₦airaland Forum

A new year is like buying a new 365-paged exercise book. It is a clean slate, and a fresh start.

The joy today is that we didn't buy it, for none of us can afford the cost. It is handed over to us by the Everlasting Lover of our souls, the Almighty Redeemer of hearts and the glorious King of our Life. We have received it as a gift of mercy, grace and favour.

The pages of 2014 will be filled with stories of the wondrous and mighty acts that Almighty God will wrought for you. Brace up, your best year has begun!!!
Be strong, be determined and be hopeful but you have got to act so the dreams can come true.
Happy new year to the whole house.

If you check through this thread very well bro, we have talked about this, but not to offend you sir, you can visit chamber of commerce and industries, commercial desk of any embassy, bank account officers, genuine clearing and forwarding agent, e.t.c but remember we are in nigeria and nothing goes for nothing, rub my back and I rub your back... Wish u luck bro

richards1: how do one get buyers?

Yeah I do but the reason why I did not put it out is because of some people that have been sending abusive messages to me that I am spoiling their business for them all because I am trying to give it these reports free, so for now, I will want us all to discuss everything here so at least some other people can even share out whatever experience anyone is having, . I wish everyone luck but I will advice you stick with the thread because this new year there is going to be a wind of change in our lives through this thread. Compliments of the season to you

achi_cares: Lizu, do u have a means via one can reach u?

If you check through this thread very well bro, we have talked about this, but not to offend you sir, you can visit chamber of commerce and industries, commercial desk of any embassy, bank account officers, genuine clearing and forwarding agent, e.t.c but remember we are in nigeria and nothing goes for nothing, rub my back and I rub your back... Wish u luck bro

lumachris: please how can i get buyers

Hey kamkamd its bn a while marcdov has a point there, packaging is done with the mind of making sure your stuff does not get spoilt before getting to the buyer, so you can ask the local sellers what they do to products to preserve them and stylishly even ask them what you can use to wrap them, this is just to have ideas and you can even go to nahco house to see different ways different people package their stuffs, I believe this will help

Kamkamdd: Hi Lizu,compliments of d season!Sorry bro,i'm still stock with d issue of packaging.Pls can u give a simple example with say egusi or pepper.Tanx!

Thanks bro for the compliments God will surely bless us all and crown all our hustles with success. I wish everyone a prosperous new year.

rammytt: Hi lizu,just want to say thank u for d work u ve done so far.we really appreciate n big thanks to u all that participated..compliments of d season.lookin forward to gettin more info dat will benefit us at large..Michael

Hey bro, you have done well by talking to a friend about your plan on the business but if I were you I won't ask for a help especially when you are dealing with a friend, I will rather put it to him or her as a partner thing, people don't really feel good when they have nothing at stake because as the saying goes, there is no free lunch any where not even in freetown..may be when u let the person What he or she stands to gain a better idea might come up from your friend, this is just a personal feeling, it does not really have to work that way but give it a try bro, make him see what he stands to gain on every transaction he partakes with you convince him to see why he needs to do the business, that's where the power stands.

ollybode: Hi lizu tanks for ur response. Just today I spoke wit a close aquantance in UK who had jst finished wit his studies and ready to come back to naija, I shared d ideas wit him and beg of him to help me source for buyers over there, but his main concern is the mode of paying me if at all he gets any as he will be coming to home dis January and he said I need some one who will help in distribution of such stuffs .
Though his making a point as to payment mode .pls I want u to give me tips on how I can convince him to help source for buyers and how I can have safe transactions with them. Pls am still novice and I need ur help.tanx

brother compliments, the offer letter contains the product description inclusive pricing how is the yuletide season going?...enjoy and it has a format in which it goes, am looking for the best way to write out the format so i can send it out so just please give me little time to that.

ollybode: This goes to Lizu and other people in d house who can help out, pls the offer letter u talked about how will it look like? Is the content all about product descriptions alone or the price will be included. Does it have a partic ular format? .

The product quote (i mean the pricing of the article to be exported) will it be in my own currency i.e # or that of country u are exporting to.
I need more clarification about this. Tnx

Compliments of the season to everyone in the house...please let's make sure we make use of this season by talking relatives and friends that has come visiting from oversea into business. I wish everyone a prosperous new year.

