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Tag: FG

  • FG approves N1.6bn for flood victims in 16 states

    FG approves N1.6bn for flood victims in 16 states

    … Expect more floods – Minister

    The Federal Government has approved the release of N1.6 billion to flood victims in 16 states of the federation.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

    According to him, the fund will be taken from Ecological funds in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    He said the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has been directed to release the N1.6 billion to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for the 16 affected states.

    He said: “The Acting President has approved the sum of N1.6 billion as immediate intervention for victims of flood in 16 states.

    “The states are Ekiti, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia, Oyo, Lagos, Plateau, Sokoto, Edo and Bayelsa.

    “So, 16 states ravaged by flood and the sum of N1.6billion had been approved for immediate release as relief for people in those states and communities involved.

    “The money is going to be taken from the Federal Government Ecological Fund Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance is to release the fund directly to NEMA, which is, National Emergency Management Agency,’’ he said

    Meanwhile, federal government has warned Nigerians to expect more flooding following the delay in rainfall which had caused long duration of torrential downpour in major urban cities.

    The government also said the monsoon wind which is a strong prevailing wind bringing rain from West Africa coast around June 22 to September and October would bring a lot of rains to the land along with sea rise that could lead to increase in the amount of water in low lying coastal areas of Lagos and other states.

    Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, said this in Abuja while briefing journalists on flood situation in the country.

    Adamu said the flood would spread to 30 states and over 100 local government areas in the country.

    He added that the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) would continue to monitor the flow of surface water and issue alerts when necessary.

    He said: “Summary of the alert is that approximately 30 states and over 100 LGAs are categorized as high flood risk areas and therefore should expect flooding.

    “The rains did not start early this year, thereby possibly causing long duration torrential downpour and causing unexpected urban/flash floods in areas with non-existing or inadequate drainage system in the country.

    “The flow of surface water are being monitored by NIHSA while alerts will be issued. Also, sensitization of the entire nation by visiting the grassroots will soon be embarked upon.”

  • Why FG’s appeal of CCT verdict is a must

    SIR: The no case verdict of Code of Conduct Tribunal on the asset declaration infractions alleged against Senate President Bukola Saraki remains a watershed in the annals of jurisprudence in Nigeria.

    The case remains novel, first for the discharge and acquittal awarded by the tribunal chairman whereas the tribunal is constitutionally empowered to discharge and not to acquit; and secondly, for its sweeping discountenance of what the prosecution counsel regarded as overwhelming evidence of infractions proven by prosecution witnesses.

    It is gratifying that the Federal government has expressly appealed this judgement thereby living no room for speculation as to intervening political nuances. Allowing the judgment to fly without appeal would have degraded the anti-corruption outlook of Buhari’s government.

    The case which is a matter expected to terminate at the Supreme Court would provide an enduring jurisprudential precedence in the administration of code of conduct going forward.

    Furthermore, it smacks of moral insensitivity for the Senate to have celebrated the rather cold comfort when the case is still open to adjudication by courts of superior jurisdiction. It is also inchoate to advance the theory of political witch-hunt as if to suggest that we are in a banana republic where laws are skewed in favour of a suspect for his perceived political predilections.

    The rule of law is preserved when both the victim and the villain are given opportunity for redress based on equity and justice.

    Nigerians ought to wish both the prosecution and defence teams the best of luck and insulate the conversation from any extraneous spin pending the apex court’s ruling.

     

    • Bukola Ajisola,

    bukymany@yahoo.com

  • UNIDO, FG develop plan to end use of mercury in mines

    The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Federal Government (FG) has developed an action plan to end the use of mercury in mines.

    This is a bid to end lead poisoning in mining communities around the country whose activities of extracting gold, using mercury has led to health complications in the communities.

    Regional Director for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Representative, UNIDO Regional Office Nigeria, Dr. Jean Bakole, made the revelation yesterday in Abuja, at the inauguration of the development partner and donor agency coordination group on mining.

