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Tag: Federal government

  • FG, Senate agree over agency to tackle cattle rustling, herders/farmers conflict

    FG, Senate agree over agency to tackle cattle rustling, herders/farmers conflict

    The senate has disagreed with the Federal Government over the Proposal to establish a national bureau charged with the identification and management of cattle, goats and sheep in parts of the country.

    The Senate said that creation of the bureau to identify and manage the animal would serve as a means to forestall cattle rustling as well as curtail conflicts between herders and farmers across the country.

    The proposal for the establishment of the bureau is contained in a Bill seeking to establish National Animal Identification and Management Bureau for the purpose of animal traceability, registration and identification.

    Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbe, vehemently opposed the proposal describing it as unnecessary.

    Ogbe who expressed his objection at a Public Hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, argued that already, there was a department in his ministry saddled with the responsibility for which the agency was being sought.

    The minister insisted that creating the proposed agency would render the some staff of his ministry redundant and serve as a duplication of the functions of department saddled with the duty.

    Senator Abu Ibrahim, who sponsored the bill countered that it is obvious that the ministry has failed to address the content of the Bill.

    Ibrahim added that from all indications, the ministry has no clear cut direction in tackling and bringing to an end, the perennial problem of cattle rustling and farmers and herders conflict which he said has assumed a threatening dimension in recent times.

    The lawmaker who pointing out that the Ministry of Agriculture last held a conference on curbing farmers, herders clash, cattle rustling in 2009, noted that there had been lingering rustling of cattle, herders, farmers clash, to which the ministry has not taken any action to contain.

    On the importance of the Bill, Ibrahim said that if it becomes a law,, cattle could be traced, while the bureau will solve a lot of security questions in the Nigerian meat industry.

    The lawmaker who stated that Nigeria has the largest population of cattle compare to other countries in Africa, lamented that “yet the business of livestock is still localized only within Nigeria because the bureau is not yet in existence.”

    He noted that the country has been denied of gross earnings, since it could not export meat to other countries for lack of meeting international standard.

    Ibrahim also lamented that Nigeria has not keyed into the Pretoria declaration two years after, hence, there was no proper recordings, identification and management of animals in Nigeria.

    He said, “In April 2015, Sub-Saharan African countries including Nigeria adopted a declaration in Pretoria, South Africa, on animal identification and recording.”

    He stoutly canvassed that animal related responsibilities be severed from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for it to function effectively.

    According to him, the bureau would effectively tackle cattle rustling and check the menace of herdsmen/farmers clashes.

    He explained that animal live stocks could easily be identified, the location, and breed known, adding that they will also be traced for purposes of disease surveillance.

    “The challenge of herdsmen and farmers clashes would have been taken care of with the propose bureau. It also means that ownerships, location, breed and other information on animal would have been available for easy tracking if there is animal disease.” he said.

    Ibrahim who regretted that the ministry is only concerned about themselves and how to preserve bureaucracy, he warned that states are now making laws against open grazing, saying that the agency and the Bill could not have come at any better time than now.

    “If cattle are rustled, the owner can be traced through the microchip that is planted in their body. Stolen cattle can equally be recovered”, he said.

    The senator said that the law is already in existence in countries like Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Djibouti, which he said have less cattle than Nigeria.

     

  • FG to protect abuse of nuclear materials 

    FG to protect abuse of nuclear materials 

    The Federal Government Tuesday vowed to protect nuclear materials and radioactive sources from getting into the hands of non-state actors that may use them for destruction and criminal activities.

    The Director General of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Prof. Lawrence Dim noted that the authority’s 2017-2020 strategic plan that affords the nation the first comprehensive blueprint for tackling nuclear safety and security in Nigeria.

    He noted that the agency has emplaced a regulatory control programme for nuclear safety and radiological protection regulation.

    Dim spoke at Abuja during the opening session of information meeting for national nuclear security which theme was “Emerging security threats and the need for integrated approach”, which NNRA organised.

    The meeting whose participants were drawn from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police, Department of State Security, Nigerian Immigration Service, among other security agencies, was meant for enhancing collaboration and fine-tuning strategies at securing nuclear materials and protecting lives and property.

