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Tag: BUHARI

  • Buhari, Atiku clash over N30,000 minimum wage

    Rather than subside, the row over the minimum wage keeps growing.

    President Muhammadu Buhari explained yesterday his position on what the least paid worker should earn.

    The Ms Ama Pepple committee set up to resolve the matter recommended N30,000.

    The President said he was “fully committed to having a new National minimum Wage Act in the very near future” when the committee’s report was presented to him on Tuesday.

    This was interpreted in the media to mean that Buhari planned  to recommend N30,000 to the National Assembly.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Atiku Abubakar hailed the N30,000 recommendation.

    But yesterday, the Federal Government clarified Buhari’s position on the  matter.

    The President will study the recommendation of  the tripartite wage review committee before making government’s position known, it said.

    Briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday, Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed said what was presented to the President was a recommendation which he promised to study and get back to the committee.

    But Atiku insisted that Buhari “must keep his word.”

    Labour suspended its planned nationwide strike after the tripartite committee agreed to recommend N30, 000.

    Ms. Pepple told the President that after extensive deliberations, the committee was recommending N30, 000, which Labour described as a compromised figure

    President Buhari promised to send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly on the recommendation as soon as possible for consideration and approval, but he was silent on whether he endorsed the N30, 000 new wage.

    Asked to clarify the government’s position on the issue, Mohammed said the President will study the recommendation and get back to the committee.

    “I think it was a recommendation. Mr. President will consider it and will make his views known in due course,” the minister said.

    Pressed for more comments, he added: “I said a recommendation was submitted. Mr. President will get back to the committee after he has studied the recommendation.”

    On the possibility of reviewing the revenue sharing formula should the new minimum wage be approved to enable the states to pay, the minister said: “Once again, like I said, a recommendation has been made and in responding to the recommendation, all these views will be taken into consideration.”

    A presidential source, who preferred not to be named, said the President had not endorsed N30, 000 as proposed by the committee and as being reported by some sections of the media.

    The source, however, confirmed that President Buhari expressed commitment to ensuring the implementation of a new National Minimum Wage.

    It said: “But the President’s speech at the event was immediately made available to the media and nowhere indicated that the President endorsed N30, 000 minimum wage.

    “It is not the duty of the President only to endorse a new national minimum wage. The process involves the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the National Economic Council (NEC) and the National Assembly.

    “It is imperative for us to always avoid misinterpreting a written speech.’’

    President Buhari had pledged that the Federal Government would soon transmit an Executive Bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    He said: “Our plan is to transmit the Executive bill to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.’’

  • ‘Why Buhari must keep his word’

    FORMER vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar yesterday cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari against reneging on the implementation of the new minimum wage as recommended by the wage review committee.

    He said that a government must be trusted to keep its word.

    In a statement by his campaign office – the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCO) — the former vice president said the President must keep faith with the agreement his government freely reached with labour and affirm the new minimum wage.

    The statement titled: Minimum wage: A government must be trusted to keep its word”, reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement from the Presidency denying President Buhari’s earlier pledge to pay the new minimum wage of N30,000 agreed with the Nigerian Labour Congress and other labour affiliates in a signed communiqué…..

    “A government is only as reliable as its word and if its word is not reliable then nothing else about the government will be stable.

    “At the risk of repeating ourselves, we urge the Buhari administration to note that Nigerian workers are the goose that lays the golden egg that top members of this government are enjoying to the detriment of those laying the egg.”

    Alleging that President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo collect a hardship allowance of 50 per cent of their annual basic salary, the APCO said: “Whereas, the long suffering Nigerian workers, who are the main sufferers of the hardship caused by the incompetence of this administration, do not have any hardship allowance and are expected to live on the unliveable minimum wage.

    “We can only change this by paying our workers a living wage as opposed to the starvation wages now paid to them.

    “We therefore call on President Muhammadu Buhari to keep faith with the agreement his government freely reached with labour and affirm the new minimum wage.”

