Tag: FG

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, May 15, commissioned three critical gas infrastructure projects executed by Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and its partners in Ohaji-Egbema, in Imo State and Kwale, in the Delta States.

In line with its renewed hope agenda, the federal government has reiterated its determination to utilize Nigeria’s abundant gas resources towards revamping the nation’s industrial growth and kickstarting its economic prosperity.

 NNPCL Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye disclosed this in a press statement.

According to him, the three projects commissioned include the expansion of the AHL Gas Processing Plant, the ANOH Gas Processing Plant and the 23.3km ANOH to Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Custody Transfer Metering Station Gas Pipeline Projects.

He quoted Tinubu as saying, “It is pleasing that approximately, 500MMscf of gas in aggregate would be supplied to the domestic market from these two Gas Processing Plants, which represents over 25% incremental growth in gas supply. In practical terms, this translates into more gas to the Power Sector, Gas-Based Industries, and other critical segments of the economy.”

The president said from the onset, his administration was clear of its intention to leverage the virtually unlimited capacity of gas to deepen domestic gas utilization, increase national power generation capacity, revitalize industries, and create multiple job opportunities for economic growth.

He said aside from the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative which is aimed at moving Nigerians away from petrol and diesel as vehicular combustion fuel, significant progress has also been recorded in incentivizing gas development through Presidential Executive Orders.

While congratulating the project partners (NNPC Limited, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) and Seplat Energy for the successful implementation of the three projects, Tinubu particularly charged the NNPC Limited to, as the national energy company of choice, sustain its relentless efforts and record more successes in the energy sector for the benefit of all Nigerians. 

He described the commissioning as a highly significant milestone for Nigeria as it demonstrates his administration’s efforts to accelerate the development of critical gas infrastructure geared at enhancing the supply of energy to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities.

He said the projects were fully in line with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative, and his administration’s quest to grow value from the Nation’s abundant gas assets while concurrently eliminating gas flaring and accelerating industrialization.

“I wish to assure the citizenry that these are just the beginning, as the federal government is stepping up its coordination of other landmark projects and initiatives that will ensure the earliest realization of gas-fueled prosperity in our country. Consequently, I wish to assure investors in the energy space that this is an investment enabling government and we will not relent in facilitating the ease of doing business,” the President noted.

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Earlier in his address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo highlighted the efforts of his ministry to continue to champion the utilisation of gas as a transition fuel as Nigeria moves towards achieving clean energy efficiency and security by 2060.

Ekpo commended the President for his leadership and support towards the success of the three projects.

In his remarks, the GCEO NNPC, Mele Kyari described the commissioning as a demonstration of Mr. President’s commitment and support to grow the domestic utilization of natural gas for power generation, as feedstock for gas-based industries and overall rapid industrialization of Nigeria on the back of the enormous gas resources in the country.

Kyari assured that as part of its mandate, NNPC Ltd remains committed to maintaining energy security by executing more strategic gas projects for the benefit of Nigeria.

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has called upon tax administrators across Africa to seek indigenous solutions to the continent’s challenges rather than relying on external sources for answers.

Addressing delegates at a three-day council meeting of the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) held in Lagos, Adedeji emphasised the importance of African-driven initiatives in addressing regional issues, particularly in local resource mobilization.

ATAF, headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, serves as a platform for African tax administrators to enhance capacity, achieve revenue goals, and advance the role of taxation in African governance and state-building.

Adedeji, who also serves as the president of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA), stressed the significance of prioritizing ATAF’s activities and upholding its founding principles. He urged member countries to commit to ATAF’s rules and regulations, emphasizing that the success of the organization hinges on collective efforts to showcase Africa’s capabilities.

“The problems of Africa can only be authentically solved by Africans,” Adedeji remarked. “We must prioritize ATAF’s activities, recognizing that solutions to our challenges lie within our own continent. We cannot continue to rely on external platforms for solutions.”