    He noted that by the NNRA activities, the issue of nuclear safety, security and radiation protection has become very topical mainly because Nigerians were now becoming more informed about the harmful effects of the misuse of ionizing radiation.

    However, the NNRA Director General said: “Nigeria has been at the forefront of United Nations and International Atomic Energy (IAEA) efforts in ensuring that nuclear materials and radioactive sources do not fall into the hands of non-state actors and has over the years signed relevant security related international instruments like the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA), Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (CPPNM), the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) and a host of others”.

    Further, he stressed that Nigeria is at the forefront of enhancing national and international nuclear safety and security regime, citing that it is guaranteed through the NNRA’s effective regulatory control programme.

    “It is our best hope of rebuilding trust and confidence, precisely because it promises nobody, outside the national security framework. Without security, our efforts for a better Nigeria will be seriously compromised or will simply not succeed”, he said.

    While delivering a paper on the theme of the meeting, the Director General of the Department of State Security who was represented by Mr. Paul Afunanya, noted that there are growing use of nuclear materials and the concerns to secure it against use by non-state actors.

    He said as the wind of democratic principles blows across the globe, there is growing emergence of non-state actors who constitute great challenge to security in the exercise of their perceived rights.

    He canvassed that in building integration in the areas of handling nuclear materials, there are need for training, peer review, collaboration, and exchange of information among agencies.

    Earlier, the Director of Policy and Strategy, Office of the National Security Adviser, Umar Abba, said the office has been collaborating with NNRA to ensure safety of lives, property and environment.

    He expressed hope that the outcome of the meeting would help in invigorating the nation’s nuclear use information.

  • Appeal Court reserves judgment in appeal against Saraki’s acquittal

    Appeal Court reserves judgment in appeal against Saraki’s acquittal

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in the appeal by the Federal Government asking it to set aside the acquittal of Senate President, Bukola Saraki on charges of false assets declaration.

    A three-man panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson told parties, after they adopted their briefs of argument Tuesday, that the court would inform them when judgment was ready.

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), in a ruling on June 14 this year, discharged and acquitted Saraki on the 18-count charge of false assets declaration, among others, brought against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    In his lead ruling on June 14, CCT;s Chairman, Danladi Umar upheld Saraki’s no-case submission and held that the prosecution was unable to prove it’s allegations against the defendant.

    Dissatisfied with the CCT’s decision, the Federal Government, through the CCB approached the Court of Appeal and sought among others, the voiding of the tribunal’s ruling.

    Details later…

  • AFAN lauds Buhari for increased allocation to agric sector in 2018 Budget

    AFAN lauds Buhari for increased allocation to agric sector in 2018 Budget

    The Kaduna State chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria ( AFAN ) on Monday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the increased allocation to agriculture in the 2018 budget proposal.

    The state AFAN Chairman, Alhaji Nuhu Aminu, conveyed the commendation in an interview  in Zaria.

    “As a farmers’ association, we ought to appreciate President Buhari for increasing budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector in 2018; the figure is more than what was allocated to the sector this year.

    “However, we plead with the Buhari-administration to sustain its efforts to ensure the country’s food security and accomplish its economic diversification derive.

    “If the government really wants to diversify the economy; then, there is every need to prioritise agriculture in terms of increased funding,’’ he said.

    He said that adequate allocation of resources to the sector would facilitate plans to diversify the national economy via agriculture.

    The Federal Government allocated N118.98 billion to agriculture in the proposed 2018 budget, as against the N92 billion it allocated to the sector in 2017.

    Aminu said: “This indicates an increase of about N26.98 billion; this is of course commendable and we pray for consistent increase annually.

    “We hope all the necessary farm inputs will be supplied to farmers before the onset of the next rainy season to further boost the farmers’ morale.’’

    The AFAN chairman, however, urged the government to develop the solid minerals and tourism sectors so as to boost its efforts to diversify the country’s economy.

    “Almost all the states of the federation have one mineral resource or the other in commercial quantities that have yet to be exploited.