    Also yesterday, United Labour Congress (ULC) President Joe Ajaero yesterday said Labour expects the National Assembly to fast-track action on the passage of the New National Minimum Wage once transmitted to it from the Presidency.

    Ajaero said Labour does not expect the implementation of the N30, 000 new minimum wage to exceed a month.

    He said: “We believe that money should not be a problem. If Appropriation Bill can be made on certain matters, minimum wage should also receive such attention.”

    He advised Nigerians to continue to keep faith with the struggle, adding that no positive change would be achieved without Labour’s intervention.

  • High casualty on roads scandalous, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has decries the high rate of accident on the country’s roads.

    He described the daily casualty figure from such accident as scandalous and could have been avoided, if past government had utilised huge resources at its disposal on infrastructural growth.

    The President spoke when he received a group from the Southeast, “One on One Nigeria”, at the Presidential Villa.

    Buhari said the needless waste of human lives as a result of bad roads would have been saved, if previous administrations had utilised enormous resources available then on infrastructure.

    The President said: “We are trying to organise the country. The extent of mismanagement we met when we came was mind-boggling.

    “Many times, I have spoken about the tremendous resources available to us between 1999 and 2014, and how it was frittered. If only they had used just 25 per cent of it on infrastructure – road, rail and power, Nigerians would mind their own businesses and not bother about whoever was in power.

    “The casualty figure on our roads daily is simply scandalous. No wonder they are in opposition now, despite all the power they thought they had.”

    Leader of the group, Chief Chido Obidiegwu, hailed the President for what he called “the strides of the Buhari administration nationwide, particularly in the Southeast”.

    He added that the 2019 presidential election was “payback time” for them.

    Obidiegwu said: “We have seen the work being done on the long-abandoned Second Niger Bridge, roads are being constructed in many parts of the region and we believe there is every reason to support you for a second term.”

    He described the President as the “grandfather of war against indiscipline and corruption, nightmare of insurgents, Mr. Food security, consolation to pensioners and Mr. Frugality”.

  • Minimum Wage: Buhari to study report before any announcement – FG

    The Federal Government says President Muhammadu Buhari will study the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage before making his view known to Nigerians.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed made the clarification when he addressed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which was presided over by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage chaired by former Head of Service, Ama Pepple, had on Tuesday submitted its report to President Buhari with a recommendation of N30,000 as new National Minimum Wage.

    While receiving the Tripartite Committee Report, President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government would soon transmit an Executive Bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    Read also: I’m committed to new minimum wage -Buhari

    He said: “Our plan is to transmit the Executive bill to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.’’

    To this end, some traditional media outfits and the social media reported that the president had endorsed the Pepple’s recommendation of N30,000 minimum wage.

    But, the minister said the president was only in receipt of the recommendations of the Ama Pepple’s Report, and he would consider it before making his views known to the public.

    He said: “I think it was a recommendation. So, Mr President will consider it and would make his views known in due course.

    “So, like I said recommendations have been made and Mr President would get back to the committee after he has studied the recommendations.’’

    It would be recalled that the Presidency had also frowned at the misinterpretation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks when he received the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage from the committee’s chairman, Ama Pepple, on Tuesday.

    It said that the president did not endorse N30,000 as proposed by committee as being reported by some sections of the media.

    “But the president’s speech at the event was immediately made available to the media and nowhere indicated that the president endorsed N30,000 Minimum wage,’’ a presidential source maintained.

    President Buhari had also expressed delight that the Amal Pepple committee had successfully completed its assignment in a peaceful and non-controversial manner.

    “Let me use this opportunity to recognise the leadership of the organised labour and private sector as well as representatives of State and Federal Governments for all your hard work.

    “The fact that we are here today, is a notable achievement.

    “As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report.

    “I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”

    The president, however, enjoined the leadership of the labour unions as well as the Nigerian workers to avoid being used as political weapons.

