₦airaland Forum

EmeeNaka:
Tinubu has made achievements based on his own parameters. He said he will reduce Nigerians purchasing power and widen the tax net. Has he not done it?

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comment about the one year in office of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement on Tuesday, Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, said the nation’s economy has worsened under Tinubu.

The former vice-president said, despite high hopes when Tinubu took over as Nigerian president last May, the country is worse off.

Abubakar said Tinubu has “embarked on a cocktail of policies” with no concrete plans to achieve the remodelling of the economy he promised.

However, in a statement, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said the former vice-president’s comment belittling Tinubu’s policies shows “primordial political envy and crass desperation for power”.

Morka said Atiku is “willfully blind to the pace of progress” of the country under Tinubu’s administration.

The APC spokesperson said Tinubu’s administration has “attracted over $20 billion into the economy” in the last one year.

"Atiku’s self-serving efforts to minimise the bold, genuine and metamorphic policies and interventions of the present administration only smack of primordial political envy and crass desperation for the power that Nigerians have so wisely denied him,” the statement reads.

“The former Vice President lives in an alternate reality of prejudice and unpatriotic desire for Nigeria’s failure so he may scavenge his way to an even more elusive presidency.

“Quite contrary to Atiku’s claim, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has, in its first year in office, attracted over $20 billion into the economy while the stock exchange has ballooned from N18.12 billion in Q1 of 2023 to N93.37 billion in Q1 of 2024, representing an increase of over 400 percent with an annual economic growth rate leaping from 2.5 percent to 3.46 percent.

“Key sectors of manufacturing, telecommunications, oil and gas, solid minerals, e-commerce, and fintech have continued to attract increased and ceaseless flow of foreign direct investments (FDIs). Yet, Atiku remains willfully blind to the pace of progress that is so self-evident.

"President Tinubu set an audacious target of building a $1 trillion economy in the next few years and has put together a bevy of experts and professionals, and introduced far-reaching policies and programmes to drive the actualization of this desirable economic target.

“The President needs the support and encouragement of Nigerians, not the bile-filled pessimism of partisan Atikus.

“Atiku’s false alarm of an imminent food scarcity boldface ignores the widely acknowledged proactive measures already introduced by President Tinubu to guarantee food security in the country.

“In December 2023, the federal government set a target for the cultivation of 500,000 hectares of land across the federation.

“Cultivation of rice, maize, wheat and cassava on over 246,231 hectares of land in 30 states of the federation is in progress in addition to approving massive grants and other incentives to farmers.”

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

Northern Nigeria — 15.23 million
Southern Nigeria — 2.58 million

Are you surprised why Nigeria isn't moving forward since after the death of Christ and will still not move forward till Christ come again?

A Federal High Court in Kano has ordered the eviction of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Kofar Kudu Palace, while a State High Court has restrained the police and other security agencies from carrying out the eviction order.

The Federal Court had, on Tuesday, ordered the police to ensure all rights and privileges due to the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero be given to him, as the rightful Emir of Kano.

The presiding judge, Justice S. A. Amobeda, who gave the ex parte order, stated that the order was made in the interest of justice and maintenance of peace in Kano State.

The order states, “An order of interim injunction restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, servants, privies or any other person or authority from inviting, arresting, detaining, threatening, intimidating, harassing the applicant, raiding, tempering with or visiting the applicant’s in order to arrest or infringe on his right or in any other way infringe or attempt to infringe the applicant’s rights pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.

“An order restraining the third, fourth and fifth respondents and all other respondents from denying the applicant to use his official residence and palace at the Emir’s Palace, Kofar Kudu as well as enjoyment of all rights and privileges accrued to him by virtue of being Emir of Kano State and to evicting anything, anybody residing within the palace illegally pending the hearing and the determination of the originating summons”

The suit has been adjourned till June 4 for a hearing.

But a State High Court sitting at Miller Road restrained the police, the Department of State Services and the military from evicting the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The case was filed by Muhammadu Sanusi II with the four kingmakers of Kano: Madakin Kano, Yusuf Nabahani; Makaman Kano Ibrahim Sarki Abdullahi; Sarkin Bai Mansur Adnan and Sarkin Dawaki Maituta Bello Tuta.

