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FG Deletes Research Grant Funds From TSA

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The National Universities Commission (NUC) recently announced a Shift in their policy. This is in respect to the financial management of federal universities and research institutions as the federal government ordered that third-party research grant funds for federal universities and research institutions be kept out of the Treasury Single Account.

According to a letter sent to Vice Chancellors on September 6, 2024, the minister of education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, conveyed the directive from the president to the coordinating minister of Finance and National Economy, Wale Edun, mandating new financial regulations, as reported by Channels Television.

This change will be aimed at increasing the financial independence of universities and research institutions, encouraging research and innovation in the country.

The letter, signed by Acting Executive Secretary Chris Maiyaki, explains that funds from research grants given by external sources will no longer be managed through the Treasury Single Account. This change, as stated, is meant to give federal universities and research institutes more control over their finances and make their financial processes more efficient.

The National Universities Commission received the directive from the Honourable Minister of Education, Ref. DE/HE/37/VII/324 and dated 4th September 2024, forwarding the correspondence from the Principal Secretary to the President, State House, also vide PRES/87/MF/71/198/MBEP/15 and dated 23rd July 2024, on the above subject,” the letter reads.

The new policy aims to bolster the financial independence of universities and research institutions. Reports expand that by allowing these institutions to manage their endowment fund accounts in commercial banks, the government’s aim to facilitate increased research activities and innovations will be accomplished.

This shift is expected to provide universities with more control over their financial resources, potentially leading to more dynamic and responsive research environments.

This directive provides universities and research institutions with the authority to operate their endowment funds independently of the Treasury Single Account.

This move is designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the institutions’ efforts in research and development.

Further reports state that the policy change reflects a broader effort to strengthen the financial management capabilities of educational and research institutions across the country.

 

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Crashed Helicopter’s Black Box Recovered, 3 Still Missing

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The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has recovered the “black box” the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while conveying workers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

The development was announced in a press statement released by the agency on Fiday which was signed by Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, NSIB Public Affairs and Family Assistance.

 

The fatal crash had occurred near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Port Harcourt.

Eight persons (six passengers and two crew members) were confirmed to be on board the aircraft when the tragedy happened.

 

The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter that ditched off Bonny Finima on 24 October were recovered by search teams.

 

Oladeji noted the collaborative efforts of NNPC, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive in the search.

 

The statement reads: “NSIB, in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024.”

 

The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident.

 

“Since the accident, NSIB and its Search and Recovery partners have coordinated a search and recovery effort in collaboration with local and international partners to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased and the critical components necessary for a comprehensive investigation.

 

“The FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved early this morning. This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

 

“The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab. It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident.

 

“As of today, three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners. NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation:

 

“The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident. The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations.

 

“While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident.”

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Over 1 Million Fuel Stations On Way Out

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Fuel consumption has plummet across the nation amid skyrocketing pump price, creating a lull in business and the possibility of over a million fuel stations across the country, being at the brink of closing stations.

With oil marketers voicing alarm over severe losses, no less thanly 10,000 oil dealers are already facing imminent closure.

There are indications that many Nigerians will soon tip the Compress Natural Gas (CNG) for the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as the popularity of latter begins to wane drastically, ostensibly, due to lingering harrowing task of sourcing fuel by marketers.

The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has embraced the use of CNG as lee-way to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, as announced by government on May 29, 2023.

In August 2023, the Federal Government had set up the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), headed by Michael Oluwagbemi, to give vent to the use of CNG in Nigeria, by setting up conversion centers for non-compliant vehicles while boosting adoption of gas among motorists

According to data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, fuel consumption plummeted to 4.5 million litres per day in August 2024, a staggering decrease from 60 million litres per day in May 2023

The situation represents a dramatic 92 percent drop, suggesting a sharp downward slope in demand in the wake of the rising demand for the CNG.

The data further reveals that only 16 out of 36 states received fuel from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in August, resulting in widespread shortage

Since President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023, petrol prices have skyrocketed by approximately 488 percent, climbing from N175 to over N1,000.

These relentless price increases have placed immense strain on the economy, hiking transport costs and exacerbating inflation, as struggling Nigerians voice their frustrations over the escalating hardships.

The situation has compelled many motorists to forsake their vehicles in favor of public transportation.

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NCAA to Airlines: Pay for Lost Luggage

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided to reinforce regulations requiring airlines to compensate passengers for lost luggage, setting the compensation at N10,000 for domestic flights and $170 for international flights.

NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, outlined the entitlements that can be claimed by passengers, during a press conference held in Abuja highlighting efforts to improve consumer rights awareness in the aviation sector.

Mr Achimugu noted that NCAA regulations also stipulate that passengers affected by luggage delays are eligible for “first needs” compensation.

This includes a payment of N10,000 for domestic flights and $170 for international flights while the airline conducts its search for the missing luggage.

The Director elaborated on the timelines for recovering luggage, explaining that airlines have between one to seven days to locate a missing bag on domestic flights, while international flights allow up to 21 days for the search process.

“A luggage is said to be lost if not found after seven days search on domestic flights and 21 days search on international flights,” he noted.

Once the luggage is declared missing, the process for compensation commences, “The process for compensation for missing luggage commences after the said luggage is declared missing. Any fees paid for that luggage must also be refunded,” he said

He continued by saying that in the case of flight cancellations or significant delays, passengers are entitled to prompt ticket refunds. For payments made in cash, the refund should be issued immediately.

The authority is addressing these issues through passenger education initiatives, regulatory improvements, and infrastructure development.

Egua highlighted the benefits of informed passengers: “By knowing your rights as a consumer, you can advocate for better treatment and services in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he stated, emphasizing that passengers play a role in holding airlines accountable.

Mrs. Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Adviser to the NCAA Acting Director General, stressed the obligations airlines must fulfill to ensure passenger satisfaction and safety.

Abdulmalik outlined that airlines are required to clearly communicate terms and conditions, maintain precise flight schedules, and provide efficient baggage handling to minimize issues related to delays, cancellations, and overbooking.

Additionally, she pointed out that passengers have a right to full transparency regarding flight schedules, fares, baggage allowances, and compensations.

“Passengers have rights to know flight schedule, fare, and baggage allowance; right to compensation for flight delays; right to refund for unused tickets (within 7 days) and right to baggage protection,” she noted.

Abdulmalik highlighted that common passenger concerns include “flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss, damage, or delay, overbooking and denied boarding, refund and compensation disputes,” urging passengers to familiarize themselves with these rights to better advocate for fair treatment.

However, for refunds processed through bank transfers or other electronic means, the NCAA allows up to 14 days for the funds to be returned to the passenger.

Achimugu emphasized that refunds via means other than cash must be made within 14 days. However, some delay might be experienced from submission of required documents for the passenger.

The NCAA urges airlines to adhere strictly to these refund protocols to uphold passenger rights within the aviation industry.

 

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