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Tag: FEC

  • INEC redeployed FEC for administrative efficiency – AD

    INEC redeployed FEC for administrative efficiency – AD

    The National Secretary, Alliance for Democracy (AD), Mr. Rafiu Salau, on Tuesday said the redeployment of INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) would improve the commission’s administrative efficiency.

    Salau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that all Nigerians should be able to work in any part of the country.

    It would be recalled that INEC had on December 29 redeployed some of its RECs across the 36 states of the federation.

    “The redeployment of the Electoral Commissioners is a normal administrative strategy for efficiency.

    “The party believes that every Nigerian should be able to work in any part of the country.

    “Therefore, the Electoral Commissioners are to ensure that all states are equal and manageable in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

    The national Secretary further added that the party had embarked on its campaign at the grassroots level and pledged that the campaigns would be in tandem with the INEC time-table.

    “The grassroots campaign is the responsibility of every local government structure of the party.

    “The party will embark on house-to-house campaign for the voters to have the awareness of their benefits when a government is under the leadership of AD.

    “The campaign has started and it will comply with the timetable of INEC, and the state chapters will complement the efforts of the campaign at the local government level,” he said.

    The scribe also said that the party had submitted a list of its candidates to INEC and AD would not entertain the replacement of those nominated by the party members at its primary.

    “The party has submitted its candidates according to the timetable of the INEC.

    “The party also abided by the Electoral Act and the Rules and Regulations of the political parties to nominate candidates.

    “For instance, the party presented only those who emerged at the primaries.

    “AD will not entertain the replacement of those nominated by the party members at the primary which was supervised by INEC with those who didn’t participate,” he said.

    However, Salau assured that errors would be corrected.

  • FEC pays tributes to Ashiru

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday paid tributes to the late former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru.

    Ashiru died in South Africa on November 29 from brain tumour complications.

    The Council Chamber was in a gloomy mood during the session while the Minister of Agriculture, Adesina Akinwunmi could not hold back tears during his turn to pay tribute and second the motion moved by the Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Muhammed, that a minute silence be observed in honour of the deceased.

    President Jonathan said: “Initially I couldn’t link his name to the man I had met in South Africa. He did very well as a foreign minister. We were able to stabilise Niger and some other crises within the sub region when I was chair, ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments. He helped Nigeria move from being competitors to friends with other countries.”

    “He was a likeable character and good diplomat. A dedicated civil servant, committed, and patriotic. God knows why he took him at a time his services were still needed by the country. We condole his family, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State and Nigeria at large.”

    Vice President, Namadi Sambo said: His death came to me with a great shock. He was a gentleman and experienced diplomat who served the country very well. He contributed immensely towards cementing our relations with many countries of the world.”

    On his part, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, said: “Ashiru was a man of high sense of patriotism and polite dignity. He had a sense of humour, cordiality and team spirit.”

    Minister of Interior, Abba Moro said: “His death has robbed Nigeria of one of her finest diplomats. He put Nigeria first before any other thing. He was vehement on the need for Nigeria to prevail on African countries in terms of consular relations.”

  • FEC meeting cancelled

    THE weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting was cancelled yesterday to allow President Goodluck Jonathan and other cabinet members attend the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) national convention.

    The convention, which began yesterday at the Eagle Square, Abuja, will end today.

    FEC, which is the highest executive decision-making body, is presided over by the president with members, including the vice president, ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Head of Service of the Federation and other presidential aides attending.

  • FEC meeting cancelled for PDP convention

    The weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting did not hold at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday to allow President Goodluck Jonathan and other cabinet members attend the national convention of the People’s Democratic Party.

    The convention takes place at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Wednesday and Thursday.

    FEC, which is the highest executive decision-making body in the country, is presided over by the President with members including the Vice President, ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Security Adviser, Head of Service of the Federation and other presidential aides.

    Although, no official statement was issued to explain the cancellation, the Presidency has insisted in the past that no law compels the convening of the meeting weekly.

    The PDP convention is to ratify the position of the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Muazu and affirm the sole candidature of President Jonathan as its presidential flag bearer.

    About 3, 070 delegates are expected to vote during the convention.

     

  • FEC approves N432.8b for road contracts

    THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved roads contracts worth N432.8 billion.

    Supervising Minister of Information Dr. Nurudeen Mohammed said this yesterday at the end of the FEC’s meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Mohammed was accompanied to the weekly briefing by Minister of Works Mike Onolememen; Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohammed and Minister of Niger Delta Steve Oru.