    He added that UNIDO is developing a four-year new country programme and formulation in which the mining sector has been identified.

    His words: “We, as an international organization, are willing to partner the country by providing expertise, experience, technologies, among others, for the development of the nation.

    “We are developing a new country programme which will be for a five-year term from 2017 to 2022. Through this new country programme and the formulation, the mining sector has been identified as one of the key areas UNIDO is going to support in the country.

    “We are also starting a new project with the Federal Government in developing a national action plan on mecury in artisanal and gold mining sector to reduce the use of mecury in artisanal and small scale mining.

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, stated that the plan addresses challenges associated with gold mining and production, including smuggling, illicit financial flows.

    He said: “UNIDO is assisting the country to develop the Minamata Initial Assessment and a National Action Plan on Mercury use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining as stipulated by the Minamata Convention. This support extends to our ministry and the ministries of environment and health.”

  • EU’s €143m support package coming for Boko Haram victims — fg

    EU’s €143m support package coming for Boko Haram victims — fg

    The European Union has announced a €143 million support package towards making life easier for about 14 million victims of the insurgency crisis in the North East, the Federal Government has announced.

    Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and EU officials signed documents for the €143 million support package aimed at facilitating early recovery and reconstruction needs in the North East in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday.

    Media Adviser to the Minister, Mr. James Akpandem, explained that, among others, the package is for the provision of basic services, including energy, education and health, job creation, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems as well as public financial management systems.

    Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who signed the package agreement on behalf of Nigeria, said the support shows yet another positive effort in the collaboration between the EU and the Nigerian Government to collectively work towards ameliorating the sufferings of the victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

    The minister noted that the Financing Agreement signed on Thursday was for the sum of €20 million from the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa.

    “A total sum of €143 million is now secured from the EU under this framework for ameliorating the sufferings of the affected population estimated at more than 14 million people”, he added.

    He said that since the resurgence of the humanitarian situation in the North East, the Nigerian government has devoted substantial resources to bring the situation under control, meet the humanitarian needs of the victims and restore normalcy to the area.

    However, in spite of the efforts, the minister said there is still a huge funding gap, which is why the Nigerian government appreciates the support of the EU and the United Nations systems, which have been very useful in leading the other development partners in the support process.

    Senator Udoma noted that the process for the selection of implementation partners has reached an advanced stage with the World Bank and some of the components of the project.

    ”This demonstrates the fact that the EU is committed to timely execution of the project and the bureaucracy that is traditionally associated with the EDF instrument will be minimized in the implementation of this project,” he said.

    EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Mr. Neven Mimica, said the support package will assist internally displaced people and affected communities in and around the Borno State.

    ”Our assistance will not only target the immediate needs of the people, but it will also help to restore basic services, stimulate employment and create livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and young people”.

    Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Mr. Christos Stylianides said: “The European Union is committed to get lifesaving aid to those in need in Nigeria; emergency aid can help them but to do so, aid organizations need safe and full access to do their job.”

    He stressed that EU also needs to think about the long term implications and how to help communities recover.

    ”I have visited the country several times and seen the suffering caused by the victims of terrorism, but also the strength and determination of the local people to rebuild their lives.

    ”It is this desire to rebuild a better future that the EU will support,” he stated.

  • Minister appeals to traditional rulers to support FG in promoting peace

    Minister appeals to traditional rulers to support FG in promoting peace

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has appealed to traditional rulers to support the government in promoting peace and unity across the country, amid rising cases of incendiary statements and hate speeches capable of tearing the nation apart.

    The minister, who made the remarks in Abuja yesterday when he received the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, on a courtesy visit to his office, said the phenomenon of fake news, disinformation and misinformation must also be checked to guard against any attempt to undermine the unity of the country.

