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  • Nigeria, EU sign over €900m finance agreements for developmental projects

    Nigeria, EU sign over €900m finance agreements for developmental projects

    Nigeria and the European Union on Thursday, October 19, signed financing agreements to the tune of over €900 million (₦728 billion).

    The agreements which are in the form of grants and loans are for developmental projects, which cuts across various sectors of the economy.

    The agreements were signed under at EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue in Abuja.

    European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen announced, together with Minister of Budget and Economic Planning of Nigeria, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the agreements which formed a central part of the EU-Nigeria cooperation to advance the country’s green, resilient, digital inclusive transition under Government priorities and Global Gateway.

     The breakdown of the agreement includes climate-smart agriculture (€29 million); sustainable energy (€37 million); access to health services (€45 million); and education: support to youth and education development in the North West region (€5.4 million) which will launch to contribute to policy improvement of the teaching profession and the capacity building of teachers.

    In addition to these areas of support, the second signed agreement will also contribute to building access in the Nigerian social protection safety net (€46 million); support to border management and reintegration of returnees (€28.4 million); support to the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of Boko Haram combatants in the North East region (€20 million); and, support to improving the criminal justice system, access to justice and the fight against corruption (€30 million).

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks partnership with NASS to grow Nigeria’s economy

    The third signed finance agreement was a loan issued to two Nigerian private companies and banks by the European Investment Bank, as part of the Global Gateway strategy. This includes a “2X challenge”  €50 million credit facility with Access Bank for loans to female entrepreneurs and managers in Nigeria, expected to create jobs and growth in line with the green economy priorities. The second €14 million loan was for Emzor Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients to finance the construction of a manufacturing plant for the production of anti-malarial drugs.

    Other expected signings are a financing agreement for the completion of the Lagos Inland waterway project- €130; the Development Bank of Nigeria lending to innovative and green SMEs in Nigeria €200; Access to Agric-market rural roads €150 and another €20m for Husk renewable energy to finance the construction of about 150 small PV-hybrid mini-grids with a total PV capacity of 15 MWp, benefiting some 54,000 households and 6,000 SMEs.

    The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said

    EU would continue to invest in the country’s areas of priority such as security, democracy, and prosperity for all.

    According to her: “I am delighted to be visiting Nigeria to further strengthen our partnership, and I look forward to launching a package of new actions, as part of the Global Gateway strategy and EU support to Government priorities.

    “Building on our long-standing cooperation, and in the best spirit of shared responsibility, commitment, and accountability, the EU will continue to invest in our common future and priorities of security, democracy, and prosperity for all – not least through the package of loans and grants I am signing and launching here today that will benefit the Nigerian businesses, farmers, youth and the society an as whole.”

     Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, described the EU -Nigeria relations is one of the most vibrant development partnerships in terms of volume, thematic interventions, and geographical spread in the deployment of resources.

    He further added: “The EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue is happening at the take-off of the current administration in Nigeria and presents opportunities for proper articulation and consolidation of priorities in our Partnership.”

  • $6,000 per capita GDP by 2030

    $6,000 per capita GDP by 2030

    The national development plan, known as Nigeria Agenda 2050, will increase the country’s per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from $2,184 to $6,000 by 2030.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu made this disclosure at a press conference on the 29th Nigeria Economic Summit (NES#29).

    According to him, the main target of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 is to increase the country’s per capita GDP to $6,000 and $33,000 by 2030 and 2050 respectively.

    Bagudu said government’s plan will also “bring poverty rate to 0.6 per cent and unemployment rate to 6.3 per cent, while transiting the economy to the highest per capita GDP in the Group of upper-middle income economies”.

    He said the plan “will be effectively implemented by successive governments through six number of five-year medium-term national development plans and annual budgets.

    He indicated that the ministry is currently in the process of performing a mid-term assessment of the NDP 2021-2025, aiming to refine the plan and incorporate the current government’s renewed hope agenda into it.

    Read Also: Mohbad: Police arrest Primeboy, four others

    Regarding the overarching objectives of Agenda 2050, Bagudu stated that the plan will be efficiently executed by successive administrations through a series of six five-year medium-term national development plans and annual budgets.

    “The renewed hope agenda and the eight priority areas of the current administration are directed at accelerating the achievements of the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the National Development Plan 2021-2025, with the goal of achieving double-digit growth and inclusive development,” Bagudu said.

    “The Ministry is currently engaged in the mid-term review of the NDP 2021-2025 to fine-tune the plan and ensure seamless integration with the current government’s renewed hope agenda.”