    He said the council approved the memorandum presented by Minister of Works for the award of contract for the construction and rehabilitation of 17 strategic roads and bridges (categories A and B) in the 1st batch of projects for roads and bridges.

    When they are awarded, Onolememen said the projects would generate employment for Nigerian engineers, technicians, artisans and unskilled labour.

    The minister said they would also improve the socio-economic activities within the affected communities, reduce operating costs, travel time and accidents on the roads.

    The minister revealed that a Federal Government’s delegation  would soon visit China  for talks on  a  $500 million  loan for road projects.

    The 17 roads, he said, included projects in Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Nassarawa, Abia, Niger, Kogi, Cross River, Lagos and Kaduna states.

    He added that there were budgetary provisions of N11 billion in the ministry’s 2014 Appropriation Act and N10 billion from SURE-P for the projects, while the balance would be provided for in subsequent budgets.

    The projects, according to him, included the Bodo-Bonny road in Rivers State with three major bridges across Afa Creek, Opobo Channel and Nanabie Creek, the new Ikom Bridge, the Agae-Katchia-Baro road in Niger State, reconstruction and dualisation of Aba-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Lokpanta sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

    Also included in the 17 projects were the rehabilitation of Damaturu-Biu road, and Gombe-Kaltungo Section of Gombe-Numan-Yola road.

    Onolememen  added that over 13,500 jobs would be created through the projects.

    On the allegation that the ministry owed N150 billion for past road contracts, he said: “The Federal Ministry of Works is not owing contractors to the tune of N150 billion; that is not correct. But having said that; it is also not possible to take money from one project to the other. So, if the National Assembly approves budgetary proposal of the executive, you are duty bound to implement them.”

    He noted that the new projects approved by the council were included in the 2014 Appropriation Act of the National Assembly.

    On the likely adverse effects of falling oil prices on the projects, Onolememen said: “In terms of falling oil prices like you said, that is a global phenomenon and Nigeria is not broke. The fact that the oil prices are falling, we have not reached a stage that Nigeria cannot continue to fund infrastructural projects.

    On the $500 million  loan  from China, Onolememen said: “It will interest you to know that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy within the next 10 days will be leading a delegation to China to finalise the EXIM  loan for that particular project, among others. By the grace of God, I will be on the team and I am very hopeful that will signal the beginning of that project.”

  • Govt may okay renewable energy policy soon

    Govt may okay renewable energy policy soon

    The Federal Executive  Council (FEC) may in the next few weeks approve the renewable energy and efficiency policy formulated to ensure optimal use of  electricity generated through natural sources, such as solar and coal, The Nation has learnt.

    The nod, it was gathered, will set the tone for other measures needed to be taken to fast-track the implementation of the policy which would make Nigeria maximise the opportunities in off-grid method of power generation and distribution.

    According to sources, the government is interested in giving the policy the desired approval, as part of efforts to kick-start the country’s journey into full adoption of renewable energy as alternative means of generating power.

    Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Investments, Finance and Donor, Olajunwon Olaleye, said plans were underway to give policy direction to the provision and use of renewable energy in the country.

    Olajunwon said the policy had been presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval, adding that the Council might endorse the policy in the next 30 days.

    He said after this, the policy would be taken  to the National Assembly for deliberations and subsequent passage into law, adding that the decision of the National Assembly would determine when the policy would come on stream.

    He said: “The policy has been drafted, reviewed by the Ministerial Committee on Power and presented to the Federal Executive Council.

    “The policy will help in definining and facilitating the adoption of energy mix which the government has been advocating for in the country.

    ‘’Electricity standards are going to be set in the area of renewable energy through the policy. On the efficiency side, the policy is going to set consumption standards.

    “Right now, people use all sorts of bulbs, without considering the implications; but when the policy takes effect, it would bring about a reduction of about one third of power consumption. This  would be availabe for manufacturing companies to boost their production.‘’

     

  • FEC approves N100.2b for roads, others

    FEC approves N100.2b for roads, others

    The Federal Executive Council () yesterday approved N100.2 billion for road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the East-West road and Molete water project.

    The Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Mohammed who spoke to State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, said the Council approved five different project memos for the Federal Cpaital Territory (FCT) during the meeting.

