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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Nigeria oil and gas provide investments in excess of $50bn – Kachikwu

    Nigeria oil and gas provide investments in excess of $50bn – Kachikwu

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, said economic growth plan recently launched by Federal Government would provide strategic and economic partnerships in excess of 50 billion dollars.

    Kachikwu said this on Tuesday while wooing investors at an event organised in Houston, U.S., by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

    He said: “the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a National Economic and Growth Plan for the next four years.  This is anchored on the Nigeria Oil and Gas Roadmap among other sectoral roadmaps.

    “This roadmap presents exciting opportunities for financial and strategic partnerships in excess of 50 billion dollars (about N1.58 trillion).

    “About 13 billion dollars -17 billion dollars will go to the upstream for the development of upstream gas fields with a total of 37.4 trillion cubic feet.

    “Fourteen billion dollars -17 billion dollars will go to the Trans-Nigeria gas pipeline project, gas revolution industrial park at Ogidigben and three power plants for additional 3.2 GW capacity in the gas and power sector”.

    He added that 2.5 billion dollars – 5 billion dollars will be invested in licensing and establishment of modular refineries, collocate refinery within Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC) and rehabilitating/upgrading the three refineries.

    “In the downstream sector, about 3 billion dollars – 3.9 billion dollars will go to revamping of liquefied petroleum gas, building of new Compressed Natural Gas plants across the country and to pipeline and storage tank constructions.

    “In addition, 0.7 billion dollars – 1 billion dollars will be invested in ventures such as equipment leasing, development of multi-specialist hospital and cancer diagnostic and treatment centres,” he stated.

    Kachikwu assured investors on President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance that he would ensure that under his watch, the “old’’ Nigeria would slowly disappear while a new era would arise.

    He also assured them of security and the new ease of doing business in Nigeria, adding that government had made progress on reforms in the sector.

    “Part of progress made are the new policies and regulations like the new oil, gas and fiscal policies that are being developed and syndicated with all stakeholders and the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill.

    “The Bill will be passed by National Assembly before end of the second quarter.

    “It also includes business environment and investment drive, gas revolution including the gas flare commercialisation programme where investors are invited to submit detailed project proposals by end of May.

    “Private sector-led revamp for refineries being pursued and framework for new Greenfield refineries, including modular refineries in place, and Niger Delta security and transparency and efficiency,” he said.

    The minister said that the outcome of the meeting would be aligned to projects and funding opportunities, preliminary discussion on areas of potential collaboration and broad alignment on funding options.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, in his address said that his desire was not to hold events but “to follow through on whatever decisions are made from such meetings to ensure development eventually”.

     

  • Obasanjo, IBB, Abdulsalami meet over Buhari’s health

    Obasanjo, IBB, Abdulsalami meet over Buhari’s health

    Facts emerging from a meeting between three former Nigeria Leaders, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, Niger State, have revealed that the trio are concerned about the true nature of President Muhammdu Buhari’s health.

    The Nation learnt that the three former Presidents have decided to pay a visit to the President Buhari to ascertain the true state of his health.

    President Obasanjo and General Abdulsalami would go for the visit because General Babangida’s state of health will not allow him travel.

    In the meeting which lasted for two hours, it was learnt that they expressed concern over the politicking of the President’s health which they noted is unhealthy and a threat to national development.

    They also reportedly frowned at the discordant tune by the President’s media aides and his close associates which they plan to discuss when they meet him.

    The meeting according to sources ended with a prayer for the health of President Buhari and General Babangida.

    The meeting of the former heads of states was held top secret as visitors that usually visit the house were disallowed from entering the house ahead of the arrival of Chief Obasanjo.

    It was learnt that before Obasanjo’s arrival, General Abubakar was already in IBB’s house waiting as the Niger state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello recieved Obasanjo at Minna airport and accompanied him to IBB home at hill top devoid of official retinue.

  • Nigeria’s UN Ambassador assumes duty in New York

    Prof. Tijjani Bande, the new Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN, on Monday arrived in New York to assume office at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York reports that Bande was received at a brief reception organised for him by the Permanent Mission.