Wasup bro, I really commend you for this because it obvious u r really sticking ur neck into it proper but to expanciate on what you have said..there was a time I always ask myself dis question.." CAN'T I DO BETTER" now I think the same question applies to you bro, for the fact that you have made a findings about a price of a prduct does not mean you can't still beat it up when it comes to your turn, these are things have done bro, all you are to do is just to prove yourself different from the previous seller to the same buyer, if have to be sincere with you, most of the top shot you talk about have a farm here in nigeria which makes it very easy for most of them to run the business and sell at such prices but think of people that will have to go get their stuffs from the local sellers..I believe you can fill that gap yourself , few of the top shot have had to run things with have practically told me the same thing so brother just put in your best and prove yourself to be more unique than the other seller to the same buyer so you can even sell 10times higher than the usual price..merry xmas n happy new year in advance

bolajng: @Lizu - Firstly, I have been following this topic post by post and line by line and I find it insightful. I also commend you on the information you have been sharing. Other than the facts of the trade it teaches, it also serves as encouragement to those still held up with all sort of excuses, hence -telling them to liberate and go for it.
I have been exploring opportunities in this area for a while and finding an ideal area to plug into from the international trade value chain.
For starters, I was wondering if you have some thoughts about dealing with the big shots already in the exportation business. They already have the capacity and can leverage on economy of scale to competitively supply at lower prices to the buyers. I think it would be a challenge to compete on price.

For example, in the U.S and in many African stores around the mid-western states, a 10LB bag of (Honey beans) Oloyin beans sells for about $24.99. This means the price they get it from the importer is lesser. From one of your posts on analysis for costs of item using 100Kg of melon as case study, and based on my following research, the final cost of Oloyin beans for 10LB came up to about $39 at the point of departure in Nigeria. Like many other items for a new entrant into this business, there is a price pressure.

What's your take on this or share any competing strategy based on your experience? After all, business is all about profitability. Tnx

Hey bro, you don't have to compulsorily buy ur stuffs from one seller your can always get from another person so u won't just get stuck with one person though buying frm one seller always has its own advantage like u both r used to each other and at times u might need stuffs urgently so the known seller can always keep stuffs down for you, as for packaging you can use anything in as much as it neat and won't give your stuff any form of damage and its been agreed upon by u n the buyer as for certification I believe you were we us wen we discussed abt certification, it dnot have to be nafdac it depends on the kind of stuff ur slling out.

Kamkamdd: Hello Lizu!These guds 2 be sent,do u purchase it from any seller or are they maybe special sellers u must buy 4rm, b4 u can meet d required standard.
2ndly,am i required 2 obtain certification 4rm any body like NAFDAC etc.Finally house,can som1 explain how 2 do d packaging.Is it in fancy nylon bags , sealed as in bread or in wrapping papers,how?Pls let som1 explain. Merry xmas in advance!

This is gud bro, but please make sure you work every stage of your move with your eyes open and with this you don't really need 2 snd an offer letter because your cousin has done it all by getting the quantity needed so all u do now is to snd the stuffs to your cousin well packed so you can at least impress the buyer and moreso look professional then your cousin delivers and get your money for you, but try to get a very clean ones when buying the stuffs. I wish you luck bro and merry xmas in advance. Keep the house posted.

Kamkamdd: Bravo Lizu!God must bless u.Dis is actually an eye opener.Let me share my own experience 2.I contacted my nephew who stays in Swiss 2 help me source 4 buyers.He got back 2 me d following day.He got a guy ova there who runs an african shop.2 my greatest surprise,d guy agreed 2 give me a try.D guy sd i shld give him d following:egusi,ogbono,bitter-leaf,garri,pepper,fish, all in 2kgs each for a start.
Frankly speaking friends,it seems 2 me a dream dt wat we're discussing here is true.Lizu bro,God bless u again 4 dis thread.
Now how do i start? I'm lost.

That's cool bro, I wish you the best

ollybode: I really want to commend d effort of lizu and others who have contributed immensely to dis thread. Have taken my time to read within d line from d begging of the thread up till dis point, in fact have gained one or two things in here. $ I shall act on.
There is this brother in law who just entered us in about a yr + now I guess I can strike a deal wit him to me help find buyers over there. I tink I should start from there first.
Any progress will b posted

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING SELLING PRICE..

