The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has assured Nigerians that Muhammadu Buhari’s government is restarting the country’s economy in a way that everybody would be better off than before. “Companies that had laid off staff and those that had abandoned projects are going back to sites and the economy will restart. Our priority is engaging Nigerians and resuming our capital projects.” The minister, in a paper she present at the just concluded National Economic Council (NEC) retreat in Abuja, said that as a sign of the federal government’s commitment to stimulate the economy, a total of N350 billion would be pumped into the system in form of capital spending within the next one quarter. She said that the federal government is planning to use the 2016 budget to fast-track economic diversification, adding that efforts have been put in place to ensure that the spending on the capital projects trickles down to all Nigerians. “We are going to spend money and this will be done in a disciplined manner and in right places. She assured that the government had designed a platform and system to ensure transparency, saying that spending will be controlled. “We are pumping N350bn into the economy in the next one quarter to help the economy.” Adeosun asked state governments to take their destinies in their own hands by proactively driving revenue generation, adding that now is the time to put in place a robust revenue drive by the states. “There is need to have a business and commercial approach to revenue generation. “There is need for us to look at data management because nobody can succeed in revenue generation without the data. Speaking on the plans for the Customs service, the minister said the Federal Government has agreed to review the remunerations of the Customs Service. “We look at the Customs and found out that it has one of the lowest salaries at least from their peer group. That is a problem. Here you have a custom officer being paid N50, 000 monthly and you task him to collect duty of nearly N2 million. So we are working on better remuneration for the Customs. “The other issue is the equipment being used by the agency. Their ability to scan containers is very important. Classifications of containers are faulty now because of the kind of equipment they use. Ability to scan a container and know what is in it is limited.” [myad]
Nigeria Presidency has set up a presidential committee to investigate alleged high-profile corruption cases and compromises by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The committee, which is under the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, is broadly named Presidential Committee on Verification of Assets. It was learnt that the committee, which is yet to be inaugurated as at Tuesday, had been split into three sub committees. One of the subcommittees is primarily charged with the verification of looted assets recovered by the EFCC while another subcommittee will have similar focus on recovered loot by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission. The third subcommittee, according to a source in the Federal Ministry of Justice, will probe the alleged fraud in the nation’s pension scheme. A document obtained from a source in the ministry on Tuesday shows that in addition to verifying recovered assets, one of the subcommittees will probe petitions alleging corruption against individuals and organisations whose cases were either compromised by the EFCC or not investigated at all. The tasks of the subcommittees, according to the document, are: “to identify all parties that engaged in conspiratorial fraudulent activities at EFCC that led to financial loss to the FGN; “To analyse petitions submitted to the EFCC against persons and organisations in billions of naira that were not investigated or investigated and compromised by the EFCC hence caused collateral economic loss to the FGN; “To analyse all cases the EFCC took over from other agencies or investigated with other agencies, and report the actual and collateral loss to the FGN; “To assess the EFCC’s standing procedure on seizures, forfeitures, management of seized properties, remittances etc; “To verify all assets seized by the EFCC and/or forfeited by criminal suspects to the EFCC onshore and offshore; “To verify all remittances by the EFCC to the FGN; “To reconcile assets seized and/or forfeited vis-a-vis assets remitted to the FGN; “To identify and audit all bank accounts opened by the EFCC and all bank accounts seized from criminal suspects onshore and offshore from inception to date, among others.” Malami had, in his address during his maiden press conference on November 19, 2015 in Abuja, given a hint about the activities of the asset verification committee when he said suspected compromise in investigation of high-profile cases would be probed. The minister had said his administration would undertake an audit of high-profile corruption cases “so that those who are found wanting through the compromise of investigation and prosecution processes shall be prosecuted.” Other major tasks given to the committee include: “to report the total balance of tangible and intangible assets remittable from EFCC to FGN; and “To engage forensic accountants, auditors, lawyers, professionals etc. to assist in analysing and reconciling all financial records, procuring vital records etc.” Malami had, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH in January, said the petition, accusing the immediate past Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, of diverting about N1tn seized by the anti-graft agency from corruption convicts, would not be overlooked. He had said that investigation into the allegation required time, even as he made it clear that no petition, as long as it bordered on corruption, would be