    “The Ministry is open to innovative ideas from stakeholders during the Summit to facilitate their effective inclusion in the NDP 2021-2025,” he remarked.

    He highlighted that the NES Summit has evolved into the largest and most prominent annual gathering for policymakers in the public sector and leaders from the private sector in Nigeria.

    He emphasized that the annual forum brings together development partners, civil society organizations, and representatives from academia. It provides a unique platform for consensus-building, identifying development challenges facing the country, and proposing actionable strategies and policy frameworks to address them.

    In his welcome address, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of NESG, emphasized that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture and must chart a path towards shared prosperity while overcoming longstanding obstacles hindering socio-economic progress.

    “Given the rapidly changing global economic landscape and increasing inequalities, sustained growth strategies must prioritize inclusive industrialization that provides opportunities for all and distributes gains across society.”

    “Failure to effectively address social issues through targeted industrial and economic policies undermines the country’s developmental potential and widens income inequality gaps.”

    “While poverty has declined globally, both extreme and moderate poverty persist and are on the rise in Nigeria. Challenges such as low productivity, limited economic diversification, high unemployment rates, and job insecurity continue to persist.”

    “With a predominantly youthful population and a heavy debt burden, Nigeria must pursue intergenerational and sustainable growth. Recent years have seen the nation grapple with various economic and political challenges, underscoring the urgent need to reform systems and tackle structural issues.”

  • FG targets 350GW of electricity by 2043, says Bagudu

    FG targets 350GW of electricity by 2043, says Bagudu

    The federal government has pledged to achieve a target of 350 gigawatts (GW) of electricity-generating capacity by the year 2043.

    It also described the power sector as the most important among all the assets listed in the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this declaration in his office in Abuja when the top management staff of the Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) visited him.

    The minister, however, noted that it would only be possible if all hands were on deck toward realizing those targets.

    Bagudu said: “The present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has prioritised the power sector as the topmost priority of all the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) assets classes.”

    Read Also: Why governors must cooperate with FG to tackle inflation, unemployment, Bagudu reveals

    He said that the government has embarked on several reforms to turn around the power sector the latest of which is the new electricity bill, stating that ‘’the electricity law repeals the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 and consolidates the law relating to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).”

    The minister added that the Nigeria Electricity Act 2023 also “prioritized the implementation of tariffs that accurately reflected the cost and service provided as well as promoted competition in the electricity sector through the use of contracts and rules.’’

    He emphasised that the primary goal of the law was to improve the performance and productivity of the Nigerian electricity sector.

    He added that NEMSA played a pivotal role in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), tasked with enforcing technical standards and regulations.

    This, according to him, encompassed technical inspections, testing, and certification of all types of electrical installations nationwide to guarantee stable, secure, and dependable electricity networks.

     Bagudu urged NEMSA to “strive to ensure zero incidences of electrical accidents, energy accountability, eliminate substandard electrical equipment and material and rid the system of quack electrical installation personnel contractors.

    Speaking further, Bagudu explained that the agency had embarked on some of the activities which included: an inspection of over 15,931 electricity projects across the country, out of which 10,692 had been certified fit for use by NEMSA, monitoring of 12,114 existing networks and power systems nationwide; Inspection of 3,255 electrical installations at factories across the country, among others.

    The MD/CEO of NEMSA and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Aliyu Tukur Tahir said the agency’s priority “is to have a steady light electricity network that was stable, safe, and reliable as well as strive to ensure zero incidences in the electricity networks, energy accountability, and eliminate substantial electrical material and equipment across our network in the country.”

  • Why governors must cooperate with FG to tackle inflation, unemployment, Bagudu reveals

    Why governors must cooperate with FG to tackle inflation, unemployment, Bagudu reveals

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu has tasked state governors across the country to collaborate with the federal government to tackle unemployment and inflation with the increased revenue to the states.

    Bagudu, while speaking at the closing session of the 22nd edition of the National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) held at the Centre of Black Culture, Osogbo, Osun State on Thursday, September 14, also emphasised the importance of planning to economic prosperity and called for constitutional provision for a joint planning board between the state and local governments for effective planning.

    He explained: “The annual event provides opportunities for commissioners and other officials across the 36 states who are responsible for economic planning to meet, brainstorm, and interrogate so that we can do better, to growth and inclusive growth.

    “The reason for the theme for 2023 is to restore and stabilize the macro economy for sustainable economic growth. This resonates with the Renewed Hope agenda led by President Bola Tinubu. The National Economy Planning is a tool for federalism for more important input so that deliberation there can continuously be taken to state levels in the process of continuously ensuring that decisions taken there are effected.”

