₦airaland Forum

The Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Hamid Bobboyi, has said that the Federal Government would pay N71.29 billion directly to the commission being the outstanding counterpart funds. Bobboyi made this disclosure in an interview with Newsmen on Friday in Abuja. According to him, the Federal Government will deduct the entire outstanding counterpart fund against all states of the federation from their Paris Club Refund. He explained that the Federal Government would provide just the matching grants, while the state governments would provide the counterpart fund to be able to access the funds provided by the Federal Government. “There is a new development and the Federal Government has given us a schedule of these states. “ The total amount the Federal Government is going to pay and remit directly to the commission is N71, 292, 316, 087.84. “So, UBEC in disbursing the funds will put the counterpart funds along with the matching grants and disburse to states if they meet the conditions. “So, the issue of funds not accessed in UBEC will soon come to an end at least for 2018, which is a good thing.’’ Bobboyi, however, said a lot of progress had been made by states in accessing their matching grants from UBEC, adding that previously there would be stacks of money in the commission waiting to be accessed. According to him, in the last few years, states had made a lot of efforts to ensure they paid their counterpart funding in order to access the matching grants provided by the Federal Government. “For example, we are in 2018; the funds have not finished accruing to the account; so it will take up to December 31 when you will have the entire amount. “By the time we are in December, you will be sitting on half of the allocation of the year not accessed because the matching grant is 50 per cent. “By the time you add it to some of the money not accessed for other years, the figure balloons. “Majority of the states will want the money to be completed in order to be able to access the entire amount; so they have to wait till 2019 to start accessing fund for 2018. This is a cyclical phenomenon and it happens every year,’’ he said. The executive secretary said as at Oct.15, in the North West zone, majority of the states had accessed the entire amount till 2017. These states, he noted, were Kano, Jigawa, Kebbi and Sokoto while Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states had accessed the funds up to 2016. He said also that the North East Zone such as Adamawa, Borno, Gombe and Taraba states had accessed the money up to 2017 while Yobe and Bauchi had accessed to 2016. Bobboyi said the South West Zone had recorded phenomenal progress except Ekiti state that had a bit of 2015 funds yet to be accessed as well as 2016 and 2017. “Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states have accessed up to the first quarter of 2018, while Osun state had accessed till 2017 and Ondo state which accessed last in 2013, was able to pay its counterpart funds and access from 2014 to 2016. “So the picture is not as bleak as sometimes we painted it,” Bobboyi said. He, however, said the major challenge was from the South-East states, where a state like Abia had not accessed the fund from 2015; and had N4.187 billion as fund not accessed. “Enugu state still has up to N271 million in 2014 and has 2015 to 2017 fund not accessed. “While Anambra state is doing very well, it had accessed up to 2016 and is trying to access up to 2017; Ebonyi had accessed up to 2015 while Imo had accessed the funds till 2017.” The executive secretary told Nesmen that majority of states had made efforts to access their funds just a few states that were still lagging behind. He, however said he believed by the end of the year most states would have cleared their 2017 un-accessed funds without any problems.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/11/fg-to-pay-n71bn-outstanding-counterpart-fund-to-ubec-official/

Now that's what i call facts and evidence right there, I am sure some PDP wailers will still look for a way to debunk this, despite the fact that all that inherited liabilities and debt are undeniable facts, when they talk about the sincerity of PMB; I don't doubt it, just look at what these PDP people left behind for PMB, and yet people are still blaming PMB for the mess of the PDP... This is wrong. The PDP will never accept their faults and mistakes, instead they are looking for ways to pour it on PMB just to make him look bad before the people, well now we know..we cannot allow the PDP's return and cause a disaster and take this country back to the bad state they left it.
PMB has redeemed this country off of the Burden PDP left on him, we will not allow them repeat this same thing and take us back to square one.
NO WAY!

The defectors can try all they can but they certainly will not succeed!.
They are not the ones to determine who wins the election, they can only try, but they will and can never succeed.
when they have been trying and looking for loopholes just to loot money's off the nation's pocket and PMB did not give them any space to do so, now they are looking for a way to cause confusion so they can satisfy their greed..
The APC is waxing stronger and have regrouped and are painstakingly making plans to move this country forward, while some PDP members are busy planning to truncate another's progress..
Are these the people we want to lead us?... certainly NOT!

pleeaaaseeee, everyone knows this is a lie, what did the PDP do with the 16 years they were in power?....Absolutely nothing!
We have lost confidence and trust in the PDP government, we have been deceived for 16 years, you had the first four years, then four more after that to make amends on the mistakes but they didn't. Now they want to deceive us again that the fuel price will be reduced.
We are wiser now..empty barrels make the most noise.. we cannot go back to that sorry state Nigeria was left by the PDP.
Enough is Enough!
APC for change
PMB for 2019

