Connect with us

General

Why Ajaokuta Steel Project is Currently Delayed—FG

Published

on

Ajaokuta Steel Project

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has said the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn back plans to resuscitate the Ajaokuta Steel Project by a further five months, putting pressure on progress made so far.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Olamilekan Adegbite, made this disclosure on Monday during an interactive session on the government’s plans for the solid mineral sector during and after the current global health crisis.

Mr Adegbite said the COVID-19 pandemic had halted the government’s plans, which has adversely affected the solid mineral sector considering its operations were reliant on foreign experts, who had to be confined in their countries.

“The pandemic, for instance, has limited our ability to go forward on the Ajaokuta Steel project, we are four to five months behind schedule, according to government’s plans to resuscitate the complex before the pandemic,” he said.

This, he said, was specifically so because Russian experts who supposed to come for the technical audit of the complex could not come because of the pandemic and the ban on flight operations.

He added that the idea was for the experts to come into the country and be hosted for 12 weeks within which they were expected to do a proper audit of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

He said this had been put on hold until the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ban on air travel was lifted.

“When this is lifted and we think it is safe enough, these experts will come into the country and we will continue where we stopped,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ajaokuta Project Presidential Implementation Team (APPIT) was, however, still working but that the audit was very important to it.

According to him, the technical audit report is necessary to enable the APPIT to know the cost implication.

He added that because of the complexity of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, an online audit was not possible as people had to be physically present.

The minister added that government was, however, making efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector.

“Now, the government needs to come up with a response because the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected our sector, as a lot of miners could not go to work for obvious reasons.

“The consequence of this is that the output is zero and a lot of miners had been impoverished, this, however, is not peculiar to the sector, because it goes all round.

“What the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has decided to do is to face this head-on, and that is why we have come up with post-COVID-19 rescue operations.

“In this, the government proposes to spend N2.3 trillion, this is what the government intends to inject into the economy to counter the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

The minister said that the money had been allotted to different sectors of the economy, including the solid mineral sector.

“A large chunk of the money had been allotted to the sector to help counter the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We intend to spend this fund and some other funds that are available to us to improve artisanal mining in the country and deepen our explorative projects,” Mr Adegbite added.

He further said that the ministry was determined to take its roadshows around the world to attract foreign investors into the country post-COVD-19.

He gave an assurance that the government was working and putting measures in place to ensure that the country comes up ahead of the COVID-19 curve to ensure that its effects are minimal.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

General

How Airports Can Reduce Ground Emissions Before Full Infrastructure Upgrades

Published

on

ElectroAir APA-100

Airport sustainability is no longer a separate environmental project. It is becoming part of daily operational planning, procurement, infrastructure development, and airline partnership discussions. For many airports, the main pressure is to reduce emissions on the ground, improve airside efficiency, and prepare for stricter environmental expectations, while continuing to support aircraft reliably every day.

The challenge is that infrastructure does not change overnight.

Full electrification remains an important direction for aviation ground operations. Fixed 400 Hz power, electric ground support equipment, charging infrastructure, energy management systems, and cleaner stand concepts are all part of the future airport. But in practical terms, many airports are still working through phased investment plans. Grid capacity may be limited. Charging points may not yet cover all operational areas. Remote stands, maintenance zones, cargo aprons, and temporary operating areas may still depend on mobile equipment.

This is where the sustainability conversation needs to become more realistic.

Airports do not have to wait for a complete infrastructure transformation before reducing emissions. There are practical steps that can be taken now, especially in aircraft ground power. The key is to look at emissions reduction as a staged process, not a single final destination.

One of the first areas to assess is the age and efficiency of existing diesel ground power units. In many operations, older GPUs continue to provide essential support because they are mobile, familiar, and independent from fixed power systems. But older diesel platforms may no longer fit the expectations of modern airport sustainability strategies. They can become harder to justify in procurement discussions, environmental reporting, and long-term fleet planning.