    “May I therefore, enjoin workers and their leaders not to allow themselves to be used as political weapons,’’ he said. (NAN)

     

  • Buhari Mourns Sunny Odogwu

    President uhammadu Buhari has described the late Ide Ahaba of Asaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu as an accomplished business man and industrialist whose contribution to nation development serves as a source of inspiration to several Nigerians.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said the President is pained by the exit of Chief Odogwu and commiserated with the Odogwu family on the death of Chief Sunny Odogwu.

    The President also extended his heartfelt condolences to the good people of Asaba and the Government of Delta State on the passage of their illustrious son and respected elder statesman.

    Read Also: Policeman found dead in pit in Delta

    The Presidenr sais he also joined the and the people of Delta State in honouring the memory of the versatile businessman, who remarkably contributed to the socio-economic development of his immediate community, state and the nation, drawing from his extensive experience as an accomplished industrialist, entrepreneur, publisher and philanthropist.

    The President affirmed that through his vast business networks, range of skills and perspectives, the late Chief Odogwu demonstrated deep understanding and commitment in empowering indigenous businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating thousands of employment opportunities for Nigerians.

    He prayed the almighty God to comfort the family, friends and business associates of the deceased, and grant his soul eternal rest.

  • Workers excited as Buhari accepts N30,000 proposal

    Workers were excited yesterday over the coming N30,000 minimum wage.

    “I am fully committed to having a new national Minimum Wage Act in the very near future,” President Muhammadu Buhari said.

    He was receiving the report of the committee set up to resolve the wage problem.

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba led the way in hailing the presentation of the N30,000 minimum wage  recomendation report to Buhari.

    He said payment of the new wage might be difficult at the beginning of implementation, but “if there is the will, we are certain that there will be a way out.”

    He told reporters at the Villa after the Tripartite Commttee submitted its report to the President: “When the N18,000 was actually implemented in 2011, most of the states emptied their treasury. They had difficulty.”

    Lagos Chamber of Commerce and  Industry Director-General Muda Yusuf said although the private sector was paying above the current minimum wage, “there may be different challenges for the SMEs as they may adopt different models for engagement.  Rather than keep all the staff, they may rationalise them by inviting only those that they need at a particular time. The big corporations have nothing to worry about as they are already paying the minimum wage.”

    Read also: Jubilation in Kano over N30, 000 minimum wage

    He praised the government for working successfully with the private sector and labour to arrive at an acceptable figure and averting a strike.

    Workers were jubilating over the new wage. In Kano, Ibadan and Abakaliki, they were delighted at the approval of the new pay.

    A cross section of the workers who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan said the successful meeting of the tripartite committee was appreciated.

    Mr Peter Ojelakin, of the National Population Commission (NPC) said a good welfare package was the wish of every civil servant, adding that a dedicated worker would not have interest in embarking on a strike.

    “So, the suspension of the strike that supposed to begin today is a good development,” he said.

    Mr Rasheed Abdulwahab was happy over the agreement labour reached with the government but noted that increase in wages, might lead to inflation, a development he said called for an improved economy.

    He, however, called on workers to justify the salary increase by putting in their best to ensure the desired improvement in the social and economic development of the country.

    Mr Lekan Dojutelegan, a surveyor at the Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, hailed the government for shifting ground on its earlier proposed N24, 000.

    Dojutelegan urged civil servants to be more diligent and committed to their duties, saying that optimum performance would enable the government to pay the new minimum wage with ease.

    Kano State NLC Chairman Kabiru Ado Minjibir, praised the national leaderships of NLC, TUC and ULC, “for standing firm on the decision of the Central Working Committee and their resilience to protect the interest of Nigerian workers, especially at this trying period.”

     

  • I’m fully committed to having new National Minimum Wage, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday promised to implement a new National Minimum Wage.

    He spoke while receiving the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage from committee chairman Amal Pepple at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Pepple said: “After carefully weighing these critical factors and bearing in the mind the overriding interest of the economy, the committee, while noting the offer of N24,000 by the Federal Government, is recommending an increase in the existing minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000.

