Tag: FG

The National Council on Nutrition (NCN) has approved new measures to address malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to improve the nutritional status of all Nigerians.

Speaking on Tuesday, July 16, during a meeting of the NCN held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the chairman of NCN, Vice President Kashim Shettima called for active and proactive participation from all involved, including ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “Our dedication to this Council reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to improving the nutritional status of every Nigerian”.

Among the approved measures is the establishment of a national nutrition dashboard to be hosted by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning which will also be uploaded on the website of the NCN. This tool aims to provide better oversight and coordination of nutrition-related initiatives across the country.

Referencing the recently created Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit which operates within the framework of the Presidential Economic Coordination Committee, VP Shettima said the Tinubu administration recognizes the urgency of the food crises and is addressing its underlying causes to develop more resilient and sustainable food systems in Nigeria.

Addressing participants at the meeting, the Vice President who commended the efforts of all stakeholders in the nutrition space, assured development partners and other actors of the federal government’s readiness to work with them.

He said: “We are willing and ready to work with you for the good of the Nigerian nation. Let us forge ahead with optimism and resolve, knowing that together we are making substantial changes in the lives of our people. I extend my gratitude for your steadfast support and diligent efforts.

“Collaboration is paramount to our continued success in addressing national nutrition challenges, and I encourage active and proactive participation from all involved ministries and partners, as your contributions are essential to our progress.

“Together, through robust and dynamic collaboration, we can achieve significant advancements in our mission to improve nutritional outcomes for all citizens. All the ministers are willing to collaborate with each other, anchored on maturity, mutual trust and confidence.”

Senator Shettima commended the efforts of some frontline ministries in combating malnutrition and hunger in the country, describing their actions as worthy of emulation.

His words: “I must commend the actions of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in convening a task force to address the acute malnutrition crisis in the country. The efforts have manifested in the acquisition of millions of packs of commodities.

“The joint efforts of the Minister of Health and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy to restructure the World Bank project resources securing about 30 million dollars for commodities is also highly commendable and deeply appreciated.

“The Ministry of Finance’s task force to accelerate cash transfer and the Ministry of Agriculture’s initiative to increase food availability and affordability further demonstrates our collaborative efforts,” he added.

Earlier, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, emphasised the administration’s commitment to prioritizing nutrition as a crucial component of national development.

“This initiative provides us an opportunity to step up our collective efforts to improve the country’s food and nutrition security,” Bagudu said.

He noted that the meeting which received updates on Nigeria’s current nutritional status focused on proposing actionable recommendations and exploring ways to enhance the implementation of existing nutrition intervention programmes in line with national policy.

Also, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, outlined eight interrelated priority areas designed to address the nation’s nutritional needs, including enhancing value chains for improved nutrition, diversifying household production and consumption with a focus on women, improving access to micronutrient-rich foods, and enhancing food safety along the value chain.

The minister also hinted at plans to build resilience and social protection networks for vulnerable groups, promote nutrition research, and improve the agriculture sector’s capacity to address food security and nutrition problems.

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The strategy, according to him, also includes providing nutrition education, social marketing, and advocacy, as well as conducting nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation to ensure the effectiveness of the initiatives.

Also, present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Others include Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; representatives of development organisations, including the World Bank, USAID, UN Agencies, and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project.

The federal government on Tuesday, July 16, said there was no plan to sell public universities to private investors.

Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman said there had been misinformation on one aspect of the ministry’s policy in respect to tertiary education.

During a meeting with heads of agencies, parastatals, and directors in the Ministry of Education in Abuja, on Tuesday, Mamman said the report was “an absolute lie and completely false.”

He added: “This government believes in the provision of government institutions and has not shied away from the force that the government needs from the private sectors. For decades now, private sectors have played a major role in the provision of tertiary education and there are more private universities in Nigeria than public universities combined.

“What the government has done is to open up the tertiary education level, in particular, the universities for global competitiveness that allow those who operate in this area at the international level to come into the country and set up institutions open for collaboration with our local universities under guidelines of what is called trans-national education.”