Adedeji highlighted the importance of smooth leadership transitions within ATAF, acknowledging the contributions of Mr. Logan Wort, the current Executive Secretary, whose term will conclude in March 2025 after 16 years of service.

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In his remarks, Edward Kieswetter, ATAF vice-chairman and Commissioner General of the South African Revenue Service, emphasized ATAF’s role in capacity building and technological advancement. He noted ATAF’s significance in providing a unified voice for African tax administrators on the global stage.

The Lagos council meeting, attended by representatives from various African countries, including Togo, Botswana, Rwanda, Zambia, Morocco, Burundi, The Gambia, Uganda, and others, underscored the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing tax administration and governance across the continent.

The ATAF Council, which convenes twice a year, plays a crucial role in providing strategic leadership and oversight on behalf of all members. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of African tax administrators to fostering sustainable development and prosperity through effective tax administration and collaboration.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev has warned that the Federal Government would not condone with anybody, group or company that is into the production of substandard pipes, fittings and water products.

 Utsev spoke in Kano where he inspected factory facilities of Panar Limited, a leading manufacturer of HDPE, PPR and UPVC Pipes and segmented fittings.

He noted part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda was to encourage local content production, but the administration will slam sanctions on anyone who produces substandard water materials.

Utsev, a Professor of Civil and Water Engineering, reminded that several water schemes had failed in the past because of use of substandard pipes.

The Minister acknowledged Panar Ltd.’s role in advancing Nigeria’s water infrastructure and commended its dedication to innovation in the piping industry.

“I commend Panar Ltd.’s advanced production facilities, commitment to quality pipes and fittings, while ensuring compliance with national and international standards.

“Let me also commend their vital role in various civil, agricultural, water reticulation, and industrial projects across Nigeria,” the minister said and added that government was happy that the company has employed many youths.

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Utsev urged State and local government authorities to supply portable water to their people, while reducing health hazards.

He also urged States to encourage irrigation farming to boost the nation’s food security.

The Minister minister however, assured “the water resources ministry will continue to partner those doing well in the production of quality materials for sustainability.”

The federal government has launched the National Hepatitis C (HVC) Self-testing guideline to increase equitable access to diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

The coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said, while launching the guidelines in Abuja, on Tuesday, April 30, said that the viral hepatitis was a major public health threat in the country.

He said the HVC self-testing is a new approach recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the purpose of testing and improving access to care and treatment of hepatitis C virus infections in different groups and settings.

Represented by the National Coordinator AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programmes in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Adevobola Bashoru, the minister said that the federal government had conducted Hepatitis C Self-testing information study in four health facilities in Nasarawa state for the purpose of exploring the acceptability, feasibility and cost effectiveness in the country.

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He said: “It is noteworthy that some of the major findings form the study informed the national guidelines for HCV Self-testing, which is meant to guide the implementation of this new testing approach among programme officers, policy makers and end users. 

“The country has adopted the recommendations based on the principle of making HCV testing accessible to all Nigerians, provisions of high quality testing services, equity in HCV testing , and the principle of integrating into the existing national health system, including linkages to treatment and care for the diagnosed HCV infections. This is inline with the elimination goal of 2030.”

While apperacting the contribution of international partners like the United Nations, towards the successful completion of the HCVST study and the development of the National Guidelines, the Minister called on the private sector, other stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, donor agencies and the civil society organizations “to join hand with the federal government and invest their resources in fighting viral hepatitis as a major public health threat.”

…blueprint leverages policy reforms, investment to bridge inclusion gaps

The federal government has launched the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at achieving universal access to financial services across Nigeria. 

The Accord, signed on April 25, 2024, at the State House Banquet Hall, is a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to transform Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2030 while combating poverty and insecurity through broad-based prosperity.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, April 30, by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Aso Accord seeks to bridge significant gaps in financial inclusion, particularly among underserved segments like women, youth, rural communities, and small businesses. 