    Accompanied by the Ministers of FCT, Bala Mohammed, Water, Sarah Ochekpe, and Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru, Mohammed said: “The FCT Minister presented a memo seeking for the upward review of the contract sum for the provision of engineering infrastructure of Wuse District. The Minister informed Council that the purpose of the memorandum is to seek Council’s approval for the upward review of the contract sum for the provision of engineering infrastructure at Wuse District in favour of Messrs Arab Contractors (OAO) Nigeria Ltd, in the sum of N3,431,290,231.20 thereby revising the contract sum from N39, 681,137,736,46 to N43,112,427,967.67 to accommodate the construction of a flyover bridge at Wuse District, the interaction of of Arterial Road N1/Ring Road 1 being Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, as additional work to the contract with an additional completion period of 20 months.”

    He said Council deliberated extensively on the history of the project which was first awarded in August 2009 and expressed satisfaction with the 67 per cent level of completion attained.

    On the second memo, he said: “The Minister of FCT presented a memo for the award of contract for the construction of one service carriageway (14km) of Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) from ring road 111 to ring road IV Abuja Industrial Park in favour of Messrs Salini Nig Ltd, in the sum of N7,179,322,294.15 with a completion period of 24 months.”

    According to him, the INEX is one of the key planned expressways provided in the Abuja Master Plan connecting the ring roads from the central area through phases I,II, III and IV, terminating at the outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

    anticipatory approval was granted by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006  for this consultancy services and the several due processes, procedures and negotiations over these years involving the BPP FCTA and the Consultants.” He said

    On the fourth memo, the Minister said: “Council approved another award  of contract for the provision of access road and engineering infrastructure to plot 1458 and adjoining plots around Hot FM in Gudu District in the sum of N1,794,778,172.88 in favour of Messers Sageto Limited with a completion period of 17 months.”

    For the last FCT memo, he said: “Council further approved the award of contract for the extension of Inner Southern Expressway from Southern Parkway (58/59) to ring Road II in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in favour of Messers CGC Nig Ltd in the sum of N43,458,849,973.94 with a completion period of 30 months.”

    On the water project, he said: “Council approved a memo for the award of contract from the Minister of Water Resources for the revised estimated total cost of the contract for the construction and upgrading of the Molete Water Works in Kwara State in Favour of Messers Turning Point Engineearing limited in the sum of N117,483,450, to bring the total cost of the project from the initial contract sum of N903,669,651.29 to a revised total cost of N1,021,153,101.29 with an extended completion period of 3 months.”

    He said that N43.869 billion was approved for 15 KM of the East-West Road Section III.

    The Minister said: “Council also approved the award of contract for the upgrading of the 15KM of the East-West Road Section III: Port Harcourt (Eleme Junction) to Onne Port Junction Road in Rivers State in favour of Messers Reynolds Construction Company in the sum of N43,869,381,730.23 with a completion period of 18 months.”

    “Council noted that when the original contract for the dualisation of the East West Road Section III (Port Harcourt to Eket) was awarded in 2006, the 15KM section between Port Harcourt and Onne Port Junction which was dualisms in 1999, was in fair condition and was therefore not included in the major reconstruction.”

    “This critical road also gives access to the strategic Onne Tree Trade Zone where 15 companies erase with a total investment worth $6billion USD. The overall cost of the project was also extensively deliberated with six bridges, anticipated axial load and the pavement section and approved the memorandum.” He stated

     

  • FEC approves N100b for roads, water projects

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N100.2 billion for road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the East West Road and Molete water project.

    This was disclosed by the Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Mohammed, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He was accompanied by the Ministers of FCT, Bala Mohammed, Water, Sarah Ochekpe, and Niger Delta Affairs, Steve Oru.

    According to him, the Council approved five different project memos for the FCT during the meeting.

    He said: “The FCT Minister presented a memo seeking for the upward review of the contract sum for the provision of engineering infrastructure of Wuse District. The minister informed council that the purpose of the memorandum is to seek council’s approval for the upward review of the contract sum for the provision of engineering infrastructure at Wuse district in favour of Messrs Arab Contractors (O.A.O) Nigeria Limited, in the sum of N3,431,290,231.20 thereby revising the contract sum from N39, 681,137,736,46 to N43,112,427,967.67 to accommodate the construction of a flyover bridge at Wuse District, the interaction of Arterial Road N1/Ring Road 1 being Nnamdi Azimiwe Road, as additional work to the contract with an additional completion period of 20 months.”

    He said the Council deliberated extensively on the history of the project which was first awarded in August 2009 and expressed satisfaction with the 67 per cent level of completion reached.