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He explained that other parts of the world have benefitted from having international institutions setting up campuses or new institutions in those countries, which has taken standards in those countries.

“They have also saved those countries foreign exchange and brought more money into the country and that is what the government has done, it has opened up tertiary education so that people from the rest of the world can invest in our tertiary institution’s system. Government is not parting with any of its institutions,” the minister said.

The minister said the meeting was important to assess their mileage, the direction taken in the implementation of key policies and review progress, possible challenges and also reaffirm commitment to overcome all the challenges.

In response to the tragic collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji area on Friday, July 12, 2024, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation. 

In a statement by Mark Chieshe, SA Media & Strategy to Minister, FMHUD, the Plateau State Controller of the Ministry has been tasked with determining the cause of the collapse and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

Minister Dangiwa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, attributing it to the negligence and unethical practices of certain individuals during the construction process.

 “This is another devastating tragedy for our nation. Each collapse means another family torn apart, lives irreparably damaged. The students were simply seeking education and paid the ultimate price. This is intolerable,” he stated.

The Minister emphasised that a full-scale investigation is underway. “I have mandated an investigation, and we are determined to uncover the truth. 

Unlike past incidents where accountability was lacking, this time, those responsible will face severe consequences. While we cannot bring back those we’ve lost, prosecuting the guilty will serve as a strong deterrent,” he affirmed.

The National Emergency Management Authority(NEMA) reported that over 40 students have been rescued from the debris, with many receiving treatment in Jos hospitals. 

Dangiwa extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to the injured. 

“This tragedy is a national loss, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families. We urge healthcare workers to do their utmost to save these precious lives,” he added.

Dangiwa also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to preventing future collapses by enforcing building standards and regulations.

He warned developers involved in the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates projects to adhere strictly to these standards. 

“The Ministry will collaborate with government agencies to enforce building codes rigorously. Our goal is to ensure that Nigerians can live, work, and learn in safe environments without fear of building collapses,” he concluded.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, July 10, led senators to pay a condolence visit to the family of Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, over the death of his wife, Hajia Sefia.

A statement by special assistant media to the president of the Senate, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying in his brief remarks, “We would have loved to be here during the birthday of your dear wife and not on her demise.

“I know it is easier for you Muslims to accept this tragedy because of your belief that Allah gives and takes and that you can’t question God.

“Nobody can say you shouldn’t cry because you have lost someone so dear to you and that is why we, your brothers in the Senate, are here across party lines to console you over this great loss.

“We had another tragedy today. We lost a serving House member from Oyo State and that is to tell us the fragility of life. The entire Senate is here today. You are not alone in this.

“We your brothers and colleagues are all here to mourn with you. We came as one Senate to console you and pray that may Almighty Allah give you, the children and the entire family, the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the soul of the departed wife and mother, eternal rest.”

Earlier, Akpabio had led members of the National Assembly on a visit to the Nisa Premier Hospital, Jabi, Abuja, over the sudden death of a member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Musiludeen Olaide Akinremi.

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In his reaction, Senator Na’Allah thanked Akpabio for leading his colleagues on a condolence visit to him over the demise of his wife.

According to him, “My relationship with the President of the Senate, is a long-standing one. I don’t know where to start. He is a true friend of my family.

“I thank you my dear colleagues for coming to commiserate with me and my family. If every wife is like my late wife, men will not have problems in life. I remain eternally grateful for this visit.”

The federal government on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) N115.2 billion electricity partnership with USAID for the next seven years.

The MOU intends to launch “Empower Nigeria,” a new $115 billion program to support Nigeria’s energy reforms and clean energy transition.

Speaking at the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu Adebayo, described the agreement as a step towards surmounting the challenges in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to provide sustainable power to the people.

He said: “This new ₦115.2 billion partnership with USAID represents a pivotal step towards overcoming our longstanding challenges in providing reliable and sustainable power to all Nigerians.

“It strengthens our collaboration and provides crucial resources to tackle the challenges in our power sector.”