    “We believe that the implementation of the recommended minimum wage will, no doubt, boost the purchasing power of workers, increase consumption expenditure and ultimately stimulate business and overall economic growth.”

    The committee has also produced a Draft National Minimum Wage Bill 2018 for consideration by the government.

    “We strongly believe that the enactment of the draft bill into law is very critical to the operation and future reviews of the National Minimum Wage,’’ Pepple said.

    She added: “Consideration was given to the critical role of the informal sector in employment generation and the need for a realistic minimum wage that will not stifle the growth of the sector and the overall economy.”

    The committee’s recommendation was predicated on the high cost of living, occasioned by the exchange rate as well as the rising inflation rate.

    The committee considered also micro-economic indicators, including the government’s revenue and expenditure profile.

    Pepple believes that the implementation of the recommended minimum wage will boost the purchasing power of the working class, increase consumption expenditure, and stimulate economic growth.

    At the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige, Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and others.

    The President was delighted that the committee completed its assignment in a peaceful and non-controversial manner.

    He said the Federal Government would soon transmit the Executive bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “Our plan is to transmit the Executive bill to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

    ”The fact that we are here today is a notable achievement.

    “As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report.

    “I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks,” he said.

    ”May I, therefore, implore workers and their leaders not to allow themselves to be used as political weapons,’’ Buhari said.

    He explained that the review became necessary for many reasons, adding that the last review took place in 2011.

    “We all know since then the prices of key consumables have increased and the most vulnerable of our workers are struggling to make ends meet.

    “Since 2011, many changes have taken place. Nigeria rebased its GDP to become the largest economy in Africa. We reported very strong GDP growth rates and exceptional performance of our capital markets.

    “However, these reported successes did not flow into the pockets and homes of majority of Nigerians.

    “In the last three years, we focused on correcting this deficiency. We are working to create a diversified and inclusive economy,’’ he said.

    Buhari spoke of how his administration had been pushing to clear pension arrears owed retired workers with the limited resources available to it, just as it had been supporting state governments to pay workers’ salary.

    He praised the members of the committee for their commitment and sacrifice.

    “From the outset, we knew the committee had a difficult task ahead of it. But at the same time, we were also confident that the patriotic and professional background of its members would produce realistic, fair and implementable recommendations that will be considered by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

    “I am not surprised that the committee has worked for close to one year. I am also not surprised that on a few occasions, the debates got heated and, sometimes, these differences came out.

    “What is truly inspiring is that, in almost all instances of disagreements, the committee members always came back to the negotiating table with a common goal of improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    “On behalf of all Nigerians today, I want to thank you for your commitment and sacrifice in getting us to where we are today,’’ he said.

    The President acknowledged that the concerns raised by representatives of government in the committee was affordability while many states were struggling to meet their existing salary requirements.

    “On the side of labour, the points raised focused on the need for any increase to be meaningful.

    “In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas,’’ he said.

     

  • Buhari nominates Dabiri-Erewa, Sokefun, others to head boards

    President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for the position of Executive Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Diaspora Commission.

    The nomination was contained in a letter by the President to Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, dated October 24, 2018. Saraki read the letter at plenary yesterday.

    The President’s letter reads: “In compliance with Section 2(1) of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act 2017, I write to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa as the Executive Chairman/CEO of Nigerian Diaspora Commission. Her curriculum vitae is attached herewith.

    Buhari, in another letter, dated October 23, 2018 and addressed to the Saraki, sought to replace Chief Olabode Akeem Mustapha with Mrs. Ronke Sokefun as chairman of Governing Board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

    The President’s letter, which sought to withdraw an earlier one dated March 27, 2018, however, did not state reasons for the substitution.

    In yet another correspondence, dated October 19, 2018, the President sought the Senate’s confirmation of Mr. Chidi K. C. Izuwah as director general of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.

    In a related development, the President also forwarded the name of Dr. Kabiru Nakaura for confirmation as chairman of the Governing Board of the National Bureau of Statistics.

    Five other names were submitted alongside Nakaura’s as member-nominees of the board. Nakaura was nominated to represent the Northwest geopolitical zone.

