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  • Onuigbo lauds Tinubu for commitment to food security, robust economy

    Onuigbo lauds Tinubu for commitment to food security, robust economy

    The Chairman, Security, Special Interventions and Climate Change of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), Hon Sam Onuigbo, has commended President Bola Tinubu, for his commitment to ensuring food security and a robust economy.

    Onuigbo, who said this during the first Conference on Accelerating Agricultural Adaptation in Africa organised by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), in Abuja, lauded the initiative of creating the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

    The event was attended by 44 African countries.

    The former member of the House of Representatives, who stressed how climate change negatively impacts agriculture, called for continuous efforts to champion climate action, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

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    He recalled that President Tinubu in his augural address had promised that agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing.

    “The President promised the livestock sector will be introduced to the best modern practices and steps taken to minimize the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector. Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less,” he said.

    The ex-lawmaker who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act said as advocates for climate action, “we must applaud and support such initiatives that pave the way for a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.”

    Onuigbo said it is through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions that the country can mitigate the impacts of climate change and secure a better future for all.

    He said the North East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria which occupies one-third of the country’s 923,769 square kilometres of land mass is very rich in agriculture because of its arable land.

    Onuigbo said agriculture is the mainstay of the people of that zone, however, the impact of climate change in the region has led to drought, desertification, drying up of Lake Chad, loss of livelihoods, and forced migration which fuels insecurity and insurgency.

    “As the sponsor of Nigeria’s Climate Act and an advocate for climate change awareness and action, I cannot emphasize enough the urgency of this issue and the critical role that agriculture plays in Africa’s development, livelihoods, and sustainability.

    “Therefore, today, I stand before you to address a matter of utmost importance; ‘The future of African agriculture and the pressing Climate crises.’ This is why the North East Development Commission (NEDC) where I am privileged to serve as the Chairman of the Security, Special Interventions, and Climate Change Committee of the Governing Board recognizes and prioritizes Agriculture as one of the pillars of the development agenda of the Commission to restore and sustain the livelihoods of the people of the zone. One approach to addressing climate change within the agriculture sector is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

    “As the organizers of this first-of-its-kind conference have highlighted, agriculture is not merely an economic sector; it’s a lifeline for millions of people, particularly women who are the backbone of African agriculture. It is, without a doubt, a linchpin in achieving the sustainable development goals set out by the African Union’s Vision 2063 and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.

    “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that Africa will bear the brunt of the unprecedented challenge from global climate change, and will consequently experience more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, severe floods, storms, and wildfires, etc. which is likely to impact 90 percent of its population. These climate-induced disasters are causing food insecurity, forced migration, and pushing vulnerable communities to the brink.

    “The agricultural sector, responsible for almost one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, is both a victim and a contributor to climate change. With climate change threatening to push 122 million more people into extreme poverty by 2030, we can no longer view agriculture and food security in isolation from climate action. Efforts to address climate change within the agricultural sector have been recognized globally, particularly through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.

    “Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with its Climate Change Act 2021, which now serves as a beacon of hope in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector. By promoting nature-based solutions, conservation, and sustainable management of forests, Nigeria is leading the way towards a more climate-resilient future for agriculture.

    “For instance, section 26, among others, strongly prescribes the integration of Climate Change into various disciplines and subjects across all educational levels, while sections 27, 28, and 29 promote nature-based solutions, REDD+ Registry, and Natural Capital Accounts as strategies and practices that use natural ecosystems and processes to combat climate change.

    “Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing, and transformation in agriculture is essential to create economic opportunities. It is crucial to involve youth and women in sustainable agriculture practices to ensure food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

    “Additionally, gender-sensitive approaches are needed to address climate change’s differential impact on women and men. The importance of these critical segments informed their inclusion as members of the National Council on Climate Change chaired by the President and Commander-in-Chief.

    “We acknowledge the pivotal role of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and its potential to drive agricultural transformation and resilience across the continent. While CAADP has noble pillars, there are concerns that corporate interests have prioritized commercialization over resilience building, leading to inadequate funding for sustainable land management and water resources,” he said.

    The Special Advisor to the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Dr. Sadiq Wanka, said the conference was apt as it takes place at the moment Africa’s agriculture is still depending on rain and farming communities are plunging into further uncertainty as a result of climate-inspired erratic rainfall and shifting seasons.

    Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Dr. Salisu Dahiru, said the conference provides a crucial platform to unite, share knowledge, and engage in fruitful discussions on strategies and solutions that will pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices in Africa.

    “Even in the face of climate adversities, we hope to embark on a journey towards securing the future of food production and ensuring the well-being of our communities,” he said.

  • Tinubu’s signs new deal with US based FuelCell Energy

    Tinubu’s signs new deal with US based FuelCell Energy

    Billionaire oil mogul, Jubril Adewale Tinubu has led Oando Plc, a prominent and leading Nigerian integrated energy solutions provider to sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with US based FuelCell Energy, a leading global innovator in sustainable clean energy technologies.

    The agreement, signed during a prestigious roadshow hosted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria, U.S. Government Prosper Africa, and Power Africa initiatives, signifies a substantial leap forward in advancing renewable power solutions in Nigeria.

    The event, designed to introduce U.S. investors to opportunities within the Nigerian investment landscape, attracted prominent figures from U.S. pension funds and financial service providers.

    Read Also: Kogi guber poll: No room for ethnicity, says Bello

    Under the terms of this agreement, FuelCell Energy and Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy subsidiary of Oando Energy Resources (OER), a part of Oando Plc, will collaborate on the development of a cutting-edge 5 to 15-Megawatt (MW) power plant.

    This partnership is poised to harness FuelCell Energy’s advanced fuel cell and electrolyzer technology while delving into integrating its carbon capture and sequestration technologies.

    The partnership closely aligns with OCEL’s mission to enhance electricity accessibility throughout African markets, beginning in its home nation, Nigeria. OCEL regards this collaboration as a pivotal stride toward advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation and expanding power access.

    Speaking on the agreement, OCEL Chairman, Wale Tinubu emphasised the increasing recognition of renewable energy as a sustainable and long-term solution for the world’s energy requirements.

  • ‘Women in Tinubu’s govt should emulate Okonjo-Iweala’

    ‘Women in Tinubu’s govt should emulate Okonjo-Iweala’

    The founder of I-Train Africa, Dr. Aderinsola Adio-Adepoju has challenged the women included in the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emulate the outstanding records of former finance minister Dr. Okonjo Iweala with precedence achievements globally.

    Speaking at the recent Global Mentorship Conference 2023 in Lagos, the convener and founder of ITrain Africa said: “Let me commend the current administration for fulfilling the 25 percent they promised us, and this can be seen in the appointment so far, it shows women are valuable in this administration”.

    She then posed a number of pertinent questions to inspire the women for the next level of achievement.

    “Are these the women we need to represent us? We have seen women like Dr. Okonjo Iweala. She’s a good example to emulate.”

    Read Also: Kogi guber poll: No room for ethnicity, says Bello

    The Global Mentorship event is a mentorship conference for African youths, women, and professionals who hope to gain clarity and direction, build and belong to global networks, and advance to the top of their careers globally.

    “We are trying to address the problem of under representation of women in leadership positions. In the years past, we used to just fight that women were not being educated but now, women are educated. But we discovered that even with education, women would finish university and instead of building their careers to get to the global stage, they stay in their comfort zone. They forget that when it is time to make decisions if you are not at the table, the decisions are not going to be made to favour you.

    Apart from addressing the four major career paths of entrepreneurship, academia, freelancing (gig economy), and regular 9 to 5 occupations, the highlight of the event was the panel session where panelists shared their career journey with 25,000 participants across 40 African countries.

  • Tinubu cabinet: shape of things to come

    Tinubu cabinet: shape of things to come

    Despite misgivings and criticisms, and notwithstanding some embarrassing administrative and procedural slips by the Tinubu administration, some appointees in the cabinet give good reason to cheer. Their surefootedness, brilliance and even great élan indicate that sooner rather than later the country will be positively impacted. Former Ebonyi State governor Dave Umahi has so far been superlative, being an engineer, and assigned to the works ministry which he understands almost perfectly. Nyesom Wike, ex-Rivers State governor, has also been exceptional, boisterously hands-on in the Federal Capital City (FCT) administration, and bon vivant to boot. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is a goal-getter in the Interior ministry, doing the impossible in a refreshing, unobtrusive way. And Prof. Ali Pate is a careful, intellectual, and methodical builder in the Health ministry who has so far left his watchers holding their breath regarding his administrative constructs.

