The Nation Newspaper

Tag: FG

  • FULL LIST: FG names nine persons, six BDC operators financing terrorism

    FULL LIST: FG names nine persons, six BDC operators financing terrorism

    The federal government has identified fifteen entities it believes are allegedly sponsoring terrorism. They consist of six businesses that operate Bureaux de Change and nine people.

    The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), disclosed this in a report obtained by The Nation on Tuesday. It was titled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”

    The report states that on March 18, 2024, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened. It was suggested at the discussion that certain people and organizations be sanctioned for their role in financing terrorism.

    Those named in the document for financing terrorism include:

    INDIVIDUALS

    1. Tukur Mamu

    2. Yusuf Ghazali

    3. Muhammad Sani

    4. Abubakar Muhammad

    5. Sallamudeen Hassan

    6. Adamu Ishak

    7. Hassana-Oyiza Isah

    8. Abdulkareem Musa,

    9. Umar Abdullahi

    BDC FIRMS

    10. West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited

    11. Settings Bureau De Change Limited

    12. G. Side General Enterprises

    13. Desert Exchange Ventures Limited

    14. Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited

    15. Alfa Exchange BDC.

    Read Also: FG inaugurates steering committee for Nigeria’s ID4D project

    The document further revealed that in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:

    “(a) Immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;

    “(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

    “(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity; and

    “(d) Report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List.”

    It said: “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to

    “(a) All funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;

    “(b) Those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;

    “(c) The funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities; and

    “(d) Funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”

  • FG moves for central health database, patient data protection

    FG moves for central health database, patient data protection

    The Federal government has inaugurated the Implementation Committee for Nigeria’s Digital Health Initiative to spearhead the digitalization of the country’s healthcare system and establish a national database.

    To achieve this objective, the government plans to initiate pilot programs for six Electronic Medical Record (EMR) platforms, starting with Federal tertiary hospitals and expanding to one State per geopolitical zone to assess their effectiveness and accuracy.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof Ali Pate said the inauguration of the Committee was a significant milestone as the EMR platform is aimed at improving patient experience, protection of patient data, underscoring the primary focus on people’s welfare.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, emphasized the necessity of digitizing the nation’s healthcare sector into a unified national database due to the current system’s inability to undergo real-time integrity tests for several apparent reasons.

    During the inauguration of the 20-member Committee in Abuja on Friday, Pate noted that upon assuming office in May last year, a primary focus of the Renewal Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu was revitalizing the nation’s health sector and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    He stated that moving forward, these concerns converged into the question of “How can we utilize the EMR platform to enhance patient experience and ensure data integrity?

    “How do we improve patient outcomes, population health outcomes, using digital transformation such as this platform?

    “How can digital transformation help us reduce the cost of care by the providers at different levels or even for the purchase of health insurance and using the platform to improve the work life of the health workers themselves, the providers who are using tools to perform their jobs.

    “And for policymakers and managers, to also improve their attractiveness and efficiency and to be able to hold actors accountable?”.

    Alausa, who chairs the Committee provided the reasons that necessitated the government’s decision, saying, “What exists now, is a lack of uniform data collection and management that has presented the Nigerian healthcare system with numerous challenges. 

    “It has limited the development of the health industry, weakened our decision-making and has resulted in inefficient use of resources. 

    “This has made it difficult to have a comprehensive view of the healthcare environment. 

    “Our healthcare system further suffers from data fragmentation as only a small number of private institutions and federal institutions use Electronic Medical Record (EMR)/ Electronic Health Record (EHR) platforms to keep track of patient data, promote research, provide treatment, and manage operations and resources. 

    “While the majority still rely on rudimentary paper-based methods. 

    “Despite the existence of these few EMR/EHR platforms, none are standardized to integrate, collect, and manage data across institutions or built to succinctly share patient data in real-time. 