    Read Also: Shettima, Bagudu lead stakeholders to design new economic reforms in Osun

    Bagudu noted: “We seek more collaboration with state governors because they are equal partners in our polity and ensure we do more together. The measure on subsidy has increased revenues to states already but challenges remain, inflation is still an issue and we need to create employment as quickly as possible to enhance livelihood. I seek the cooperation of governors.”

    In the remark of Governor Ademola Adeleke said the theme of the 22nd edition of the event is timely, saying, “As we navigate through the evolving economic landscape, it is crucial that we come together to chart a course that ensures not only growth but sustainability and inclusivity for all Nigerians.”

    At the event, states’ commissioners across the country, permanent secretaries with the Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, and ex-minister of state, Clem Agba were among the dignitaries.

  • How my Ramadan experience triggered Kebbi’s agricultural revolution, by Bagudu

    Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Bagudu said the state agricultultural revolution under his watch was partly attributable to an experience he had at a Fulani community during Ramadan.

    The governor narrated the experience on Saturday in Oro, Kwara, at the 12th Annual Ramadan Lecture hosted by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture.

    Bagudu, who was a Special Guest of Honour at the lecture, recalled that in 2015, before he assumed office as governor, the state experienced windstorm that affected crops and food production.

    He recalled that Ramadan started two days after he took the Oath of Office in 2015 and he had a chagrin experience that triggered his resolve to focus on food production.

    Specifically, he said two days into the Ramadan period he passed through a Fulani settlement in the state at about 6pm and discovered that there was no smoke, signifying no evidence of cooking to break the fast for the day.

    The governor said his further investigation revealed that the community had no food to eat which was very worrisome to him.

    Bagudu said he realised a sense of urgency to liberate the people from hunger and place the state on fast lane of food production.

    He noted that Kebbi is known today as a rice farming and milling haven while he is the Vice Chairman of National Food Security Council.

    Bagudu identified malnutrition, hunger, diseases, obesity and diabetes as features of food crisis and urged leadership at all levels to key into the federal government food production chain.

    The governor noted that Ramadan is related to food, because it is a period to ignite passion and for faithful to be mindful about others who have no means to feed.

    He called for more resources to be made available to agriculture sector and urged Nigerians to key into the national synergy on food production.

    The governor commended Mohammed for organising and sustaining the Ramadan lecture.

    He also commended the Oro community for religious tolerance, stressing that he was glad to know that the event was attended by both Muslim and Christian faithful.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Communication, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said Islam is knowledge based and the lecture was appropriate to educate faithfuls on religious practices at Ramadan.

    While congratulating his counterpart for hosting the lecture, Shittu urged that it should not be limited to Ramadan period.

  • Polls: Bagudu sweeps Kebbi polling units

    Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State is sweeping polling units across the state in Saturday’s governorship and legislative elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed the announcement of some results by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Presiding Officer (PO), Mrs Udeflegwu Jenifer, announced that Bagudu of All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 441 votes while Alhaji Isa Galaudu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got 17 votes at Majema Gishehu Gaga polling unit 007.

    In the State House of Assembly election, Alhaji Umaru Amburusa of APC scored 425 votes while Alhaji Abbas Junju of PDP got 17.

    At the Sarkin Karma polling unit 001, the PO, Mr Maradesa Edward, announced that Bagudu of APC scored 540, while Galaudu of PDP scored 12 votes.

    While PDP scored 16 votes the APC netted 523 votes in the state House of Assembly election at the same unit.

    The PO of Garkannatsafe polling unit 005, Mr Joanna Okunola, announced that the APC governorship candidate scored 456 votes, while PDP got 64 votes.

    In the legislative election at the unit, APC scored 380 votes while the PDP polled 134 votes.
    The PO of Momoon Nassarawa polling unit 1(004), Mrs Vivian Onukwufor, announced that the APC governorship candidate scored 541 votes while PDP netted 106 votes.

    Also in the legislative election, the APC scored 339 votes while PDP got 288 votes at the same unit.

    The PO of Sarkin Zabarwa polling (006), Omohwovo Ese, announced that Bagudu scored 507 votes while PDP polled 92 votes.

    Similarly at the same unit, the APC scored 471 votes while PDP got 124 votes in the state House of Assembly election.

    The PO of Garkat Sarkin Fawa polling unit 010, Ms Bumi Baba, announced that the governorship candidate of APC scored 394 votes while PDP polled 89 votes.