    Read Also: Rivers lawmaker slams Gumi over attack on Wike

    Nevertheless, it is a cabinet that is too early to judge. Judgement will, therefore, have to be reserved until early next year, for some of them may be slow starters, and others perhaps are excessively too cautious but no less meticulous. Having taken the job at a time of great uncertainty, and haunted by such severe economic downturn that could not possibly be worse, the Tinubu cabinet will be judged more harshly and more impatiently than it perhaps deserves. From all indications the cabinet will probably and hopefully pass muster, assuming one or two more global wars don’t tip the scale against them and the country.

  • Tinubu’s first tentative steps

    Tinubu’s first tentative steps

    Last week, President Bola Tinubu stepped down the nomination of 24-year-old Imam Kashim Imam as board chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). The administration should have foreseen the controversy certain to trail the appointment, even though the first-class mechanical engineering graduate, and son of the president’s associate, was believed to have been nominated by Works minister Dave Umahi. In early August, Kano State nominee Maryam Shetty was also dramatically dropped from the ministerial list hours before senatorial screening, perhaps on account of her dogged and enthusiastic support on social media for the doomed Yemi Osinbajo presidential bid. Former Kaduna State governor Nasir el-Rufai was also controversially dropped from the ministerial list when the senate declined to screen him until security reports cleared him. The suspicion is that the administration is neither consulting enough nor doing adequate homework.

    But just as the Tinubu administration suffered some notable hiccups in appointments, nearly all of them avoidable with a little more spadework, some of the administration’s policies and programmes, suffering from lack of consultations and research, have also suffered unpleasant reversals. Its negotiations with striking Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) were, to put it mildly, inexpert and hesitant, punctuated by embarrassing and sometimes quick reversals. It has doubled down on its brusque removal of fuel subsidy, a policy it anchored on creative verbal engineering, but probably wished with the wisdom of hindsight it executed that fine policy much cleverer than it managed. The naira float, too, has been problematic, not because it is a bad policy, but because its execution was akin to a peremptory decree. The administration is in fact still trying to rein in the consequences of naira depreciation. Last Friday, it granted university teachers and resident doctors waivers over the no-work, no-pay policy which had led to the withholding of their salaries. It was kind of the administration; but by paying ASUU half of their withheld wages, and wringing a signed concession from them, the administration exhibited grudging regard for the issues at play. It refused to admit that lecturers do so much more in the universities than just teach.

    Apart from the lack of surefootedness in a few of the appointments made by the administration, including the mistiming of the EFCC and ICPC appointments, President Tinubu may be signaling anxiety in the minds of his fanatical supporters while triggering exultation in the camps of his enemies. He has spent over four months in office, probably enough time to calm down and settle into a far more solid and less seismic method of doing business. Outside the administration, there are questions about whether he is overwhelmed by the newness of his surrounding and the unprecedentedness of his assumption of the presidency. As far as human calculations go, he was indeed nearly not elected. Succumbing to malignant campaigns against the person, health, and behavior of Senator Tinubu when he was an aspirant and candidate, his predecessor, ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, did his best, including deploying state power and resources, to prevent the ascension of the former Lagos State governor. The plots would have worked had the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), not snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by splintering into four irreconcilable parts.

    Read Also: Prophet seeks patience with Tinubu for peaceful, prosperous nation

    But if President Tinubu is not surefooted in some of his policies and appointments on account of the sheer remarkability of his election and the suspicion that it is yet to dawn on him that he is indeed the president, might the reason then be because of the unresolved PDP and Labour Party (LP) suits against his election? It is unlikely. President Tinubu is an intuitive and perceptive leader. If he is unable to accurately assess the substance of the suits against him, his lawyers, who are among the country’s finest, must have educated him that his defence is ironclad for the simple reason that neither the PDP candidate nor the LP candidate led evidence to show that they won the February 25 presidential poll. Their pleadings were simply gaseous air, with scant evidentiary value, insignificant enough to create doubt in the mind of any jurist, let alone merit victory. Whatever ails the Tinubu administration can simply not be because he is mesmerised by his new status or because he entertains any fear about the Supreme Court deciding against him. Nevertheless, whatever factors are causing the hiccups seem potent enough to chip away, slowly and insidiously, at his reputation as a can-do leader. He will need to deal with those factors and neutralise them both for the sake of his reputation and in order to have an easier run at a second term should he choose to take that option when the time comes. He has proved a courageous leader, and it has advanced the cause of national stability that he was elected as president not beholden to any private and powerful interest. What is more, merely looking at his general cabinet, it is evident he seems a great recruiter of talents.

