Abike Dabiri-ErewaNigerian Government has advised the 77 Nigerians who have been mentioned in the United States United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) internet fraud to go and defend themselves in that country.
In a statement today, August 23, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that the government would not hesitate to extradite them if the diplomatic treaties between the two countries are invoked.
“We acknowledge the fact that accusation does not mean guilt, and we hope that all the accused will be given fair and speedy trial.
“We also ask those accused in Nigeria to voluntarily turn themselves in to American authorities to clear their names without which the Nigerian Government will extradite them if relevant international treaties between the two governments are invoked.
“While such actions ultimately have negative effect on the image of the country, the commission, however, reiterates as it has always done, that the actions of a few Nigerians involved in criminal activities is not and can never be what the majority of Nigerians represent.”
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has announced a massive bust of online fraudsters who are mostly Nigerians. No fewer than 80 people suspected of cyber crime and money laundering, 77 of them Nigerians, have been arrested even as 57 others are being hunted globally in investigations which began since 2016.The FBI said that the suspects were involved in schemes resulting in the fraudulent transfer of at least $6 million in fraudulently obtained funds and the overall conspiracy was responsible for the attempted theft of at least an additional $40 million.
Below are the Nigerians on the list:
1 Valentine Iro
2 Chukwudi Christogunus Igbokwe
3 Jerry Elo Ikogho
4 Izuchukwu Kingsley Umejesi
5 Adegoke Moses Ogungbe
6 Chukwudi Collins Ajaeze (better known as Thank You Jesus)
7 Ekene Augustine Ekechukwu
8 Chuks Eroha
9 Collins Nnaemeka Ojima
10 Uchenna Ochiagha
11 Nnamdi Theojoseph Duru
12 Ericson Uche Oforka
13 Mark Ifeanyi Chukwuocha
14 Augustine Nnamdi
15 Chiemezie Christopher Chilaka
16 Charles Ohajimkpo
17 Stanley Ugochukwu Uche
18 Chika Augustine Odionyenma
19 Paschal Chima Ogbonna
20 Samuel Nnamdi Onwuasoanya
21 Macwilliam Chinonso Chukwuocha
22 Emmanuel Onyeka Uzoka
23 Joshua Aniefiok Awak
24 George Ugochukwu Egwumba
25 Uchechukwu Solomon Ezirim
26 Augustine Ifeanyi Okafor
27 Okay Sam Mal
28 Leslie N. Mba
29 Ogohukwu Innocent Ikewesi
30 Emmanuel Uzoma Ogandu (better known as Son of God
31 Amarachukwu Harley Anywanu
32 Bright Ifeanyi Azubuike
33 Emeka Moses Nwachukwu
34 Donatus Izunwanne
35 Chinwendu Kenneth Osuji
36 Eusebius Ugochukwu Onyeka
37 Chidi Anunobi
38 Anthony Nwabunwanne Okolo
39 Obinna Christian Onuwa
40 Chijioke Chukwuma Isamade
41 Linus Nnamdi Madufor
42 Chrysaugonus Nnebedum
43 Ugochukwu Okereke
44 Fidel Leon Odimara
45 Kingsley Chinedu Onudorogu
46 Dessi Nzenwah
47 Chimaroke Obasi
48 James Chigozie Agube
49 Chimaobi Uzozie Okorie
50 Ogochukwu Ohiri
51 Kennedy Chibueze Ugwu
52 Ifeanyichukwu Oluwadamilare Agwuegbo
53 Victor Ifeanyi Chukwu
54 Chidi Emmanuel Megwa
55 Princewill Arinze Duru
56 Desmond Iwu
57 Onyeka Vincent Chika
58 Ifeanyi Kingsley Mezienwa
59 Victor Uchenna Aguh
60 Kevin Amarachi Eshimnu
61 Vitalis Kelechi Anozie
62 Williams Obiora Agunwa
63 George Chimezie Dike
64 Munachiso Kyrian Ukachukwu
65 Nwannebuike Osmund
66 Chidiebere Franklin Nwangwu
67 Damian Uchechukwu Ajah
68 Emeka P. Ejiofor
69 Lawrence Chukwuma Ubasineke
70 Chinedu Bright Ibeto
71 Valentine Amarachi Nwanegwo
72 Emmanuel Chidiebere Dike
73 Jeremiah Utieyin Eki
74 Chinaka Davidson Iwuoha
75 Chima Darlington Duru
76 Ikenna Christian Ihejiureme
77 Obi Onyedika Madekwe
Andrew YoungFormer Ambassador of the United States to the United Nations, Andrew Young has wondered that while other nations are growing apart, Nigeria has remained united, especially under the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Young, who, along with the board of Emeka Offor Foundation in Nigeria, commended the President’s leadership of the country.
