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Tag: NBS

  • Tourism Federation collaborates with NBS to enhance data collection.

    Tourism Federation collaborates with NBS to enhance data collection.

     The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) says  it is  collaborating with the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) to enhance data collection on tourism to attract investors.

    The President of the Federation, Malam Saleh Rabo, told the Reporter  on Thursday in Abuja that the nation’s economy needed to benefit from  the immense potential of its tourism industry.

    “With our newly established department of data and research, we are collaborating with NBS to see how the private sector can help improve the collation of data in the tourism industry.

    “This will enable people who want to invest in the sector to have reliable data and other information that will encourage and stimulate them.

    “So, we are working with them and by the grace of God we are repositioning FTAN so that the benefits of tourism can be enjoy by everybody,’’ Rabo said.

    Rabo stressed the need for infrastructure such as  roads, electricity and security  to enable the  tourism sector in the country to flourish, saying the  efforts of the Federal Government should complemented by the other tiers.

    Read Also:Nigeria’s inflation drops to 15.37% in December 2017 NBS

    According to him, the federation is not relenting on its efforts to encourage  genuine investors to come into the sector so that the economy can continue to enjoy the benefits of tourism.

    On the involvement of youths in tourism activities, Rabo expressed satisfaction with the participation of  Tourism Youth Organisations in the development of the sector.

    “In fact, a Motor Rally Association joined us recently; they are youth association which promotes the culture of `Safe Driving’ and then try to promote motor rally in Abuja and Nigeria in general.

    “Nevertheless, there is nothing you can do without involving the youth because they are the backbone of every society. Therefore, we are involved in all tourism activities in the country,’’ he said.

    On the lull in the activities of the Presidential Council on Tourism after its inauguration two years ago, Rabo said it was not unconnected to the myriad of  challenges facing the country.

    “FTAN is a member of the council. I believe everybody understands the situation in the country today. There are challenges we are having on security issues.

    “The government is trying its best to tackle those challenges. If those have been nipped  in the bud, the council will come together and do something about tourism.

    “This is because tourism is a sector that is supposed to drive the economy. I hope after the storm the PCT will sit to see to issues in the sector,’’ Rabo  said.

    NAN

  • NBS says 77.5m Nigerians engage in economic activities in Q3

    NBS says 77.5m Nigerians engage in economic activities in Q3

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) says 77.55 million people are engaged in economic activities out of a labour force of 85.08 million in the third quarter of 2017.

    The NBS disclosed this in a “Labour Force Statistics Volume 2: Employment by Sector report for Third Quarter of 2017’’ released by the bureau on Monday in Abuja.

    According to the bureau, the 77.55 million are engaged in some sort of economic activities for at least an hour a week.

    It, however, noted that 8.46 million were engaged between one to19 hours weekly; 18.02 million 20 to 39 hours; 51.06 million above 40 hours), while 7.53 million were doing absolutely nothing.

    The bureau explained that it classified those working less than 20 hours a week and those doing absolutely nothing as unemployed.

    It also stated that it classified those working 20 to 39 hours or doing jobs not commensurate with their qualifications and skills as underemployed.

    The bureau, however, stated that out of 8.46 million persons that worked within 1 to19 hours a week, 1.83 million or 21.67 per cent work for pay/ wage.

    It stated that the 5.84 million or 69.03 per cent were self-employed working in agriculture (4.18 million or 49.44 per cent) and non-agriculture related activities (1.65 million or 19.58 per cent).

    Read also: Nigeria’s inflation drops to 15.37% in December 2017 – NBS

    In addition, it stated that 83,978 or 0.99 per cent were paid apprentice and 703,240 or 8.31 per cent were unpaid house workers.

    It stated that under the working hours’ category, Agriculture sector with 59.02 per cent or 5.01 million persons dominated, followed by Trade (9.7 per cent), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (7.0 per cent).

    The bureau further stated that out of 18.02 million persons that worked within 20 to 39 hours a week and classified as underemployed, 3.77 million or 20.96 per cent work for pay/wage.

    It stated that 11.60 million or 64.36 per cent were self-employed working in agriculture (6.62million or 36.72 per cent) and non-agriculture related activities (4.98 million or 27.64 per cent).