Adebayo said the ministry is committed to working together to ensure transparency, improve market efficiency, and accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions.

He added that it aligns perfectly with our national goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

He added: “By working with USAID and leveraging their expertise, we can empower the private sector, strengthen regulations, and unlock the full potential of our power sector. This will not only bring light to millions of homes but also unlock economic growth and sustainable development across Nigeria.”

He was thankful to the USAID for its unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electrification efforts.

The minister pledged that together they will deliver a brighter future powered by clean and reliable energy for all Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the USAID Nigeria, Mission  Director, Melisa Jones said the goal of the MoU is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the federal government of Nigeria and provide a framework for the partnership with other key actors, including the state.

He added that USAID is excited to sign the MOU and to achieve the shared goals.

 USAID, she said, intends to launch “Empower Nigeria,” a new $115 billion program to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.

Jones said the MOU was based on the confidence USAID has in the leadership of the ministry and Nigerians.

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He said: “We are very excited to sign this MOU and to achieve our shared goals under the MOU, USAID intends to launch Empower Nigeria, a new $115 billion program to support Nigeria’s energy reform and clean energy transition.”

Commending Adelabu’s five-year plan, he said, “So USAID is very happy to be here today to launch a new milestone in the USAID partnership with the Ministry of Power.

” Through this MOU we will sign today, we are intending to intensify and accelerate our partnership with the ministry. Nigeria’s lead power sector policymaking institution falls under your watch, Honorable Minister, and you have done such an incredible job as well as laying out to all of us your five-point plan.”

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has tasked stakeholders in the maritime sector to collaborate to eradicate corruption from the sector. 

He said if corruption is not tackled, cost of doing business would increase, economic growth would be limited, there would be negative impacts on people’s social well-being, the government would be deprived of its legitimate revenue, and tarnish the country’s image. 

Akume while stating the role marine and blue economy ministry is pivotal in driving economic growth, diversification and generating employment in the country, called for the enactment of strong maritime laws. 

He said the law would guide the judiciary in resolving maritime disputes and also aid other stakeholders in adopting innovations in shipping technology, such as electronic shipping documentation, and also help address challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts like those in Ukraine and Palestine.

He disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at the 17th edition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges series organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute. 

Akume said: “Corruption is a significant impediment to development and efficiency in any society. It increases the cost of doing business, limits economic growth, negatively impacts social well-being, deprives the government of legitimate revenue, and tarnishes the country’s image. 

“I call on all stakeholders to work together to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices from the maritime industry’. 

The SGF also highlighted the role the maritime sector plays in any economy. 

He said: “The maritime sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources. This administration recognizes the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy. 

“It was in light of this that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, tasked with exploring and harnessing the enormous potential of this critical revenue source. This ministry is pivotal in driving economic growth and diversification and generating employment. 

“In this age of globalization, with rapid developments in international trade, maritime law, and innovations in shipping technology, such as electronic shipping documentation, and challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts like those in Ukraine and Palestine, there is a clear need for a robust judiciary.” 

Speaking on the essence of the seminar, the SGF said: “This seminar provides a specialized forum for judicial officers to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively resolve maritime disputes. 

“A strong and independent judiciary, where court decisions are transparent, fair, timely, and adhere to internationally recognized norms, is essential for encouraging both foreign and local private sector investment.”

He assured stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fulfilling its international, regional, and subregional obligations, particularly regarding the international conventions, treaties, and agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory. 

He also backed the move to repeal the NSC enabling Act which has been in existence for over 40 years. 

He said: “I am aware that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s enabling Act, promulgated in 1978, requires revision to address recent developments in the maritime sector adequately. Our administration therefore supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the Port sector”. 

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola highlighted the importance of maritime law and the need for the review of the NSC’s Act. 

He said if business laws are harmonized, it would go a long way in enhancing international investment, reducing transportation and transactional costs and promoting the ease of intra and inter-African trade which is currently encouraged by African Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

Oyetola said the maritime sector is a complex and dynamic field that demands comprehensive legal and regulatory systems.  