Replacing outdated diesel equipment with lower-emission alternatives can be a meaningful step. A modern diesel GPU with Stage V / Tier 4 Final engine technology, for example, can help operators reduce the environmental impact of ground power while keeping the operational independence that many stands and service areas still require. This does not replace the need for electrification. It helps bridge the gap while infrastructure continues to develop.

That bridge matters because airside operations are rarely uniform.

A major hub may have fixed power at many contact stands, but still rely on mobile GPUs for remote aircraft positions, maintenance activities, irregular operations, or construction phases. A regional airport may not yet have the capital or grid capacity for large-scale electrification. An MRO facility may need mobile power that can move between aircraft, hangars, and outdoor working areas. A ground handler may need equipment that supports mixed aircraft types under high turnaround pressure.

For these environments, sustainability must work in real conditions. A solution that looks good in a strategy document but does not support the daily operating model will not last.

Decision-makers should therefore evaluate aircraft ground power through several practical questions. Where is fixed power available today? Where is it planned next? Which stands still require mobile equipment? How many hours do diesel GPUs operate per day? Which aircraft types are supported? Are units oversized, outdated, or difficult to position? Is the equipment aligned with current emissions standards? Can it support cleaner operation where grid power is available?

These questions often reveal that the best path is not a single equipment choice, but a balanced fleet strategy.

Fixed power should be used where infrastructure is mature and operationally reliable. Battery-powered equipment can be introduced where duty cycles, charging plans, and climate conditions are suitable. Lower-emission diesel and plug-in hybrid ground power units can support areas where independence, runtime, and flexibility remain critical. Together, these solutions allow airports to reduce emissions without weakening operational resilience.

Plug-in hybrid utility power functionality is especially relevant in this transition phase. When external utility power is available, the unit can operate with reduced fuel use. When it is not available, the same equipment can continue supporting aircraft independently. This gives airports and operators more flexibility as infrastructure develops stand by stand, rather than forcing a complete change before the airside environment is ready.

Compact design also plays a role in sustainable operations. Airports often focus on emissions, but space efficiency is part of the same discussion. Crowded aprons create movement challenges, increase operational friction, and affect safety. A compact mobile GPU that provides the required output without adding unnecessary equipment bulk can support cleaner, more organized, and more efficient aircraft servicing.

This is why modern ground power procurement should not be based only on output figures. Power rating matters, but so do emissions performance, footprint, maneuverability, serviceability, spare parts strategy, operating environment, and fit with future infrastructure plans. Airports need equipment that can serve today’s operation while remaining relevant as sustainability expectations continue to rise.

For a deeper look at how this transition applies to aircraft ground power, ElectroAir has outlined its view on lower-emission ground power and the practical role of modern mobile GPUs in supporting airport sustainability before full electrification is possible. The company’s ElectroAir APA-100 is one example of this approach, combining compact mobile design, Stage V / Tier 4 Final engine technology, and optional plug-in hybrid utility power for operators that need both reliability and a more future-conscious path.

The next stage of airport sustainability will be built through practical progress. Some changes will come from major infrastructure investment. Others will come from better equipment decisions, smarter fleet planning, and the replacement of outdated assets with more efficient alternatives.

For airports, the priority is not to choose between today’s operation and tomorrow’s goals. The priority is to connect them. Ground power is one of the places where that connection can already begin.

Continue Reading

General

PFIPC Probe: ICPC Recommends Adeyemi’s Prosecution

Published

on

ICPC poor funding

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC’s Chairman, Mr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after his agency was directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the PFIPC.

According to Mr Aliyu, preliminary findings revealed that the federal government never appointed Adeyemi and that the purported appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to establish the agency were forged.

The case centres on an alleged corruption and forgery scandal involving the disputed government entity, PFIPC, which was not approved.

Speaking at the State House, Mr Aliyu said the commission’s investigation established that Mr Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the documents used to legitimise the agency were forged.

The ICPC boss said the investigation also revealed significant weaknesses in government verification and oversight processes, which were exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate government agency.

“Our interim report found that there are weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. We discovered that those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence.

“Our investigation found that no Federal Government funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC/PEAC,” the ICPC chairman stated.