overlooked. “It is just a matter of a little patience over issues; as you know, investigation takes a lot of consideration, a lot of revelation, but whatever it is, as long as the petition relates to corruption, it cannot be overlooked. “Whatever is presented by a way of petition will not be overlooked, and at the end of the day, appropriate step shall be taken. There is nothing that can be overlooked. Whatever is presented shall be looked into.” Before Malami was appointed the AGF, the Federal Ministry of Justice had directed the EFCC to investigate the allegations that Lamorde diverted about N1 trillion proceeds of corruption recovered by the anti-graft agency. The ministry’s directive followed a September 18, 2015 petition to the then Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abdullahi Yola. The petitioner, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, a security firm, George Uboh, had sent a reminder, dated September 28, to Yola, threatening to sue the ministry if it failed to respond to his petition within seven days. Uboh had, in his petition, asked the justice ministry “through which the EFCC derives its power to prosecute, to immediately rescind the fiat to prosecute criminal suspects from EFCC.” He also sought an immediate issuance of “fiat for the prosecution of EFCC’s past and present leadership and their known and unknown co-conspirators via the 22-page preliminary criminal charges the undersigned has prepared.” Uboh, who had earlier petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, levelling the same set of allegations against Lamorde, had received the ministry’s letter, dated October 8, 2015. The letter was signed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Muhammad Diri, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. Copies of the letter were made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. It indicated that Yola had directed the EFCC to investigate the allegations against Lamorde and to forward the result of its investigation to him “as soon as it is completed.” Also, an operative of the EFCC, Abdulrahman Biu, a Deputy Detective Superintendent, was arrested for offences bordering on extortion, influence peddling and impersonation in January. Biu was arrested following intelligence report alleging that he extorted $150,000 from some military officers on the pretext that he would help give them a soft landing in the ongoing investigation into the arms deal scandal. Upon his arrest, a search was executed on his residence in Abuja where the following items were recovered: $20,000 cash, N500,000 cash, two police uniforms bearing his name with the ranks of Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Police warrant card No: 27/2014 with the rank of DSP, allegedly obtained from Kano Constabulary Office, documents relating to military arms investigation and account information of several senior military officers.
The Federal Government has declared March 25 and 28 as public holidays to mark the Easter celebrations. The Minister of Interior, retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration in a statement issued by the acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, today in Abuja. The minister advised Christians and Nigerians in general to support and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his sustained efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation. Dambazau further called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and unity across the nation. He wished Nigerians and Christians the world over happy celebrations, even as he reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the change agenda in the country. [myad]
A reproductive expert, Professor Osato Giwa-Osagie, has advised childless couples to consistently have sex for a minimum of two times a week. He said that findings have shown that couples who adhered strictly to the principles were 80 per cent successful in reproduction. Osagie, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, gave the advice while delivering a lecture at the University of Benin Town and Gown symposium. The theme of the event was: “The Impact of Human IVF Test-Tube Babies on Infertility in Nigeria.” Osagie said only five out of the 47 IVF centres in the country are government- owned. The lecturer said that it cost between N800, 000 and N1.5 million for a circle of IVF in Nigeria, saying however, that “the success of IVF is pegged at 25 to 35 per cent.” “The implication therefore is that there’s about 70 per cent failure. And in IVF, a couple can decide if they want another woman to carry the baby for them… But we don’t allow the person carrying the baby to meet the couples because of the possible consequence.” “With the advancement in infertility treatment, men with zero or low sperm count can have babies. Even women who are not menstruating can have babies if they have wombs. “People who were born without functioning ovaries or who do not release eggs – some of whom have never menstruated in their lives, can have babies.” Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Faraday Orumwense, said the symposium was borne out of the need to sustain “all-round development of the school” and deepen the existing cordial relationship between the Institution and its host community. [myad]
The literary world lost one of its truly illustrious stars when Chinua Achebe passed on March 21, 2013. Yet Mr. Achebe, whose works included the inimitable Things Fall Apart and the even grander Arrow of God, was one of the most approachable men I ever met.
I had the rare honor and luck of being close to the revered Achebe for some thirty years. In that time, he was an inspiration, model, beacon of moral clarity and intellectual integrity as well as my teacher in the best, broadest sense of that word.