1. The local cost of the product in 1kg

2. The cost of certifying the product in 1kg

3. Cost of forwarding the [roduct in 1kg

4. Cost of airline (air freighting) in 1kg

5. cost of NXP (nigeria export proceed form) in 1kg (Not compulsory in all transactions)

6. Cost of packaging material in 1kg

7. Cost of transportation and other expenses in 1kg

NB.. when transactions are done in large scale, prices are given in per ton and when its done in small scale, prices are given per kg.

anything from 1g-5000kg(5tons) is considered to be a small scale business.

anything from 5000kg upward is considered to be a large scale business

to practicalise this.. let us use a 100kg of melon as an example..
if 3.5kg is bought for N5000,

0. To know how much a kilo is bought.. N5k is divided by 3.5kg
what you get is N1429

1. certification of raw product is N10k per product
so to get the price of 1kg is N10k divided by 100kg is N100

2. cost of forwarding is N10k-N15k, using 15k as example
so to get the cost per 1kg is N15k divided by 100kg is N150

3. cost of airline, using N41k as a case study
to the cost per 1kg is N41k divided by 100kg is N410

4. cost of NXP form is N5k
cost per 1kg is N5k divided by 100kg is N50

5. cost of packaging material, using N2k as a case study
cost per 1kg is N2k divided by 100kg is N20

6. cost of transportation and other expenses using N20k as a case study
cost per 1kg is N20k divided by 100kg is N200

To determine the selling price, i will sum up nos 1 - nos 6 and what i have is N930, then lets say i multiply my no 0 (N1429) by 5, it depends on how much you are willing or hoping to make as your profit and it depends on your buyer as well, so let's use 5 as a case study, then what you get is N1429 multiply by 5 is N7145

so you add the N7145 up to N930 = N8075 and this stands for your billing by kg, and as Nigerians you definitely know that with this you already have a good gain/profit.

Hello peeps, please in as much as we are trying to make money doing this type of business, we should be very careful with some touts that parades themselves as agents infront of nahco house, so please always get into the office of the real agents for any transaction.

What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that comes out of the vagina. The uterus, cervix, or vagina can produce the fluid.

Is vaginal discharge normal?
Yes. Most women have vaginal discharge but not all discharge is normal. The amount of discharge is different for each woman. Some women have a little discharge now and then. Others have discharge every day. Your "normal" discharge might change many times throughout your life.

Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge?
No. Douches should not be used to get rid of vaginal discharge. Douching can upset the natural balance of organisms in your body. Douching can also lead to infection.

Normal vaginal discharge should not be thought of as unclean or unhealthy. It is a normal way for your body to discard fluid and old cells.

If my discharge changes, do I have an infection?
Maybe. Your discharge might change color, become heavier, or smell different. You might notice irritation around the opening of the vagina. You might also notice changes before or after your period. Changes in vaginal discharge may or may not be a sign that you have a vaginal infection.

When is vaginal discharge a sign of an infection?
Your vaginal discharge might be a sign of an infection if it:

Causes itching
Causes swelling
Has a bad odor
Is green, yellow, or gray in color
Looks foamy or like cottage cheese
What infections cause vaginal discharge to change?

There are a number of infections that cause vaginal discharge to change or become unpleasant. Many of these infections can be caused by having sex with someone who has the infections. Below are some common infections.

Name of infection: Yeast Infection

Is caused by having sex with an infected person?: No

What does discharge look like?: Thick, white, like cottage cheese


Name of infection: Trichomoniasis ("Trick"

Is caused by having sex with an infected person?: Yes

What does discharge look like?:Green, yellow, or gray in color; frothy



Name of infection: Bacterial vaginosis (Gardnerella or BV)

Is caused by having sex with an infected person?: Probably not

What does discharge look like?: White discharge that smells fishy


Name of infection: Gonorrhea (Clap)

Is caused by having sex with an infected person?: Yes

What does discharge look like?: Cloudy or yellow, but often no symptoms. If not treated, infection may

spread, causing pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain.

Name of infection: Chlamydia (Kla-mid-ee-ah)

Is caused by having sex with an infected person?: Yes

What does discharge look like?:Often no symptoms. If not treated, infection may spread, causing

pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain.

Can a woman have more than one infection at once?
Yes. A woman may have two or three types of infection at the same time.

Why do women get vaginal infections?
Health care providers do not yet know all of the reasons why women get vaginal infections. They do know that some types are spread by having sex with an infected person. You might have a higher risk of getting infections if you:

Have sex without protection (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
Have diabetes (yeast)
Have many sex partners (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
Take birth control pills (yeast)
Are taking antibiotic medicine (yeast)
Have an HIV infection or have a decreased immunity (yeast)

Have you been disturbed or been rejected by your spouse or husband due to the following ;

1. Yeast Infection
2. Unpleasant odour from your genitals
3. Excessive genital mucus with no drying effect
4. Staphilococcus
5. Candida of different types
6. Painful sexual intercouse
7. Bacterial Viginosis
8. Trichonomoniasis
9. Herpes
10. Loosed Genital part.

Lets talk about this..

