The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fed Govt

Fed Govt begins enforcement of 12-yr minimum age for apprenticeship scheme

The federal government has insisted that the minimum age for individuals to engage in apprenticeship in Nigeria was from 12 years and above.

The minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said this at a rally to round off the sensitisation in Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja on Thursday.

The government commenced the enforcement with sensitisation programmes in the six geo-political zones of the country.

She warned that anyone engaging an apprentice who is below the age limit of 12 is indulging in child labour which breaches the United Nations and International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and standards.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Skills Development and Certification Department, Mohammed Suraj under whose purview the enforcement falls, said the policy has been clearly spelt out under Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN.

She described the theme of this year’s sensitisation programme as apt, noting that it would enhance job creation through skills acquisition.

The geo-political zones where the sensitisation programme has been held are South-East, Umuahia, Abia State, South West, Ondo state, South South, River state, North Central, Makurdi, Benue state, North East, Gombe, Gombe state and North West, Katsina, Katsina state.

The minister said beyond the sensitisation programme, the ministry was devicing ways to boost employment generation through issuing the Trade Test Certificate of Competence to deserving beneficiaries.

To qualify for the training scheme, Onyejeocha said an apprentice must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development and Certification in order to maintain standard before training commences.

She explained that the training curriculum undergoes periodic review to conform to international best practices and technological advancement.

Read Also: Fed Govt publishes 2023 FAAC allocations

She said: “Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN clearly spelt out the minimum age for apprenticeship in Nigeria to be 12 years. Anyone engaging an apprentice who is below this age is indulging in child labour according to the United Nation and International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention and standards.

“Our apprentices undergo oral, written and practical tests at the end of training after which the trade test certificate of competence will be issued to successful candidate at a subsidised fee.

“At our training workshop safety precautions and regulations are strictly enforced by skills Department and Certification Officers and Safety Officers of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in order to avoid accidents and death.

“Apprentice must be seen to work under a good, safe and satisfactory conditions.”

February 16, 2024
Fed govt begins social intervention to alleviate suffering of Nigerians

The federal government has rolled out special intervention to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians in the area of health care, food prices and other areas of life.

The Minister, Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo spoke at the official commissioning and presentation of vital medical equipment to selected healthcare institutions in Nigeria organized by the National Lottery Trust Fund in Abuja.

He said: “The government is not stopping in Abuja alone, it will extend to other parts of the country, and the 2024 budget will capture all of these. This is one of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s agenda of renewed hope, we assure Nigerians of this hope by providing all health materials and equipments to health centers at the primary and secondary level, it will get to wards and local governments.

“Without health there is little we can do as humans. We urge all beneficiaries to maintain these equipments, the government is in the season of generating revenue so more of these interventions will come.

Speaking, the Executive Secretary/CEO, National Lottery Trust Fund, NLTF, Bello Maigari, noted that the fund plans to cover the 36 states of the federation. This is all in a bid to improve access to quality healthcare.

These projects, he said, were initiated and funded through proceeds raised from the lottery and gaming sector, adding that Nigerians hope to benefit from the investments in all areas including the health sector.

Read Also: Food crisis, hardship: Fed Govt, States launch emergency action

He added: “This ground breaking event is one of many of its kind since the beginning of our programme intervention in health in the last few years. Our plan is to cover the entire 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital working to improve access to quality healthcare services and providing a platform that promotes highest standard of care to our rural people.”

Some of the medical equipment include medical waste incinerator, blood bank refrigerator, ultrasound machine, dialysis machine, ambulance vehicle, electric ICU bed, wheelchairs and an autoclave, amongst others.

February 9, 2024
Fed govt to Labour unions: we will implement all agreements

The federal government has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) of its unwavering commitment to fully implement all agreements reached with them.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, gave the assurance on Friday, February 9, at a media conference to respond to the 14-day ultimatum that the two labour unions had given the federal government to implement the 16-point agreement reached with them on 2nd October, 2023.

She emphasised that government had no intention of reneging on the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the two labour organisations, and urged them to continue demonstrating restraint in their decisions and actions, saying the government keeps working to address the challenges currently faced by the nation.

The minister said that the government would continue leveraging on “the principles of social dialogue, valuing the input of our social partners, with the goal of creating a better Nigeria for all.”

She said: “We wish to reassure Nigerians that this government is fully committed to honouring its obligations to workers and the less privileged in Nigeria.

“We will ensure the complete implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) we entered into with Organized Labour. Our word is our bond.