My first meeting with Achebe was fortuitous in a way a master storyteller like him might have imagined. It was in 1983, and the now defunct African Concord magazine had just offered me my first job as a professional journalist. My first major assignment was to interview Achebe at his office then at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The encounter taught me something about the man’s genial and generous nature—and the depth of his humanity. I will get to that first encounter later, but must recall a more recent memory.
Seven years ago, I drove from my home in central Connecticut to the quiescent country precincts of Annandale-on-Hudson to visit Chinua Achebe, who then held a prestigious endowed professorial chair at Bard College and whose novel Things Fall Apart was enjoying a cheery 50th anniversary.
Achebe’s self-effacing, soft-spoken personality was always in ironic contrast with the exuberant celebration that had erupted around his first – and most widely read and translated – novel. I was in his home to coax him to look back on 50 years of his book’s extraordinary journey. Achebe disclosed that I was one of perhaps more than a hundred interviewers he’d hosted that year. Even so, I dared convince myself that there was something special about my interview with him.
I had interviewed Achebe several times in the past – first in 1983, when I was a rookie correspondent for the now defunct African Concord, the last time in 1987, shortly after the publication of his latest novel, Anthills of the Savannah. That first interview set a mood for my relationship with the author. Quite simply, he saved my career.
I met Achebe by sheer serendipity. It was 1983 and I had just graduated from college. Visiting Ogidi, his hometown, to see my girlfriend at the time, I raved and raved about Achebe and Things Fall Apart. The young woman listened for a while, a bemused smile creasing her cheeks. Then she said: “Achebe is my uncle. His house is a short walk away. And he happens to be home this weekend. Do you want to visit him?”
The Achebe I met in his country home personified grace. I still remember that he served us biscuits and chilled Coca Cola. He regarded me with penetrating eyes as I gushed about his novels, his short stories, his essays, even reciting favorite lines I had memorized from years of devoted reading. I told him I had just got a job with the Concord and would be honored to interview him. He gave me his telephone number at Nsukka, the university town where he lived and ran the Institute of African Studies. A week later I flew to Lagos, reported for work, and told the weekly magazine’s editor that I had Achebe’s telephone number – and a standing commitment that he would give me an interview. The elated editor dispatched me to do that interview, my first major assignment at the publication.
Achebe and I retreated to his book-lined office at the institute. The air in the office seemed flavored with the scent of books stretching and heaving. Five minutes into the interview I paused and rewound the tape. The recording sounded fine and our interview continued for another two hours. Afterwards Achebe told me it was one of the most exhaustive interviews he’d ever done. I took leave of him and, heady with excitement, took a cab to the local bus stop where I paid the fare for a bus headed for Enugu – the state capital where I had booked a hotel.
That evening several of my friends gathered in my hotel room. They asked questions about Achebe, and then said they wanted to hear his voice. Happy to oblige them, I fetched the tape recorder and pressed its play button. We waited – not a word! I put in two other tapes, the same futile result. How was I going to explain this mishap to my editor who had scheduled the interview as a forthcoming cover?
I phoned Achebe’s home in panic. In a desperate tone I begged that he let me return the next day for a short retake. “Thirty minutes – even twenty – would do,” I pleaded. I half-expected him to scold me for lack of professional fastidiousness and hang up, leaving me to stew in my distress. Instead he calmly explained that he had commitments for the next day. If I could return the day after, he’d be delighted to grant me another interview. And he gave me permission to make the next session as elaborate as the first.
Two days later we were back in his office for my second chance. This time I paused every few minutes to check on the equipment. I stretched the interview to an hour-and-a-half before guilt – mixed with gratitude – compelled me to stop. It was not as exhaustive as the first outing, nor did it have the spontaneity of our first interview, but it gave me – and the readers of the magazine – a prized harvest. My friends got a chance to savor Achebe’s voice, with its mix of faint lisps and accentuated locutions.
That interview happened thirty years ago. It had been followed by several other encounters with Achebe, but it still stands out in my mind. I had admired the man from a distance, in awe of his extraordinary powers as a writer. After he saved my career, I was inspired by his uncommon generosity.
I was so impressed by Achebe’s example that I became something of a lifelong student of his work, my PhD dissertation focusing partly on his deployment of history and memory in his writing.
In 2009, Brown University lured Achebe away from Bard College, scoring a major transfer of intellectual assets. At the Ivy League Brown, Achebe assumed the chair of the David and Marianna Fisher University Professor of Africana Studies and Literary Arts. With his blessing, Brown University also invited me to take up a visiting appointment.