There are so many Ladies and even married women out there that are having serious issues, either with their spouses, boy friends, or even husbands, due to some nasty pungent or foul smell that oozes out them whenever they are about to get down with their partners, some have discharges of various types like mucus and some yellowish discharge, some hitch and even turn the outer surface of the female genitals as thick as the skin of an elephant, some are so loose in there that their partners complain from time to time.
Good news has come you can get rid of all these for life and be as new as a virgin again.... have you any of this thing lets discuss here because its time to say a final goodbye to it.

Iyabo, Ori e o pe rara Did you win the elections that got you into the upper legislative house on your own steam or Daddy dearest? Would you lie that no extra kobo apart from your salary entered your deep pockets? Its not as if you are a saint yourself. Or you think people have forgotten the Adeife and Akinola Sodipo-Akindeko issue. What I read of that incident wasn't what you was quoted up there. Ibi ti eyan o si, Olorun wa nibe. You've just behaved like a classic Omo Ale.
....If this letter is real, then iyabo must be stupid..because I dnt see any good thing she has done here and she should better asking God for forgiveness, even if she ha got issues with father it shouldn't be this way treated, nywaz this is a food for thought thing for everyone, dnt let us keep picking stone nd miss pearl, cos I can read some people's comment spewing shit like gej is lucky cos iyabo is displaying er stupidity to er father.. Its not er fault omo ti a ko ba to loma gbele ti a ko ta.

Tnx bro...nice to hear this..keep tapping into your success man..I wish you the best

Mrcdorv: How is your health brother,yes for me am making progress many people have been patronising my company and we offer best of our services last week I was able to process and send some kilos about 150kg for exporters and they have received their cargos in good condition.Merry Christmas to you too Mr Lizu!

Tnx to everyone in the house, pls let's all take advantage of this season, we have lots of family anf friends that are coming home for christmas and new year, let's talk them up and make an arrangement with them towards next year for serious biznes so as soon as they get back to their various destinations they can start sourcing for buyers for different products and negociating for YOU... Drive into 2014 with serious mindset. Complements

Hello peeps, the thread is still very much alive and nothing can kill it..av just bn a bit strong but am very much better now, I hope some people have started making moves..please I will like anyone that have started something to share his or her experience with the house. Let's keep the house alive. Complements of the season to u all.

Just within a space of 3 days, OBJ, Tambuwal and Sanusi have all indicted the President of Massive Looting and Unabated Corruption.
Moreover, these 3 men are in the same political party (PDP) with Jonathan and not Opposition parties.
Though OBJ is not a Saint, but During his Administration, many were booted out due to his Anti-Corruption Campaign starting with people from his South West Region; S.M Afolabi (National I.D Card Scam), Tafa Balogun (former IG of Police), Bode George (NPA Scam), Sunday Einhdero, Chief Babalola and Femi Fani Kayode (former Ministers of Aviation). We hardly hear of Sentiments, Tribalism and Favouritism then. It's now a different story under GEJ. What exactly is the recurring Problem? GEJ only claims to fight corruption with his lips and on the media. If OBJ was still in power, he would have delivered a keynote address during Mandiba's memorial yesterday because you dare not mess up with him. Anyway, GEJ "doesn't give a damn"
I still strongly believe that this
Jonathan's Administration
Cultivates, Breeds, Grows, Nurtures, Fertilizes, Harvests, Packages, and Distributes CORRUPTION.
Gej, you have a lot to do oh...dat position is not for dummies, so you had better buckle up and act well so u won't call the wrath of God on yourself and your aides, I strongly believe that nigeria will be great someday...but right now GOD we seriously need your intervention. Mat God heal this nation. Long live federal republic of nigeria

Amen amen and amen

seanet02: Thunder Fire Abati

“I have passed the stage of being flattered, intimidated, threatened, frightened, induced or bought… Death is the end of all human beings and may it come when God wills it to come.”..... These are words from elders that can see the end of a dark tunnel, its just unforunate that our elders don't see this when they are in power. Long live baba obj, long live the federal republic of nigeria. God heal nigeria

We are all waiting for their replies...

Ghadafy: Let's see how Abati and Okugbe would reply Obasanjo.

I no know the DUNCE here oh.. Shey na birthday or funeral service dem dey do for mandela..

taharqa: You reali are a DUNCE. Infact, worse than a Dunce; more like an Okpee. So cos Nigeria was not askd to give a Speech at Mandela's Birthday, it there4 means that GEJ Admin 'cultivates, breeds, grows, etc corruption'?? Lawd have Mercy!! If I said everytin I felt cos of this unbelievably stu.pid logic in my mind right now , Seun himself wud ban me for 55years....#KIDS

Good write, God bless the writter, Long live federal replubic of nigeria

ceo4eva: Despite leaving Nigeria early for the funeral of late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, President Goodluck Jonathan has been snubbed by the South African authorities at the State Memorial Service of the anti-apartheid leader.

