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Tag: Babachir David Lawal

  • Nigeria will be out of recession next year – SGF

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to revamp the economy and take the nation out of recession next year.

    He said the foundation for a diversified economy is already being laid, adding that the 2017 budget will strengthen the economy further.

    He spoke in Abuja while receiving a delegation of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archdiocese of Abuja, led by the Archbishop, the Most Rev. Joseph Oche Job.

    In a statement issued by the Director (Press), Office of the SGF, Bolaji Adebiyi, Lawal assured that President Buhari is determined and committed to the three major objectives of his administration, which are to improve national security, vigorously fight corruption and overhaul the economy.

    He thanked the church and indeed religious leaders across Nigeria for their support to the government and implored them to continue to pray for the peace and security of the nation.

     

  • FG to MDAs: Don’t reject corps members

    The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) not to reject corps members posted to them by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    A statement signed by the NYSC Director of Press, Mrs. Bose Aderibigbe, said the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, gave the directive in a circular sent to MDAs.

    Aderibigbe said the circular, with reference number SGF.15/T/745, criticised the growing incidence of ejection of corps members posted to government establishments.

    “To put an end to this undesirable development, we have reiterated that the directive that MDAs should not reject youth corps members posted to them for their primary assignment is still in force, “ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the circular as saying on Friday.

    “Engr. Lawal said government’s directive was imperative in order to maintain the objective of the NYSC scheme which includes involvement of Nigerian graduates of specific age category in national development and integration.

    She said government establishments were also directed to ensure that corps members were actively engaged during their primary assignment.

  • Ondo guber poll: Buhari has no preferred candidate – SGF

    Ondo guber poll: Buhari has no preferred candidate – SGF

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal on Monday told the twenty four All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants gunning for the party’s ticket to run for the Ondo State governorship election and that President Muhammadu Buhari has no preferred candidate among them.

    The APC Governorship primaries will hold in the state on Saturday.

    Speaking at the end of the meeting with the aspirants in Abuja, Lawal said that level playing ground will be given to all the aspirants.

    He warned that the security agencies have been properly brief to ensure there is  protection of lives and properties during the primary election in the state.

     

  • ICT tools fish out economic saboteurs, says Fed Govt

    ICT tools fish out economic saboteurs, says Fed Govt

    • China’s investment in Nigeria hits $12b

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal yesterday said the deployment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has helped to fish out economic saboteurs in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He added that it has also helped in tackling the issue of insecurity, insurgency.

    He spoke in Abuja while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of the government with  Hauwei Technologies of China.

    Noting that Nigerians were keen on developing their ICT skills, he said the country would welcome more assistance from the Chinese government.

    He said: “The progress made so far in the war against corruption, insecurity and other negative vices would not have been possible without ICT.

    “It has been a major tool in identifying saboteurs in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    He also disclosed that a group of young and talented Federal Government employees, who are professionals in ICT will undertake a two-week training programme in China, courtesy of Huawei.

    He said: ”I want to commend the company for establishing this ICT training programme. Since 2008, it has been a flagship corporate social responsibility. This is because, today, we are all living witnesses to the role that ICT plays in our daily lives.

    “It is also a major employment enabler and wealth creator for the teeming masses of unemployed Nigerian youths.

    “I therefore wish to assure Huawei of the government’s unflinching support for the success of this programme and the government is indeed very grateful.”

    Charge D’ Affairs of the Chinese Embassy, Qin Jian, said China’s stock investment portfolio in Nigeria has exceeded $12 billion with the trade volume between both countries at $14.9 million.

    Jian said China remained committed to supporting Nigeria in breaking bottlenecks that have been identified to hamper Nigeria’s industrialisation, agricultural modernisation including lack of infrastructure, shortage of professionals and lack of finance.

    Despite dwindling global oil price and it’s impact on Nigeria’s economy, he said that there have been visible resilience by Nigerians to evolve new strategies to fast track growth and development.

  • FG using ICT to identify economic saboteurs – SGF

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, on Tuesday said the Federal Government is deploying Information Communication Technology (ICT) to tackle insecurity, insurgency and economic saboteurs in Nigeria.

    He spoke in Abuja while signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on behalf of the Nigerian government with the Hauwei Technologies of China.

    Noting that Nigerians were keen on developing their ICT skills, the SGF said Nigeria would welcome more assistance from the Chinese government.

    He said: “The progress made so far in the war against corruption, insecurity and other negative vices would not have been possible without ICT.

    “It has been a major tool in identifying saboteurs in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

    He also disclosed that a group of young and talented federal government employees, who are professionals in ICT, will undertake a two- week training programme in China, courtesy of Huawei.

    He added: “I want to commend the company for establishing this ICT training programme. Since 2008, it has been a flagship corporate social responsibility. This is because, today, we are all living witnesses to the role that ICT plays in our daily lives.

    “It is also a major employment enabler and wealth generator for the teeming masses of unemployed Nigerian youths.

    “I therefore wish to assure Huawei of the government’s unflinching support for the success of this programme and the government is indeed very grateful.”