It leverages policy reforms and strategic investments to provide vital financial services like credit, insurance, pensions, and savings facilities.

According to a communique issued at the end of the two-day National Stakeholders’ Workshop on Economic and Financial Inclusion by the Technical Advisor to the President on Financial Inclusion, Dr. Nurudeen Abubakar Zauro, “Financial inclusion is an imperative, not just an economic objective, but a moral calling to unlock opportunities for every Nigerian to achieve their potential.” 

Dr. Zauro whose office spearheaded the initiative said, “the Aso Accord provides a robust framework to democratize access to finance, empower entrepreneurs and catalyse sustainable economic growth from the bottom up.” 

Key elements of the accord include establishing a high-level Presidential Council to spearhead reforms, potentially through an Executive Order, and prioritizing innovative solutions, including government-to-person (G2P) programs to directly invest in underserved communities. 

It also aims to integrate financial literacy into the national curriculum, bridging the digital divide by strengthening ICT infrastructure nationwide, addressing gender gaps, rural exclusion, regional gap in the Northern Nigeria, enhancing service delivery for small businesses and low-income citizens, and fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors, as well as different levels of government. 

The accord was signed by Vice President Kashim Shettima; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Yemi Cardoso and National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. 

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, signed the Accord on behalf of the 36 states, while the Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank PLC, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, signed on behalf of the private sector. 

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“By enabling every Nigerian, regardless of their circumstances, to access credit, save, invest and insure their lives and businesses, we can fuel an entrepreneurial revolution that drives economic transformation across the country,” Dr. Zauro said. 

The two-day national workshop culminated in key resolutions that align the Aso Accord with the overall National Financial Inclusion Strategy, including leveraging technology for last-mile service delivery, promoting financial literacy, addressing gender and regional disparities, and strengthening digital infrastructure nationwide. 

“Financial exclusion perpetuates generational poverty, but financial inclusion catalyzes economic citizenship and empowerment. The Aso Accord reflects the President’s determination to leave no Nigerian behind on our journey to sustainable prosperity,” Dr. Zauro added. 

The federal government has disclosed plans to repatriate 20,000 Nigerians from Chad and Cameroon.

The government said 6,000 people would be brought from Chad while 14,000 would be brought from Cameroon in the next two months.

As of 31st December 2023, 21,38 Nigerian refugees are in Chad, and 120,677 are in Cameroon.

Last year, 5000 Nigerian refugees were voluntarily repatriated from Cameroon to Banki in Borno state by the federal government.

It was learnt that in 2023 the federal government procured food and non-food items worth N2billion as return package for the refugees.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugee, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Ahmed disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at a Technical Working Group (TWG)  meeting on the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees.

According to the commission, most of the refugees were displaced by the 2022 flood, the Boko Haram crisis, the farmer-herders clash and the current climate change challenge.

Ahmed said: “In the year 2023, the commission spearheaded the repatriation of 5,000 people living in Cameroon to the country.

“We are also arranging to bring back those who are interested in returning because repatriation is voluntary and an agreement has been signed between UNHCR, the government of Cameroon and the federal government of Nigeria in the area of repatriation of our people from Cameroon.

“We are going to work towards the repatriation of 6,000 Nigerians out of about 21,000 of them in Chad.

“We are looking at returning 3000 households from Chad, which is about 6,000 people would be repatriated from Chad to Nigeria. For Cameroon, we have about 14,000 people but we will profile them because we don’t have to force anybody to return. Arrangements are underway to get them back. Within the next two months, we should have concluded the arrangement on repatriation.”

On the cost implication of the proposed repatriation, he said: “We are yet to determine the cost implication for the repatriation of our people from Chad and Cameroon but already, a committee has been set up to look into that. By the time we get the total bill, the government of the Federation will intervene. Also, the Borno State government and the NCFRMI will work to ensure their smooth repatriation.