An official release of programmes during the memorial service shows that the Nigerian president was missing on the list of world leaders billed to give tributes. The world leaders who will be giving tributes are, United State President, Barack Obama; President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil; Vice-President Li Yuanchao of China; President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia; President Pranab Mukherjee of India; and President Raúl Castro Ruz of Cuba.

Other leaders billed to give tributes are the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon; and the African Union Commission Chair, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Though Mr. Jonathan is not the only head of state that would not give tribute- there are about 90 heads of state attending the funeral, the apparent snub handed Mr. Jonathan also appears to rubbish the enormous effort played by Nigeria to bring an end to apartheid in South Africa at a time when Western governments were pussyfooting to pressure the apartheid government to renounce its policy of segregation and its brutal abuses against the black majority. Some Western governments including the U.S. had even designated the ruling Africa National Congress (ANC) as a terrorist organisation, and Mandela a terrorist.

This point was also highlighted by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on Monday in a chat with journalists.
“There are more questions to answer. When you look at the part of the world where ovation is now the loudest, it was the part of the world the pain was the most vicious. In a very cruel irony, history is being revised.

“The people, who collaborated with the government that enthroned apartheid at that time, are the people that are paying the biggest tributes now. But I ask myself: is this not the time for deep reflection? I doubt if any African country expended as much time, as much money and as much commitment as the Nigerian Government.

“I was a teenager then in 1976 when anti-apartheid campaign really gained resurgence in every home in this country. Nigeria paid a huge price for what South Africa has become today. I remember the anti-apartheid campaign was at the core of Nigerian foreign policy.

“Apart from scholarship given to South Africans, I remember President Yar’Adua met Thabo Mbeki in South Africa and he was telling me about their relationship, which he said was dated to when Mbeki used to come to Zaria for student exchange programme. I remember we did not go for Commonwealth Games because of South Africa. I remember we took drastic measures against the foreign collaborators of apartheid regime and nationalised assets.”

However, Lagos-based lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, says Nigerian politicians are to be blame for the pedestrian level the country presently occupies in the international community. He says the complete atrophy of the respect the country was accorded in global affairs was as a result of years of misrule and corruption by the country’s politicians.

“Nigeria has lost its social, political and economic glory domestically and that glory that is lost cannot be recovered at Mandela’s funeral,” he said.

“While Nigeria officialdom maybe in a state of discomfiture by the non-recognition of Nigeria in the protocol of the funeral, the point is that it is not what Nigeria did for South Africa or for Angola or for any of the frontline states like Namibia that Nigeria will be remembered. It not the support Nigeria gave to the ANC… that Nigeria will be recognised by, it is what Nigeria has done for itself and what Nigeria has not done for itself. And we’ve done a lot against ourselves. Look at our country; our country is broken in many respects and no you’re talking about xenophobia, what led to it? Nigerian young people go overseas and become criminals the way we are criminals in our own country.

People leave the shore of Nigeria to be criminals outside our shores. Right from the time they leave Nigeria they’re going overseas to be criminals. We are exporting blue-collar crimes and Yahoo Yahoo to all sorts of countries, to Malaysia and are we blaming those countries for our own woes?
“How you will be regarded abroad is determined by how you’re regarded at home. Now how is the Nigeria state regarded by Nigerians? The Nigerian state is regarded by Nigerian as an uncaring state, as a heartless state, as a state that has no love for its people, as a state that has abandoned its people. So how has the Nigerian state treated its own people before we start taking offence at how the Nigerian state is treated by another country?

“Those who may be belly-aching about not being giving recognition by the organisers of the funeral of Mandela should know that while they may not be regarded, the South African people regard Nigeria. Go and read all the accounts, the role that is played by Nigerians is recognised in all those imperishable works and this cannot be obliterated by this treatment that is accorded to Nigerian officials that we at home have contempt for.

If we are disgraced outside, that disgrace didn’t come from outside that disgrace come from within because we have disgraced and debased ourselves. Do you expect anybody to take you seriously when what your rulers are known for is taking your money and cashing them away? In fact it s better they are humiliated outside so that they can come back home and be serious. If bad people are accorded all the respect and dignity that good people should be accorded how do you think they will change.”