    “This has led to significant quality gaps in the healthcare system. Therefore, the transition to a digital health infrastructure is not merely a choice but a necessity to revolutionize healthcare delivery in our country”.

    He however empathized that the nation’s health system stands to gain immensely from the digitalization initiative, saying, “The Digital in Health Initiative will show that digitalization in health goes beyond EMR/HER platforms. 

    “We want to rebuild and reposition the digital health environment to include data gathering, data repository, data servicing and service regulation.

    “The platform so created would be such that data can be easily validated. 

    “We shall start with an EMR system which is just a part of the overall digital ecosystem”.

    Read Also: FG urged to punish anti-social behaviours

    Alausa also disclosed that the EMR platform pilot will initially begin at the Federal tertiary hospitals and be implemented in one State per geo-political zone, to gauge its efficiency and accuracy. 

    Once reviewed, both public and private sub-national institutions would be encouraged to key in, allowing for a national robust and unified EMR platform, he added.

    “As we inaugurate this committee today, we are one step closer to creating an environment where Nigerians can rely on our health system to serve them and their families. 

    “Additionally, our digital in health strategy will create economic spinoffs that will include job creation, unlock new levels of the sector’s value chain, increase revenue, and significantly contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s GDP”, he added.

  • FG urged to punish anti-social behaviours

    FG urged to punish anti-social behaviours

    A civil society organisation, Stand Up Nigeria (SUN) has urged the Federal Government to adopt stricter sanctions to stem the tide of social vices in the society.

    The group said in a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Titus Bitrus that this was given the rising cases of such incidents.

    According to the organisation, the weak or complete absence of penalties against these vices was fuelling more incidences nationwide.

    It noted that if such a trend continues, it has grave implications for the future of the nation, as the people, who are its major resources, could be adversely affected.

    “At the level of our organisation, we are apprehensive at increasing cases of rape, forced marriages, kidnappings, abductions, child marriage, and several other anti–social behaviours.

    “More worrisome is that the government and other institutions that should be concerned seem to have gone to sleep.

    “Even lawyers and other notable professionals are involved in this scenario, when they are the ones who are supposed to fight for the rights of others.

    Read Also: Still on the Anti-Social Media and National Water Bills Conundrum!

    “Our group is currently battling the in-laws of one Mrs. Aregbeshola Esther Agbor for attempting to forcefully marry her to her brother-in-law, who is the immediate elder brother to her late husband

    “This is contrary to the belief of Mrs. Aregbeshola who is a Catholic and an indigene of Edo State, though married to a Muslim from Osun State.

    “Worse still, the widow’s only son, Faruq, has since dropped out of school, as his mum cannot claim her husband’s properties in Lagos where they had always lived. Mum and child have been on the run.”

    SUN believes that government’s primary duty is to protect lives and properties, urging the government not to abdicate its responsibilities.

  • FG rolls out presidential conditional grant scheme to empower nano businesses

    FG rolls out presidential conditional grant scheme to empower nano businesses

    The federal government has rolled out the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme (PCGS) to empower Nano businesses as part of the Presidential Palliative Programme.

    Beginning from March 9, 2024, the scheme offers financial grants, without repayment obligations, to eligible small business owners operating in various sectors such as trading, food services, ICT, transportation, creatives, and artisans.

    The PCGS targets 70% women and youth, 10% people with disabilities, and 5% senior citizens, with the remaining 15% distributed to other demographics.

    By focusing on the often overlooked group of business owners, the program seeks to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive sustainable economic development at the grassroots level.

    Read Also: N450m equipment grant for 150 women Y’ellopreneur

    The N50,000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira) grant per beneficiary paid directly to beneficiaries’ accounts will reach one million small businesses in the 774 local government areas (LGAs) and the six council areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    With a target of 1,000,000 beneficiaries in every LGA and the FCT, the program has the potential to impact communities nationwide significantly.