The presiding judge, Justice Amina Aliyu, also restrained the security agencies from arresting or harassing the emir and his kingmakers.

The judge held “that an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents either by themselves, their agents, privies, representative, and assigns from further harassing, intimidating, inviting, arresting and or invading the personal or official residence of the applicants (Gidan Rumfa), his servants and or any of the Kano Emirate kingmakers of doing such acts that would be capable of interfering with the applicants’ rights generally in relation to this suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

“That an order of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents from attempting to hijack, pick, commandeer, confiscate any of twin spear of authority, the Royal Hat of Dabo, the Ostrich-feathered shoes, the knife and sword of the Emir of Kano as well as symbols of authority pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

It further ordered that the respondents be restrained from interfering with the functions, and duties of the first pplicant as the Emir of Kano pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice dated May 28, 2024..

The motion on notice was adjourned till June 13, 2024, for a hearing.

If you are emotionally attached to your tribe, religion or political learning to the point that truth and justice becomes secondary considerations, your education is useless. Your exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability to mankind.

Late Sen. Chuba Okadigbo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, says there is hope for Nigerians, considering the achievements of President Bola Tinubu in just one year in office.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, after he inspected the Southern Parkway Road and Abuja Rail Mass Transit, in preparation for commercial inauguration on May 29.

According to Wike, Tinubu has done very well in FCT and the country in just one year, particularly in physical infrastructure and human capital development.

“Mr President’s “Renewed Hope” agenda is no longer a story; it’s a reality. It is a promise made and a promise fulfilled.

“I think Mr President has done very well in terms of reassuring Nigerians that he is committed to deliver the dividend of democracy.

“From what we have seen on the ground, there is really hope for Nigerians.

“So, we are very happy.”

He added that in FCT, Tinubu has rekindled the hope of civil servants by instituting their career progression “and I am sure the civil servants are happy.”

The minister noted that although there were some areas that needed to be looked into, one year was not enough for Tinubu to deliver 100 per cent expectations of Nigerians.

On the inauguration of the projects, Wike said: “We are good to go; just putting finishing touches.

“We have been to the Southern Parkway, and we are 100 per cent ready. Here in the Metro Line, we are also ready.

“We are happy that all our efforts have come to fruition.

“The residents are very happy and by the end of the day, the train services will be available for Nigerians.

“So, for us at FCTA, we are very very happy,” the minister said.

BloodyDoe:
I thought Igbo people have an overwhelming love towards themselves. An undying affections of brethrenhood just like the ones they display on the Cyberspace. What went wrong now?

Nah family matter sha, none of my F business.

Usaini Gumel, commissioner of police in Kano, has asked miscreants and “enemies of the state” to steer clear of the city.

He also warned that the command “has the capacity to deal with miscreants” looking to foment chaos in Kano.

There has been tension in Kano since the state house of assembly commenced moves to repeal the Emirate Council Law 2019.

The repealed legislation was passed by the house on May 23 and assented to by Abba Yusuf, governor of the state.

The 2024 law unified the decentralised emirates and returned Muhammadu Sanusi as Emir.

A COURT INJUNCTION AND PROTESTS IN THE CITY

On the night of May 23, a federal high court in Kano ordered the state government not to enforce the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024.

“That parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the fundamental rights application,” Mohammed Liman, the judge, ordered.

Protests have erupted in parts of Kano since Aminu Bayero, the dethroned Emir, made a return to the state on Saturday.

Addressing journalists during a briefing on Monday, Gumel said the police will enforce the laws.

“Today, we are here to address you on one very key issue that has to do with the security situation in Kano, which the security agencies as well as you have been managing since the issue around the chieftaincy affairs arose,” Gumel said.

"We have uncovered credible information about some group of people who are considered as enemies of the state… miscreants who are trying to unleash terror in the state by embarking on targeted attacks at locations, particularly the house of assembly, as well as some prominent locations within the state capital.

“This intelligence report has been verified by so many sources.

“Anybody who wants to test the ground, the security agencies have the capacity to deal ruthlessly with those enemies of the state — the miscreants.

“We have perfected plans to embark on serious patrols and detection on locations where we were informed that these enemies of the state are hiding.

