Category: Lead

•Lawmakers seek six-month extension
•Tuesday deadline sacrosanct, apex bank insists

The controversy over the January 31 phaseout deadline for old naira notes has not abated.

Senators and House of Representatives members asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to grant a six-month extension and allow the redesigned notes to remain legal tenders alongside the new N1000, N500 and N200 bills.

But, the apex bank insisted that the date remains unchanged.

The lawmakers’ request was based on outcry from their constituents that the new notes are scarce and difficult to get from the banks

But the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, insisted that the Tuesday deadline to phase out the use of the old notes is sacrosanct.

The Senate and House of Representatives are suggesting a gradual phase-out of the old currency.

It was, however, unclear how the National Assembly plans to get the CBN to accede to the extension request.

This is because the CBN Act guarantees its independence to initiate and implement monetary policies.

The CBN Act saddles the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) with the responsibility for formulating monetary and credit policy.

The curtain dropped yesterday on the MPC’s 289th meeting, its first meeting for this fiscal year.

At the end of the meeting, the MPC raised the interest rates by 100 basis points from 16.5 per cent to 17.5 per cent.

Restating the January 31 deadline after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja, Emefiele said the 90 days window given by the CBN for Nigerians to deposit their old currencies was enough.

He said: “We called on the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to extend their working hours and to work on weekends. There is no reason to talk about a shift. The new currencies are available.”

Emefiele said the apex bank had mandated banks to feed the new notes into their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for Nigerians to have equal access.

He said: “We have increased disbursement of the new notes to them. There is an adequate quantity of new notes available.

“Our mint is producing and we are supplying the banks. We have super agents in underserved areas like riverine communities, and CBN staff members have been out on mobilisation.

“We believe that by January 31, the new naira notes would have permeated the nooks and crannies of the country.”

According to him, the apex bank has so far received about N1.5 trillion of the old naira notes.

He urged Nigerians to accelerate the process of taking their old notes to the banks before the deadline, adding that they should not fear harassment for security agents.

Emefiele added: “We have begged the EFCC and the ICPC to allow Nigerians to deposit their old naira notes.”

But, it was learnt yesterday that some banks were rationing the redesigned notes for customers who could not withdraw above N20, 000 of the new notes from the ATM.

At the Senate, Senator Sadiq Umar (APC-Kwara North) moved a motion on the floor of the Red Chamber for CBN to extend the use of old naira notes till July 31.

The upper chamber had on December 28 last year advised the CBN to extend the phasing out of old currency notes as scheduled for six months.

In his lead debate, the Kwara senator said the call has become necessary, in view of the financial hardship the “rushed” phasing out of the old naira notes would inflict on Nigeria, especially the rural populace, who don’t readily have access to banking facilities.

He argued that the redesigned bills have been scarce and therefore not available for those wishing to change their money to the new notes.

The senator said: “This is a motion for the extension of the use of the old naira notes from January 31, 2023, to July 31, 2023.

Read Also: CBN opens cash swap points in Ondo, forces banks to land ATMs

“The Senate recalls that we had a resolution in this chamber on December 28, 2022, for the CBN to extend the use of the old notes for six months as well as increase the maximum withdrawal limits permissible.

“The Senate is aware that the withdrawal limit has been increased to N500,000 weekly for individuals and N5 million weekly for corporate organisations.

“However, the CBN is insisting on terminating the use of old naira notes by the end of this month, which is barely a week away.

“Observes that there are not enough new notes in circulation and in fact, the banks’ ATMs that should be dispensing the new notes are still dispensing only the old notes and citizens still have a lot of old notes that they are unable to deposit in banks. And right now, there are uncontrollable queues in several states in the country.

“The Senate notes that experiences around the world have shown that such abrupt decisions if not controlled as being planned by the CBN created chaos and plunged the economies into crises, a very good case in India.

“However, in countries that operate with order as seen in the United Kingdom, new notes are currently in circulation and they are running smoothly along with the old currency.