    The Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Samson Itegboje, then introduced the members of staff of the Mission to the new Permanent Representative.

    The new Nigeria’s envoy, commended the staff of the Mission for their commitment, saying he looked forward to working with them to lift Nigeria’s flag high at the UN.

    “Nigeria is a very important country. All our missions and agencies should work together,” Bande said.

    The former Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) also pointed out that he was honoured to have served at the Institute, saying “there’s none like it in Africa”.

    “We shouldn’t have some of the challenges that we have; we have great intellectuals who are working hard to address our challenges,” Bande said.

    Itegboje assured the new ambassador of the cooperation of the staff of the Permanent Mission to ensure that he has a successful tenure.

    “We are one family here and we work as one. There’s a lot of work here but I can assure you everybody is ready to work.

    “We will pull forces together to ensure your tenure is successful. Be rest assured that we will all work in harmony to represent and protect the interest of Nigeria.

    “We will do everything to ensure you succeed in this great task,” the Deputy Ambassador assured Bande.

    The new Permanent Representative replaced Prof. Joy Ogwu, who held the position from 2008 to 2015.

    He served as the Director-General of NIPSS until Feb. 25, 2017.

    Bande’s appointment was announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 31.

  • How LGs shared N1.3bn Paris Club refund in Bayelsa – Commissioner

    Dr Agatha Goma, Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Bayelsa, said the eight local government areas in the state shared N1.3 billion from the N14.5 billion Paris Club refund remitted to the state by the Federal Government.

    She gave the figures in a news conference on Monday, noting that the councils deployed the fund which was the first tranche of the Paris Club fund to clear salary backlogs in the eight local governments.

    She, however, said that the fund was not sufficient to clear the entire backlog as various councils have varying wage bills even as their fund receipts and revenue earnings varied.

    According to her, the breakdown of the sharing shows the following — Brass Local Government; N158.5 million, Ekeremor Local Government; N182.2 million, Kolokuma/Opokuma; N122.6 million and Ogbia; N157.9 million.

    Others are Sagbama; N155.4 million, Nembe; N147.9 million, Southern Ijaw; N209.4 million and Yenagoa; N199.1 million.

    “It is important to restate that what the councils in Bayelsa are facing is as a result of the recession which has taken its toll on the revenue accruable to all tiers of government, nobody tampers with council funds in Bayelsa.

    “Even though we run a unified local government system, the same amount that accrues to the local governments is what is remitted to them and they are financially autonomous.

    “The local government component of both the bailout funds from the Federal Government and the Paris Club refunds were remitted to the eight local governments and they were judiciously used,’’ Goma said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had on March 23 approved the disbursement of the second tranche of the Paris Club loan refunds to states that had disbursed the first tranche to local governments.

    Accountability of the disbursement of the first tranche is a prerequisite for states to benefit from the second tranche of the disbursement.

    Mr Ebiango Egain, Secretary, Bayelsa chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria said at the news conference that the local governments shared the N1.3 billion and deployed same to clear outstanding salaries.

    He commended Gov. Seriake Dickson of the state for ensuring that council funds were released to the local government as received from the Federal Government.

  • Boroh hails Buhari’s administration, urges workers support

    The Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd) says President Muhammadu Buhari had good intentions toward Nigerians, and urged workers to support his administration’s developmental policies.

    Boroh said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, ahead of the May 1, Labour Day celebration.

    He said worker’s Day was an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working men and women who were the indispensable pillars of the country.

    The coordinator urged all workers, and all Nigerians to use the Day to reflect on how best to strengthen the Nation’s economy and good work ethics collectively.

    “I am advising Nigerians to give President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration the necessary support to realise its economic policies and ideas.

    “The President has launched the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) with a charge that Nigeria must produce what it needs and rely less on imports in order to revive the country’s economic status and pull out of recession,’’ he said.

    According to the Presidential aide, the planned economic stimulus will go a long way in improving the nation’s economy.