“I can confidently say that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration stands firmly with the people, and the President is tirelessly working to ensure that everything is done to address the needs and concerns of the nation.”

Addressing the issues raised by the labour, Onyejeocha stated that the government had already commenced delivery on its agreement with the unions, but noted that implementation of some of them are in stages, and processes are ongoing to achieve full implementation.

She said: “The N35,000 wage award agreed upon between the government and organized labour is currently being implemented. However, we have received complaints regarding non-implementation in some public sector organisations as well as the private sector. The Ministry is actively addressing these issues to ensure compliance across all sectors.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has intervened in the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) matter with the Lagos State Government. As a result, up to 80% of the agreement with the RTEAN management has been fulfilled, and ongoing efforts are in place to complete the remaining process.”

She also noted that the federal government recently inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee to recommend a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, “all in a bid to mitigate the hardship the Nigerian citizens are facing.”

Read Also: ‘Fed Govt to punish hoarders of food items’

Onyejeocha stated that in line with ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, “the government is actively implementing its plan to go green with the implementation of the Presidential CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Initiative designed to alleviate the challenges arising from subsidy removal and transition Nigeria permanently to cheaper, safer and more reliable gas produced domestically for transport.

“Provisions have also been made for an initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits as part of the commencement of the auto gas conversion programme. Development of the state-of-the-art CNG conversion centres nationwide is also ongoing with the aim to deliver one million converted bi-fuel CNG/PMS vehicles to enable transporters and mass transit operators convert their vehicles that run on PMS to gas (which is forty to fifty percent cheaper than PMS).

“Additionally, the government through the Ministry of Finance, is procuring up to 11,500 CNG vehicles, including buses and tricycles, that will be rolled out in fulfillment of the President’s promise by financing them at concessionary rate, even as production and assembly are ongoing locally and will be delivered in the next few months.”

February 9, 2024
Fed Govt, Lagos partner to develop agric sector

Lagos State Office of Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI) is developing industrialised and commercialised agricultural sector, thus joining Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Bauchi, Benue and Delta states.

Permanent Secretary in Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nura Rimi, said the initiative is to ‘develop the non-oil sector by boosting production, encouraging value addition and export for increased foreign exchange, wealth and job creation’.

He added: “This will enhance manufacturing process to transform commodities to value-added state. The intention is to unlock the latent value in commodities for high premium and satisfaction of consumers.

“The initiative is focused on four components – Food and Beverages, Textile and Garments, Leather and leather products as well as Products Inspection Services – to ensure quality and standard. It also seeks to develop agro-industry by encouraging backward integration, import substitution, local patronage, industrial partnerships for growing agribusiness, such as low cost of raw materials, low cost of production and reduced costs of doing business.

Read Also; Fed Govt to save N500m annually from FAAN relocation, says Keyamo

“As policy makers, we will create the enabling environment, facilitate linkages among stakeholders and ensure the required framework for sustainability of NAADI.

“We are interested because the programme will stimulate equity investment in critical sectors driving trade and export; diversify agro-industrial base; reduce dependence on imports; support youths and women in export supply chains, as well as raise exports of value-added goods and services.”

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described the initiative as ‘a testament to the government’s dedication to converting agricultural prowess into high-value products…’’

driving industrial growth, and ensuring economic stability’.

She said: “NAADI is carefully designed in alignment with the framework established by UNIDO’s African Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative (3ADI), launched in March 2022. By adopting and localising this model, NAADI aims to modernise our traditional agricultural sector and foster a thriving agribusiness ecosystem.

“This initiative is a crucial step towards achieving food security, job creation, wealth generation, and sustainable economic growth.

The scope of NAADI is broad and inclusive, encompassing agro-based industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, textile and garment production, and leather products manufacturing. Furthermore, it extends to agro-allied industries, including agricultural input, agro-machinery, and livestock feeds manufacture. This diversity ensures that NAADI addresses various sectors, contributing to a robust and resilient agro-industrial base.

“Our objectives are clear and ambitious. We aim to diversify Lagos productive base, reduce import dependence, stimulate job creation, promote exports, and enhance the profitability of agribusiness and agro-industry investments. These goals align with our broader vision of economic transformation and self-reliance.

“NAADI’s target beneficiaries are wide-ranging, from small producers to large-scale enterprises, including both private and public service providers. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of this initiative permeate through various layers of our society, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and growth.