    The suspicion overall is that he has simply not got his kitchen cabinet right. No, the problem is not his health, regardless of whatever anyone thinks, and certainly not any demons pursuing him. Until he puts together a far better and more competent and gifted team to constitute his immediate circle, he will continue to experience needless hiccups and find it cumbersome forging a winning formula out of the rich talents he has assembled. His cabinet may be a bit bloated and a mockery of the prevailing national economic mood, but it is redeemed by the many brilliant and eager technocrats and politicians among the number. When he decides on a kitchen cabinet, it will advise him on periodic meetings with men and women of substance, intellect and heft who would look the president in the face and caution him against some of his rambunctious and spontaneous policies over which he is proving adept at flip-flopping. He does not lack such elder statesmen whom he had known for decades. But there is nothing to indicate that he meets with them monthly. There is also nothing in his policies and programmes to suggest that he has already put in place secret and alternative means of getting honest feedbacks from the public, so that he does not get used to hearing himself and those around him saying and reinforcing virtually the same orthodoxies of their fancy. President Tinubu should change tack as he begins to recognise and grapple with the complexities and intensities of a culturally and politically variegated Nigeria. He knows he is surrounded by too many enemies who want him to fail.

  • Respite as Tinubu okays payment of withheld ASUU salaries

    Respite as Tinubu okays payment of withheld ASUU salaries

    • Lecturers to get four out of eight months seized salaries
    • Presidents lifts ‘no work, no pay’ sanction on striking doctors
    • Orders payment of N35,000 wage award to civil servants
    • Approves establishment of several new tertiary institutions

    The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday received new deals from the federal government in what is being interpreted as the dawn of a new era  in government/labour relations.

    Similarly, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) has now dispatched a memo to all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to commence the payment of the N35,000 wage award for workers announced earlier in the month by President Bola Tinubu. 

    The President granted the Resident Doctors an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order instituted against them following their 17-day industrial action between July 26 and August 12.

    The lecturers also got a partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order invoked against them in the aftermath of their eight months industrial action in 2022.

    Consequently, the lecturers will be paid their salaries for four of the eight months seized by government.

    The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said  his principal, after considering the faithful implementation of the terms agreement by government and the NARD, decided to invoke the  waiver under  the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.

    He, however, asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Labour and Employment to let the doctors know that exceptional waiver would be the last that would be granted them.

    Ngegale said the exceptional waiver granted would pave the way for the payment of the withheld part-salary of the Resident Doctors.

    He said:”Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the waiver of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ Order that was instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on August 1, 2023, following the commencement of their industrial action which began on July 26, 2023.

    “After several constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, the Resident Doctors called off their strike on August 12, 2023. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.

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    “In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ Order on Resident Doctors, which will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.

    “The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health Sector Unions.”

    In a separate statement on ASUU, Ngegale said:”Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the partial waiver of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ Order that was instituted against striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) following the commencement of their eight-month industrial action which began on February 14, 2022 and was terminated on October 17, 2022.

    “In view of his determination to mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” Order on ASUU, which will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four  months of salary accruals out of the eight months of salary which was withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.

    “The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and all other Education Sector Unions.”

     NSIWC gives nod to MDAs to commence payment of N35,000 wage award

    The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Ekpo Nt, in an October 19, 2023 memo to Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, conveyed to them the President’s approval to commence payment of N35,000.00 per month wage award to their workers.

    Nta, in the memo SWC.04/T/33 said: “I refer to the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Oct, 2.

    “As a result of the dispute arising from withdrawal of subsidy on the price of premium motor spirit (PMS).