    Also nominated for membership of the board are Akinola Bashir (Southwest); Prof. Moses Momoh (Southsouth); Wallijoh Danladi Ahijoh (Northcentral); Adam Modu (Northeast) and Nwafor Paul Chukwudi (Southeast).

    Buhari urged the Senate to expedite action on the confirmation of the nominees.

  • Buhari proposes $60 oil benchmark for Budget 2019

    President Muhammadu Buhari has presented a budget framework proposal of $60 oil price benchmark  for 2019 budget to the National Assembly.

    Buhari, in his Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) presented to the House of Representatives yesterday, however expressed optimism that the self-funding mechanism for Joint Venture (JV) operations will sustainably guarantee JV oil and gas production and government revenue flows as it provides the required investment and restore the confidence of international oil companies whose equity investments are required to grow the JV oil and gas assets.

    The parameters and targets for 2019 to 2021 as proposed by Buhari in the  document  puts projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow at 3.0 per cent for 2019, while inflation is expected to moderate to 9.98 per cent.

    Oil price benchmark for 2019 is put at $60.0; 2020 at $56.5; and 2021 at $56.5. Oil production was put at 2,30 million barrels per day (mbpd), 2.44 mbpd and 2.62mbpd for 20129, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The exchange rate was projected at N305 to $1 for the three years, while inflation remained almost constant at 9.98 for 2019, 9.43 for 2020 and 9.58 for 2021 as against 11.78 for 2018.

    Oil GDP for the same period was projected at N11,163.5billion, N10,769.3billion and N10,183.4billion, non-oil GDP for the three years of 2019, 2020 and 2021 was put at N128,489.3billion, N143,921.2billion and N161,017billion respectively.

    Total GDP for the period under review was put at N139,652.7billion, N154,690.6billion and N171,200.5billion with GDP growth rate at 3.0 for 2019, 3.6 for 2020 and 3.9 for 2012.

    Consumption projection was N119,281.6billion, N132,125.8billion and N146,227.5billion for the three years.

    “It is, however, expected that the self-funding mechanism for JV operations will sustainably guarantee JV oil and gas production and government revenue flows as it provides the required investment and restore the confidence of international oil companies whose equity investments are required to grow the JV oil and gas assets.

    “As a result, base oil production is expected to increase significantly to 2.44mbpd in 2020 and 2.62mbpd in 2021.

    “The nominal GDP is expected to increase from N114,772.8 billion in 2018 to N128,489.3 billion in 2019 and then N161.017.1 billion in 2021. Similarly, consumption expenditure is projected to grow from N107,765 billion in 2018 to N146,228 billion in 2021. These are reflective of a gradual recovery of the economy.

    “The amount accruable to the Federation Account and VAT Pool Account amounts to N10.09 trillion and N1.64 trillion, respectively in 2019.

    “Projection for oil revenues in 2019 is higher than in 2018 due to restored peace in the Niger Delta region and stability in production. Oil revenues contributes up to 75 per cent of Federation Accounts,” it stated.

    ernments are projected to get N2.70 trillion and N208 trillion, respectively. For VAT, the Federal Government is projected to receive N245.72 billion, the states N819.07 billion, and the local governments N573.35 billion.

    “Growth in 2019 is based on the assumptions of average oil production of 2.3mbpd, benchmark oil prices of US$60/b, and an average official exchange rate of N305/$. Oil GDP is projected to record lower growth over the medium term, while the non-oil sector will continue as the major driver of growth in the economy.

    “It is however, expected that the self-funding mechanism for JV operations will sustainably guarantee JV oil and gas production and government revenue flows as it provides the required investment and restore the confidence of international oil companies whose equity investments are required to grow the JV oil and gas assets.

    “As a result, base oil production is expected to increase significantly to 2.44mbpd in 2020 and 2.62mbpd in 2021.