    “Hate speeches are being spewed out daily, with reckless abandon. Most people have forgotten how hate speeches helped to trigger genocide in Rwanda in 1994, killing about 800,000 people.

    “When the hate speech phenomenon is added to the growing problem of fake news, disinformation and misinformation, we have a most incendiary mix that could undermine the unity, peace and security of any country.

    “This is why I want to use the opportunity of this visit of His Royal Highness, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, to appeal to our traditional institutions across the country to intervene urgently to douse the tension enveloping the land,’’ he said.

    Alhaji Mohammed said the traditional rulers have a huge role to play in keeping the country safe and keeping the people united, adding: ‘’They have always played this role, but we need them now more than ever.”

    He also appealed to the media to always exercise a great deal of restraint in their reporting, so as not to aggravate the tension caused by the divisive tendencies, including hate speech.

    “As I have always said, it is because we have a peaceful country that professionals, including journalists, can carry out their daily chores. It is, therefore, imperative for us all to be part of government’s efforts to make our country secure and peaceful and keep our people united,” the minister said.

    He described Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III as an epitome of humility and simplicity, and promised to do everything within his power to bring to fruition the project to turn the Olowo’s Palace into a national monument, in appreciation of the historic contributions of the Olowo to the country’s development.

    In his remarks, Oba Olateru-Olagbegi III said he is visiting the Federal Capital Territory for the first time under this administration, with a view to familiarizing himself with the leadership of the country, especially the Minister of Information and Culture who is in charge of the nation’s cultural heritage.

  • FG to spend N3.4tr on petroleum products in 2017

    FG to spend N3.4tr on petroleum products in 2017

    …requires $1.1b, $1.2b for repairing refineries
    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, on Thursday revealed that the Federal Government would in this year spend N3.4trillion on the importation of petroleum products.
    Addressing newsmen in Abuja, he refuted reports that quoted him to have said that government was concessioning its refineries.
    He said that government has no plans to concession the refineries but it is only making arrangements for private financing of their repair. The minister denied the claims that Oando has won the contract for financing the repair of the refineries.
    According to him, Nigeria that consumes 35million daily presently has domestic refining capacity of six million liters, which is about 25% of the demand.
    “The importation of products even between January and December of this year, amounts to 20million metric tonnes and a total amounting of N3.4 trillion. The logistic cost of that importation shipping clearing and all that is about N1.34trillion since the same one year period,” the minister said.
    Owing to this domestic and demand situation, the government had to plan for the improvement of its domestic refining capacity.
    Kachikwu noted that government raised a technical and steering committees on the financing of the refineries that its report will be presented to the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council upon conclusion.
    He however noted that what has been so far established is the magnitude of work that is required in the entities.
    The minister said that apart from piping, about $1.1billion, $1.2billion (depending of the category), will be required to fix the refineries.
    His words: “Internally, we have been able to determine the amount we want to do this work in terms of what work is required to be done. And the total cumulative amount if I am not mistaking is the $1.1, $1.2b type category depend on the refineries with specific breakdown. That of course does not include the cost of piping.”
    Explaining why government has decided to deal with the Chioda, Sapiem and GGC, he said that Chioda built Kaduna refinery, Sapiem built Warri refineries while CGC built the PortHacourt refineries.
    These companies, according to him, have the designs, engineering outlay and upgrade capability for the refineries.
    Today, the reality is still that the reality for downstream product surges that very few people will undertake the financing.
    “So that is why we have created a business model that tie them to the Direct Sale Direct Purchase (DSDP) Programme and that is still working and that is still work in progress.
    “When they finish this and are done with the analysis, I will expect that they will then invite everybody who is interested to the commercial terms set out formally…before we get to FEC, National Assembly and Mr. President. We haven’t reached there and so nobody can say contracts have been given.”
    Kachikwu advised the International Oil Companies to invest in building refineries in Nigeria in order to avoid the negative effects of dip in oil prices.
    He said more importantly, we need to address IOCs in terms of what they need to do to help local refining because if you encourage all these refining capabilities whenever they run out of crude availability we need to look at them why are you taking out crude when you can get the same pricing equivalent in local refining.”
    In terms of the incentives or guarantee for the corporations that would finance the repair of the refineries, he said that there will incremental volumes, access to sales to cushion the challenge in the markets in terms of pricing.
    He revealed that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is reaching out to its non-members including the US on measures to control the glut in the market.
  • FG assures manufacturing firms of support