This government is definitely not the cause or the reason for the economic problems of this country and yet some ignorant Nigerian PDP wailers will always look for a way to accuse this government falsely, well i am glad Obi has revealed this fact to ignorant PDP supporters and set you straight on the truth.
Now you know that the PMB government has always been a government of integrity and has been pushing for the growth of the Nation and reduce corruption to its minimum...
No room for ignorance...the truth is out there... we can vote wisely....vote PMB

This is a positive development this government is working hard to make the means of transportation easy for the masses, both rail and land.
Good job PMB
PMB at work, the government deals with evidence, facts, action and not empty talks.
God Bless PMB
God Bless Nigeria

Mr Shehu when you were in APC you did not not know the oxygen of APC is their togetherness and ability to hold strong loyalty between one another; you left because you do not believe in good governance, you left because you do not know the definition of togetherness and unity. That Unity is what keeps the APC waxing strong, and not PMB as you speak..
well it seems that the Oxygen and heart of your PDP is Atiku, for you to have even thought of it...and without Atiku you all are dead.

Now people can see the level of corruption the past Government left behind for the PMB Administration to inherit.. and yet with no money he borrowed so little and has done so much, kano road has been done, the ikot ekpene road is under construction, the railways are functioning, what more do we want if not a hardworking government, a government that delivers; rather than squander the country's wealth for their selfish needs.
PDP did all the looting for 16 whole years someone needs to clean up their mess in order for the masses to live well in the country.
God bless PMB
God bless Nigeria

It is wrong to say that about PMB, he has not failed, instead he is putting in his best to see to the growth of this country, he has made mistakes yes that's him being human and not a supernatural being. But he is learning from his mistakes and working hard to put things in check.. This is what makes PMB stand out in his Administration... The PDP's know that this APC Government has done nothing but change the system into a better one for us all..
Come 2019 PMB will emerge and transform the country for the better.

This Government is working hard; let's give the accolades to whom its due. When we see a good job done we should celebrate the good work of the Government rather than condemn.
Some Nigerians are too quick to throw shades; when you see a good job done bhy the Government we should learn to encourage and support at all times rather than cursing.. we too play a role in the growth of the country and not the government alone.

God Bless PMB
God Bless Nigeria

The truth has been said on this post and people are pretending not have read this post, if it is a post that has to do with PMB; people will be quick to attack...
well said Churchill, you have spoken the minds of most Nigerians as regards Atiku..

Atiku should not even think of it, all his drama of crying on national TV and telling people that he has learnt his lessons and will correct same is all crap and a means to get pity from people and unfortunately not votes, because all these are political antics...
Atiku has made people loose trust in him because of all the corruption packed administration they dished on the country...
Enough is Enough!

They are just economists and cannot be compared to politicians... they can only predict but can never determine the winner...
it is the votes of the people that will determine who wins and who doesn't.. Nigerians don't be deceived by these posts and do the needful which is voting.
Hate it or love it.... I see the hard work PMB is putting into the country.. I will vote a hard working government, an action government, not one that is bent on embezzlement of the country's fund..
PMB 2019

Balarabe Musa, a former Governor of the old Kaduna State, has urged Nigerians not to return the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to power in the general election.

According to Musa, PDP "created many problems for 16 years while they were in power" and "will definitely mess things up further" if allowed to return.

He spoke with NAN on telephone from Kaduna on Monday.

His words: “I do not understand the hype about PDP returning to power. I just do not understand. Return to do what? The party that created many problems for 16 years while they were in power? No way!

“Things are not too good at the country at the moment, but I think the country would be worse if the PDP is allowed to return. We saw what they did for 16 years and they will definitely mess things up further.

“Nigerians should not trust the PDP with power. We will be disappointed. What we need in the country right now is a credible alternative that would deliver good governance and respond to our needs."

He also spoke on the need to change the narrative in politics, and suggested restructuring the economy to bring back privatized public corporations to government control for provision of more efficient services to the people.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/10/22/balarabe-musa-warns-nigerians-dont-trust-pdp-power-they-will-definitely-mess-things

Balarabe Musa, a former Governor of the old Kaduna State, has urged Nigerians not to return the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to power in the general election.

According to Musa, PDP "created many problems for 16 years while they were in power" and "will definitely mess things up further" if allowed to return.

He spoke with NAN on telephone from Kaduna on Monday.

His words: “I do not understand the hype about PDP returning to power. I just do not understand. Return to do what? The party that created many problems for 16 years while they were in power? No way!