“The Senate, therefore, resolves that the CBN should immediately extend the use of the old notes by six months – that is from January 31st to July 31st, 2023 with immediate effect.”

The motion got the backing of many senators in their contribution, but Senator Sam Egwu (PDP- Ebonyi North) opposed it.

In the Green Chamber, members urged the apex bank to review the cashless policy and review the deadline.

The House called a phased withdrawal that would last for six months in line with global practice and not force out the currency.

Adopting a motion of urgent public importance brought to the House by Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), the House called for President Muhammadu Buhari’s intervention and ensure that the apex bank review the policy in the interest of the people.

The lawmakers resolved to meet with representatives of the managing directors of the banks today to find out the availability of the new notes since the CBN has insisted that the new notes were available for the banks to take.

Soli argued that the January 31 deadline, if allowed to stand, would bot a lot of rural dwellers who lack access to banking services.

He argued that globally, currencies are phased out and not forced out of circulation, pointing out that what the CBN is trying to do is to force our old currency from circulation.

The lawmaker cited the complaints from across the country of traders rejecting the old currency notes, leading to an increase in prices of food items, while the banks complain that the new currencies are not available.

He regretted that despite appeals by the National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and other stakeholders, the CBN has remained adamant, insisting that the old notes must be phased out by the end of the month.

House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said even though the CBN is making efforts to enlighten Nigerians on the policy, the efforts may not have been enough as certain things should have been put in place before the policy comes into effect.

He said while the policy is a good policy, the modus and time frame remain the major challenge and therefore, the need to review the policy since it will not amount to a policy summersault.

Also yesterday, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) faulted the introduction of the cash swap scheme just a week before the January 31 deadline for demonetisation of the old notes.

The group sought a one-year extension deadline for all Nigerians, especially those in remote and unbanked areas to exchange their old notes for new ones, citing the example of the United Kingdom, which unveiled its new notes on December 20, last year, but gave a 2024 deadline for banks to still swap old pound sterling for the new ones.

Rivers State Governor clarified yesterday Nyesom Wike that ongoing campaigns in the state for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) precludes the presidential candidate of the opposition party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The governor said members of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council will not campaign for Atiku because there was no understanding to warrant such support in the oil-rich state. 

Wike, who spoke in Bonny during inauguration of the Local Government Campaign by the Council, said: “Go home and have it on your mind that the PDP in Rivers State, we have taken governorship, we have taken the senatorial, we have taken the House of Representatives and we have taken the House of Assembly. 

“That is the election we are doing here. These are the ones (candidates) who told me to come and campaign for them. No other person told me to campaign for him.

“I can’t force myself to campaign for you when you have not asked for it. These ones (candidates) have told me. So, I’ve come here to campaign. If somebody asks you to work for him, you’ll work for him. But if they don’t want you to work for them, will you force them?”

The governor, who is the arrow-head of the Group of Five (G-5) governors, said that anybody, who said Rivers was inconsequential, would suffer repercussion for ignoring the state.

The governor enjoined all residents in the state to be rest assured that no intimidation and propaganda could cause a distraction from the political path that had been so chosen.

He said: “Any person who says Rivers State is not important, we will pepper him. Anybody who says he doesn’t regard Rivers State, we would not regard such person.

“There’s nothing like propaganda, nothing like intimidation because nobody can intimidate us. We are very, very solid. We are very strong.

“No State can point at us to determine what will happen here. Nobody can do such. So, be bold to say, I’m from Rivers State, I live in Rivers and I am happy with Rivers. What is important is our state, which we have collected.”

Wike said the state All Progressives Congress (APC) should not bother to campaign in Rivers because of the recognition given to his administration by President Muhammadu Buhari, as the best in infrastructural delivery in the country.

He said because his administration believed in practical demonstration of governance, 12 flyovers were executed within four years, in addition to other development projects.