    In addition, it stated that 231,671 or 1.28 per cent were paid apprentice and 2.41 million or 13.39 per cent were unpaid house workers.

    Meanwhile, the report stated that more males worked full-time than female, while a higher percentage of female worked part-time between 20 to 39 hours and below 20 hours per week.

    It stated that the absolute number of male full-time workers (34.85 million) was more than twice the number of female full-time workers (16.21 million) in the third quarter of 2017.

    The report also stated that a larger percentage of males to females were self-employed in farming/agriculture work, while a larger percentage of females were self-employed in non-farming/agriculture work.

    It stated that agriculture dominated both female and male labour markets.

    NAN

  • Nigeria’s inflation drops to 15.37% in December 2017 – NBS

    Nigeria’s inflation drops to 15.37% in December 2017 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) says inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), has further dropped to 15.37  per cent in December 2017 from 15.90 per cent recorded in November of the same year.

    The NBS disclosed this in its CPI report for December 2017 released on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The CPI, which measured inflation, ended the 2017 with a rate of 15.37 per cent (year-on-year) in December 2017.

    According to the bureau, this is 0.53 per cent points lower than the rate recorded in November.

    The report stated that it became 11th consecutive disinflation (slowdown in the inflation rate though still positive) in headline year -on- year inflation since January 2017.

    According to the report, increases have been recorded in all the Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP) divisions that yield the Headline Index.

    On a month-on-month basis, the bureau stated that the Headline Index increased by 0.59 per cent in December 2017, 0.19 per cent points higher from the rate of 0.78 per cent recorded in November.

    Read also: Inflation rate down 10 times in a row, says NBS

    It stated that the percentage changed in the average composite CPI for the 12 months period ending in December 2017 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12 months period.

    The NBS stated that the percentage of average composite CPI was 16.50 per cent in the month, showing 0.26 per cent points lower from 16.76 per cent recorded in November 2017.

    Meanwhile, the report stated that the Urban Inflation Rate rose by 15.78 per cent (year-on-year) in December from 16.27 per cent recorded in November.

    It, however, stated that the rural inflation rate also eased by 15.02 per cent in December from 15.59 per cent in November.

    On month-on-month basis, the report stated that the urban index rose by 0.66 per cent in December, down by 0.19 from 0.85 per cent recorded in November.

    It also stated that the rural index rose by 0.54 per cent in December, down by 0.18 per cent when compared with 0.72 per cent in November.

    According to the report, the corresponding 12 months year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 16.92 per cent in December.

    This, it stated, was less than 17.26 per cent reported in November 2017, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in December is 16.10 per cent compared to 16.29 per cent recorded in November 2017.

    NAN

  • 2nd quarter GDP ranked most uploaded report in 2017 – NBS

    2nd quarter GDP ranked most uploaded report in 2017 – NBS

    Dr Yemi Kale, the Chief Executive Officer of National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) said the Second Quarter 2017 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Report was one of the most uploaded reports in 2017.

    Kale, the Statistician – General of the Federation said this in his 2018 message posted on the bureau’s website.

    He said the report was followed by the National Survey on Corruption Perception, each with more than 5000 uploads within 120 days of their release.

    “My personal engagement with a vastly diverse sample of our clients convinces me of the growing appreciation for Nigeria’s official statistics. Yet, we can and must do better,’’ he said.

    Kale said with the country’s emergence from economic recession in the second quarter, came greater demand for data by policymakers and business leaders seeking to identify how to sustain the recovery.

    “Also to sustain the implementation of policies, prioritise programmes and ensure that the Nigerian economy gets on a more sustainable path of inclusive growth.

    “Concerned citizens, eager to witness immediate changes in their socio-economic circumstances, also paid closer attention to statistical reports,’’ he said.

    The statistician-general said 2017 witnessed a considerable uptick in activities of NBS, driven in large part by an ever-growing demand for more and better data by governments, businesses and citizens.

    “As 2018 beckons, it is clear that we are unlikely to see a slowdown in such demand, and I am pleased to affirm that NBS is ready, willing and able to rise to the occasion again this year.

    Read also: NBS to release 179 reports on economy

    “No doubt, 2017 was a remarkable year. A total of 198 reports were released, an increase of 85 per cent over 2016,’’ he said.

