Tag: Fed Govt

…initiates skill acquisition for 7m youths

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to implement a comprehensive range of programmes to tackle unemployment in the country.

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio – Ibrahim made this known during the commemoration of the 2024 World Youth Skills Day with the Theme: “Youth Skills For Peace & Development.”

The minister revealed that the government has put in place programmes designed to address unemployment among Nigeria’s rapidly growing youth population.

She said that these programmes would also provide opportunities for youths to enter the workforce and contribute to the nation’s economy.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, the minister lamented the “escalating youth unemployment and underscored the proactive approach adopted by the ministry to address it.”

She said: “As a part of its core mandate, the Ministry recently orchestrated an extensive and meticulously planned capacity building programmes specifically tailored to the fashion design and tailoring business sectors. This multifaceted initiative also involved the establishment and furnishing of a cutting-edge tailoring hub located within the premises of the National Youth Development Centre in Odeomu, Osun State.

“The hub boasts a comprehensive array of modern fashion and tailoring machinery, providing a conducive environment for aspiring young entrepreneurs to acquire and hone their skills in the domains of fashion design and associated enterprises. The Ministry is dedicated to offering a platform for interested youth to access the center and take advantage of the invaluable opportunities for skill development and empowerment it presents.”

The minister observed that millions of young people around the world are unemployed and not involved in any meaningful and sustainable work, adding that the majority of these individuals live in developing countries, where they are underemployed and are continually exposed to low-quality jobs, and greater labour market inequality.

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She said: “The 2024 World Skills Day is expected to create synergy among all key players in youth development. I believe that the programme will successfully increase enthusiasm for skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. It will challenge everyone to create a commendable platform to launch a new project on skill acquisition and development that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Olawande Ayodele, on his part, underscored the government’s resolve to equip the youth with vital skills for enhanced employability.

Olawande, who emphasised the importance of job fairs, observed that Nigeria has had trade fairs over the years and that it was time to have job fairs to promote skill acquisition.

He declared that in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda; he was determined to ensure that seven million Nigerian Youths acquire at least two skills each within the next two years.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dunoma Ahmed equally stressed the ministry’s commitment to advancing skills acquisition, nurturing peace and propelling socio-economic growth throughout Nigeria.

The Guest speaker, Engineer Kashim Ali, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), also admonished youths to acquire skills. Ali challenged members of the public to engage in skill acquisitions regardless of age or qualifications.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Youth, Adeyemi Adaramodu described the skill development initiative as a positive development by the ministry.

Adaramodu assured the ministry that he was ready to legislate on any measure that would enhance the lives of Nigerian youths.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday said the Federal Government is steadfast in its mission to transform the power sector.

He spoke at the 9th edition of Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF 2024) conference in Lagos, with the theme:  ‘Energising Sustainable Industrialisation’.

The minister said over the years, “we have increased our installed generation capacity by bringing new power plants on line and rehabilitating existing ones.

“This has resulted in a substantial increase in the overall power supply to the national grid.”

Adelabu, represented by Dr. Sunday Owolabi, director, Renewables and Rural Development, called on stakeholders, government agencies, private sector partners, international organisations and Nigerians “to join them in this endeavour.”

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Head, Client Relations, Anglo West Africa, Afrexim Bank, Mr. Peter Olowononi, said the bank is one of the biggest financial institutions supporting energy and industrialisation in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer, All On, Caroline Eboumbou, said the mission of the company was accelerating the closing of access to energy gap in Nigeria with a special focus on Niger Delta.

Svein Baera, Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, said: “We are supporting deployment of solar and battery energy for supermarket chain, Justrite in Nigeria, and delivering an energy for development programme, for mitigating gas flaring in oil and gas installations.”

The federal government has engaged stakeholders on earmarking $50 million for state solar plant pilots and crucial upgrades to the electricity infrastructure.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of finance said the engagement is part of a broader effort to enhance power distribution and support market reforms aimed at fostering economic growth and development.

The plan includes the rollout of 3.5 million electricity meters to improve power distribution across the country. Additionally, the government is implementing measures to support tariff frameworks and market reforms.

The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, chaired a crucial meeting with World Bank delegates on Monday. The delegation was led by Dr. Ndiamé Diop, Country Director for Nigeria, and included Ms. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy.

The meeting took place at the Minister’s office in Abuja and underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting power sector investments as a major priority for achieving the desired objectives.

Edun reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to repositioning the economy for the future, stressing that innovative strategies are essential to driving the power sector forward.

He noted the focus on World Bank-supported initiatives such as the Power Sector Recovery Operation (PSRO) and the Distribution Sector Recovery Program (DISREP).

These programmes aim to improve power distribution and management systems, ensuring sustainable economic growth and development.