“Things are not too good at the country at the moment, but I think the country would be worse if the PDP is allowed to return. We saw what they did for 16 years and they will definitely mess things up further.

“Nigerians should not trust the PDP with power. We will be disappointed. What we need in the country right now is a credible alternative that would deliver good governance and respond to our needs."

He also spoke on the need to change the narrative in politics, and suggested restructuring the economy to bring back privatized public corporations to government control for provision of more efficient services to the people.

http://saharareporters.com/2018/10/22/balarabe-musa-warns-nigerians-dont-trust-pdp-power-they-will-definitely-mess-things

Any Government that has the interest of the people and its country at heart is the government of the people...
PMB is working hard to ensure the progress of his people and the country....
PMB is doing everything in his power to ensure that country is set on the map and set on greater heights.
Keep up with the good work Sir

I think the reverse is the case here.. The people will celebrate the victory of PMB the working government, and celebrate the loss of the PDP, as we are tired of voting people who make empty promises and not get anything done.
People like to see action and work getting done.
the PMB administration has paid pensioners, paid the Nigerian Airways staff, created job by the N power initiative.
People would support a working/action government (APC)..... rather than a dormant government (PDP) all talks and no action!

i really wonder why the Atikuans will discredit the Npower program, this program has helped a lot of people in Nigeria like it or hate it...
This is one of the initiatives by the Buhari Administration that has made a lot of positive impact on the lives of the masses i see no reason why they will discredit it...just because Atiku couldn't do that which the masses will benefit from does not give him the right to discredit that which another has done.

if he has done a lot for the people of Akwaibom state, he has pledged his loyalty to PMB on behalf of his people, PMB has done a whole lot in that state and improved a lot...
The people of Akwa ibom have got your back; PMB for 2019

This is what PDP could not do in 16 wasted years.. I applaud the hard work this government has put in as to the growth and development of the Nation.
kudos to the PMB administration
God bless PMB
God bless Nigeria

This is the truth...this is no news that Atiku is bent on taking this country back to square one...loot the country off its wealth and corruption will be at its peak...
Forward ever......Backward Never!

yes the clean up its been a long time coming, this government looking into the clean up is a welcome development.
Nice one

This government is one that handles itself affairs with action...and an action government is what this country needs....
kudos to this government...keep doing what you do best...
Good job PMB
APC 2019

Abuja—Federal Ministry of Education, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that the Federal Government has approved the hike in tuition fees of Nigerian universities to N350,000. A cross section of Nigerian University graduates Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Sonny Echono, made the clarification at a symposium in Abuja. Echono, who said the Federal Government was not planning to increase tuition fees, urged Nigerians to remain calm on the issue. The symposium has “The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher” as its theme. He said: “The Federal Government has no intention of introducing new tuition fees in our public universities let alone hiking the figure to N350,000. “What is true is that the present administration is committed to guarantee quality of education. “President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to jointly organise a workshop that will inform on a very sustainable and workable recommendation of funding education in Nigeria. “To this end, we have been engaging various stakeholders, including ASUU, who came up with a very useful contribution that will make all these recommendations achievable.” Education Bank Echono added that the ministry was working toward re-establishing the education bank to address the role of education funding as the government cannot do it alone. He said the role of the education bank would be to give loan at a low interest rate, saying this would not be limited to students alone but also parents. On the right to education, Echono said every child had the fundamental right to quality education, adding that the ministry had developed strategies to ensure pupils and students with special needs were carried along. Echono said the National Teachers Institute, NTI, had also concluded plans to train and develop the capacity of primary and secondary school teachers in the 36 states and FCT. He said the right to education was sine qua non to national development, adding that the Ministerial Strategic Plan (2016 to 2019) had been designed to guarantee expanded access to all levels of education. Echono said the plan was geared toward providing adequately the necessary infrastructure and facilities to ensure that the right to the basic level and standards were maintained. He, therefore, called on teachers to upgrade themselves as effective from January 2020, any teacher who did not present the prerequisite qualifications would be pushed out of the system. Echono urged the teachers to take advantage of the professional examinations made available in 35 states and online resource materials to guide them as a teachers. He, however, called on states governments owing teachers’ salaries to take a step in ensuring that teachers were paid as at when due and as well motivate teachers adequately for optimal performance.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/no-plan-to-hike-university-tuition-fees-fg/

I just like what the Government is doing to empower the people and the petty traders with the Tradermoni initiative; this will go a long way to empower the petty traders and give them more support financially in their businesses..
Great Initiative by the Federal Government...Good job!

Elections draw nigh, some people are already fretting while some are beginning to make empty promises they cannot keep, the job of a president is way more than empty talks and empty promises, Markarfi my advise to you is go back to the drawing board, observe, ask questions, learn, and then whgen you have done your homework you can think of becoming President, because as for 2019; you don't stand a chance against PMB.