Wike said: “All these people who say they are campaigning, what are they campaigning for? President Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of APC said I am the best as far as development is concerned. What nature of campaign will they be doing again?”

Speaking further, Wike recalled that during the courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Grand Bonny before coming to the campaign ground, the monarch spoke about his contributions to the inauguration of the Bonny-Bodo Road.

The governor assured that the ongoing shoreline  protection at Long John in Abalamabie community would be completed.

He also said that the contract for the much desired Ring-road in Bonny Town would be signed by him, and completed within the life span of the administration of his successor.

The governor, who frowned at the pace of work at the Bonny National Grammar School despite paying 100 per cent of the contractual sum, assured that it would be completed and formally handed over before the end of his tenure.

Wike urged them to keep faith with the state PDP and deliver bulk votes to ensure victory for Sir Siminialayi Fubara and his running mate at the election.

Read Also: Wike to Rivers: we can’t be second-class citizens to anybody

 He said: “This is the closest time and period an Ibani son is getting to the throne of the governor of Rivers State. Now, who is the man that will decide what will be here and what will not be there. Is it not your son? What project is bigger than that project?”

Rivers State governorship candidate, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, listed three areas in Bonny that his administration would pay attention to when elected eventually on March 11.

He said issues of security, construction of internal roads that would further address perennial flooding in the area and protection of the traditional institution, would receive attention.

“We have protected your traditional institution to show that we are people who understand, recognise and appreciate institutions.

“So, our campaign here today is very simple. We will ensure that we sustain the peace that is in Bonny. Everything that we need to do to make sure that you continue to enjoy this peace, we will do so that the IOCs operating here will continue to operate.”

Sir Fubara solicited votes and assured that his administration would consolidate on the foundation laid by the Wike administration had achieved and continued to deliver services that would make living pleasurable in the state.

“PDP has performed in this State and PDP is asking you for your support to continue with the performance. We are not saying we want to perform. We are saying that we will be performing and continue to perform”, he said.

Rivers West senatorial district candidate and deputy governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who spoke for National and state assembly candidates candidates from Bonny, assured the people of qualitative representation.

Earlier, governor Wike paid a courtesy call at the palace of the King Dr. Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule XI, the Amanyanabo and natural ruler of grand Bonny kingdom.

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday unfolded his industrialisation plan for Abia State.

Acknowledging the commercial prowess of the Southeast state, he said the plan will transform Abia into a major exporter of manufactured goods.

The presidential campaign train rolled into Umuhaia Township Stadium, Umuhaia, state capital, where party leader enjoined party faithful and supporters to vote for APC candidates in the February and March elections.

The rally was attended by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinmma, APC Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Enekwu, who represented the National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Woman Leader Betta Edu and other members of the National Working Committee.

Tinubu said: “Your state is a centre of production and industry. Today, my hope is renewed that together, we can achieve industrial activity unprecedented in our history.

“Aba market is one of the largest in West Africa. I see it becoming a major exporter of all types of manufactured goods to Asia, to North and South America and Europe.

“I see this state humming with industrial activity such that it will become a world famous centre of activity from the manufacture of clothing to that of cars, appliances and computers and their components.”

The standard bearer promised to provide jobs for the teeming youths by strengthening digital economy and improving the nation’s power generation and distribution.

He said: “We will provide better infrastructure to open the region and the entire country to the trade, export, travel and tourism in which you will excel. These include roads, waterways, ports, rail and the provision of steady reliable power.

Tinubu said students would no longer spend eight or more years in universities for four-year courses.

On power sector, he said the reform he envisaged will bring the electricity supply they require to live and work, adding: “We will give you the tools to make your businesses as competitive and productive as any on earth.

“The teeming youth population standing before me makes my heart glad. We have good plans for you. God’s Own Youth, you are blessed. We will empower you. There will be jobs for those who desire jobs by providing tax and other employment credits to employers, encouraging them to hire you.

“My government shall support those starting their own businesses. My digital economy plan calls for one million new jobs in ICT within 24 months in office.