Achebe was a widely honored and highly decorated writer, winning some of the most prestigious literary prizes, including the Man Booker for the sustained excellence of his oeuvre. In 2010, he was awarded the Gish Prize, established in 1994 as a bequest of two sisters, Dorothy and Lillian. The $300,000 prize is bestowed each year on “a man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind’s enjoyment and understanding of life.”
The sentiment behind that prize sums up, for me, the essence of Achebe the man, writer and citizen. He strove in his own quiet, stubborn way to make the world more beautiful. I was blessed to have known him at close quarters, ennobled by his extraordinary example as a writer and human, and ever indebted for the opportunity to learn at his feet. [myad]
The Nigerin government has suffered another loss of revenue loss of $45.90 million as a result of drop in average price of crude oil from $39.04 in December 2015 to $29.02 in January, 2016 even as the federal, state and local governments, today, shared a total of N345.095 billion as federal allocation for the month of February. A communique issued by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee and signed by the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, indicated that the Gross Revenue of N270.499 billion received for the month of February is lower than the N290.961 billion received the previous month by N20.462 billion. The communiqué indicated that oil production increased slightly between December 2015 and January 2016 despite explosions at Escravos Terminal, Force Majeure declared at Brass Terminal, Shut-in and Shut-down of pipelines at other Terminals for repairs and maintenance. Also, a substantial drop in income was recorded from Oil and Gas Royalty, Companies Income Tax and import Duty. Consequently, the distributable Statutory Revenue for the month is N270.499 billion even as the sum of N6.330 billion was refunded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federal Government. There is exchange gain of N3.485 billion, which was included in the amount for distribution. The value added tax VAT realized, N64.781 billion, was also included for distribution. Based on the foregoing, the total revenue distributable for the current month inclusive of VAT is N345.095 billion. The details of the statutory revenue distributed for the month of February is as follows: Federal Government received N127.200 billion (52.68 per cent), States received N64. 518 billion (26.72 per cent); Local Government Councils received N49.740 billion (20.60 per cent), while the Oil Producing States received N22.780 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue. Furthermore, for the month of February, 2016, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax was N64.781 billion as against N69.719 billion distributed in the preceding month, which is a decrease of N4.938 billion. The breakdown of the Value Added Tax distribution for the month is as follows: Federal Government received N9.329 billion (15 per cent), States secured N31.095 billion (50 per cent) and Local Government Councils got N21.767 billion (35 per cent). [myad]
The National Economic Council (NEC), made of the governors of the 36 states of the federation, other national economic stakeholders, rose from a two-day retreat on economy with resolve to work together to tackle the economic challenges facing the nation, part of which was the setting up of targets for self-sufficiency in food production.
The NEC, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at the retreat, also set up two committees: Implementation Monitoring Committee, headed by the minister of state for budget and national planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and the Implementation Steering Committee headed by Vice President Osinbajo.
In a communiqué read to news men shortly after the end of the retreat, the governors of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Abubakar and Anambra state, Willie Obiano; the ministers of Budget and national planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said that participants have resolved to religiously implement the contents of the resolutions.
Participants said that a national target for self-sufficiency has been set for identified crops that would be monitored.
The nation, by the resolution, is expected to attain self-sufficiency in tomato paste by the end of this year, while by 2018, it should be sufficient in rice production and by 2019, the country should have attained self-sufficiency in wheat.
The communiqué advised the Federal and State Governments to roll out agricultural extension services nationwide and that the Commodity Exchanges should be established for price regulation and avoidance of losses due to lack of markets.
It said that the Abuja Commodity Exchange should be revitalized, adding that the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) should be re-established
“Federal Government should develop an Agriculture Implementation plan whereby State Governments are encouraged to identify at least two crops in which they have comparative advantage. States should open up of rural/feeder roads to facilitate transportation of agricultural produce to be supported by the Federal Government
“The Federal and State Governments should establish minimum price guarantee for farm produce. The Federal Government should provide immediate funding to upscale efforts of Agricultural Institutes of Research and Development across Nigeria
“State Governments should also be encouraged to fund research and development in agriculture through technical colleges, universities and research institutions.”