    “In view of this, we want to appeal to the government to collaborate with foreign firms in its plans to exploit these minerals to facilitate national development,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Designate IMN a terrorist group before it’s too late, Coalition cautions Federal Government, AGF.

    Designate IMN a terrorist group before it’s too late, Coalition cautions Federal Government, AGF.

    The Coalition Of Civil Society Organizations For Transparency and Good Governance (COCSOTGG), has called on the Presidency and the Attorney General of the Federation to act fast in designating the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, (IMN) a Terrorists group before it’s too late.

    The group said if care was not taken to curb the situation, IMN might snowball into another disaster in the country.

    COCSOTGG was reacting to the recent clash between police and some members of the Islamic movement who had gone to the unity fountain to protest the detention of their leader, El Zakzaky over acts of terrorism.

    The national president of COCSOTGG, Patriot Sabo Ode said Nigerians shall no longer accept the complacence of the AGF on the continuous existence of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

    According to him, it is a direct threat and danger to the peace-loving and law abiding citizens.

    He said, “We deserve to live and survive in our country, free of molestations or phobia of violence in whatever guise.”

    Ode said if the AGF fails to initiate the necessary action now, the IMN sect, which by the estimation of all right thinking members of the society, is worse than Boko Haram terrorists will re-enact the regime of bomb attacks in Abuja or elsewhere in Nigeria.

    His statement reads, “We are neither the least nor the most concerned about the security of our dear nation, Nigeria. But when we see national security drifting dangerously and fired with impunity by some violent sects, the dire consequences stare us in the face and, we are thus, prompted to voice out, as time has dictated at the moment.

    “We fanatically believe, it is our collective responsibility as people of a united federation called Nigeria to work towards those things that perch peace in our hearts and minds, neighborhood or anywhere in the country, than violence. So, our unadulterated convictions points to the natural understanding that violence solves no problem; but peace and dialogue are universal antidotes and, indisputably, the keys which prosper nations around the world. We reiterate that the extent or magnitude of bravado does not post any useful results to any of the parties in a rivalry.

    “Therefore, COCSOTGG was prompted into speaking to the Nigerian public again, because Nigerians appear to be very complacent with what we consider to be a thorough misbehavior, affront and assault on our dear nation, with the siege on Abuja in numbers, exceeding 10, 000 by Shiites members (IMN). Their leader, Shiek Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has taught them everything, except the rule of law or subordination to lawfully constituted authority and government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN).

    “We are not interested in scratching the bruises of old wounds and the damage to Nigeria, wrought on us by the IMN sect in the last 40 years, operating illegally and unregistered in Northern Nigeria. Even their fellow Muslims oppose them vehemently, faulting their style of public worship in lengthy processions, with assorted weapons, as strange, alien and unacceptable.

    “We have observed that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, who though claim some religious activity, but are unfortunately, always combat-ready and striking any ideologically unaligned persons with awesome unprovoked violence and murder. And also, both leaders and adherents boldly profess allegiance to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and affiliation with ISIS, as their mentors and sponsors of this bizarre version of Islamism in Nigeria. Iran is the most notorious terrorists’ nation in the world, which has “proudly” defied even the United Nations on promotion of terrorism.

    “Emboldened by this background, IMN sect members breach laws of the Nigerian federation with impunity and dares everybody, with a confounding recklessness or ruthlessness. From their Spiritual Head Sheik, El-Zakzaky to incensed aficionados, they all hunger to test their intolerable tempestuousness on the Nigerian public anytime, anywhere, so courageously.

    “We are not just worried, but concerned that members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have consistently and persistently shown disregard to the laws of our country. What is of utmost concern to them is how to clandestinely impose another version of terrorism, garbed in the fake coats of Islam on the rest of us.