    “I hereby convey the approval of President Bola Tinubu for the grant of a wage award of N35,000 only per month to all Federal Government workers with effect from September 1.

    “Pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.”

    Copies of the memo went to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers, Ministers of State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chairman of Federal Commissions, Federal Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary National Judicial Council, Secretary Federal Judicial Service Commission, Directors General and Chief Executives  of Parastatals, Agencies and government-owned companies, Auditor-General of the federation, Accountant General of the Federation and the Director General Budget Office of the Federation.

    Reacting to the development yesterday, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described it as a sign that government was “committed to working with labour to ameliorate the hardship of Nigerians.”

    According to her, collaboration and a productive relationship between the government and labour “is essential for the progress of Nigeria and her people.”

    She said: “When the government and labour work together, they can achieve more for the benefit of all Nigerians. I am also optimistic that Nigerians will be relieved of the economic hardship from subsidy removal when the Federal Government delivers on its good plans.

    “The government has a number of policies and programmes in place that are aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating jobs. I believe that these policies and programmes will eventually pay off and lead to a better life for all Nigerians.”

    Tinubu first announced N25,000 as wage award in his Independence Day broadcast but the amount was increased to N35,000 during negotiation  with labour which had called a strike to protest the sharp rise in the cost of living occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Tinubu approves establishment of seven new tertiary institutions

    Also yesterday, Tinubu gave approval for the staggered conversion of four colleges of education to federal universities of education.

    Approval also came for the establishment of two federal universities of agriculture, two federal universities of Medical and Health Sciences and five colleges of education.

    The Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Obialor-Dur Augustina Okechi, who broke the news said the approval was in line with the present administration’s commitment to ensure continuity in governance and policy consistency.

    Establishment process for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State and Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State is commencing immediately.

    Colleges of education converted to federal universities of education are Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State.

    The newly approved colleges of education are Federal College of Education, Ilawe Ekiti State, Federal College of Education, Ididep, Ibiono, Akwa Ibom State and Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State.

    “The establishment and conversion of these institutions is a further demonstration of President Tinubu’s Education for the Renewed Hope Agenda and will help in improving access to tertiary education in the country,” Okechi said.

  • Tinubu confers with South Korean Special Envoy on trade, investment

    Tinubu confers with South Korean Special Envoy on trade, investment

    President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, hosted the Special Envoy of the President of South Korea, Mr. Won Hee-Ryong, and discussed areas where the Nigeria-South Korea investment and trade ties, across key sectors of the nation’s economy, could be further expanded.

    According to a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the meeting at the State House was a follow-up to productive discussions between President Tinubu and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India.

     President Tinubu commended the efforts that have been made in implementing the commitments made during his discussions with President Yoon in India, noting that these commitments are aimed at strengthening the economic and technological partnership frameworks between the two nations.

     “I am encouraged that your President acknowledged these requests and emphasized the importance of Nigeria in the African context by sending you as a Special Envoy. Rest assured, we are committed to providing the necessary support to bolster the bilateral relationship that has flourished over the years,” the President said. 

    With an eye on an increased South Korean presence in the transformation of Nigeria’s national, multi-modal transportation system, President Tinubu also emphasized the need for greater South Korean investment in the establishment of local industries for youth employment and technology transfer as Nigeria seeks to understudy and replicate South Korea’s national transportation system. 

    Read Also: Respite as Tinubu okays payment of withheld ASUU salaries

    He said this project is an important opportunity for fruitful collaboration and the evolution of a pragmatic and dynamic business partnership.

     “Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with an energetic and vibrant youthful population that is eager to make things happen. We must empower them. We are committed to removing any obstacle that may hinder the flow of investments between our two great countries,” the President affirmed.

     The Special Envoy delivered President Yoon’s letter to President Tinubu, outlining the South Korean President’s instructions to South Korea’s ministries to diligently implement the important projects discussed during their meeting on the margins of the G-20 Summit, including the conclusion of the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) between both countries.

    He also conveyed an invitation to President Tinubu to attend the Africa-Korea Summit scheduled for June 4–5, 2024, in Seoul, while seeking Nigeria’s support for South Korea’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Busan, South Korea.

  • Tinubu appoints Shaakaa Chira as Auditor-General of the Federation

    Tinubu appoints Shaakaa Chira as Auditor-General of the Federation

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF).

