FG grants energy firms

Data from the Budget Office of the Federation, in the Ministry of Finance, indicated that oil and gas firms enjoyed about N18.881 billion in waiver and exemption, while power companies enjoyed N780 million.

The Government also reiterated its commitment to tackling the epileptic power situation in the country, and addressing the issue of estimated billing. To this end, it granted N326.174 million in exemptions to two prepaid electricity meter companies, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited, and Mojec International Limited, for the importation of metering facilities.

Specifically, Momas got two exemptions: the first worth N32.272 million for the importation of semi-knock down meters, one and three phase normal credit meters, one and three phase standard prepayment meters and all other related equipment.

The second exemption was N163.69 million for the importation of meter plastic machines and accessories, compression mould machine and all other meter related equipment.

On the other hand, Mojec International got N130.213 million in exemption for the importation of machinery, equipment and components for single and three phase pre-paid meters.

Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited accounted for 53.4 per cent of the total waivers and exemption granted to energy firms in the period under review, with a total of N10.5 billion.

Specifically, Indorama enjoyed a N6.96 billion waiver for the importation of the machinery, equipment and spare parts for the utilisation of Nigeria natural gas to bring about an increase in power generation.

The company was also granted a N3.54 billion waiver for the importation of fertiliser equipment, catalysts and chemicals, pile and spare parts among others.

Chevron Nigeria Limited followed, enjoying a waiver of N4.88 billion for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts for Escravos Gas to Liquids (EGTL) and a host of other pipelines.

United Cement Company of Nigeria got N1.969 billion in exemption for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts aimed at boosting natural gas utilisation and power supply. NIPCO Plc got N1.087 billion in exemption for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Other energy firms that got waivers and exemptions in the period are: Green Fuels Limited — N14.37 million for the importation of machinery, equipment and spare parts for compressed natural gas to Independent Power Plants (IPPs), and Edo Cement Company Limited — N240 million for the importation of gas generators, plants, machinery, equipment and spare parts.

Accugas Limited got N30.87 million in exemption for machinery, equipment and spare parts for pipeline; Exterran Nigeria Limited got N66.09 million in exemption for the acquisition of natural gas powered compressors and spare parts, while Procter and Gamble got N29.754 million in exemption for machinery, equipment and spare parts.

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/10/fg-grants-energy-firms-n20bn-waivers/#sthash.KHBwBKf4.dpuf

Federal Ministry of Works building in Lagos on fire

fire started from the R&A section on the ground floor of the two-storey building at about 6:30p.m.

Sources said the staff had closed for the day before the fire started.

Eyewitness said that no fewer than three offices were gutted by the fire, which lasted for over an hour, before it was put out by a combined team of the Federal Fire Service and their state counterpart.

Confirming the fire incident to Vanguard, the Director of Lagos State Fire Service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, blamed the cause of the fire on power surge in an air conditioner in the office.

Fadipe said: “Immediately we received the call, fire trucks were deployed to the scene.”

He explained that the building was divided into two wings, adding that the fire affected the right wing on the ground floor.

He said: “The fire started from the R&A office and damaged property inside. The fire later spread to two other offices.

“It was the prompt effort of the fire service officials that prevented the fire from spreading to other floors in the building.”

He lamented that the fire touched the second floor, but did not damage any property.

The Information Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, also said: “The fire affected part of the ground floor that housed Federal Ministry of Works and Bank of Industries (Cooperatives section).

“The fire was put off at about 7p.m. There were no casualties and no one was injured.”