“We are also investing in an educational system that will provide you with skills that make you globally competitive while also affording you a good standard of living.”

Read Also: Youths enjoined to back Tinubu, get involved in politics

The former Lagos State governor, who promised to tackle insecurity, added: “Our national security policy will function to give peaceful living clear of violence and fear. Insecurity will be tackled using advanced technological platforms for surveillance and tracking kidnappers and violent criminals. Security forces will be better trained and better compensated. They will exercise restraint when needed, but will also show strength whenever put to the test.

“This nation will be a safe and prosperous place to live.”

Tinubu urged supporters to get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and vote for the party.

Noting that some party members are still in court, the presidential candidate, who affirmed Chief Ikechi Emenike as the governorship candidate, urged them to stop their court actions and embrace alternative means of conflict resolution.

He said: “We are the politicians. We follow the footsteps of our fathers and grandfathers. We join political party together; to salvage Nigeria from all kinds of frustrations and ignorance. Why are you taking it (party matters) to the third Party who are politically neutral.

“Please, Uche (Ogah), come home let’s talk this matter over.”

Abia APC chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the Federal Government’s projects in the Southeast, despite the low votes that the region gave to him in 2015 and 2019. These include the second Niger Bridge and the rehabilitated Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

He advised the five states to shun regional politics.

Ononogbu said people would gain more if they vote for the APC.

The APC chairman who lamented the absence of some party heavyweights at the rally, accused some members of working with the PDP and other opposition parties to scuttle the chances of the party to produce the governor.

The governorship candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike, promised to work for the unity and victory of the party.

He promised to redress the wrongs of the past governments and run a new and inclusive government.

The governor of Imo State thanked party leaders for their commitment, adding that the party can only win when they are more united.

The vice chairman (South), Emeka Enukwu, who represented Senator Abdullahi, urged Southeast to embrace national politics and vote for Tinubu.

A major highlight of the rally is that both Emenike and Ogah battling for the  governorship ticket at the Owerri International Airport to receive Tinubu.

Uzodinnma sued for peace and reconciliation within the party, saying that reconciliation will foster peace and harmony, and pave the way for victory.  

If President Muhammadu Buhari assents to a set of constitution amendment bills about to be sent to him by the Senate, Houses of Assembly and judiciary in the 36 states will receive their financial allocations directly from the Federation Account. 

Two proposed laws making this mandatory are among the 35 Constitution Alteration bills that the Senate Clerk, Sani  Tambuwal,  has been directed to forward to Buhari. 

However, Local Government Financial and Administrative Autonomy bills are missing from the list as they did not get the nod of two-thirds of the 36 Houses of Assembly. 

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who chairs the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Review of 1999 Constitution, had early this month expressed concern over the unwillingness of most Houses of Assembly to pass the bill.

 In a veiled attack on   governors, he said: “What matters to us, which is the priority to us, which is a big priority of Mr President, is this issue of the local government autonomy and that’s where we’re having challenges and that is because of the position of some of the governors, who believe that they should not be in support of this.” 

The other prominent bills passed by a majority of the state legislatures in concurrence with the Senate are Separation of the Office of Minister of Justice and Attorney-Generation of the Federation; separation of the office of Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General; power to summon the President and governors;  provision for intervening events in the computation of time for the determination of pre-election petitions, election petitions and appeals; and devolution of powers (National Grid).   

At its plenary yesterday, the Senate revealed that 27 states passed and sent back the 35 bills, leaving only seven states –  Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba and  Zamfara –  pending.  

The decision to forward the bills to Buhari followed the consideration of a motion titled: “Passage of Constitution (Fifth) Alteration Bills, 2023” sponsored by Omo-Agege and 65 other Senators.

Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Michael Bamidele, presented the motion on behalf of   Omo-Agege, who was absent during plenary.

Bamidele in his lead debate noted that 27 Houses of Assembly passed and forwarded their resolution on the bills to the National Assembly.

