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10 SECURITY TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR LIFE AND PROPERTY

Nigeria has been faced with series of increasing security issues over the past decade. More predominantly, since the inception of Boko Haram in 2002 several threats to national security including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, robberies, clashes between herders and farmers, etc. have emerged and equally become menaces to our society.

Notwithstanding the nation’s investments and efforts to curb these emerging security challenges, it is also important for individuals to adopt and apply practical personal safety and security measures. Listed below, are a few tips to help protect lives and properties:

  1. Always use your security locks when inside your homes, cars, offices/business places as this may proof useful in preventing intruders from unauthorized access;
  2. Avoid taking the same routes consistently If you work-out, go to work or take children to school especially where there are alternate routesl;
  3. Always inform trustworthy relatives/friends about your whereabouts. Ensure to share useful information such as the name(s) and phone number(s) of the person you are meeting with, in case of any eventuality;
  4. Do not accept and/or give rides to strangers as you may be vulnerable to attacks from individuals with malicious intentions;
  5. Always conduct thorough background checks on prospective domestic staff such as gatemen/resident security, drivers, cooks, gardeners, nannies, cleaners etc. before employing them;
  6. There is security in numbers! Should you engage in work outs, jogging, walking, running etc., always ensure you do so in concert with others.
  7. Be mindful of the information shared during interactions in public including telephone calls made or received in public as you may unintentionally pass vital information to criminals.
  8. Avoid using Automatic Teller Machines (“ATMs”) at night as this reduces the likelihood of robbery attacks however, where you must, ensure to use ATMs that are located within premises with ample lighting.
  9. Install alarm system in your homes, offices and cars in order to fend off burglars from breaking into your homes, offices and cars.
  10. Ensure you keep updated contacts of security agencies and personnel within your environs in case of an emergency.
Articles  ·  Events
GACN Board confirms appointment of Company Secretary & Legal Adviser (CSLA) and Manager Corporate Services

At the 36th Board meeting which took place on 11th March 2021, the members of the Board of Directors of Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria Limited (GACN) unanimously passed a resolution for the confirmation of the Acting CSLA and Corporate Services Manager.

Mrs. Tayo Rhodes-Vivour is hereby appointed as Company Secretary & Legal Advisor while. Mrs. Omosigho Egbon is appointed as the Manager, Corporate Services of GACN.

The Management and Staff of GACN felicitate with both Managers and wish them success.

Articles  ·  Events
NSIA, OCP AFRICA, NNPC, MPN, AND GACN EXECUTE TERM SHEET FOR GAS SALE.

The execution of the Term Sheet for a Gas Sale and Aggregation Agreement (GSAA) between Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mobil Producing Nigeria Limited (MPN), NSIA Agriculture Investment Company Limited (NAIC), OCP Africa SA and Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN) took place on 2nd March 2021.

The execution ceremony which took place at the Mohamed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco was graced by key stakeholders in the Nigerian and Moroccan Oil and Gas sector. In attendance were His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; Mostafa Terrab, Chairman and CEO of OCP; Mele Kyari, GMD NNPC; Engr Yusuf Usman, COO Upstream, NNPC; His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State; Mr. Uche Orji, Managing Director NSIA; Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, amongst other notable dignitaries.

The objective of the Term Sheet is to outline the commercial principles for the long-term supply of gas by the Sellers (NNPC and MPN) to the Buyer (NAIC and OCP Africa SA) whose project is an Ammonia and Phosphate based fertilizer plant in Akwa Ibom State. This term Sheet is planned to be implemented in Q3 2021 through a Gas Sale and Aggregation Agreement (GSAA) which is to be executed by the parties.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GACN; Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye stated in his speech that “GACN is resolutely committed to working collaboratively with all project participants to effectively facilitate the Gas Supply arrangement”.

In closing, the MD GACN charged all parties to work collectively to ensure that the GSAA is executed as planned and that the Multipurpose Industrial Platform project serves as a yardstick for future economic development cooperation between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco.

The NSIA/OCP Multipurpose Industrial Platform project is a backward integration initiative, which builds on the successes of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) and other sovereign bilateral initiatives between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco in terms of balance of trade.

 

Articles  ·  Publications
Security Tips For The New Year 2021

  1. Keep abreast of daily national news update via radio, print, or electronic media;

There have been several reports of armed banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna; herdsmen/farmers clash in North East and North East; South West Governors ultimatum to Miyetti Allah; Arewa Consultative Forum’s warning to South West Governors on verbal attacks and threats on herdsmen, abduction of passengers by suspected Fulani herdsmen along Lagos-Benin-Ore road and recent attacks on lone joggers on the bridge in the early hours of the morning in Lagos. Before you embark on any journey, please check security reports of your intended destination. Ensure proper journey management and avoid unnecessary inter-state trips. Additionally, you may wish to subscribe to news alerts.

  1. Avoid late-night movements;

It is advisable to conclude all journeys before 8pm. This is not the season to attend overnight concerts or social events. Also, ensure to have adequate means of identification on you at all times. Inform family members of your intended movements and call to update them, if you experience any unexpected delays, change in plans, or emergencies.

  1. Adhere to existing curfews;

Be informed of the state-wide curfews imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unavoidably outdoors beyond the curfew, please cooperate with Policemen at check-points when stopped and interrogated. 

  1. Avoid ostentatious behavior;

Dress modestly, avoid public display of wealth and carrying large sums of cash, utilize the alternative electronic modes of payment and banking platforms.