    According to him, NBS is committed to surpassing these milestones in 2018, as seen in its revised data release calendar, 189 reports are already planned.

    “As usual, they will be accompanied by clear, informative infographic materials, and disseminated widely across all our social media platforms.

    “We remain committed to quality improvement across all our service delivery channels, in order to continually justify our multiple awards in 2017.

    “As ever, the bureau will remain steadfast in guarding its professional and operational independence granted by the Statistics Act (2007), especially as the political climate builds up.’’

    The statistician-general said that efforts would be made to provide adequate explanations and context for data releases, and prioritise statistical advocacy efforts to limit the misuse of data.

    Kale, however, acknowledged the support of government at all levels and institutional partners towards improving the availability and quality of official statistics in the country.

    The statistician-general prayed that 2018 would be a year of better statistical funding, both at the federal level and to state statistical agencies.

    He said the importance of statistical data for identifying development priorities and shaping public policy should not be subjected to vagaries of the socio-economic or political climate.

    “Rather, leaders must continually emphasise and utilise evidence-based approaches, whether in policy or business.

    “If this is not done, it becomes impossible to objectively identify key areas in our society that actually require change.

    “It will be difficult to accurately determine what policy prescriptions will best respond to the real needs of the country or take advantage of the next big business opportunity in this resilient economy.

    “We are confident that the year will bring numerous opportunities for us to effectively support policymakers.

    “We look forward to another fulfilling year for us at the bureau, our partners and data users,’’ Kale said.

    NAN

  • NBS to release 179 reports on economy

    NBS to release 179 reports on economy

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) is to release no fewer than 179 reports on different sectors of the economy this year.

    According to the 2018 tentative data release calendar posted on the bureau’s Website, the NBS is expected to release 40 data in the first quarter.

    According to the calendar analysed by the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ), the bureau will release data on consumer price index and inflation, price watch on diesel, petrol and kerosene.

    Other items on the calendar are telecommunications data, monthly Federal Account Allocation Committee disbursements, gross domestic products and foreign trade merchandise.

    Road transport data, exportable crops survey, prison statistics, pension asset and membership data, annual postal service data and food security survey report are also listed.

    The bureau is expected to release 51 data in the second quarter.

    Read also: Nigeria’s labour force increases to 85m in Q3 – NBS

    The data will focus mainly on statistics on immigration, pension asset and membership, job creation, smart nutrition survey and labour force as well as capital importation report.

    It will also focus on air transportation data in addition to petroleum products data and inflation reports.

    In the third quarter, the bureau will release 46 data ranging from socio-economic survey, social statistics, road transport, rail transportation data, and solid minerals and mining sector survey.

    In addition, the bureau will release manufacturing sector survey report; transport and storage sector survey, and creative industries sector survey reports.

    However, the bureau will be releasing 42 reports in the last quarter of the year.

    It will be releasing sectorial distribution of value added tax report, petroleum products demand survey and power sector report, among others.

    The bureau will also be releasing monthly reports on FACC disbursements, consumer price index and inflation reports as well as price watch on diesel, petrol and kerosene.

    NAN recalls that NBS released no fewer than 162 reports on different sectors of the economy in 2017.

    NAN

  • Inflation rate down 10 times in a row, says NBS

    Inflation rate down 10 times in a row, says NBS

    Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, decreased to 15.90 per cent making it 0.01 per cent lower than the 15.91 per cent recorded in October, 2017.

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which stated this in a report published on it’s website, however said despite the month-on-month decrease, the inflation rate increased year-on-year by 15.90 per cent in November 2017.

    The report said: “Increases were recorded in all Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose, COICOP, divisions that yield the Headline Index. On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 0.78 per cent in November 2017, 0.02 per cent points higher from the rate of 0.76 per cent recorded in October.

    NBS said this represents the first rise in month-on-month inflation following five consecutive months on month contraction in headline inflation since May 2017.

    It pointed out that the percentage change in the average composite CPI for the twelve month period ending in November 2017 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve month period, was 16.76 per cent, showing 0.21 per cent point lower from 16.97 per cent recorded in October 2017.

    The report added that urban inflation rate rose by 16.27 per cent year-on-year in November from 16.19 per cent recorded in October, while the rural inflation rate also eased by 15.59 per cent in November from 15.67 per cent in October.