Said he: “at a time when nations of the world are pulling apart, we are happy that Nigeria is stable and secure under you. We will continue working with Nigeria because we consider ourselves as part of the family.”
This was even as President Buhari acknowledged the importance of education and health sectors which he vowed to pay special attention to in his developmental efforts.
“The best asset to give to the people is health and education. You free them from the tendencies of under-development, especially religious and ethnic manipulations which are challenges facing us at this stage of our development.”
The President said that in tackling the nation’s myriad challenges, he needed to be careful and meticulous.
“We have to march gradually. It is impossible to be in a hurry. We are seeking inclusive development without leaving a majority of our people behind.”
President Buhari commended the social and humanitarian activities of Sir Emeka Offor, especially in the areas of education and health.
“You are translating the success you achieved into social service. This is what the government is doing, so you are helping us in many ways. I commend your activities in the area of health and education to other successful Nigerians.”
In his remarks, the former Ambassador to the United States to Nigeria, Ambassador Howard Jeter, said that President Buhari’s re-election was, “a real boom for the future of Nigeria.”
He outlined on-going efforts of the Emeka Offor Foundation, in partnership with the Andrew Young Foundation, to supply millions of books to schools, ensure the complete eradication of polio, attack River Blindness with about 40 million afflicted mostly in the South-east and the South-south areas of the country and, in the near future, also start a campaign against cervical cancer, for which Nigeria holds a world record.
Worshipers raise hands for prayerThe General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Dr. Daniel Olukoya, has promised worshipers at the special international convention to mark the Church’s 30th anniversary of what he called: “three Holy Ghost-packed Manna Water Services.”
A statement today, August 23 by the spokesman to the General Overseer of the MFM, Collins Edomaruse, quoted his boss as encouraging worshippers to come to the convention ground, which kicked off today, August 23 at the church’s popular Prayer City along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State, with their bottles of water as they connect to the power of the Holy Ghost.
“The Manna Water service is one of the church’s inter-denominational services that attracts millions of worshippers all over the world.
“Worshippers, during several of their testimonies on the Manna Water service, say longtime yokes, intractable ailments and foundational curses, among others, are broken during the services.”
The spokesman quoted Pastor Olukoya as saying that the special convention will come to an end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the same venue.
President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to leave Nigeria for Japan on Sunday, August 25 to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) holding in the City of Yokohama from August 28 to 30.A statement today, August 23 by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that President Buhari’s participation will be his second, having attended TICAD6 in Nairobi, Kenya, in August 2016.
The statement said that with the opening session of TICAD7 will be performed by the Japanese Prime Minister and host, Shinzo Abe. The Conference has as its theme “Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future.”
It said that President Buhari will deliver Nigeria’s Statement during Plenary Session in which he will appraise Nigeria-Japan relations and takeaways from TICAD6, adding that Buhari will also attend a State Banquet and also honour the invitation of Emperor Naruhito to a Tea Reception at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.
“In addition to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the Nigerian President will also attend some side-events and meet chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with huge investments in Nigeria.”
Formed in 1993, the now triennial TICAD, which has been convened alternately in Japan and Africa since TICAD6, according to the organisers, is the largest international conference held in Japan which “provides an open forum that generates innovative discussion among various stakeholders on African development.” Participants are drawn not only from African countries, but also international organisations, private companies and civil society organisations involved in development.
TCAD7 is expected to focus on Africa’s “economic transformation and improvements in business environment and institution through private investment and innovation; promotion of resilient and sustainable African society for human security; and peace and stability in support of Africa’s domestic proactive efforts.”