    Boroh said that the Federal Government’s effort on security was paying off, adding that the anti-corruption war was also on course.

    “Our business is to ensure that every day, we put in our best because if you take care of small things, big things will take care of themselves.

    “We must see ourselves as a very vital part of the valid change in this country.

    “I am quite encouraged by the dedication and patriotism of the President because this is the president that has no single agenda apart from Nigeria.’’

  • Ijaw groups, elders warn against resuming violence in Niger Delta

    Ijaw groups, elders warn against resuming violence in Niger Delta

    Prominent Ijaw groups and elders have asked youths in the Niger Delta to forget any plan to resume hostilities in the Niger Delta region.

    The leaders insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration had shown some positive signs and must be allowed to implement its vision to develop the region.

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) said instead of resorting to violence, the region had opened a new chapter of constructively engaging the government to ensure it fulfilled all its promises.

    Speaking in separate interviews, the IYC President, Mr. Eric Omare, said since President Buhari had made promises, the best the region could do was to impress it upon his administration to fulfill them.

    He said: “I do not think that it has got to that level where people will resort to threatening to bomb oil facilities again. Government made promises but our duty for now is to remind government of its promises towards the region and insist that government should fulfill its promises.

    “But to threaten attack or resort to a militant approach to force government fulfill its promises, l don’t think is the best approach for now. We have never encouraged militant dimension or use of force in our agitation. We advise those that threatened violence to adopt peaceful means”.

    Also, the Chairman, INC, Central Zone, Chief Kennedy Odiowei, asked the youths to remain calm insisting that Buhari with his track record of integrity, would fulfill his promises to the region.

    He said: “We are not in support of violence because the Federal Government is talking to the region. The Vice-President came and toured the Niger Delta. They have seen the plight of the region and the people.

    “The government is very proactive to look into the issues of the Niger Delta so we are not in support of any threat to renew attacks. We are saying that everybody should keep calm and drop their arms”.

    “The Vice-President made some serious policy statements including asking all the oil companies to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta region. It is a welcome development. So let us wait and see what the government could do”.

    But the immediate past President of IYC, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, observed that the tempo which Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo pursued negotiation with the region dropped immediately Buhari returned from his overseas trip.

    He, however, said it should not be an excuse for anybody to contemplate resuming attacks on oil installations adding that he had been talking to aggrieved youths to forget the idea.

    He said: “I have been traveling up and down trying to talk to the boys because since the President came back from his travel, everything seems to have nosedived. The tempo with which the vice-president was going was commendable by everybody.”

    “The vice-president was using the right words and talking as a leader. But since the President came back, it has been difficult to continue the momentum and keep up the tempo. Nigeria needs peace.

    “We are not expecting Buhari to solve the Niger Delta problems totally because it didn’t start from his time. We are looking forward to the plans that the Vice-President had put in place. It is very commendable.

    “He talked about putting the illegal bunkerers together to form cooperatives so that their activities can be incorporated into government. He talked about modular refineries, the maritime university and a whole lot of issues that were raised”.

  • FG inaugurates governing Boards, Councils of tertiary health institutions

    The Federal Ministry of Health on Friday in Abuja, inaugurated the Governing Boards and Councils of some tertiary health institutions, to strengthen the health sector.

    Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, urged the appointees to support the vision and core values of President Muhammadu Buhari on transparency and accountability.

    He said the composition of the membership had been done in conformity with the laws and Act setting up the various Councils and Boards.

    He said their main function was to provide carry out oversight functions on the management to ensure smooth implementation of government policies, as well as efficient and effective utilization of resources.

    Adewole however cautioned the appointees against direct involvement in day-to-day administration of the institutions, saying such function resides with the Registrars and Chief Executives.

    He also advised the appointees to be mindful of the need for efficient management of scarce resources at all times while discharging their duties.

    “It is our expectation that you will strengthen the resource base of the institutions, increase internally generated revenues and quality of services and training.

