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Merganser: BV Certifies World’s First Solar Solution Prototype for SolarDuck’s Floating Offshore

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Bureau Veritas (BV), a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), has awarded the Dutch-Norwegian renewable energy company SolarDuck the world’s first Prototype Certification for a floating offshore solar technology, as applied in SolarDuck’s 0.5 MW pilot “Merganser”.

This certification represents a significant step forward in the development of marine renewable energy technologies for offshore applications.

The Merganser project, developed by SolarDuck and supported by RWE, features an offshore floating solar pilot with a capacity of 520 kWp. Comprising six interconnected platforms, the solution is designed to withstand challenging offshore conditions, including high waves, strong winds, and corrosive environments. The design has been certified to withstand a maximum wave height of 11.6 meters (with a directional 10-year return period) at a water depth of 21.5 meters (MSL) at the North Sea Farmers test site. It will be deployed off the coast of The Hague, Netherlands, providing a real-world operational environment to evaluate its performance and resilience in the dynamic North Sea.

Bureau Veritas has been actively supporting SolarDuck in its pioneering efforts to develop floating solar solutions. The certification of the Merganser prototype follows the Approval in Principle (AiP) granted for its floating structure.

Throughout the certification process, Bureau Veritas meticulously evaluated the prototype against rules and standards, including guidance note NI631 on the Certification Scheme for Marine Renewable Energy Technologies. These assessments covered various aspects such as the floating structure, mooring system, stability analysis, materials, and electrical safety systems. Moving forward, the technology will be further evaluated for a type certification.   

Don Hoogendoorn, CTO of SolarDuck, commented: “A key step in making the technology bankable is obtaining certification of the technology. As long-standing-partners, SolarDuck has cooperated closely with Bureau Veritas to verify the technology for the harsh North Sea conditions, marking a significant milestone in the development of our offshore floating solar technology”.

“The certification of SolarDuck’s prototype Merganser reflects the collaborative efforts between Bureau Veritas and industry innovators in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Our expertise in assessing structural integrity and conducting design evaluations played an important role in meeting technical standards, highlighting our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring safety and reliability in offshore renewable energy projects”, says Martijn Nieuwenhuijs, Country Chief Executive, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Netherlands.

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NNPP BOT To Meet November 8, As Founding Members Celebrate Court Judgement

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NNPP BOT To Meet November 8, As Founding Members Celebrate Court Judgement

The recent Abia State High Court judgement compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hand over New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) management to its Board of Trustees (BoT) is being celebrated by the founder of the party, Dr. Boniface Okechwuku Aniebonam and other founding members of the party.

Addressing a world press conference at the NAGAFF Headquarters/NNPP Annex Office in Apapa, Lagos on Tuesday, the founder described as worrisome the activities of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his Kwankwassiya group’s men, mentioning one Barr. Ladipo Johnsen whom he noted, has moved from one media house to another, allegedly misrepresenting the fact before Nigerians on the political terrain, since the groundbreaking judgement was delivered last week. 

He declared that the party is now safely in the hands of its BOT and so, characters like Senator Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, and Ladipo Johnson, long expelled from the party before the judgement, cannot speak for NNPP but for their Kwankwassiya group which was part of the party before the 2023 elections but have long exited after the election as repeatedly explained to the media in the past. 

Aniebonam expressed curiosity about the development a week ago when the news of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima withdrawing their case in Kano State High Court against Dr. Aniebonam and other legitimate members of the party broke out. 

He noted that the case was allegedly targeted at rewarding him with embarrassment, despite the level of benevolence extended to them in his country home in Umuawulu in 2022 when they came to ask for his assistance to use the party platform for the 2023 general elections, a request he granted without any financial consideration or commitment on the side of his guests but instead, he donated money for operational take-off. 

Aniebonam bemoaned the level of ill-advice Kwankwaso has been getting from questionable characters around him who lack competence in their chosen endeavours. 

“They choose to stay around the man to enable them to service their stomachs instead of going to practice their trade if they have any,” he said. 

Explaining some salient facts about the law, the founder stated that a Federal high court and a State high court are both courts of coordinated jurisdiction even as an extant judgment prevails ahead of any old judgement on the same subject matter.

He further explained that no matter how fraudulent a judgement might be (as presently alleged by Barr. Ladipo Jonhson), one needed to vacate such order/judgement directly or through an appellate court.

He wondered if Barr. Ladipo Johnson representing Senator Kwankwasso and Buba Galadima cannot differentiate between a declaratory judgement and an executionary order or judgement of court. 

“As a lawyer, does it mean that Barr? Ladipo Johnson does not know that unless this compelling order is vacated in the appeal court and or Supreme Court Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima and the entire officers of the party have been dissolved and sacked.

