 2024.

He disclosed this during a meeting with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

He disclosed that operations at the Port Harcourt refinery are scheduled to begin in two weeks.

According to Kyari: “We did a mechanical completion of the (Port Harcourt) refinery, that was what we said in December. We now have crude oil already stocked in the refinery. We are doing regulatory compliance tests that must happen in every refinery before you start it, and I assure you that this Port Harcourt refinery will start in the next two weeks.

“Completing the mechanical work means that you are done with the rehabilitation work, now you have to test to see how it works. Of course, we have also completed the mechanical work on the Warri refinery.

“It is also undergoing regulatory compliance; processes that we are doing with our regulator, and this will soon be completed and it will be ready.

“The Kaduna refinery will be ready by December. We have not reached that stage in Kaduna, but we promise Kaduna will be delivered by December.”

 

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Business & Economy

Edun Blames Economic Hardship On Free Printing Of Naira During Buhari’s Govt

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Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

The Federal Government has disclosed that the free printing of naira notes for eight years, under the previous administration went into the hands of a privileged few, without corresponding productivity, resulting in the country’s current economic situation.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, stated this on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance chaired by Senator Sani Musa.

While elaborating on measures to revamp the economy, the Finance minister vowed to thoroughly audit the 22.7 trillion naira, and mop up the monies from the market and use it to pay the central bank to give the government a balanced book.

Responding to questions, the finance minister addressed the issue of waivers on customs duty running into trillions of naira, promising to overhaul the system, rejig it and implement a technology and payment system that would correct all anomalies in place.

He further disclosed that a total of 13 trillion naira was collected as non-oil revenue in 2023.

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Harsh Economy: FG To Begin Distribution Of Grains Nationwide 

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The Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this on Monday.

“Dear Fellow Nigerians,” he wrote on his official X handle. “In these trying times, I extend my sincere compassion to those affected by the hardships in the country. I understand the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

“Amidst these challenges, I want to assure you that our commitment to your well-being remains resolute. We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programs to be rolled out this week.

“We are working hand in hand with NEMA and the DSS to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities. Furthermore, 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.”

The minister who hailed the resilience of the Nigerian people, urged them to back President Bola Tinubu’s government in its quest to address the challenges facing the country.

“I acknowledge the strength of the Nigerian people, and it is this resilience that will guide us through these difficult times. Let us stand together to support Mr. President in his strive for a better Nigeria,” Kyari said.

“Our government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to addressing these challenges and working towards a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

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