Key Takeaways From President Buhari’s Visit To America, By Garba Shehu

December 18, 2022

In the first in-person meeting with the American President Joe Biden, President Buhari established a personal equation with his US counterpart and got an important recognition for his democratic credentials and activism at home in particular, and Africa in general: “your legacy is a model,” says President Biden. There was a perfect meeting of minds.

This, coming from the remaining superpower still standing and the guardian and promoter of the values of democracy all over the world, is a major milestone as the President braces up to give the country its most open, most free and most fair elections in February next year.

Equally, it speaks to the fact the world is interested in what happens here and they are watching. Everyone is watching what happens in Nigeria and our politicians must watch their steps. President Buhari has cleared himself. He is doing all that is required of him to deliver free and fair elections, leading to the emergence of his successor in May next year.

Beyond the symbolism of the one-on-one meeting and their sitting together to watch the Morocco-Argentina World Cup semi-final, an incident that grabbed the attention of the world soon as it took place, Biden’s recognition of President Buhari as continental champion of democracy will come with admirable dividends.

One, the fact of the acceptance by the two leaders that we share with each other the values of democracy and human rights; that we are on the same page in regard to these values is indicative of deep ties between our two nations, working together to uphold free and fair elections, an important condition for democracy in Nigeria, West Africa and the rest of the continent.

In this context, the Biden promise to work for a permanent “G20” seat for Africa may, if all continues to work well between our two nations, lead to Nigeria earning a place in the all-important intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union, and possibly thereafter, a “G7” place and-wait for it-a Permanent Seat on the United Nations Security Council!

Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the US is important if a choice is to be made.

On the very important issue of peace and security of the continent, a key agenda item in the Biden-Africa summit, President Buhari was asked to lead. It is a recognition of Nigeria as the very important voice for Africa.

After President Buhari finished with his speech on AU Agenda 2063, essentially speaking about the defined goals of peace and security on the continent, President Biden left the meeting.

President Buhari spoke at the US Peace Institute. It is interesting that the President spoke at the Institute in 2015 at the commencement of his first term and was coming to do so when the curtains are about being drawn on his second term tenure.

Who invited him to speak at both points? It’s Ambassador Johnnie Carson, the diplomat and politician who was an Obama-era cabinet member and a friend of Nigeria who, not only extolled the virtues of President Buhari but played up the role of the administration in attaining a strategic partnership with the US.

Amb. Carson has just been named by President Biden to coordinate the follow up of the decisions on the just-concluded Summit. In this regard, it is not out of place to expect Nigeria drawing substantially from the USD 55 billion the Biden administration has put in the basket for Africa to draw from.

President Buhari, who has been waging a global battle for the survival of gas, Nigeria’s abundant resource as a transition energy from fossil fuels that are being blacklisted for causing global climate degradation, found the right place to take his case to, and it is getting a traction. With the US supporting Nigeria, President Buhari is building a consensus for our well-articulated energy transition plan that has gas a transition energy.

Following the successful CEOs’ roundtable and interactions with businesses at US-Africa Civil and Commercial Space Forum and Corporate Council on Africa-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum, US businesses reaffirmed their confidence and reinforced their commitment to deepening their business interests in Nigeria.

President Buhari presented a refocused roadmap clearly showing Nigeria’s commitment for a safer and healthier global climate, highlighting the country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

He has prepared a ready-to-go blueprint for whoever succeeds him; a plan that has earned the respect of the US government, paving the way for a partnership to address conservation, climate adaptation and a just energy transition based on shared objectives.

Government plans to prepare well to draw substantially from the proposed US funding and from CocaCola Foundation which has indicated interest in their participation in our climate change and renewable energy plans.

In line with the plan to address clean and reliable energy supply, creating jobs and ensuring knowledge and technology transfer, the government of Nigeria and a US company Sun Africa LLC, signed a major agreement, right there before the representatives of Mr. Biden for the “development, engineering, procurement and construction” of 5,000 MW of solar generation and 2,500 MWh of battery energy storage power plants for up $10 billion investment from the US government.