According to him, investigators also uncovered two additional agencies allegedly created by Adeyemi, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (PIPA-PPP).

Mr Aliyu said the disputed DG “used forged legislative instruments styled as enabling acts, and used them to support opening of bank accounts.”

The ICPC chairman said the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence enabled the operation of the fake agency, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Our recommendation is that Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi should be prosecuted. Administrative sanctions should also be imposed on public officers whose acts of omission and negligence facilitated the illegal operation of PFIPC/PEAC.

“There is also a need for institutional reforms so that the internal controls of MDAs can be strengthened to prevent this kind of illegal activity,” he stated.

The chief investigator noted that the report submitted to the President is only an interim one, adding that investigations are continuing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case.

“We have continued with the investigation of the activities of Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi and his collaborators so that we can unravel more facts and file criminal charges that can stand the test of time before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

The PFIPC scandal came to light after the Presidency disowned the council, describing it as a non-existent government agency despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a N1.3 billion budget allocation.

The federal government has since filed criminal charges against Mr Adeyemi over allegations including forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC continue into how the fake agency operated within government institutions.

Continue Reading

General

Work-From-Home Parents: Practical Ways to Manage Focus and Infant Care

Published

on

Work-From-Home Parents

Remote work has expanded opportunities for many households, but it has also blurred the boundary between professional focus and caregiving. Parents juggling calls, deadlines, and newborn needs often look for supervised soothing tools that create short, predictable windows of calm. A well-chosen baby swing chair can help during those windows—especially when used safely, briefly, and as a complement to responsive holding rather than a replacement for it.

This article outlines practical routines for work-from-home families, safety basics for infant seating, and how to protect both productivity and parental wellbeing.

Design Work Blocks Around Real Baby Rhythms

Instead of forcing an office-style schedule, map your day to wake windows and feeds. Place deep-focus tasks in the most reliable calm periods. Keep shallow tasks for unpredictable stretches. A short supervised swing session after a feed and cuddle can sometimes create ten to twenty minutes for email triage or meeting prep.

Safety First With Any Soothing Seat

  • Use only for awake, supervised time.
  • Follow age and weight limits precisely.
  • Secure harnesses every session.
  • If your baby falls asleep, move them to a firm, flat sleep surface when practical.
  • Keep the area clear of cords and soft clutter.

Choose Features That Support Real Homes

Look for smooth motion, easy cleaning, stable bases, and settings you can adjust as preferences change. Product options such as the Momcozy CocoSway 3D-Motion Electric Baby Swing are often discussed for multidirectional motion that resembles parental swaying, but the best choice is still the one that matches your baby’s cues and your home layout.

Protect Caregiver Bandwidth

Tag-team with a partner when possible. Batch chores. Use noise-canceling headphones carefully so you can still monitor your baby. Remember that needing tools does not mean you are less attentive—it means you are designing a sustainable system.

FAQ

Can a swing replace holding during work hours?

No. Holding and responsive care remain essential. A swing is a short, supervised helper.

How long should sessions last?

Keep sessions brief and watch comfort cues. Follow product guidance and stay nearby.

Conclusion

Work-from-home parenting works best with flexible blocks, clear safety habits, and realistic expectations. Used thoughtfully, a baby swing chair can support calm transitions while you protect both focus and connection.

Over weeks, refine what works: preferred motion speed, best meeting times, and shared rules with partners or helpers. Revisit the setup after growth spurts and schedule changes. The goal is not perfect productivity; it is a home rhythm where infant comfort and caregiver capacity can coexist. Keep notes, stay flexible, and treat equipment as support rather than a scorecard. When plans slip—as they will—return to fundamentals: feed, comfort, closeness, then supervised motion if needed. That sequence keeps both work and care more humane. Communicate boundaries with colleagues when possible, and protect recovery time after demanding days. Small systems compound: a consistent afternoon reset, a clear harness checklist, and a shared calendar of feeds can reduce friction more than any single gadget. In the end, sustainable remote parenting is less about doing everything and more about designing a few reliable loops that leave room for love, rest, and enough professional progress to keep life moving forward.

Continue Reading