“The acquisition of this space and today’s formal opening ceremony, which will be followed up with training, has further confirmed the state’s readiness to use NAADI’s platform to bolster the development of agrobusiness and agro industrial development. It will also complement the giant strides already made in the area of capacity building on e-commerce for MSMEs in agribusiness value chain.”

February 1, 2024
Fed Govt, Morocco in talks on gas pipeline

In a bid to fast-track the process of achieving the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, the Federal Government has intensified discussions with the Kingdom of Morocco.

The discussion which held on January 24, 2024, on the side-lines of a meeting between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Ms. Leila Benali, was anchored by the NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President, Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, and the Director General of the Morocco National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), Mme Amina Benkhadra.

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, made this disclosure in a press statement yesterday.

According to the statement, the talks focused on how to drive the partnership between the two countries to accelerate the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline Project in line with the series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the two countries in Abuja in 2022.

Read Also; Edo guber: I won’t be bullied out of race, says Philip Shaibu

Both parties emphasised the strategic importance of the project to the two countries and the entire African continent and the need to drive it to completion expeditiously in line with the objective of stemming energy poverty on the African continent.

It would be recalled that the Cooperation Agreement for the 48″ x 5,300Km pipeline from Nigeria to Dhakia (Morocco) and 1,700km from Dhakia to Northern Morocco was signed in 2017 with a capacity of 30 billion cubic meter (bcm) per year (equivalent of 3.0 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day).

The pipeline would traverse Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, and terminate in Morocco with a spur to Spain.

Due to the international nature of the project, the ECOWAS Commission is saddled with the responsibility to, among other things facilitate inter-governmental treaty and host government agreements, establishment of Pipeline Higher Authority, and alignment with AU, UN and other relevant international bodies.

The project, among other things, will help drive the monetisation of Nigeria’s gas resources, maintain NNPC Ltd.’s energy leadership in Africa, and promote economic and regional cooperation among African Countries.

January 26, 2024
Fed Govt issues N2b savings bonds in 2024’s maiden issuance
- Investors up stakes on sovereign assets
The Federal Government has raised about N2 billion from the latest issuance of the monthly retail savings bonds as investors continued to show strong appetite for sovereign securities.

The January 2024 tranches of the monthly retail bond issuance, otherwise known as Federal Government of Nigeria Savings Bond (FGNSB), were the first debt issuances by the government in the year.

Allotment reports at the weekend indicated that the government raised about N1.998 billion in two-year and three-year bonds. A total of N603.42 million was raised under the two-year bond while N1.394 billion was raised under the three-year bond.

The latest issuances represented double-digit increases on the previous allotments in December 2023. The allotment for two-year bonds represented an increase of 26.25 per cent on N477.98 million raised in December 2023 while the latest three-year bond issuance was an increase of 16.61 per cent on N1.196 billion recorded in previous month.

The Debt Management Office (DMO), which oversees government’s debt issuance and management, had offered the two tranches of FGNSBs of two-year and three-year tenors with coupons of 11.033 per cent and 12.033 per cent respectively. The January 2024 issuance is the 79th tranche of the savings bond, introduced in 2017.

The two-year and three-year sovereign retail bonds would mature on January 17, 2026 and January 17, 2027.

Minimum subscription to the pro-low savers bonds was N5,000 with maximum subscription per subscriber capped at N50 million. Application list for the bonds had closed on Friday January 12, 2024, with settlement date on January 17, 2024.

The FGNSBs are designed to have most of the features of the existing sovereign bond but with other benefits to the bondholder, including low amount of minimum subscription, listing on stock exchange and trading on the bonds.

It will also be backed by the full faith of the Federal Government of Nigeria and is therefore deemed risk-free.

The coupon is paid on a quarterly basis, providing investors with a regular stream of incomes. The coupon payment dates for the bonds being issued are April 17, July 17, October 17 and January 17.

Read Also: Minimum wage panel ready this month, says Fed Govt

The FGNSB was introduced in 2017 as a mass instrument for nationwide mobilization of savings and investments. Minimum subscription to the FGNSB is usually N5, 000 while the bond pays coupon or interest rate on a quarterly basis.

Usually, the minimum subscription to the bonds, offered at N1,000 per unit, is N5,000 or five units and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.

GTI Securities Limited, one of the authorised distribution agents for the FGNSB, had explained that the savings bonds help to deepen national savings culture while providing opportunity to Nigerians irrespective of income level to contribute to and benefit from national development.