His words: “Aware that Section 9(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended provides that an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution can be passed only when it is supported by 2/3 majority cf members of the Senate, and the House of Representatives, and approved by 24 state Houses of Assembly;

Read Also: ‘Buhari’s successor should be able to fix Nigeria’s power problem’

“Recall that 68 bills seeking to alter provisions of the Constitution were presented at the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives on   February 23, 2022; for passage;

“Also, recall that the Senate and the House of Representatives approved 44 of the bills without difference and were transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly for their resolution; on   March 27, 2022.

“Convinced that the 35 Constitution Alteration Bills have satisfied the provisions of Section 9(2) of the Constitution, for passage into law, having been approved by not less than 24 State Houses of Assembly.”

The two prayers of the motion passed by the Senate are: “Direct the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit the 35 bills that have so far met the requirement of the provision of Section 9(2) of the Constitution, to Mr President  for assent in line with the provisions of the Acts Authentication Act; and

“Urge the following state Houses of Assembly – Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Zamfara; that are yet to forward their resolutions on the bills to do so in fulfilment of their constitutionally imposed legislative obligation to the Constitution amendment process.”

The other bills to be transmitted for assent are  ”Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 3 (change of names of Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local Government Areas (Ebonyi State); constitution (fifth alteration) Bill No 4 (Change of Name of Kunchi Local Government Area (Kano State); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 5 (change of names of Egbado -North and Egbado South Local Government Areas (Ogun State); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 7 (correction of the name of Atigbo Local Government Area (Oyo State); and constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 8 (correction of Name of Obia/Akpor Local Government Area (Rivers State).”

“Also,  to be transmitted are: “Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   9 (Financial autonomy of state Legislatures and state Judiciary); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 10 (Enforcement of Legislative summon); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 11 (inauguration of members-elect);

constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 21 (deletion of reference in the constitution to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act); and constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 22 (provision for intervening events in the computation of time for the determination of pre-election petitions, Election Petitions and Appeals therefrom).”

Others are “Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   24 (expansion of the interpretation of Judicial Office); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   25 (appointment of secretary of the National Judicial Council); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill 29 (Devolution of Powers (Airports)); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   30 (evolution of powers (fingerprints, identification and criminal records); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   31 (devolution of powers (correctional services); and constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   32 (Devolution of Powers (Railways).”

“Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   39 (Power to enforce compliance of remittance of Accruals into the Federation Account and Review of Revenue Allocation Formula); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill  40 (Independence of Certain bodies); constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 41 (Removal of Transitional Law-making Powers of the Executive; and constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   43 (Domestication of Treaties);   

 constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 44 (Timeline for the Presentation of Appropriation Bills); and constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill   45 (Timeframe for the submission of the names of ministerial or commissioner -nominees).”

Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has insisted the ongoing campaigns for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State do not include the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The Governor said they would not campaign for Atiku because there was no understanding to warrant such support in Rivers.  

Wike spoke on Tuesday in Bonny Town during the Local Government Campaign inauguration organised by the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council.

Read Also: Wike to Rivers: we can’t be second-class citizens to anybody

Addressing Bonny people, Wike said: “Go home and have it on your mind that the PDP in Rivers State, we have taken governorship, we have taken the senatorial, we have taken the House of Representatives and we have taken the House of Assembly.

“That is the election we are doing here. These are the ones(candidates) who told me to come and campaign for them. No other person told me to campaign for him.

“I can’t force myself to campaign for you when you have not asked for it. These ones (candidates) have told me, so, I’ve come here to campaign. If somebody asks you to work for him, you’ll work for him. But if they don’t want you to work for them, will you force them?”

Wike said that anybody, who said Rivers was inconsequential would suffer repercussions for ignoring the State 

The Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petition of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola against the victory of Senator Ademola Adeleke on July 16, 2022 has fixed Friday 27th January 2023 for judgement. 

Oyetola dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) with Governor Adeleke and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the Tribunal challenging over voting in 749 polling units and qualification of Adeleke. 

