Nedbank SA applies for license in Nigeria
June 5, 2008 by 
OCI · 2 Comments
Opening a bank in Nigeria has become easier, thanks to the Minister of National Planning, Senator Sanusi Daggash. This ascertion was made during President Yar’Adua current state visit to South Africa.
According to Nigerian Tribune, in response to a request by Nedbank South Africa’s CEO Siphiwe Cele for assistance to facilitate their current move to bring their services into Nigeria; it reports
Sanusi Daggash, the Nigerian Minister for National Planning, who was in the entourage of President Yar’Adua, reassured Cele, saying all the bank needed to do was fill in the right forms and the licence would be granted.
I do not know what you think, but it leaves a bad taste in the mouth if it takes filling only the right forms for approval to be granted to a bank to operate in Nigeria. I hope the the CBN Governor thinks otherwise.
One is quick to ask, what the Minister of National Planning has got to do with banking license in Nigeria? I think it is important that these Minister know where there areas of expertise are especially in maters like this.
Application for a banking license to the best of my ability trancends beyond filling of forms. I sincerely hope, the Minister meant another thing or is being quoted out of context as the case will always be.
We look forward to a successful application process while waiting to welcome Nedbank to our great country.
| 1.5 |
Senator and Ex-Ministers Named In 10m Euros Siemens Bribery Scandal
November 17, 2007 by OCI · Leave a Comment
REPORTS on Friday indicated that four former ministers, a senator and a number of government officials in decision making offices have been fingered in a 10 million Euro bribery scandal.
The bribe, according to The Wall Street Journal on Friday, was offered to the senior government officials between 2002 and 2003 by Siemens AG, a German company.
The former ministers were Chief Cornelius Adebayo, retired General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, Dr. Mohammed Bello and Alhaji Haruna Elewi.
They were all at different times and under different regimes Ministers of Communications.
While Olanrewaju served in the regime of late General Sani Abacha, others were part of the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007.
The senator named in the bribery scandal was Prof. Jubril Aminu. Other government officials named occupied different offices in the Nigerian Telecommunications Company (NITEL) and the Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS).
The bribery scandal, according to The Wall Street Journal, was uncovered as a result of the probe of Siemens AG by a Munich State Court in Germany.
The searchlight was turned on Siemens because of allegations of offering bribes to get contracts.
The company was indicted for offering bribe in three countries - Nigeria, Libya and Russia.
Though the court did not interview any of those indicted, information gleaned from the records of Siemens showed that Adebayo was given 500,000 Euros at an unknown time after 2002 and another 70,000 Euros on May 22, 2004.
A staff of Siemens, simply identified as Seidel, allegedly offered the bribe to Adebayo.
The Project Manager, Implementation, of NITEL, simply identified as Mohammed, was also given 70,000 Euros by Seidel.
One Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, David Osakwe Oyegun, was reportedly given 50,000 Euros by Seidel “shortly after 2004.”
Seidel on April 11, 2004 allegedly offered Aminu, former Minister of Petroleum Resources in the regime of military President Ibrahim Babangida, and others 185,000 Euros.
In Siemens’ record, Aminu was identified as a senator of the governing party.
On October 18, 2002, Seidel reportedly offered 50,000 Swiss Francs and 10,000 Pounds to some “political decision makers not known by name.”
Between November 29, 2001 and August 25, 2003, Seidel, through two business consultants of Siemens, J.E. Douglas Steradian Co. and C. Woermann GmbH, offered one million euros; 500,000 Euros; two million, two hundred and fifty thousand Euros; 350,000 Euros, 750,000 Euros; 620,000 Euros; 380,000 Euros; and one million and sixty-four thousand Euros to “several decision makers.”
Late Elewi was allegedly given 50,000 Euros by Seidel on November 10, 2003.
On December 2, 2003 and February 18, 2004, Oyegun received 20,000 Euros each from Seidel.
Seidel also offered Bello 150,000 Euros and 550,00 Euros on August 25, 2003 and July 8, 2002.
Others who allegedly received bribes from Seidel between 2002 and 2004 were Samson Olabiyi (Legal Advisor of NITEL); one Dr. Mamza (Secretary in the Ministry of Communications); R. Olusanju (NITEL tenders board secretary); Buba Bajonga (MD of NITEL); Allahbamulafa (a Director with NITEL); Elewi; Olanrewaju; Chuka Nwizu (Head of Immigration Service); Aliyu Dadi (Legal Advisor, NITEL); and some political decision makers.
Some of the bribes were reportedly received on behalf of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Munich State Court ruling that indicted Siemens was delivered on October 4, 2007.
The court indicted a top Siemens Manager, Mr. Reinhard Siekaczek, for allegedly paying 12 million euros in bribes to secure lucrative telecommunications and power contracts in Nigeria, Russia and Libya.
Siemens has accepted responsibility for the misconduct of Siekaczek and agreed to pay 210 million euros in fines.
German prosecutors have said that they would not pursue action against non-German citizens who were identified as recipients of the bribes.
According to the Munich court ruling, Edward Seidel, who headed Siemens operations in Nigeria earlier this decade, helped deliver many of the bribes to final recipient.