    In the state legislative election, the APC scored 326 votes while PDP polled 144 votes at the polling unit.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other polling units are still collating their results across the state.

  • Bagudu, Adewole seek early detection of cancer

    Regular screening will help detect and prevent deaths from cancer, founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has said.

    Mrs. Bagudu noted that cancer is preventable, if detected early.

    She gave the advice during the World Cancer Day celebration organised by the foundation in Abuja.

    Health Minister, Prof Isaac Adewole, Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, and Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, led other participants in lightening up the Abuja city gate in orange and blue to create awareness about the disease.

    Mrs Bagudu, who was appointed into the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) last year, said there were late detection cases as well as poor screening in the country.

    “We detect it in stage three and four as opposed to industrialised countries where detection is as early as stage one and two. So, when we pick it early, it makes sense that the treatment will be easier and more successful,” she said.

    The foundation presented a cheque of N10 million to 10 cancer survivors. Bagudu said there were  investments  in cancer advocacy, adding that the country has moved to a stage where awareness is so great that there is increased clamour for the inclusion of the disease in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    Adewole said it was important for Nigerians to note that cancer was not a death sentence, saying: “40 per cent of cancers could be prevented; 40 per cent could be detected early and cured; while 20 per cent would require palliative care. However, the challenge in Nigeria is that 80 per cent of cancer cases are diagnosed late, thus 80 per cent of sufferers die within five years,”

    The minister added that two  linear radiotherapy machines had been installed at the National Hospital, Abuja, adding that they  cater for at least 200 people daily.

    He said bunkers and brachytherapy machines were also installed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), University Teaching Hospital Benin (UNBTH) as well as the teaching hospitals in Sokoto, Ibadan and Ilorin, among others.

     

     

  • Governors committed to violence-free polls, say Bagudu, Oyetola

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) governors yesterday expressed commitment to ensure peacefully polls on February 16 and March 2.

    Two of the governors – Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi State) and Gboyega Oyetola (Osun State) spoke with reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    They were in the State House for a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

    Bagudu specifically called on all stakeholders in Nigeria’s political environment to work together to polls hitch-free.

    Political parties, candidates and supporters, he said, must abide by the rules of the game in the interest of the country.

    “We must have respect for rules and laws. All parties should know that election is about mobilising your supporters, reaching out to the populace and convincing them to vote for you. All parties should ensure that violence, hate speech and thuggery are kept on check” he stated.

    Read also: Ohanaeze Ndigbo: election is war to change Southeast’s fortune

    According to Oyetola, APC governors would step up security meetings and continue to provide necessary support to the security operatives in their respective states.

    Their meeting with Abba Kyari, he said, was on how to tap the abundant solid minerals in the country for the diversification of the economy.

    “We’ll engage our youth on mining. They don’t appreciate the fact that they can make good living on mining. Mining would assist us in addressing the unemployment in the country,” the Osun governor said.

  • Bagudu, emir hail Army for keeping Nigeria safe

    Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has hailed the military for keeping Nigeria safe.

    Bagudu, who also hosted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai and his entourage at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, extolled the virtues of the Army chief and his professional conduct.

    The governor thanked the Army for helping the state’s infrastructural development and establishment of two command secondary schools.

    He said: “The establishment of two Army command secondary schools for boys and girls in the state shows the level of cooperation between the Army and the state government.”

    Bagudu condoled with the Army on the death of its soldiers in combat operations across the country.

    The governor assured them of the support of his administration at all times.

    Read also: 2019: Shun thuggery, Bagudu tells youths

    Also, the Emir of Gwandu and the Chairman of Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, has hailed the Army and Burutai for protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    The royal father spoke in Birnin-Kebbi, the state capital, when he hosted Buratai at his palace ahead of the launching of Operation Python Dance III in the state.

    The emir expressed delight with the visit, saying the Army had served the country diligently.

    He said: “I am happy that you are doing your best with absolute efficiency to defend the nation. Nigeria is lucky to have you as its soldiers. Keep the good job going.”

  • Bagudu commends Christians in Kebbi for living in peace

    Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has commended the non-indigenes residing in the state for living in peace and harmony with their host community.

    The Governor made the commendation in a statement signed by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Muazu Dakingari to mark the Christmas celebration.

    He advised all Christians to uphold the teachings and virtues of Christ of humility, compassion and sublimity as well as maintain peaceful co-existence with adherents of other religions.

    He said his administration was committed to uplifting the living condition of the people and providing enabling environment for investment in the economic sector of the state.

    The governor solicited prayers for peace, security and prosperity for the state, the nation, and the citizenry.