    On month-on-month basis, the report indicated, the urban index rose by 0.85 per cent in November, up by 0.03 from 0.82 per cent recorded in October, while the rural index rose by 0.724 per cent in November, up by 0.009 when compared with 0.715 per cent in October.

    The corresponding twelve month year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 17.26 per cent in November.

    This is less than 17.57 per cent reported in October 2017, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in November is 16.29 per cent compared to 16.41 percent recorded in October 2017.

    High year-on-year food prices and food price pressure continued into November though consistently at a slower pace month-on-month.

    The Food Index decreased marginally by 0.01 per cent from the 20.31 recorded in October and increased by 20.30 per cent year-on-year in November 2017, NBS said.

    On a month-on-month basis, the Food sub-index increased to 0.88 per cent in November, causing a 0.03 per cent increase from the 0.85 per cent recorded in October, 2017.

     

    The report showed that this represents the first rise month on month, following five consecutive disinflation in month on month inflation since a 2017 high of 2.57 per cent in May 2017.

    The average change of the Food sub-index annual rate for the twelve-month period ending in November 2017, over the previous twelve month average, was 19.39 percent, thereby resulting in a 0.25 percent points increase from the average annual rate of change, 19.14 per cent recorded in October.

    “The rise in the index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, coffee, tea, cocoa, fish and Oil and fats,” the report explained.

    All items inflation in November 2017 was highest in Bauchi at 23.63 per cent, Nasarawa at 19.90 per cent and Kebbi at 19.22 per cent on a year-on-year basis; while Kogi, Edo and Delta States recorded the slowest rise in headline year-on-year inflation at 11.27 per cent, 13.11 per cent and 13.75 per cent respectively.

    However, on a month-on-month basis, all items inflation was highest in Bauchi at 1.6 per cent, in Katsina at 1.44 per cent and Oyo 1.43 per cent; while Plateau, Edo, and Benue recorded the lowest month-on-month all item inflation in November 2017 at 0 per cent, 0.07 per cent and 0.21 per cent respectively.

    Food inflation, in November 2017, was highest in Kwara, Ebonyi and Nasarawa states at 28.11 per cent, 25.03 per cent and 24.95 per cent respectively, while Kogi at 13.25 per cent, Benue at 15.19 per cent and Bauchi at 15.42 per cent recorded the slowest rise in food inflation in November 2017.

    On a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Oyo and Ebonyi at 1.96 per cent and the Federal Capital Territoty, Abuja at 1.93 per cent. Also, Akwa Ibom, Plateau and Benue at the decreased rates of 0.69 per cent, 0.13 per cent, and 0.06 per cent respectively, recorded food price deflation or negative inflation in November.

  • NBS: Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57b in Q3

    NBS: Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57b in Q3

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said Nigeria’s exports in the third quarter stood at N3.57 billion, a 13.19 per cent increase over that of  the second quarter.

    The NBS stated this in the “Foreign Trade Statistics for the Third Quarter 2017’’ report posted on the bureau’s website.

    It stated that the value (N3.57 billion) in the third quarter represented an increase of 35 per cent over the amount recorded in the same period last year.

    The report stated that raw material exports value increased by 16.88 per cent in third quarter against that of the second quarter and 70.42 per cent higher than the third quarter of last year.

    It noted that solid minerals exports value increased by 85.3 per cent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of the year and was 78.72 per cent higher than the third quarter of last year.

    Meanwhile, NBS said imports value of N2,348.6 billion in the third quarter,  which was 10.51 per cent lower than that of second quarter and 4.68 per cent lower than the third quarter of last year.

    According to the report, the value of imported agricultural goods was 0.05 per cent higher than the value recorded in second quarter  and 16.91 per cent higher than that of the third quarter of last year.

    The report stated that the value of raw material imports was 4.77 per cent lower than the second quarter and 2.80 per cent lower than that of  the third quarter of last year.

    It further stated that solid minerals imports in the third quarter of the year decreased by 1,220.48 per cent compared to second quarter, but was 8.69 per cent higher than the third quarter of last year.

  • Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57bn in Q3 – NBS

    Nigeria’s export value hits N3.57bn in Q3 – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) has said Nigeria’s total exports in the third quarter of 2017 stood at N3.57 billon, showing 13.19 per cent increase over the amount recorded in the second quarter.

    The NBS stated this in “Foreign Trade Statistics for the Third Quarter 2017’’ posted on the bureau’s website.

    The bureau stated the value (N3.57 billion) in the third quarter of 2017 represented an increase of 35 per cent over the amount recorded in the same period in 2016.

    The report stated that raw material exports value increased by 16.88 per cent in third quarter of 2017 against the level in second quarter of 2017 and 70.42 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    It noted that solid minerals exports value increased by 85.3 per cent in third quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2017 and was 78.72 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    Meanwhile, NBS said total imports value of N2,348.6 billion in third quarter of 2017 which was 10.51 per cent lower than second quarter of 2017 and 4.68 per cent lower than third quarter 2016.

    According to the report, value of imported agricultural goods were 0.05 per cent higher than the value recorded in second quarter of 2017 and 16.91 per cent higher than third quarter of 2016.

    Read also: Nigeria’s capital importation rises to 147.5% in Q3 – NBS

    The report stated that the value of raw material imports were 4.77 per cent lower than second quarter, 2017 and 2.80 per cent lower than the value in the third quarter, 2016.

    It further stated that solid minerals imports in the third quarter 2017 decreased by 1,220.48 per cent compared to second quarter but was 8.69 per cent higher than third quarter 2016.

    The report, however, stated that energy goods imports in third quarter were 92.17 per cent lower than the second quarter and compared to third quarter 2016 when no energy goods imports were recorded.

    It stated that manufactured goods imports value was 4.08 per cent higher in third quarter than the level in second quarter and 2.79 per cent lower than third 2016.

    In addition, it state that other oil products imports value were 17.54 per cent lower than in second quarter and 28.81 per cent higher than third quarter 2016.

    NAN

  • NBS partners NTDC on tourism statistics

    NBS partners NTDC on tourism statistics

    Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr. Yemi Kale, has said until now “tourism data has been disaggregated and oftentimes fragmented.” He, however, said the NBS has begun building a structure to compile the Tourism Satellite Accounts, which will be a new framework for the aggregation of tourism statistics in the country.

    Kale, who spoke in Lagos at an interactive session with members of the Association of Travel & Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON), assured that “we have begun to build the structure to compile the Tourism Satellite Accounts.”

    The NBS, according to him, has established collaboration with stakeholders such as the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to build a system of tourism statistics that feeds into the TSA.

    He added that a broader platform would soon be established to function as a forum where other stakeholders can put forward their contributions towards the development of a robust TSA.

    In attendance were stakeholders, which included the NTDC Director-General, who was represented by NTDC Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Annette Ibe; Mrs. Lola Adewole of NANTA; Otunba Ayo Olumoko, Vice-President FTAN Southwest and Vice-President, FTAN Southeast, Mrs. Ngozi Ngoka,  at the interactive session tagged: “Kale Talks Tourism – The Nexus Between Travel and the state”. The session also marked the opening of the ATTWON Creative Hub in Lagos.

    Dr. Kale, who was represented by Technical Adviser to the Statistician-General, National Bureau of Statistics, Mrs. Lola Talabi-Oni, noted that developing tourism had various far-reaching benefits ranging from job creation to increased revenue through taxes and foreign exchange to improved local infrastructure. He said it directly impacts the transportation, accommodation & food services, and the arts and entertainment sectors.

    Stressing the importance of appreciating the NBS approach to tourism data to be able to have robust conversations on the figures, Dr. Kale said that the contribution of tourism to GDP using the Supply and Use Table of Nigeria is a measurement of Tourism Value Added. “Though limited in scope being dated 2010 to 2012, the Supply and Use Table is still a useful way to evaluate the growth and trends of the tourism sector. The contribution of tourism to GDP declined from 2.34% in 2010 to 1.77% in 2011 to 1.22% in 2012. Although transportation constitutes the highest contribution of Tourism to GDP, it declined from 70% in 2010 to just over 50% in 2012. On the converse, hotels and accommodation which contributed 20% to the tourism economy in 2010 grew to 45% in 2012,” he added.  He noted that though there were over 1000 hotels in Nigeria, very few were predominantly used by inbound tourists.