“Barr. Ladipo Johnson should be told that a stay of execution order does not apply to declaratory judgements of a high court. 

“Barr. Ladipo Johnson needs to be told that a declaratory judgment may not need service noting that the subject matter is INEC’s inability to exercise its authority in the administration and management of statutory functions as it relates to the regulation of political parties and their activities. Indeed the compelling order is for INEC to exercise its authority of regulation and control of political parties in Nigeria under the law. 

“Therefore, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima and the entire defunct and puppet NWC members of the Kwankwassiya group masquerading as NNPP are inconsequential under the present circumstances and the law,” Aniebonam highlighted. 

He reminded Barr. Ladipo Johnson that INEC was in court to defend itself before the ruling and judgement were pronounced. 

“It is therefore trite to note that under the circumstances the actions of Barr. Ladipo Johnson. representing Senator Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima amounts to contempt of court. We will therefore approach the court to draw their attention to this as soon as possible,” he said. 

The founder sincerely advised that instead of all the noise in the air space, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima should approach the appeal court and seek intervention, if he has the locus. 

He threw the following pertinent questions to Kwankwaso and Galadima; 

“Are they appealing against the judgement delivered by a competent court or what? If yes, then why call the integrity of a competent court of law into question?

“Are they appealing that the NNPP belong to them or what or that the certificate of registration of NNPP is with them or what? 

“It is most unfortunate that Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as a former Minister of Defence, two times governor of Kano state and indeed a supposed wise man of the national assembly could degenerate to this level. 

“It is indeed very shameful noting that Kano state has now ceased to be a model to be looked upon in modern-day administration and good governance. This was never the expectation of our great party in return for the whelming support the good people of the state gave us. 

“We believe that thereafter, twenty-four hours of this compelling order INEC should by now invite the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party following the orders of the court to amend their records,” he stated

Aniebonam announced that the Board shall be meeting on the 8th of Nov 2024 to take specific decisions in accordance with the compelling order/judgement of the court. 

Appealing to all members of the party to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of extreme provocations of the Kwankwassiya agents led by Barr. Ladipo assured that as children of God, victory is sure for the party.

 Aniebonam enjoined all the elected senators, honourable members of the Federal House of Representatives and State Assembly under the canopy of the party to come to Lagos and take their party, saying that they are the pride and face of NNPP.

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APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 10 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

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APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 9 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

…Says he cancelled discretional pragmatism, as directed by the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, between January and October 2024 achieved a stupendous revenue profile of N1.875 trillion.

The Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu who disclosed the historical figures also stated that out of the ₦1,875,362,369,214.4, the Command posted a total collection of ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion, solely from October 2024.

It is gratifying to note that not only has October gross-in become the Command’s highest monthly collection, but it is also symbolic that until Olomu assumed office, the Command’s revenue generation was nothing, extraordinary.

It was, therefore, not surprising, that Comptroller Babatunde Olomu last weekend, bagged an award of excellence, for his meticulous approach and stupendous revenue-generating style.

The Award which was championed by a media concern was in collaboration with the Abuja High Command.

Speaking on Monday, Comptroller Olomu reminded all port users that the Apapa Customs Command under his watch does not exercise discretionary pragmatism, as he stressed that every consignment passing through the NCS, Apapa Port Command, is being subjected to thorough examination, involving both scanners and physical means when necessary.

Subsequently, he handed over six containers which ran foul of false declaration, as their contents consisted of fake pharmaceuticals and other controlled products, to the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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Providing a breakdown, Comptroller Olomu also expressed optimism that the Apapa Customs Command would meet and surpass its annual revenue target of ₦2.2 trillion before the year winds down,”.

“From January-October 2024, we generated a total of ₦1,875,362,369,214.4 trillion, higher than the ₦931,123,998,213.88 billion generated in the corresponding period in the year 2023, showing a 101 per cent increase over last year’s revenue figure.

“It is instructive to state that our October 2024 collection is ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion. This is the highest monthly collection in the history of this command.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”

“Therefore, we are hopeful of meeting and even surpassing our target of ₦2.2 trillion as the year winds down,” Comptroller Olomu said, highlighting that the unprecedented revenue figures were achieved, despite the observable significant decline in the nation’s volume of trade.

He pointed out that the Command blocked revenue leakages, while purposefully working at attaining optimal revenue generation, monthly.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”, stated the CAC, as he beamed his attention on the sphere of trade facilitation, where he mentioned that the Command was already working to migrate from the old system to a new system while maximizing the benefits of what it has presently.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the CAC Apapa Port Customs Command

Olomu said the gesture was in line with the drive by the NCS Management towards a paperless, modern system.

He posted that the Apapa Port Command has keyed into trade facilitation tools like AEO and Advanced Ruling to ensure seamless movement of both import and export cargoes.