    “Everything must be done in accordance with due process, especially the procurement processes, where the Councils and Boards will provide oversight,” he said.

    The minister advised that recruitment of staff should also follow due process, stressing that the constitutional role of the Federal Character Commission must be respected and adhered to.

    Dr Abosede Ofi, Chairperson NMCN, while responding on behalf of the appointees, said they would study the laws establishing their institutions to enable them work in accordance with the rules and due process.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has 22 members, with Dr Abosede Ofi as chairman; Dental Technologist Registration Board, 12 members, with Mr Vincent Ezeasor as chairman and the Chartered Chemist of Nigeria, 17 members, with Prof. Okieimen Ebhodahe as chairman.

    Others are 18 – member Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria, with Dr Dahiru Adamau as chairman, 19-member Dental Therapist Registration Board, with Malam Jariri Saulawa as chairman, as well as 13-member Radiographers Registration Board, with Mr. AFK Bakare as chairman.

     

  • Buhari absent as three governors pray in Aso Rock mosque

    Buhari absent as three governors pray in Aso Rock mosque

  • Senate may pass budget next week-Senate Leader

    Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan on Thursday said the Senate would conclude legislative work on the 2017 appropriation bill next week and pass it to President Buhari for assent.

    At the end of a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the senate leader said that the National Assembly had intended to pass the bill in March but could not.

    “The good news is that we are doing everything possible to catch up the lost time and that by the grace of God I am thinking that by next week we should be able to finish our own work and pass the budget for Mr President to sign.”

    The Senate Leader also confirmed that the Senate would screen the two ministerial nominees from Kogi and Adamawa as well as others who require confirmation by next week.

    On his visit to the President, he said that it was to get the right executive briefings as part of his responsibility to market all executive bills’ request.

    “I have come to meet Mr President as part of my continuous engagement with the executive to ensure that I get my briefings right so that I can always market Presidential and executive requests.

    “This is supposed to be a continuous process and that is essentially why I have come to see Mr President,’’ he added.

    He said such interaction should be maintained in the country in spite of the independence of the three arms of government.

    “I know clearly that there is independence of each arms and I also know equally well that there is so much interdependence between the two arms or even the three arms of government in Nigeria.

    “Therefore, we need to always close and narrow the gap,’’ the Senate leader said.

     

  • Make minimum wage a priority – labour leader tells Buhari

    The President, National Union of Chemical Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Methallic Products Employees (NUCFRLMPE), Mr. Goke Olatunji, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to make the payment of new minimum wage a priority.

    Olatunji who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday, added that government should look into the minimum wage issue because it is of utmost importance.

    NAN recalled that the NLC in April 2016 officially submitted a report to demand for N56, 000 minimum wages.

    NAN also reported that the Technical Committee on Minimum Wage had submitted its report one year after the committee was set up by the Federal Government.

    According to Olatunji, government should implement the wage without allowing it to cause inflation for it not to lose its relevance.

    “The present N18, 000 minimum wages is not able to buy anything from the market. We want the government to increase it but it should not lead to inflation.

    “Federal Government should ensure that the states and private sector should be able to implement the policy when an agreement is being reached,’’ the union president said.

    He said that the workers have bore lots of pain because of the economic recession and needed to be compensated.
    Olatunji said that business activities during recession period made the economy unpleasant both for workers and employers, hence the May Day event would be marked in a low key.
    “Before, companies such as Unilever Plc will give workers products, provide transportation and send at least 100 people to the stadium for the celebration of May Day.
    “But now, the company will give money to hire a bus and send 25 to 50 workers to the rally that is the reason for celebrating workers day this year in a low key,’’ Olatunji said.

    He said that if the economy does not improve, workers welfare would be retarded and urged the government to formulate policies that would bring relief to Nigeria workers and ensure that it was well implemented.

    On foreign exchange, the NUCFRLMPE president commended the government for improving the release of Forex to companies.

    He said that poor access to Forex in 2016 had intermittently stalled productivity of chemical and footwear companies and had led to sack of some workers