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151219-jonathan-snubbed-mandelas-memorial.html

Have been in this countries since the 80's and have experienced different types of government, but Jonathan's regime is the worst so far....may God deliver this country. God Bless Nigeria

ceo4eva: Jonathan encourages corruption in Nigeria, Speaker Tambuwal says

https://media.premiumtimesng.com/dev/wp-content/files/2013/04/Aminu-Waziri-Tambuwal-3-500x294.jpg

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has stated that President Goodluck Jonathan is encouraging corruption in Nigeria by his handling of corruption cases.

“The President’s body language’ seems to be encouraging corrupt practices in the country,” the speaker said.

Mr. Tambuwal said the executive arm, headed by Mr. Jonathan, has failed to act on corruption cases revealed by the National Assembly.

He spoke while responding to questions on Monday after he presented a paper titled the ‘role of the legislature in the fight against corruption in Nigeria’ at a one day roundtable to mark the international anti-corruption day organised by the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, in Abuja.

“Take the subsidy probe, the pension, the SEC probe and recently the bullet proof car cases. After the House of Representatives did a diligent job by probing and exposing the cases, you now see something else when it comes to prosecution.

“In some cases, you have the government setting up new committees to duplicate the job already done by the parliament. Take the bullet proof cars case, the NSA, with all the security challenges confronting the country, should not be burdened with a job that can best be handled by the anti-corruption agencies,” he said.

He also said the government has no business setting up any administrative committee in a corruption case that is clear to all Nigerians, in apparent reference to the committee set up by Mr. Jonathan to probe the N255 million car scandal involving the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah. The three-man presidential committee had since submitted its report to Mr. Jonathan, with the president taking no action.

“What the President should have done was to explicitly direct the EFCC to probe the matter. With such directives coming from the President, I am sure we still have good people in EFCC who can do a good job,” Mr. Tambuwal said.

“By the action of setting up different committees for straightforward cases, the president’s body language doesn’t tend to support the fight against corruption.”

While lamenting what he described as the selective nature of prosecution of cases by the anti-corruption agencies, Mr. Tambuwal pledged the support of the national Assembly in the fight against corruption.

Below is the excerpt of the speech he earlier read at the event.

THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE AS THE VANGUARD FOR ANTI CORRUPTION CRUSADE IN NIGERIA: BEING TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY RT HON AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL CFR, SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AS GUEST SPEAKER AT THE 2013 INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY ORGANIZED BY THE NIGERIA BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMITTEE – 9TH DECEMBER 2013, SHERATON HOTEL & TOWERS, ABUJA

PROTOCOL:

1. I should like to start by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Anti-corruption committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for assigning me the role of Guest Speaker at this auspicious occasion of the 2013 International Anti-corruption day observance.

2. The subject matter, corruption, is so vast that to attempt to address it generally will take ages. Accordingly, therefore, I have decided to restrict my discussion today to “the role of the legislature as the vanguard for anti corruption crusade in Nigeria”

3. As a phenomenon, corruption is so notorious that it does not require introduction at an occasion or definition in a discussion such as this. The mere fact that corruption has been able to secure a whole day globally set aside for the observance of the prosecution of war against it confirms it’s notoriety beyond doubt. It also establishes the fact that corruption is a global citizen.

4. Nonetheless, for purposes of refreshing our memories, corruption refers to dishonest or illegal behaviour or conduct especially by powerful people. It is the impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle and a departure from what is pure and correct.

5. Even though the tendency has been to talk of corruption more with reference to persons in position of governmental or managerial authorities, in reality corruption permeates all segments of society and indeed all societies since government and authorities are products of societies. It must be admitted though, that the level of prevalence differs from society to society.

6. For us in Nigeria, the reality that no greater challenge than corruption confronts us as a people is not in controversy. Indeed if the roots of the overwhelming majority of our woes were traced, they are sure to terminate at the doorsteps of corruption. This is a commonplace fact known to all Nigerians and requiring no corroboration. Yet for the avoidance of doubt, it is important to state that in its 2012 Global Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by the global corruption watchdog, Transparency International ranks Nigeria as the 36th most corrupt country globally! Nigeria placed 139th of the 176 countries assessed scoring 27% in contrast with the least corrupt countries; Denmark, Finland and New Zealand which scored 90%.

7. A survey of the social media showed that 98% of Nigerians who commented not only agreed with the country’s corruption ranking but in fact felt Transparency International was too generous to Nigeria. A few of the comments read: “We don’t need a report to tell us what we already know” another “Wow, I taught (sic) we were No.1, I wonder what country (SIC) are before us. We all need prayers and serious fasting for our nation”. The other “to be fair, I always thought Nigeria is the most corrupt country in the world” yet another “Me too… 35th is actually being nice”.