    “May we remind Nigerians that Boko Haram terrorism started, to paraphrase, President Muhammadu Buhari on his inaugural day speech to Nigerians, as “small fires, now causing large fires.” None of us is oblivious of the pains and sorrows inflicted on us by Boko Haram terrorists, because we allowed it blossomed, unchecked in celebration of some faulty and indiscernible liberties of democracy.
    “Displaying their familiar tradition in the week, just ended, IMN sect members again assailed Abuja in incredible thousands. Some media reports pegged the number as much as 10,000 sect members. Now, it’s rare to even have a presidential political rally in Abuja, boasting of this astounding crowd organized by IMN terrorists . How did anybody mobilize terrorists in such astonishing numbers into Abuja for a protest? Something must be amiss somewhere and some people delight in it.

    “It is the same siege they laid on Zaria City in Kaduna state. It is the same unlawful siege on Kano, Yobe or other states in the North. No one noticed the potential danger at the budding stage. And the Shiites sect expanded to what it is now, extending to Abuja, after Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai outlawed the sect at the state level.

    “In Abuja on their so-called “peaceful” protests, the IMN sect members did not only hurl insults and held the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ransom and in contempt, but stoned the Police, the only civil security agency mandated by law to supervise their lawful protests. Police were compelled to necessarily use teargas canisters’ to disperse the unruly Shiites rented mob.”

    “The Coalition will be left with no option but to mobilize Nigerians against the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and to pass a vote of no confidence on him until he resigns from the office which he holds in trust for the rest of us. Enough is enough of the IMN threats which is already a negative signal within the FCT in view of their recklessness and violence posture to inflict pains on anyone without looking back.”

  • Buhari, Obaseki, Dangote discuss new investment prospects in Edo

    Buhari, Obaseki, Dangote discuss new investment prospects in Edo

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government would pursue more business reforms to accelerate progress recorded in its recent Ease of Doing Business ranking, to properly position Nigeria in her march to become a post-oil economy.

    Speaking at the two-day Edo State Alaghodaro Investment Summit, Friday, in Benin City, the president said that the reforms to ease the business climate has brought changes to registering businesses, issuance of visa on arrival and tax collection.

    President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, said government alone cannot bring about the much-needed development the country, as partnering with the private sector is also key in driving economic growth and progress.

    He maintained that Edo state is blessed with the required natural resources to drive economic growth and future progress.

    “I am impressed and delighted at the way the governor is going about his work. He is bringing his energy, network and intellect to bear,” President Buhari said.

    According to him, “One of the things that have impressed me about this summit, is the presence of the private sector. There is no way things can happen at the center without bringing it to the subnational level.

    He added that “there are noticeable improvements in paying taxes, registering businesses and many more. The Ease of doing business reforms are going to domesticated at the state level. Edo state is one of the states to lead that with the discussions at this summit.”

    Welcoming his guests to the event, the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, said that Alaghodaro Investment Summit was conceived to consolidate on the journey that started nine years ago.

    He said, “We have done a lot in the last twelve months. We have recorded some institutional reforms, as the key to development is by repurposing institutions for optimal results. The bastion of reform is in the civil service and the bureaucracy in government. We have embarked on processes that are making the civil service more efficient and productive to ensure smooth service delivery.

    “We are determined to rebuild the civil service and improve on the capacity of the entire government workforce. A fully computerized staff training school has been built at the Government House.

    “I am glad to inform you that one of the events in this summit is to sign a memorandum of understanding between the United Nations training institute and the Edo State Government. The other institutional reforms include revenue collection, where we have insisted that government revenues should be collected and accounted for.”

    Noting that the state’s reforms are yielding results, he said, “By deploying technology, including persuasion, education and enlightenment, and law-based sanctions in revenue collection, we have increased local government revenues by 500 percent in the last six months.”

    In the area of infrastructure, he said the government’s interventions are very visible, noting, “We have resurfaced, reconstructed and are constructing over 500km of roads across the state.”

    On job creation, Obaseki said, “In order to fulfil our promise to create 200,000 jobs in the four years, we have created 12, 000 jobs and have commenced the reconstruction of our technical colleges, so that they can train qualified artisans who can be self-employed and provide services to others.

    Noting that the state is pursuing an aggressive industrialisation drive, he said, “Our goal is to utilise our endowments, particularly the available energy and logistical advantage so that we can become a major industrial hub. The ground-breaking ceremony of our multipurpose Benin Industrial Hub will be done by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.”