Nigeria has gained tremendously since her participation in TICAD6 at the highest level, during which Japan pledged $30 billion investment “for the future of Africa combined with the private sector;” $10 billion infrastructure investment, and $500 million for vocational training of 50,000 Africans.
Since the Nairobi Conference, Japanese government and companies have been very active in supporting Nigeria’s agriculture, healthcare, electricity and youth empowerment.
The statement said that President Buhari and his delegation are expected in Yokohama to push for broader Japanese assistance in the areas of science and technology, innovation, human resource development, education, agriculture, power, health and disaster risk reduction, among others.
It said that the President will be accompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara and Lagos States respectively; ministers and other top government officials.
The statement said that the President is expected back in Nigeria on Saturday, August 31.
President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern traditional rulers at the Presidential VillaProminent Northern traditional rulers had a very important meeting today, August 23 with President Muhammadu Buhari’ without the four first class Emirs who Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje elevated in Kano State recently. They are the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Emir of Karaye, Ibrahim Abubakar II; the Emir of Rano, Tafida Abubakar-Ila and the Emir of Gaya, Ibrahim Abdulkadir.
Alhaji Lai MuhammedThe government of Nigeria has concluded arrangements to begin wide ranging reforms in the
Dino Melaye | Photo credit: EagleOnlineThe National Assembly/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Lokoja, Kogi State has sacked Dino Melaye as the Senator for Kogi West Senatorial District.
The tribunal, today, August 23, ordered that fresh elections be conducted in the district.
Reacting to the judgment of the Tribunal, Senator Melaye vowed to appeal the judgment.
In a tweet shortly after the annulment of his election, Melaye said “On Tribunal judgment: No cause 4 alarm at all. Even if it went my way they will still go to the Appeal Court. Our mandate cannot be taken.
“We will get judgment at the Appeal Court. There will be fresh election in Kogi West bc I will be Governor. For my Senate mandate no shaking,” he tweeted.
He also tweeted a picture with a caption “He who laugh last, laugh best…KOGI Governor loading.”
President Muhammadu BuhariPresident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government has spent over N1.3 trillion in its first term of four years on education sector.
The President, who spoke today, August 22 at the commissioning of the Post Graduate Centre of Excellence at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, said that he will pay greater attention to the sector in his second term because of its key importance to the overall development of the country.
Buhari, who commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its foresignt in putting up such structure, expressed concern over the state of facilities in Nigerian universities, due to long years of perennial funding challenges, the President promised that his administration would continue to place premium on education at all levels.
He vowed that his government will not rest until it delivers on its commitments on quality education, including investing more resources in the sector and providing a conducive learning environment in the academia.
‘‘It is no longer a secret that the state of facilities in our universities and other institutions of higher learning has not kept pace with the requirements of the ever-growing population of students and other stakeholders or with modern methods of learning.
‘‘This has largely been due to the perennial funding challenge over the years. As an administration, we are committed and determined to continue to fund our vital institutions, even in the face of limited financial resources.
‘‘Let me reiterate here that this administration places much premium on education at all levels, as it is the bedrock of society’s progress, and the way to overcome poverty,’’ he said.
The President expressed confidence that efforts at improving access to quality education in tertiary institutions will enable young Nigerians to make meaningful contributions towards the nation’s development.
‘‘The wealth of nations today is being shaped by investment in education rather than emphasis on mineral resources.
‘‘Investment in education is a critical factor in driving innovation, technological advancements and employment opportunities in advanced economies.”
Source: NAN.
Zainab Shamsuna AhmedNewly sworn-in minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed has painted a bright feature of the economic performances in Nigeria, even as she said that inflation has been dropping since 2017.
In a report she presented today, August 22 at the meeting of National Economic Council (NEC), presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Zainab Shamsuna said that the macroeconomic environment of the country has shown significant growth and stability since after the recession.
According to the minister, there have been eight successive quarters of economic growth since the country emerged from recession.