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The collaboration with the World Bank is poised to strengthen Nigeria’s power sector, enhance energy access, and promote economic growth. By improving job creation and poverty alleviation, these efforts align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Both the Minister and World Bank delegates expressed their commitment to working together towards achieving these ambitious goals for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The engagement with relevant stakeholders is expected to catalyze further investments in the power sector, thereby driving the nation’s economic transformation.

The Minister of the State Ministry of Environment, Iziaq Kunle Salako, announced on Thursday, July 11, that the ministry has developed a four-year National and Strategic Policy Plan on National Antimicrobial Resistance in the country. 

The minister made this announcement at the launch of the Ministerial Press Briefing on the National Antimicrobial Resistance Policy for the environmental sector in Abuja.

He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the global community, is committed to adopting a holistic approach to addressing AMR. 

The minister emphasized that to protect public health, food security, and the environment, it is important to recognize the interconnectedness between human, animal, and environmental health, in line with the One Health principles.

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According to him, “This report shows that the AMR threat is growing at an alarming rate making treatment challenging with longer hospital stays, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs. The World Bank estimates. $ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.

“You will agree with me that antibiotics play a critical role in reducing the burden of communicable diseases all over the world. However, resistance to previously potent antibiotics has become a major problem of major public health significance requiring a range of interventions and a multidisciplinary approach.

“This growing trend of resistance to antibiotics calls for global action to monitor and control the unnecessary use of antibiotics in humans and animals which eventually gets to the environment. The nation stands to gain socio-economic benefits from the effective implementation of the AMR policy through improved public health and increased productivity.”

The Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka Anite, disclosed that the government is committed to supporting small businesses in the informal sector as they contribute largely to the nation’s GDP.

Anite noted that the report will help the government to understand the informal sector’s needs and proffer solutions that would enhance growth.

“We will see how we can take every recommendation and move the reports forward. Be assured of the government’s full support”, she said.

The minister stated this at Nigeria’s Informal Economy Report hosted by Moniepoint Nigeria and SMEDAN in Abuja, she added that this report is most important because the government will rely on this report to better understand the informal sector and know their needs as it aligns with the renewed hope agenda of financial inclusion in the country.

The Director General Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency SMEDAN Charles Odii said the government is doing a lot but the small businesses are not aware, which is why SMEDAN has taken it upon itself to help the small businesses.

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Odii said: “Business owners should endeavour to form an association or corporations so they can access funds for their businesses. There are 40 million businesses operating in Nigeria today and Moniepoint has been able to reach out to 5% out of the 40 million of these businesses”.

He lamented that most businesses decided to remain informal because of stiff government regulations. This among other important reasons is why the government wants to start supporting small businesses in clusters. Small businesses remain the engine room of the economy and serve as the pistons providing momentum.

He said the vast majority of the country’s 40 million small businesses resided in the informal sector, which accounted for millions of jobs in the economy, ensuring their survival and growth remains crucial for poverty elimination, rural industrialization, and the enhancement of livelihoods.

The director general of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabia, disclosed on Tuesday, July 2, that the federal government’s official Act is working to ensure that only those with the necessary clearance have the right to access classified government information.

Arabia stated that exposing this Act could jeopardize national security.

This official Secrets Act plays a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality and national security by establishing a legal framework that protects sensitive government information from unauthorized disclosure.

He noted that by defining and penalizing breaches of confidentiality, the Act deters individuals from leaking sensitive data and reinforces the importance of safeguarding state secrets.

The official secret Act fosters a culture of responsibility and vigilance among public servants and communication managers.

The DG disclosed this during a one-day capacity building, with the theme, “The role of the official secrets Act in maintaining the confidentiality and national security in Abuja, adding that it is the role of the communication managers to ensure the public is well informed.

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According to him, “In today’s environment, communication channels and platforms are highly fragmented. The government cannot afford to be reactive, it must lead to a communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure that citizens are well informed about the objectives and benefits of government policies and programmes”.

Arabia said to avoid pitfalls of misinformation and disinformation especially in the area of fake news and biased analysis prevalent in social media as he charges media communicators to be equipped for effective information management, accurate and prompt information delivery is essential and cannot be compromised as it impacts on service delivery and governance.

The federal government has initiated measures to enhance financial transparency and accountability with the launch of the Revenue Assurance and Central Disbursement Solutions for government agencies.

Minister of Finance and coordinating minister for the economy, Wale Edun, has convened a stakeholder meeting to discuss the implementation and benefits of these solutions.

The meeting focused on how to implement the Revenue Assurance and Central Disbursement Solutions for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Federal Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

The new system aims to streamline the collection and disbursement process for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as FG-Owned Enterprises.

The government expects this to significantly enhance transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed.

The new system offers a two-pronged approach to financial oversight.

The system will ensure that beneficiary payments are made directly, eliminating potential loopholes for misuse of funds.