    Beneficiaries of the initiative have been selected through a rigorous process that includes the verification of each business owner through their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    The successful applicants met specific criteria, including owning a small business with progressive economic potential, a willingness to grow, and engaging at least one additional staff member when necessary.

    Applicants also provided proof of residential/business address and relevant personal and bank account information before the December 18, 2023 deadline.

    The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme underscores the government’s commitment to supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth. With a strong emphasis on inclusivity and empowerment, the PCGS is poised to make a tangible impact on the lives of small business owners and their communities across Nigeria.

    The initiative is implemented by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment with the Bank of Industry as the Executing Agency.

  • FG to fund young female engineering start-ups

    FG to fund young female engineering start-ups

    The Federal Government has called on young female engineers in the country to submit proposals for possible funding.

    The proposals and pitches would mark the beginning of a chain of events expected to lead to engineering start-up companies owned and run by women.

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), made the call  through the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).

    Read Also: Farmers slam FG over Ukraine food assistance

    The submissions of proposals which is expected to commence from the 9th of March would last till 20th of May towards the implementation of Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) initiative.

    Executive Vice Chairman / Chief Executive Officer NASENI, Khalil Halilu made this known in Abuja at the launch of the program by PICTT and NASENI.

    Halilu said the DELT-HER is an “opportunity platform”, through which girls and young women can pitch and present their exciting and groundbreaking  engineering ideas, for funding by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), through the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT).

  • Proven cases of sabotage won’t go unpunished, FG warns

    Proven cases of sabotage won’t go unpunished, FG warns

    The Federal Government, yesterday, warned that proven cases of sabotage of its efforts would not go unpunished as it was prepared to take big decisions against sabotage.

    The government maintained that it would go ahead with its ongoing reforms in various departments and agencies for the growth and development of the country.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who sounded the warning, said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu predisposes that it would not be business as usual in all aspects of national development.

    Tunji-Ojo made the remarks shortly after the decoration of Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap as the 19th Substantive Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Ministry of Interior, Abuja.

    Specifically, the Minister told Mrs Nandap to discharge her duties effectively as she would be judged by how well she is able to protect the nation’s vast borders.

    Read Also: Proven cases of sabotage won’t go unpunished, FG warns

    Tunji-Ojo said: “You have held command positions across the country, and that means you are conversant with the issues. Please, we believe in you. The president believes in you.

    “On Tuesday, Mr. specially recognised you and gave you a presidential handshake, therefore, to whom much is given, much is expected. I want you to also be a team player. This is not the time to remember the ills of anyone.

    “We will judge you on how well you protect our borders. In the security of Nigeria, the NIS has a great role to play in the security architecture of the country. Please, be creative. Be innovative. Bring your certificates and training to bear on your job”.

    Tunji-Ojo who urged officers and men of the service to cooperate with their new boss to enable her sustain the ongoing reforms in the Service, warned that the present administration would not hesitate to wedge the big stick anywhere there are proven cases of sabotage.

  • Proven cases of sabotage won’t go unpunished, FG warns

    Proven cases of sabotage won’t go unpunished, FG warns

    The Federal Government has warned that proven cases of sabotage of its efforts would not go unpunished. 

    The government said it was prepared to take big decisions against sabotage. 

    The government maintained that it would go ahead with its ongoing reforms in various departments and agencies for the growth and development of the country.

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who sounded the warning, said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu predisposes that it would not be business as usual in all aspects of our national development.

    Tunji-Ojo spoke shortly after the decoration of Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap as the 19th Substantive Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)  at the Ministry of Interior, Abuja. 

    Specifically, the Minister told Mrs Nandap to discharge her duties effectively as she would be judged by how well she can protect the nation’s vast borders.

    Read Also:BREAKING: FG slams $10 billion fine on Binance

    Tunji-Ojo said: “You have held command positions across the country, and that means you are conversant with the issues. Please, we believe in you. The president believes in you. 