Other highlights of the retreat as they contained in the communiqués are as follows:
Agreement reached for concerted and consistent efforts to diversify revenue sources
Expand compliance on VAT, adopting a gradual plan for rate increase
Increase expenditure through borrowing, which should be invested in infrastructure
Federal and State Governments to focus on fiscal responsibility as a critical element in macro-economic balance
Increase investment in infrastructure through public private partnership (PPP)
6.Develop financial inclusion strategies to cater for the poor and vulnerable population
Maintain a minimum level of capital expenditure of 30% in the budget
Agriculture
The Federal Government to re-position Bank of Agriculture to enhance its capacity to finance agriculture.
Funding for Agricultural sector is considered critical and sources of intervention funding from the Central Bank of Nigeria should be considered
A single digit interest rate for agricultural loans should be considered while duties and taxes for Agricultural products and equipment should be waived
Develop strategic partnerships between Federal and State government. Each State should make specific commitments to crops in which it has comparative advantage and request Federal Government intervention
National targets for self-sufficiency should be set for identified crops, which should be monitored. Tomato paste – 2016, Rice – 2018, Wheat – 2019
The Federal and State Governments should roll out agricultural extension services nationwide
The Commodity Exchanges should be established for price regulation and avoidance of losses due to lack of markets. The Abuja Commodity Exchange should be revitalised
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) should be re-established
Federal Government should develop an Agriculture Implementation plan whereby State Governments are encouraged to identify at least two crops in which they have comparative advantage
States should open up of rural/feeder roads to facilitate transportation of agricultural produce to be supported by the Federal Government
11.The Federal and State Governments should establish minimum price guarantee for farm produce
12.The Federal Government should provide immediate funding to upscale efforts of Agricultural Institutes of Research and Development across Nigeria
State Governments should also be encouraged to fund research and development in agriculture through technical colleges, universities and research institutions
Solid Minerals
Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to complete and present the solid minerals development roadmap. This framework should address issues of illegal miner, licenses, taxes and royalties by 31stMarch 2016
Federal government to engage with state government on the roadmap and agree any amendment that may be required by 30thJune 2016
Initiate relevant legislative changes that maybe necessitated by the agreed roadmap by 31stJuly 2016
Conclude the revalidation/recertification of all mining leases by 30thSeptember 2016
Agree with states and local government on respective responsibilities for developing feeder roads and other critical infrastructure for solid minerals development
Federal Government and States to set deadlines to achieve self-sufficiency in Bitumen/Asphalt and tiles (to discourage/stop importation)
Make and communicate final decisions on operationalization of Ajaokuta steel plant by 30thJune 2016
Establishment of joint committee to address issues of data on quantity and quality of minerals exploited and exported
Setting up of mining cadastral zonal offices for proximity to States for the purpose of issuing licenses and easy monitoring by States
Discourage use of wood for cooking by promoting use of coal briquettes
Guarantee access to finance solid minerals development via intervention funds and private sector capital
Block revenue leakages in the sector through effective monitoring of activities in the mining sector
Organize artisanal/small-scale miners as a mechanism for reducing illegal mining and Establish Mines Surveillance Taskforce by September 2016
Investment, Industrialization and Enabling Monetary policies
1.Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment (MITI) to develop a matrix of actions to be taken by Federal and State Governments towards achieving the targeted improvements in Ease of Doing Business ranking by 30th April 2016
Present an incentive scheme for States taking actions towards improvement of the investment climate in their States including grants by 30thSeptember 2016
Forge strong links between the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the State Investment Promotion Agencies
States to collaborate more actively on regional basis on investments and industrialization
The Federal Government should work with the States and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for trade and investment through the implementation of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) to encourage industrialization
Make environment conducive for the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises to create jobs for the unemployed and undertake deliberate policies to create access to funds
State and Federal Governments must emphasize the patronage of “Made in Nigeria” products. “Import competition” rather than “import substitution” should be emphasized
Governors to set up task forces to monitor implementation of trade/ investment policies and strengthen planning institutions by linking federal and sub-national planning; in this regard, a monthly meeting between the Minister of Budget & National Planning and State Commissioners for planning will be institutionalized
States to set up one-stop shop for investors where they do not currently exist to attract investment and improve on IGR Safeguard competitive market economy
Promote regional cooperation on investment and industrialization
Implement institutional and structural reforms as a way of improving the efficacy of monetary policy including greater consultation with the National Economic Council