“We are going to embark on house-to-house search; anybody who feels he is stronger than the law should try it. Kano will remain safe and nobody can override the decision.

“The issue of chieftaincy affairs has been perfected by the executive arm of government. We are standing by the law and we are strictly going to enforce the existing law.”

Bayero has moved into another palace in Nassarawa LGA since his return. On Saturday, the deposed monarch held a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed the possibility of a merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party.

In an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV released on YouTube on Saturday, Obi also reacted to the prospect of being supported as a Southeast candidate in the 2027 presidential election by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 flagbearer.

Responding to the interviewer’s question, Obi expressed gratitude for Abubakar’s statement about potentially supporting him as a result of the South-East candidate. “I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South East,” Obi said.

However, Obi emphasised that his primary concern is not personal ambition or political maneuvering, but rather the well-being of Nigeria and its people. “I’m not desperate to be president, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential,” he stated.

On the subject of a potential merger between the PDP and LP, Obi expressed openness to the idea, provided that the goal is to better govern Nigeria and unlock its vast potential. “If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he said.

Obi clarified that he has no interest in mergers or alliances solely to secure power or win elections.

“If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” he asserted.

The former Anambra State governor stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals and parties, but only if the objective is to build a better Nigeria.

He said, “It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has said two out of three of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s policies were necessary but wrongly implemented.

Obasanjo made this remark at a Colloquium themed ‘Nigeria’s Development: Navigating the Way Out of the Current Economic Crisis and Insecurity’, at the Paul Aje Colloquium (PAC) in Abuja, during the weekend.

He hinted that the third decision was the position in dealing with the coup in Niger.

“Today, government has taken three decisions, two of which are necessary but wrongly implemented and have led to impoverisation of the economy and of Nigerians. These are removal of subsidy, closing the gap between black market and official rates of exchange and the third is dealing with military coup in Niger Republic.

“The way forward is production and productivity which belief and trust in government leadership will engender. No short cut to economic progress but hard work and sweat.

“Economy does not obey orders, not even military orders. I know that. If we get it right, in two years, we will begin to see the light beyond the tunnel. It requires a change of characteristics, attributes and attitude by the leadership at all levels to gain the confidence and trust of investors who have alternatives.

“Total Energy has gone to invest 6 billion dollars in Angola instead of Nigeria. If the truth must be stated, the present Administration has not found the right way to handle the economy to engender confidence and trust for investors to start trooping in.

“They know us more than we know ourselves. And now they are laughing at us, not taking us seriously. We have to present ourselves in such a way that we will be taken seriously. If the existing investors are disinvesting and going out of our country, how do we persuade new investors to rush in. We can be serious if we choose to be but we need to change from transactional leadership in government to transformational and genuine servant leadership,” he said.

The former President asserted that to get out of the current situation in the country, the government and the governed needed to look at the past and the present, and ask ‘How did we get here?’

“Looking at the topic of today’s occasion, the question I would ask is, ‘How do we navigate our way out of these crises and pave the path towards a more secure and prosperous Nigeria? I believe the answer to this requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of these challenges. The central questions are: Where were we? And how did we get to where we are today.

“Firstly, we must know where we are coming from. Our economy has consistently suffered from poor policies, lack of long-term sustainable policies, discontinuity, adhocry and corruption firmed on personal greed, avarice, incompetence, lack of knowledge and understanding and lack of patriotism.

“For instance, the statement and proposed actions given forty-five years ago to stop fuel scarcity is the same statement and action being touted today. I recall when I made the statement that the refineries will not work, the sycophants and spin doctors of this current administration went out to castigate me as not being a petroleum engineer and that I did not know what I was talking about.

“They forgot that the attempt that was made in 2007 to partly privatise the refineries was made by me after a thorough study of the situation. But the decision was reversed by my successor and the 750 million dollars paid was refunded.”

Suggesting a way out, the former President Nigerian needs “a 25-year socio-economic development agenda” that will be generally agreed to, and passed into law.

The minister spoke on Friday when he inspected the electronic gates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s new terminal in Abuja.