    He said that NBS was “in the process of designing a template, in collaboration with other supervisory agencies and associations to further capture the composition and main growth drivers within this sub-sector.

    “The rise of shared private accommodation for tourism purposes posed a challenge in monitoring necessitating ‘the possibility of incorporating this type of service within the Household Establishment Surveys that are conducted every quarter.’

    Dr. Kale said that very soon it will be possible to collect and disseminate indicators on occupancy rates, room capacity, bed capacity, total foreign guest nights and average room rates across the country, adding that the NBS is already publishing quarterly reports on international and domestic air passenger traffic.

    Providing an attractive outlook for Nigerian tourism, the guest speaker, said that the Nigerian tourism sector was resilient and had the tendency for continuous growth.

    “We have a large domestic market to feed into the demand side of tourism, and increasing globalisation and decreasing international air flight costs, have translated into an expanding foreign market and interest in Nigeria. It is projected that the Lagos airport will receive over 10,000 passengers per day by 2031.

    “For the supply side, we are endowed with various existing and potential areas of tourist attractions and destinations all across Nigeria.”

    He listed sites such as Gurara Falls in Niger State, the Calabar Drill Monkey Ranch and the Igbo-Ukwu Museum as some of the tourism assets, which generate significant domestic and international interest.

    He said to grow the tourism sub-sector there was need to build the right infrastructure, address the security and safety concerns of visitors, and harness the strength of local tourism affiliated departments and agencies in order to realise the full potential of tourism on our economy.

     

  • Rich Nigerians should pay more tax- Senate

    Rich Nigerians should pay more tax- Senate

    Asks FG to implement free compulsory education

     

    The Senate yesterday backed the Federal Government’s position that rich Nigerians should be made to pay more taxes as a way to engender wealth redistribution in the country.

    The upper chamber said that said that people who earn higher emolument should pay high taxes on luxury goods.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over yesterday’s plenary said the rich must pay more taxes, while poor Nigerians should pay less.

    He said with more money in government’s confers, more Nigerians will be lifted out of poverty.

    Ekweremadu was contribution to a motion on eradication of poverty raised by Senator Ali Wakili and 22 others to commemorate United Nations International Day for the eradication of poverty.

    Ekweremadu said, “In other countries of the world, governments make deliberate efforts to get their people out of poverty. This is the practice all over the world. Nigeria should not be different. We need to provide for our people and get them out of poverty.

    “There are so many ways we can achieve this. Government needs to implement policies that will take us out of poverty. One of them is the issue of taxation. The rich need to pay more taxes, while the poor should pay less. When the rich pay more taxes, there will be enough money to get our people out of poverty.

    “We have our able youths who are jobless, despite the fact that they are educated. This cannot continue. We need to provide jobs for our youths and take them off the streets. As a parliament, we will take the necessary steps to ensure that this is achieved.”

    Read: Nigeria loses over N15tr yearly to tax evasion 

    Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, had while speaking to the press at the annual meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC on Sunday, insisted people with higher income must bear a greater part of the tax burden.

    Wakili in the motion noted that a recent report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), no fewer than 112 million Nigerians representing 67.1 per cent of the country’s estimated population, now live below the poverty level.

    He said that commemoration is intended to promote dialogue and understanding between people living in poverty and their communities and society.

    “It is meant to demonstrate the strong bonds of solidarity between people living in poverty and people from all works of life, and the commitment to work together to overcome extreme poverty,” Wakili said.

    Senator Shehu Sani, (Kaduna central) in his contribution lamented that more than 80 per cent of Nigerians live below the poverty level.

    The lawmaker said that successive governments have not done enough to implement programmes that will lift Nigerians out of poverty.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North) described poverty as a weapon of mass destruction.

    He noted that China in the last 20 years has lifted more 300 million of its citizens out of poverty.

    Barau urged the Federal Government to do more and implement social programmes to lift the living conditions of Nigerians.

    Lawmakers, after a brief debate, called on the Federal Government to declare free education at every level.

    The upper chamber said that policies and programmes evolved by the Federal Government through the Social Investment Programmes and other poverty alleviation and eradication measures be vigorously pursued.