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SARAKI: Onitsha Port Will Generate Over N23 billion In 30 years—The Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki,  says the Onitsha river port is positioned to generate over N23billion to the Federal Government in 30 years.

Saraki, during the signing of the concession of the port on Thursday in Abuja, said the port had  lots of economic benefits to the country.
According to her, the port will among other things, ensure the 60 per cent shiped cargoes which hitherto goes through Onne port to Onitsha to be transported directly.
”So there is a lot of economic growth, there  is going to be creation of wealth, creation of jobs, security and greater development.
”We hope it is a catalyst for other river ports, so that it will decongest other ports and bring about  growth.
”You know the traffic on our road, the state of our roads as well as the tankers,  and freight being moved on our roads have now reduced.
”And so it is a very good thing and we are exceptionally proud that at long last we have actually achieved this.
”It’s being signed and we look forward to the growth there to materialise,”Saraki said.
According to the minister, the Baro, Lokoja and Oguta ports, which are at different stages of completion, will be considered after the onitsha port.
”The most important thing is that we already have interest from potential investors who want to actually take over this.”
The Managing Director, the National Inland Waterways Authority, (NIWA) Dr George Moghalu, said the Onitsha port would reduce the volume of cargoes transported via roads to the South East.
Moghalu said:”Our roads are not designed to carry the kind of weight they are carrying.
”Over 60 per cent  of the containers that arrive Nigeria through Onne, Tin Can or Apapa port ends up in Onitsha and what it translates is that these containers are moved by trailers.
”Onitsha port is very well positioned to play a key role in addressing this if opportunities are provided.”
He commended the concessioneers in the efforts they were already making in bringing in investors into the country.
Moghalu also expressed hope that the concessioing would open up opportunities for other ports in the country to be given due considerations.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director-General, Infrastructure Concesion Regulatory Commission,(ICRC) Mr Michael Ohiani, reiterated that the 30 years concession would generate over N23 billion to the government.
He said:”After rigorous procurement process, Universal Elysium Consortium emerged as the preferred concessionaire for the concession of Onitsha River Port.
”Over the 30-year concession period, the concessionaire will be responsible for all the activities and maintenance of the port.
”The asset along with the entire infrastructure will be returned to the authorities at the end of the concession period.
”The redevelopment of Onitsha River Port is seen as a boost to commercial activities in the South East.
”Importers and traders from the commercial towns of Onitsha, Nnewi, Aba and Ogbete-Enugu see the relaunch as a welcome development from the Federal Government.
”The port will serve as an alternative mode of transporting goods from Lagos and Port Harcourt by road

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How Sterling Bank Uses Tiered Salary Structure to Hold Down Staff Without Promotion

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Sterling Bank

How Sterling Bank Uses Tiered Salary Structure to Hold Down Staff Without Promotion—-Sterling Bank’s recent 7% salary increase which was announced earlier this month has been met with widespread criticism and disappointment among its employees, who feel undervalued, overworked, and underappreciated.

According to sources, the bank’s Executive Trainees (ETs) will receive a monthly raise of ₦24,000, from ₦327,000 to ₦351,000, while Senior Executives will receive a monthly raise of ₦27,000, from ₦500,000 to ₦527,000.

Employees have expressed frustration and disappointment with the raise, citing the bank’s failure to keep up with Nigeria’s soaring inflation rate.

The tired salary structure of the bank has sparked a crisis of morale and motivation among Sterling Bank’s staff, with employee engagement and productivity hitting an all-time low. This has significant implications for the bank’s business, as customer satisfaction is likely to suffer.

In contrast, other banks in the industry have taken a more aggressive approach to salary increases. Union Bank and GTBank raised salaries by 40% in late 2024, in a bid to retain top talent in an industry plagued by high employee turnover and poaching.

Research shows that competitive salaries are key to reducing employee attrition in Nigeria’s banking industry. Sterling Bank’s failure to deliver on this front may have far-reaching consequences for its business.

All attempt to get Sterling Bank’s management to respond as at press time proves abortive, but insiders say that the bank’s leadership is aware of the growing discontent among its employees.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Sterling Bank’s employees will not be silenced, and they will continue to demand a fair and living wage.

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Arsenal Close Gap On League Leader Liverpool Following Hard Fought Victory Against Spurs

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Arsenal Close Gap On League Leader Liverpool

Arsenal Close Gap On League Leader Liverpool Following Hard Fought Victory Against Spurs—-Arteta men claimed a vital 2-1 win against Tottenham this evening, closing the gap on the Premier League leader Liverpool who drew to in-form Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners capitalised on Liverpool’s dropped points the night before, delivering a determined performance in front of a raucous Emirates crowd.

From the first whistle, Arsenal’s intent was clear. Leandro Trossard forced an early block from Spurs’ defence as the Gunners dominated possession and pinned their rivals back. Despite Arsenal’s control, Spurs managed to carve out a threat on the counter, with Dejan Kulusevski forcing a superb save from David Raya.

Tottenham silenced the Emirates temporarily when they opened the scoring against the run of play from a corner, showcasing their resilience despite being on the back foot for much of the first half.

Undeterred, Arsenal resumed their dominance after the break. Their persistence was rewarded when Dominic Solanke turned a dangerous Arsenal corner into his own net, levelling the scores. Just four minutes later, Trossard electrified the crowd with a stunning strike, completing the Gunners’ comeback.

Kai Havertz had a golden opportunity to extend Arsenal’s lead but sent his header wide. Meanwhile, Spurs pushed for an equaliser, with Ange Postecoglou introducing changes to inject life into his side. However, the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Arsenal defence.

Pedro Porro came closest to rescuing a point for Spurs when his effort struck the post, but the Gunners held firm to secure yet another memorable derby victory.

The result further solidifies Arsenal’s position in the title race and serves as a timely confidence boost after recent setbacks. For Spurs, the loss adds to a season of inconsistency, leaving them with much to ponder.

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