    “The nominal GDP is expected to increase from N114,772.8 billion in 2018 to N128,489.3 billion in 2019 and then N161.017.1 billion in 2021. Similarly, consumption expenditure is projected to grow from N107,765 billion in 2018 to N146,228 billion in 2021. These are reflective of a gradual recovery of the economy”.

    In Federation Account Revenues as contained in the document, the amount accruable to the Federation Account and VAT Pool Account amounts to N10.09 trillion and N1.64 trillion, respectively in 2019. Projection for oil revenues in 2019 is higher than in 2018 due to restored peace in the Niger Delta region and stability in production. Oil revenues contribute up to 75 per cent of Federation Accounts.

    Other components of the Federation Account revenues include revenues from Corporate Tax N1.65 trillion, Customs Revenue-N623.82 billion. Special Levies N111.62 billion, Solid Minerals N266 billion, Dividend Payment N82.25 billion and Actual Balances in Special Accounts N14.38 billion.

    Federal government’s share from the Federation Account is N501 trillion while the States and Local governments are projected to get N2.70 trillion and N208 trillion, respectively. For VAT, the Federal Government is projected to receive N245.72 billion, the States N819.07 billion, and the Local governments N573.35 billion.

    After redistribution to FCT, it was also revealed that Ecological and Stabilisation Fund as well as Development of Natural Resources, the amount available to FGN from its share of the Federation Account is N4.89 trillion, while net FGN’s share of VAT (after on per cent deduction for PCT) is N229.34 billion.

    From the share of the Federation Account and VAT as well as other revenues, the aggregate revenue available to fund the 2019 budget is projected at N6.97 trillion (2.8 per cent or N198.88 billion less than the 2018 estimate of N7.165 trillion). 52.9 per cent of this is projected to come from oil sources while the balance is to be earned from non-oil sources.

    However, for the purposes of transparency and budget comprehensiveness, the 2019-2021 Medium Term Fiscal Framework includes revenues from major Government-Owned Enterprises (GOES), which amounts to N955.36 billion. With this, the aggregate FGN revenue is projected at N7.92 trillion.

    It states: “The FGN’s expenditure budget is estimated at N8.73 trillion (this includes grants and donor funding of N209.92 billion). This provision is less than the 2018 appropriated expenditure of’ N9.12 trillion by four per cent or about N393.23.11 billion.

    “Of this, interest payments on debt is estimated at N2.14 trillion and while provision for Sinking Fund to retire maturing bonds to local contractors is N220 billion. Provisions for personnel in government Ministries, Department and Agencies are estimated at N2.15 trillion and pension costs is projected to be N427.07 billion.

    “In addition, N51.22 billion (representing one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund) has been earmarked for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), N21.25 billion for GAVl/Routine Immunisation in the service-wide votes (SWV), and N151.40 billion for the power sector reform programme.

    “With these provisions, only the sum of N1.33 trillion (exclusive of capital in statutory transfers) is available as amount for Capital Development Fund. With the inclusion of capital in statutory transfers, capital supplementation, and grant and donor funded projects, the capital expenditure amounts to N224 trillion. Government is committed to the provision of critical infrastructure to enhance growth and accelerate the pace of economic recovery”.

    It was pointed out that Aggregate Expenditure, in line with best practices to improve transparency and budget comprehensiveness, the budget of the top 9 GOEs (excluding NNPC) of N995.36 billion, as well as Multi-lateral l Bilateral project-tied loans of N556.02 billion have been integrated into the 2019-2021 Medium Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF).

    This brings the proposed aggregate expenditure to an estimate of N10.16 trillion. With the inclusion of the GOEs capital estimated at N275.88 billion and Multi-lateral/Bi-lateral project-tied loans, aggregate capital expenditure (inclusive of capital in statutory transfers) is estimated at N3.07 trillion. This represents 30 per cent of the aggregate projected Federal Government expenditure in 2019.

    On Sectoral Ceilings, the allocation of capital expenditure among the various spending Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government is driven mainly by government’s execution priorities and strategic focus outlined in the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP) as well as the outcomes from the ERGP Focus Lab.