The project portfolio location and size indicates the beneficiary states as including Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Jigawa, Nassarawa, Benue, Kogi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, FCT, Kwara, Edo and Akwa Ibom. Megawatts of power availability ranges from 24, the lowest to 350, the highest.

In addition, 360 rural communities across the 36 states are to benefit from solar mini grids electrification infrastructure and smart meters.

While there are several crucial outcomes from the visit, I am excited to report that between President Biden and President Buhari, there is a perfect meeting of minds. While President Buhari was full of commendation for the leadership of Biden on global issues, it emerged clearly from these interactions that the two leaders share a common vision on democracy, human rights and the important role in Africa that Nigeria is playing. Nigeria is crucial to Biden and he seemed pleased that he found in President Buhari, an African role model. He held back nothing in showering encomiums upon him for especially sticking to two stipulated terms in office.

With impressive accomplishments trailing the seven-day visit, President Buhari has wetted the ground for whoever will be the next President from May next year. It will be in the nation’s interest to build on where the current President stops.

Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

Argentina Emerges World Football Champion In Quarter

Greenbarge Reporters

December 18, 2022

Argentina has emerged World football champion today, December 18 after beating France 4-2 on penalty shootouts to claim the $47 million.
The game had ended 3-3 after 120 minutes of thrilling football action.
Argentina dominated the early exchanges and looked more dangerous going to forward.
Juventus winger Angel Di Maria wasted a glorious chance on 20 minutes shooting wide after he was set up Messi.
Olivier Giroud also headed wide for France a minute later.
Di Maria won a penalty for Argentina on 22 minutes after he tripped inside the box by Ousmanne Dembele.
Messi expertly slotted the ball into the net sending goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the wrong way.
La Albiceleste doubled their advantage 13 minutes later.
Di Maria fired home after he was set up by Alexis Mac Allister.
France manager, Didier Deschamps made two substitutions late in the first half.
Giroud and Dembele were replaced by Marcus Thuram and Kolo Muani.
Argentina continued their dominance after the break created a number of half chances.
France wobbled through with Kylian Mbappe firing wide from inside the box in the 70th minute.
Les Blues reduced the deficit 11 minutes from time.
Kolo Muani was fouled inside the box by Nicholas Otamendi and Mbappe sent the ball home despite Emiliano Martinez diving the right way.
The holders leveled two minutes later courtesy of a superb shot from Mbappe.
France took total control of the game afterwards, but it was Messi, who came close to scoring a late winner for with Lloris tipping his shot to the bar.
The game went into extra-time and Argentina were the better side in the first 15 minutes.
Lionel Scaloni’s side regained the lead in the 108th minute through Messi.
France fought back once again with Mbappe scoring his third of the game from another penalty.
Argentina won 4-2 on penalties to emerge winner.
Source: Promptnews online.

Buhari Is Africa’s Icon Of Democracy, Anti-Corruption At 80, By Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2022

Africa’s undisputed Icon for Democracy and Anti-Corruption marks his 80th Birthday on December 17th, 2022. Although Muhammadu Buhari’s initial rise to power, almost four decades ago, was as the military leader of Nigeria – Africa’s most populous nation – he has transformed, over the years, into an earnest advocate for democracy and constitutional order. However, even as a military ruler, one of the most memorable achievements of his first tenure in government, was an anti-corruption campaign that eventually resulted in the prosecution of many culpable persons; as well as the recovery of huge amounts of cash and other sizeable public assets that were illegally acquired. Baba Muhammadu Buhari’s reincarnation as a civilian leader in 2015, revived the yearning of millions of his compatriots for the return of his unique type of leadership, which is based on the formidable magnetism of his personal example of honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability. Since his return to political power, President Buhari has spearheaded an anti- corruption culture, which seeks to institutionalize the reforms by encouraging individual citizens to take ownership of them. No wonder the zero-tolerance policy of the Buhari Administration against corruption has already yielded results from the seizure of assets and properties bought with embezzled money from the Nigerian taxpayers. President Buhari’s remarkable success in tackling corruption at home, obviously impressed his brother African leaders, who unanimously nominated President Buhari in July 2017, as The African Union (AU) 2018 Anti-Corruption Champion for the 30th Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Meanwhile, perhaps the most enduring legacy of Baba Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency is his strong commitment to the respect of the constitutional order and the limitations of the presidential terms because he believes the democratic alternation is the pillar of a true democracy and a prosperous country. President Buhari has always brought his larger-than-life stature and credibility to manage each opportunity where reactionary political actors have sought to either subvert, repress, or silence the popular will of the struggling African masses.