He noted that the delay in implementing home delivery was due to a lack of data centres, adding that for Nigerians in the diaspora, the home delivery service would initially launch in the United States and the United Kingdom, with preliminary testing to ensure its effectiveness.

His words: “We have completed the whole solution but when we came on board, we realised that the data centre was not really there. We were leveraging a private company data centre and we appreciate them for that assistance. We think that it is better to create a permanent solution to problems rather than quick fixes.

“We could have done it in February but we had to build our data centre from scratch to be able to keep the integrity of our data and national security intact. This is more important. It is disgraceful that NIS is 61 years old and NIS is a custodian of biometric data of Nigeria and we believe that NIS should be in charge of the data of Nigeria.

“It is not acceptable that this data is domiciled in a third party and that is why we have been able to do this,” he said.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has blamed the action of the Federal Government by deploying security forces to Kano over battle of emirship between the 16th and 15th emirs – Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero respectively.

Atiku said the matter remains under the influence of the state since Governor Abba Yusuf enacted the repealed Kano State Emirate Council law which consequently reinstated the deposed Sanusi as the current emir.

He said the action of the Federal Government contravenes the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

Atiku, who made this known in a statement by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Saturday, warned President Bola Tinubu-led administration not to make any attempt to destablise Kano which has been known for peace over the years.

The statement read, “The action of the Federal Government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state, and also in breach of the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

“In performing their constitutional duties of law making, the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA) passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 in consonance with the provision of Section 4 of the Constitution 1999 as Amended whereas the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf subsequently signed into law the said bill. The law therefore repealed the 2019 version which balkanized the ancient Kano Emirate into five.

“The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment.

“It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 am the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by Federal might made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano.

“In this wise, the former Emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the Federal Government having done so with the support of the Army and other security personnel in his company. The deployment of soldiers in extra constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military.

“We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destablise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March, 2020 dethroned, Kano forged on in peace without any fracas.

“We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the Federal Government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy.”

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

President Bola Tinubu said the past 12 months as president have been fulfilling for his administration, despite the presence of some challenges that are being addressed frontally.

He bared his mind when he received a delegation of the Yoruba leaders of thought at the State House on Friday.

The president emphasised that governance must be transformative and must address the critical needs of citizens.

“It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave me.

“We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This, I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.

“I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance,” the president said.

Tinubu, however, advocated for a more effective local government system that fosters community development and delivers the essentials of governance within a strengthened federal structure.

He assured Nigerians that his administration will ensure they get value for every kobo spent and that his government will leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations while removing the yoke of poor governance and expanding access to qualitative public goods.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the country would need about $10 billion yearly to achieve energy transition by 2060, which amounts to $360 billion.

Shettima stated this yesterday at an energy transition symposium organized by the Development Agenda Magazine, in Abuja.

He said before then, the country must maximise petroleum resources in the short term to provide the base-load energy that would turbocharge the economy.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Power and Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka, he said: “But full implementation of the Nigeria Energy Transition would not be easy.

“It requires concerted effort locally and international collaboration to source financing and to prepare the Nigerian workforce for a Net-Zero economy and to have a truly just energy transition.

“If we take the issue of financing alone , funding the energy transition requires investments of over $10 billion per year up to 2060.

“With 45% of Nigerians lacking access to electricity, and GDP per capita that is half that in Egypt and a third of that in South Africa, the urgency of, improving the economic condition of Nigerians is clear, But there are critical environmental/considerations which if not adequately managed would actually hamper our ability to change the lives of millions of our people for the better.

“Majority of this money would necessarily come from the private sector including through initiatives to access high -integrity carbon markets.

“But we are up to the challenge. The administration of President Ahmed Tinubu is willing to take the difficult decisions and the rich resource base and depth of human capital in our dear country will ensure our success.”

The Vice President also, noted that the two-pronged strategy to pursue renewables alongside oil and gas investments has yielded notable results that support the overall energy transition, like the “Climate Change Act signed in 2021 seeks to mainstream climate action into national plans and programmes.

“A renewed push towards hydroelectric power seeks to tap into over 14,000MW of near- term hydropower potential.

“The 700MW Zungeru Hydropower plant just came online in 2024. The national regulator has also mandated electricity distribution licensees to procure a certain percentage of their power from renewables.