He said: “As Justices and Judges, your role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice. 

“This seminar is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and addressing the evolving legal issues that impact our maritime domain. Some of the topics for discussion at this seminar critically examine some current and topical issues in international maritime law. Similarly, the topics on trade facilitation and alternative dispute resolution are not only relevant but are indeed germane in international trade facilitation.  

“Maritime law is not just about resolving conflicts at sea; it is about safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of nations, corporations, and individuals. It ensures the protection of the marine environment, the regulation of maritime commerce, and the security of navigation routes. The rule of law in maritime affairs underpins the stability and prosperity of the global economy”. 

The minister also noted that the judiciary plays a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape that governs our maritime affairs. 

“Your interpretations, and indeed decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for the businesses and individuals operating in the maritime sector, but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of our blue economy. 

“Since the creation of the Ministry, we have been working assiduously to strengthen the institutional and legal frameworks of the Agencies under the Ministry. In this regard, the ministry has recently thrown its weight behind the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N113 LFN and the Enactment of the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2024, to bring it up to speed with current realities and maximize the gains of the ongoing reforms when it is eventually passed into law”. 

The minister solicited the support of stakeholders and all industry players to give the ministry the needed support to succeed in creating a pathway towards diversification of the nation’s economy from oil dependency to non-oil economic prosperity.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, said the seminar calls the attention of the judiciary to the reality that shipping policies of the government need their input to foster economic growth in line with the Rule of Law.

He said the forum is designed to acquaint participants with emerging developments in the sphere of Admiralty Law and the challenges that digitalization and globalization may throw up on the adjudication of admiralty matters by Judges.

“Maritime law in Nigeria, being a specialized area of the law, has witnessed novel developments. However, taking into consideration the importance of the blue economy and the maritime industry, being the cornerstone of transportation in International Commerce, it becomes imperative that Seminars of this nature are organized to bring to the front-burner challenges which may impede the development of the industry.

“Concerning the issue of Security of the Maritime space, I encourage Judges at this forum to continue to apprise themselves with the recent innovations of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act 2019, as it establishes a legal framework for the prosecution of piracy and protection of maritime infrastructure.”

He commended the management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, for their commitment to the protection of cargo interests of Nigerians through a series of advocacy and enlightenment programs.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah expressed hope that the Act to be repealed will allow the Council to provide regulatory service in the sector.

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He said: “The Act was promulgated in 1978, it has been here for quite a while and the maritime sector is fast-moving, there are lots of innovations coming up in the sector, in terms of conventions that we have adopted. 

“There are some basic requirements that we should adopt in their laws and we need to bring the law to speed to modern realities of the maritime sector and thankfully, Mr. President has found it necessary to focus attention on the maritime sector to grow the economy.

“So, we need a very strong law that is capable of providing for the modern realities of this sector. We hope the law will give us the regulatory framework to provide regulatory service in this sector especially the efficiency of the sector so that businesses will grow and Nigerian economy will be better for it.”

The Federal Government has welcomed 72 Nigerian graduates trained by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company.

The graduates’ studies in Railway Engineering and other transportation-related courses were funded by CCECC as part of their corporate social responsibility.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Transport Ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, announced this in a statement on Saturday.

During the event, the Transportation Minister, Senator Said Alkali, emphasised the importance of the National Local Content Policy for Railway, which was created in 2018, and the government’s commitment to Indigenous involvement in the railway sector.

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As per the Minister, this is due to the government’s recognition of the significant contributions made by the rail transport sub-sector in the nation. Consequently, the government introduced the “Advocacy for Enhanced Local Content in Nigeria’s Infrastructure Development based on Nigerian – Chinese Bi-lateral Agreements” and instructed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to consider multiple measures to guarantee the policy’s effective implementation.

“The outcome of today’s occasion depicts one of the success stories of the Ministry of Transportation’s initiative, as CCECC has accepted to train Nigerians in China as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility,” the statement read in part.