    On the second memo, he said: “The minister of FCT presented a memo for the award of contract for the construction of one service carriageway (14km) of Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) from ring road 111 to ring road IV Abuja Industrial Park in favour of Messrs Salini Nigeria Limited, in the sum of N7, 179,322,294.15 with a completion period of 24 months.”

    According to him, the INEX is one of the key planned expressways provided in the Abuja master plan connecting the ring roads from the central area through phases I, II, III and IV, terminating at the outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).

    He added that the Council also approved the award of contract for consultancy services for the construction of Nigeria’s Cultural Centre and Millennium tower project in Abuja in favour of Messers Sal Consults in the sum of N383, 147,078.13.

    The consultants, he said, are to review the designs, monitor the project and offer full quantity surveying services.

  • FEC okays draft bill on biotech agency

    FEC okays draft bill on biotech agency

    THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a draft bill for an Act to establish the National Biotechnology Development Agency and other related matters.

    The bill is to be transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration.

    The council, among others, also approved the ratification of the memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a consultation mechanism for the integrated management of water resources of the Iullemeden and Taodeni/Tranezrouft Aquifer Systems among seven countries.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Abu Bulama, spoke with State House correspondents at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He was accompanied by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Minister of Water Resources Sarah Ochekpe and the Supervising Minister of Information, Nurudeen Mohammed.

    Bulama noted that the agency had operated without any legislation backing its existence since 2001.

    He said: “In realisation of this and the challenges posed by lack of enabling law and omissions of basic provisions in the subsisting laws, necessitated the proposed Bill for enactment into law.

    “The Act will also ensure improved service delivery, efficiency and promote sustenance in the development and application of acceptable and profitable technologies through strategic investments in Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D) to support innovation”, Bulama said.

    Ochekpe also said the council approved the ratification of the memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a consultation mechanism for the integrated management of water resources of the Iullemeden, Taodeni/Tranezrouft Aquifer Systems among seven countries in the trans-boundary aquifer systems in West and North Africa.

    The countries, she said, include Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria.

    According to her, the MOU would facilitate partnerships to address common environmental challenges, including management of trans-boundary water resources and the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, notably those addressing desertification, biodiversity and climate change.

    “The main objective of the project is to evaluate the water potential and enhance the improvement of the general knowledge of the Iullemeden, Taodeni/Tranezrouft Aquifer systems, identifying major trans-boundary risks resulting from over exploitation, climate change and elaborating and monitoring water resources development and its vulnerability indicators,” she stated.

    She said the attorney-general of the federation and minister of Justice had been directed to prepare the requisite instrument of ratification.

    The council also yesterday approved a memo presented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment for the notification of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of Nigeria’s Category A commitment.

    The multilateral deal, Aganga noted, was aimed at simplifying customs procedures and enhancing competitiveness.

    The measures, he added, were expected to reduce cost of doing business and other associated costs, improve speed and efficiency in the clearance of goods from seaports, airports and land border posts.

    The minister said the document was geared towards helping member-countries to update their infrastructure, as well as train Customs and other border agencies’ officials to implement the agreement.

  • Maku’s last special FEC briefing

    The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who normally led ministers to brief journalists at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings on the decisions taken by the government, had his last forum with journalists on Wednesday last week.

    Maku is among the seven ministers who had indicated interest in contesting for the governorship election in his state and therefore will not attend FEC meetings from tomorrow.

    The briefing, last week, was held in a special way different from previous ones.

    The briefing, which started few minutes after 2:00 p.m. at the normal venue with the ministers and journalists seated in the hall, was abruptly stopped midway.

    The Chief of Staff (COS), Brig.-General Jones Arogbofa (rtd) had informed Maku and his team before the briefing begun that the President was scheduled to hold a meeting with his Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and other key aides at the venue by 2:00 p.m.

    Noticing that the briefing was taking too long, the COS who stood behind the television cameramen gestured to Maku more than three times to round off the briefing.

    But Maku, who was busy highlighting the major outcomes of the FEC meeting, appeared not to have seen the COS’s gestures.

    To prevent a situation where Mr. President is ushered into the hall when it was not ready for him, the COS had to jump in front of the cameras and stopped the briefing, saying, “Hon. Ministers, we have to stop this now. Mr. President will soon be here.”

    Maku, his team and the journalists had no option than to stay at the corridor outside the hall to continue the briefing.