    In his keynote address, President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said that for too long, the Nigerian economy depended on crude oil.

    “The state’s strategic focus on institutional reform, economic revolution, infrastructural development, social welfare enhancement, environmental sustainability, as well as culture and tourism, are key to transforming the economy. This government is very ambitious and they need all the support,” he said.

    According to him, “achieving the pattern of economic growth where productivity, export competitiveness and employment is not just a matter of lofty ambition, it calls for active search for solutions to numerous problems impeding the flow of investment to drive this vision. Moreover, underlying each of these challenges is a deeper and more pressing question: how can we establish a sustainable relationship between the private sector and government.”

    Noting that this relationship has to be mutual to drive investment, Dangote said that “the relationship between public and private institutions has to be symbiotic and not adversarial.”

    The chairman of the Alaghodaro Investment Summit 2017, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, said that the summit would outline the strategies and actions that would usher Edo State into the future.

    He explained that the summit would evaluate the conditions that will make the state a competitive subnational investment environment in Nigeria.

    “Edo state has demonstrated zeal and commitment which indicate that the state means business and ready drive economic growth. The state has shown the resolve to advance the commitment of the All Progressives Congress in creating economic growth and development in Nigeria,” he said.

     

     

  • FG concludes first phase of Boko Haram prosecution

    FG concludes first phase of Boko Haram prosecution

    The Federal Government says it has completed the first phase of prosecution of Boko Haram suspects in its custody, with the next phase to begin soon.

    The Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr Dayo Apata, who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, said the government was determined to bring all Boko Haram detainees to justice.

    He spoke at the closure of public sitting/hearing by the Presidential Investigation Panel to Review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement.

    Apata, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, stated that the prosecution would be done speedily but fairly and efficiently.

    Although he did not say how many suspects were prosecuted in the first phase, Malami had earlier said the trials of 13 had been concluded.

    In a statement in September, the minister said over 1,600 suspected Boko Haram terrorists were then in detention facilities in the country, and that their trial would begin on Oct. 9.

    There have been calls from the public, especially members of the human rights community and civil society organisations, for the prosecution of the suspects in accordance with the law.

    But the solicitor-general emphasised at Wednesday’s event that government “cannot sacrifice human rights in a bid to achieve speed in the prosecution of Boko Haram suspects’’.

    “We are, however, committed to reducing the time frame for which these detainees have to wait for their trial.

    “We are presently working on the modalities for a prosecution guideline for processing of Boko Haram detainee,’’ Apata said.

    He commended the Chairman and members of the panel for the successful conclusion of their public hearings.

    The solicitor-general said Nigerians and the international community were eagerly awaiting the panel’s report, which he hoped would end all allegations of human rights violations against military personnel.

    He said the government was also looking forward to far-reaching and practical recommendations from the panel that would ensure the military complied with international human right conventions and laws.

    Chairman of the panel, Justice Biobele Georgewill, said “volumes of memoranda and presentations were received from Nigerians, professional bodies, civil society organisations and international humanitarian organisations.

    “Furthermore, the panel decided to conduct public sitting/hearing where people and groups who have allegations of human rights violations and non-compliance to rules of engagement against the Armed Forces were given opportunity to substantiate their cases.

    “In the interest and spirit of fair-hearing, members of the Armed Forces were also invited to give their own account of defence on each matter brought before the panel.

    “The panel deemed it necessary to take the public sitting to all the six geo-political zones of the country in order to avail Nigerians who may not be able to come to Abuja the chance to present their cases.

    “Also, the panel visited detention facilities, military formations, prisons, including the military commentary in Maiduguri during its tour, all in search of truth,’’ Georgewill said.

    He said with the conclusion of its public hearing, the panel would now go behind closed doors to consider all the submissions made to it.

    The chairman thanked Nigerians for their confidence in the panel, and the military for their cooperation.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Real Admiral Muazu Salami, thanked members of the panel for their commitment.

    Olonisakin said the “maximum cooperation’’ from the military was a demonstration of its deference to the panel and the importance of its task.