According to the stockbroking firm, FGNSB enables Nigerians the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the favourable returns available in the capital market.

GTI Securities noted that the savings bonds are acceptable as collateral for loans by banks and can be sold for cash in the secondary market before maturity.

The bonds are usually listed on the stock exchange for trading, thus providing liquidity for investors who want to exit before maturity.
January 22, 2024
Fed Govt, Saudi Arabia to collaborate on mining devt

The Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be collaborating to enhance the development of solid minerals in the country.

The collaboration between the two countries is being embarked upon as the world transitions from fossil fuels to cleaner energy.

The agreement was made at a meeting on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) holding in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Bandar AlKhorayef, led the delegations of both countries to the bilateral meeting.

Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Segun Tomori in a press statement said Alake harped on the need to forge the partnership, emphasizing that global energy transition is contingent on critical minerals, which he stated exist in abundance in Nigeria.

Read Also; Iwuanyanwu: Tinubu should prioritise restructuring Nigeria

““We need a lot of investments in exploration, exploitation, extraction, processing, local value addition. We realize that we must look at regions outside of Africa to collaborate, further consolidate, and enhance our capacity in exploring and exploiting the natural resources that we have. For us to maximally utilize, exploit, and derive maximum revenue for our own economic and infrastructural development, we need to have a very solid partnership with nations like Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has always displayed good affinity to Nigeria, and it is historical. We have always been desirous of reciprocating this very positive gesture, and there is no better area to ensure that reciprocity than to ensure we consolidate on our partnerships in areas of economic development. We are willing and open to investments in Nigeria, especially in the mining sector,” the minister said.

Speaking further, Alake made a case for investment in local value addition involving processing of solid minerals that will culminate in production and establishment of factories in Nigeria, which he noted will generate employment and have a multiplier effect on the economy. He emphasized the readiness of the Nigerian team to work with their Saudi Arabian counterpart to finetune specifics and map out strategies to concretize areas of collaboration within a specified time frame.

Throwing light on incentives for investment, Alake cited the policy of President Bola Tinubu on repatriation of profits by foreign investors, tax waivers on imported equipment specifically directed at the mining sector and a rejigged security architecture which he hinted will soon come on stream to effectively secure mining areas in the country.

Responding, Mr. AlKhorayef shared the position of Nigeria on the fundamentals of diversifying the economy with emphasis on the mining sector. He said Saudi Arabia also places a premium on local value addition whilst welcoming collaboration with Nigeria.

Both countries thereafter resolved to set up a joint technical committee to follow through in areas of partnership coupled with a workable action plan, guided by timelines, to harness areas of comparative advantage for mining sector development.

January 11, 2024
Fed Govt, Abu Dhabi collaborate on 14,000 qualified artisans

The Federal Government is concluding plans with the government of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to supply it with 14,000 qualified artisans from Nigeria.

The artisans, whom the government intends to train and retrain under the Skill Up Artisan Programme (SUPA) of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), would earn themselves golden visas from the government of Abu Dhabi.

ITF Director-General, Afiz Oluwatoyin made this known yesterday in Abuja at a meeting with associations of artisans and people in the hospitality and tourism industry.

He said: “The renewed hope agenda of the President now mandates me to carry out the upscaling of the artisans actually. That is the number four in the Act of ITF. But we have not been doing that. The President says it is time because he wants the entire Nigeria to benefit from this government.

“So, we train them as artisans who have categories depending on the previous knowledge they have. I go back to the UN General Assembly when the President, in conjunction with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Finance, launched the National Talent Export Programme.”

Read Also; Police deny alleged kidnapping of 200 in Abuja

Oluwatoyin added: “We are expecting the majority of talents to be coming from the artisans but you need to polish your talent. You need to polish it to international standard. That’s why I bought the super; that’s why we have been mandated by the President to carry out this assignment. Now, this first three exits, the first exit is like a conduit pipe you know the conduit pipe? It’s a strong one. That’s why I use the word conduit. Those of you who are builders, you know what I’m talking about.

“We have started talking with other countries, talks have been advanced and we’re signing memorandum of understanding (MoU) with countries. This conduit pipe will organise our artisans and we ask them in that country. What do you need? What trade areas do you need?”

We all know that, as I’ve said earlier, Nigerians everywhere in the world are the best at what they do. Like you guys are the best and they know this. But the problem they have is that, Nigerians go there by themselves, unorganised.