Additionally, any payments due to the federal government will be automatically deducted at source, streamlining the collection process.

By integrating with both the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and non-GIFMIS platforms, the Revenue Assurance and Central Disbursement Solutions system will provide a comprehensive view of government revenue generation.

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This consolidated dashboard will offer real-time insights into the financial health of various government entities.

The stakeholders brought together for the successful implementation of this initiative include the Special Adviser to the President on Energy; the Special Adviser to the President on ICT; the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS)

The collaborative effort of these stakeholders suggests a commitment from the government to ensure the system’s smooth rollout and effectiveness.

Fed Govt reaffirms commitment to implement biological weapons convention

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits the development, production, acquisition, and retention of biological weapons.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention in Nigeria, organised by the National Authority on Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions (NAC&BWC) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

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A statement yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, said the commitment is in line with international efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The government has established an Inter-Ministerial Council (IMC) comprising 42 members from various ministries, departments, agencies, private sectors, and academia, to provide policy guidance and direction on issues related to the Biological Weapon Convention implementation.

The statement reads: “The Federal Government has re-affirmed its commitment to implement the tenets of the Biological Weapons Convention by not developing, producing, acquiring or retaining biological weapons in line with the international community’s efforts to address the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Youth Party has urged Federal Government to prioritise needs of citizens amid high cost of living.

In a statement by National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, the party said Nigerians, including Muslim faithful, are struggling with record-high inflation, which has driven up the costs of ram, tomatoes, rice and other food items.

The party urged the government to discharge its responsibilities to people, adding it is only when this is done that there can be love between government and the governed.

Youth Party stressed the need to prioritise needs of Nigerians, saying democracy can only thrive when basic needs of people are met.

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It added the combination of higher costs and decreased customer spending are creating a challenging environment for buyers and sellers.

The party said something must be done about high cost of transport and food.

Youth Party congratulated Muslims and prayed their supplications and sacrifice this season and  after will receive rewards from Allah

The federal government has called on Accountants General across the country to uphold the highest standards of accountability, credibility, and transparency in managing public finances.

This message came during the 2024 Capacity Building and Training Programme for Accountants General across Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday. 

The programme focused on strengthening public finance management practices. 

Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), who gave the charge, stated that as custodians of public resources, accountants hold a significant responsibility to ensure funds are used efficiently, effectively, and for their intended purposes. 

She stressed that accountability not only fosters trust among citizens but also enhances the credibility of the financial system. 

“It is our duty to establish and maintain robust mechanisms that can plan, report, and update the use of public funds to meet the expectations of our stakeholders and uphold our policies,” she said.

According to Dr. Madein, credibility in the accounting profession is built on consistency, reliability, and ethical behavior. 

She called for actions guided by the highest standards of professional conduct, emphasizing transparency and open communication with stakeholders. “Building credibility requires continuous commitment to professional development and adherence to best practices in public finance management,” she added.

She also noted the critical role of transparency, describing it as the foundation of good governance.

Transparency promotes openness, fosters trust, and deters corruption. Dr. Madein urged accountants to ensure financial information is accessible, comprehensible, and timely. 

She emphasised the importance of engaging with civil society and other bodies to provide a clear picture of how public resources are utilized.

Highlighting the need for innovation, Dr. Madein encouraged the adoption of new technologies to enhance capabilities. She mentioned integrated financial management systems and data analysis as tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. 

Additionally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning within accounting offices was highlighted as essential for achieving excellence.

The Accountant General acknowledged contemporary challenges such as economic volatility, fiscal pressure, and increasing public scrutiny. 

However, she viewed these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and leadership.

“By staying informed about global trends, adopting best practices, and collaborating with peers, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and development,” she said.

The retreat provided a platform to discuss and strategize on contemporary issues in public finance management.

Umar B. Ahmed, Accountant General of Sokoto State and Chairman of the Forum of Accountants General, underscored the theme of the retreat, “Contemporary Issues in Public Finance Management: A Call for Accountability, Credibility, and Transparency in Governance.” 

He noted the critical role accountants play in shaping the financial landscape of Nigeria.

Ahmed emphasised the need for high standards of accountability, credibility, and transparency. 

He called for the embrace of technology and modern practices to enhance financial reporting and tracking. 

He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, adhering to professional ethics, and avoiding conflicts of interest. 

“Our decisions should be guided by policies, rules, and regulations in the pursuit of the common good,” Ahmed stated.

Ahmed also pointed out the importance of capacity building and collaboration among accountants. 

He encouraged active participation in the training programme to enhance skills and exchange knowledge. 

“We are stronger together,” he said, urging accountants to share best practices and forge partnerships to drive positive change.

The retreat aims to equip accountants with the tools and knowledge needed to address the contemporary issues in public finance management effectively.