    The Charge D’ Affairs of the Chinese Embassy, Qin Jian, said China’s stock investment portfolio in Nigeria has exceeded $12 billion with the trade volume between both countries standing at $14.9 million.

     

  • Nigerians in diaspora remit $21bn in one year – SGF

    Nigerians in diaspora remit $21bn in one year – SGF

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, on Wednesday said Nigerians in Diaspora remitted to the country a total sum of $21 billion in the last one year.

    He made the remark during a press briefing to mark the 2016 Diaspora Day.

    Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political Affairs, Office of the SGF, Olakunle Bamgbose‎, also said the Federal Government is partnering with Nigerians in Diaspora on meeting the needs of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country.

    To this end, he said the government has approved waivers for drugs, roofing sheets and other items imported by Nigerians in Diaspora to aid youth empowerment.

    He said, “This year’s conference will be a complete departure from our past experiences, when our nationals come home only to highlight the challenges that confront our nation. The government and citizens of Nigeria at home are not ignorant of our challenges as a nation. What our nation requires are solutions to specific problems.

    “This year’s conference, in essence, will focus on obtaining firm commitments from Nigerians in the Diaspora, directed at solving some of our national challenges. This administration is ready to partner with Nigerians in Diaspora on how they can assist Internally Displaced‎ Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast; on how through medical interventions they can improve healthcare delivery across the country and on how they can assist government in youth empowerment and employment generation.

    “I am happy to confirm that already, we have‎ received commitments from Nigerians in line with the new thinking. We intend to obtain more commitments during the conference and as follow-up to ensure that such commitments are redeemed.”

    He disclosed that this year’s conference will be declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs will make presentations amongst other speakers.

    He added, “Let me assure you that the Federal Government ‎will continue to partner with our compatriots outside the country. This is because we appreciate the invaluable contributions they continue to make towards the growth and development of the nation. This partnership is more critical today that we pursue a total national rebirth.”

     

  • Why FG can’t implement 2016 budget – SGF

    Why FG can’t implement 2016 budget – SGF

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, on Wednesday declared the Federal Government cannot fully implement the N6.06 trillion 2016 budget as passed by the National Assembly.

    Lawal told a joint Senate committee on Appropriations, Finance and Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that the revenues of the government had dropped by 50 to 60 per cent contrary to projections.

    The SGF was invited by the Senate to explain his comment that the 2016 constituency projects as captured in the budget would not be implemented.

    He pointedly blamed the drop in Nigeria’s revenue on activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

    Lawal noted that the oil benchmark of $38 per barrel fixed by the Federal Government has been drastically dislocated.

    He added that the benchmark has been grossly affected by activities of militants in the Niger Delta.

    The SGF said, “The statement is correct. That is my statement, we cannot guarantee the implementation of constituency projects in the 2016 budget. As a government, constituency projects are championed by members of the National Assembly. Like the legislature, members of the executive are politicians who canvassed for votes.

    “Lawmakers are aware that oil barrels had dwindled to about 800,000 per day. This has led to the inability of government to finance the budget. It is the duty of government to prepare the minds of Nigerians ahead that there will be challenges in implementing the budget.

    “Government based its principle on zero budgeting this year. Funds will be released to finance key projects in line with the implementation plans of the government. I will explain why it will be hard for the government to implement the budget.

    “I spoke with the Minister of Budget this morning and I asked him the revenue base of the government. We are now receiving about 50 to 60 earnings from what we projected.”

    “Some Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) might find it impossible to implement projects appropriated in their budgets. We have to re-prioritize. I like us to understand that this is the background upon which I made that statement. “

  • Senate summons SGF over constituency projects

    Senate summons SGF over constituency projects

    A war of attrition may be brewing between the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawal.

    The Senate on Tuesday summoned Lawal to appear before it and explain his alleged unsavory comments on the 2016 constituency project implementation.

    The invitation followed adoption of a motion by Senator Mathew Urhoghide (Edo South).

    The motion almost threw the chamber into a rowdy session due to divergent views on the SGF’s comment.

    Urhoghide, in his lead debate, said his representation as a Senator was being threatened by the SGF.

    He said the SGF was copiously quoted to have declared that the 2016 approved constituency projects would not be implemented.

    He noted that the declaration by the SGF was a threat to his representation.

    The Edo South lawmaker said one of the statutory roles of a Senator was to represent his constituents.

    He noted that it was unbecoming of the SGF to declare that N60 billion constituency projects in a budget of N6.08 trillion would not be implemented.

    He said, “The budget is a law. Any violation of the budget is a violation of the law. It is an impeachable offence to violate the budget and we are not going to allow that. There is overwhelming hatred for the National Assembly.”

    Urhoghide said the SGF should be summoned within the least possible time, within the next 48 hours, to explain why he declared that the constituency projects would not be implemented.

     

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu’s forgery case, not a National Assembly matter -SGF

    Saraki, Ekweremadu’s forgery case, not a National Assembly matter -SGF

    ……SGF to Saraki, Ekweremadu: Allow judiciary do its job,
    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal on Wednesday said the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu for forgery was not a trial for the Senate or the National Assembly as a body.