“Don’t be deterred about the financial implications. I want to tell you that the government of Nigeria will do everything humanly possible to ensure that money is being provided. They have done that before and I’m sure they’ll continue to do that. Don’t forget that in 2022 about 5000 Nigerians were repatriated from Cameroon. It was the responsibility of the government and they did that.

“In 2002, we had a very serious flood that made some Nigerians leave the country, some left for Chad, Cameroon and other places. The Boko Haram crisis, farmers-herders clashes, and climate change were contributory factors to the displacement.

“No matter the number of the refugees, the government will do everything humanly possible to return those of them that want to return.

On what would be offered the refugees, he said: “Rehabilitation is ongoing in Banki, and construction of houses is ongoing in Baga by the Borno State government.

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“We are arranging with the Borno state government to ensure that they are taken to skill acquisition centres. They will be trained and given start-up packs because the government cannot continue to fend for them for life and that is why we are giving them a durable solution which includes shelter and start-up packs.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Deputy Representative (Protection), Bernadette Muteshi commended the federal government for taking the lead in the repatriation exercise.

She said: “We are happy to see the government leadership in this endeavour. We are happy to note that the voices of Nigerians who want to return have been heard and acted upon.

“We will try to ensure that this process happens as soon as practically feasible by putting all elements together and we hope to support a credible process.

“We want to ensure that the basic human rights of these people are observed and upheld and we hope that all arrangements can be in place to meet the aspirations of people that we care for”.

The federal government has advocated for the establishment of African Council for Artificial Intelligence (AI) just as it confirmed the receipt of 3.5 United States dollars as seed funding for AI strategy from interested partners. 

The Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the African Council for AI has become imperative to ensure that the deployment of Artificial Intelligence in Africa is shaped by uniform regulations and market prospects. 

He said: “We already have same markets and trade regulations within Africa and in some sub-region, it is important the future of AI in Africa follow same pattern for ease of transactions, shared experiences and mutual opportunities and benefits.”

He made the remarks at the weekend during the closing ceremony of a four-day international workshop on National Artificial Intelligence and Strategy for Nigeria with over 120 experts, researchers, academia and professionals from across the world in attendance. 

Speaking on the seed funding for National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Dr Tijani disclosed that $3.5 million has been received in support of Nigeria efforts in AI systems and its deployment in Nigeria. 

He said the donation came from foreign and local partners  such as the United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) UNESCO; Meta, Google, Microsoft, Luminate; Lagos Business school and Data Science Nigeria, NITDA and other agencies under the supervision of his Ministry. 

He said the funding comprises $1.5m direct funding and another $2m invested into the pilot program by 21st Century Technologies.

The minister said with a collective pool of resources by both local and foreign partners, there is nothing impossible for Nigeria to achieve with the AI strategy.  

He said Nigeria would need the strategy now to prepare the citizens ahead of the future as AI would come to Nigeria same way it would come to young people in Kenya and America. 

Tijani further explained that the AI Collective for Growth  initiative led by NITDA and run by Lagos Business School would receive the funding  from partners  for the next three years.

He said: ‘‘This is not just another workshop that ends today, your efforts in the last four days will continue to make a lasting impression for tomorrow and we will by action ensure AI takes lead in Nigeria.

‘‘We have been blessed with a partnership with Galaxy Backbone with a data centre already allocated to AI.  For the pilot of this program, we have  seen 21st Century Investing $2m into it.  

‘‘My experience over the past 7 to 8 months is about supporting visions, to be able to articulate and come up with solutions. Funding resources and manpower is not a problem for Nigeria. 

“With president we have today, Nigeria can even fund some of these things because it is willing to invest in deep infrastructure.

‘’When we come together, there is nothing we cannot do.  We may not understand the significance of this event but for me, the approach to AI is to overcome the power of fear and one that is followed with extreme resources. Certain nations that were expected to participate in it did not,  but it heartwarming that we other collaboration with NITDA  and other partners funding this initiative.” 