“The Electricity Act 2023 which Mr. President signed, strongly supports the transition to a more renewable energy mix.”

Also, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said his state has adopted what he called “unique approaches of placing people in the centre of its development plan.”

Represented by the Managing Director of Kaduna Power Supply Company (KAPSCO), Idris Aminu Idris, Uba said: “The Kaduna Solar for Health programme began with the goal of improving access to healthcare by delivering sustainable, uninterrupted power supply to Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) and Maternity Health Clinics across all Local Government Areas (LGA) in Kaduna State.”

According to him, “the scope of the project expanded to include rural isolated General Hospitals across 255 wards in Kaduna State.

“The objectives of the Kaduna Solar for Health program are to increase access to healthcare; to ensure 1 hospital in every ward and LGA has access to reliable power 24hrs/day; to eradicate petrol and diesel generators which cause noise and pollute the environment with toxic waste such as CO, that can lead to serious Environmental and Health issues.”

Editor in Chief of Development Agenda Magazine, Paddy Ezeala, said the event was organized for chart a way on how to achieve a seamless energy transition.

Ezeala said: “Speakers at today’s event are speaking on how the Energy Transition movement is likely to affect Nigerians, especially those at the grassroots and more specifically those impacted by the extractive industry activities.

“These include those presently impacted by fossil fuels extraction or those affected by extraction of minerals powering so called clean energy, such as lithium, cobalt etc.”

Mynd44 Nlfpmod

The Federal Government has said it was unaware that Dangote Refineries imports its crude oil from the US.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Heineken Lokpobiri, said the country is blessed with enough crude to supply all the refineries in the country, including the modular ones.

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Thursday at the Ministerial Sectoral Updates as part of activities to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s one year in office.

The first session of the Sectoral Briefing was attended by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio; Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud; Minister of State Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande.

“I’m not aware that Dangote Refinery has started importing crude oil from the US. That’s the reason why we’re talking about an increase in production.

“That’s why we’re talking to servicing companies to come back and start drilling. The only way we can increase production is to continue drilling…” He stated.

Speaking on the rumours that the Tinubu administration still pays fuel subsidy, he added, “On the issue of subsidy, all of us know that from the first day the President took over office he said subsidy is gone.

“And I can confirm to you today that the subsidy is gone. But the point is, all over the world, governments find a way to subsidise. It may not be fuel but may be food … there’s no responsible government that will not find a way to ameliorate the suffering of its citizens. But pls I want it to be official that there’s no subsidy for fuel as of today.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that security has improved in FCT and residents “can now sleep with their two eyes closed.”

He spoke in Abuja on Thursday during the Ministerial Sectoral Update on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the last year.

The minister pointed out that the Tinubu-led administration had provided security agencies with all the logistics they required to equip them to do their job.

According to Wike: “But now, it is different. The money they need for their operations is readily available. We have provided logistics and vehicles—name them—for the security agencies.

“We cannot say we have gotten it 100 per cent right, because no society is free of crime. But are there differences? Certainly, yes, and you can attest to the fact that it is no longer what it used to be.

“This government is doing everything humanly possible to see that we reduce the level of insecurity in FCT,” he said.

Wike added that the FCT Administration had equally concluded plans to construct three taxi and bus terminals.

Imagine blaming innocent Ecology for another man's incompetence??

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has said that insecurity in the country is ecological.

Akume said this at the launch of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Framework (NDC-IF) (2023-2030) on Thursday in Abuja.

The SGF, who was represented by Prof Bolaji Babatunde, his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), said the document is of immense contribution to tackling climate change issues in the country.

“I have to sing it loud that one of the reasons for insecurity in the country is largely ecological.The issue of climate change should not be taken lightly especially for the country Nigeria,” Akume said.

He said that the framework which is a national tool designed to ensure coordination, transparency and resource mobilisation would create awareness on how to mitigate climate change in the country.

“The mobilisation of finance for the effective implementation of NDC is imperative. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says the window to limit global warming to 1.5° centigrade is rapidly closing in,” Akume said.

He said that climate change knows no border and so these changes threaten not only the environment but also the socio-economic fabric of communities worldwide.

“The NDC-IF is not just a document but also a roadmap for transformative action.