SOURCE: Nigerian Tribune
| 1.5 |
List of Ministers in Nigeria
July 27, 2007 by OCI · 2 Comments
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua yesterday swore in 39 new Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; 3 days short of 3 months after his inauguration as President last May 29th.
Amongst all he said in the speech as few things will not pass un-noticed these includes his dreams for our dear country thus:
Our nation is today in the process of transition and transformation as we endeavour to consolidate our democratic culture and strive for enduring peace, security, and unqualified respect for the rule of law. We remain committed to engendering the sustained growth of our national economy in view of our avowed objective of making our nation one of the world’s twenty largest economies by year 2020…..Guardian
Also, he left no one in doubt about his desire to carry on with his predecessor’s reform agenda which he assures that;
Let no one be in doubt: the comprehensive reform process is on course and we shall stay the course until we reach the ultimate goal of a strong, secure, peaceful, progressive and prosperous nation. Our seven-point agenda, which you will be expected to drive faithfully, is a logical practical extension of the reform process. I am confident that success is assured if we all commit to work for our nation’s growth and development honestly, sincerely, diligently, and with the absolute fear of God….Guardian
The days ahead indeed will mark a new beginning for Nigeria; as we rally round and allow them time to settle in and get our great country moving once again. Congratulations to the Honorable gentlemen and ladies.
Here are the Portfolios and their Ministers:
1. Attorney-General/Minister of Justice: Mr Michael Aondoakaa (SAN)
2. Agriculture/Water Resources: Abba Sayyadi Ruma
3. Agriculture/Water Resources: Adamu Maina Waziri (State 1)
4. Commerce/Industry: Chief Charles Ugwu
5. Commerce/Industry (State): Ahmed Garba Bichi
6. Culture/Tourism: Adetokunbo Kayode
7. Culture/Tourism (State): Aliyu Idi Hong
8. Defence: Yayale Ahmed
9. Defence (State): Mrs Fidelia Njeze
10. Education: Igwe Aja-Nwachukwu
11. Education (State 1): Agada Anthony Jerry
12. Education (State 2): Mrs Aishatu Jibril Dukku
13. Energy (State): Power Mrs Fatima Ibrahim
14. Energy (State) Petroleum: Henry Odein Ajumogobia
15. Energy (State) Gas: Odusina Emmanuel
16. Environment/Housing: Mrs Halima Alao
17. FCT: Dr Aliyu Modibbo Umar
18. FCT (State): Sen. John Akpanudoedehe
19. Finance: Dr Shamsuddeen Usman
20. Finance (State): Aderemi Babalola
21. Foreign Affairs: Ojo Maduekwe
22. Foreign Affairs (State 1): Tijjani yahaya Kaura
23. Foreign Affairs (State 2): Amb. Bagudu Hirse
24. Health: Prof. Adenike Grange
25. Health (State): Gabriel Aduku
26. Information/Communication: John Odey
27. Information/Communication (State): Ibrahim Nakande
28. Interior: Maj.-Gen. Godwin Abbe (Rtd)
29. Interior (State): Hassan Alhaji Haruna
30. Labour: Dr Hassan Lawal
31. Mines/Steel Development: Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola
32. Mines/Steel Development (State): Ahmed Moh’d Gusau
33. Transportation: Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke
34. Transportation (State): John Okechukwu Emeka
35. Science/Technology: Mrs Grace Ekpiwhre
36. Youth Development: Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi
37. Women Affairs: Saudatu Usman Bungudu
38. Minister/Deputy Chairman National Planning Commission: Sen. Sanusi Daggash
39. Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission: Abdulrahman Gimba.
…. Tribune
*** 40. Works: Bode Agusto ***
( I think that portfolio/space is being reserved for him)
| 1.5 |
Who Is Afraid Of Bode Agusto?
July 25, 2007 by OCI · Leave a Comment
The hammer finally fell and lo and behold only Bode Agusto was found wanting amongst the 40 Nigerians that President Yar’Adua sent as Ministerial nominees to the Senate.
No aparent reason has been adduced for his rejection by our acclaimed honorable members and one wonders what manner of screening, equity, justice and fair-play was at play, if any. This is not good and does not leave a very good taste in the mouth. My people used to say that “when you remove a tick from a dogs body, it is only fair that you show it to the dog; so that the dog will know what you have done, less it takes it that your are pinching it” same goes to “plucking out a white/grey hair from someones hair”. What has the senate got to show in the case of Bode Agusto?
Having looked at the list and followed a bit of the charade that was on display at the Senate chambers during the supposed screening; Bode Agusto was one of those that had impeccable credentials and has all what it takes to be a Minister of the Federal Republic. He has a proven track record both in government and in the industry where he has distinguished himself. This cannot be said of most of the 39 others that merely were allowed to “take a bow”. I am seriously looking forward to a day that ‘term’ will be deleted from the chambers lingua, just as GMG was banished from the complex. Read more
Sign up to receive the latest breaking news, as well as all of your other favorite headlines!
Advertisement
-
Sponsors
Partners
-