Predictability and consistency of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s communication to key stakeholders is required to manage expectations
The Central Bank of Nigeria should carry the States along in some of their reforms in areas of SMEs and Agricultural funding initiatives
Long-term development goals should anchor policy decisions
Effective regulation & supervision to improve confidence in the soundness and stability of the banking system
Infrastructure and Services
1.Develop infrastructure delivery plan considering current financial capabilities driven principally by the goal of improvement of the quality of life for the populace
2.Develop financing model for infrastructure projects
Integrate training and job creation components in infrastructure projects
Implement empowerment and entrepreneurship policies to foster inclusive growth
Investing in our people
Federal and State Governments to work collaboratively to ensure sustainability of the school feeding and other social protection programmes
Cooperation from the States’ Ministries of Education and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEBs) for the Teacher Corp program
Provide logistics support on the proposed upgrade of 75 existing National Directorate of Employment (NDE) facilities (across the various States) to Empowerment Centers
Cooperation and coordination with the States on their specific job creation efforts
State Government support on identified needs such as infrastructure and/or space for innovation hubs
State Government support for artisan training, scoping and support for existing artisan cultures, use of existing training facilities
Institutionalize a single register as a platform for targeting the authentic poorest and vulnerable for safety net programs; for government, donor agency, organizations or individuals
Creating a delivery mechanism that ensures efficient, consistent timely and direct payments in the remotest parts of the country
Boost productivity and financial inclusion for the poorest and most vulnerable
Revenue Generation and Fiscal Stability
There is need for deliberate effort to generate relevant data on the respective economies of the states and the nation generally in order to drive revenue generation
FIRS and SIRS need to invest in relevant technology to support efforts to improve tax collection
There is a need to develop incentive schemes for federal and state revenue generating agencies
FIRS and SIRS need to actively collaborate on initiatives to improve tax collection, including joint audits of major corporate tax payers
All state governments are encouraged to establish efficiency units to review/enhance the quality of expenditure as well as plug revenue leakages
Focus on property and consumption taxes will help in improving revenues in a fair manner
Tax-payer education should be intensified to expand the tax base and avoid political back-lash from intensifying tax collection
State Government are encouraged to rationalise number of Ministers, Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries
Cost control measures should be identified and implemented on an ongoing basis; in this regard various examples from Nigeria and other countries are recommended
Survival of States and Beyond
Strengthen States Peer Review Mechanism under auspices of the Governors Forum and the National Economic Council (NEC) to promote sharing of good practices between the Federal and States Governments
NEC RETREAT – IMPLEMENTATION STEERING COMMITTEE FORMED:
To oversee the work of the implementation committee
To provide appropriate steers to the Implementation Monitoring Committee to ensure that the resolutions agreed at the retreat are duly followed up
HE Prof. Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President and Chairman of NEC
Chairman
HE Abdulaziz Y. Abubakar
Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Zamfara State
Member
HE Adams Oshiomhole
Governor of Edo State
Member
HE Abdulfatah Ahmed
Governor of Kwara State
Member
HE Rauf Aregbesola
Governor of Osun State
Member
HE David Umahi
Governor of Ebonyi State
Member
HE Badaru Abubakar
Governor of Jigawa State
Member
HE Mohammed Abubakar
Governor of Bauchi State
Member
Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma
Hon. Minister of Budget and National Planning
Member
Mrs. Kemi Adeosun
Hon. Minister of Finance
Member
Dr. Okechukwu Enelama
Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
Member
Chief Audu Ogbe
Hon. Minister of Agriculture
Member
Dr. Kayode Fayemi
Hon. Minister of Solid Minerals
Member
Mr. Babatunde Fashola
Hon. Minister of Works, Power and Housing
Member
Mrs. Nana F Mede
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning
Secretary
NEC RETREAT – IMPLEMENTATION MONITORING COMMITTEE FORMED
To follow up the implementation of the resolutions of the retreat
To receive steers from the Steering Committee regarding the follow up of the implementation
To provide progress reports to the Steering Committee on the implementation
NAME
DESIGNATION
ROLE
Mrs Zainab S. Ahmed
Hon. Minister of State, Budget and National Planning
Chairman
Mrs Yosola Akinbi
Senior Technical Adviser to the Vice President on the National Economic Council
Member
Mr. L.O.T. Shittu
DG, Nigeria Governors Forum
Member
Mr. David Olofu
Commissioner for Finance and Planning, Benue State
Member
Mr. Mohammed Kauji
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Borno State
Member
Dr. E.A. Onwiodokif
Comm. for Economic Planning, Akwa Ibom State
Member
Mrs. Aisha M. Bello
Comm. for Budget and Planning, Kano State
Member
Mrs. Aderenle Adesina
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ogun State
Member
Mr. Mark Okoye
Special Adviser, Economic Planning and Budget, Anambra State
Member
Mr. Tunde Lawal
Director, Macroeconomic Analysis Department, Fed. Min. BNP
Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action on the proposed $16 billion Gas Revolution Industrial City at Ogidigben to help boost the economy and job creation drive of the government.