“It lays out strategies, policies and measures that will guide our efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions, enhance resilience and foster sustainable development,” the SGF said.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, said that NDC-IF revealed the urgent need to address climate change and mitigation in the country.

Lawal who was represented by Mr Etigbue Dilichukwu, Director Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management in the Ministry said the NDC-IF is designed to provide a robust and comprehensive framework to enhance a sustainable future.

Lawal said that unwavering dedication and partnership by stakeholders would foster green growth and create resilience to address other national challenges.

Mr Samuel Onuigbo, former Chairman House Committee on Climate Change, commended NCCC for the launching of NDC implementation framework and urged that every deliberation on the project be implemented.

Salisu Dahiru the Director-General (D-G) of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) said that several meetings were held.

Dahiru said the meetings were aimed at enhancing the quality of the NDC-IF and overall climate change good governance in the country by raising awareness, building of MDAs and promoting stakeholders engagement.

The federal government has apologised to Nigerians over the economic pains they go through as a result of the reforms embarked upon by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The apology came yesterday from the minister of budget and economic planning, Atiku Bagudu, at a Ministerial Sectoral Update in Abuja

He, however, staunchly defended the policies of the Tinubu-led administration.

Bagudu acknowledged that both foreign exchange rate and inflation figures were still above target levels, putting strain on the economy and the citizens’ pockets.

The minister said, “I apologise for the pains that they (policies) may occasion, but they are necessary.”

The naira has plummeted from around N460 to a dollar to a staggering N1,480 while inflation skyrocketed to 33.69 percent as of April 2024, up from 22.22 percent a year prior.
Despite the economic crisis, the minister insisted the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” centered around eight priority areas was on the right track to spur growth in the economy.

“Is our strategy right? Absolutely. We believe our strategy is right, but it requires occasional calibration,” Bagudu asserted.

He argued that restoring macroeconomic stability was crucial to attract investment and generate revenues to address underinvestment in sectors such as security, education and social welfare.

The minister portrayed the current economic challenges as pains accompanying an overdue economic restructuring.

“Nothing we do can solve the problem of underinvestment without restoring a macro-economy that can stimulate investment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the current administration has made significant strides in reviving the economy and implementing social programmes to lift the citizens during its first year in office.

Delivering the administration’s one-year progress report at a ministerial sectoral updates session yesterday, Akume highlighted Tinubu’s efforts to unleash Nigeria’s economic potential through major reforms.

“This administration has implemented significant economic reforms aimed at stabilising our economy and fostering sustainable growth,” Akume said.

He pointed to policies that have attracted foreign investment and spurred job creation across various sectors.

According to him, a major economic move was the dismantling of monopolistic control over electricity through the 2023 Electricity Law, allowing states, corporations and individuals to generate, distribute and transmit power.

On the fiscal front, he said the removal of the contentious fuel subsidy was hailed as a “challenging but necessary” step to curb corruption, inefficiency and reduce the annual fiscal burden on the government.

The SGF said infrastructure development has been another key focus area, with the completion of extensive road networks, improved rail systems and modernisation of ports to facilitate trade and connectivity.

Alongside economic measures, Akume emphasised the administration’s people-focused policies through an array of social intervention programmes targeting poverty alleviation and empowerment of vulnerable groups.

“These initiatives have provided financial assistance, skills acquisition opportunities and improved access to essential services,” he explained.

The SGF said investments have also been channelled into healthcare through new facilities and educational reforms to boost human capital development.

However, Akume admitted the first year had its challenges from various angles. But he commended President Tinubu for his “calm, unwavering commitment and resilience” in serving Nigerians with diligence.

Moving forward, the administration remains focused on implementing its “Renewed Hope Agenda” centered on economic revitalization, social inclusion and infrastructural progress for the betterment of all Nigerians, Akume stated.

He called for collective efforts towards unity, peace and realizing Nigeria’s full potential through the government’s vision and policies.

Tanzania holds the top spot with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 41.8%, reflecting its prudent financial decisions.

Contrary to common belief, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has ranked Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio, a key indicator of a country’s financial strength, as the second lowest in Africa, underscoring its economic stability.