She explained the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), as the basis for the Medium Term fiscal strategy, adding that economic stability has been achieved with growth in end Q3, 2019 at 3.01 per cent; continued increase in Real GDP from 1.89 per cent in Q2, 2018 to 2.01 per cent in 2019; there has been significant growth in non-oil sector.
The minister said that other significant economic growth records include the fact that inflation has continually declined since 2017 from 18.72% to 11.08% in July 2019; contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP has also increased 90.4% in Q1 2018 to 90.9% in Q1 2019.
BELOW ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NEC DELIBRATIONS:
A. UPDATES ON NEC COMMITTEE ON EXPORT PROMOTION, PRESENTED BY ALHAJI MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, GOVERNOR OF JIGAWA STATE
· The Governor of Jiagawa State, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, presented an update on the activities of the Committee.
· The report is sequel to the Zero Oil Plan, envisioned in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which is developed by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
· The implementation of the plan is expected to yield results in 3 key areas:
o Add an extra UDS150 billion (minimum) to Nigeria’s foreign reserves cumulatively from non-oil exports over the next 10 years;
o Create 500, 000 jobs annually,
o lift 20 million Nigerians out of poverty, contributing towards SDG-‘’ No Poverty’’.
He reported that the committee has recorded the following achievements:
· Designed an implementation Plan for Project implementation
· Harmonized Export Development Plan Submitted by states
· Identified Projects based on the Implementation Plan and States Submissions.
· Set- up Templates and Schematics for Domestic Export Warehouse and Anchor Programme for Exporters.
· Provide processing equipment and conducted Capacity Building Programme on Strategic Products in the Zero Oil Plan in Kaduna, Benue, Ondo, Edo and Imo States. The products are Palm oil, Soya Beans and Ginger.
· Identify Companies for the Domestic Export Warehouse and Aggregation Centre for exportable products.
· He further revealed that the other achievements of the Zero Oil Plan to date includes:
o Non- oil exports (excluding natural gas) have risen from U$1.17 billion in 2016 to US$3.16 billion in 2018 meaning that Strategic sectors identified in the Zero Oil Plan have seen growth. For instance, cocoa exports have risen by $79.4 million since 2017, while sesame exports have also increased by $153 million since 2016 – an increase of more than 100% (source: International Trade Centre).
· The plan has identified the creation of five million jobs to date directly supported by no-oil exports, with efforts underway to increase this by 500,000 new jobs annually in line with SDG 8 – “Decent Work and Economic Growth”
· A state Export Development Fund has also been created through N50bn debenture to be disbursed by NEXIM, in which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has invested. The Fund offers long –term loan at single-digit interest rate to qualifying export-oriented projects under the State Export Development Programme and the Anchor exporter scheme.
Council Decision
After the presentation and discussion, Council agreed to
· Include the Minister of Foreign Affairs as a member of the Committee.
· Follow-up on the obligation of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Agency NIMASA regarding the financing of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
B. UPDATE ON POLIO ERADICATION IN NIGERIA PRESENTED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH
The update was presented by the Honourable Minister of Health and other health officials. He noted that 21st August 2019 marks exactly 3 years milestone without a case of Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in Nigeria.
There is need to improve the quality of the campaigns in order to stop the outbreak of the CVDPV2 (polio)
· Need for increased routine immunization.
He, however, identified some challenges as follows:
· Lack of release of counterpart funds by the Local Government Chairman as one of the key problems in achieving successful routine immunization.
· Insecurity concerns in parts of the country.
· The Minister requested the Council to:
o Convey the meeting of the Presidential Task Force on Immunization quarterly
o Ensure the sustainability of political oversight by the political class.
o Establish and re-activate of State Task Force on immunizations.
o Ensure quarterly release of appropriated funds for Routine Immunization and other Primary Health Care Activities.
o Ensure timely release of funds by the States and LGAs for immunization campaigns.
UPDATE ON NEC AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON SECURITY AND POLICING
A brief update was presented by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum. He noted that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has initiated the commencement of Community Policing and there is a plan to consider using N-Power beneficiaries and Youth Corpers as Police Officers in their Local Government Areas.