  1. Restrict detailed personal conversations whilst outside the home;

It is also advisable to avoid having loud telephone conversations about personal details such as finance, business transactions, or travel plans whilst in public. If necessary, reduce your voice pitch or delay such conversations until you have privacy.

In conclusion, PLEASE STAY SITUATIONALLY AWARE AND SAFE!!!!!!!!!

Articles  ·  Publications
COVID-19 Mitigation Steps

The discovery of the new strain of COVID-19 and the resurgence of severe cases of the virus calls for urgent action by all to mitigate the spread of the deadly virus. Below are useful recommendations on staying safe this period:

  • Stay at home as often as you can and avoid crowded spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
  • Educate your children on how to avoid getting infected in school. Remind them to ensure they have their face masks worn at all times while in school and avoid sharing food or drinks with classmates.
  • Avoid close contact with persons from diaspora as much as practicable.
  • Take your vitamins – Zinc, Vitamin C and Iron daily to boost your immune system.
  • Use your face masks, wash your hands with soap and water and observe social distancing.
  • Adhere to other WHO (www.who.int) and NCDC (www.ncdc.gov.ng) guidelines.
Articles  ·  Publications
HSSE TIPS FOR THE YULETIDE SEASON

1. Avoid spaces that are CLOSED, CROWDED or involve CLOSE CONTACT;

Viral outbreaks have been often reported in crowded indoor settings where people talk loudly, shout, breathe heavily or sing. These environments are where the virus appears to spread by respiratory droplets or aerosols more efficiently, as they are crowded and inadequately ventilated. Meet people outside as much as possible. Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoor ones, particularly if indoor spaces are small and may not have cross ventilation.

2. Be conscious of your surrounding;

The best way to keep yourself safe is to be aware of your surroundings. The more familiar you are with your responsibilities, neighborhood, workplace and hangouts, the more aware you would be of the potential hazards around you. Knowing your surroundings and being aware of potential hazards will help you, your family and co-workers avoid unnecessary or dangerous situations.

3. Always use Personal Protective Equipment;

Endeavor to always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Whether it is as small as earphones, or as large as a coverall suit, this PPE exists for a reason and as the name implies it is meant to protect you. Business owners are to also ensure their employees have adequate training on the need to stay safe and reduce risk.

4. Wear Protective Cloths;

Excessive exposure to the cold and dust that comes with the harmattan can increase the risk of illnesses like pneumonia, arthritis and rheumatism. This season also causes catarrh, sore throat, sneezing and the possibility of cough so it is best to limit exposure to the dry winds and dust. Asthma patients should also make sure to have their inhalers within reach at all times. Also protect yourself from the cold by wearing more wool-based / thick cloths as against cotton which is common and mostly suitable for other seasons.

5. Safe Travels;

If you plan to travel during the holidays, ensure your neighbours around the house know that you are leaving your house and give them your contact number in case of emergency. If your domestic workers will be in your house during your period of absence, please remember to also inform your neighbours so that they can report any suspicious behavior or security breaches. Make sure security lights around the house are switched on starting from 6pm till the next morning. It is beneficial to have an extra set of safety tools such as safety chains and padlocks that are mounted in places which are likely to be burgled. These extra safety tools need to be installed before leaving the house. It is also advisable not to announce the duration or other personal details of your holiday on social media.

 

In conclusion, PLEASE STAY SAFE!!!!!!!!!

Articles  ·  Publications
Health, Safety, Security and Enviroment Tips

STRESS MANAGEMENT

The process of stress management cannot be overemphasized as it is one of the keys to a happy and successful life. While stress is inevitable, it is our individual responsibility to manage it using the following techniques.

  1. Taking breaks for Breathing Exercises (like sequentially breathing in and out) could prove helpful when under.
  2. Intentionally engage in the pursuit of happiness – Identify things / persons that make you.
  3. Know who you are and don’t lose that.
  4. Identify potential stressors and develop personalized coping mechanisms, as challenges would always arise.
  5. Make an effort to understand your supervisors and colleagues, as this could provide better synergy in your teams and help you manage them.
  6. Eat healthily and exercise.
  7. Get sufficient hours (7 – 9hours) of sleep daily; this is very essential to reduce stress.
  8. Build your faith.
  9. Feel free to discuss issues with trusted friends and family or Medical Professionals, as this may also be very helpful.

INFORMATION SECURITY

While the world is focused on the pandemic threat posed by COVID-19, cybercriminals around the world try undoubtedly to capitalize on the crisis by launching different kinds of malicious attacks: mainly phishing mails or virus.              

  1. Never share sensitive information of any kind with an unauthorized party or social media.
  2. Lock all devices when not in use
  3. Choose strong passwords which contain special symbols (&,%, # etc.), Uppercase, minimum of 8 characters and are alphanumeric. Don’t reuse your passwords.
  4. Be mindful of external devices and removable media (USB keys, Hard drives, CDs). Regularly back up important files to your preferred cloud storage (One Drive, Google Drive, DropBox etc.).
  5. Update software in a timely manner when prompted.
  6. Whilst travelling, your company assigned laptop or mobile phone might be lost or stolen. It is important to report all such losses ASAP to reduce the risk to the company and your colleagues.
  7. Always use anti-virus software
  8. To safeguard your privacy and security, disable tracking features such as auto sign-in, auto-fill and options to save passwords and payment methods.
  9. Report any suspicious email / web links and never open attached document of any format (pdf, docx, jpg…) or click on any link included in suspicious mails.
  10. Always confirm any prompts or requests for online financial transactions with your bank before proceeding.