“We are already very affirming our partnership with like the Germany and UAE. We have a pipe between us. We ask them what they need. They give us the trade area they need to supply them. We tell them this is the way you treat our artisans. Just as I’ve said in my years in Dubai, I find out that our girls some of them that work in the hotels and hotel management and tourism, “They keep complaining that the Filipinos are given special treatment. When I asked them why, they say yes because of their government supports them and our government has abandoned us but they didn’t go through the Nigerian government. This is the opportunity for Nigeria artisans to go out.

“By this programme, you can go out as a Nigerian artisan through the Nigeria government through the super program and eventually we would be treated better than the Filipinos. After supplying them with our artisans, we would tell them this is how you treat our people. This is the salary you can give. As a matter of fact, the Abu Dhabi government already told us what they need, we are talking of only the Abu Dhabi government in United Arab Emirates.

“Abu Dhabi alone is asking us for 14,000 artisans that they will give golden visas. Having worked in Dubai for 19years in the academia, I did not have the golden visa. They give golden Visas to people who contribute billions to their economy. Those are the people they give golden visas to. It is no longer the issue of Nigerians going to Dubai to get involved in bad things like cultism and the rest, they like Nigerians.

“Our minister presented it to them, they became so happy and they have offered something they don’t even offer some top doctors; they have promised this to our artisans. If you’re going to be giving golden visa that means your salary will be top notch. That means your position of service would be high.

“We can tell them please this is the type of insurance we want for our people. This is the type of insurance we want for them will be able to talk, will be able to demand. Why? Because we have quality artisans this includes other countries in the Gulf region including Qatar. Qatar is calling us already. So when other individuals see the type of people we’re bringing out, they will also key in. We are looking for countries to key in. They will be looking for us by the time the products start coming out. That is just one leg of our trainers. Some of the trainers will be from you. Some of the trainers will be Germans some of the trainers will be British. Some will be Americans. We are going to bring in trainers.

“Over the weekend, I was having a meeting with the officials from Abu Dhabi and I asked them to give me their curriculum for these three areas. I said we need your curriculum.

“There are also many companies in Nigeria. When I came in, I don’t want to mention them. I heard that this particular company in Nigeria shipped in about 10,000 artisans. I don’t want to mention the name some of you know, this is insulting. A as I said over 60per cent of Nigeria are artisans. Well, you cannot blame the company, because our artisans are below international standard.”

In response, member of the Council of Registered Builders in Nigeria, Tosin Umar urged the government to endeavour it gets in touch with artisans that ITF had trained in the past and connect them to such opportunities.

He said several artisans in the country are aware of opportunities for them in the region but because they try to seek out such opportunities by themselves without involving the government, they easily get duped by criminals.

January 11, 2024
Fed Govt mulls formalisation of 1m businesses
- Tinubu determined to eliminate bottlenecks in MSMEs
Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday announced the Federal Government’s plans to formalize one million businesses across Nigeria at a discounted rate.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

The Vice President disclosed the plan when he launched the Expanded National MSME Clinic in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, marking the first stop on a nationwide journey to empower small and medium-sized businesses.

MSME Clinic, the first of its kind under the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, was designed to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by breaking down barriers and providing crucial resources.

Benue’s pioneership of the MSME Clinic sets the stage for a nationwide rollout scheduled to traverse Ebonyi, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in a meticulously planned itinerary for the first half of 2024.

This will culminate in the National MSME Awards, a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit coinciding with World MSME Day, on June 27, 2024 in Abuja.

Addressing a crowd of entrepreneurs and stakeholders at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi, Shettima emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a thriving MSME ecosystem.

He acknowledged the crucial role MSMEs play in job creation and economic development, even as he pledged government’s unwavering support to empower them.

“We have everything to guide your ambition,” Shettima assured while delivering his speech entitled, “Benue State: Nurturing Enterprises, Embracing Prosperity.”

Stating that his principal, President Tinubu, is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria and will persist until these issues are resolved, the VP noted that the N75 billion loan scheme from Bank of Industry (BoI) and Access Bank’s discounted N50 billion fund offer is already in place as crucial financial support for entrepreneurs.

Read Also: Fed Govt to probe degree racketeering in foreign, private varsities

He said: “We currently have in place a N75 billion nine per cent single-digit loan from BoI. Additionally, Access Bank has made N50 billion of their fund available to MSMEs at a discounted rate of 15per cent, which could significantly increase based on loan performance. Mr. President is committed to resolving the bottlenecks affecting the MSME space in Nigeria and will persist until these issues are resolved.”