· Full report to be given at the next NEC meeting
C. PRESENTATION ON THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE – BY MR OSCAR N. ONYEMA TITLED: “FINANCING THE NEXT LEVEL” ALTERNATIVE AND INNOVATIVE LONG-TERM FINANCING FOR NIGERIA CRITICAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
Council received a presentation from the Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange- Mr. Oscar Onyema.
The CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange noted that the Nigeria Stock Exchange has actively supported Nigeria’s growth since 1960.
· That Capital market is highly connected and therefore crucial to the country’s economic development.
· The NSE is today one of Africa’s foremost Exchanges servicing the No 1, Economy in Africa with a Market Capitalization of N25.7trillion ($70.7bn)
· Over the last 5 years, N10.3tn in long term capital has been raised by federal and state governments in the form of Government Bonds.
· The Capital market offers innovative financing solutions for Nigeria’s $100bn infrastructural challenge.
· That solving Nigerian’s infrastructure challenges remain the panacea for actualizing the country’s full economic potential.
· There are untapped state investment opportunities in $1 trillion global privatization market and N9 trillion local pension sector.
· Unlocking the value will require:
o Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
o Infrastructure, Sukuk and Green Bonds; Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs);
o Refinancing bank debt through capital market instruments.
o Partnerships with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) – onshore/Local currency bonds.
Council Decision
Council welcomed the presentation and noted the proposal
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE, BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING
C. UPDATES
REPORT SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning reported to council that balances in the under listed accounts as 20th August 2019 is $95,329,245.24.
REPORT ON STABILIZATION FUND ACCOUNT.
The balance as at 20th August 2019 is =N21, 729,976,810.66.
UPDATE ON THE NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT FUND
The balance as at 20th August 2019 is =N95,896,886,829.69
UPDATE ON THE NATIONAL BUDGET SUPPORT LOAN FACILITY.
The Honourable Minister of Finance briefed NEC on the progress of the facilitate detailing how the FG has made a total of over N614 billion available to 35 States being N175 billion each
· Council agreed to constitute a team from the Nigerian Governors Forum to meet with the CBN and Ministry of Finance to finalize modalities for commencement of payment.
UPDATE FROM AD-HOC COMMITTEE AND OTHER SPECIAL ACCOUNTS OF THE FEDERATION
The Committee requested for extension of time to finalise and present its report next meeting.
PRESENTATION ON THE MEDIUM-TERM EXPENDITURE FRAMEWORK AND MEDIUM TERM STRATEGY PAPER
The Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning informed NEC that the purpose of the presentation is to get inputs and recommendation from the Council for further presentation to Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval and implementation. She underscores the importance of the presentation as follows:
· Nigeria macroeconomic environment has stabilized in recovering gradually.
· There has been eight (8) successive month of economic growth since emerging from recession.
· The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), remains the basis for the Medium Term fiscal strategy.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted successes recorded as follows:
· Macro-economic stability has been achieved with growth in end Q3 2019 at 3.01%
· Continued increased in Real GDP from 1.89% in Q2018 to 2.01% in 2019
· There has been significant growth in non-oil sector.
· Contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP has increased by 90.4% in Q1 2018 to 90.9% in Q1 2019.
· Unemployment rate at 20.1% at Q3 2018
· Need for more diversification to boost inclusive growth.
· Mr. President is strongly committed to employment generation in this second term.
· Considerable success has been recorded in containing insurgency is parts of the North East, with economic activities recovering.
· Recurring conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, as well as incidences of flooding, has affected agricultural products.
· Breaches in NNPC pipelines still regular, partly accounting for low oil production volume in the first half of the year.
· Inflation has continually declined since 2017 from 18.72% to 11.08% in July 2019
The draft 2020 – 2022 Medium Term Fiscal framework indicates that Nigeria faces significant medium-term fiscal challenges especially with respect to revenue generation. Therefore there is need to improve revenue collections and expenditure management.
· Need to take a bold decision and urgent action to achieve fiscal sustainability and macro-fiscal objectives.
COUNCIL DECISION:
Council welcomed the MTEF and offered suggestions.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Council welcomed new Ministers in their midst namely Finance, Budget and National Planning, State, Budget and National Planning Health, State: Health, Agriculture and State: Petroleum.