    FG assures manufacturing firms of support

    •As Osinbajo commissions P&G line in Ogun 

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has assured manufacturing companies of Federal Government’s support for creation of more jobs.

    He spoke at the weekend during the commissioning of a state-of the-art production line for Always brand by leading manufacturing firm, Procter & Gamble, in Agbara, Ogun State.

    Osinbajo, who formally declared the site open, said government will not relent in offering firms like Procter & Gamble all the supports required to further catalyse the economy.

    According to him: “This investment is in tandem with the drive of the current administration for manufacturing companies to produce locally and invest in human capital development.

    “Other FMCGs should emulate P&G by investing in all the geopolitical areas of the country as this will aid the growth of the economy.”

    Managing Director, P&G Nigeria, George Nassar, said: “P&G’s growth and expansion plans for Nigeria are long-term.

    “This investment is a testament to the industrial and infrastructural advancement that P&G is bringing not only to Nigeria, but to Africa as a whole. We delight in being a responsible corporate citizen.”

    He also elaborated on the importance of the new line to the economy saying “P&G’s is investing even more in Nigeria and will continue to serve Nigerian girls and women.”

    According to him: “P&G makes it a point of importance as a business to make significant investments in understanding our consumers and to deliver innovative products and campaigns that improve lives.

    “It is our hope that this new asset will further support the availability of the Product to more women and girls in Nigeria.”

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun commended P&G for locating the factory in Agbara, Ogun State.

    He said: “Ogun State is fast becoming a global destination for investment. We look forward to embracing innovations, initiatives and more companies willing to support the vision of the Federal Government through local production”

     

  • Rename Nigerian Maritime University location-Itsekiri youths tell FG, others

    Rename Nigerian Maritime University location-Itsekiri youths tell FG, others

    A group of Itsekiri youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Omega (NIDO), has issued 14 days ultimatum to the Federal Government, Delta State government and all international oil companies operating in their land to rename the location of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko as Okerenghigho as allegedly recognized by the law of Nigeria.

    NIDO in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Agbogunyo Oliriogun, said government should give licenses to Itsekiri people to own and operate oil blocks and modular refineries in their land and also complete the Koko-Ogheye- Lagos road project. The group is also seeking the pilling of all Itsekiri riverine communities, employment of Itsekiri indigenes by the IOCs, provision of light, potable water, hospitals, motorable roads with bridges to connect Itsekiri areas in the Niger Delta.

    Oliriogun stated that failure to meet their demands within 14 days would attract their wrath. He said: “It would be better for the IOCs to move all their personnel, equipments and installations before the end of the 14 days if they (IOCs) know they won’t be able to meet up with the demands within the stipulated days.

    ” NIDO said it can’t continue to sit and watch the underdevelopment and oppression of its people by the government at all levels and the international oil companies. “Though the Itsekiri nation produces about 30% of the national oil production, it is sad to note that most Itsekiris from oil producing communities have not seen a tarred road, television, an hospital, electrical powered light, fan or a car as a result of the wickedness by both the government and the IOCs in under-developing our land.

  • FG procures arms for aviation security personnel

    FG procures arms for aviation security personnel

    The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that it has commenced the procurement of arms for Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel.

    The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said this in Abuja during the graduation ceremony of 35 AVSEC officials who underwent counter-terrorism training organised by the United Nations.

    The 35 graduands, who are master trainers, would train aviation security experts in two training centres that will be established in Lagos and Zaria.