    “On Tuesday, Mr specially recognised you and gave you a presidential handshake, therefore, to whom much is given, much is expected. I want you to also be a team player. This is not the time to remember the ills of anyone.

    “We will judge you on how well you protect our borders. In the security of Nigeria, the NIS has a great role to play in the security architecture of the country. Please, be creative. Be innovative. Bring your certificates and training to bear on your job”.

    Tunji-Ojo who urged officers and men of the service to cooperate with their new boss to enable her to sustain the ongoing reforms in the Service, warned that the present administration would not hesitate to wedge the big stick anywhere there are proven cases of sabotage.

    “And to the ACGs and other officers, I have said it: I will tolerate everything but indiscipline. I don’t threaten, but I will say what I will do. I want to plead with you to cooperate with her. If you think you want to sabotage her, you are sabotaging the president. You are sabotaging the sovereignty of Nigeria, and as Minister of Interior, I will not shy away from taking big decisions. It is no longer business as usual,” the Minister asserted. 

  • Economic hardship: FG to give out N25K monthly across 15m households

    Economic hardship: FG to give out N25K monthly across 15m households

    As part of efforts to lessen the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians, the federal government said it would give N25,000 per month to 15 million households across the country.

    Wale Edun, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, stated in an interview on Channels Television that the federal government is trying to reduce the suffering, particularly for the vulnerable and impoverished.

    He said: “But I think the important thing to point out, at this time, is that the focus of Mr President is on keeping his promise, particularly to the poor and the vulnerable. Food prices are elevated, and the purchasing power is limited and that is what Mr President is speaking directly to through the intervention programme of direct payments of N75,000 each over three months”.

    “That is N25,000  a month to 15 million households and each household is about five people. So, that effectively provides funding for 75 million people.”

    Read Also: FG will go after economic saboteurs, minister vows

    The minister also restated the Federal Government’s intention to supply grains in order to lessen the impact of food prices rising.

    “More recently, there was a 42,000 metric tonnes release from the strategic reserves with another 60,000 metric tonnes to come. This is all in a bid to make sure there is food in the marketplace,” the minister said.

  • FG will go after economic saboteurs, minister vows

    FG will go after economic saboteurs, minister vows

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Mohammed Idris on Friday said the government would go after economic saboteurs

    This is as Idris assures Nigerians that the administration’s reforms are yielding fruits.

    The Minister disclosed this in a statement he personally signed.

    He said, “Since the removal of the petrol subsidy, petrol importation has dropped by fifty percent, amounting to one billion liters monthly, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. On a related note, crude oil production is rising steadily, increasing to an average of 1.55 million barrels per day in Q4 2023, from 1.22 million barrels per day in the preceding quarter.

    “Also, monthly receipts by States from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) have surged since the subsidy removal, giving governments at all levels billions of Naira in extra headroom to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

    “It is instructive that the removal of the petrol subsidy was one policy decision that all the three major candidates were unanimous on, in their campaign messaging. It is therefore mystifying to see people who had argued stridently for the removal, now pretending to be against it today. This insincerity does not bode well for our country and our democracy.

    “President Tinubu’s second most far-reaching pronouncement was his promise that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would work towards a unified exchange rate. In line with his vision for a more transparent and equitable monetary policy, yet without jettisoning its operational independence, the CBN took the very bold step of loosening control of foreign exchange rates, allowing access to foreign exchange to take place at market rates determined on the principle of ‘willing seller willing buyer.’

    “As a government, we are not under any illusion that these policy moves are silver bullets, or that nothing else is required. We understand that these are foundational fiscal and monetary policy moves, upon which we must now build the superstructure of true economic growth and prosperity.

    “As respected economists and experts have acknowledged, these foundational reforms will be difficult and painful for Nigerians in the short term. At the same time, there is the consensus that they are inevitable, given just how much they have held back robust and lasting economic growth.

    “The problems that we are solving are no doubt multifaceted, intertwined, and deep-rooted, requiring creative, strategic, decisive, and multi-pronged solutions. These bold moves being implemented are in full alignment with what is required.