The ground breaking ceremony of the project was done by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Speaking on the sideline of the just concluded National Economic Council (NEC) retreat, for the 36 states governors and other relevant agencies of government, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Okowa said the project if eventually implemented would be vital to stabilizing the nation’s economic and contribute to the prosperity of the Nigeria.
The governor, who expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for considering the state for the citing of the multi-billion dollars project said “I hope that we are able to take advantage of it at the moment” adding that “if we do that, it will create thousands of jobs, there is no doubt about it beyond the fact that it will add a lot to the economy of this country”.
Okowa stated that due to the importance the state government placed on the project, he meet with President Buhari on assumption of office and the current minister of petroleum Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and other relevant organs of government disclosing that “the last I was told was that they were supposed to have a meeting towards the end of February to take decisions as to what next to do, they have not briefed me now how far they have gone”.
The project, which is public sector driven has attracted several multinational companies in the agro-allied, banking, power, oil and gas and maritime sectors.
The Delta State Government, under the arrangement is expected to provide all the land need for the construction of the project while the private sector participants are expected to provide the funding for the effective takeoff of the project.
The Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA) and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) are expected to play key roles in the project implementation. [myad]
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State is angry with contractors handling various projects in the state, accusing them of abandoning over 99 percent of the projects after collecting huge sums of money.
He indeed, vowed that he would recover all money paid to such contractors who got almost all the jobs that were offered to them by the immediate past administration.
Umahi spoke while receiving interim report of the Dave Nwachukwu-led Market Development Committee in Abakaliki on Monday.
According to the governor, the contractors had ignored several invitations for joint measurements with the ministries in charge of their contracts and warned that the government would take all necessary steps within the ambits of the law to ensure that they complied. “A lot of the state fund is in the hands of the contractors. We invited one of the contractors or a number of them to come for joint measurements but they are not complying and when that is not possible, whatever joint measurement done by the supervising ministry stand. “And again, certification is cumulative and so we have the right and powers to ask contractors to be on site. I am very shocked that 99 per cent of the projects we inherited from the past administration are not goin on and none of the contractors has told us why they are not on site. We made efforts to find out but they are not responding. “So we are going to take steps, if they are not listening to us, they must listen to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and very soon, we will consult the Constitution to take further steps to ensure that the investments of our state are not allowed to be wasted. “But one thing is very certain,no man will run away with the fund of Ebonyi State no matter the number of lawyers he assembles to tackle the state.”
Umahi, who lamented that 99% of jobs he inherited from the past administration had been abandoned by contractors without reason, said he would use constitutional means to bring them back to site or recover the state’s fund already paid to them. “But one thing is certain,no man will run away with the fund of Ebonyi State,no matter the number of lawyers assembled by them to tackle the state.”
Other reports presented to the governor during the occasion were that of higher education and Ikwo College of Education by their committee chairmen, Professor Chigozie Ogbu and Chief Fidelis Nwankwo. On the report of petitions written by some members of staff of the Ikwo College of Education against their Provost, Prof. Omebe, the governor directed the immediate dis-engagement of the 83 persons illegally recruited as workers.
“Let me say that all the employment that were made without due process should be disengaged immediately,before we visit the institution.
“So they must be disengaged. Due process must be followed before we even look at this(interim) document. And it is in the interest of the Provost that that is done before the end of this week.”
He warned that his administration would not accept recruitment that did not reflect the geographical spread of the 13 local government areas of the state. [myad]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has assured Nigerians that Muhammadu Buhari’s government is restarting the country’s economy in a way that everybody would be better off than before.