8. A list of manifestation of corruption especially in the public sector of Nigeria is legion ranging from direct diversion of public funds to private pockets, contract over-pricing, bribery, impunity, nepotism, general financial recklessness, fraudulent borrowing and debt management, public assets striping, electoral fraud, shielding of corrupt public officers among others.

9. It is a well established fact that corruption thrives well in any environment or society where there is community indifference or lack of enforcement policies. Societies with a culture of ritualized gift giving where the line between acceptable and non-acceptable gifts is often hard to draw. Societies in which values have been overthrown by materialism, societies in which laws are observed more in the breach.

10. It would appear that these environmental preconditions are all prevalent in the Nigerian society and no wonder therefore that corruption has found fertile soil to blossom.

11. As noted earlier, corruption is Nigeria’s greatest problem and a cancerous impediment to any development effort planned or envisaged. It follows then that if Nigeria is to witness true development, then corruption must be dealt with decisively and comprehensively. It is a duty requiring will, zeal and passion on the part of the three arms of government and indeed the entire citizenry.

The Role Of The Legislature.

12. The legislature plays three basic functions in a democracy, to wit Legislation, Representation and Oversight. It is within this scope of authority that the legislature can and indeed does impact on governance and can thus participate in the prosecution of the war against corruption in Nigeria .

13. Under the legislative function, Section 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 provides to the effect that the National Assembly shall have the power to make laws for peace, order and good government of the country. More specifically, under Section 15 (5) of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, it provides, “The state shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of office”. Again in Section 2 (2) (b) and (c)’ government is enjoined to harness the resources of the nation for the common good and to prevent the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group.

14. The responsibility of fashioning the legal framework for the fight against corruption and corrupt practices is thereby vested in the legislature.

15. In the exercise of this mandate, the National Assembly has enacted, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal, The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2002 and The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission Act 2000′ for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting Public Officers and other persons suspected of involvement in corrupt practices. In both legislation, the Commissions are given extensive powers of investigation and prosecution to deal with all cases of corrupt practices and abuse of office that may arise.

16. With respect to the specific objective of injecting transparency and accountability in the management of the resources of the nation, the National Assembly enacted the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the Public Procurement Act 2007. Both legislations make copious provisions aimed at engendering transparency and accountability in the public space.

17. I make bold to say that if the provisions of these legislation and indeed others were diligently enforced, significant milestones would have been accomplished in the fight against corruption and corrupt practices in Nigeria. Sadly however these Legislations are observed more in the breach by the majority including government and government agencies.

18. I am pleased to report that the House of Representatives is currently working on some proposals for the reform of these laws with a view to reinforcing the independence of the agencies administering these laws including their mode of constitution and disbandment. I wish therefore to call on members of the NBA and indeed all Nigerians to prepare to buy into these reforms by making their inputs now or when the time comes for Public Hearings.

19. One other area which has been of great concern is the culture of undue secrecy that surrounded the operation of government. Whereas our Constitution enjoins in its Section 14 (2) (c) that ” the participation of the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution” government business tended to be run like secret societies to the exclusion of the citizenry. It was clear that this tended and was indeed intended to aid the concealment of corruption such that even in times of suspicion, members of the public including gentlemen of the fourth realm could not access public information.

20. The National Assembly has passed the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to enhance the right of access to public records and information about public institutions. This is one Legislation that attracted massive public interest and it is my expectation that Nigerians will make maximum use of the right created under this legislation in order to defeat the culture of undue secrecy in the running of government business.

21. The other function of the legislature is oversight of the other arms of government. Section 88 mandates the National Assembly to investigate the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry or government department charged or intended to be charged with the duty of or responsibility for

i) Executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly or

ii) Disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly

The main object of investigation according to sub section 2 (a) and (b) of Section 88 is for law reform and to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws or administration or disbursement of public funds. Similar provision is made in Section 128 of the constitution for legislatures at the sub-national levels.

22. Another critical role of the Legislature is the provision of adequate funding for Anti Corruption Agencies through appropriation. Unfortunately efforts to exercise this function by the legislature is often misconstrued by the executive arm and even some members of the public. Yet without adequate funding the anti corruption agencies cannot execute their functions satisfactorily. I wish to call on the other arms of government and indeed the general public to corroborate with us in the exercise of this mandate .

23.It is in exercise of this mandate that the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly has been carrying out oversight of government agencies and series of investigations or probes over allegations of corruption and corrupt practices. As you are all aware, the legislature has over the years exposed several cases of corruption.