The sitting was concluded on January 13, 2023 after adoption of final written addresses of parties involved. 

Read Also: Ex-Osun Amotekun boss Amitolu alleges threat to life

The chairman of the panel, Justice Tertse Kume, declared the judgement date will be communicated to parties through the lawyers. 

A notice by the tribunal fixed Friday 27th January 2023 for judgement. 

Our correspondent, who visited Osun High Court, Oke-Fia where the tribunal is sitting, observed the notice of judgement has been pasted on the board of the entrance of tribunal hall. 

The noticed signed by the secretary of the Tribunal, David Umaru reads: “Petition number, EPT/OS/GOV/01/2022 between Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola and Other ADEGBOYEGA ISIAKA and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and two others, the judgement shall hold on Friday 27th January 2023 at 9AM.”

Details Shortly…

The Senate on Tuesday again urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend the use of old Naira notes till June 30, 2023.

This followed a motion on naira redesign moved by Senator Sadiq Sulaiman (APC-Kwara North) on the floor.

The Upper Chamber on December 28, 2022 advised the CBN to extend the phasing out of old currency notes scheduled for January 31, 2023 for six months.

However, the CBN has vowed to go ahead with its January 31, 2023 deadline.

Read Also: BREAKING: CBN refuses to extend deadline for old naira notes

Senator Sulaiman said the call has become necessary in view of the financial hardship the “rushed” phasing out of the old Naira notes would inflict on Nigeria, especially the rural populace, who don’t readily have access to banking facilities.

He insisted that the redesigned notes are scarce and not available for those wishing to change their money to the new notes.

Senators in their contributions supported the motion except Senator Sam Egwu (PDP- Ebonyi North) .

Details Shortly…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has foreclosed the possibility of extending or shifting the deadline on the deposit of the old naira notes.

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele apologised to Nigerians for not extending the deadline but stated that 100 days from when the announcement was made to the expiration date was enough for Nigerians to deposit their old notes.

Read Also: Equities sustain rally ahead of CBN’s rate decision

He assured Nigerians that the ongoing sensitisation will continue after the 31st of January, 2023 deadline.

The apex bank said it has received between N1.3 trillion to N1.5 trillion so far but expects it will recover over N2 trillion after  January 31 deadline. 

Speaking to journalists at the end of the first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Abuja on Tuesday, Emefiele also disclosed that the Committee has decided to aggressively increase the interest rate to 17.5 percent.

Emefiele noted that despite the drop in inflation in December to 21.34 percent there was “no reason to celebrate”. 

Details Shortly…

All is for the commissioning of the first phase of the Lagos Blue Line Rail by President Muhammadu Buhari. 

It is the second in a series of activities lined up for day two of the President’s first visit to the state of aquatic splendor.

The President is billed to commission the John Randle Yoruba Cultural Centre at Onikan, an all purpose centre for arts, culture and tourism, from where the President would move to the Marina, where he would commission the Lagos Blue Line Rail, from where he would take a ride to Mile 2.

The President is on a two day state visit which began Monday, with the commissioning of the PPP led $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport, and the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, reputed to be the biggest rice mill in Africa.

Read Also: Lekki Deep Sea Port will boost our economic recovery, says Buhari

Buhari was also treated to the State of Excellence’s top notch hospitality at a Gala Night that would be a talk for a long time. 

The President again extolled the resilience of the State where he said he spent much of his military career, and the hard work of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whom he said has done well and has tried to fulfill all the party’s campaign promises.

At Mile 2, President Buhari is also expected to witness the signing of the second and completion phase of the Blue Line Rail project which would take the project to Okokomaiko. 

The Blue line, the first of the six rail systems designed by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority, LAMATA, as part of the state’s Strategic Transportation Master Plan, STMP, is a 27km rail system, that runs from Marina to Okokomaiko on the Lagos-Badagry axis.

Details Shortly…