This ranking underscores the importance of evaluating a country’s financial strength through metrics like the debt-to-GDP ratio.

A lower ratio suggests economic stability, while a higher ratio raises alarms about debt sustainability.

Tanzania, a model of careful debt management, holds the top spot with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 41.8%, reflecting its prudent financial decisions.

Nigeria follows closely with a ratio of 41.3%, signifying its crucial role in Africa’s economy, even though its external debt stood at $41.59 billion or N31.98 trillion as of December 2023.

Nigeria’s relatively modest debt levels are due to several reasons, including its diverse economic sectors and efficient debt management practices.

According to the Nigerian Tribune, the Debt Management Office (DMO) reports that Nigeria’s total debt is approximately N97.34 trillion.

Through careful debt management, Nigeria has maintained economic stability and boosted investor confidence, resulting in a favourable debt position despite its significant role in Africa’s economy.

African nations with low debt levels, like Nigeria, are not only more attractive to investors but also stand a higher chance of receiving additional financial support from global and local creditors, thanks to their reduced economic risk.

Nigeria’s higher ranking than Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ethiopia, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights its strong debt standing.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the programmes and policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu are mostly focused on what works best for the country, given its present circumstances.

He stated this on Tuesday while explaining the thrust of the Renewed Hope Agenda during the APC Professionals Forum’s Policy Roundtable Conference on the “Asiwaju Score Card Series” at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.

“Every country’s journey is distinct. Every country is shaped by its economic history and challenges. We respect the efforts of other nations, but we are focused on what works best for Nigeria,” Shettima declared.

The Vice President, who was represented at the event by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, noted that the 8-point agenda of the Tinubu administration provides a clear framework for its policies and programmes, even as he outlined areas of concentration to include driving job creation, economic growth, food security, poverty eradication, access to capital, the rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and inclusive development.

“These initiatives are not just plans on paper; they are actions being implemented to create tangible improvements in the lives of everyday Nigerians,” he explained.

Specifically, Shettima cited examples of the administration’s investments in agriculture and other sectors, which, according to him, are intended to reduce the nation’s reliance on imports and boost local production, adding that the ongoing Renewed Hope Housing Scheme promises to address the housing deficit and stimulate economic growth.

“Similarly, we are also focused on reducing unemployment and underemployment through various initiatives, including the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises, and the Expanded National MSME Clinics. These programmes are designed to create more job opportunities and foster economic inclusivity,” he maintained.

The long-awaited student loan programme will take off on Friday with 1.2 million students in federal tertiary institutions across the country, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, has said.

Sawyerr, who spoke at a pre-application sensitisation press conference in Abuja, on Monday, said 1.2 million students in federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges would benefit from the first phase.

Data obtained from the National Universities Commission website indicated that the nation has 226 federal tertiary institutions comprising 62 universities, 41 polytechnics, 96 monotechnics and 27 colleges of education.

President Bola Tinubu, on April 3, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law.

The assent was sequel to the separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

The executive bill titled, ‘A bill for an Act to repeal the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2023 and Enact the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Bill, 2004 to Establish the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a body corporate to receive, manage and invest funds to provide loans to Nigerians for higher education, vocational training and skills acquisition and related matters,’ was signed in the presence of the leadership of the National Assembly, ministers and major stakeholders of education.

The Act empowers the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to provide loans to qualified Nigerian students for tuition, fees, charges and upkeep during their studies in approved public tertiary institutions and vocational and skills acquisition establishments in the country.

The new law which repealed the Student Loan Act, 2023, removed the family income threshold so students can apply for loans and accept responsibility for repayment, according to the Fund’s guidelines.

Access to education

Speaking after he signed the bill, Tinubu said no Nigerian, regardless of their background, would be excluded from obtaining quality education.

“This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and opportunity to build their future,” said the President at the State House, Abuja.

Although the government initially announced that the scheme would be launched in September, it suffered several delays leading to an indefinite postponement.

The Presidency had linked the delay to Tinubu’s directive to expand the scheme to include loans for vocational skills.

Last Thursday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund announced May 24 as the official date for the opening of the portal for loan applications.