    “The CBN has been proactive, initiating a comprehensive strategy to enhance liquidity in the forex market. In addition to unifying the rates, the bank has also cleared a significant amount of outstanding Forex obligations, and outlined new operational mechanisms for commercial banks, Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs).

    “It is heartwarming to note that we are starting to see the results. Indeed, the naira is stabilizing, and the foreign exchange market is seeing a surge of inflows. The latest NBS figures show that capital importation into Nigeria rose by over 66 percent in Q4 2023, compared with the preceding quarter. The CBN Governor has also highlighted the fact that $1.8 billion flowed into the forex market last week, on the back of the new reforms. 

    “Sadly, as with any effort to reform and sanitise a system entrenched in long-term malpractice, the CBN’s efforts have been met with ferocious resistance from speculators and other unscrupulous players within and outside our country, who profit from dysfunction and opacity.

    Read Also: CSOs urge NASS to probe FG’s $3.4bn COVID 19 loan, subsidy savings, others

    “To tackle this, regulatory and enforcement agencies of the government have been working round the clock in the past few days, joining forces to address these efforts at undermining the reforms. That strategic alliance has led to the intelligence-led identification, investigation, and sanctioning of individuals and organizations involved in illegal activities and sabotage within the forex market.

    “Relevant regulatory and security agencies have been directed to remain vigilant to ensure that malpractices capable of undermining our currency are averted and that those engaged in these acts are brought to book. The government will not allow its efforts to be jeopardised.

    The emerging stability of the naira is in the interest of all Nigerians.

    “Nigerians should rest assured that the government will continue to take further steps to stabilize the naira and safeguard our economy.

    “We will continue to seek the patience and understanding of Nigerians as we push through these difficult times, into a season of abundant benefits and truly renewed Hope. As the President never fails to emphasize, these headwinds we are facing are only temporary, and, collectively, we will surely overcome them.

    “The President and his team are and will remain resolutely committed and focused on the task of bringing immediate relief and enduring prosperity to all Nigerians.”

  • FG explores €25m Netherlands firm’s grant for priority bridges

    FG explores €25m Netherlands firm’s grant for priority bridges

    The Federal government has finalized discussions with investors from the Netherlands to attract a grant of  25 million Euros for the construction of priority bridges in Nigeria, it emerged on Saturday.

    Following his meeting with a delegation of investors from the Netherlands, led by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oluremi Oliyide, in Abuja, Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the government’s commitment to accessing international interventions from donor agencies and development partners to tackle the infrastructural deficits hindering economic development in Nigeria.

    According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Uchenna Orji, the government’s stance aligns with the initiative to explore innovative solutions in revitalizing the nation’s economy, as envisioned by the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The Minister emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships and collaborations to bolster funding for critical sectors of the economy, fostering robust and equitable economic growth.

    Read Also: Kidnapping: FCTA raises alarm over squatters under Abuja bridges

    While assuring the investors that once due diligence was carried out and presented to the proposal to the President for approval, Umahi said, “We have a number of projects that we can do together.

    “But I think the best thing to do is to conclude this one, which is a grant, then get the process  started, and at the point of agreement and project selection, we shall refer to  Mr. President for  his approval”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands said the team was in Nigeria to discuss the offer of a grant of 25 million Euros by Janson Bridging  International for investment in road infrastructure in Nigeria.

    The envoy was quoted as saying, “Janson Bridging is the largest modular bridge manufacturing and bridging company in continental Europe and the largest bridge rental company in the world.”

    He promised to assist in fast-tracking the agreement implementation process on the side of the company as soon as all formalizations were concluded.

    On his part, a member of the team and International  Business Consultant, Eric Okunde, said the investors were ready with the proposal and technically prepared to work with the Federal Ministry of Works in the mapping and design of the projects as well as the formulation of the template for the execution of the project.