    In a statement he personally signed, Lawal said that a case of forgery is usually preferred against individuals, pointing out that such case of certificate forgery led to the resignation of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Salisu Buhari.

    Noting that bringing the National Assembly as a body into the new court case is unwarranted; he said that such action can only be for other purposes and reasons outside the investigation and legal proceedings.

    He said: “Since the arraignment of the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki and, his Deputy Senator Ike Ekweremadu before the Federal High Court on Monday, June 27, 2016, the two leaders of the Senate, have issued two separate press statements conveying messages that are far from being complementary to the person and government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Senator Saraki in his statement clearly insinuated that Mr. President is not in control of his administration and that a cabal now runs the federal administration.  On the part of Senator Ekweremadu, he insists that President Buhari is exhibiting dictatorial tendencies that can derail our democracy.

    “From their statements, the two leaders of the Senate also gave this erroneous impression that by their arraignment, it is the entire Senate and indeed, the Legislative Arm of Government that is on trial.

    “They want the public to believe that their prosecution is utter disregard by the Executive Arm of government for the constitutional provisions of separation of powers and that preferring the forgery case against them is a vendetta exercise.

    Since the case is in court, he said that the Judiciary should be allowed to do its job.

    He stressed that the case only involves the four accused persons.

    He added: “And should not be presented to the unsuspecting public as involving the entire Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  The complaint leading to the forgery investigation was reported to the Police by some aggrieved Senators who specifically accused certain persons.

    “It is not the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is involved and definitely not the House of Representatives.  To bring the National Assembly as a body into this court case is totally unwarranted.  It can only be for other purposes and reasons outside the investigation and legal proceedings.

    “A case of forgery is usually preferred against individuals.  This is not different. As was the case with a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was accused of certificate forgery, what he did was to resign, honorably. The matter did not even go to court.

    “In that particular case, it was never orchestrated as a matter for the National Assembly.  The individual involved did not drag the entire Legislature into the matter.” He said

    He pointed out that the separate statements by the Senate President and his Deputy were contradictory.

    He said: “While Senator Saraki believes Mr. President has abdicated his powers and that a cabal is in charge of Federal Administration, Senator Ekweremadu says President Buhari has become a dictator.

    “Our democracy is still evolving and being deepened. The provisions of the separation of powers are entrenched in our Constitution and should guide everyone in our conduct. The rule of law is indeed supreme.

    “This particular case is before the judiciary and is not being decided by the Executive Arm of Government.  All that has transpired is still within the confines of our laws. These are the rights to accuse, to be investigated and be arraigned before the court.

    “To impute other considerations to the process is unfortunate.  We should allow the process to take its course, in consonance with the dictates of the law and total obeisance to the cardinal democratic principle of the separation of powers,” he stated.

  • Lawyers, judges frustrating anti-graft war, say SGF, Falana, Sagay

    Lawyers, judges frustrating anti-graft war, say SGF, Falana, Sagay

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) said on Thursday that activities of professionals, particularly lawyers and judges were frustrating efforts by the Federal Government to curb acts of corruption and impunity in the country.

    Lawal, Sagay, Falana and others, who spoke in Abuja at a workshop on the “Role of professionals in the fight against corruption,” were unanimous on the need for professionals to put societal interest above individual preferences, uphold professional ethics, and support government’s efforts to enthrone transparency in the conduct of state affairs.

    The workshop was put together by PACAC, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) and the Convention on Business Integrity (CBI).

    Lawal said the role of lawyers and some compromised judges, who offer their expertise to indicted individuals and deploy delay tactics and other underhand methods to frustrate the successful prosecution of criminal cases, was particularly injurious to the federal government’s anti-corruption campaign.

    Represented by the Director, Nigerian national Volunteer Services (NNVS), Tor Tsavsar, the SGF said there was need for professionals to see themselves as stakeholders in government’s anti-graft efforts if the country was to grow and attain needed development.

    He said, “From recent revelations, corruption is usually aided and facilitated by conniving civil servants and professionals in the public and private sectors. It is no news that most stolen funds are laundered through our banks and other offshore entities that are owned and managed by professionals.

    “A recent case of the ‘Panama Papers scandals’ is an example of how politicians, criminals and rogue industries were assisted by professionals to launder stolen funds. It is equally regrettable that some of the professionals do not stop at aiding, abetting and facilitating the stealing of public funds, but more often than not, go further to offer direct and indirect support to indicted officials to beat the law.

    “It is no more news that corrupt officials are able to engage some of our seasoned lawyers, who employ negative tactics ‘in or out of court’ to frustrate trials of indicted officials. The retinue of frivolous interlocutory applications, which are pursued up to the apex court, while action on substantive matters are stayed, are common examples of how professional lawyers frustrate the fight against corruption.”

    Sagay, who deplored the conduct of professionals who aid corruption and fraud, said the federal government was looking at ways of ensuring that those, who aid acts of fraud and corruption, are also prosecuted.

    He said the workshop was intended to seek the support of professional bodies, and draw their attention to their responsibilities in this regard.

    Falana urged the federal government and anti-graft agencies to look beyond public officers and politically exposed individuals to include professionals, drug dealers and human traffickers in their activities.