For instance, in January 2017, President Buhari discharged, in a very exemplary manner, a unique mandate, as The ECOWAS Mediator who ensured that the former long-time Gambian ruler, Mr. Yahya Jammeh, handed over to his duly elected successor. Furthermore, on a very personal note, in June 2019, President Buhari did not spare his effort to find a solution in the political crisis that shook my country, the Benin Republic. It took the forthright, fatherly intervention of President Buhari to secure my release from an unjust two-month house arrest. Following my release, it took 8 months to nurse me back to health in Abuja, Nigeria and Baba Buhari relentlessly made sure I was well taken care of.
Last but certainly not least, I cannot fail to mention the decisive role played by President Buhari in the fight against the scourges of insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria and in the sub-region.
As Baba Muhammadu Buhari celebrates his 80th Birthday, my entire family and I join his beloved family and the grateful people of Nigeria, in thanking ALMIGHTY GOD for mercifully granting him the grace to witness a milestone that few Africans can take for granted. We also pray that ALMIGHTY GOD will grant Baba Muhammadu Buhari many more years of excellent health and divine wisdom, to enable him to provide more sage counsels and fatherly guidance to Nigeria in particular; and Africa, at large!
Happy 80th Birthday, Baba Muhammadu Buhari!
Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi was President of The Republic of Benin (2006 – 2016), Chairman of The African Union (2012 – 2013) and is ECOWAS Mediator for The Republic of Guinea.

We Still Remember How Peter Obi Chased Non-Indigenes Out Of Civil Service – SDP Scribe

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2022

The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alpha Muhammad, has recalled when the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi ejected non-indigenes from Anambra State when he was the Governor of the State.

In an interview with Muhammad said that the incident is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians, recalling that the non-indigenes, who were sent packing from the state, had to settle in Lagos State.

He spoke against the backdrop of th fact that the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, would be an adopted candidate of the SDP immediately after consultations are concluded.

According to him: “When Peter Obi was busy increasing school fees in Anambra State, Tinubu was busy introducing free education, Anambra were rushing to Lagos to benefit from free education. Every day, you see a truckload of people going to Lagos in buses to benefit from Tinubu’s free education.

“When Peter Obi came, we know what he did to non-indigenes; people who are non-Anambra citizens in Anambra State were sent out of the civil service. Many of them ended up in Lagos.”

Muhammad claimed that the APC presidential candidate gave non indigenes of Lagos State opportunities in the civil service, political offices, among others.

Be added that Tinubu is the type of leaders that can unify the country.

When contacted, the media aide to LP presidential candidate, Valentine Obienyem, did not respond to calls put across to him to react to the allegation.

Also, he did not respond to a message sent to him on the matter.

Source: The Punch.

Buhari Has Shown It’s Possible To Serve Honestly, Selflessly, Osinbajo In 80 Birthday Message

Greenbarge Reporters

December 17, 2022

PRESIDENT BUHARI AT THE CAMPAIGN FOR ACCEPTANCE SPEECH 2 ; President Muhammadu Buhar and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN congratulates each other while APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole looks on at the Campaign office after INEC Declared President Buhari as President-Elect for the second term for the 2019 Presidential Election. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. FEB 27 2019.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that President Muhammadu Buhari, from birth, has shown that it is possible for one to serve his country honestly, forthrightly and selflessly.

In a personal message to the President, who marks his 80^th birthday today, December 17, Professor Osinbajo said: “Your extraordinary life of unblemished service to the nation in the army, as a Governor, Minister, Military Head of State and as two-term Civilian President, demonstrates that it is possible to serve the nation and our people honestly, forthrightly and selflessly.”
He and his wife, Dolapo Osinbajo congratulated the President on the occasion of his 80th birthday today, saying: “Dolly and I, and the family wish you many more happy years in peace and good health in Jesus’ name. Amen
“Happy 80th Birthday, Mr. President!”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Hails Buhari On 2nd Niger Bridge, Says Others Before Him Deceived

Editorial staff

December 16, 2022

2nd-Niger-Bridge | Photo credit: news.band

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to his promise on completing the Second Niger Bridge before the expiration of his tenure.