The Vice President hailed the state’s industrious spirit and entrepreneurial drive, describing it as a “beacon of inspiration” for the entire country.

“This clinic isn’t just about fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise,” declared Shettima, adding “it’s a tribute to Benue’s unmatched work ethic and entrepreneurial drive.”

Lauding the state’s dedication to agriculture, art and commerce, he pointed out that “these stand as a testament to the remarkable productivity ingrained within the core of Benue State.

“Every business owner in Benue, whether in Makurdi or Otukpo, Gboko or Katsina-Ala, is a priority,” he added.

Shettima also announced plans by President Tinubu for a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi, dedicated to the state’s thriving tailoring cluster which, according to him, is set to be operational within 90 days.

“Now, hear another piece of good news from Mr. President: His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed, has unveiled the plan to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi for use by small businesses in the tailoring cluster in the state. This hub will be ready in 90 days,” the Vice President stated.

Earlier in his address, the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, declared that the state is open for business, just as he emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting and empowering small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) as a key driver of economic growth.

The Governor highlighted the diverse range of MSMEs thriving in Benue, from organic food producers like Andor Global Foods to innovative motorcycle builders and traditional attire weavers.

He also celebrated Aorkwagh Farms’ work in regenerative farming and the “Made in Benue” brand’s creativity as examples of the state’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Governor Alia who lauded their contributions to local agriculture, healthy living and cultural heritage however acknowledged the challenges faced by MSMEs, including insecurity, regulatory hurdles, and access to finance.

He assured participants that his administration was actively tackling these issues by streamlining processes, removing bottlenecks and enacting laws against extortion, including “matching ground.”

Also, Benue State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Orpin Alumo, noted that the MSMEs Clinic will mark the turning around of Benue State, moving it from a civil service state to an industrial state.

Other dignitaries at the MSME Clinic Launch included Deputy Governor of Benue State, Barr. Sam Ode; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Aondona Dajoh; Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese; members of the National and State Assemblies, and members of the State Executive and Security Council, among others.

The Vice President was joined at the event by heads of key agencies, including Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bank of Agriculture (BoA), BoI, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

The clinic also promises immediate access to working capital, formalization assistance through the CAC, and export guidance from NEPC. Agencies like NAFDAC and SON were present at the launch to facilitate product certification, while FIRS offers tax advisory services.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima took time in the state and visited the Ichwa IDP camp in Makurdi, offering solace and support to those displaced by conflict.

He met with families, listened to their stories of loss and displacement and assured them of President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to their well-being.

The VP promised continued humanitarian aid, explored avenues for skills development and livelihood opportunities within the camp, pledging to expedite the process of safe resettlement.
January 10, 2024
Fed Govt, China partner on new steel plant

• To commence production of military hardware in Ajaokuta

The Federal Government is partnering Chinese Company, Luan Steel Holding Group to build a new steel plant in Nigeria.

The partnership hopes to also commence the building of military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

A statement from the Ministry of Steel Development, explained that this formed the crux of the visit by a delegation of the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe during their tour of Luan Steel Holding Group in Hefei and Guangzhou Regions of China.

The statement explained that Prince Audu stated that the trip to China is one of the steps being taken to realise the goals of reviving the steel industry in Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

According to the minister, work has commenced to create an operational steel industry that would attract billions of dollars of foreign direct investments into the country, open up the nation’s economy, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, which form the core of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Read Also; BAT Parties and FCCPC

He further noted that building military hardware in Ajaokuta Steel Plant is also timely, considering that Nigeria is faced with security challenges. Adding that, this would help in the fight against insecurity and terrorism.

He said: “We had very meaningful discussions with the Chairman of Luan Steel Holding Group, Mr Wang Jianbing, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr Xiao Weizhan, and other senior Executives of the Luan Steel Holding Group.

“Like several other international and local investors, Luan Steel Holding Group has indicated interest in setting up a new Steel Plant in Nigeria, as well as handling a component of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant for building military hardware in Nigeria.

“The Minister of Defence and I led this delegation, which includes the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Steel Development, Dr Mary Ogbe, Sole Administrator/Managing Director of Ajaokuta Steel Company, Mr Sumaila Abdul-Akaba, to enable us have a first-hand look at the Luan steel plants before arriving at a decision.

“With all the commitments on ground, we are optimistic that before the end of President Tinubu’s administration, we will commence commercial Steel Production in some of the government owned entities in Nigeria.”

January 5, 2024