    It stated: “Of the amount available for the capital development fund, N962.64 billion is provisioned for activities in line with the execution priorities of the ERGP, as government will continue to focus on critical sectors that quickly turn-around real sector growth. N192.88 billion and N106.55 billion were provisioned for other critical enablers of growth and inclusion such as security and social investments, respectively.

    “A provision of N71.86 billion is for activities related to improving institutions and good governance: Additionally, transfers to the Universal Basic Education Commission and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund are projected at N111billion and N51.2billion respectively.

    “It is noteworthy that the bulk of expenditures on the Social Development sector tend to be’ recurrent in nature. For instance, while capital expenditure allocations to Education and Health in 2018 were N102.9billion and N86.5billion respectively, the allocations to recurrent expenditure were N439.3billion and N270billion respectively”.

    Stating that the MTEF document and projections were not unmindful of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007, it was noted that Fiscal Deficit and Deficit Financing were painstakingly weighed, “Given the projected revenue and planned expenditure, the fiscal deficit is estimated at N176 trillion. This is about N194.35 billion (or 9.9 per cent) less than the estimate of N1.95 trillion in 2018. and at 1.26 per cent of GDP is well below the threshold (three per cent of GDP) stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), 2007.

    “The deficit will largely be financed by borrowing which is estimated at N1.59 trillion while about N172.47. billion will be derived from Privatisation Proceeds, and N556.02 billion are loans secured for specific development projects.

    “Government will, however, continue to explore ways of generating additional revenues to bring down the fiscal deficit including through government assets ownership restructuring I sales which was initially proposed to happen in 2018: The plan is to redeploy these assets to finance other critical projects that will benefit the economy in the near-term, while reducing borrowing requirements in the medium term,” it added.

     

  • Buhari promises improved remuneration for teachers

    President Muhammed Buhari has said that a comprehensive policy of improved remuneration for the workers in the education sector and a genuine pension scheme are already being worked out.

    He spoke yesterday at the 2018 Nigeria’s Annual Education Conference with the theme: “Education for self-reliance: A system’s approach to education for the achievement of Education 2030 Agenda” at the Sheraton hotel, Abuja.

    The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the choice and timing of the theme is apt for the simple fact that Nigeria has dedicated itself to the implementation of the Education 2030 Agenda.

    He said: “With the depression in the labour market, education should now be tailored towards the acquisition of skills and abilities that can make the individual a productive and self-reliant member of the society.”

    Through the Federal Ministry of Education, he said, that the Federal Government has promoted Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as developing the Science and Technology Education Policy for realization of TVET objectives and dreams.

    He said government has commenced the development of a policy on product innovation, exhibition and commercialisation that will create a window for advancing the outcomes of the national annual student’s skills competition towards practical utilisation and economic benefits.

    To reduce unemployment, poverty, hunger as well as violence, he said people must pay less attention to education for white collar jobs and, instead, embrace education for self-reliance, job and wealth creation, which is the cardinal focus of his administration.

    Buhari also said in 2017, the Federal Ministry of Education embarked on National Enrolment Drive Campaign to boost enrolment, improve retention and completion rates.

    He added that the exercise was flag-off in Bauchi State in January with the aim of addressing the issue of out-of-school children.

    He used the occasion to inform Nigerians that the present administration has supported the implementations of various initiations aimed at improving the quality of basic education delivery such as the disbursement of N42.2 billion Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grant to 26 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), N851.5million special Education grant disbursed to 23 states and private providers of special education and N2.2billion teachers’ professional development fund to 33 states and the FCT.

    The President, while reiterating the importance of teacher education to his administration, said the Federal Ministry of Education through the Universal Basic Education has allocated funds towards the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme to ensure that teachers and education managers are expose to education policies, management systems and teaching methodologies.

    He said the Safe Schools Initiative, launched by the last administration, has also received a boost from the present administration in addressing security challenges across the Northeast and in other flashpoints nationwide.

    Minister of Education Adamu Adamu expressed his appreciation to President Buhari and other participants.