In statement today, December 16 by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze said: “several administrations had used the second Niger Bridge as a bait on the Igbo, especially during political campaigns. When President Buhari promised that he will complete the second Niger Bridge, not many believed, especially when he could not conceal his lopsided political appointments and other resource allocations against the South-East.

“On assumption of office as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Professor George Obiozor in company of several APC government officials on February 6, 2021, visited the site wherein he remarked that the ‘people of the South-East would continue to be grateful to the present Federal Government for hearkening to the needs of the Ndigbo.”

The statement partly read, “Based on the general clamour for a Second Niger Bridge, the former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1992, challenged the Nigerian engineers to come up with a design of the second bridge. It was believed that upon completion, the bridge will ease traffic flow, allay fears, improve road safety and create greater road user confidence among the commuters.

“Several administrations had used the second Niger Bridge as a bait on the Igbo, especially during political campaigns. When President Buhari promised that he will complete the second Niger Bridge, not many believed, especially when he could not conceal his lopsided political appointments and other resource allocations against the South-East.

“A few days ago, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), disclosed that the Second Niger Bridge would be open to traffic from December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023, to ease the experience of travellers during the Yuletide break. And so, it has come.

“Surely, President Buhari did not start the work on the bridge, but in a country where the abandoned projects far outnumber the completed ones, vital infrastructure that should have been taken for granted are celebrated.

“While the Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Obiozor immensely appreciates Mr President on the Second Niger Bridge, it is hoped that Mr. President will use the remaining few months in office to pursue some other transcendental objectives which will write his name with gold in the sands of time.”

The Second Niger Bridge has since been opened to motorists for this yuletide.

Ohanaeze described the bridge as a key national infrastructure, with immense socio-economic benefits not only for the contiguous states but for the entire nation.

It said that the clamour for a Second Niger Bridge became necessary shortly after the Nigerian Civil War.

The First Niger Bridge was inaugurated in 1965 and Nigerian war broke out in 1967. The bridge was therefore not exempted from the devastating effects.

Giving insights into the second Niger bridge, Ogbonnia said that it had been a major concern to the Igbo people for over fifty years because of two major reasons: “apart from the traffic lock jam on the bridge, the greatest fear was that the bridge had evidence of cracks such that the stress of weights on the bridge could cause collapse of all the vehicles and their contents into the river Niger with untold consequences.”

Nigeria Is Africa’s Largest Consumer Market, Amongst Others, Buhari Tells US Investors

Editorial staff

December 16, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria, being the Africa’s largest single market, remains the best destination for American investors to put their money

According to the President, aside the population advantage in size and demography, various incentives and policies that have been emplaced by the Nigerian Government, make it a destination of choice for investment.

Buhari spoke today, December 16, in Washington D.C, at the U.S – Nigeria Business and Investment Forum, Business Roundtable organized by the American Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

President Buhari said: “it is imperative that I reiterate at the outset, the comparative advantages that exist within the Nigeria’s economy.

“First as the most populous country and largest economy in Africa, there is no doubt that Nigeria remains Africa’s largest single consumer market, projected to account for over 15% of overall growth in Africa’s spending, by 2025.

“Secondly, investors in the country would have access to new markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area, (AfCTA), which would be the world’s largest free trade area, would be expected to connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries and a consumer market that will be worth over $3 trillion by 2030, and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion.”

He said that since 2015 when he assumed office as President, he had embarked on fixing of the infrastructural gaps needed for business to thrive, saying that such infrastructure include roads, railways, air and sea ports, energy and telecommunications, adding that these infrastructure constituted greater priorities for Government.

He said: “related to these conscious and practical efforts, is the resolve by our Administration to improve the business environment through business incentives, regulatory reforms and visa-regime that are business-friendly.

