When on May 27, 1967 General Yakubu Gowon announced the 12- state structure for Nigeria it was to solve a perceived political problem threatening the continued existence of Nigeria as a single entity. It was a political solution to the threat of secession. Gowon was humble enough to point out the economic consequences the nation was faced with if the action was not taken. He had said: “The consequence of these illegal sets has been the increasing deterioration of the Nigerian economy.

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has blamed the menace of collapsed buildings across the country on lack of professionalism in handling many of the projects.

Beneficiaries of dead police officers across the country are to get a minimum of N500, 000 claims from insurance companies under Group Personal Accident (GPA) cover put in place by the Nigeria Police Force. Following the recent bomb blasts and killings of police officers across the country, Police insurers are to pay the beneficiaries. Insurance claims to beneficiaries of deceased or injured officers from Police Corporal to the Inspector- General of Police (IGP) range from N500,000 to N5million.

The decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to remove the restriction on foreign investment in government securities was prompted by recommendation of banks‘ treasurers.

The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has commenced moves aimed at facilitating affordable housing in the country by organising a training programme on alternative building technology for artisans. The institute recently organised a training programme for local fabricators on interlocking brick technology in Ota, Ogun State.

Recognising the need for the ‘poor but economically active’ group to be financially included, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in 2005, launched the Microfinance Policy Framework, which empowered licensed microfinance banks (MFBs) to cater for the financial needs of those in this group.

In recent times, the home appliances and electronic market in Nigeria has been polarised. While new and emerging products from this market segment keep arriving, the established brands are busy formulating marketing and sales strategies that would make them stay ahead.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Thursday warned the management of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) against victimising its members.

Electronic Media Con-tent Owners Association of Nigeria (EMCOAN) is seeking collaboration with the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) to stem what it described as anomaly and frustration in their practice.

Real estate developers, relevant government institutions and consultancy firms are in Washington to attend a week- long capacity building session at the headquarters of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) which commences today.