The director general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, expressed optimism that if gotten right,  the strategy would lay a solid foundation and help Nigeria achieve all its blueprints, as well as help the president to deliver his priority areas.

He said: ‘‘Imagine a world without scarcity of resources, where every human being has access to basic needs, clean water and shelter. Imagine a world where death is an option, where all terminal diseases are cured, where aging can be reversed, where genetic disorders  can be corrected.

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“And imagine a world where we do not need to do mundane things, where we have lots of machines, robots doing many things for us, where everything we desire happens without you doing anything.

“All these things are possible, that is the future arising before us as faster.  We have innovators using AI  to improve Agriculture, gene transplantation  of pigs to human beings. This is the foundation being laid.

‘‘We need to win the battle today and shape our tomorrow and we cannot afford to lose the battle tomorrow with the AI revolution. AI is going to be bigger than the internet.

“The Internet is said to have lifted more than 1bn people out of poverty over 30 years, through the kind of value created. So, if AI is more than the internet, imagine what it can do. I believe this is the right time to get AI strategy and for us to be active player in the AI race,” the NITDA boss asserted. 

Nigeria’s minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, has assured international financial institutions of the positive trajectory of the Nigerian economy. 

Alhaji Mohammed Manga, the director of the press of the ministry in a statement said the minister emphasised the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and improving the lives of Nigerians.

Edun underscored the “bold, courageous and strategic reforms” implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

These reforms, he explained, aim to achieve a dual objective: stabilizing the national economy to attract foreign investment and foster job creation and poverty reduction.

The minister expressed optimism about the direction of the Nigerian economy.  He pointed to government policies successfully “slowing down food inflation” as evidence of positive progress.

Edun’s visit to Washington D.C. is part of a larger effort to showcase the economic advancements achieved under the current administration. 

He, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and other key officials, aim to collaborate with international institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

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Edun said: “The Economic Team of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is here to showcase the progress so far made of his bold, courageous, and strategic reforms for the Nigerian economy to get it stabilized to attract foreign investment, create jobs for our people, reduce poverty and enhance our economic growth and development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.”

He further highlighted positive economic indicators, including a stabilizing exchange rate and signs of declining food inflation. 

While acknowledging that oil revenues haven’t reached their full potential, Edun expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and its ability to achieve economic goals.

The Gas Supply and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) to support the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the $3.8 billion Brass Methanol Project is to be executed by May 2024.

The minister of state petroleum resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, announced this on Wednesday, April 17, at a meeting held with key stakeholders of the project in his NNPC Towers Abuja office.

Ekpo said the meeting was to confirm adequate gas supply to the Brass Methanol Project by the NNPC/Shell/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture (JV), as well as determine the next steps to conclude and execute the GSPA and mature phase 2 of gas supply to the project.

This was contained in a press statement issued by his spokesman, Louis Ibah in Abuja.

Present at the meeting were the Head of Joint Venture (JV), Investment Management, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Mr. Olanrewaju Igandan; Deputy Managing Director, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Mr. Richard Orianzi; Managing Director, Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor; Managing Director of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Ltd, Mr. Ben Okoye, among others.

 Ekpo informed the gathering of President Bola Tinubu’s strong interest in resolving issues relating to gas supply to the Brass Methanol Project.

According to the minister, the President was passionate about the speedy kick-off of the project so that it could bring in the much-needed FDI with attendant economic benefits to the country.

Ekpo said: “Mr. President is very passionate about this project and wants something positive to happen in respect of the Brass Methanol project before the end of May this year.”

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The Brass Methanol Project, located on Brass Island in Bayelsa state, is sponsored by Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL).

The $ 3.8 billion project is made up of a gas processing plant, a methanol production and refining plant, and product export facilities, among others. 

At the end of the meeting, Ekpo announced he had successfully resolved the GSPA issue and that it would be executed by May this year.

Ekpo added: “The NNPC/SPDC JV partners are now fully committed to uninterrupted gas supply for the development of the Brass Methanol project.”