I believe what Goodluck Jonathan couldn't do is bring back any of the girls...but PMB has tried and has ensured the return of the girls, which is a good one for the families of the girls abducted, I am positive that Leah will be returned safe to her family...
PMB has the interest of the people and would not relent to see to the return of Leah.
God bless PMB
God bless the people of Nigeria

This is good, i see nothing wrong in supporting a fellow African country if asked to do so...if they need support from Nigeria I see no reason why Mr President should not oblige them, it goes to show how patriotic and selfless PMB is towards putting Nigeria on the map, as it is said Nigeria is the giant of Africa; a little support where necessary would not hurt.
Good job PMB

Anisulowo I believe there are better things to do during this heat of election primaries and all; better things that will add value to this Nation rather than spread Bogus news about the Vice President and Oshiomhole.... sometimes i wonder why people would stoop low to take up rumor mongering as a new duty/role...when you don't have evidence or facts and you fabricate stories from your head just to get attention is appalling.

PDP keep bluffing when its clear and everyone knows the Party that runs Lagos is APC, PDP does not have what it takes to grow Lagos; they are just empty barrels; considering the fact that Ambode is not even thinking of defecting...PDP has lost it in Lagos and woefully as a matter of fact.

Fani stop dropping cheap talks and seeking unnecessary attention it will only make people turn against you, stop judging a peron when you haven't first judged yourself, well no matter how you try with the cheap talks it won't affect the fact that PMB is doing a better job than the past government...
PMB for 2019!

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday announced the Federal Government’s approval of a 90-day special window to register businesses at a reduced rate of N5000 only.
A statement, signed by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President in Abuja, said that Osinbajo made the announcement in Enugu.

Osinbajo, who was quoted as making the announcement at the launch of the 19th edition of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinics in Enugu, said the special window of 90 spanned from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31.

He said that the gesture was to further ease the process of registering MSMEs in the country.

“It was observed during some of the earlier editions of the MSMEs Clinics that a lot of MSMEs were finding it difficult to register their businesses as a result of cost.

“The practice since we began the MSMEs clinics is that most agencies offer price reductions, especially for registration, and all other pre-investment approvals, during the Clinics.

“So, I am pleased to announce that the Federal Government, through the Corporate Affairs Commission, has approved a special window of 90 days from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 to register businesses at a considerably reduced rate of N5000 only, down from as much as N10,000 previously.

“This will afford more MSMEs an opportunity to formalise their businesses.”

Speaking on other initiatives by the Federal Government designed to consolidate the gains of the MSMEs Clinics, Osinbajo said that the Federal Government would be establishing shared facilities for MSMEs.

He said that the facilities would be based on a partnership between the Federal Government, interested States, Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank, FIRS, NAFDAC, SON and interested private sector partners, as part of efforts at deepening the impact of the Clinics.


“The purpose of these shared facilities is to have a fully-equipped place with machinery and equipment required for various trades and businesses. MSMEs can then do their businesses at those locations at a reasonable cost.

“This way, MSMEs are spared the financial burden of having to buy their own equipment in order to be able to do business.

“Where possible, these shared facilities would have been pre-certified by relevant agencies, removing the need for MSMEs to pursue these certifications by themselves.’’

He also announced the Federal Government’s willingness to partner with State governments in establishing more One-Stop Shops, to further enhance business registration and facilitate seamless interaction between owners of small businesses and the relevant regulatory agencies.

The vice president said that the Federal Government was also aware that some States had gone on to set up ‘One-Stop Shops’ after the Clinics.

According to him, the One-Stop Shops will bring all the relevant agencies together in one place so as to enable the MSMEs access their services on an ongoing basis.

“The Federal Government is also willing to partner with your State Government to immediately set up one such place for the good use of MSMEs in Enugu State,” he said.

Osinbajo also said there were follow-up plans to ensure that all the finalists from the maiden edition of the MSMEs Awards were supported with publicity and media exposure, to enable them to reach even larger markets at home and abroad.

He said that the ongoing disbursement of collateral and interest-free loans given to petty traders under the GEEP TraderMoni programme would soon be launched in Enugu.

Earlier in his remarks, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state said the State government had already keyed into some of the social investment programmes initiated by the Federal Government.

Ugwuanyi promised that the state would continue to cooperate with all federal authorities to improve the well-being of the people.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for inaugurating the National MSMEs Clinics in the state as it would greatly improve the lives of many youths, especially those seeking employment opportunities.
http://guardian.ng/news/fg-cuts-cost-of-business-registration-from-n10-000-to-n5-000/#comment-section