    “I wish you well as you enter the concluding phase of your job, and it is my hope that when your report is ready, the Defence Headquarters and its services will be adequately briefed.

    “This is to ensure that whatever recommendations you come out with are implemented,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo inaugurated the panel on Aug. 11.

    Its mandate includes investigation of allegations of human rights violations against military personnel in local conflicts and insurgencies across the country.(NAN)

  • FG urges Niger Delta militants to remain calm

    FG urges Niger Delta militants to remain calm

    The Federal Government on Monday appealed to the Niger Delta militants to remain calm and allow the government to address the issues in the region.

    The militants, who were bombing oil installations at the beginning of this administration, are again threatening to resume hostilities in the region.

    The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru, spoke with State House journalists after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    On the fresh threats by the Avengers in the Niger Delta, he said “Well, we haven’t discuss the Avengers per se. But its of essence as the President has always shown indication that whatever we need to and can do to sustain peace in the region, we would continue to do it.

    “And of course, the benefit of that, you are aware that the Vice President has been chairing the committee that handles the issues they are raising. And so, while that goes on operationally, headed by the Vice President’s position in the committee, the President just needs to be briefed on our efforts though we know that the Vice President is briefing him from time to time but per se, the Avengers issues was not discussed.

    “On a general note, it is understood that we have to be engaged to be able to sustain the peace that prevailed for a while.

    “My message is not just verbal but it has been demonstrated by the fact at all times, the government of which I am part, my role as minister in charge of the region, we have been appealing with them to just be patient with us, because, most of the time, the issues that are brought up are those that tend to portray the quest for development of the region.

    “And that is all we have been doing to say, patiently with us, these issues raised genuinely to the benefits of people of the region are being attended to. For instance, the Okerekoko University, you are aware that the Vice President has directed that that University must take off.

    “And he also directed that a minimum of N5 billion be budgeted for the take off of the University so, it’s a matter of patience knowing that some of these things have a procedure, so it will not be because it did not happen the way they wanted so it will not happen. Everything has a phase of planning and a phase of execution.” he added

    He expressed gladness that all the parties including the Government, Avengers, Elders and so on have listened to one another in the past few months.

    He added “We would wish that this continues so, we would advise all of us to remain calm and see the things that we agitated for coming little by little.

    On the claims by the Avengers that government has failed to keep its promises, he said “The first question which talks about all the promises that have been made are not seen is not correct. I just talked about the University. The other issue is the communities being part of surveillance of the petroleum infrastructure in the region.

    “And of course you know that by the modular refineries which they had also talked about as sub-sect of how they can be engaged instead of what is called illegal refineries. They are also on, because the process of building a refinery or even getting the necessary procedures to establish such is not just a one day business.

    “Advertisements have been made, people have indicated interest and of course, to get it sustainable, the government is having the state governments involved but privately driven so that all concerned will be on a common page to be able to be sure that when ever it takes off, there is no frustration or sabotage.

    “Then your second question of meeting with the Avengers,. For us as a government, there hasn’t been any group from the region that intended to meet with any arm of government that has been rebuffed. So, if any people make such overtures, we are happy to receive them. We have been receiving different groups. We are not limiting our dialogue or discussions to any particular group so any body that says he is relevant in the process and comes forth, we will engage.” he said

    Speaking on the promise on the East West road, he said “That is the unfortunate circumstance of our situation. The East West road was conceived and started from the Ministry of Works then transferred to the ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. But we all have to appreciate one thing. Such physical infrastructure don’t decay over night and the so neglect has continually put liability on us,

    “Yes, its true that I met with the contractors appealed to them to go back to site, we have also been very conscientious in releasing funds as they are cashed backed to them to continue work. None the less, we are thinking of alternatives of completing that projects amidst the many issues that tend to be the undercurrent that are drawing back the execution. And such issues are technical and we tackling them. In due course, you will know the outcomes.” he said

    On why he met the President, he said “For a while, he has not been around and there are things he needed to know from me and so I had to brief him on issues pertaining to the ministry, the projects that are going on and other anthropogenic issues that have to do with the general matters concerning the Niger Delta region especially, at they throw up some of the concerns bothering on who is right to speak for, who is not right to speak for and then issues of the Niger Delta Development Commission. All these occupied our discussions with the President today.”