Addressing journalists on Monday, ahead of the opening of Friday’s portal, Sawyerr said, “There are approximately 1.2 million students in federal tertiary institutions owned by the government. Today, by inference, 1.2m students maximum at the federal level (will benefit), but there might be an opportunity to increase the capacity in terms of more institutions, and when we begin to bring in state-owned institutions, then the numbers can go up.’’

He explained that only students whose institutions had uploaded their data on the Fund’s dashboard would be eligible to apply.

While calling on students in federal tertiary institutions to visit the website, www.nelf.gov.ng to apply from May 24, the CEO added that students in state universities and vocational skills centres could apply at a later date.

He said the requirements to apply include the admission letter from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, National Identity Number, and Bank Verification Number as well as completed application forms from its website.

“The loan application process has been streamlined to ensure easy access for all eligible students in federal tertiary institutions. Applicants can access online support to assist with any questions or concerns during the application process.

“We believe that education is a vital investment for the future. We envisage that the student loan initiative of Mr President is a testament to this commitment,” he said.

One of the key features of the programme, he stressed, is the absence of physical contact between the loan applicant and NELFUND.

‘Portal user-friendly’

According to him, the portal provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

He encouraged students in federal tertiary institutions to take advantage of the opportunity to secure the required financial assistance for their education, even as he urged the applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible to ensure timely processing.

He revealed that in addition to the interest-free loan, applicants will also receive monthly stipends for upkeep.

He, however, did not state the amount, saying, “That figure will be capped. And we will look very closely at each application and make a decision based on several factors as to what fees will be paid to them.’’

“The fees for the institution are going to be paid not to the students but to the institution. And that will be paid at the maximum of that fee per session. We will only pay for a session at a time because people drop out of institutions, they change institutions,” he clarified.

The NELFUND boss also pointed out that the institutions have vital roles to play in providing the Fund with data on fees payable by students at the departmental, faculty and other levels.

According to Sawyerr, the agency is also working with security agencies to ensure that people do not take advantage and defraud the process.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called on state governments to ensure responsible and transparent use of the matching grants allocated for the implementation of the Universal Basic Education Commission programme.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi, emphasised the directive during the inauguration of a six-day training programme for accountants and auditors from UBEC and State Universal Basic Education Boards in Abuja.

Addressing the participants, Bobboyi condemned the undue pressure often placed on financial officers by state officials, urging SUBEBs’ financial officers to uphold integrity and resist such pressures to avoid compromising standards.

“The training aims to update participants on the revised accounting manual and to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial infractions and sanctions,” Bobboyi stated, adding, “This knowledge is essential for ensuring effective service delivery in basic education.”

Highlighting the mandates of UBEC and SUBEBs in implementing the Universal Basic Education programme, Bobboyi stressed the importance of a robust accounting system to ensure the judicious use of government funds.

He stressed the imperative of fidelity to accountability regarding the management of the Federal Government’s UBE Intervention Fund.

To achieve these objectives, continuous enhancement of professional competence among UBEC and SUBEB staff is necessary, he noted.

Bobboyi lamented that despite previous training efforts, there has been limited improvement in financial practices.

He cited findings from regular quarterly financial monitoring by UBEC, which revealed poor record-keeping and infractions against established guidelines.

He explained that the findings and recommendations from these monitoring activities had been communicated to SUBEBs for corrective actions.

Bobboyi stressed the importance of adhering to existing rules and guidelines to ensure accountability and transparency in financial transactions.

“As finance officers, it is your duty to comply strictly with these government stipulations. Engaging in or condoning wrongdoing will not be excused. Remember, reports from UBEC’s financial monitoring can be requested by agencies enforcing compliance with laws and regulations,’’ he warned the officials.

He further urged the participants to fully engage with the training and return to their offices equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve accounting practices at both the commission and boards.

To protect the FGN-UBE Intervention Fund, the Director of Finance and Accounts at UBEC, Adamu Misau, noted that a new sanction regime developed in 2022 had been approved for implementation.

The delay in its implementation, he said, was to ensure all financial managers received adequate training, which the current programme aimed to provide.

“We expect that by the end of this training, financial officers will be better prepared to manage the FGN-UBE Intervention Funds responsibly, adhering to financial regulations and due process,” Misau concluded.

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