“The outcome of the massive efforts and investments by our administration in Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment, i.e. Road Construction and Rehabilitation, Investment Tax Credit Policy, led to the reconstruction of 21 selected Federal Roads, totaling 1,804.6 KM. With regards to railways, sea and air ports as well as energy, which are expected to facilitate movements of people, goods and services as well as sustain the stabilization of industries and their growth respectively.”

President Buhari saide that despite the global challenges occasioned by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, the Nigerian economy has continued to record impressive growth in many sectors:

“On economy, Nigeria like other countries , including the developed economies, is facing economic challenges, occasioned by the disruptions as a result of the COVID – 19 pandemic the ongoing Ukraine war and the Climate Change, in which massive flooding is one the manifestations.

“Notwithstanding these global challenges, Nigeria had witnessed seven consecutive quarters of growth, after the negative growth rates recorded in the 2^nd and 3^rd Quarters of 2020. Nigeria’s GDP grew by 3.54% year-on-year in real terms in the 2^nd Quarter of 2022, which represents a sustained positive economic performance, especially for the Non-Oil GDP which fell by 4.77% in Q2 2022 against Oil GDP that grew by -11.77%.

“Statistics continue to indicate that most sectors of our economy recorded positive growth despite these challenges, which reflect the effective implementation of the economic sustainability measures introduced by our Administration. For our economy to favourably meet up the global digitization, Nigeria embraced Communication and Digital Economy. Already, the broadband coverage of the country stands at 44.32% and 77.52%. 4G coverage has also been achieved, with the establishment of 36,751 4G base stations nationwide.”

Buhari gave details of the sustained efforts of his administration to reverse the pervasive state of insecurity he inherited, especially in the Northeast, even as he commended the government of the United States for the support it has rendered in this aspect.

“When our administration came to power in 2015, most of the North-East of Nigeria was under the control of Boko Haram Terrorist Group. Governance and Socio-Economic activities came to stand-still. This state of happening has today been reversed.

“Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are returning to their ancestral home-areas, rebuilt through efforts by the Borno State Government and some philanthropic individuals, to recommence their lives in relative peace. As a country and sub-region, we continue to make sustained investments and efforts to strengthen our national and sub-regional security.

“In such circumstances, Nigeria continues to treasure strong partnerships with friends and allies in our national, continental and global efforts for safety and survival.

“We thank the United States of America for her partnership and as an ally, which made it possible to acquire arms, weapons and other military hardware, which has assisted Nigeria in her efforts to contain the scourge of terrorism and maritime insecurity.”

The Nigerian leader spoke about the plans of his administration to ensure that the problem of energy supply is addressed in the immediate future.

“In the pursuit of our energy development, Nigeria remains mindful of her commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060. In this regard, our administration launched an Energy Transition Plan (ETP) in September, 2022 aimed at meeting the national energy needs, in line with Nigeria’s net zero target.

“The Energy Transition Plan is a home-grown, data-backed, multipronged strategy developed for the achievement of net-zero emissions’ reduction across five (5) key sectors; Power, Cooking, Oil and Gas, Transport and Industry. The Energy Transition Plan (ETP) is therefore, a huge investment opportunity in the gas sector.”

This was even as the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, said that Nigeria is politically stable and ready for more investments and that the trend will continue because President Buhari has put in place electoral reforms that are enduring, giving room for free, fair and transparent elections.

In her remarks, Ms. Florie Liser, President of CCA said that the organisation has been around since 1993, promoting US and African business and investment relationships.

“Gathered here are CCA members, partners and investors that doing great works in Nigeria. They have a strong interest in sealing their operations there.”

She said that the organisation had been privileged to also host past presidents, governors, ministers and numerous private sector leaders to cement trade ties and facilitate investments between the US and Nigeria for the benefit of the people of Nigeria and American people. She described Nigeria as a priority country for the CCA.

Nigeria Is Lucky To Have Buhari – Asiwaju Tinubu

Editorial staff

December 16, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said that Nigeria is lucky to have Muhammadu Buhari as its President.

In a special congratulatory message which he sent to President Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday, which comes up tomorrow, December 17, Tinubu said: “our country is lucky to have this great man and dedicated public servant at this time.