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu appointed Choral, following his emergence as the most suitable candidate screened by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

    He will be assuming the office which has not had a substantive AuGF since the last occupier, Mr Aghughu Adolphus, over a year ago.

    Read Also: Respite as Tinubu okays payment of withheld ASUU salaries

    “By powers vested in him by Section 86 of the 1999 Constitution (Amended), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shaakaa Chira as the substantive Auditor-General of the Federation, as recommended by the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).

    “The President approved Mr. Chira’s appointment after the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) conducted a screening exercise that identified Mr. Chira as the most qualified candidate who had also scored the highest in the examination amongst all qualified candidates for the office.

     “President Bola Tinubu expects the new Auditor-General to justify the confidence reposed in him and to live up to the high expectations that Nigerians have concerning the execution of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration”, the statement said.  

  • Tinubu will strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with other African nations, says Minister

    Tinubu will strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with other African nations, says Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has assured the international community of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to deepening the relationships between Nigeria and other African countries.

     This is as Idris demanded a reciprocatory gesture.

     The Minister spoke at the First Angola-Nigeria Interactive Business Forum organized by the Angolan Embassy in Abuja on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

    Alhaji Idris revealed that Nigeria is implementing its foreign policy agenda, built on four main pillars: Democracy, democracy, Diaspora, and Development.

    The policy, the minister said “aims to strengthen Nigeria’s position as an African leader, increase its global influence, and take advantage of strategic autonomy.  “Additionally, these pillars aim to drive important multilateral reforms, improve national security, and boost trade and investment.”

    According to a statement signed by Suleiman Haruna

    Deputy Director, Press

    The Minister also elaborated that Nigeria’s foreign policy would play a key role in achieving President Tinubu’s domestic priorities, outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said the government would continue to advocate for policies and programmes at the global level that align with Nigeria’s domestic objectives and aspirations.

    The Minister, therefore, called for synergy amongst African countries to confront the challenges facing the continent, noting that the President’s dream and vision is that African countries forge deeper and stronger connections that allow the continent a bigger and more forceful positioning on the global stage and a greater chance at achieving true and lasting freedom and prosperity.

    Read Also: Respite as Tinubu okays payment of withheld ASUU salaries

     “Even against the backdrop of differing languages, cultures, and social and political systems, we must find ways of agreeing on and pushing unified narratives about who we are as a continent and what we want to achieve across all spheres of endeavour,” he said, adding that Africa must be united in its thinking around development, industrialization, trade, job creation, and the place of our continent in the 21st century.

     Idris also urged Angola to partner with Nigeria in playing key roles in the success of Africa as both countries rank among the two important economies on the continent, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to strengthen mutual brotherhood between the two countries through the deliberate pursuit of productive bilateral relations.

    On his part, the Angolan Minister of External Affairs, who was represented by Mr. Tete Antonio, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and Angolan Communities, said Angola intends to invest more in strengthening economic and commercial relations with Nigeria to gain from its vast experience in the diversification of economic production.

    He said the Angolan government is working on structural reforms to change the paradigm of depending on petroleum, thereby making its economy less vulnerable to the volatility of oil prices, and the country is counting on the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other friendly nations to achieve that objective. He urged the Nigerian business community to take advantage of the Angolan market, which, he said, is open for business and investment, adding that it presents various competitive advantages.

    The Angola-Nigeria Interactive Business Forum was attended by the Nigerian Business Community, Captains of Industry, the Diplomatic Community, friends, and well-wishers of the Republic of Angola.

  • Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs’ CG

    Tinubu confirms Adeniyi’s appointment as Customs’ CG

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the confirmation of Adewale Adeniyi as substantive Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

     A statement issued by the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, said Adeniyi’s appointment takes effect from October 19, 2023.

     President Tinubu appointed the new Comptroller-General of Customs on June 19, 2023, in acting capacity to replace his predecessor, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd).

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints Aina, Ohiri NPHCDA, NHIA bosses

     “His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the confirmation of the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) as the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

     “The appointment takes effect from 19th October, 2023 and his tenure is in accordance with the extant provisions of the Public Service Rules (PSR).

     “The President tasks him to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment”, the statement said.