RELIEF came for states yesterday on the recovery of the budget support facilities given to them by the Federal Government.
Many of the states are in financial straits as floods have ravaged farmlands, swept away means of livelihood and sacked communities.
According to the Federal Government, more than 600 persons have died and over one million people rendered homeless in the 33 states affected by floods.
The relief came through a decision taken by the National Economic Council (NEC) to engage the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning on the recovery of loans to the states.
At its virtual meeting yesterday, the NEC agreed to review the apex bank’s plan to begin deductions from state’s monthly allocations from the Federation Account.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande, confirmed through a statement that the decision to halt and review the repayment terms was taken during the Council’s meeting, which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
The statement described the decision as a move to explore how to provide financial succour for states by setting up a committee with representatives of both the federal and state governments to review the matter.
“Bearing in mind all of the financial difficulties, we take the position to review the plan to commence the deduction for the loan,” the statement quoted the vice president as saying.
The statement said the NEC resolved to raise a panel of representatives of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), the CBN and the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, among others, meet to review modalities for the imminent deductions from states’ allocations from source.
It noted that the decision was in consideration of current difficulties being experienced by state governments in fulfilling their financial obligations.
Another resolution of the Council was the endorsement of the revised National Social Protection Policy presented by Minister of Finance, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed. The policy will now go to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and from there to the National Assembly.
When passed, the new policy will replace the “2017-2022 National Social Protection Policy.”
The minister said the 2017-2022 National Social Protection Policy “was reviewed in consultation with all States and other stakeholders and it is to be subjected to review every five (5) years for update and accommodation of some emerging issues including Pandemics, insecurity and shock responsive Social Protection as well as new institutions.”
She added that the expected benefits of the revised NSPP includes among others, “reduction of multi-dimensional poverty; promoting social justice, equity and inclusive growth; reduce unemployment, social and economic vulnerabilities, and other threats to sustainable development.”
The NEC also resolved to constitute a committee of the Federal Government and State governors to liaise with other relevant stakeholders to find immediate and long-term solutions to flooding problems across the country.
The vice president noted that the committee liaising with critical stakeholders, will support efforts, whether short, medium or long term, in mitigating the impact of flooding as well as finding lasting solutions to the issue.
Council also commended the efforts of stakeholders including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in the vaccination of more Nigerians against COVID-19.
According to the presentation of the COVID-19 scorecard by the NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Faisal Shaibu, “over 127 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been procured and administered through collaborations by the Federal Government and other partners since the inception of the exercise.
“Additional 10.5 million doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines have been procured by the Federal Government and are being expected in the country before the end of the year.”
Dr. Shaibu added that 46 million persons have been fully vaccinated, representing 42 percent of the total eligible population targeted for the exercise.
He commended Nasarawa and Jigawa State governments for their efforts in ensuring take off of the accelerated COVID-19 vaccination exercise in their states.
The decisions were among resolutions reached by the Council on Thursday at the end of its 128th meeting with Governors and other Federal Government officials in attendance virtually.
The meeting also had in attendance the new Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Oyebanji Abiodun.
Also according to a presentation by the minister of water resources, Suleiman Adamu, 28 out of 36 States have urban water utilities with 16 states being fully functional.
He said only 11 per cent of schools in the country have basic water supply, sanitation and hygiene services.
The minister urged governors to endorse the WASH pledge card which is a commitment to make Nigeria Open Defecation Free by 2025. The presentation also prayed that governors should prioritize the WASH campaign.