24. It is important for me to stress once again at this stage that the mandate of the legislature is to expose corruption. It does not have further mandate to prosecute. That mandate of prosecution lies with the Executive and Judiciary. I have heard public comments to the effect that the public is tired of investigation by the legislature since the people indicted in their findings are never prosecuted and sanctioned.

25. Let me reiterate that the Legislature will not abdicate its responsibilities on the account of inaction or negligence of another arm of government. If nothing else we will at least continue to name and shame. As noted earlier, the war against corruption is the responsibility of all and I call on the citizens of this great nation to rise in the exercise of their constitutional power to insist on the prosecution and sanctioning of persons indicted by the Legislature or by any agency whether public or private concerned in the fight against corruption.

26. In the exercise of the mandate of oversight the legislature is able to audit both pre and post expenditure of agencies of government and to give appropriate direction on the administration and disbursement of funds and execution of programs and projects under the Appropriation Act. Indeed the Public Accounts Committee of both the House and Senate has the specific mandate to review the disbursement and administration of public funds by ministries, Departments and Agencies.

27. As representatives of the people, Legislators will continue to be for all Nigerians their eyes to see, ears to hear and mouth to speak out against corruption anywhere and at anytime it rears its ugly head.

28. The task may appear daunting but I wish to assure that wit will, zeal, passion and determination we shall eventually overcome this hydra headed dragon. Only let us be single minded that it’s a task that must be done in order to preserve the country for posterity.

Thank you all for your attention and God bless Nigeria.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/151161-jonathan-encourages-corruption-nigeria-speaker-tambuwal-says.html

That is the watchword my brother...PERSONAL RE-EXAMINATION.... God Bless Mandiba, God Bless Nigeria, God Bless Africa.

EloquentMedia: Before we begin to blame our leaders, lets reexamine ourselves because our leaders still come from among us. If you still come to Nairaland to indulge in tribal warfare, then it is YOU Madiba is disappointed at. If you still cheat in the exam, and pass exam by sorting-it's a clear sign that you will cheat in election, and embezzle public funds. it is YOU that is painting us black let us as youths change our ways, embrace godly values and shun the get rich quick syndrome and collectively we will get to the promised land in our generation. After all history has shown us that evil does not pay and has a generational consequence

Nice info bro. Keep d good job rolling

smith_sydny: At lizu ur too much..d last comento I found out somtin at nacho was ther wen they we're packaging vegetable leafs,its been packed in catoons nd those catoons someone does nd its preserves its not ordinary catoon..cus of d kinda goods they are exporting per so..but one tin I can advice ryt now about packaging if ur arnd lagos u can go too nacho export take a walk ask questions u will see how its been packaged..cus dats what I dis so am sharing wit u guys..I hope I tried..thanks all..

Hello bro, you have done well for yourself by having someone abroad..as for the NEPC (nigeria export promotion council), what you need them for is just to get an export liscense, and since you are not into large scale business, i dont really think you need that, so you can rule that out, though it has its own benefit...but not necessary. as for how your relative will receive your goods is simple, as soon as you are done with the freighting here, you forwarding agent will give you details on the flight that will be delivering your stuffs and the anticipated time of delivery so all you need is to just pass those informations to your relative for the collection of your stuffs and as for negociations with airlines, i dont think thats necessary but if you can its all good, but i just beleive thats a job for some people too....smiles..but just make sure that you get the correct amount for the freight so you wont be smacked at the butt. wish you luck bro. quote author=ugsams]Hello Lizu, I started following the thread from the start. Please in my own case I want to be sending it down to relatives who will now do the supply to African shops and other end users in their country of residence. will I need all the listed process with the bank as money or mode of payment won't be an issue. In my position let me guess what I need to do based on information I got from here are as follows:

1) Source the product at a good price (That I can do)

2) Move the product down to Lagos (I can do that)

3) Take it to NAFDAC office in Yaba for approval and certification. (I can do that)

4)Register with NEPC (am clueless if I must do that, being that I will be operating in a small scale and may not have all the money to register with them if it is too expensive?)

5) Move the product to NAHCO/SAHCOL (I can do that as well, do I need to package the product before or at NAHCO?)

6)Packaging the product, (am clueless on this, will I be able to see people packaging product at NAHCO so as to learn from them)

7) Can I negotiate the price and pay directly to the airlines or must I use the freight forwarding agents?

How will my relatives receive the product (at the airport or at the forwarding agents' recipient in the delivery destination?)[/quote]