The CAC, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu hands over the documents of the seized contrabands to officials of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA during the Monday media briefing.

It was in adherence to the instruction of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi.

“This handover further underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the NCS and sister government agencies in the port.
“It further demonstrates our ability to prevent illicit importation from entering the Nigerian market through the port.

“As a Service, we owe Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security.

“These medical importations have expired, while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians if consumed.

“The content of these containers contravened the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Section 233 of the NCS Act 2023. Some of the contents are unapproved dosages of tramadol, cough syrup with codeine, injections and more”, Olomu said

“We also have an intra-government working system where all government agencies work together as a team without compromising the mandates of our respective agencies.

“Equally, we have a wider customs-stakeholder forum where only issues about customs alone are looked into and addressed as and when due.

“This is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC”

“It is noteworthy to state that just last week, the command facilitated the first shipment of cargo to Kenya under the AfCFTA regime,” he added.

Speaking on its anti-smuggling efforts, Olomu said the Command made well over 36 seizures of various items ranging from used clothing, frozen poultry products, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other controlled substances valued at over ₦1.5 billion.

He stressed that stakeholder’s compliance, under his watch, has increased “and this is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC.

“I want to specially thank all sister government agencies and our strategic private sector partners for being part of the success we are celebrating today. Their contributions have been invaluable and the impacts are evident in our scorecard.

“I hereby invite you to see the seizures as we formally hand over to NAFDAC and NDLEA. These seizures should serve as a deterrent to those involved in any form of illegality and an encouragement for lawful and compliant traders.”

“We shall continue to detect false declarations, concealment, undervaluation and other unethical practices aimed at evading duties, short-changing the government and exposing citizens to unsafe products,” he assured.

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3 Police, DSS Impersonators In Police Net Over “One Chance”

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3 Police, DSS Impersonators In Police Net Over “One Chance”

 Operatives of the Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested three impersonators of the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for an alleged ” one-chance” robbery.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, said this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the three suspects along with nine others were recently arrested over “one chance” in different parts of the FCT.

“It will interest you to know that three of the suspects belong to a gang of “one chance” operators who specialise in masquerading as police and DSS officers.

“They pick up unsuspecting victims and take them to unknown locations demanding ransom for their release,” he said.

Disu said the suspects were on Oct. 12 arrested, following a complaint from one Jeremiah David and Amaka Humina at Anti-One Chance Office.

According to him, the complainants reported that they were stopped by three men in a white coloured Toyota Camry with Registration number ABJ 221 BV while in transit from Keffi to Abuja.

He said the suspects, forcefully ejected the complainants from the vehicle, claiming to be officers from the DSS on investigations.

Disu said the suspects drove the victims to an unknown destination and demanded that they call their family members to raise money for their release.

The CP said the suspects transferred the sum of N400,000 from the victim’s accounts, using their phones.

He said an iPhone 14 pro max, iPhone 15 pro, Samsung S20 and a Samsung S8 plus were also, collected from the victims.

According to him, upon receipt of the complaint, police operatives from the Police Command in the FCT trailed and arrested the suspects.

Disu said a total of six vehicles, suspected to be their operational vehicle and one locally made Barreta pistol were recovered from the suspects.

The CP said the command, on Oct. 30, received a report that a Golf III Saloon vehicle used by a suspected “one chance” operator was being burnt with their gang leader in Kubwa area.

“Police operatives quickly deployed to the scene met a group of people who claimed that a gang of “one chance” operators, terrorising Kubwa area were caught around NYSC junction.

“The vehicle was set ablaze with the suspected gang leaders while three others escaped the scene into the nearby bushes.

“Police operatives launched a manhunt and arrested the other gang members who had escaped the scene at their hideout in Malaysia IDP CAMP, APO mechanic village,” he said.

Disu said the suspects had freely confessed to being members of a notorious “one chance” syndicate led by the burnt suspects during interrogation.

The CP said the suspects had also, confessed to impersonating to be personnel of different security agencies to defraud unsuspecting citizens.

He said the suspects had been operating on various routes within the FCT for the past two years, especially along AYA-Zuba Express Way.

Disu said a gold-coloured Toyota Corolla with tinted glass windows without a registration number, a blue coloured Golf III vehicle without a registration number, an ash-coloured Corolla vehicle without a registration number and a white Toyota Avalon with registration number RBC 353 DK were recovered from the suspects.

He said other items recovered were an ash-coloured Corolla S without registration, a black coloured Nissan Patrol SUV with registration number ABC 117 BT, a blue coloured Toyota Matrix without registration number, one locally made baretta pistol, one 9mm live ammunition, seven knives and two ropes.

The CP said the suspects were currently in police custody, adding that they would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigation. 

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