“President Buhari has led an extraordinary life of service to Nigeria at every duty post with unassailable integrity. History will be kind to him and record his contributions to the progress, unity and stability of Nigeria in volumes.”

In the message by his Media Office, signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu hailed the president for his commitment to nation-building and long years of patriotic service to the country.

The APC Presidential candidate who described President Buhari as “a patriot, selfless and steadfast leader of uncommon zeal,” said that Buhari enlisted himself into the service of the country as a teenager who joined the military immediately after secondary school.

Asiwaju Tinubu said at 80, President Buhari can look back and be proud of his unblemished record of service to the nation throughout his military career as a soldier, platoon commander, General Officer Commanding, Military Governor, Minister of Petroleum, Head of State, Chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund and as the current leader of the country.

“I heartily congratulate my president and my leader, Muhammadu Buhari, on the momentous and remarkable occasion of his 80th birthday.

“An officer and a gentleman, President Buhari has been a selfless and steadfast leader, and a patriot with uncommon zeal who has dedicated almost his entire life to the service of Nigeria.

“As a people, we are truly blessed to have a president who sees no higher honour than the opportunity to serve his people, a responsibility he has always carried with utmost dedication.

“We are proud that at age 80, this noble man, an officer and a gentleman is still rendering his service, recording tremendous achievements, the country making remarkable progress under his leadership, and his steady hands gradually guiding the country to the Promised Land.

“On behalf of our great party, APC, and my family, I join the family, friends, associates and all well-wishers of President Buhari to wish him happy birthday and many happy returns of the day in good health.”

Atiku Acknowledges Inner Strength Of President Buhari At 80

Editorial staff

December 16, 2022

Presidential candidate of the oppostion Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar has acknowledged the inner strength of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement he personally signed today, December 16, in commemoration of the 80th birthday of Buhari, which comes up tomorrow, December 17, Atiku said: “President Buhari, at 80, continues to be a motivation for inner strength

The former Nigeria Vice President prayed for President Buhari “to continue to enjoy the grace of good health and vitality, as he continues to play his leadership roles in Nigeria and Africa.”

POS Operators Protest N20,000 Cash Withdrawal Limit, Say 1.4 Million May Lose Jobs

Editorial staff

December 16, 2022

Point of Sale ( POS) operators in Nigeria have protested the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ) that wants cash withdrawal limit of individuals per day to N20,000 and Corporate bodies N100, 000.

An umbrella body of the operators, Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria ( AMMBAN), in a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly over the planned policy, called for suspension of the policy to save 1.4 million bank agents from losing their means of livelihood.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja today, December 16, the National President of body, Victor Olojo, said that over 1.4 million people will lose their jobs if the policy is not suspended or reviewed upward, adding that the series of engagement with critical stakeholders would continue.

The petition, dated December 16, 2022, specifically requested an upward review of the maximum withdrawal limit to N500, 000 weekly for individuals and three million naira for corporate organisations.

Olojo said: “AMMBAN believes the cashless policy in its current state hasn’t provided for Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria adequately.

“Even as the CBN Governor made reference to the fact that Mobile Money and Bank Agents are spread across the country, which is one of the reasons why he strongly feels the country is ready for the cashless policy, the document puts the jobs of over 1.4 million agents on the line in its present state.

“This and many other germane reasons informed the decisions of the Association to engage the CBN, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders. This is to ensure that while we show support for the cashless policy of the government through the CBN, the policy should recognise the categorisation of Agents’ accounts as it does individuals and corporate entities.”

The group said that it had interacted with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance And Other Financial Institutions, Senator Uba Sani, his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, on the matter.

“They were all in agreement that owing to the high relevance Mobile Money and Bank Agents have in the successful implementation of the Cashless policy, there has to be Categorisation of the accounts to be able to serve the Nigeria people especially in areas where there are no banks or basic infrastructure to enhance the usage of alternative channels of transaction.

“It is worthy of note that AMMBAN and her members have always been at the forefront since the inception of the Financial Inclusion drive in ensuring the achievements of the set goals. It is strongly believed that no success story can be pointed to without the selfless efforts of agents who, against all odds, go to the creeks and hinterland in the drive to deepen financial inclusion goals as set by the CBN.”

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