    Read Also: Niger Delta avengers threaten resumption of hostilities

  • FG flags off 2017/2018 national measles vaccination campaign

    FG flags off 2017/2018 national measles vaccination campaign

    The Federal Government will Tuesday flag off the 2017/2018 National measles campaign.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire will flag off the campaign in Kaduna state.

    The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib announced this in Abuja Monday in a statement issued by Mr.Saadu Salahu Head, Public Relation Unit, NPHCDA.

    Dr. Faisal said that a total of 33 million Nigerian children aged 9months to 59months are to be immunized against measles by the end of the campaign. He disclosed that 95% coverage is the Federal Government`s target for the 2017/2018 campaign, against the 84.5% coverage attained in the 2015 campaign.

    Read: FG to launch new Family Planning Campaign

    The Executive Director explained that the measles vaccine would be administered to children aged 9 months to 59 months at health centers, fixed health posts, churches, mosques, motor parks, public places, schools and homes.

    Dr. Faisal disclosed that a time table phasing and staggering the campaign had been introduced as part of the efforts to ensure highest quality, coverage and effective measles campaign in the country.

    According to him, North West Zone will conduct its own campaign from 9th to 21st of this month. It will be followed by the North East from 30th November to 12th December, 2017, while the North Central campaign will take place from 1st to 20th February, 2018. All states in the Southern part of the country will conduct their measles vaccination campaign from 8th to 20th March, 2018.

    Dr. Faisal described measles as a dangerous and infectious disease that spreads rapidly from one infected child to another and a major cause of blindness, malnutrition and death among children. He therefore appealed to all Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Nigerians in general to make their children and wards available for the measles vaccination campaign.

    Among personalities expected at the flag off are the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III other traditional and religious leaders, members of the National Assembly, NGOs and Civil Society organizations.

    Read Also: Military not involved in vaccination – FG

  • FG to consider legislation against open defecation – Minister

    FG to consider legislation against open defecation – Minister

    The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, says that the Federal Government is considering legislation against open defecation in the country.

    Adamu said this on Tuesday at an Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Sanitation in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said a large number of Nigerians still practice open defecation due to the failure of landlords to provide toilets in their buildings.

    According to him, such laws will go a long way to address those who indiscriminately defecate in the open, forgetting that faeceas are transferable to foods and water.

    “We are looking at having a legislation to punish those practicing open defecation, this is important because it will serve as deterent to others and also encourage everyone to build and use their toilets.”

    He called on all Nigerians to promote behavior change in hygiene promotion, saying those practicing open defecation may soon face sanctions.

    The minister noted that open defecation has been known to be the leading cause of preventable deaths in under five children.

    He said there was the need to move away from dependence on budgetary allocations for promoting hygiene, saying Nigerians ought to understand that promoting health and hygiene is a great way to reduce disease burden.

    The minister noted that the understanding of the crosscutting role of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector and its impact on other sectors has made it imperative to foster a strong mechanism to address sanitation issues.

    Adamu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to improve hygiene through the inauguration of the Partnership for Extended Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria to encourage stakeholders step up advocacy to promote improved livelihood.

    Dr Priscilla Achakpa, National Coordinator, Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) said no fewer than 46 million Nigerians practice open defecation.

    He said that children of the poor were four times more likely to get diarrhoea as against those of the rich.

    According to him, there is the need for all stakeholders to see sanitation as everyone’s business.

    “It is a cross sectoral issue that affects the social economic, health, wellbeing of individuals.”

    Achakpa said there was the need to build capacity of women, girls and other stakeholders on menstrual hygiene management and promotion of separate toilets for boys and girls to enable girls increase school attendance.

    Mr Emmanuel Awe, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation with the ministry, said measures were on to harmonise the National Sanitation Policy towards overall hygiene promotion.

    Awe urged ministries to have separate budget line for promoting sanitation policies and programmes towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. (NAN)