    The training will afford them opportunity to deliver and sustain high standard of aviation security screening across Nigeria’s civil aviation infrastructure.

    On why they need to carry arms, the minister gave an instance where Turkish airline passengers took to the tarmac to protest their luggage that was left in Istanbul.

    Sirika said: “I wrote a memo to President Buhari and also informed members of the Council that I wanted to reorganise aviation security and make them the arms bearing wing of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    “The passengers took to the tarmac because we have a very weak and incapacitated aviation security. AVSEC personnel’s minds and souls are strong enough but they have not been given the equipment that would support them to discharge their duties.

    “They will be civil, very harmless.

    “They won’t interfere with any process. They would be at the background but they would be fully ready and alert to respond to any emergency at the airport.”

    Sirika also said that structures were being put in place for effective handling of procured arms.

    He said: “You know it is not just about giving arms to personnel; the personnel has to be selected.

    “It has to be the right person. He must have the right psychology and he must master the art of using weapons. He has to understand that he is a civil force and learn to use arms at the right time.

    “It is not an easy thing, but we will get it done.”

    He also assured Nigerians, the UN, aviation communities and the world that the ministry would be alive to its responsibilities.

    Speaking in a pre-recorded tape, the Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, Dr. Jehangir Khan said the training demonstrates the willingness and the continued effort of Nigeria to battle terrorism and protect the people of Nigeria.

    On the essence of the training, he said: “It is designed to improve aviation security at all airports throughout Nigeria through a more efficient security screening process for all passengers in accordance with the international standards required by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and the European Union.

    “The project will contribute directly to the Nigerian govemment’s overall counter-terrorism strategy by helping to mitigate the threat posed to civil aviation by terrorist organisations and their operatives.

    “It also contributes to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2309 adopted on 22 September 2016, which calls on member states to take all necessary efforts to improve and protect aviation security worldwide.”

  • Adeboye to FG: tell us plans on recovered loots

    Adeboye to FG: tell us plans on recovered loots

    Nigerians deserve to know how government plans to spend the recovered loots to enhance probity and transparency in governance.

    This was the submission of general overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

    He spoke last Sunday at the special prayer and thanksgiving for officials of public and private sector with their families at the National Headquarters of RCCG, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebutte-Metta, Lagos

    He said that the amount of looted funds recovered by the current government is huge and a sign of moral degeneration across the country.

    Adeboye insisted Nigerians deserve know how the recovered loots will be utilised as well as how much has been recovered.

    He suggested the $43million recovered from Osborne Towers flat can be used to renovate all airports while the $9milion recovered from residence of the former Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) Andrew Yakubu can repair all roads across the country.

    Citing a recent request by some companies in Malaysia for repair of roads in the country, Adeboye argued “the budget presented by the company for the construction is less than the money recovered by the former NNPC boss.”

    He pointed out poverty mentality and acts of wickedness are responsible for the wide spate of corruption, saying it can be tackled through nationwide campaign on good moral values.

    The respected cleric said: “My father told me when I was a child that I should not destroy the family’s name with my action and I also tell my children the same things. So we can be careful and live in consonance with the scriptures.”

    Adeboye, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Personnel and Administration, Pastor Johnson Odesola, emphasised the needs for urgent resuscitation of moral standards, lamenting Nigerians play higher premium on money than productivity and value.

    “We need all stakeholders to team up together to keep drumming the support for the return of our moral standard for us to have a more humane society.

    “Let us bring back the songs, rhythms and poems that talk about good moral lifestyle and celebrate people with high moral integrity for others to learn,” he stressed.

    He described the media trial of anti-corruption agencies as unnecessary, warning it could smear the names of innocent people.

    “The anti- corruption agencies should be properly funded and empowered so that they can do thorough investigation on alleged corrupt cases rather than swim up unhealthy public sentiments in name of fighting corruption,” he advised.